A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 12:13 PM.
President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. Absent Councilor Louijeune.
Assistant City Clerk Dassie Bheecham delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the April 15, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Motion prevailed.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 15, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding Boston Public Schools' school bus auto liability insurance coverage, including the non-renewal of the prior policy, the procurement of a new insurance provider, and all related safety, claims, and cost data, Docket #0779, passed by the City Council on April 8, 2026.
Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F relative to the City of Boston's insurance and liability coverage, Docket #0817, passed by the City Council on April 15, 2026.
PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
Notice was received from Nicholas Ariniello, Assessing Commissioner, of the appointment of Caroline Noone as an Assistant Assessor, effective April 10, 2026.
Notice was received from the Trustees of the Boston Retirement Board seeking an individual to fill the vacant Fifth Member board position. Due to the vacancy, this term shall expire on January 15, 2027.
Communication was received from Timothy J. Smyth, Executive Officer of the Boston Retirement Board re: the FY27 Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment ("COLA") Base Vote.
Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of January 28, 2026.
Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of February 4, 2026.
Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of February 25, 2026.
Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of March 18, 2026.
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn requesting a response on Docket #0221 relating to BHA Ruth Barkley elevators.
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding a public records request relating to drink spiking in Boston.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Mac Hudson as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Darien Johnson as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
On the message and order, referred on February 4, 2026, Docket #0260, 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, the committee submitted a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed.
On the message and order, referred on March 18, 2026, Docket #0569, approving an appropriation of Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($32,600,000.00) from Fiscal Year 2026 community preservation fund revenues for community preservation projects at the recommendation of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”). The upcoming projects will aim to improve the quality of life across Boston neighborhoods. Plans include renovating playgrounds and enhancing or creating recreational spaces such as parks, community gardens, and urban farms. In addition, these projects will plant trees to grow the city’s tree canopy, preserve historic buildings and artifacts, support a program for affordable first-time home buyers and construct new affordable housing units for residents. Together, these efforts are expected to deliver a meaningful and lasting positive impact on Boston’s neighborhoods and communities, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0761, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00) in the form of a grant, Red Sox Arts and Parks Program Grant, awarded by the Boston Red Sox to be administered by the Mayor's Office, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the communication, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0771, received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #147.89 - The Copley Plaza Hotel, Back Bay (in effect after April 30, 2026 if not acted upon), the committee submitted a report recommending that this designation ought to be approved.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0758, approving an appropriation order in the amount of One Million Seven Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Ninety Dollars ($1,763,090.00) for the administrative and operating expenses of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”) for Fiscal Year 2027, and a further appropriation order in the amount of Thirty-Nine Million Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars ($39,587,798.00) from the Community Preservation Fund’s (“the Fund”) estimated annual revenues for Fiscal Year 2027, to be appropriated and reserved for future appropriation, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0760, for your approval an appropriation order in the amount of Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars ($860,000) for the Cemetery Division of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Trust Office of the Treasury Department to be funded from the Cemetery Trust Fund established under Chapter 13 of the Acts of 1961, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
An Ordinance Increasing Tenant Protection During Rental Inspection Code Violations.
Order for a hearing to explore the use of parking structures.
Order for a hearing to explore establishing a university small business technical assistance partnership in the City of Boston.
Order for a hearing to examine the circumstances surrounding in-custody deaths at the Suffolk County House of Correction and systemic factors contributing to mortality in custody.
Order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston Planning Department's performance and 2026 Annual Report.
Order for a hearing to discuss a moratorium for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Boston.
Resolution declaring "Polish Constitution Day" in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Flynn and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Flynn and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).
Resolution recognizing National Teacher Appreciation Week.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Mejia and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).
WITHDRAWN.
Resolution affirming the City of Boston's opposition to the use of Charlestown for Everett Stadium event parking.
Resolution in support of nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
On motion of Councilors Flynn and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor.
On motion of Councilors Flynn, Durkan and Worrell the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).
Resolution in support of establishing a university small business technical assistance partnership in the City of Boston.
Resolution calling for an independent investigation into the in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction.
Resolution calling for the temporary suspension of correctional staff involved in the December, 2025 in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction.
Resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).
Resolution recognizing National Nurses Month and National Nurses Week.
On motion of Councilors Mejia and FitzGerald, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month.
On motion of Councilors Weber and Durkan, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution in support of safeguarding state and federal funding allocated for transportation and streets projects.
Resolution in support of United States Postal Service reestablishing a post office location in Allston.
Resolution recognizing May 1st, 2026 as Dr. Jean McGuire Day in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Culpepper as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors Worrell, Mejia and Culpepper, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).
Resolution in support of the elimination for summer block party grants.
Councilor Breadon in the chair.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution failed to be adopted: yeas 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Louijeune).
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding all grant programs, contacts, and funding provided to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations and external partners in Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027, including all reductions, eliminations, and changes in funding.
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding the City of Boston's efforts to address drink spiking and drug-facilitated sexual assault in nightlife establishments, including safety training programs, prevention initiatives, communications with licensed venues, and records maintained by the City related to these efforts.
PERSONNEL ORDERS:
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Vu Tran in City Council, effective May 9, 2026.
Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Moira Carragee in City Council, effective May 2, 2026.
GREEN SHEETS:
Legislative Calendar for April 29, 2026.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Resolution recognizing Jack Fultz.
Resolution recognizing the grand opening of Avra Estiatorio.
Resolution recognizing Sherley Smith.
Resolution recognizing Eileen Peterson.
Resolution recognizing Elsie Morantus Petion.
Resolution in memory of John Francis Snedeker.
Resolution recognizing the Prince Hall and African Lodge No. 459.
Resolution recognizing Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson.
Resolution recognizing Candelaria Silva-Collins.
Resolution recognizing Chris Sumner.
Resolution recognizing Marcia Butman.
Resolution recognizing the Friends of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit.
Resolution recognizing April 30th 2026, as International Jazz Day.
Resolution congratulating Larry E. Polston Jr.
Resolution recognizing Siobhan Salani.
Dockets #0733-0735, Orders for the FY27 Operating Budget, including annual appropriations for departmental operations, for the School Department, and for other post-employment benefits (OPEB).
Dockets #0736-0737, Orders for capital fund transfer appropriations.
Dockets #0738-0740, Orders for the Capital Budget, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements.
Docket #0757, Message and order approving an appropriation of Three Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,600,000.00) from the 21st Century Fund, also known as the Public, Educational, or Governmental (PEG) Access and Cable Related Fund. Pursuant to Section 53F 3/4 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, the funds may be used to support PEG access services, to monitor compliance with the cable franchise agreement, and for preparation of renewal of the franchise license.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Rodney Marshall as Fire Commissioner and Chief of the Boston Fire Department effective May 1, 2026.
Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Lexie Gross in City Council, effective May 2, 2026.
Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of City Council staff employees in City Council, effective June 27, 2026.
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Wilmer Quinones Melo in City Council, effective May 2, 2026.
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Wilmer Quinones Melo in City Council, effective May 16, 2026.
Notice was received from Councilor Louijeune regarding her absence from the April 29, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, submitted the following:
Councilor Pepén, on behalf of the Committee on the Community Preservation Act, submitted the following:
Councilor Durkan, on behalf of the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation, submitted the following:
The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
Adjourned at 5:04 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Aracelly Arango, Barry Callow, Laura Mars, John Francis “Jack” Snedeker, and Myrtle Frances Monahan Breadon, the President's mother who passed in 2013, to meet again on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Attest:
Dassie Bheecham
Assistant City Clerk
The Chair stated that in absence of objection, 4 late-filed matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matters were added:
The Chair stated that in absence of objection, 1 late-filed matter would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matter was added:
The Chair stated that in absence of objection, 1 late-filed matter would be added to the Agenda. Objection by Councilor Durkan.
Councilor Flynn called Docket #0302, resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent traffic signals in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation.
No objection being heard the matter was properly before the body.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).