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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2009 : 11:43:25 PM
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Ah, Wood Waste. As always, it's difficult to know where to start when discussing this issue. Obviously, the focus of this post should be the consent order, the zoning violation letter and the discussions that surrounded them at Monday night's BOA meeting. But, even with that said, I've struggled to find the right jumping off point to get into these issues. After a lot of thought, what I've decide upon is to go back and look something again that I posted in this thread back on February 27 as part of a larger post. It read as follows:
"I'm not so much against, as others may be, the Mayor's chosen strategy of trying to working with Wood Waste to get the desired result instead of taking them to directly to court; I've posted as such in the past. Where I differ with the Mayor is the implementation of that strategy."
I think that the consent agreement that the city has entered into with Wood Waste is the ultimate example of how I differ with the Mayor over the implementation of his chosen strategy. In order for this strategy to be successful, the city needed to be firm and strong throughout this entire process in holding its position and to provide as much protection for itself and its residents as possible. That just hasn't been the case and this document proves it.
By now, we've all had ample opportunity to read and study the consent agreement if we so chose. Even though it is a legal document, it is fairly simple, straight forward and easily understandable by lay people. Some people may be turned off by the "whereas'" and "therefores" but it is still a very workable document for the vast majority of people. However, we're not judges and can't say with any certainty how they would view it. But, in this case, I feel that we have a better shot of seeing this document from a judge's point of view than we do on more complex issues. The document is nothing more than a list of things two parties agreed to. If there is specific language in the agreement on an issue, then the parties agreed to it; if there is not; the parties didn't agree to it. In such a simple document, those things should be pretty obvious. Only if the language in the agreement is vague, and this document contains its share of vague language, should it be necessary for a judge to make something other than an obviously ruling.
Did the city get anything from the consent agreement? It would be disingenuous to answer that question as no. The odor and dust mitigation provisions of the agreement are a start as is the beginning of an effort to remove the piles. But one could and should argue that all of these things should have been happening without the need for an agreement. But, the agreement isn't specific enough even in the areas of odor and dust mitigation. What are the "industry standards" for odors? As I posted last week, since the Jerome meter doesn't provide a print out, how are readings to be logged and agreed upon? That would be important if the issue ever ends up in court. The provision in the earlier version of the agreement that required the piles to be tarped was eliminated. If you drive by the site, you'll see that the tarps have started to come off. That may make some sense if you were hauling large amounts of the debris off the site on a daily basis. But, at two trucks a week, it makes more sense to require the piles to be covered at other times.
Then there's the issue of what's not in the agreement. I'm not a lawyer but I think that the point that Alderman Van Campen was trying to make Monday night was that the agreement would be stronger if it contained specific language about penalties, including when it would be appropriate to issue a cease and desist order. Sure, there is general language in the document that back stop the penalty issues. But that wording also affords Mr. Thibeault any protections provided under the laws as well. If this was presented as the sticking point that would have held up the agreement, I might have a different view on this. Maybe that's the case but I just don't get the feeling that we got what we were promised when the issue of the consent agreement was previously discussed before the BOA. Part of the job of selling the consent agreement to the residents of the city is managing expectations. I know that my expectations weren't met and I'd hazard to guess that applies to many other people as well.
As I've said before, the consent agreement is a simple document that most people should understand. It is different though than having a verbal agreement between two parties and then one or both of the parties changing their minds later on. It's a legal document and it is binding. As such, I can not understand how the Mayor can believe that he can possibly void the document after eight weeks if Mr. Thibeault doesn't agree to ship out more material each week. Where is the language in the agreement that supports that claim? If there was a clause in the agreement that stated such, I wouldn't have a problem; but it's NOT there! The only out that I see for the Mayor in eight weeks is if Mr. Thibeault or his designee refused to meet on the issue. But, why would they do that when all that have to do is meet and say "No thanks"? With all that said, I wouldn't be surprised that once the eight weeks is up, no matter what the current status of the Crow Lane Landfill is, that the weekly amount of tonnage removed from Wood Waste is increased. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the tonnage doubled or even went somewhat higher than that. But since this post is getting so long, we'll save the rest that discussion for a subsequent post.
Let's wrap up this post by taking a quick look at the status of the zoning violation. Yes, the zoning violation came from the Building Department and the consent agreement came from the Board of Health. But the bottom line is that they both came from the City of Everett and they are in conflict with one another. The zoning violation came first and it said that Wood Waste can't have the piles outside. The consent agreement came second. It acknowledges that the piles exist and gives Wood Waste a schedule for getting them out of there. As I said before, we're not judges. But I don't think that you need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how this one would likely turn out in a court of law. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2009 : 10:03:22 PM
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I know that I promised to post more about this week's Wood Waste discussion at the BOA meeting. However, with the drastic change in the status of the Crows Lane landfill that was announced later in the week, I wasn't sure that it was appropriate or necessary to continue my comments. However, since a lot of the things I wanted to comment further about were covered in varying degrees by the local papers, I figured what the heck.
The main thing that I wanted to look at was the Mayor's charge that Alderman Van Campen was making the issue of Wood Waste "political". This is the same charge that Mr. Thibeault made in his letters to the local newspapers back in December. At that time, I commented on that question in the "War of Words" thread in the Wood Waste forum. Let's look back at what I posted about it at that time:
"As for the allegation that Alderman Van Campen is doing this for politically motivated reasons, I can't quite dismiss that argument as easily. Let's face it, if Alderman Van Campen is truly considering running for mayor next year, any actions he takes will be labeled as politically motivated. So, he's in a rock and a hard place to begin with. However, if there wasn't full support of the entire Board of Alderman for the cease a desist, it would be easier to make the claim on this issue. As the president of the BOA, it made sense for him to take the lead on a shared issue. Now that his term as president has come to an end, it would probably wise to turn over the lead on the issue to the incoming president, Alderman DiPerri, to help to prove that the claim is not political."
Not a lot has really changed since that time. My suggestion that he turn the lead on the Wood Waste issue over to Alderman DiPerri was not taken; but I believe that is more because Alderman DiPerri has, so far, been a very different BOA president than his predecessor. He tends to only take the lead on issues that are truly his alone. Nothing wrong with that; it's just different. But I'm more willing to give my opinion on the subject than I was at the beginning of the year. At the present time, I believe that Alderman Van Campen's intention with regards to Wood Waste appear to be more oriented towards doing his job as an alderman than running for office. He provided input and language for the consent agreement when asked for by the administration. He's checked on the status of the negotiations when the status wasn't clear. He's researched alternative actions that the city could take with Wood Waste and requested that they be acted upon. And now, he's expressing his disappointment that the effort that he put into this seems to be pretty much all for not. But, I readily admit that as long as the alderman's future political intentions aren't totally clear, it's difficult to say that there is no political component to his actions.
But on the other hand, I would have to say that some of the Mayor action's on Monday night, if they weren't political, they were at least inappropriate for the council chambers. The "political" allegation which we have just covered. Blaming Alderman Van Campen personally for not distributing information about state actions that have been taken on Wood Waste? I didn't know that was his job. Why didn't the administration just send the information to the local papers if they wanted it disseminated? Complaining about the newspaper's coverage of the issue? For the most part, with the exception of one letter to the editor, the newspapers have all given the Mayor a minimum of fair coverage on the issue, if not glowing reviews. Used against him in polling? Since I haven't received one of those calls, I can't fully comment on that. But, if the question was something along the lines of what do you think of the Mayor's handling of the Wood Waste issue, why wouldn't that be a fair poll question? No sense in running for mayor if you don't know the answer to that. No one in their right mind blames the mayor for the all problems associated with Wood Waste over the years. They just disagree with his handling of the issue since he's been in office. And the council chambers definitely aren't the place to discuss your future political aspirations. If the Mayor does remain in office past his current term, he definitely needs to grow a thicker skin, not take everything so personally and learn to treat the members of the city council with a little more respect than he currently does. I'm certain that he were still sitting out on that floor, he certainly wouldn't like some of the same treatment that the members currently receive.
Finally, there was one other issue that I wanted to touch upon in last Monday's Wood Waste discussion. I'll keep this brief because, especially in this case, actions speak louder than words. Jason Marcus. I agree that there other issues in the city that may deserve more attention Wood Waste, public safety being one on them. And positives need to be focused upon too. But problems like Wood Waste don't go away unless you address them. If they were any other possible avenues to get rid of the redemption center on Union Street, I'm certain that Marcus would want to address those at every BOA meeting. As for the rest of his ramblings, his actions do speak louder than any words I could add. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2009 : 10:15:07 PM
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Oh, I'll add.
Jason Marcus is one of the biggest BS artist that ever walked this earth. Do you think I believe for one second that he did his own poll during a snow storm and no one cared about Wood Waste? That was the biggest theatrics I've seen on that floor for quite some time, and biggest LIE. He did all that on the same night that yet another Laidlaw gets appointed?
Jason has problems that we are all aware of. I think he better step down and handle his personal problems. He is an embarrassment and a disgrace to the city council. I heard people were in the audience and when he started rambling, at least five people walked out. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2009 : 10:25:59 PM
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Tetris, I just read your two posts for the first time. Excellent writing and it is obvious you put a great deal of thought into it.
Thanks for putting some things into perspective.
"Deb" |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2009 : 10:49:34 PM
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Thanks Massdee. The first one got buired pretty quickly by another thread so I'm not surprised that it got missed.
Tails, I understand your frustration but I really believe that Marcus' oratory needs to be seen to be believed that it happened. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2009 : 1:19:04 PM
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1.
A0124-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
To accept the donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association to the Department of Veterans Services Gift Account, to supplement their gift account.
2.
A0125-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
To accept the donation of $50.00 from Rita Hurley to the Mayor's Office of Community Development to support the Beautification Program.
3.
A0126-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby appoint Chief Vincent Caruso and twelve other listed members of the Everett Auxiliary Police Department as Special Police Officers for the City of Everett. These appointments shall be for an unpaid term of one (1) year, expiring April 28, 2010.
4.
A0127-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby appoint Mr. Jerome K. Bowen, Sr. and the listed sixteen others to be Sworn Scale Weighers at Distrigas of Massachusetts, 18 Rover Street, for an unpaid term of one year, expiring April 28, 2010.
PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
5.
C0059-09 Ordinance/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To add new chapter and sections to the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Chapter 2A, Section 2A-1 and Section 2A-2, providing for the combination of our inspectional departments including Code Enforcement, Building, Health and Wire Departments, allowing these departments to work more efficiently and effectively while dealing with inspections. (Enrolled sent up for concurrence)
6.
C0060-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To transfer $32,099.00 from the following accounts into E911 Salary Account to fund the settlement of the Local 25 E911 contract for Fiscal Year 2009: Mayor's Reserve $15,000.00, Bank Charges $4,099.00 and MWRA Water $13,000.00. This request is due to the 3% settlement of the FY 09 Local 25 E911 contract. (Passed sent up).
7.
C0061-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To accept the donation of $833.00 from the Century Bank to the Mayor's Office of Human Services-Fire Victims Fund Account.
(Passed sent up for concurrence)
8.
C0062-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To accept the donation of $404.00 from the following people to the Mayor's Office of Human Services-Gift Account to support the Everett Literacy Program for Everett Residents: E. Herrara $25.00, Therese M. Bluhm $50.00 and Students of the Everett Literacy Program $329.00. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
9.
C0063-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To accept the donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association to the Department of Veterans Services-Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
10.
C0064-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To accept the donation of $440.00 from the following people to the Mayor's Office of Human Services-Gift Account to be used to support the Everett Literacy Program for Everett residents: David & Alex Cist $100.00, Betty Cantor $75.00, Paul & Clair Crosby $100.00 and Students of the Everett Literacy Program $165.00. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
11.
C0065-09 Order/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
To accept the donation of $833.00 from the Century Bank to the Mayor's Office of Human Services-Emergency Services Program Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
12.
A0088-09 Ordinance/s/Alderman Wayne Matewsky and Councilor Millie Cardello
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Section 18-138 Service zones in Metered and Non-Metered Areas is hereby amended by adding to the list kept on file in the City Clerk's Office, the following: No person shall park a vehicle longer than fifteen minutes at 42 Clinton Street, from Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Amended to read Wednesday through Saturday-store is closed Monday and Tuesday). (Enrolled as amended in concurrence, sent up for ordainment, as amended.)
13.
C0046-09 /s/Councilors Sarnie, DeFlorio, Hicks, Sierra, Caralis, Miller, Smith, DiDomenico, Cornelio, McKinnon, Aldermen Sachetta and Matewsky.
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilors Sarnie, DeFlorio and Alderman Sachetta, et all: To amend the amount of the Parking Fine/Fee for parking within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant or within any designated fire lane from $300.00 to $100.00. List of fees kept on file in the City Clerk's Office; WITH A FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION (AMENDED TO READ EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009 TO ALLOW TIME FOR EXISTING SUPPLY TO BE EXHAUSED TO AVOID REPRINTING CHARGES). (Enrolled as amended, sent up for concurrence, reconsideration failed).
14.
C0067-09 Resolution/s/Councilor Lou Sierra
To recognize the Everett Little League All Star State Champs 2008 with a metal sign to be placed in the vicinity of Broadway. (Sent up for concurrence)
PETITIONS AND LICENSES
15.
A0116-09 Petition
Petition for Junk Dealer's License from M. & S. Metals Co., Inc. at 391 Third Street, as dealer in scrap metal.
16.
A0117-09 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer's License from Carlos Used Cars at 70 Chelsea Street.
17.
A0118-09 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer's License from LaRovere Family LLC, Francis J. LaRovere,III and Matthew J. LaRovere, Manager, at 29 Garden Street.
18.
A0119-09 Petition
Petition for Awning Permit at 202 Ferry Street for "Nara's Market".
19.
A0120-09 Petition
Petition for Junk Dealer's License from Schnitzer Northeast at 69 Rover Street for metal recycling.
20.
A0121-09 Petition
Petition for Open Air License from Paul's Towing Inc. for storage of vehicles ordered/Police Department for violations and accidents per E.P.D., at 3 Buell Street.
21.
A0122-09 Petition
Petition for Junk Dealer's License from Paul Mattuchio Inc. at 366 Second Street.
22.
A0123-09 Petition
Petition from Boston Freightliner, Inc., 305 Bow Street to amend their license for hours of operation from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Monday - Friday for service and 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday - Friday for parts. The hours of operation would not change for Saturday or Sunday, due to economy and keeping workforce.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23.
A0089-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Sal Sachetta, Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Cynthia Sarnie
Paint curbs throughout City as a warning to aid citizens not to violate parking at 10 ft.
distance from a fire hydrant. Use summer program workers as curb painters (Paid with a $60,000.00 donation by Exxon Corp.) thereby saving taxpayers money and increasing awareness of the danger and fine for parking at a fire hydrant. (3/9 Referred to Mayor's Office with request for response this meeting)
24.
A0083-09 Resolution/s/Aldermen Robert J. Van Campen, L. Charles DiPerri and Michael K. Marchese
That the Mayor appear this meeting to provide the Board of Aldermen with an update as to the Administration's efforts at negotiating a Consent Agreement with Wood Waste of Boston, Inc. (Communication received from State Representative Stephen Stat Smith).
NEW BUSINESS
25.
A0109-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael Marchese
That the City consider dividing up the two tax categories of taxing into three, that is, residential, commercial and heavy industrial.
26.
A0108-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne Matewsky and Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Mayor, due to recent incident of the scam water meter readers, inform all Everett residents via mail in every water bill, in the interest of public safety.
27.
A0110-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael Marchese
That the City consider installing a 10 p.m. curfew for the months of June to September for teenagers eighteen (18) and under.
28.
A0111-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the Everett City Council supports H2675 which will provide property tax relief for small businesses. "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 59 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 5J, the following section: —
Section 5K. With respect to each parcel of real property classified as class three, commercial, in each city or town certified by the commissioner to be assessing all property at its full and fair cash valuation, and at the option of the board of selectmen or mayor, with the approval of the city council, there shall be an exemption equal to not more than 10 percent of the average assessed value of all property classified as class 3 commercial property; provided, however, that such an exemption shall only be applied to property that is owned and occupied by a business that employed 50 persons or less in the year preceding the assessment date for the property; and provided further that such an exemption shall only apply to property with an assessed valuation below 1 million dollars. This exemption shall be in addition to any exemptions allowable under section 5. The value of exemption granted under this section shall be borne by the combined value of class 3 commercial property. For the purpose of this section the determination of the number of persons employed by the director of the division of employment and training pursuant of section 64A of chapter 151A. Section 2. Chapter 151A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 64, the following new section: — Section 64A. The director shall on or before July first of each year provide to the chairman of the board of assessors in each city and town a list of all employers located in said city or town with an average annual employment of 50 persons or less during the previous year. The list shall be confidential and shall be used only by the assessor or employees duly designated by the assessors.
29.
A0112-09 Ordinance/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the City of Everett enact an ordinance requiring owners and proprietors of all rooming houses, halfway houses, and other similar facilities, to conduct a CORI check on all tenants prior to renting a unit.
30.
A0113-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the City of Everett establish a Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53F 1/2.
31.
A0114-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That Code Enforcement call the Charlestown Lofts and notify owner about boarding up windows and cleaning up the area.
32.
A0115-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To ask the City Solicitor to appear this meeting concerning all the electrical wiring running through the City be taxed.
Adjournment
Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry,
Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
www.You must be logged in to see this link.
Scheduled City Council meeting dates:
4/15 6pm Bills & Accounts Committee
4/15 6pm Public Safety Committee
4/21 7pm Common Council
4/27 7pm Next Board of Aldermen Meeting |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2009 : 3:36:47 PM
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#32 Doesn't Marcus understand that any tax they put on the company's with electrical wiring running through the city those company's will pass the increase unto the consumer.
"Deb" |
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michael
Senior Member
195 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2009 : 11:10:40 AM
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| NO he does not get it, what a waste, time for a new alderman in that ward |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2009 : 08:11:00 AM
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5.
Was Councilor DiFlorio correct last week when she stated that, by rule, new ordinances must be referred to the R&O committee? If she was, I sure we'll hear more about that this week. But that aside, I've been thinking about this for the last week. Doesn't it make some sense to post the packet of information that the city councilors receive with their agendas on the city web site as well? There may be some things that can't/shouldn't be included in the "public" package but those should be the exception rather than the rule. It would help to insure that everyone is aware of what the aldermen/councilors received and would also allow the public to follow along more closely with the discussions. Just a thought. But, as I asked last week, has anyone seen a copy of the information that goes along with this piece? It was said last week that the ISD director's job description wasn't included in that package but it would seem that it would be a very interesting document to get a hold of, especially if some of the rumors surrounding the position are true.
6.
The city charter does not allow the city council to involve themselves in contract negotiations but they do need to approve monetary appropriations and transfers. Therefore, I do believe that it is appropriate for either branch of the council to ask for the administration's reasoning for handing out raises when the city will be laying off people. The way that the charter is constructed, I don't believe that there is much choice but to vote for the raises but the members, and the public for that matter, should understand the reasoning behind them before they take a vote on them.
14.
Does anyone know if the Little League sign has been put up yet? If not, what are they waiting for?
23.
I'm not sure what bugs me most about the fire hydrant/curb painting item. That the city is handing out tickets for parking 9 and 1/2 feet from a hydrant? The summer jobs program? Never been a real fan but I don't need to cover that again; the posts from two years ago are still out there. Or the fact that this year's summer job program is being funded with money that the Mayor was originally looking to put towards a fire truck? Most likely, it's all of them.
24.
I don't think that the aldermen need to spend an hour on Wood Waste again this week. Let the latest turn down from the DEP and AG office be known (let's face it; it's the most likely outcome), get a brief update on consent agreement enforcement and cover any new issues. The next major debate on Wood Waste doesn't need to take place until the first eight weeks of the consent agreement are up or something else major in the current status quo changes.
25. + 28.
I'm not against looking at splitting the tax rate into three categories or considering giving small business a tax break. But I think that it is something that needs to be looked at closely to make sure that will not have any unintended consequences. Take a look at the last few fiscal years and determine what the various tax rates would have been for the various years based on the various scenarios before any decisions are made. It might have been better though if someone who didn't have such a vested interest in these changes had introduced the pieces.
26.
From the meeting report of the February 23, 2008 Board of Aldermen Meeting on the city web site:
A0077-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne A. Matewsky and Councilor John Leo McKinnon
That the Mayor consider the possibility of placing in the water bills, a warning to senior citizens, in particular, about people posing as water meter readers, et cetera, and not to allow people into their homes with the possibility their homes will be burglarized.
AMEND TO INCLUDE FOREIGN LOTTERY SCAMS AND REFERRED TO THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, AND COPY OF RESOLUTION BE SUBMITTED TO ECTV.
From this week's agenda:
A0108-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne Matewsky and Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Mayor, due to recent incident of the scam water meter readers, inform all Everett residents via mail in every water bill, in the interest of public safety.
We just got our latest water bills last week; there were no notices in it. What happened? I have seen the scam meter reader notice on ECTV; can't recall if I've seen anything for the foreign lottery scams though.
27.
Doesn't the curfew piece get shot down easily every time that it is proposed? If there are public safety cuts coming up, it might make more sense but I don't think that will make it fly either.
29.
While I certainly understand where Alderman Van Campen is coming from on this piece, I wonder what the legality of it is? Is it legal to single out these types of businesses for this type of requirement? Why not apartment renters? Some of those people may be just as much trouble. How accessible are CORI reports to these types of business owners? If all of the legalities can all be sorted out, I think that I could support this piece.
30.
While I don't understand all of the implications of establish a Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund, I do understand the basics of it. It more of an accounting change that anything else. It makes clear what, if any, monies from the tax levy are being used to subsidize water and sewer expenses. The possible drawback to it is that all funds collected by it would have to remain in it and could only be used for water & sewer expenses. That would making it similar to the meter receipts that can only be used in the Parking Department. The transfers that have been done this year from the MWRA line items wouldn't have been possible under this scenario. With appropriate financial management, I don't see a problem with that but I'd like to hear more about it before I could fully throw my support behind it about. Many other cities and towns already conduct their business this way. This proposal was last introduced in Everett by Mayor Hanlon but it was shot down, hard if I recall correctly. But, I think that was due more to the city council as a whole being unwilling to work with the mayor at that point rather that anything else.
31.
It doesn't look like anything more is going to be done with the Charlestown Lofts, in the near term anyways. It needs to be cleaned up because it's a real eyesore as you drive into the city and looks to be pretty unsafe as well.
32.
At one point, if taxing of telephone poles and wire was going to passed by the state, it was going to be a tax that communities had to assess. If Alderman Marcus is asking if there is some way to avoid this, he's doing the right thing. If he's asking on how we can go ahead with this, I agree with my fellow posters. It seems like I'm posting this comment most weeks lately but, I'd really wish that some additional care could be taken when composing agenda items so that we'd better understand exactly what they are about when we read the agenda.
Anybody know anything about the status of the "pot" ordinance? At one point, Everett seemed to be on the "bleeding" edge of the movement. Now, other communities seem to be pulling ahead of us while the city's ordinance seems to be stuck in committee. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2009 : 8:49:02 PM
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5.
How come it was OK with the mayor to send this piece to R & O this week when he was pretty dead set against it last week? He seemed to think that it was a pretty time sensitive issue last week. By delaying the referring out by a week, it would seem that it has already been delayed more than it needed to be. I just don't get the logic.
6.
No questions on raises? I expected the piece to pass but I just don't get it.
13.
If the bottom line is the fine remains at $300 or the fine is reduced to $100 and the car get towed, I'll vote for $100 and a tow. Parking in front of hydrant is an issue of public safety, not of how much money gets put in the city coffers. I don't have a problem if they look at how the law is enforced though. As I said in my pre-meeting comments, parking 9 1/2 feet from a hydrant and not really blocking access to the hydrant (OK, the second part was Alderman DiPerri's comment tonight) doesn't really seem to merit the punishment.
14.
Let's just hope that the sign gets put up soon; the kids only deserve it.
23.
Doesn't sound like that the Mayor is particularly in favor of painting the curbs. Not really surprised by that.
24.
Doesn't surprise me at all that Wood Waste appealed their zoning violation either.
25. + 28.
Doesn't really seem like Alderman Marchese did his homework on these pieces before he put them on the agenda.
26.
I can't actually believe I'm saying this but I wish Alderman Matewsky was there tonight. I would have liked to have seen if the issue of what happened to this request in the last water bill was addressed. It's almost three months before the next water bill comes out. How many more of these incidents are likely to occur in that period?
27.
So, you have to admit and prove that you have a problem before a curfew will be allowed. I think that we all know how that's likely to go.
29.
R & O was the right place to put this piece.
30.
And the Finance Committee was the right place for this piece.
32.
I knew when I even thought about trying to think that Alderman Marcus had put this piece on the agenda for the right reasons that I would be wrong.
33.
I think that it was wrong to allow Alderman Marcus to put this piece on under suspension, especially with a Public Safety meeting scheduled for Wednesday night. I also don't believe that it was correct for the union head to come to the podium either. I'm surprised that the city solicitor didn't try to put a stop to it. Luckily, I don't think that any real harm came of it. Not any real new information either; but, that's fine by me in this case. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2009 : 1:43:00 PM
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I see item 4 passed. I wonder what happened to Rick Millie. Wasn't this a paid position for Rick?
Item 24 Wood Waste..........the shock and awe just never ends. Who woulda thought that Bill Thibeault would appeal a known violation? I was just at Wood Waste about an hour ago. IT STINKS. I would strongly suggest that someone from either the common council or board of alderman get the health department up there to find out whats going on. NO WAY is Wood Waste in compliance right now like it was suggested by the solicitor last night. The odor eaters (or whatever he's "supposedly" using) is NOT working. I also know someone at Stop&Shop and they have not seen any removal. Admittingly, they could have missed it, but I would like to see more hard core proof of the crap being removed other than a hand written receipt from Thibeault, and to know EXACTLY where this stuff is going. This question was asked to the solicitor a few weeks back and I was disturbed that she STILL did not know. I know, they could have checked with the health department, but when you know this is on the agenda.....DOT your I's and cross your T's and be prepared, instead of dancing around the issue. It's really sickening.
On item 27, Mike Marchese is ABSOLUTELY correct, we need a curfew in the summer. Not only for the safety of the residents, but the safety of the teenagers too. There will be trouble, count on it.
I feel that item 13 is just a way to give these "grab and go" tow truck drivers more money. We should take a stand on the high fines. People are too ignorant today and park wherever they feel like it. Sal Sachetta says the car will be removed by the fire department well, those few seconds that the car needs to be removed, could mean someone's life, and just like the street sweeping, people need to pay more attention, and when you lower the fine, they wont care as much. I feel it's a step backwards.
On item 14, was it my eyes, or was the little league sign a little small? I think it's great that Lou Sierra went and bought it for the state champs, but I would think they deserved something bigger. Maybe like a "Welcome to Everett, Home of the 2008 State Champs" Those boys gave up their summer for that, and should be highly recognized.
On item 29 I was surprised by Sachetta's reaction. That was an incident that happened in his ward. Even though he admitted there is a halfway house by him, that's been a problem, he still went and shot darts at the piece. These halfway houses are a huge problem in the city, they are everywhere. Let it go to R&O and work it out there. No reason to stand there and say "Where is this going"
I was very surprised that item under suspension was allowed about the fire. Believe me, I don't want to see any fire or police touched because we are going to need them, big time. I just felt that an announcement could have been made by the president, about Wednesday night, and that would have sufficed. Nothing Jason said was anything new, so I was not sure his motive, and why he was so upset on camera. I hope he's just as upset on Wednesday night because that's where it will count. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 11:50:20 AM
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(6:00PM-Joint Convention/Public Hearing-RE: Zoning S21A)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA
PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
1.
C0054-09 Order/s/Councilor Stephanie Smith
Favorable recommendation from the Director of Veterans Services, Commissioner Joseph Hickey-To dedicate the intersection of Elm Street and Birch Street in honor of Mr. William M. Condon. Mr. Condon was a Veteran of World War II and former Everett Police Officer. (Passed sent up for concurrence)
PETITIONS AND LICENSES
2.
A0132-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
Petition for open air parking license from A.G. Quealy Towing at 52-54 Robin Street.
3.
A0133-09 Order/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri, as President
Petition for Open Air Permit/Renewal from Export Enterprises of MA, Inc. at 26 Garvey Street.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
4.
C0059-09 Ordinance/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello, as President
Rules & Ordinances Committee Report-To add new chapter and sections to the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Chapter 2A, Section 2A-1 and Section 2A-2, providing for an inspectional services department; with a recommendation to refer to the Mayor.
5.
A0326-08 Ordinance/s/Aldermen L. Charles DiPerri, Robert J. Van Campen and Frank Nuzzo, Jr.
Joint Convention/Public Hearing Report on the matter to add subsection to Section 21A. Adult Entertainment Land Use to include Fortune Tellers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.
C0046-09 /s/Councilors Sarnie, DeFlorio, Napolitano, P., Sierra, Caralis, Miller, Smith, DiDomenico, Cornelio, McKinnon, Aldermen Sachetta and Matewsky-Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilors Sarnie, DeFlorio and Alderman Sachetta, et all: To amend the amount of the Parking Fine/Fee for parking within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant or within any designated fire lane from $300.00 to $100.00. List of fees kept on file in the City Clerk's Office; WITH A FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION (AMENDED TO READ EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009 TO ALLOW TIME FOR EXISTING SUPPLY TO BE EXHAUSED TO AVOID REPRINTING CHARGES). (Enrolled as amended, sent up for concurrence, reconsideration failed).
7.
A0110-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael Marchese-That the City consider installing a 10 p.m. curfew for the months of June to September for teenagers eighteen (18) and under.
NEW BUSINESS
8.
A0129-09 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo-To invite Mr. William Velaico of Medrano Auto Repair at 170 Chelsea Street to appear this meeting to discuss their business.
9.
A0131-09 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Salvatore Sachetta and L. Charles DiPerri-An Ordinance creating a Home Occupation Permit and process
Adjournment
Respectfully submitted:
C. McCorry,
Everett City Council Office |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 12:10:50 PM
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I hope item four will be somewhat explained to people, not just referred back to the mayor. That's for the people that do not use computers and just watch from home that may be following. It's aggravating when you are following an agenda item and it gets sent back without explanation.
No one put Wood Waste on the agenda to find out what happened in court today and tomorrow? The Wood Waste site is part of the suit in Suffolk Superior Court. There is also a lot of activity on the site, with a strange odor, and the piles appear to be shifting around the site. People deserve an explanation as to what's going on. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2009 : 09:01:05 AM
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4.
I agree with Tails on this. Let the people know what's going on; it'll have to come out sooner or later anyways. Take your lumps and move on.
5.
There's hasn't been a proliferation of fortune tellers moving into the city since the first one was allowed. I can't really say that I see the need for this ordinance but I'm not really against it either.
6.
Quick summary. My position, public safety issue, $100 and a tow but ENFORCE IT! Two Saturdays ago, I went to the post office to mail a couple of letters. Wanted to use the drive-up drop-off box. Couldn't because a car was parked there. Also happens to be a fire hydrant at that spot. Police cruiser drove right by without batting an eye. It didn't seem that he was in a hurry to go anywhere either. Missed out a quick $300 for the city. What does it matter what the fee is if it isn’t enforced all the time?
7.
I doubt that the right people who need to admit that there might be a problem that a curfew could help with will admit to it. This issue isn't likely to get far without that.
9.
Does this mean that the city doesn't have an occupancy permit process or is it something else?
Regular meetings have been really slow lately; committee meetings seem to be much more interesting of late. Maybe it's time to address the issue of televising committee meetings again.
Tails, likely, there's not much to tell about what went on a Suffolk Superior Court last week. Both sides probably made their cases, the judge took the information under advisement and will make his ruling somewhere down the line. I wouldn't expect to hear anything for two or three months. But, what do I know? |
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charm
Senior Member
264 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2009 : 1:14:11 PM
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City of Everett
ABANDONED & FORECLOSED
PROPERTY REGISTRATION
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
REGISTRATION
NOTE
Registration must be renewed by November 15 of each year.
Fee schedule
$500 for properties that have been vacant for less than one year
$1000 for properties that have been vacant for one year but less than two years
$2000 for properties that have been vacant for two years but less than three years
$3000 for properties that have been vacant for three years and more
Checks made out to: City of Everett
Address: City of Everett
Code Enforcement Office
484 Broadway, Room 26
Everett, MA 02149
I FOUND THIS ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE COULDN'T COPY ALL OF IT WHAT IS THIS FOR AND WHY SUCH HIGH FEES |
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BOA 2009
