City Council - 2025-11-19

Passed ordinance establishing a Community Advisory Council and 11-member Steering Committee within MOLA to provide community input on LGBTQ+ policies. The council replaces a previously proposed oversight commission due to city charter limitations. Members appointed by mayor with city council nominations, classified as special municipal employees. Implementation within 6 months of passage.

Approved home rule petition authorizing reconfiguration of Jocelyn Park (from 13,000 to 14,600 square feet) and temporary construction staging to enable construction of a 300-bed, 14-story dedicated cancer hospital by Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Project requires Article 97 legislative approval for parkland changes.

Authorized first reading of $11.1 million appropriation for window and door replacement projects at Gardner Pilot Academy and Linden Elementary School through MSBA accelerated repair program. Design work to continue through winter 2026 with construction beginning 2027.

Referred to Ways and Means: $6,733,196 supplemental appropriation for Boston Police Patrolmen's Association contract covering FY26, including 2% base wage increase, 1% hazardous duty differential increase, reforms to police performance evaluations, and requirement for officers to wear name tags.

Authorized acceptance and expenditure of $1,852,288 from Mass Executive Office of Elder Affairs for FY26 Council on Aging formula allocation to fund social and health care services for 115,768 older adults at $15 per person.

Adopted Chapter 270 of Acts of 2024 allowing police officers from Boston and Dedham to exercise police powers within 500 yards of municipal boundary. Addresses jurisdictional issues at intersections like River Street and Milton Street in Readville.

Authorized acceptance of $262,809.86 from Mass Department of Mental Health for 40-hour crisis intervention team training for BPD Street Outreach Unit officers, covering training coordinator, supplies, equipment, and instructional support.

Authorized acceptance of $80,000 from Mass Department of Mental Health to fund one full-time recovery coach through BEST program.

Authorized acceptance of $20,000 from Mass Department of Mental Health to fund overtime costs for backfilling officers attending crisis intervention team and mental health training.

Approved home rule petition to waive maximum age requirement for 40-year-old Dorchester resident Matthew Cummings to join Boston Police Academy. Cummings has experience in building trades and recovery community, currently acting foreman union painter for IUPAT District Council 35.

Authorized acceptance of $375,000 from Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for work-based learning, skills training, and career guidance in energy efficiency and clean heating/cooling for ages 18-24.

Authorized acceptance of $75,000 from Santander Bank for Boston Tax Help Coalition to provide free tax preparation, financial education, and economic stability opportunities.

Authorized acceptance of $43,312.50 from Boston Foundation for summer jobs, financial education, and professional development for Boston youth.

Authorized acceptance of in-kind donations: 1,000 turkeys ($24,150) from Stop and Shop, 100 turkeys ($4,830) from Roche Brothers, and 100 turkeys ($2,415) from TD Garden for families in need.

Authorized acceptance of $8,090 from US Department of Justice for improvements to forensic science and medical examiner services administered by Fire Department.

Adopted resolution supporting state legislation that would criminalize sexual assault of passengers by rideshare operators, treating drivers as persons in position of trust similar to police officers.