A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 12:10 PM.
President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell.
Reverend Laura Reyes, United Baptist Church, delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the January 28, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Motion prevailed.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 28, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
On the message and order, referred on February 4, 2026, Docket #0257, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) in the form of a grant, Planning / Neighborhood Development Funds, awarded by Boston Redevelopment Authority to be administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. The grant would fund the launch and early implementation of the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP), the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seventy-One Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Seven Dollars and Eighty-Two Cents ($71,977.82) in the form of a grant, the Department of Transitional WPP Grant, awarded by MassHire Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund employment and training assistance, career counseling and job search assistance for individuals in need who receive cash assistance, food assistance, and housing assistance, to help transition from temporary to self-sufficiency.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Four Dollars and Ninety-Five Cents ($27,674.95) in the form of a grant, the Jobs for Veterans' State Grant, awarded by United States Department of Labor, passed through the MassHire Department of Career Services, to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund enhanced employment services for eligible veterans, prioritizing disabled veterans, and those facing significant barriers to employment, with the goal of improving their job search outcomes and economic self-sufficiency.
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Samira Ahmadi as a Member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) Review Board, for a term expiring May 23, 2026.
PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Claire Teylouni, as a Member of the Participatory Budget External Oversight Board, for a term expiring November 15, 2027.
Communication was received from the Mayor transmitting information received from Boston Inspectional Services Department pertaining to the 2025 Annual Rental Registration & Inspection Report pursuant to CBC 9-12.3(m).
Communication was received from Council President Liz Breadon to address the Open Meeting Law complaint and respond accordingly on behalf of the Boston City Council.
Communication from Councilor Flynn regarding the ongoing investigation into BHA Ruth Barkley elevators.
Communication from Councilor Flynn regarding snow removal.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
On the order, referred on January 28, 2026, Docket #0157, to adopt Rules for the Boston City Council for Municipal Years 2026-2027, the committee submitted a report recommending that this matter ought to pass in a new draft.
Councilor Mejia offered an Amendment to Rule 36, seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 6 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 7 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Recess.
Councilor Mejia offered Amendment A to Rule 36, seconded by Councilor Flynn.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Durkan).
Councilor Durkan moved to limit debate to one hour, seconded by Councilor Coletta Zapata. Motion failed; yeas 7 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber), nays 6 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell).
Councilor Mejia offered Amendment B to Rule 36 (Version 2), seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
Councilor Weber motioned to lay the amendment on the table. The motion passed; yeas 11 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 2 (FitzGerald, Flynn).
Councilor Mejia offered Amendment C to Rule 36, seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Durkan).
Councilor Mejia offered Amendment E to Rule 36, seconded by Councilor Flynn.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 11 (Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 2 (Breadon, Durkan).
Councilor Mejia offered an Amendment to Rule 35, seconded by Councilor Flynn.
The amendment was properly before the body.
Councilor Durkan motioned to lay the amendment on the table, seconded by Councilor Coletta Zapata. The motion passed; yeas 8 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Pepén, Weber), nays 3 (Flynn, Murphy, Worrell), present 1 (Mejia).
Councilor Mejia offered an Amendment to the First Paragraph of Rule 36, seconded by Councilor Worrell.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 10 (Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Weber, Worrell), nays 2 (Breadon, Durkan).
Councilor Mejia offered an Amendment to Rule 39, seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 6 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 7 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Councilor Culpepper offered an Amendment to Rule 4, seconded by Councilor Durkan.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 6 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 7 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Councilor Worrell offered an Amendment to Rule 23, seconded by Councilor Mejia.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 6 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 7 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Recess
Councilor Weber moved to take Councilor Mejia's Amendment B to Rule 36 (Version 2) from the table, seconded by Councilor Santana. The motion passed; yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).
Councilor Durkan moved to vote to accept the report and pass the order in a new draft as amended, seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The report was accepted, the order passed in a new draft as amended; yeas 11 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 2 (Flynn, Murphy).
Later in session, Councilors Murphy and Flynn moved to reconsider their votes. The order passed in a new draft as amended; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).
MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
Message and order for your approval an order to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by Eighteen Million One Hundred Eighteen Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars ($18,118,488.00) to provide funding for the Fire Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718.
Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on January 26, 2026.
Message and order for a supplemental appropriation order for the Boston Fire Department for FY26 in the amount of Eighteen Million One Hundred Eighteen Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars ($18,118,488.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and IAFF Local 718. The terms of the contracts are July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The major provisions of the contracts include a base wage increase of 2.5% to be given in July of 2024, and a base wage increase of 2% in July of each subsequent fiscal year of the contract term. The agreement also includes salary adjustments in January of 2025, starting at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service.
Message and order for your approval an order to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Three Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred One Dollars ($1,307,901.00) to provide funding for the Boston Public Schools for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the School Committee of the City of Boston and the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors (BASAS).
Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on January 26, 2026.
Message and order for a supplemental appropriation order for the Boston Public Schools Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred One Dollars ($1,307,901.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the School Committee of the City of Boston and the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors (BASAS). The terms of the contracts are September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2027. The major provisions of the contracts include base wage increases of 2% to be given in September of each fiscal year of the contract term. The contract also adds a new step in FY27 and a new degree to the education differential.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Boston City Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ordinance to Codify the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet in the City of Boston.
On the petition, referred on February 4, 2026, Docket #0268, for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to Pension Benefits for Firefighter Leo J. Bracken, the committee submitted a report recommending that this matter ought to pass in a new draft.
WITHDRAWN.
Order for a hearing to explore snow removal relief and options.
Order for a hearing to discuss the status of the elevators at the BHA Ruth Barkley apartments.
Order for a hearing to discuss the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Report on Boston Housing Authority.
Order for a hearing to discuss the Lung Cancer Rates among Black Veterans.
Order for a hearing to discuss services for women veterans.
Order for a hearing to discuss the status of the South Boston Branch Library Study.
Order for a hearing on transparency and accountability in service provision and spending for English Learners.
Order for a hearing to audit Boston Public School's special education and return on investments.
Order for a hearing to audit mental health curriculum and services in Boston Public Schools.
Order for a hearing to audit the implementation and outcomes of restorative justice practices in Boston Public Schools.
Order for a hearing addressing the relationship between school lunches and the achievement gap.
Order for a hearing to discuss pest control and the discovery of leptospirosis in the City of Boston.
Order for a hearing to discuss retail theft and the impacts on small businesses and residents in the City of Boston.
Order for a hearing regarding elder scamming and fraud prevention.
Order for a hearing regarding equitable access to services and programming through the Boston Public Library System.
Order for a hearing regarding navigating city services for residents with complex family and caregiving needs.
Order for a hearing on housing development costs and barriers to building affordable housing units in the City of Boston.
Order for a hearing regarding senior programming and services across the city of Boston.
Order for a hearing to evaluate the progress and impact of the City's Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Program.
Order for a hearing regarding youth summer jobs, access and readiness for the upcoming summer.
Order for a hearing to review and strengthen Boston’s Summer Safety and Youth Programming Plan.
Order for a hearing to discuss creation of a snow corps in Boston.
Order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston purchasing snow melters.
Order for a hearing on the civil rights and liberties of returning citizens and re-entry into their Boston communities.
Order for a hearing on the creation of a Boston School Building Authority.
Order for a hearing regarding the state of anti-displacement as to Boston’s Acquisition Opportunity Program.
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F re: Memoranda of Understanding between the Boston Police Department and external entities.
Order requesting information under Section 17F regarding cost of out-of-district vocational placements for Boston resident students.
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding traveling Boston Public School employees and parking access needs.
Order for a hearing to confront the termination of federal protected status for Haitian immigrants and examine the City of Boston's response to protect affected residents.
WITHDRAWN.
Resolution recognizing Black History Month in Boston.
Resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent traffic signals in the City of Boston.
Resolution celebrating Lunar New Year.
Resolution recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Resolution declaring "New England Patriots Day" in the City of Boston.
Resolution in support of establishing a District 7 White Stadium Task Force.
Resolution in support of a Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Elevator Safety Commission.
Resolution recognizing National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Resolution in support of the 2026 Mayor's Youth Summit and commending the work of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement.
Resolution recognizing the achievements of Black Veterans.
Resolution recognizing National Wear Red Day and raising awareness about women's heart health.
Resolution in support of proposed state legislation on tax relief.
GREEN SHEETS:
Legislative Calendar for February 4, 2026.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Resolution recognizing Arthur M. Rose.
Resolution recognizing Patrick Walsh.
Resolution recognizing Eric Fernandez Maldonado.
Resolution recognizing Christian Elian Martinez Duran.
Resolution in memory of Curtis.
Resolution recognizing Coach Mike Ward and 14 athletes for winning the 2025 M.I.A.A. Division 2 title as part of the Boston Co-op Cross Country team
Resolution denouncing the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti.
On motion of Council President Breadon, Docket #0157 was taken out of order:
Councilor Breadon, on behalf of the Committee of the Whole, submitted the following:
President Breadon asked the Assistant Clerk to read the following dockets from the Green Sheets for reassignment from the Committee of the Whole.
Dockets #0186, 0210, 0212, and 0220 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, and Special Events.
Docket #0183 was assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Census, Redistricting, and Elections.
Dockets #0112, 0132, 0135, 0137, 0187, and 0209 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on City Services.
Dockets #0169, 0191, and 0222 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement.
Dockets #0113, 0166, 0176, 0188, 0200, 0215, and 0216 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Education.
Dockets #0165 and 0211 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks.
Dockets #0158, 0160, 0161, 0162, 0163, and 0164 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Government Operations.
Dockets #0172, 0184, 0208, and 0217 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.
Dockets #0179, 0182, 0189, and 0206 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Human Services.
Dockets #0133, 0134, 0168, 0171, 0190, 0193, 0194, 0207, 0214, 0218, and 0219 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Labor and Economic Development.
Dockets #0173, 0178, 0199, and 0204 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation.
Dockets #0195, 0196, 0197, 0203, and 0205 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Post-Audit.
Docket #0175 was assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery.
Dockets #0100, 0130, 0136, 0167, 0174, 0177, 0180, 0181, 0185, 0192, and 0198 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.
Dockets #0128, 0129, 0201, 0202, and 0213 were assigned from the Committee of the Whole to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On motion of Councilor Murphy, Dockets #0124-0127 were taken out of order:
Councilor Breadon, on behalf of the Committee of the Whole, submitted the following:
The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
On motion of Councilor Louijeune, Docket #0319 was taken out of order:
The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
Adjourned at 8:29 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Louise Davis, Phyllis Ann Simon, Bruce Conway, Anthony Floyd, Saverio Ferrara, Mary Kirkpatrick, Officer Scott MacIsaac, Curtis, Simon S. Escobar, Tom Morganti, Walter Thorpe, and Della Mitchell to meet again on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Attest:
Alex Geourntas
City Clerk