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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
 Posted - 10/21/2007 : 10:09:27 PM
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Board of Alderman, 10/22/07
(6PM-License Committee Meeting, 6:45PM-Presentation to 2007 Babe Ruth League Champs)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0318-07
To all parties interested in the petition of National Grid for the installation of one (1) new 35' Class 4 J.O. Pole #44-84 and appurtenances in the sidewalk of Lynn Street.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
2. A0325-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation to the City Council Celebration Committee of an American Flag from RF Walsh Project Management, Inc., HMFH Architects, Inc. and Suffolk Construction Company.
3. A0326-07 /s/Communication and Reappointment
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, and pursuant to Chapter Two, Section 2-31 (5) c. of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, I hereby reappoint John Juliano to the Everett Historical Commission for a term ending September 2010.
4. A0327-07 Order/s/Communication and Reappointment
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, and pursuant to Chapter Two, Section 2-31 (5) c. of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, I hereby reappoint Rosemary Catterson to the Everett Historical Commission for a term ending September 2010.
PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
5. C0232-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello
To amend the service zone at 72 Ferry Street, from 24 hours to Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with favorable recommendation from Traffic Commission. (Ordained, sent down for ordainment)
6. A0037-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerri
To increase lot size and frontage for residential properties; with a recommendation from the Rules & Ordinances Committee that residential lots and frontage requirements in existence prior to the passage of this ordinance shall be exempt for a period of five (5) years from the date of passage of this ordinance, but shall conform to the requirements in effect prior to passage of this ordinance. (Enrolled as amended, in concurrence, sent up for ordainment, as amended.)
7. C0298-07 Order/s/Councilor James Keane
That the City of Everett form a Charter Review Committee to be placed on the ballot for the November 2009 Election. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
PETITIONS AND LICENSES
8. A0321-07 Petition
Petition for Lodging House License from Robert H. Laquidara (Trustee) for 11-13 Ellsworth Street.
9. A0322-07 Petition
Petition for Lodging House License from 51 Cottage Realty Trust-Robert H. Laquidara-Trustee at 51 Cottage Street.
10. A0323-07 Petition
Petition from Elm Street Scrap Iron for Junk Dealer License at #88 and #91 East Elm Street.
COMMUNICATIONS
11. A0298-07 Communication
Response from School Building Commission relative to Resolution offered by Alderman Stephen Smith-That the School Building Commission correct the mistakes on the dedication plaque at the new High School.
12. A0328-07 /s/Communication and Order
That the City Clerk is hereby authorized to begin the revocation process for the following two Second Class Motor Dealer Licenses, as both have closed.
1. Boston Auto Sales, 26 Garvey Street, and
2. The Car Store, 383 Second Street.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
13. A0290-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition from NextG Networks East to install, locate and attach conduit, fiber optic cables and telecommunications network equipment to and on existing utility poles and/or streetlights in, across, and over certain public streets, lanes, highways, and places of the City of Everett as described in exhibits and plans.
14. A0292-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition from National Grid for the installation of +/-35' of 1-2" conduit encased in concrete from bus shelter to manhole 454 at Broadway and Cameron Street, 888 Broadway, Everett, MA.
15. A0293-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition from Paris Autobody, Inc. for Auto Body Shop and General Spray Painting at 101 Paris Street, Unit #5.
16. A0295-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition for Awning License from Ideal Gift at 645 Broadway.
17. A0280-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition for security grates at Ultimate Pizza at 176 Chelsea Street.
18. C0287-07 Resolution
Committee on License Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne Matewsky - That the Board of Aldermen consider notifying the car mechanic business between Cabot and Revere Street to keep their vehicles within boundaries of their building.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
19. A0248-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
That the Manager of the Super Stop & Shop, 1690 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, appear this meeting to discuss issues with the shopping carts.
20. A0299-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the Department of City Services immediately inspect and repair/replace the lights at Swan Street Park, and trim all trees located in the Park which are blocking the lights in the interest of public safety. (Referred to Wire Inspector and Park Director to appear this meeting)
NEW BUSINESS
21. A0319-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
That in accordance with the provisions of the General Law of Massachusetts, the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the City of Everett, qualified to vote as the law requires, to assemble at the several polling places, for and within the several precincts, where they are duly registered voters on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007 for the MUNICIPAL ELECTION, then and there to give in their votes for the election of the candidates of political parties for the following offices: MAYOR, ALDERMAN AT LARGE, ALDERMAN, SCHOOL COMMITTEE AT LARGE, SCHOOL COMMITTEE, COMMON COUNCIL.
22. A0320-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
That the polls be opened from 7 o’clock in the morning to 8 o’clock in the evening and the City Clerk to cause all voting places to be properly fitted up for the MUNICIPAL ELECTION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007.
Ordered
Further: That the following places be designated as polling places for the above mentioned
MUNICIPAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 2007:
Ward 1 Prec. 1 Armory, 90 Chelsea Street
Ward 1 Prec. 2 Armory, 90 Chelsea Street
Ward 1 Prec. 3 Sumner Whittier School, 337 Broadway
Ward 2 Prec. 1 Keverian School, 20 Nichols Street
Ward 2 Prec. 2 Parlin School, 587 Broadway, entrance on Derne Street
Ward 2 Prec. 3 Keverian School, 20 Nichols Street
Ward 3 Prec. 1 Community Center, 21 Whittier Drive
Ward 3 Prec. 2 Recreation Center Building, 47 Elm Street
Ward 3 Prec. 3 Recreation Center Building, 47 Elm Street
Ward 4 Prec. 1 Lafayette School, Edith Street, enter from Bryant Street
Ward 4 Prec. 2 Glendale Towers, Ferry Street
Ward 4 Prec. 3 Lafayette School, Edith Street, enter from Bryant Street
Ward 5 Prec. 1 English School, 105 Woodville Street
Ward 5 Prec. 2 City Hall, Keverian Room, Third Floor, 484 Broadway
Ward 5 Prec. 3 City Hall, Room 25, Second Floor, 484 Broadway
Ward 6 Prec. 1 English School, 105 Woodville Street
Ward 6 Prec. 2 Adams School, 78 Tileston Street, enter easterly side
Ward 6 Prec. 3 Adams School, 78 Tileston Street, enter westerly side
23. A0324-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
That the City of Everett consider placing a pedestrian walk light on Lower Broadway near the Energy North Gas Station, at the request of residents in the area.
Adjournment
Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Admin. Assist. Office of the Everett City Council
Council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO NOTE:
10/22 6PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
10/23 6PM PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING
10/30 6PM RULES & ORDINANCES COMMITTEE MEETING
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 08:07:08 AM
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Doesn't appear to be much here that will help us to make the decision on who the next mayor will be. However, I thought that two weeks ago and we did get some insight. I'll be glued to my TV anyways.
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 8:43:44 PM
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| Tetris, what do you think now? Did anything happen to help you make a decision? |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 9:09:49 PM
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| Wrong again Tetris! |
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Dominic
Member
65 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 9:17:19 PM
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| Massdee....I would be interested in hearing your opinion on tonight's meeting. I have always been leery of your posts in favor of Joe. Your open support of him in this forum while in a position of moderator strikes me as a conflict of interest. Here is a chance to redeem yourself. Your candidate did not have a very good night. He had a perfect opportunity to prove the point he has been trying to make over the past few months. In your opinion, why did he back away from that opportunity? |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 10:48:31 PM
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Here is my opinion........ This issue should have never been brought to the BOA meeting. In Carlo's own words, it was in answer to Joe's political ads in last weeks newspapers, he said that at least twice that I can remember. The BOA meeting is not a political campaign forum. If Carlo wants to address this issue, put it in the form of a campaign ad in the local newspapers. That is what Joe did and that is where it belonged. Joe did not bring it to the BOA meeting. Carlo did that.
If you paid attention to the meeting, then you heard Joe say he would vote in favor of Mr Thibeault's presentation. In return, Joe wanted to be able to question this developer about his background and past history with the City of Everett. Carlo did not want that to happen. Carlo opened the door, he should have been willing to let Joe and the other members of the BOA question Mr Thibeault. Carlo was only willing to let the information out that he wanted public, not the entire picture. Which, in my opinion is not fair to the voting public.
That is my take on what happened tonight. |
Edited by - massdee on 10/23/2007 09:39:02 AM |
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Dominic
Member
65 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 11:02:36 PM
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The solicitor made it clear that the city yard piece was still in litigation and they shouldn't talk about it. Did Joe not understand that?
Why do you think Joe voted no? If the solicitor said that it was ok to talk about the city yards, Joe would have voted yes, so it clearly isn't against the idea of bringing this topic to the BoA meeting. Why did he vote no? |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2007 : 11:07:58 PM
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| Why do you think Joe's questions were about the city yards? He never said that. There are plenty of issues in Mr Thibeault's background, that has nothing to do with the city yards. I have a question, if the vote was a tie, doesn't that mean it would fail? So, it really didn't matter which way Joe voted, especially since he voted last, it wouldn't have passed either way. |
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Citizen Kane
Advanced Member
1082 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 08:31:22 AM
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| It is also my understanding that Mr. Thibeault does not yet own the property on lower Broadway. Is that accurate? Did they not say he was the "proposed" owner of the property? If that is the case, then why would he be entitled to come before the Board and talk about a piece of property he doesn't even own yet. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 08:59:12 AM
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| He does own the property. From what I understood was it’s what he can do with the land. According to Thiebeult, it is not a waste facility and he would like the opportunity to show the citizens his idea. With that being said, was this on the agenda last night? If not, why was it brought up at all? I missed the meeting but skimmed through the agenda here on the blog. If something is not on the agenda, it’s always shot down. Why was this so special? |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 09:14:49 AM
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If Mr Thibeault owns that property, then why did Carlo call him the "proposed new owner?" That particular wording makes it sound like Mr Thibeault is not the owner yet.
Carlo placed the piece on the agenda, under suspension. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 09:24:07 AM
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That’s interesting… Thanks.
For myself, I will watch a rerun because Thiebeault being a “proposed owner” was not my understanding. If that is true, then I agree with the majority that he should not have been there to speak on it. This doesn’t make sense and needs clarification. I would hope if someone has more knowledge on this or is close with DeMaria if they can post and clarify this issue that would be helpful before it spirals out of control. There’s been enough of that.
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 1:55:59 PM
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Do any transfers of money ever make it to the agenda on their first reading any more? For those of you who didn't see the BOA meeting last night, there was an item on the agenda last night under suspension to transfer money from the parking meter receipts account to various parking department line items. I didn't catch all of them or the amounts but there were various things such as a transfer to the salary line items for a payment in lieu of health insurance, increases in ticket processing fees, office supplies, office equipment and office re-modeling.
Some of these things may be justified especially in light of the admittedly increased (but probably declining now) work load in the parking clerk's office. Mr. Kelly was asked why these items weren't included in the budget. In regards to the payment in lieu of health insurance, he stated that had been negotiated after the budget was in place. I thought that there was a line item in the budget that used exclusively for contract settlements. As far as the other items went, he stated that he was not allowed to submit an increased budget. Well, I guess a "true budget" is no longer important.
But the killer was this. The parking department requested its own truck to transport meters that require repair....Really. The other city trucks are too busy to be able to do this. No discussion of many meters are out of service at one time, frequency of repairs, no estimate of lost income and no estimate of what the payback period will be before the truck will pay for itself, etc. Try an get something like this passed in the "real" world.
Of course, the entire package passed on a vote of 7-0. We've got $11 million in free cash; why not spend it like drunken sailors? Oh, well. There's always the common council; but I'm not going to hold my breath. |
Edited by - tetris on 10/23/2007 1:57:57 PM |
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justme
Advanced Member
1428 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 6:58:03 PM
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Tetris, I very rarely disagree, or find fault, with your posts, but I have to correct a few things here. Mr. Kelly didn’t say he wasn’t allowed to submit an increased budget. He said the money wasn’t there. I think your interpretation that he was not allowed is accurate however he did not use those words.
We can nit pick over the need for a truck but Mr. Kelly has held that position through three administrations (although one let him go & called him back), and has proven himself to be honest, hardworking, conscientious, and professional. He has never given anyone reason to doubt his word and if he says he needs a truck, I’m inclined to believe there’s a true need. Obviously, the members of the BOA feel the same way.
The most important point I want to make is that the money being transferred has nothing to do with the $11 million in free cash. The transfer, as you stated at the beginning of your post, is from the Meter Receipt account. Mass general law restricts use of that money to [only] those things directly related to parking. Mr. Kelly’s request to use those funds to supplement office expenses and supplies is one of its uses. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 8:52:20 PM
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Justme,
You are absolutely right about the increased budget statement. I just watched that portion of the meeting again and I did distort Mr. Kelly words. The description in your post is dead on. I apologize for that. A lot went on last night and I was trying to post this from memory.
I've actually posted in favor of Mr. Kelly retaining his job in the next administration, so we have no problem there.
The main point of my post was actually geared towards, overall, how the city actually spends its money. It is mentioned all of the time that running this city is like running a multi-million corporation. In a large corporation, $20,000 would probably not be spent solely on a department head's word. This is not a reflection on Mr. Kelly; it just the way that it needs to be in order to effectively control costs across the board. Critical questions would be asked. Why can't city services provide a vehicle when it is needed? Why is this coming up now? How long has it been a problem? Is it wise to purchase a vehicle whose only function will be to move parking meters around? A cost-benefit analysis would be needed to prove the extra vehicle is needed. How much more revenue will be generated by the addition of the vehicle verus the cost of the vehicle? Could the money be better spent on something else in the department, i.e., additional automation in the office to cut down on recurring costs like paper and copying?
The city faces some tough financial times ahead. It is time for some fiscal restraint and responsibility. I hope that the next mayor is up to the task.
As far the parking receipts only being able to be used for things related to parking, I would generally agree. The only difference that I would have with that is something that Mr. Kelly said himself while he was at the podium. If he does not use the money by the end of the fiscal year, it would get turned back over to the city to become part of its free cash for next year. |
Edited by - tetris on 10/23/2007 9:01:32 PM |
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justme
Advanced Member
1428 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2007 : 9:50:03 PM
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You're on the money as to how things are done in the "real" world Tetris however; I think many of those discussions take place one on one long before these things ever get to the chamber floor.
As far as Mr. Kelly turning money back, that would be what’s in his budget. The Meter Account money does not become part of free cash. The balance remains in that account to be used only for parking related expenditures.
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BOA Agenda 10/22
