The Everett Mirror

Board of Aldermen, 3/10/08

2008-03-10T08:25:00.001-04:00

AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA
________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0086-08 Petition
To all parties interested in the Special Board of Aldermen Report and Order to review the matter of the "Grant of Location" permit sought by NextG Communications to install telecommunications equipment on utility poles within the City of Everett. Also Order # A0095-08 Resolution dated 2/25/08 City Engineer, DPW Director, Police Chief and Fire Chief appear this meeting with reports on installation and location.

2. A0097-08 Petition
National Grid Petition for installation of approximately 55' of 6-5" concrete encased conduit across Broadway, near Langdon Street.

3. A0102-08 Petition
To all parties interested in the petition of National Grid for the installation of approximately 75' of 2-5" concrete encased conduit and 1' of 3-5" concrete encased conduit on Langdon Street near Broadway.

4. A0103-08 Petition
To all parties interested in the petition of 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.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
5. A0037-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Section 18-133, Prohibited on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Bennett Street, no parking both sides for a distance of thirty (30) feet, from Ferry Street in a southerly direction. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

6. A0080-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
To amend Chapter 18, Section 18-162.5 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Towing of Repeatedly Tagged Vehicles" by deleting the following word and letter in the first sentence: "five (5)", and inserting in its place the following word and letter, "three (3)". The purpose of the amendment is to decrease the number of multiple vehicle parking violation notices a person can fail to appear on before his vehicle can be removed and stored at the expense of the registered owner of said vehicle. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

7. A0081-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
To amend Chapter 18, Section 18-169 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Towing of repeatedly tagged motor vehicles" by deleting "five (5)" in the first sentence and "five (5) in the eighth sentence and replacing both with "three (3)". (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

8. C0011-08 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
To prohibit parking from the Everett Credit Union exit on Chestnut Street, to the abutting property line, southwest side, to eliminate the viewing obstruction at that location, at the request of constituents exiting the ECU. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

9. C0049-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors Millie Cardello and Sergio Cornelio
To place a service zone at 357 Broadway from Monday to Saturday, 8 am. to 6 p.m.. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

10. C0073-08 Committee Report
Committee on Celebrations and Military Affairs Report on organizing celebration plans for the 2008 July 4th Festivities; with a recommendation for further time and to invite Mayor DeMaria, Exec. Director of the Chamber of Commerce William Jones, Recreation Director Rick Milley and the Recreation Commission Members to the next meeting. (Sent up for concurrence on further time)

11. C0071-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors Joseph F. Hickey and John Leo McKinnon
To place a service zone at 361 Ferry Street between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Amended by adding Alderman L. Charles DiPerri and Councilor Stacy Caralis as co-sponsors, and referred to the Traffic Commission for recommendation.)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
12. A0104-08 Petition
Petition for new lodging house license from Andrew Philbin and Matthew Philbin D/B/A Realty Trust at 450 Ferry Street.

13. A0105-08 Petition
Petition for lodging house license from Andrew Philbin D/B/A Newport at 59 Chelsea Street.

14. A0106-08 Petition
Petition from Andrew Philbin for lodging house license D/B/A The Marlboro at 51 Chelsea Street.

15. A0107-08 Petition
Petition from Andrew Philbin for lodging house license for The Glendale at 322-324 Ferry Street/

COMMITTEE REPORTS
16. A0016-08 Committee Report
Public Service Committee Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Marchese-That all Real Estate Companies in the Community consider being required to know parking and sanitary rules, and that there is a Code Enforcement Task Force, so that they may tell all future homeowners, as well as informing homeowners of the CETF Website; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
17. A0023-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City consider a user fee to all landlords that overload their apartments with high school age children who overload our schools, parks and streets. (Referred to City Solicitor for response as to legality)

18. A0077-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City Services provide the Board of Aldermen with a wish list for new and updated equipment needed for the City. (Referred 2/11 to City Services for response this meeting)

19. A0083-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To request Mayor DeMaria and Marzie Galazka from Mayor's Office of Community Development appear next meeting concerning the order of the streets to be done in the City, and that they are done in a fair way for each Ward.

20. A0085-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne A. Matewsky
That an invitation be sent to Mr. Jon Norton, Recycling Coordinator to appear this meeting relative to the progress being made with the pilot program on Recycling in the City of Everett.

NEW BUSINESS
21. A0096-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus and Councilor Joseph King
To rededicate the William Hogan Square at the corner of Malden Street and Chelsea Street.

22. A0098-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the owner of Dan's Redemption Center appear at the next License Committee meeting to discuss several issues concerning the operation of the redemption center on Hancock Street.

23. A0099-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Wayne Matewsky and Councilor Leo McKinnon
To place a service zone at 362 Ferry Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the request of business owner at that local.

24. A0100-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That Chapter 18-148(b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett be amended by changing the hours of the Resident Parking Sticker Program in designated residential areas from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

25. A0101-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Mayor's Office consider hiring special needs young adults in conjunction with the summer youth program.

26. A0108-08 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Robert J. Van Campen and L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett be amended by inserting a new Chapter 13B entitled "Maintenance of Vacant and Foreclosed Residential Properties".

27. A0109-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
To amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett by inserting Section 13-22 to be entitled "Sale of Lighters and Matches to Minors".

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Adm. Asst./Ofc. Mgr., Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
3/11 6PM RULES & ORDINANCES COMMITTEE MEETING
3/17 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
3/18 6PM BILLS & ACCTS COMMITTEE MEETING
3/18 6PM ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
3/24 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
www.http://cityofeverett.com

Common Council, Monday, 3/3/08

2008-02-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN

1.
A0090-08 Order/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen, as President
To accept the amount of $2500.00 from the Everett Co-Operative Bank to the Mayor's Office of Human Services-Emergency Services Account 27.3590EA, to be used to support the fuel assistance needs for Everett residents.(Passed sent down for concurrence)

2.
A0037-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles DiPerri-That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Section 18-133, Prohibited on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Bennett Street, no parking both sides for a distance of thirty (30) feet, from Ferry Street in a southerly direction; with a favorable recommendation to enroll. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment).

3.
A0073-08 Committee Report/s/Alderman Michael Marchese
Administrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Mike Marchese-To amend City Ordinances by including a residency requirement for all new hiring of safety personnel, that is, firefighters and policemen, to reside in the City of Everett, applicable after January 1, 2009; with an unfavorable recommendation. (Committee report accepted, enrolled sent down for enrollment (reconsideration failed).

4.
A0080-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
To amend Chapter 18, Section 18-162.5 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Towing of Repeatedly Tagged Vehicles" by deleting the following word and letter in the first sentence: "five (5)", and inserting in its place the following word and letter, "three (3)". The purpose of the amendment is to decrease the number of multiple vehicle parking violation notices a person can fail to appear on before his vehicle can be removed and stored at the expense of the registered owner of said vehicle. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

5.
A0081-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
To amend Chapter 18, Section 18-169 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Towing of repeatedly tagged motor vehicles" by deleting "five (5)" in the first sentence and "five (5) in the eighth sentence and replacing both with "three (3)". (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

6.
A0084-08 Resolution/s/Aldermen Wayne Matewsky, Sal Sachetta and Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the City Auditor provide to Members of the Bills & Accounts Committee a description of fund request for each Department and number each signature petition before the start of each monthly meeting. (Passed sent down for concurrence to send to City Auditor).

COMMUNICATIONS

7.
C0028-08 Communication
Response from Superintendent of Schools Mr. Fred Foresteire on behalf of the School Committee relative to the Resolution offered by Councilors Sal DiDomenico and Lou Sierra-That it be known that the Everett School Department is interested in the M.D.C. Swimming Pool on Elm Street for the Children of Everett; with a negative response.

8.
C0011-08 Communication
Favorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph F. Hickey-To prohibit parking from the Everett Credit Union exit on Chestnut Street, to the abutting property line, southwest side, to eliminate the viewing obstruction at that location, at the request of constituents exiting the ECU; with favorable recommendation to enroll.

9.
C0049-08 Communication
Favorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilors Millie Cardello and Sergio Cornelio-To place a service zone at 357 Broadway from Monday to Saturday, 8 am. to 6 p.m.; with a favorable recommendation to enroll.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.
C0073-08 Committee Report
Committee on Celebrations and Military Affairs Report on organizing celebration plans for the 2008 July 4th Festivities; with a recommendation for further time and to invite Mayor DeMaria, Exec. Director of the Chamber of Commerce William Jones, Recreation Director Rick Milley and the Recreation Commission Members to the next meeting.

11.
C0010-08 Committee Report
Public Safety Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Ranieri-To invite National Development Company to discuss the lack of signage at the entrance to Best Buy; with a recommendation for favorable action on the signage recommendations made by National Development in addition to the recommendations made by the Committee and that a communication be sent to National Development informing them of said approval. The Committee also recommended that a communication be sent to Representative Stephen Smith and Senator Anthony Galluccio requesting their assistance in having the State install a sign along the westbound side of Krystal Poirer Way that reads "Best Buy Entrance Second Right".

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

12.
C0043-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
That the Everett Police Traffic Division enforce the towing ordinance in the City of Everett. (Chief Mazzie requested to appear this meeting on the matter)

13.
C0063-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Sergio Cornelio
That the City Engineer submit an inspection/evaluation report on the needed repair or replacement to the front stairwell of the Parlin Memorial Library and report next meeting with findings. (Referred 2/19 to City Engineer Julius Ofurie and Mayor DeMaria for a response back this meeting)

14.
C0064-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
Mayor's Office of Community Development and the Engineering Division of City Services consider compiling an overall city wide street ranking summary, and report same to the Common Council before any proposed street rehabilitation and/or reconstruction. (Referred 2/19 to Community Development Director and City Engineer to appear this meeting with updated list of streets to be done)

15.
C0042-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Sergio Cornelio
That the City look into getting "smart cars" for the parking enforcement officers so that they can travel to other parts of the City to be able to enforce parking laws, not only on Broadway and Ferry Street where it is easiest to walk, but also be able to travel to other main streets and side streets to help enforce corner violations, parking on sidewalks, et cetera.

NEW BUSINESS

16.
C0069-08 Resolution/s/Councilors John Leo McKinnon and Millie J. Cardello
That the Chief of the Fire Department, Fire Commissioners, Mayor, Veterans Commissioner and Union Officials of the Fire Department and other Members of the Council and Board that were informed on this matter be invited to the next Public Safety Committee meeting on an old issue of the Firefighter Reserve List. This issue is being raised again, and if cards have been sent out by the Chief, we need to know how come. We would also ask that the Chief explain why he did not stick to the agreed plan of action on this matter that was brought to light at the last deliberation of said matter.

17.
C0070-08 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnon
That a group be formed in the City of Everett of retired citizens that have specific knowledge, ideas, hobbies, trades and or skills that would want to help or donate any spare time to help the City in any way that they can be formed and utilized for the betterment of our City.

18.
C0071-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors Joseph F. Hickey and John Leo McKinnon
To place a service zone at 361 Ferry Street between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

19.
C0072-08 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio, William Cardello, Lorrie Bruno and Alderman Robert Van Campen
That the City Engineer do a study on traffic flow, and the narrowness of Bradford Street, from Bucknam all the way down to Ferry Street, and make recommendation whether street should be a one-way or one-sided parking and report back his findings in one month, due to complaints of parked cars getting side-swiped.

20.
C0074-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
Mayor consider doing a clean-up month where rubbish company can accommodate so citizens can clean debris from homes and yards.

21.
COO75-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
That the City consider placing a traffic light at the intersection of Prescott and Tremont Street due to heavy foot traffic, the park and the tennis court.

22.
C0076-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Peter A. Napolitano
That Congressman Markey earmark funds for the remediation of Beacham Street from the Everett/Chelsea line to Route 99 to complement to upcoming work to be done on Beacham Street in Chelsea up to the Everett/Chelsea line.

23.
C0077-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Peter A. Napolitano
That the Everett Chief of Police obtain training and certification for at least two additional officers to operate the truck weighing equipment with the objective of maintaining around the clock monitoring of heavy truck traffic in and along South Everett, with a request for a response back next meeting March 17th.

24.
C0078-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Peter A. Napolitano
That the Everett Fire Chief and Members of the Fire Commission appear before the Administrative Affairs Committee to discuss implementing a cap or limit to how many names can be placed on the Stand-by Reserve List.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
C. McCorry, Adm. Asst./Ofc. Mgr. Everett City Council Office

3/4 6pm Public Service Committee meets.
3/5 6pm Finance Committee meets.

www.http://cityofeverett.com

Board of Alderman, 2/11/08

2008-02-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. A0079-08 Order/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen, as President
To transfer $10,000.00 from Fire Dept Personal Services Account to Fire Dept Station Expenses Account to replace furniture that is old and in poor condition at the Hancock Street Station.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
2. C0050-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
That the sum of $2,000,000.00 be appropriated from the Budgetary Fund Balance to be applied to the Fiscal Year 2009 Tax Levy. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

3. C0051-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $140,000.00 from the City of Everett Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the Veteran's Services Department-Veterans' Benefits Allowance Account to cover the higher than anticipated costs. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

4. C0052-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $130,000.00 from the City of Everett Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Unemployment Compensation Account to cover the additional expenses for higher than anticipated costs. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

5. C0053-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer $125,000.00 from Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the City Services Department Snow & Ice-Highway Road Salt Account to cover the additional expenses for higher than anticipated costs. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

6. C0054-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $85,000.00 from the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Short Term Debt Interest Account for Short Term Interest on Temporary Loans to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Insurance General Liability Insurance Account, as was not sufficiently funded in FY 2008 budget. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. C0055-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $70,000.00 from the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Short Term Debt Interest Account for Short Term Interest to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Employee Injuries Account for Active Fire & Police Medical Account to cover the City's responsibility for all medical bills for firemen and policemen who are injured on the job. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

8. C0014-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors John Leo McKinnon, Stacy Caralis and Joseph F. Hickey
To amend the School Safety Zone Ordinance by adding Pope John High, to run from Shute Street, at Dairy Maid, to Dunster Road, with proper signage to indicate the zone.(Ordained sent up for ordainment)

9. A0047-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That Chapter 18, Section 18-133 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Prohibited on Certain Streets" is hereby amended by adding "Freeman Ave, north/odd side". The purpose of the amendment is to make one-sided parking on north/odd side of Freeman Ave, which was approved by the Traffic Commission. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

10. C0047-08 Communication
Notice from Retirement Board relative to their annual COLA notification from the Public Employee Retirement Administration for retired members. The COLA the Board may grant effective July 1, 2008 is 2.3%, but with proper notice to Legislative Body, they may elect, at their next Retirement Board meeting on February 27th, to increase this percentage to 3%. (Copy in mailboxes 1/30/08) (Communication read and sent up for concurrent informational purposes to place on file)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
11. A0061-08 Petition
Petition for 1st Class Motor Dealer License from BR Motorcycles, LLC D/B/A Bruce Rossmeyer's Boston Harley-Davidson at 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

12. A0062-08 Petition
Petition for 1st Class Motor Dealer License from Boston Freightliner, Inc. at 3 Bow Street.

13. A0063-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Vigor Diesel Injection, Inc. at 50 Mystic Street.

14. A0064-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Vigor Diesel Injection Service, Inc., at 3 Bow Street.

15. A0065-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Metro Plus at 356 Broadway.

16. A0066-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from BR Motorcycles, LLC D/B/A Bruce Rossmeyer's Boston Harley-Davidson at 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

17. A0067-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Parkway Auto Sales at 1847 Revere Beach Parkway.

18. A0068-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Bostonian Body Inc. at 141 Bow Street.

19. A0069-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Ciro's at 105 Broadway.

20. A0070-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Ferry Street Service Station at 464 Ferry Street.

21. A0072-08 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Malden Auto Body of Everett Inc. D/B/A Massone Auto Sales at 2 Thorndike Street.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
22. A0008-08 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Petition from Dircelio Beluco D/B/A Ferry St. Motors at 152 Ferry Street for a 2nd Class Motor Dealer License.

23. A0049-08 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Petition from Billy & Terry Onessimo for selling flowers on most weekends, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday weekends, February 14, Easter, Mother's Day, at 140 Ferry Street.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
24. A0023-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City considers a user fee to all landlords that overload their apartments with high school age children who overload our schools, parks and streets. (Referred to City Solicitor for response as to legality for this meeting)

25. A0016-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael Marchese
To refer to Community Development and CETF for a response in two weeks on their recommendation that all Real Estate Companies in the Community consider being required to know parking and sanitary rules, and that there is a Code Enforcement Task Force, so that they may tell all future homeowners, as well as informing homeowners of the CETF Website. (Referred to Mr. Chiampi to appear on the matter this meeting).

26. A0048-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That a letter be sent to the Management Company of Walgreens-Everett requesting that they have full-time security officer on duty for their stores, preferably between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., to provide security for the patrons from unruly outsiders. (Referred to Chief Mazzie to appear this meeting with update on what is being done in this area.)

NEW BUSINESS
27. A0053-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Everett Board of Aldermen support the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

28. A0054-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the City of Everett repair upper Francis Street, upper Florence Street and Villa Ave.

29. A0055-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen, Councilor Rosa DiFlorio, Councilor William L. Cardello and Councilor Lorrie Bruno
That the Traffic Commission do a study and make recommendation on making Bradford Street, from Hancock Street to Ferry Street, in an easterly direction, (from number 140 up to the higher numbers), a one-way or parking on one side due to many complaints that neighborhood cars are getting side swiped.

30. A0056-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne A. Matewsky
That the City Engineer evaluate Autumn Street and possibly place on the slab to be repaved due to unsafe conditions.

31. A0057-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Aldo Construction Company repair the fence at the end of Dartmouth Street which they damaged.

32. A0058-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Public Works Department and the Wire Department construct a blinking red light at the top of Garland Street intersecting Lawrence Street.

33. A0059-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Mayor's Office contact a photographer to put up the pictures of the past Mayors that are not hung in the Keverian Room yet.

34. A0060-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Wayne A. Matewsky
That the City Services Wire Department correct the timing and operation of the faulty red, green and yellow streetlights at the intersection of Malden Street and Nichols Street, in the interest of public safety.

35. A0071-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo Jr.
That the City Services Sign Division put up a street sign for Garvey Street.

36. A0073-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
To amend City Ordinances by including a residency requirement for all new hiring’s of safety personnel, that is, firefighters and policemen, to reside in the City of Everett, applicable after January 1, 2009.

37. A0074-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City consider giving rewards leading to information on arrest of people who deface buildings by tagging and/or painting.

38. A0075-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City try to reconfigure the parking lot at the old Bon Saison parking lot to accumulate another row of cars.

39. A0076-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michesel K. Marchese
That the City consider giving commercial blocks the option of putting up parking meters.

40. A0077-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City Services provide the Board of Aldermen with a wish list for new and updated equipment needed for the City.

41. A0078-08 Resolution/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That the City Services Department correct a two foot wide gouge at the corner of Birch Street and Clarence Street, where the drain is too high.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Admin. Assist. Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
2/11 6PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
2/12 6PM RULES & ORDINANCES COMMITTEE MEETING
2/14 6PM BILLS & ACCTS COMMITTEE MEETING
2/14 6PM CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
2/19 7PM (TUES.) COMMON COUNCIL
2/25 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN
www.http://cityofeverett.com

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008, 7:00 PM

2008-02-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA

________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0050-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
That the sum of $2,000,000.00 be appropriated from the Budgetary Fund Balance to be applied to the Fiscal Year 2009 Tax Levy.

2. C0051-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $140,000.00 from the City of Everett Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the Veteran's Services Department-Veterans' Benefits Allowance Account to cover the higher than anticipated costs.

3. C0052-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $130,000.00 from the City of Everett Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Unemployment Compensation Account to cover the additional expenses for higher than anticipated costs.

4. C0053-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer $125,000.00 from Retirement Board Payment for Pension Fund Account to the City Services Department Snow & Ice-Highway Road Salt Account to cover the additional expenses for higher than anticipated costs.

5. C0054-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $85,000.00 from the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Short Term Debt Interest Account for Short Term Interest on Temporary Loans to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Insurance General Liability Insurance Account, as was not sufficiently funded in FY 2008 budget.

6. C0055-08 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, as President
To transfer the amount of $70,000.00 from the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Short Term Debt Interest Account for Short Term Interest to the City of Everett General Operating Expenses-Employee Injuries Account for Active Fire & Police Medical Account to cover the City's responsibility for all medical bills for firemen and policemen who are injured on the job.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
7. A0031-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen, as President
To amend Chapter 2, Section 2-47 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, relative to the qualifications of the City Solicitor, by striking out the words "and resident of the City of Everett" and inserting in the words "with residency in the City as a preferred qualification, but not a prerequisite for appointment." (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

8. C0014-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors John Leo McKinnon, Stacy Caralis and Joseph F. Hickey
To amend the School Safety Zone Ordinance by adding Pope John High, to run from Shute Street, at Dairy Maid, to Dunster Road, with proper signage to indicate the zone.(Enrolled in concurrence, sent down for ordainment)

9. A0047-08 Ordinance/s/Alderman Michael K. Marchese
That Chapter 18, Section 18-133 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, "Prohibited on Certain Streets" is hereby amended by adding "Freeman Ave, north/odd side". The purpose of the amendment is to make one-sided parking on north/odd side of Freeman Ave, which was approved by the Traffic Commission. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

COMMUNICATIONS
10. C0047-08
Notice from Retirement Board relative to their annual COLA notification from the Public Employee Retirement Administration for retired members. The COLA the Board may grant effective July 1, 2008 is 2.3%, but with proper notice to Legislative Body, they may elect, at their next Retirement Board meeting on February 27th, to increase this percentage to 3%. (Copy in mailboxes 1/30/08)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
11. C0026-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Lou Sierra
That Mass. Electric/National Grid change the light bulbs on the following pole numbers in the City of Everett on Ferry Street, from Glendale Park to Chelsea Street, Pole # 3704, 3227, 2565, 3215, 3221 and 423. (Response received from National Grid that all work completed 1/28/08 vial email.)

NEW BUSINESS
12. C0034-08 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Lou Sierra
That the Police Traffic Division enforce Section 18-144 "Emergency or Weather Parking Limitations" for all vehicles found in violation, including vehicles with handicapped signs, during snow emergencies.

13. C0035-08 Resolution/s/Councilors William L. Cardello, Rosa DiFlorio and Lorrie Bruno
That the Committee on Public Service meet to discuss neighborhood concerns regarding the Church on Webster Street with noise at all different times of the night.

14. C0036-08 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnon
That the Auxiliary Police Department appear next meeting to discuss concerns that their budget funding is insufficient.

15. C0037-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
That City Services inspect all the fire hydrants in the City when the weather conditions improve, and submit to the Common Council an updated list on the age of the fire hydrants at their earliest convenience.

16. C0038-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Anthony F. Ranieri
That Mayor DeMaria, Senator Anthony Galluccio and Representative Stephen Smith be invited to next meeting, Tuesday, February 19th, relative to giving an up date on how the 27 Million Dollars that was earmarked for Massachusetts Emergency Heating for the needy and elderly, is being disbursed, as well as, where and how they can get help.

17. C0039-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Anthony F. Ranieri
That Steven Caracciolo, Management Information System Director, appear next meeting February 19th, relative to explaining to the community about analog and high definition television that is due to change in February of 2009.

18. C0040-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Anthony F. Ranieri
That a Representative from Comcast appear at next meeting, February 19th, to see if any type of discount program will be made available to the most needy of our community when analog connects to high definition in February of 2009.

19. C0041-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Sergio Cornelio
That the City consider placing parking meters the full length of Ferry Street, in blocks of business areas, from Chelsea Street to the Malden Line, on both sides.

20. C0042-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Sergio Cornelio
That the City look into getting "smart cars" for the parking enforcement officers so that they can travel to other parts of the City to be able to enforce parking laws, not only on Broadway and Ferry Street where it is easiest to walk, but also be able to travel to other main streets and side streets to help enforce corner violations, parking on sidewalks, et cetera.

21. C0043-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
That the Everett Police Traffic Division enforce the towing ordinance in the City of Everett, and to invite Sgt. Bova to appear next meeting to discuss the matter.

22. C0044-08 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Lou Sierra
That the Mayor consider getting an emergency telephone number for water main breaks and snow emergencies.

23. C0045-08 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Cynthia Sarnie
That the Purchasing Agent and the City Treasurer get together to find a solution on accepting credit card payments, and at the same time, checks, because they can verify funds on the credit card machine, as well as, considering on-line payments for tickets.

24. C0046-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Cynthia Sarnie
That the Police look into the illegal dumping at the sight at the bottom of the Waters Ave Project. Also, there are cameras at the 7 Acres Park, investigate and see if the cameras are working, as well as, patrol the area due to illegal dumping and graffiti.

25. C0048-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
To consider establishing an ordinance where all mortgage companies’ holding foreclosed properties be instructed to register with the Code Enforcement Task Force.

26. C0049-08 Ordinance/s/Councilors Millie J. Cardello and Sergio Cornelio
To place a service zone at 357 Broadway from Monday to Saturday, 8 am. to 6 p.m.

27. C0056-08 Resolution/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
That the Police Traffic Division monitor and set speed trap on Locust Street during the early morning hours of 6 a.m., at the request of area residents.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Adm. Asst., Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
2/11 6PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
2/11 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
2/14 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
2/19 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING (TUESDAY)
2/25 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
www.http://cityofeverett.com

"I Have a Dream" -- Honoring Martin Luther King

2008-01-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow our country honors the life and contributions of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in 1968. Dr. King's contribution to the civil rights movement cannot be measured in words, and his call for non-violent protest was antithetical to the brutal confrontations prevalent at that time as this country sought to come to grips with its painful history of discrimination against people of color.

One of Dr. King's most famous -- if not the most famous -- speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Known as the "I Have a Dream" speech, it is a stirring call to action on the part of all Americans to honor the promises of our forefathers and to stand together in peace and equality as Americans. We at the Mirror thought it appropriate to reprint the speech, in its entirety, for our readers, in tribute to Dr. King's memory and to his wish for equality and peace among all people. We hope that you will take the time to read it.

"I Have A Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition. In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" we can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring." And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

More Snow

2008-01-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

Well, we knew that the 40-60 degree weather we had experienced for the last week was too good to last. WCVB is reporting a pretty good snowfall for the Boston area, with a prediction of 8-10 inches of snow predicted by tomorrow. The heaviest snowfall is expected betweem 10 AM and 12 Noon. A snow emergency has been declared, effective at 9 PM tonight and Everett Public Schools has already cancelled school for tomorrow. Needless to say, if you don't have to go out tomorrow, it's probably a good idea to stay home.

Sweep!

2008-01-08T22:06:00.001-05:00

The news out of City Hall is refreshing; we're hearing that the new administration of Carlo DeMaria has taken charge and is sweeping out the "dead wood" of the Hanlon administration. Reportedly, the budget director, the city solicitor, the assistant city solicitor and the head of public works have all been asked to step down.

While we don't rejoice at anyone losing their job, it's important for the new administration to establish standards and expectations for performance, something that was sadly lacking during the past administration.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

2008 is upon us, and it's time once again to ring in a brand new year. "Out with the old and in with the new." It's been a tough year in Everett, but we enter the new year with a clean slate that is much like the newly fallen snow at Glendale Park before the dog-walkers get there.

Our hopes for 2008 are as follows, and in no particular order:

Tax stability for Everett's taxpayers. City Government needs to put the fiscal stability of the city first and foremost. The economists say there's a recession on the horizon. Start planning now.

Decrease in domestic violence. Of the 39 domestic violence-related deaths in Massachusetts, two of them are from Everett. One is too many, anywhere.

Help for Everett citizens caught in foreclosure. Everett has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the Commonwealth, and many of our citizens have been caught in the subprime mortgage mess. They need help and helping them helps the city - because there's nothing good that can come from vacant houses in neighborhoods.

Unity for Everett. Everett has always been passionate about its politics, but it's long past time for people to come together. McCarthy, Ragucci and Hanlon's days are done....and it's time to let it go and bury the hatchet. We've all witnessed the cost of unbridled revenge in city hall and it was bad for every taxpayer in this city. We have a new mayor, and hopefully, he will bring in a new team to lead this city out of one of its darkest times.

Leadership - Leadership is in doing the right thing; it's the ability to make the hard decisions and put the needs of the city before political gain. It's about being accountable to the people who voted you into office. It's about having the courage of your convictions. The city needs leaders, people who care more about the city than in getting reelected. The political games, the made-up jobs, the incompetent hires, fiscal mismanagement and rewarding bad behavior needs to stop, or this city will never get anywhere. That means you, too, school committee!

Happy New Year, one and all. Please feel free to add your own hopes and dreams of 2008.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Day....let us rejoice in this beauty of this moment. May peace and joy color your Christmas and carry you into the brand New Year.

Board of Alderman, 12/26/07 (Wednesday)

2007-12-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

(6:30pm-License Committee meeting)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
1. C0338-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the gift of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Veterans Department Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

2. C0339-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $550.00 from Mayor John F. Hanlon to be deposited into the City's General Fund as down payment on the ceremonial mace. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

3. C0337-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the Everett City Council supports House Docket 4651 Legislation that would bring over two million dollars to the City of Everett. This is from the State Rainy Day Fund with over two billion dollars currently in it. Along with City Council support, please forward to State Representative Stephen Smith and State Senator Anthony Gallucio, and also House Speaker Sal DiMasi to refer Bill to appropriate Joint Committee.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
4. A0371-07 Petition
Petition for Pool Table from Dragan Gajica D/B/A Social Club "Olymp 84" at 533 Ferry Street. (Social Club for former Yugoslavian Community.)

5. A0372-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Thomas A. Coviello D/B/A Eastern Sales at 1934 Revere Beach Parkway.

6. A0373-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Joseph Cicchetti D/B/A Regal Auto Sales at 1800 Revere Beach Parkway.

7. A0374-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Cesar Neiva D/B/A XTREME Motors Inc. at 3 Everett Ave.

8. A0375-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Robert Catalano D/B/A Vets Auto Sales at 91 E. Elm Street.

9. A0376-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Richard D. DiOrio D/B/A Mel's Automotive at 80 Tremont Street.

10. A0377-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer's License from Luigi Acierno D/B/A European Motors Auto Sales at 511 Second Street.

11. A0378-07 Petition
Petition for 3rd Class Motor Dealer License from Prolerized NE Company LLC D/B/A Second Street Iron & Metal at 285 Second Street.

12. A0379-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Carlos de Carvalho D/BA Foreign Engine II, LLC at 67R Chelsea Street.

COMMUNICATIONS
13. A0272-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Chuck DiPerri-To amend Section 18-133, "Prohibited on Certain Streets" by adding Sammet Street, no parking on south side, from Taylor Street to Shute Street; with approval for 60 day trial period to begin as soon as conditions allow for sign installation.

14. A0380-07 Communication
Communication from Mr. John F. Kryzovic, City Solicitor, relative to NEXTG NETWORKS Petition for Grant of Location in Everett.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
15. A0356-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Petition for an Open Air Parking License from Export Enterprises of Ma., Inc., 26 Garvey Street.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Admin. Assist., Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO NOTE:
1/7/08 7:30PM INAUGURATION CEREMONIES-EHS ARTS CENTER
1/7/08 8:30PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING INAUGURATION)
1/7/08 8:45PM SPECIAL BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING)
1/12/08 7:00PM INAUGURAL BALL-EHS
http://cityofeverett.com

Common Council Agenda 12/17/07

2007-12-15T12:36:00.000-05:00

(6:30PM-Four presentations {BOH Volunteers, Lt. Erickson’s promotion to Captain, EHS Super Fans and Outgoing Members of Common Council})

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0338-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the gift of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Veterans Department Gift Account.

2. C0339-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $550.00 from Mayor John F. Hanlon to be deposited into the City's General Fund as down payment on the ceremonial mace.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
3. A0370-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To authorize Mayor Hanlon to act for the City of Everett in the matter of placing activity and use limitations on a parcel of registered land, identified by Certificate Number 220175, Book 1231, Page 25, (South Middlesex Land Registration Office) owned by the City of Everett, a portion of the total property located at 115 Woodville Street, the location of the Madeline English School, in connection with filing a Response Action Outcome (RAO) Statement for that site under 310 CMR 40.0000. (Passed, sent down for concurrence)

4. C0306-07
Committee on Licenses Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky regarding mechanical shop concerns and trucks on Cabot Street, in the middle of Cabot and Revere Street, with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.(Committee report accepted, referred back to sponsor)

5. A0354-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To authorize a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) Agreement between the City of Everett and Prolerized New England Company LLC for twenty years. This TIF Agreement will be based on an exemption from Chapter 40, Section 59, property taxation for the project and applied to the new assessed value of the Prolerized New England project. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

6. A0355-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To authorize an amendment to the Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area (EOA), to remove Prolerized New England project from the existing Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area and design Prolerized New England Company LLC as a separate EOA for twenty years. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. C0322-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To have City Services Director Jerry Sheehan, Fleet Manager Tony Latorelli and the Mechanics at the City Yard give a complete and detailed update on all thirty-seven (37) motor vehicles and other pieces of equipment and report back to the Common Council with a full and written report on Monday, December 17th, the last Common Council meeting for the year.

8. C0325-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Code Enforcement Task Force go into 190 Shute Street to see about complaints of the residency to see exactly what is going on, and to see if there is any record or permitting for a sober house or a drug rehab house.

9. C0333-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To have City Services notify the public when an emergency occurs and services will be interrupted, such as a water main break.(Mr. Jerry Sheehan requested to attend on the matter this meeting.)

NEW BUSINESS
10. C0334-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To invite Personnel Director, James Henderson, and Commissioner of Veterans Services, Walter Rice, to appear this meeting, Monday, December 17th, to explain the plaques that were supposed to be dedicated to Veterans missing in action at the New High School.

11. C0335-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Wayne Matewsky-Sign Division replace missing no heavy trucking signs on Lewis Street, both sides, one at Second Street and Lewis Street, and the other at Revere Beach Parkway and Lewis Street. This is second request. The signs were up there and taken down a few years ago.

12. C0336-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To see if there is, or needs to be put in place, a mechanized metal detector at the new High School.

13. C0337-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the Everett City Council supports House Docket 4651 Legislation that would bring over a million dollars to the City of Everett. This is from the State Rainy Day Fund with over two billion dollars currently in it. Along with City Council support, please forward to State Representative Stephen Smith and State Senator Anthony Gallucio, and also House Speaker Sal DiMasi to refer Bill to appropriate Joint Committee.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant, Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO NOTE:
12/18 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
12/26 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING (WEDNESDAY)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007

2007-12-10T16:33:00.001-05:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0356-07
To all parties interested in the petition for an Open Air Parking License from Export Enterprises of Ma., Inc., 26 Garvey Street.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
2. A0370-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To authorize Mayor Hanlon to act for the City of Everett in the matter of placing activity and use limitations on a parcel of registered land, identified by Certificate Number 220175, Book 1231, Page 25, (South Middlesex Land Registration Office) owned by the City of Everett, a portion of the total property located at 115 Woodville Street, the location of the Madeline English School, in connection with filing a Response Action Outcome (RAO) Statement for that site under 310 CMR 40.0000.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
3. C0328-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $9,000.00 from the Everett Foundation for Aged Persons, Inc. to the Human Services Elder Services Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

4. C0329-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $5,000.00 from Lester Morovitz, Everett Car Service, to the Mayor's Office of Human Services Emergency Services Account for Everett residents. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

5. C0330-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donations totaling $3,400.00 to the Human Services Emergency Services Account, to support Holiday Programs for Everett residents, from the following: Schnitzer Northeast (formerly Prolerized New England) $3,000.00, Bernard & MaryJane Schram $200.00 and First United Parish $200.00. (Passed sent up for concurrence.)

6. C0331-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept donations totaling $235.00 to the Human Services Emergency Services Account, to support the Christmas Program for Everett residents, from the following: Quang Ngo D/B/A Le Redemption Center $200.00, Robert & Lillian Johnston $25.00 and Rose LaRossa $10.00. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. A0348-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $1,200.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the City Clerk Office Supply Account for the purchase of a ceremonial mace. (Amended by deleting "$1,200.00" and inserting "$550.00", Passed, as amended, sent up for concurrence on the amendment)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
8. A0357-07 Petition
Petition for Junk Dealer License from Paul P. Mattuchio Inc. Scrap Metal at 366-322 Second Street.

9. A0358-07 Petition
Petition for 1st Class Motor Dealer License from Atala Corp D/B/A Honda Cars of Boston at 100 Broadway.

10. A0359-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Atala Corp D/B/A Honda Cars of Boston at 100 Broadway.

11. A0360-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Ferry Street Motors Inc. D/B/A Auto Gallery of Everett, 1993 Revere Beach Parkway.

12. A0361-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Caruso Automotive at 49 Robin Street.

13. A0362-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from BFN, Inc. D/B/A Ferry Street Gas & Service at 153 Ferry Street.

14. A0363-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Glendale Auto Sales at 725 Broadway.

15. A0364-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from K-C Auto Sales at 312 Rear Main Street.

16. A0365-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from LaRovere Family, LLC at 29 Garden Street.

17. A0366-07 Petition
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Parkway Motor Sales, Inc. at 2034 Revere Beach Parkway.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
18. C0176-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph Hickey and Alderman Chuck DiPerri-Relative to junk or second hand dealer in receipt of any military plaques or memorabilia.

19. C0306-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky regarding mechanical shop concerns and trucks on Cabot Street, in the middle of Cabot and Revere Street.

20. A0344-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on Petitiion for Redemption Center License from Thompson Thu Hguyen D/B/A Dan's Redemption Center at 107 Hancock Street.

21. A0345-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on Petition from Marco Martin D/B/A Rio USA Auto Sales Inc. at 365 Third Street for a 2nd Class Motor Dealer License.

22. A0346-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on Ratification of Le Redemption Center Inc. License at 132 Union Street for Redemption Center License.

23. A0336-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Communication from Paul Mattuchio Inc., 282 Second Street, with a request to transfer his existing Junk Dealer License from 282 Second Street to 366 Second Street, a distance of about 150 yards.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
24. A0354-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To authorize a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) Agreement between the City of Everett and Prolerized New England Company LLC for twenty years. This TIF Agreement will be based on an exemption from Chapter 59 property taxation for the project and applied to the new assessed value of the Prolerized New England project.

25. A0355-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To authorize an amendment to the Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area (EOA), to remove Prolerized New England project from the existing Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area and design Prolerized New England Company LLC as a separate EOA for twenty years.

NEW BUSINESS
26. A0351-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To request the Public Works-Sign Division place additional no parking signs up on Prospect Street, south side, where the Horace Park is located.

27. A0367-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
To thank Malden Catholic and their Coach, Joe Gaff, for the use of their football field.

28. A0368-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
To thank Robert Craft and the New England Patriots for hosting the recent Massachusetts Highschool Superbowl.

29. A0369-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To thank the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department and all the volunteers that worked so hard and diligently to save the lives of all the residents at the oil spill on December 5, 2007.

Adjournment

Tanker Inferno

2007-12-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

At about 1:45 AM this morning, a tanker carrying about 9000 gallons of gasoline took the turn off of the rotary too sharply, and tipped over the enbankment, leaking gasoline everywhere. The ensuing explosion created an inferno in the area, which damaged at least 2 three-decker homes and 40 cars. At least 200 residents have been evacuated, many of whom are now at the Armory. An elder complex in the area has also been evaculated for safety sake, and some residents treated for smoke inhalation. The driver of the tanker escaped with minor injuries and no other injuries have been reported.

We extend deep and sincere appreciation to the Everett Fire Department, under the supervision of Chief David Butler,who were able to contain the fire to the immediate area. This fire could have been so much worse than it was,particularly given the density of housing and parking in the area. It's amazing that no one was killed or seriously injured. Hats off to all of Everett's responders.

The pictures at WCVB are just remarkable. http://www.thebostonchannel.com

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/05/boston.fire/index.html?iref=24hours

MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22113785

Meeting of the Common Council: Monday, 12/3

2007-12-03T09:37:00.000-05:00

(6PM-Joint Convention, 6:30PM-Special Board of Aldermen meeting)

AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA

________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0328-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $9,000.00 from the Everett Foundation for Aged Persons, Inc. to the Human Services Elder Services Account.

2. C0329-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $5,000.00 from Lester Morovitz, Everett Car Service, to the Mayor's Office of Human Services Emergency Services Account for Everett residents.

3. C0330-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donations totaling $3,400.00 to the Human Services Emergency Services Account, to support Holiday Programs for Everett residents, from the following: Schnitzer Northeast (formerly Prolerized New England) $3,000.00, Bernard & MaryJane Schram $200.00 and First United Parish $200.00.

4. C0331-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept donations totaling $235.00 to the Human Services Emergency Services Account, to support the Christmas Program for Everett residents, from the following: Quang Ngo D/B/A Le Redemption Center $200.00, Robert & Lillian Johnston $25.00 and Rose LaRossa $10.00.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
5. A0348-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $1,200.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the City Clerk Office Supply Account for the purchase of a ceremonial mace. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

6. C0319-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $30,000 from Police Overtime Account to Police Outlay Account to replace carpeting in the Operations Room and adjacent common hallways. (Amended by deleting "Police Outlay Account" and insert "Budgetary Fund Balance", Passed, as amended, sent up for concurrence)
(Amended by deleting "Police Overtime Account to Police Outlay Account" and inserting "Budgetary Fund Balance to Police Capital Outlay Account", passed as amended, sent down for concurrence on the amendment)

7. A0349-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Board of Aldermen give a vote of confidence to George Keverian for the job he did in the Board of Assessors. (Amended by deleting "Board of Aldermen" and inserting "City Council", passed, as amended, sent down for concurrence)

8. A0350-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert Van Campen, Councilors William Cardello, Rosa DiFlorio and Lorrie Bruno
That the Committee on Public Service meet to discuss problems with the Webster Street Church with noise at all different times of the night. Invite Pastor of the Church and neighbors of Webster and Ellsworth Streets. (Amended by adding Councilor Rosa DiFlorio as Co-sponsor, and referred to the Committee on Public Service, invite Police Chief. Sent down for concurrence.)

9. A0315-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To transfer the amount of $1,500,000.00 (1.5 Million Dollars) from the Fiscal Year 2008 Budgetary Fund Balance to our Stabilization Fund Account; with a recommendation for favorable action. (Passed, 4-2, in accordance with Section 18 of the City Charter, sent down for concurrence)

10. A0354-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To authorize a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) Agreement between the City of Everett and Prolerized New England Company LLC for twenty years. This TIF Agreement will be based on an exemption from Chapter 59 property taxation for the project and applied to the new assessed value of the Prolerized New England project.

11. A0355-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To authorize an amendment to the Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area (EOA), to remove Prolerized New England project from the existing Parkway Island End Economic Opportunity Area and design Prolerized New England Company LLC as a separate EOA for twenty years.

COMMUNICATIONS
12. C0274-07 Communication
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Lou Sierra-To reduce the speed limit on Foster Street from 30 MPH to 20 MPH.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13. C0291-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Leo McKinnon and James Keane
That Senator Galluccio be invited to appear next meeting relative to discussing a YMCA in the City of Everett, and also to find out about replacing the slide at the Recreation Department via grant funding.

14. C0292-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That Code Enforcement and Building Department investigate possible overcrowded condition at 10 Thorndike Street, 2nd Floor, it is a church organization at that location and residents want to know how many people are they allowed to have in that building.

NEW BUSINESS
15. C0324-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Mayor, Fire Chief and Veterans Director of the City of Everett come before the Common Council to explain the reason why Union Representatives were not in fact allowed to participate in the meeting with the Fire Chief and Veterans Commissioner as stated at the November 19th meeting of the Common Council with regards to a resolution made at the Common Council meeting of November 7, 2007, to invite all parties to form a committee to change the policy for military training without loss of pay. The Veteran should not have to work swap time to receive pay for training required by the military.

16. C0325-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Code Enforcement Task Force go into 190 Shute Street to see about complaints of the residency to see exactly what is going on, and to see if there is any record or permitting for a sober house or a drug rehab house.

17. C0326-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That there not be allowed any Sober or Drug Rehab house at 190 Shute Street.

18. C0327-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To amend School Safety Zone around Pope John High School to include from Dairy Maid, on Shute Street, to Dunster Road and encompass the Pope John High School area.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Adm. Assist. Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
www.http://cityofeverett.com

Keverian vs. The City of Everett

2007-11-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like yet another lawsuit for the City, courtesy of the vindictiveness of the Hanlon administration.

As everyone knows by now, City Assessor and former Speaker of the House George Keverian was unceremoniously dismissed by lame duck Mayor John Hanlon in what many feel was an act of political retribution against Keverian for openly supporting mayoral challenger Joe McGonagle in the general election. According to today's Boston Globe, Hanlon has now refused to grant an administrative hearing to Keverian and, consequently, Keverian has hired a lawyer and may well bring legal action against the city.

It seems that this will be Hanlon's legacy -- racking up lawsuits against the city at what may be a record pace for a one term mayor.

But what of the firing of George Keverian? Some would argue that this is the price to be paid for taking a political stand. After all, Keverian is a political veteran. He knows how these games are played. He must have known the risk he was taking when he chose to so publicly support the person who had topped the ticket to knock Hanlon out of the primary and was then going head to head against the person Hanlon subsequently just as publicly endorsed.

There's just one problem with that . . . political retribution is against the law. Yes, we all know it goes on; yes, we all shrug our shoulders and say "hey, what did he think was going to happen?" At the end of the day, however, it is against the law, as outlined here from Mass General Laws, Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Section 33. Employers; influencing votes of employees; penalties

Section 33. No person shall, by threatening to discharge a person from his employment, or threatening to reduce his wages, or otherwise threatening to adversely affect the terms and conditions of his employment, or promising to give him employment at higher wages, or otherwise promising to favorably affect the terms and conditions of his employment, attempt to influence a voter to give or to withhold his vote or political contribution. No person shall, because of the giving or withholding of a vote or a political contribution, discharge a person from his employment, reduce his wages or otherwise adversely affect the terms and conditions of his employment or give him employment at higher wages or otherwise favorably affect the terms and conditions of his employment.
Violation of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.

In fact, our own city ordinances outline the following provision:

Section 2-33. Political preference of officers and employees.
No person shall be employed, or refused employment or be discharged from employment by reason of having voted for or against any particular candidate or political party or faction, nor shall any inquiry be made as to the political preference of any employee or applicant for employment. (Rev. Ords. 1976, Pt. 2, Ch. 2, § 5)

Okay . . . so even though we know that political payback is "part of the game," the reality of this situation is that the firing of George Keverian was such an obvious act of retribution, the City will have no way out of paying off yet another wrongfully dismissed employee -- from Jack Garron, to those unfairly dismissed as a result of the bogus audit conducted by Hanlon's henchmen, to George Keverian, this administration has left a pathway of employment destruction in its wake that is unequaled in the history of this city. Is this the only administration to engage in political retribution through unemployment? No. It is, however, the only one in recent history to be so blatant and so arrogant about it.

Arrogance is the hallmark of this administration. From the claims of open meeting law violations to the firing of Jack Garron to the bogus never to be heard of again audit, to the 2008 Fiscal Budget process to the firing of George Keverian and the subsequent refusal to grant him an administrative hearing to Hanlon's current statement in the Globe yesterday that the firing of George Keverian is not the business of the Board of Aldermen -- Hanlon has consistently shown a disrespect and disregard for cohesive governing unparalleled in recent history.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

It's Thanksgiving morning, so let's count our blessings. Please feel free to add your own.

1. We live in the most properous country in the world; most of us have plenty to eat, decent, heated homes and jobs.

2. Health - if you've got your health - you've got everything. I know that sounds so cliche - but it really IS everything.

3. Family - is there anything better than gathering them in for a blessing and feast?

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. So what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Common Council Agenda 11/19/07

2007-11-18T17:53:00.000-05:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0319-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $30,000 from Police Overtime Account to Police Outlay Account to replace carpeting in the Operations Room and adjacent common hallways.

2. C0320-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $100.00 from the Everett Emblem Club to the Mayor's Office of Human Services for the Thanksgiving Program for Everett Residents.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
3. A0339-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $319,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department Salaries Account to supplement health insurance agreement. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

4. A0340-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To transfer the sum of $11,644.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance Account to the School Athletics Misc. Expense Account to honor the agreement made between the City of Everett and the School Department on splitting the cost of the lease of the bleachers at the Everett Stadium. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

5. C0256-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
To amend the parking ticket violation fines by increasing the handicap parking violations to $150 and fire hydrant fines for fire hydrant violations to $300.00; with a recommendation for favorable action from the Rules & Ordinances Committee. (Enrolled in concurrrence, sent down for ordainment)

6. C0281-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Rosa DiFlorio to amend the Solid Waste Management Ordinance, as follows: Section 16-21 by deleting paragraph (a) in its entirety, and inserting in place new "(a) An approved rubbish receptacle or container is an outdoor type container constructed of heavy plastics or metal with lockable covers and shall be fly-tight, rodent resistant non-flammable and waterproof rubbish containers and shall not exceed fifty pounds. Section 16-22 by inserting the word "approved" after the words "except in" in paragraph (a) and further amending (a) by deleting the words "or areas lawfully provided therefore."
Section 16-22 paragraph (e) by deleting word "adequate" in fifth line and insert word "approved", and by inserting "in Section 16-21 (a) to the last sentence in paragraph (e) and to delete the following words in the last sentence of paragraph (e) "by the Board of Public Works." Section 16-26 (d) by deleting "Containers shall be kept covered at all times" and insert "Only approved containers shall be used for the collection of rubbish as indicated in Section 16-21 (a)." Paragraph e (16-26) by deleting words in forth line "the Board of Public Works" and insert "Code Enforcement" in its place. Section 16-53 by adding paragraph (c) as follows: "(c) The occupant or occupants of every city dwelling shall use only approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a). Section 16-55 paragraph (a) by deleting the words "suitable containers" and inserting "approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a)" in its place; with a recommendation for favorable action on the proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance; Committee report accepted, amended by striking out "Board of Public Works" in Section 16-27 Part A, and inserting in place words "Code Enforcement". (Enrolled as amended, in concurrence, sent down for ordainment, as amended).

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. C0291-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Leo McKinnon and James Keane
That Senator Galluccio be invited to appear next meeting relative to discussing a YMCA in the City of Everett, and also to find out about replacing the slide at the Recreation Department via grant funding.

8. C0292-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That Code Enforcement and Building Department investigate possible overcrowded condition at 10 Thorndike Street, 2nd Floor, it is a church organization at that location and residents want to know how many people are they allowed to have in that building, as could be possible overcrowding conditions, due to concerns of the area residents. (Referred (10/15/07) to Code Enforcement and Building Department to evaluate situation and update for this meeting)

9. C0305-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Chief of the Fire Department, the Mayor, Union President Bill Pierce, Vice President Rich Jacobsmyer and the Veterans Director Walter Rice appear that the next meeting to talk about the Veterans that are going over seas to fight in the war and what is the current practice to compensate them for training days before they go to war.

10. C0309-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Public Works take immediate steps to repair the sidewalks in front of 69 Cottage Street. This is the third request. I want a date as to when it will be repaired. It is very important to these homeowners, as they have been waiting patiently for several months. (Referred to Board of Public Works 11/7 for response this meeting)

NEW BUSINESS
11. C0314-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the Police monitor Union Street, at the intersection of Union and Ferry Street for illegally parked vehicles on Friday and Saturday nights.

12. C0313-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Cynthia Sarnie and Rosa DiFlorio
That the School Department consider looking into a bus route from the MBTA for the children coming from Main Street area. We have received many calls regarding the children that have to walk and with the bad weather coming, there are many with same concerns. The contact person is Melissa Dullea (617-222-1625) at the MBTA.

13. C0312-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Millie Cardello, Michael Mangan and Rosa DiFlorio
To invite Marzie Galazka, Director of Community Development, and Joseph Pedula, Procurement Officer, to attend this meeting to give an update on the Everett Stadium.

14. C0315-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the Police monitor Davis Street for cars parking in front of fire hydrant at end of Davis Street.

15. C0316-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the City put a sign at the end of Davis Street to indicate that it is a dead end street, due to vehicles crashing into fence at the end of this street.

16. C0317-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Michael Mangan-City Services Sign Division replace the no parking signs on Davis Street, as one is faded and the other was knocked down and never replaced.

2. Councilor Michael Mangan-City Services Sign Division adjust the "Do Not Enter" sign on the corner of Davis and Lewis Street to allow better visual sight for drivers.

17. C0318-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Cynthia Sarnie
That the Retirement Board appear before the Finance Committee relative to the funds that we have to put in retirement.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant, Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
11/26 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
12/3 7PM NEXT COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Veteran's Day: November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T13:07:00.001-05:00

Everett has always been a city to honor its veterans. We understand the enormous sacrifices willingly undertaken by the men and women who have served our country. So many of Everett's young people have answered the call to serve, and that kind of selfless devotion comes from both family and community.

If you do nothing else today, please say "thank-you" to a vet, and offer up a prayer for those who are still in harm's way. We owe them so much for keeping us safe.

Board of Alderman, 11/13/07 (Tuesday)

2007-11-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0337-07
Petition to consider an amendment to their Flammable License for the Energy North, Inc., D/B/A Fresh Express Citgo at 38 Broadway.

2. A0328-07
To all parties interested in Boston Auto Sales, 26 Garvey Street, and The Car Store at 383 Second Street for the purpose of revocation of their 2nd Class Motor Dealer Licenses, as both businesses have closed.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
3. A0338-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the promotion of Officer Paul F. Hamilton as a Police Sergeant for the City of Everett.

4. A0339-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $319,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department Salaries Account to supplement health insurance agreement.

5. A0340-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To transfer the sum of $11,644.00 be transferred from the Budgetary Fund Balance Account to the School Athletics Misc. Expense Account to honor the agreement made between the City of Everett and the School Department on splitting the cost of the lease of the bleachers at the Everett Stadium.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
6. C0308-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $100 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Veterans Services Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. C0256-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
To amend the parking ticket violation fines by increasing the handicap parking violations to $150 and fire hydrant fines for fire hydrant violations to $300.00; with a recommendation for favorable action from the Rules & Ordinances Committee. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

8. C0176-07
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph Hickey and Alderman Chuck DiPerri-That any junk or second hand dealer in receipt of any military plaques or memorabilia who fails to notify law enforcement will be fined with permanent revocation of license according to the Ordinances of the City of Everett; with a recommendation to refer to the Board of Aldermen to incorporate language into the standard conditions on licenses issued to second hand and precious metal dealers that "any Junk Dealer knowingly accepting military paraphernalia be subject to loss of license".

9. C0281-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Rosa DiFlorio to amend the Solid Waste Management Ordinance,as follows: Section 16-21 by deleting paragraph (a) in its entirety, and inserting in place new "(a) An approved rubbish receptacle or container is an outdoor type container constructed of heavy plastics or metal with lockable covers and shall be fly-tight, rodent resistant non-flammable and waterproof rubbish containers and shall not exceed fifty pounds. Section 16-22 by inserting the word "approved" after the words "except in" in paragraph (a) and further amending (a) by deleting the words "or areas lawfully provided therefore."
Section 16-22 paragraph (e) by deleting word "adequate" in fifth line and insert word "approved", and by inserting "in Section 16-21 (a) to the last sentence in paragraph (e) and to delete the following words in the last sentence of paragraph (e) "by the Board of Public Works." Section 16-26 (d) by deleting "Containers shall be kept covered at all times" and insert "Only approved containers shall be used for the collection of rubbish as indicated in Section 16-21 (a)." Paragraph e (16-26) by deleting words in forth line "the Board of Public Works" and insert "Code Enforcement" in its place. Section 16-53 by adding paragraph (c) as follows: "(c) The occupant or occupants of every city dwelling shall use only approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a). Section 16-55 paragraph (a) by deleting the words "suitable containers" and inserting "approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a)" in its place; with a recommendation for favorable action on the proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance; Committee report accepted, amended by striking out "Board of Public Works" in Section 16-27 Part A, and inserting in place words "Code Enforcement", enrolled as amended, sent up for enrollment, as amended.

10. C0304-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
That the Board of Aldermen consider requesting MBTA move the bus stop at 146-148 Elm Street back to 178 Elm Street.

11. C0306-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Aldermen consider taking immediate steps to roll back the hours to 6 p.m. due to the mechanical shop concerns on Cabot Street and in the middle of Cabot and Revere Street due to trucks, and to include no Sundays at all.

12. C0310-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico
To dedicate a square in honor of Navy Veteran and Everett Native Joseph J. Massaro Sr. at the intersection of Estes Street and Meadowview Road. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

COMMUNICATIONS
13. A0317-07
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Jason Marcus - To rescind Ordinance for 30 feet no parking on Lawrence Street intersecting Fremont Ave, right hand side going down southerly direction; with recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
14. A0109-07 Committee Report
Committee on Public Service Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Robert J. Van Campen - That the Owner of Bright-White Laundry located at 167 Bucknam Street appear regarding neighborhood complaints, as well as, hours of operation; with a recommendation to grant further time and to invite Police Captain Patrick McAdam, the Business Owner and his Attorney, in addition to abutters to attend the next meeting.

15. A0127-07 Committee Report
Rules & Ordinances Committee Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Jason Marcus relative to the disrepair or improper display of the American Flag; with a recommendation to refer to the Director of Veteran Services so that he can work with ECTV to provide an educational program to inform the citizens of Everett on the proper display of the United States Flag.

16. A0306-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Joseph McGonagle to amend portions of the Resident Sticker and Visitor Placard Parking Ordinance; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

17. A0280-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition for security grates at Ultimate Pizza at 176 Chelsea Street.

18. A0321-07 Committee Report
License Committee report on Petition for Lodging House License from Robert H. Laquidara (Trustee) for 11-13 Ellsworth Street.

19. A0322-07 Committee Report
License Committee report on Petition for Lodging House License from 51 Cottage Realty Trust-Robert H. Laquidara-Trustee at 51 Cottage Street.

20. A0323-07 Committee Report
License Committee report on Petition from Elm Street Scrap Iron for Junk Dealer License at #88 and #91 East Elm Street.

21. A0336-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Communication from Paul Mattuchio Inc., 282 Second Street, with a request to transfer his existing Junk Dealer License from 282 Second Street to 366 Second Street, a distance of about 150 yards.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
22. A0302-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
DCR representative appear this meeting relative to explaining why they are dumping street sweeping on Revere Beach Parkway, Everett.

23. A0290-07
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; with a favorable recommendation from the License Committee.

24. 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 for response this meeting)

NEW BUSINESS
25. A0334-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To amend Rule 4 of the Board of Aldermen by suspending the meeting scheduled for Monday, December 24th to Wednesday, December 26, 2007. The purpose of this rescheduling is due to Christmas Eve and City Hall will be closing at four o'clock.

26. A0335-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Red Sox consider making arrangements with the City of Everett to bring the World Series Trophy to the City of Everett.

ADJOURNMENT

Congratulations, Mayor-Elect DeMaria

2007-11-06T23:42:00.000-05:00

Carlo DeMaria was elected Mayor of Everett today by just over 300 votes, beating out Joe McGonagle in what became a sometimes heated and contentious contest.

We wish Mayor-elect DeMaria the best of luck in his first term in office. It is time for all factions to finally come together and work for the betterment of the city. We sincerely hope that the new mayor and the City Council will work together to improve the quality of life in our city. Everett, like many surrounding communities, is facing challenges that require city government to work together in a united purpose. We hope that the results of today's election will be a new chapter in our city's history.

Common Council Agenda 11/7/07 (Wednesday)

2007-11-03T23:24:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0308-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $100 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Veterans Services Gift Account.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
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. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

3. 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. (Ordained as amended, sent down for concurrence)

4. 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, as amended, sent down for concurrence on the amendment)

5. A0330-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To transfer the amount of $112,743.95 from the Parking Clerk Meter Account into the following Parking Clerk line items: Salaries $6,500, Ticket Processing $40,000, Meter Repair and Maintenance $24,920, Office Supplies $19,323.95 and Printing $22,000.

6. A0331-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept donations totaling $900.00 to the Everett Police Department K-9 Account from the following: Anthony Rossi, P.C. $200, Francis LaRovere $200, Pristine Limo Service $250 and Cafasso & Son Inc. $250.00. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

7. A0332-07 Order/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17, Section 17.1 (b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, “Names & destinations; erection of signposts”, that the intersection of School Street and School Street Place be dedicated and named the “Duffy Square”. Details to be submitted by Veterans Director. Be it
Further Ordered: That the matter be referred to the Director of Veteran’s Affairs for their approval and to set date for dedication; and Be it
Further Ordered: Once approved, that the Board of Public Works has the appropriate pole, sign and marker placed on this intersection. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

COMMUNICATIONS
8. C0269-07
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne Matewsky-That the School Committee and School Administration Department notify the bus transportation company that provides service to the Parlin Jr. High School on Broadway to take appropriate steps not to block traffic on Broadway.

9. C0274-07
Request for further time from Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Lou Sierra-To reduce the speed limit on Foster Street from 30 MPH to 20 MPH due to high volume of children and increased amount of speeding traffic, and at the request of area residents, for a completion of a traffic study on Foster Street.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. C0277-07 Committee Report
Committee on Public Service Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Stephen Simonelli - To invite Sgt. Bova of Police Traffic and Jerry Sheehan the Director of City Services to attend the next Public Service Committee meeting to discuss problems concerning street sweeping; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

11. C0256-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph F. Hickey to amend the parking ticket violation fines by increasing the handicap parking violations to $150 and fire hydrant fines for fire hydrant violations to $300.00; with a recommendation for favorable action to amend the parking ticket violations by increasing the fines for handicap parking violations to $150 and fines for Fire Hydrant violations to $300.00.

12. C0176-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph Hickey and Alderman Chuck DiPerri-That any junk or second hand dealer in receipt of any military plaques or memorabilia who fails to notify law enforcement will be fined with permanent revocation of license according to the Ordinances of the City of Everett; with a recommendation to refer to the Board of Aldermen to incorporate language into the standard conditions on licenses issued to second hand and precious metal dealers that "any Junk Dealer knowingly accepting military paraphernalia be subject to loss of license".

13. C0281-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Rosa DiFlorio to amend the Solid Waste Management Ordinance,as follows: Section 16-21 by deleting paragraph (a) in its entirety, and inserting in place new "(a) An approved rubbish receptacle or container is an outdoor type container constructed of heavy plastics or metal with lockable covers and shall be fly-tight, rodent resistant non-flammable and waterproof rubbish containers and shall not exceed fifty pounds. Section 16-22 by inserting the word "approved" after the words "except in" in paragraph (a) and further amending (a) by deleting the words "or areas lawfully provided therefore."
Section 16-22 paragraph (e) by deleting word "adequate" in fifth line and insert word "approved", and by inserting "in Section 16-21 (a) to the last sentence in paragraph (e) and to delete the following words in the last sentence of paragraph (e) "by the Board of Public Works." Section 16-26 (d) by deleting "Containers shall be kept covered at all times" and insert "Only approved containers shall be used for the collection of rubbish as indicated in Section 16-21 (a)." Paragraph e (16-26) by deleting words in forth line "the Board of Public Works" and insert "Code Enforcement" in its place. Section 16-53 by adding paragraph (c) as follows: "(c) The occupant or occupants of every city dwelling shall use only approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a). Section 16-55 paragraph (a) by deleting the words "suitable containers" and inserting "approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a)" in its place; with a recommendation for favorable action on the proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance.

14. C0116-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Resolution offered by Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Leo McKinnon-That the Rules and Ordinances Committee consider drafting an ordinance instituting that trash barrels be stored in rear of property unless enclosed storage area in front of property; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. C0260-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne A. Matewsky and James A. Keane
That a representative of Verizon Phone Company appear next meeting relative to the recent outages of home service to many residents of the City of Everett. (Referred to Verizon with request for response on reasoning, length of rectifying and confirmation on reimbursement)

16. C0291-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That Senator Galluccio be invited to appear next meeting relative to discussing a YMCA in the City of Everett, and also to find out about replacing the slide at the Recreation Department via grant funding.

17. C0292-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That Code Enforcement and Building Department investigate possible overcrowded condition at 10 Thorndike Street, 2nd Floor, it is a church organization at that location and residents want to know how many people are they allowed to have in that building, as could be possible overcrowding conditions, due to concerns of the area residents. (Referred (10/15/07) to Code Enforcement and Building Department to evaluate situation and update for this meeting)

18. C0293-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Public Works take immediate steps to fill in the large pot hole on Spring Street, also, that the City Engineer evaluate street and make recommendations for repairs, as the street is in deplorable condition and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. (Referred (10/15/07) to Board of Public Works and City Engineer with request for response this meeting)

NEW BUSINESS
19. C0299-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
That the City consider placing a traffic light at the intersection of Prescott and Tremont Street due to heavy foot traffic, the park and the tennis court.

20. C0300-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Wire Department investigate the exposed wires and possibility of a broken light system at the intersection of Beacham and Bow Street.

21. C0301-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Leo McKinnon
That the traffic Island in Glendale Square be landscaped correctly and shrubs or plants be planted in that area due to blighted appearance and complaints from area residents.

22. C0302-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Police Traffic Enforcement Division assist the school crossing guard at the intersection of Thorndike Street and Broadway. There is a need for safety precautions at that location during crossing times, and make recommendation as to whether they feel a pedestrian light is needed at that intersection, as a child was just killed there.

23. C0303-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Leo McKinnon-Park Department remove the tree in front of 17 Greenhalge Ave.
2. Councilor Wayne Matewsky-Wire Department notify National Grid to replace the streetlights at 21 Walnut Street, Pole # 367, and the streetlight in front of Royal Cleaners at 97 Ferry Street, as both lights have been out for almost two years.
3. Councilor Wayne Matewsky-Park Department remove unsafe tree in front of 19-21 Spruce Street.
4. Councilor Wayne Matewsky-Park Department inspect tree and possibly replace the tree at 25 Foster Street due to residents inquiry, tree may be dead and in need of replacement.
5. Councilor Leo McKinnon-City Services consider placing a guardrail at the corner of Westover and Taylor Streets at the request of the property owner at 58 Westover Street due to a car crashing into the fence and stairs of that property. (This has been requested before, a response on the matter is respectfully requested to Sponsor)

24. C0304-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
Aldermen consider requesting MBTA move the bus stop at 146-148 Elm Street back to 178 Elm Street.

25. C0305-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the Chief of the Fire Department, the Mayor, Union President Bill Pierce, Vice President Rich Jacobsmyer and the Veterans Director Walter Rice appear that the next meeting to talk about the Veterans that are going over seas to fight in the war and what is the current practice to compensate them for training days before they go to war.

26. C0306-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Aldermen consider taking immediate steps to roll back the hours to 6 p.m. due to the mechanical shop concerns on Cabot Street and in the middle of Cabot and Revere Street due to trucks, and to include no Sundays at all.

27. C0307-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To welcome the Public Health Director, Deb O'Neil, to appear this meeting to announce the flu clinic and process for this year.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
11/13 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
11/14 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
11/19 7PM NEXT COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
11/26 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

NOTICE

2007-11-03T17:11:00.000-04:00

Throughout the day today, comments have been posted about one of the mayoral candidates that we have felt best be removed; we have found no evidence to support the outrageous claims being made in regard to alleged behavior by this candidate.

We accept that there will be some who will be upset at the actions we've taken in this regard; with all due respect, the outrageousness of the comments is what should offend you. In the same way that comments regarding the personal behavior of the the opposing candidate have been removed, given that there has been no proof offered to support the claims, so too have these comments been removed and the ISPs of the posters been banned.

There are three days left until the election. Neither side is being served by the vicious commentaries that posters on both sides have been out here making. Rise above it for the next three days and on Tuesday, vote for the candidate of your choice. If you want to serve your candidate, that is the best action you can take.

Take a Breath . . . Part 2

2007-10-30T18:13:00.000-04:00

Okay . . . we're a week away from the election, and clearly emotions are running high as they were a week before the Primary. The comments over the past few days reflect the strong feelings on both sides, and once again, some of the more zealous among you are getting carried away.

Let's try to keep the accusations and spreading of rumor & innuendo down as much as possible for the next week. Let's try, for these seven days, to focus on issues and where we want the city go be headed for the next two years. Each side thinks their guy is the answer to the city's prayers, and that's fine. Let's each side try to make the case more FOR their guy than AGAINST the other one.

Go Sox!

2007-10-28T21:04:00.000-04:00

It's the fourth game of the World Series...it's 1-0 in at the bottom of the third. You have to love these guys; it's the "never say die" mentality that has served them well. How many national sportcasters had the Sox down for the count when they were 3-1 in the ALCS, despite the fact that this was the very team that battled back from 3-0 deficit to take the series in 2004? Even now, we've witnessed real team work in action...with Youk willing to take the bench for Ortiz; and when the the old-timers lag, the rookies are picking up the slack. How about that Ellsbury kid, huh? And Pedroia? Teamwork. It's a beautiful thing. No matter what the outcome tonight - these guys are the best.

Board of Alderman, 10/22/07

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

(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
http://cityofeverett.com

Board of Alderman, 10/10/07 (Wednesday)

2007-10-05T22:47:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. A0304-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept donation of $100.00 from Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local #7 to the Veterans Services Gift Account.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
2. C0278-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $2,000.00 from Mayor's Reserve Account to the Registrars of Voters Recount Account., due to the recount that was performed September 29, 2007. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

3. C0279-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To Accept $600.00 donation from Dunkin Donuts to the Parks Department Tree and Seed Account to be used to purchase the 2007 Everett Christmas Tree. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

4. C0280-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the $500.00 donation from Ciro's Foreign Car Repair Inc. to the Everett Police K-9 Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

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. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

6. C0276-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the City of Everett calls for the abolishment of Homeland Security Funds distributed to the Cities of Chelsea and Cambridge with those funds to be evenly distributed to the cities and towns directly abutting the Cities of Chelsea and Cambridge. (Passed sent up for concurrence to send to our State Representatives.)

7. C0287-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
Board of Aldermen consider notifying the car mechanic business between Cabot and Revere Street to keep their vehicles within boundaries of their building instead of jockeying their vehicles all over that neighborhood, at the request of area residents. (Referred to the Board of Aldermen).

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
8. A0303-07 Petition
Petition from Paul Mattuchio to transfer his existing junk dealers license at 282 Second Street to 366 Second Street, Everett, a distance of about 150 yards.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. A0037-07 Committee Report
Rules & Ordinances Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerri to increase lot size and frontage for residential properties; with a recommendation 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.

10. A0127-07 Committee Report
Rules & Ordinances Committee Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Jason Marcus relative to the disrepair or improper display of the American Flag; with a recommendation to grant further time and invite the Director of Veterans Services to appear with copies of ordinances from other communities addressing this matter.

11. A0255-07 Committee Report
Committee on License Report on Petition for Junk Dealer License from American Scrap Metal Inc. at 357 Third Street.

12. 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 (MPC1016MAEVEGEN) attached to petition and to kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. A0295-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition for Awning License from Ideal Gift at 645 Broadway.

16. A0280-07 Committee Report
Committee on Licenses Report on the Petition for security grates at Ultimate Pizza at 176 Chelsea Street. Owner states that since Labor Day of 2006, it has been broken into twice and insurance company will not renew policy.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
17. 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.

18. 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 City Services and Park Dept with request for response for this meeting)

19. A0301-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Mayor's Office of Community Development inform the Board of Aldermen of how much city property that the city owns is for sale.(Referred to Mayor's Office of Community Development with a request for response this meeting)

NEW BUSINESS
20. A0302-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
DCR representative appear this meeting relative to explaining why they are dumping street sweeping on Revere Beach Parkway, Everett.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
10/10 6PM COMMITTEE ON LICENSES
10/15 7PM REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
10/17 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
10/22 7PM NEXT REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Vindication for City Auditor, Larry DeCoste

2007-10-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

If Monday night’s meeting wasn’t vindication for city auditor, Larry DeCoste, we don’t know what was. In a very under-the-radar move, Mayor Hanlon submitted a piece of business under suspension to cut the budget by nearly $1.2M to “bring the municipal budget under compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44.” The apologies and mea culpas to Mr. DeCoste, who endured the ridicule of the mayor, and the codependent Independent newspaper should start now. Anyone who questioned this man’s ability or his integrity should be hanging their collective heads in shame. Special applause to Council President Sal DiDomenco for his masterful handling of the meeting, and kudos to all the councilors and aldermen who stuck to their guns months ago when this budget was initially submitted. You know who you are and you were right all along.

UNDER SUSPENSION
C0284-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
BE IT ORDERED: That the Everett City Council approve the following Budgetary cuts therefore bringing the municipal budget under compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter
44. The proposed budget of $125,780,039 will be adjusted downward by $1,164,788.00. This will leave a budget of
$124,615,351.00.
Mayor:
Reserve Fund 01-121-11-132-5700
$ 200,000.00
Dues
(MA Municipal) 01-121-11-121-5730
$ 13,500.00
Dues
(US Conference) 01-121-11-121-5732-
$ 10,000.00
Official
Celebration 01-121-11-121-5796
$ 6,000.00
Meetings 01-121-11-121-5194
$10,000.00
Salaries 01-121-10-121-5111
$10,000.00
Stabilization 01-132-99-132-5800
$ 500,000.00
City Auditor:
Salaries 01-135-10-135-5111 $ 27,500.00

Personnel:
Professional Services 01-152-11-152-5301 20,000.00
Labor Attorneys 01-152-11-152-5303 20,000.00
Police:
Overtime 01-210-10-210-5130 40,000.00
Fire:
Overtime 01-220-10-220-5130 40,000.00
City Services:
Salaries 01-490-10-490-5111 47,788.00
Salt 01-490-18-490-5536 70,000.00
Equip Hire 01-490-18-490-5280 50,000.00
Const. Repairs 01-490-17-490-5241 50,000.00
Landscape 01-490-11-650-5255 15,000.00
Repairs &
Maintain. 01-490-11-650-5435 30,000.00
Line Markings 01-490-17-490-5541-$5,000.00

Common Council Agenda 10/1/07

2007-09-28T23:19:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0278-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $2,000.00 from Mayor's Reserve Account to the Registrars of Voters Recount Account., due to the recount that was performed September 29, 2007.

2. C0279-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To Accept $600.00 donation from Dunkin Donuts to the Parks Department Tree and Seed Account to be used to purchase the 2007 Everett Christmas Tree.

3. C0280-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the $500.00 donation from Ciro's Foreign Car Repair Inc. to the Everett Police K-9 Account.

4. C0282-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the amount of $100,000.00 from the 2007 Budgetary Fund Balance to the After School Program for the School Year 2007/2008.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
5. A0294-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To transfer the amount of $49,983.00 from the Mayor's Reserve Fund to the City Clerk's Elections Accounts to cover the State Primary September 11th and State Election October 9th to fill the senatorial seat vacated by the Former Senator Jarrett Barrios, as follows: Tellers $1,400.00, Warden $5,700.00, Clerks $5,400.00, Inspectors $21,600.00, Custodians $2,733.00, Advertise $1,600.00, Prep of Machines $7,450.00, Election Training $3,600.00 and Supplies $500.00.

COMMUNICATIONS
6. C0188-07 Communication
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Leo McKinnon that no person shall operate a motor vehicle in excess of 20 miles per hour on Lynn Street, at the Malden line, for southbound drivers only. The purpose of the ordinance is to reduce the speed limit from 30 MPH to 20 MPH in the interest of public safety, due to increased amount of traffic on that street with request to refer back to sponsor.

7. C0191-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor James A. Keane to make Freeman Ave a one-way street, in a northwesterly direction from Elm Street to Abbott Ave; with a request for further time in the Traffic Commission, at Sponsor's request.

8. C0211-07 Communication
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor William L. Cardello to reduce speed limit from 25MPH to 20MPH on Cleveland Avenue, with a request to refer back to sponsor.

9. C0232-07 Communication
Favorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by 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 to enroll.

10. C0235-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks to prohibit heavy trucks from traveling Tuffs Avenue; with a request to refer back to sponsor.

11. C0231-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks to prohibit heavy trucks from traveling on Oakes Street; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

12. C0234-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks to prohibit heavy trucking on School Street; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
13. C0176-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph Hickey and Alderman Chuck DiPerri-That any junk or second hand dealer in receipt of any military plaques or memorabilia who fails to notify law enforcement will be fined with permanent revocation of license according to the Ordinances of the City of Everett; with a recommendation to request further time.

14. C0116-07 Committee Report
Committee on Rules & Ordinances Report on Resolution offered by Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Leo McKinnon-That the Rules and Ordinances Committee consider drafting an ordinance instituting that trash barrels be stored in rear of property unless enclosed storage area in front of property, in efforts for a cleaner Everett; and that Mr. Pierroti of the CETF be invited to help develop the ordinance for a cleaner Everett; with a recommendation to request further time.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. C0259-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To endorse the Everett Contributory System Board decision to invest in the Pension Reserves Investment Trust (PRIT).

16. C0260-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne A. Matewsky and James A. Keane
That a representative of Verizon Phone Company appear next meeting relative to the recent outages of home service to many residents of the City of Everett. (Referred to Verizon with request for response on reasoning, length of rectifying and confirmation on reimbursement)

17. C0261-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To invite the Fire Chief to appear relative to the recent rash of fires that we have been having again in the City.

NEW BUSINESS
18. C0265-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the owner's of all the Boutiques in Everett not display undergarment wear in their windows, as it is very offensive to many citizens.

19. C0266-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the Police monitor Fairmount Street due to the high number of thefts on that street.

20. C0267-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the National Grid Company replace the lights that are out on Fairmount Street.

21. C0277-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To invite Sgt. Bova of Police Traffic and Jerry Sheehan the Director of City Services to attend the next Public Service Committee meeting to discuss problems concerning street sweeping.

22. C0269-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the School Committee and School Administration Department notify the bus transportation company that provides service to the Parlin Jr. High School on Broadway to take appropriate steps not to block traffic on Broadway, and to provide for parking for school bus in front of the school rather than blocking traffic, as it has been backed up for six to seven blocks and causing unsafe conditions. In other words, that a parking spot be provided in front of the Parlin Jr. High School only for school buses, so as not to inconvenience the traffic flow on Broadway.

23. C0270-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
That the Police Traffic Division monitor, via radar, Malden Street, due to speeding motorists, as the neighbors are complaining.

24. C0271-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
That the Police Traffic Division investigate the Nissan Maxim that has been parked on Alpine Road and immobile for over a year now, to have it removed.

25. C0272-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Lou Sierra, Joe King and Steve Simonelli
Police monitor Foster Street on a nightly basis due to recent rash of vehicle windows being blown out on eight to ten vehicles.

26. C0273-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
National Grid conduct their annual clean up of their property on Lynde Street and Robin Street in Everett, MA, due to unsightly conditions, at the request of area residents.

27. C0273-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
National Grid conduct their annual clean up of their property on Lynde Street and Robin Street in Everett, MA, due to unsightly conditions, at the request of area residents.

28. C0274-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Lou Sierra
To reduce the speed limit on Foster Street from 30 MPH to 20 MPH due to high volume of children and increased amount of speeding traffic, and at the request of area residents.

29. C0275-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Lou Sierra
That the Department of Public Works Highway Division place a white painted crosswalk on bottom Alpine Avenue bordering Dartmouth Street, at their earliest convenience.

30. C0268-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Michael Mangan
That the Park Department Trim down bushes at Day Park, at Foster and Prospect Streets.
2. Councilor Catherine Tomass Hicks
City Services repair the cracks in the street, especially in the crosswalk in front of 86 Main Street.
3. Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
Park Department replace the big pine tree in Everett Square at the the J. Kevin Dunn Park by November 1st, 2007.
4. Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the City Services Highway Department repair the seven large potholes on Orange Court, a very dangerous condition.
5. Councilor Catherine Tomass Hicks
City Services Park Department trim the weeds on Elton Street and Tremont Street.

31. C0276-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the City of Everett calls for the abolishment of Homeland Security Funds distributed to the Cities of Chelsea and Cambridge with those funds to be evenly distributed to the cities and towns directly abutting the Cities of Chelsea and Cambridge.

32. C0281-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorio
To amend the Solid Waste Management Ordinance,as follows: Section 16-21 by deleting paragraph (a) in its entirety, and inserting in place new "(a) An approved rubbish receptacle or container is an outdoor type container constructed of heavy plastics or metal with lockable covers and shall be fly-tight, rodent resistant non-flammable and waterproof rubbish containers and shall not exceed fifty pounds. Section 16-22 by inserting the word "approved" after the words "except in" in paragraph (a) and further amending (a) by deleting the words "or areas lawfully provided therefore."
Section 16-22 paragraph (e) by deleting word "adequate" in fifth line and insert word "approved", and by inserting "in Section 16-21 (a) to the last sentence in paragraph (e) and to delete the following words in the last sentence of paragraph (e) "by the Board of Public Works." Section 16-26 (d) by deleting "Containers shall be kept covered at all times" and insert "Only approved containers shall be used for the collection of rubbish as indicated in Section 16-21 (a)." Paragraph e (16-26) by deleting words in forth line "the Board of Public Works" and insert "Code Enforcement" in its place. Section 16-53 by adding paragraph (c) as follows: "(c) The occupant or occupants of every city dwelling shall use only approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a). Section 16-55 paragraph (a) by deleting the words "suitable containers" and inserting "approved containers as described in Section 16-21 (a)" in its place.

33. C0283-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael Mangan
That the City does some minor maintenance work at the fire houses on Hancock Street and Broadway.

Adjourn

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Everett City Council Office, council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
10/2 6PM SPECIAL BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
10/10 6PM COMMITTEE ON LICENSES MEETING
10/10 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
10/15 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
10/17 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
10/22 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007, 7:00 PM

2007-09-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0290-07
To all parties interested in 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 (MPC1016MAEVEGEN) attached to petition and to kept on file in the City Clerk's Office.

2. A0291-07
To all parties interested in the Petition from National Grid for the installation of +/-65' of 1-2" conduit encased in concrete from bus shelter to manhole 650 at Broadway and Thorndike Street, 53 Bow Street, Everett, MA.

3. A0292-07
To all parties interested in 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.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
4. A0289-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby re-appoint Mark Brymer as a Member of the Everett Licensing Board for a term ending September 2010.

5. A0294-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
Transfer of $49,983.00 to the City Clerk's Elections Account to cover the State Primary September 11th and State Election October 9th to fill the senatorial seat vacated by the Former Senator Jarrett Barrios.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
6. C0257-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $900.00 from the Target Store to the Everett Police Department.

7. C0258-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept $100.00 donation from Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to Department of Veterans Services.

8. C0253-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey, Councilor Leo McKinnon and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To amend Chapter 13, Section 16 by adding the Pope John High School to the School Safety Zone. (Amended by adding "all schools within the City of Everett") (Ordained, as amended, sent up for ordainment, as amended)

9. C0264-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey, Councilor Leo McKinnon and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Police Traffic Division monitor the traffic conditions specifically at the corner parking on Rock Valley Ave and Ferry Street causing hazardous conditions. (Amended by adding Co-Sponsors and to refer to the Police Traffic Commission).

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
10. A0293-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
Petition from Paris Autobody, Inc. for Auto Body Shop and General Spray Painting at 101 Paris Street, Unit #5.

COMMUNICATIONS
11. A0249-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Stephen Smith to amend the stop sign ordinance at the corner of Chelsea Street and Everett Avenue from a stop sign to a "Yield" sign.

Give It A Rest...

2007-09-21T06:25:00.000-04:00

For the most part, we allow people to write just about anything that can't be considered libelous, but we're going to have to ask for some civility here. Posting over and over again about the candidates' perceived "flaws" beyond their public obligation to the community is not only getting old, but it inspires others to respond in kind. Unless you have documents, etc. that we can upload for you under your name - we simply can't allow the daily donneybrook to go on.

City elections are never tension free, because at the end of election day, there's only one candidate that can win; but the continual spleen venting doesn't help either candidate. Let's try to focus on the issues and toot your particular candidate's horn without hanging the dirty laundry.

All that aside, we may need to resort to a log-in process if things don't improve.

It's McGonage & DeMaria in November!

2007-09-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

The results of the preliminary election are in; Ward 6 Alderman Joe McGonagle and Alderman at Large Carlo DeMaria will face off in November to become the next Mayor of Everett. In what may very well be a first in Everett politics, a mayoral incumbent has been defeated in a preliminary election.

The next two months will be crucial to both candidates as they get their respective messages out. We believe the tax issue in 2005 and yesterday's results tell the same story. It's the taxes. With Everett facing record home foreclosures, and the economy starting to soften...now would be a good time to talk about real plans for Everett's economic future and not just bash each other.

In other Primary news, Wayne Matewsky topped the ticket in the Alderman-at-Large race, with Joanne Gregory placing second. Salvatore Sachetta topped it in the Ward 6 Alderman race, with Catherine Tomassi Hicks coming in second.

Primary Day, Tuesday, September 18, 2007

2007-09-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Primary Day in the city of Everett. While there are only three primary races in the city - you have every good reason to get to the polls. In your hands is the key to the future of the city...please don't leave the choice up to someone else. All too often a candidate can win by default in a low turnout year. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, so we hope that everyone will participate.

TIME OUT!!!!

2007-09-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

Recent postings referencing the personal lives of the mayoral candidates have spiraled out of control. Consequently, they have all been deleted.

With everything going on in this city, there are better topics of discussion than the personal lives and alleged personal behaviors of any candidates. We are asking that posters respect the fact that the candidates' personal lives are not the issue in this election. We've been giving a very wide berth for the commentary being posted, but unfortunately, because of the spate of postings today, that practice will now be narrowed. Any posting referencing the personal lives or alleged personal behavior of ANY candidate or elected official will be removed from the blog and consideration will be given to banning the poster.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Everett Mirror

9/11/2001 - 9/11/2007 -- Never Forget

2007-09-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

On a sunny day in September, the world as we knew it changed forever in less than two and a half hours. We must never forget the people who perished on that terrible day or the thousands who were injured.

7:58 a.m. - United Airlines Flight 175 departs Boston for Los Angeles,
carrying 56 passengers, two pilots, and seven flight attendants. The
Boeing 767 is hijacked after takeoff and diverted to New York.

7:59 a.m. - American Airlines Flight 11 departs Boston for Los
Angeles, carrying 81 passengers, two pilots, and nine flight
attendants. This Boeing 767 is also hijacked and diverted to New York.

8:01 a.m. - United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 carrying 38
passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants, leaves Newark, N.J.,
for San Francisco.

8:10 a.m. - American Airlines Flight 77 departs Washington's
Dulles International Airport for Los Angeles, carrying 58 passengers,
two pilots, and four flight attendants. The Boeing 757 is hijacked
after takeoff.

8:46 a.m. - American Flight 11 from Boston crashes into the North
Tower at the World Trade Center.

9:03 a.m. - United Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the South
Tower at the World Trade Center.

- U.S. Federal Aviation Administration shuts down all New
York area airports.

9:21 a.m. - Bridges and tunnels leading into New York City
are closed.

9:25 a.m. - All domestic flights are grounded by U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration.

9:45 a.m. - American Flight 77 crashes into The Pentagon.

10:05 a.m. - The South Tower at the World Trade Center collapses.

10:05 a.m. - The White House is evacuated.

10:10 a.m. - A large section of one side of The Pentagon collapses.

10:10 a.m. - United Flight 93 crashes in a wooded area in
Pennsylvania, after passengers confront hijackers.

10:28 a.m. - The North Tower at the World Trade Center collapses.

Board of Alderman, 9/12/07 (Wednesday)

2007-09-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0273-07
To all parties interested in the petition for ratification from BR Motorcycles, LLC D/B/A Bruce Rossmeyer's Boston Harley Davidson, 1760 Revere Beach Parkway for an Auto Repair-Mechanical License.

2. A0277-07
To all parties interested in the petition from National Grid to install 680 feet of concrete-encased PVC ducts and three manholes in the streets of Grover, Lynn and Fuller Streets.

3. A0278-07
To all parties interested in the petition from National Grid for the relocation of pole 2661and installation of new pole 2660-50 on Commercial Street near Behen Street.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
4. A0284-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby re-appoint Dr. Muge Erkan as a Member of the Everett Board of Health for a term ending February 10, 2010.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
5. C0250-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept a donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & the Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

6. C0253-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey, Councilor Leo McKinnon and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To amend Chapter 13, Section 16 by adding the Pope John High School to the School Safety Zone. (Amended by adding "all schools within the City of Everett", enrolled as amended, sent up for enrollment)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
7. A0276-07
Ratification of a petition for an awning at 88 Main Street for Rob Jack's Bar & Grill.

8. A0279-07
Petition for Awning from Broadway Cafe at 508 Broadway.

9. A0280-07
Petition for security grates at Ultimate Pizza at 176 Chelsea Street. Owner states that since Labor Day of 2006, it has been broken into twice and insurance company will not renew policy.

10. A0281-07
Petition from Quang Quoc Ngo D/B/A Le Redemption Ctr., Inc. for Redemption Center License (bottle and can return) at 132 Union Street, with conditions.

COMMUNICATIONS
11. C0096-07
Update from City Clerk on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne Matewsky-That the City Clerk investigate possibility of beauty salon/barber shop being located at the car dealership on Chelsea Street, at the corner of Chelsea Street and Chelsea Place.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12. 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.

13. A0245-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the EPA check the emissions count on Sithe in Everett on Route 99 and report back with report for September 12th meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
14. A0270-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the Mayor's Office of Community Development consider reconstructing the following streets, as they are in desperate need of repair: Devens Street, Harley Avenue, Kinsman Street, Liberty Street and Tappan Street.

15. A0271-07 Resolution/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri and Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
That the City repave the following streets using Community Development Block Grant Funds: Timothy Avenue, Parker Street, Raymond Avenue and Chestnut Street (from Walnut to Broadway).

16. A0272-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To amend Section 18-133, "Prohibited on Certain Streets" by adding Sammet Street, no parking on south side, from Taylor Street to Shute Street.

17. A0274-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To add Congressman Markey's name to the High School Dedication Plaque.

18. A0275-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That the Mayor contact Congressman Markey in Washington D.C. to get a date to coincide for the grand opening/dedication of the new High School so he could be there.

19. A0282-07 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, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 for the CITY PRELIMINARY, 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 and ALDERMAN-WARD 6.

20. A0283-07 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 CITY PRELIMINARY, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007.

Ordered
Further: That the following places be designated as polling places for the above mentioned
CITY PRELIMINARY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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 Hearing 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

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted: C. McCorry, Everett City Council Office
www.http://cityofeverett.com

Common Council Agenda 9/4/07 (Tuesday)

2007-09-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0250-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept a donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & the Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services Account.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
2. A0260-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of $3,000.00 from the Massachusetts Law Enforcement to be used to benefit elderly residents in the City of Everett. This donation will be deposited into the Human Services Elder Services Gift Account. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

3. A0261-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept the following donations totaling $5,000.00 to the Mayor's Summer Concert Series: Prolerized Corporation $3,000.00, Eagle Bank $1,500.00 and East Boston Savings $500.00. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

4. A0253-07 Order/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
BE IT
ORDERED: BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVERETT, as follows:

That the City of Everett by and through its Mayor, submit to the State Legislative Bodies, for passage, in substantially the following form:
An Act RELATIVE TO THE RETIREMENT ALLOWANCE OF A CERTAIN CITY OF EVERETT SCHOOL TEACHER.

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. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the state teachers retirement board shall calculate the retirement allowance of Ralph Cecere, a retired teacher of the city of Everett school department, by taking into consideration the stipend he received as Placement Counselor as part of his regular compensation. Such calculation shall be retroactive to the date of his retirement.
Section 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. C0215-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Mass. Electric Company eliminate the double pole at the corner of Robbin and Thorndike Street. It has been there over three years and causing concern for pedestrians and is unsightly, as three years is too long to wait to have this pole repaired.

NEW BUSINESS
6. C0235-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
To prohibit heavy trucks from traveling Tuffs Avenue.

7. C0231-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
To prohibit heavy trucks from traveling on Oakes Street.

8. C0234-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
To prohibit heavy trucking on School Street.

9. C0242-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To have fence fixed at 21 Sammet Ave, as it was lifted up when a tree was removed.

10. C0243-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey
That the City of Everett establish a Veterans Memorial Park on the corner of Russell Street and Elm Street. This park will serve all veterans who served on active duty from the City.

11. C0244-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Stephen Simonelli
That the Board of Public Works make the necessary repairs to the jersey barrier at the corner of Fremont and Lawrence Street.

12. C0245-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Health investigate corner of Plummer and Cottage Street for a report of four to six live chickens being raised at that home and residents are concerned.

13. C0246-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Hicks-That the Park Department trim the tree in front of 50 Everett Street.
2. Councilor Matewsky-Board of Public Works repair sidewalk in front of 39 Autumn Street, 2nd request.
3. Councilor Matewsky-Park Dept replace tree in front of 39 Autumn Street, at homeowners request, 2nd request.
4. Councilor Matewsky-Board of Public Works repair the sidewalk at 26 Revere Street, as unsafe, 2nd request.
5. Councilor Matewsky-Board of Public Works resurface the sidewalk at 95 Broadway, at homeowners request, as is unsightly and going to cause injury.
6. Councilor Matewsky-Park Dept trim tree at 11 High Street, at homeowners request, as one limb was cut, but she requests another one be cut.

14. C0247-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
BE IT RESOLVED
THAT: The Traffic Commission schedule a Public Hearing to hear input from the residents of Freeman Avenue and Abbott Avenue regarding proposed changes to parking and/or traffic patterns on Freeman Avenue.

15. C0248-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael J. Mangan
That a one-way sign be placed on the corner of Wolcott and Second Street due to the increasing amount of motorists going up Wolcott Street the wrong way.

16. C0249-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the DCR/Board of Public Works repair the fence that was hit by motor vehicle accident on the Revere Beach Parkway just before Ritchie's Slush. It is posing a public safety hazard.

17. C0251-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Lou Sierra
That the Engineer appear this meeting with regards to updating and discussing the new paving job to be done on Florence Street.

18. C0252-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey, Councilor Leo McKinnon and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To amend Chapter 13, Section 16 by adding "That no sober houses and drug rehabilitation centers be located within school safety zones".

19. C0253-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. Hickey, Councilor Leo McKinnon and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To amend Chapter 13, Section 16 by adding the Pope John High School to the School Safety Zone.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted, Caroline McCorry, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us

Into the Fire

2007-08-30T16:13:00.000-04:00

Our prayers are with the families of Paul Cahill of Scituate and Warren Payne of Canton, Boston firefighters who were killed last night while battling a blaze at a restaurant in West Roxbury.

We are reminded, once again, of the risk these men and women take and the courage they show every time they enter a burning building to save another human being -- running into the fire while everyone else is trying to get out.

Let us remember, then, not just these brave men we lost last night, but all those who have gone before them, and all of those who continue to do these difficult jobs every day.

The Arrogance of Perceived Power

2007-08-08T20:44:00.000-04:00

If you have not yet seen the replay of the special meeting of the Common Council held on August 7, set your VCR, program your TiVO or cancel your plans to be available for the next viewing. It's quite a show, full of drama and emotion -- particularly drama -- discussing the Mayor's letter informing the City Council that their vote on the budget was illegal because of a number of alleged technicalities cooked up by the Mayor and his "advisors" after the Council had made their final vote.

The most shocking scenes in this melodrama were performed by City Solicitor John Kryzovic and Assistant City Solicitor Victor Dragone. The arrogance with which these men -- these public appointees -- addressed the Common Council and the disrespect they showed, through this performance, to the citizens of Everett who pay their salaries defied imagination and explanation. Mr. Kryzovic indicated that he would refuse to provide the Common Council with a detailed opinion explaining why it was his conclusion that the Mayor could essentially override the City Council's budget vote. If requested to provide a written opinion, he said, it would be one sentence -- "I agree with the Mayor." Arrogance and hubris. A deadly combination in a public appointee. The City Solicitor, who claimed that his 40 years' experience as a solicitor qualified him to interpret the snippets of law that were cited in the Mayor's letter, should read city ordinance Division 2, Section 2-48, Powers & Duties, which states "The city solicitor shall act as advisor to the city government and representative of the city in all matters of law." Advisor to the city government. Not special counsel to the mayor. It is his duty, per city ordinance, to provide advice and opinion when called upon to do so. His refusal to do this would, in most any business, be grounds for dismissal.

And along came Victor Dragone, not because he was asked to appear, but because he apparently felt an overwhelming need to hear the sound of his own voice, to express his own opinion, indignantly insisting that the Mayor and his advisors were in the right because the City Council had allegedly failed to follow proper procedure when debating the budget. More arrogance and hubris. Again, Mr. Dragone should check the city ordinances and review parliamentary procedure, because it was not proper procedure for him to suddenly appear at the podium without being requested to do so.

Credit must be given to members of the Common Council who allowed cooler heads to prevail, particularly Ward 3 Councilman Sal DiDomenico. Councilman DiDomenico came prepared and patiently presented the case for the Council, acknowledging that mistakes were made on their part, respectfully disagreeing with the Mayor and his advisors and showing a degree of professionalism sorely lacking in this administration. The Mayor should have been embarrassed by the performance put on by the City Solicitor and the Assistant City Solicitor. Certainly everyone watching was.

Board of Aldermen, 7/20/07

2007-07-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, JULY 23, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. A0260-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of $3,000.00 from the Massachusetts Law Enforcement to be used to benefit elderly residents in the City of Everett. This donation will be deposited into the Human Services Elder Services Gift Account.

2. A0261-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept the following donations totaling $5,000.00 to the Mayor's Summer Concert Series: Prolerized Corporation $3,000.00, Eagle Bank $1,500.00 and East Boston Savings $500.00.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
3. C0226-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept $100 donation from Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

4. C0230-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $200.00 from the Texas Roadhouse to the Everett Police Department K-9 Unit. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

5. C0223-07 Order/s/Sal DiDomenico, as President
To grant an exemption for Carolyn Lightburn to allow her to work in the 2007 elections. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

6. C0224-07 Order/s/Sal DiDomenico, as President
To provide an exemption to allow Theresa Shalsi to work at the polls during 2007 elections. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. C0228-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the Everett City Council strongly encourages the flagpole at the Everett Elks, and others throughout the City of Everett, to replace the flags of other nations with the POW-MIA Flag thus returning it to its well deserved place of honor along with the American Flag. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
8. A0254-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for awning at 916 Broadway, the new Sei Bar Restaurant.

9. A0255-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for Junk Dealer License from American Scrap Metal Inc. at 357 Third Street.

10. A0256-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for business sign at 687-A Broadway for Nana Arrvda Inc., D/B/A Cheia De Graca.

11. A0257-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for 1st Class Motor Dealer License from BR Motorcycles, LLC D/B/A Bruce Rossemyer's Boston Harley-Davidson at 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

12. A0258-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from BR Motocycles, LLC D/B/A Bruce Rossmeyer's Boston Harley-Davidson, 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

13. A0259-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for change in registration for flammable & combustible liquids license at 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

COMMUNICATIONS
14. A0262-07 Communication
Communication from the City Clerk's Office relative to the request for revocation of the following licenses: FLAMABLE REGISTRATION 2006, 2007 for ONE STOP SERVICES STATION, CORP. AT 146 MAIN STREET; 2005-2007 REFRIGERATION LICENSE FOR EDWARD G. PASCUCCIA D/B/A NORTH SHORE ICE AT 131 SPRING STREET; FLAMMABLE REGISTRATION 2006, 2007 AND REPAIR LICENSE-MECHANICAL 2006, 2007 FOR JOSEPH PANNIELLO JR. AT 366 SECOND STREET; D & E REALTY FOR GARAGE LICENSE 2006,2007 AND FLAMMABLE REGISTRATION 2006, 2007 AT 52 WILLIAMS STREET; D & E REALTY GARAGE LICENSE 2006, 2007, FLAMMABLE REGISTRATION 2006, 2007 AT 143-145 BROADWAY AND D & E REALTY GARAGE LICENSE 2006, 2007, FLAMMABLE REGISTRATION 2006, 2007 AT 290 MAIN STREET.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
15. A0176-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on the petition for Auto Repair-Mechanical License from Elba Garcia D/B/A Garcia's Auto Repair, at 69 Norman Street, Unit #23C.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
16. A0184-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Frank Nuzzo and Joseph McGonagle
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Aldermen Frank Nuzzo and Joseph McGonagle-To place a service zone, not to exceed 30 minutes, at 108 Ferry Street, intended for safety and convenience. (Postponed from 6/25 meeting to request explanation)

17. A0237-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
That Fire Chief David Butler appear this meeting relative to discussing the operation of 911.

NEW BUSINESS
18. A0247-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
That the City Solicitor contact the Middlesex Court to find out exactly what the charges were against the Everett Superintendent of Schools, exactly what the disposition was of his case, and exactly what the terms were of his probation because of conflicting media reports in the local media, and be prepared to provide the information to the Board of Aldermen for this meeting, Monday, July 23rd, 2007.

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. A0249-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
To amend the stop sign ordinance at the corner of Chelsea Street and Everett Avenue from a stop sign to a "Yield" sign.

21. A0250-07 Order/s/Joseph 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, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 for the SPECIAL STATE PRIMARY, then and there to give in their votes for the election of the candidates of political parties for the following offices:
Senator in General Court – Middlesex, Suffolk & Essex District

22. A0252-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
To accept communication from Local 25 Business Agent David Pietraforte relative to their workers.

23. A0251-07 Order/s/Joseph 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 SPECIAL STATE PRIMARY , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007. Be it further ordered: That the following places be designated as polling places for the above mentioned
SPECIAL STATE PRIMARY, SEPTEMBER 11, 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 Hearing 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
Ward 6 Prec. 3 Adams School, 78 Tileston Street

24. A0253-07 Order/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
BE IT
ORDERED: BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVERETT, as follows:

That the City of Everett by and through its Mayor, submit to the State Legislative Bodies, for passage, in substantially the following form:
An Act RELATIVE TO THE RETIREMENT ALLOWANCE OF A CERTAIN CITY OF EVERETT SCHOOL TEACHER.

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. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the state teachers retirement board shall calculate the retirement allowance of Ralph Cecere, a retired teacher of the city of Everett school department, by taking into consideration the stipend he received as Placement Counselor as part of his regular compensation. Such calculation shall be retroactive to the date of his retirement.
Section 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

25. A0263-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle
To accept communication from Mackenzie Cannon at 38 Corey Street relative to her playground and park.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
7/23 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
7/23 6:30PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
T/B/A AUGUST BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
9/4 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
9/10 7PM NEXT BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Common Council Agenda 7/16/07

2007-07-13T21:07:00.000-04:00

(Presentation to Steve Iannuzzi)
________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0226-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept $100 donation from Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services Gift Account.

2. C0230-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $200.00 from the Texas Roadhouse to the Everett Police Department K-9 Unit.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
3. A0240-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept $200.00 donation from the Target Store to EPD K-9 Account. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

4. A0243-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept a donation in the amount of $500.00 from the Everett Credit Union, 650 Broadway in Everett to be deposited into the Everett Police K-9 Unit Account. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

5. A0244-07 Order/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
To dedicate and name the intersection of Oakland Ave and Broadway the "John F. Troy Square" for Mr. Troy, a WWII Army Veteran. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

6. A0246-07 Order/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
To accept the gift valued at $150.00 from the Everett Recreation Commission and Center to the Celebration Committee to be used for Everett Idol Contest prizes. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

COMMUNICATIONS
7. C0155-07 Communication
Unfavorable Traffic Commission report on Resolution offered by Councilor Lou Sierra to make recommendation on placing a yellow blinking light just before the Keverian School on Nichols Street, on right side, by the Woodlawn Street entrance; as no suitable location-wiring issue.

8. C0068-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor James Keane to place 20MPH speed limit signs on Woodlawn Ave due to complaints of speeding motorists; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

NEW BUSINESS
9. C0216-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne Matewsky, John Leo McKinnon and Millie J. Cardello
That the Chief of Police Steve Mazzie and Lt. Paul Landry be complimented for their new program "Community Action Group" that serves the people of Everett with regards to public safety and other city services.

10. C0215-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Mass. Electric Company eliminate the double pole at the corner of Robbin and Thorndike Street. It has been there over three years and causing concern for pedestrians and is unsightly, as three years is too long to wait to have this pole repaired.

11. C0213-07 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnon
To place a guardrail in front of 58 Westover Street due to a recent accident where luckily children were not involved, but play there.

12. C0214-07 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnon
That the Police Traffic Division monitor the speed and also the stop sign at the corners of Prescott Road and Westover Street due to the recent accident in that area.

13. C0217-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Department of Conservation and Recreation Construction Department consider the advisability of expanding on the Revere Beach Parkway, at the light to take a left onto Spring Street, to expand that to allow more cars, presently only three cars can be in line there, and you cannot take a left, to expand the left-hand turn lane to accommodate at least five cars, as it is a safety hazard and its been requested several times in past years, at Everett residents request.

14. C0221-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Leo McKinnon-Sign Division place "Dead End Street" sign at entrance to Albert Park, at request of residents in that area.
2. Councilor Wayne Matewsky-Board of Public Works repair sidewalk in front of 24 Revere Street due to unsafe conditions.
3. Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky-City Services fill in pothole in front of 70 Lewis Street at their earliest convenience.
4. Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky-CETF notify owners of property at 73-75 Waverly Street that their front bushes need to be trimmed, they are overgrown and need to be trimmed, at neighbors request.
5. Councilors Wayne A. Matewsky and Lou Sierra-Park Department, at their earliest convenience, trim tree at 6 Shirley Street, it is hitting the house and branches are low, at request of homeowners.

15. C0222-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the DCR take immediate steps to fill-in the large pothole/depression in front of 2076 Revere Beach Parkway, at the intersection of Lewis Street, as causing damage to homes in the area.

16. C0223-07 Order/s/Sal DiDomenico, as President
To grant an exemption for Carolyn Lightburn to allow her to work in the 2007 elections.

17. C0224-07 Order/s/Sal DiDomenico, as President
To provide an exemption to allow Theresa Shalsi to work at the polls during 2007 elections.

18. C0225-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To request the Mayor to seriously consider repaving the following streets and sidewalks in Ward Two: Francis Street, Florence Street-entire length, Pleasant View Ave, Lexington Street and Franklin Street, which are in deplorable condition, with Chapter 90 funds, also as soon as the streets are chosen please send a complete list to all Common Council members in their mailboxes.

19. C0227-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That all management positions in the Assessor's Office consider forgoing their 3% raise in the interest of fairness due to sacrifices made by other departments.

20. C0228-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
Whereas: The men and women in the Armed Services of the United States of America are currently involved in armed conflict in defense of freedom, and

Whereas: These actions will no doubt reflect in an increase in the number of prisioners of war and those missing in action, and

Whereas: Sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families have made the United States of America a desired destination for people from all over the world, therefore

Be it
Resolved: That the Everett City Council strongly encourages the flagpole at the Everett Elks, and others throughout the City of Everett, to replace the flags of other nations with the POW-MIA Flag thus returning it to its well deserved place of honor along with the American Flag.

21. C0229-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
To invite the Fire Chief and representatives of Code Enforcement to attend this meeting regarding the discontinuance of overtime needed to enforce Code Enforcement violations, specifically, on Thursday night investigations.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Everett City Council Office
Council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
7/23 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
7/23 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING

Celebrate the Fourth

2007-07-04T12:37:00.000-04:00

In celebration of our Independence and how words can change the world:

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Action of Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great- Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World. HE has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good. HE has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. HE has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only. HE has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures. HE has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People. HE has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of the Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and the Convulsions within. HE has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. HE has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers. HE has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries. HE has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their Substance. HE has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures. HE has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power. HE has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: FOR quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us; FOR protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: FOR cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World: FOR imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: FOR depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury: FOR transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended Offences: FOR abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rules into these Colonies: FOR taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: FOR suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever. HE has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. HE has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People. HE is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation. HE has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. HE has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions. IN every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People. NOR have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends. WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. John Hancock.
GEORGIA, Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Geo. Walton.
NORTH-CAROLINA, Wm. Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn.
SOUTH-CAROLINA, Edward Rutledge, Thos Heyward, junr., Thomas Lynch, junr., Arthur Middleton.
MARYLAND, Samuel Chase, Wm. Paca, Thos. Stone, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.
VIRGINIA, George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Ths. Jefferson, Benja. Harrison, Thos. Nelson, jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton.
PENNSYLVANIA, Robt. Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benja. Franklin, John Morton, Geo. Clymer, Jas. Smith, Geo. Taylor, James Wilson, Geo. Ross.
DELAWARE, Caesar Rodney, Geo. Read.
NEW-YORK, Wm. Floyd, Phil. Livingston, Frank Lewis, Lewis Morris.
NEW-JERSEY, Richd. Stockton, Jno. Witherspoon, Fras. Hopkinson, John Hart, Abra. Clark.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Josiah Bartlett, Wm. Whipple, Matthew Thornton.
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, Saml. Adams, John Adams, Robt. Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry.
RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE, C. Step. Hopkins, William Ellery.
CONNECTICUT, Roger Sherman, Saml. Huntington, Wm. Williams, Oliver Wolcott.
IN CONGRESS, JANUARY 18, 1777.

Hot Potato: The FY 2008 Budget

2007-06-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

What do you do with a hot potato? You toss it to the next person! Remember that game from when we were kids?

The problem is....that we're not kids anymore, and the FY2008 is as hot as a hot potato can get. The mayor has delivered up an irresponsible budget, chock full of generous raises (even a step raise for an employee who hadn't even been with the city a year yet, and wasn't budgeted for in the FY2007 budget!)and new hires...while relying heavily on one-time fixes to push the budget under the tax levy. According to the auditor, the budget was initally delivered more than 2.5 million dollars OVER the tax levy.

One time fixes, however, are not sustainable as a sound, long-term financial policy for the city.

The Board of Aldermen voted last week to cut the budget by 3%, amidst competing opinions as to whether they can cut from the bottom line or if they have to cut the budget line by line. The jury is out on that...but the Common Council takes up the budget tonight. They have one more chance to do a difficult but necessary job . . . take a cold hard look at this budget and make it work for the taxpayers.

Let's hope they do the right thing. Cut the budget! Get this done now. This budget isn't fair to the taxpayers of this city, who have already seen their taxes go up 26.8% during the last fiscal year. The hard-working citizens of this city deserve far better than financial ruin. This administration has worked overtime during the past 18 months to blame the former mayor, but that ship has sailed. This is their second year in office and it is inexcusable to lay this at anyone else's door but that of the current mayor, John Hanlon.

We hope the Common Council will do the right thing and cut this budget to the bone.

Board of Aldermen, 6/25/07

2007-06-25T09:44:00.000-04:00

(6PM-LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING)
(PRESENTATIONS TO EHS WINTER COLORGUARD AND PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. A0240-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept $200.00 donation from the Target Store to EPD K-9 Account.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
2. C0193-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of fifteen $2.00 gift certificates from the Broadway Dairy Maid to the City Council Celebration Committee to be used as prizes for children participating in the festivities on June 30th at Glendale Park.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

3. C0196-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $750.00 from the Cambridge Health Alliance to the Office of Human Services to assist with the purchase of a new sound system for the Edward Connolly Center.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

4. C0199-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation totaling $600.00 from the following to be deposited into the Everett Police K-9 Account: Rosa DiFlorio - DDM Ceramic Tile Imports $200.00, Peter Santili - Fishing Finatics $200.00 and Paul Reska - Mass Lock $200.00. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

5. C0200-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer the amount of $20,000.00 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Capital Outlay Account to replace carpeting in the Operations Room and adjacent common hallways.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

6. C0201-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $55,000.00 from Police Overtime Account to Police Bullet Proof Vest Account for the purchase of bullet proof vests*. *50% of cost to be reimbursed by Federal Government. *50% of cost to be reimbursed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. C0206-07 Committee Report
Committee on Celebration & Military Affairs Report on finalizing celebration plans for 2007 July 4th Festivities to be held on Saturday June 30th at Glendale Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Committee report accepted, sent up for concurrence)

8. C0207-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the amount of $274,160.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department's Instructional Salary Account for the balance of the final Medicaid payment. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
9. A0238-07 Petition
Petition for extension of store operating hours from Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers at 1724 Revere Beach Parkway. Sunday to Thursday 6 am-2am, Friday and Saturday 6am-3am.

COMMUNICATIONS
10. A0174-07
Favorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri- To add a crosswalk on Shute Street, at number 194 Shute Street; with favorable recommendation and to refer to city services to add to the list next time they do line painting.

11. A0184-07
Unfavorable Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Aldermen Frank Nuzzo and Joseph McGonagle-To place a service zone, not to exceed 30 minutes, at 108 Ferry Street, intended for safety and convenience.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
12. A0241-07 Committee Report
Committee of the Whole on the Budget Report and Order for Annual Budget for the City of Everett 2008; with a recommendation for favorable action on the FY '08 Budget as submitted by the Mayor with a 3% reduction in the total budget sum ($3,776,627.00) with a request that Public Safety Departments be spared from cuts. As amended by the Committee, the adjusted total budget sum recommended would now be $122,110,931.00 as the Annual Budget for the City of Everett 2008.

13. C0096-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Wayne Matewsky-That the City Clerk investigate possibility of beauty salon/barber shop being located at the car dealership on Chelsea Street, at the corner of Chelsea Street and Chelsea Place.

14. A0162-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Petition for Lord's Day License from La Hispano Americana Inc D/B/A Carnaval Latino Restaurant at 700-A Broadway.

15. A0205-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Frank Nuzzo-That the principals of Regal Auto Sales appear before the next meeting of the Committee on Licenses to address various issues.

16. A0178-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on petition for Junk Dealer's License for HH & M Metals Inc. at 337 Second Street.

17. A0176-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report -To all parties interested in the petition for Auto Repair-Mechanical License from Elba Garcia D/B/A Garcia's Auto Repair, at 69 Norman Street, Unit #23C.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
18. C0166-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Michael Mangan, James Keane, Rosa DiFlorio, Cynthia Sarnie, Millie Cardello, Leo McKinnon and Aldermen Frank Nuzzo, Carlo DeMaria and Robert Van Campen
That His Honor the Mayor appropriate $100,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the After School Program for the School Year 2007/2008. (Amended by adding Councilor Sal DiDomenico as Co-Sponsor.) (Laid on table two weeks for Auditor to inform us of amount of money left in free cash.)

19. A0185-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle
Budget Director, Auditor and Treasurer appear and answer questions about the forensic audit and bring the display boards that were used for the forensic audit. (Postponed to this meeting, and also request they bring the $5 Million Dollars in cancelled checks) (Communication received from Janice M. Vetrano, Director Management and Budget. Copy in mailboxes 6/21/07)

NEW BUSINESS
20. A0237-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
That Fire Chief David Butler appear this meeting relative to discussing the operation of 911.

21. A0239-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
The Board of Aldermen hereby suspends their meetings for the month of July, except for Monday, July 23, 2007, in collaboration with the Common Council.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
6/25 6PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
6/28 6PM (TENTATIVE) SPECIAL COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
7/16 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
7/17 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
7/23 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Common Council Agenda 6/19/07 (Tuesday)

2007-06-14T23:45:00.001-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0193-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of fifteen $2.00 gift certificates from the Broadway Dairy Maid to the City Council Celebration Committee to be used as prizes for children participating in the festivities on June 30th at Glendale Park.

2. C0196-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $750.00 from the Cambridge Health Alliance to the Office of Human Services to assist with the purchase of a new sound system for the Edward Connolly Center.

3. C0199-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation totaling $600.00 from the following to be deposited into the Everett Police K-9 Account: Rosa DiFlorio - DDM Ceramic Tile Imports $200.00, Peter Santili - Fishing Finatics $200.00 and Paul Reska - Mass Lock $200.00.

4. C0200-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer the amount of $20,000.00 from the Police Overtime Account to the Police Capital Outlay Account to replace carpeting in the Operations Room and adjacent common hallways.

5. C0201-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To transfer $50,000.00 from Police Overtime Account to Police Bullet Proof Vest Account for the purchase of bullet proof vests*. *50% of cost to be reimbursed by Federal Government. *50% of cost to be reimbursed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
6. A0223-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria
Whereas, the Flag of the United States of America has long been the symbol of hope, freedom and justice throughout the world, and Whereas, the Stars and Stripes proudly flies over the graves of veterans on domestic and foreign soil as a stern reminder of the cost of freedom, and
Whereas, the Flag of the United States of America should be displayed with respect, dignity, and in accordance with the Laws of the United States of America, Therefore, the Everett City Council respectfully requests that the City of Everett through its Veterans’ Agent make every effort to educate the citizens and business community on the proper display of the American Flag and to encourage its display throughout the City. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

7. A0219-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Veterans Department-Veterans Gift Account.

8. A0220-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle, as President
That the City of Everett hereby accepts Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40, Section 8G. Mutual police aid programs; agreements. This section will allow the Police Department to provide mutual aid programs to increase the capability of protecting the lives, safety and property of the people in the area designated in the agreement.

9. A0213-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To create a school safety zone around the new Everett High School. (Amended by adding Councilor McKinnon as co-sponsor). (Ordained as amended, sent down for concurrence)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10. C0068-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor James A. Keane
To place 20MPH speed limit signs on Woodlawn Ave due to complaints of speeding motorists. (Postponed from 5/7/07 meeting)

11. C0063-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
CETF Chairman, Mr. Frank Champi, appear this meeting to give the Common Council an update on code enforcement in the City, to explain how the new nine employees are working out under his direction, and to also set up a process of getting the Council a written report on all properties within the City that are being investigated with updates on progress made at said properties.

12. C0072-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That Code Enforcement appear at this meeting to give us updates on all current boarding houses in the City of Everett, and what has been done to make them conform to our laws in the City. To also give updates on new non-legal boarding houses starting up all over the City, and how to combat them from starting.

13. C0185-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That the Board of Public Works fill-in large pot hole in front of 150 Bow Street and corner of Robin and Thorndike Street.

NEW BUSINESS
14. C0167-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon and the Entire Common Council
That we invite Sheriff James DiPaola and Alex Leone to attend this meeting, as well as inviting Mayor Hanlon to join with us in thanking Sheriff DiPaola for supplying us with his work crew for the months of June and July.

15. C0168-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
To invite Congressman Ed Markey to attend this meeting, and also Maura Quinn, to thank them for giving a tour to the St. Anthony's School Children down in Washington DC at the Capitol House in May 2007.

16. C0187-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
That the Police Traffic Division place speed traps on Tileston Street, Everett Street, Clark Street and Oakes Street.

17. C0188-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnon
No person shall operate a motor vehicle in excess of 20 miles per hour on Lynn Street, at the Malden line, for southbound drivers only. The purpose of the ordinance is to reduce the speed limit from 30 MPH to 20 MPH in the interest of public safety, due to increased amount of traffic on that street.

18. C0189-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To invite the City Engineer to this meeting to update the City Council of how much money we are getting from the State in Chapter 90 Funds to do streets and sidewalks, and what streets the City plans to do this year, especially in Ward Two (2).

19. C0190-07 CC Worksheet
1. Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks-City Services clean lower part of Appleton Street, as it is a dumping ground.

2. Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks-Parks Department trim grass and weeds on Valley Street.

3. Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky-Wire Department consider returning to the fixed lights, rather than blinking lights after 6 p.m., where there were three recent accidents at the intersection of Cottage and Clinton Street.

20. C0191-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor James A. Keane
To make Freeman Ave a one-way street, in a northwesterly direction from Elm Street to Abbott Ave.

21. C0192-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That the City Engineer appear this meeting relative to the new traffic signals installed by Pope John.

22. C0194-07 Order/s/Councilor Lorrie Bruno, Alderman L. Charles DiPerri and Alderman Joseph W. McGonagle
To amend Order Number A0216-07 relative to the Summer Youth Works Program by rescinding the $70,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2008 Summer Youth Works Program.

23. C0195-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
That the Common Council suspends their meetings in the summer session for the entire month of August, 2007, due to many members on vacation, which attributes to a lack of quorums, and is unfair to members who make the effort to attend, and in collaboration with the Board of Aldermen who recently ratified same for their summer session.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
6/20 6PM COMMITTEE OF WHOLE ON BUDGET 2008
6/25 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

A Low Point in Our Budget History

2007-06-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

If you watched the budget hearings this morning, you heard the City Auditor Larry DeCoste state that the budget that was submitted by the Hanlon administration leaves us facing the possibility of a Proposition 2 1/2 override. In other words, the City Council cannot legally pass the budget as it was submitted. This is the first time that we've been faced with this situation. It is indeed a low point in our budget history.

The City Auditor was very candid about the situation we now find ourselves in. It is rare that we get this much honesty from this administration, and Mr. DeCoste should be commended for being forthright and brutally honest regarding this budget. He made valid suggestions regarding where it was possible to cut some of the money, including the need to cut jobs from the budget.

This begs the question -- why would this administration submit a budget that they know is illegal? Why would they not have made these difficult cuts prior to submitting the budget? The simple answer is -- they don't want the administration to be the "bad guys." If people are going to be laid off, they want to be able to say "hey, you lost your job, sorry, blame the City Council." It's not only fixed costs causing the enormous increase in this budget, as the Mayor tried to claim in his statement on May 31st -- this administration had the gall to submit salary increases of up to 6%!!!

The City Council has now put the onus back onto the administration, insisting that they take back the budget book and review cuts that could be made in jobs and salaries, as well as looking at school spending (school spending also accounts for a good portion of the budget increase). The City Council also has the responsibility of taking the budget book, reviewing it, and suggesting their own cuts.

The City Council will meet again on Tuesday evening and has requested that the Mayor, the auditor, the budget director, and the school department business manager appear to discuss cuts and answer additional questions that may present themselves after further review for possible cuts.

Common Council Agenda 6/4/07

2007-06-03T19:26:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1. C0171-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donations totaling $1400.00 to the Mayor's Summer Concert Series Account from the following: Larry White $500.00, Everett Car Service, Inc. $500.00 and Ciro's Foreign Car Repairs, Inc. $400.00.

2. C0172-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $100.00 from Edwin Guarino, Lorraine Guarino and Laurel Hickey to the Veterans Department-Gift Account.

3. C0173-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $60.00 from Eleanor Kelly and Kathleen Kelly to the Veterans Department Gift Account.

4. C0174-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $65.00 from Salvatore Sachetta and Elizabeth Sachetta to the Veterans Gift Account.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
5. A0206-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation totaling $1,000.00 to the Everett Police Department K-9 Account from the following: J & S Landscaping $300.00, Antonio Pesce, Attorney $200.00 and Duncan Galvanizing Corp. $500.00. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

6. A0207-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of the following miscellaneous items that were donated from Mellon Bank to the Everett Police Department: 2-Conference Tables, 1-Book Case, 24 Chairs and 3-Conference Room Cabinets. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

7. A0208-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $184,162.82 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department Salaries Account to supplement health insurance agreement entered into by Former Mayor David Ragucci with the School Department on June 4, 2004. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

8. A0153-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Parker Street for a distance of 95 feet in a northerly direction. (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

9. A0151-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Emery Street for a distance of 60 feet in a southerly direction.(Ordained sent down for ordainment)

10. A0152-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Ferry Street to Emery Street in a southerly direction; amended to read "Ferry Street to Parker Street", with favorable recommendation on the amendment. (Ordained as written, sent down for ordainment)

11. A0154-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, east side, from Timothy Avenue for a distance of 80 feet in a northerly direction. (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

12. A0213-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To create a school safety zone around the new Everett High School. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

13. A0215-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert Van Campen
That the Everett City Council is hereby opposed to passage of the "Verizon Bill," presently referred to as Senate Bill No. 1975 and House Bill No. 3385 which would allow Verizon and other Telecom Companies to sidestep the existing regulatory process for obtaining cable TV licenses from municipalities. (Passed sent down for concurrence to send to Senator Barrios and Representative Smith)

14. A0216-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $80,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Personnel Department-Summer Job Account for the Mayor's Summer Youth Works Program. The amount of $10,000.00 would be for Fiscal Year 2007 and $70,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2008. (Passed sent down for concurrence)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. C0093-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That Representative Stephen Smith appear this meeting to talk on Bryant Street and Rich Street drainage areas for DCR and MWRA, also invite Julius Ofurie, City Engineer to attend.

16. C0006-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnon
That the City of Everett consider adding on their next bills, that we have a box to give ($1.00) one dollar for Everett Youth Organizations.

17. C0050-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
That the Police monitor the no parking here to corner state law at the corners of Parlin Street and Main Street due to numerous complaints from the neighborhood, and citizens using the MBTA bus stops, as it is a safety issue for them having to get on the buses, all along Main Street.

18. C0133-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
Police Traffic Division monitor Baldwin Ave corners as cars parking on both corners obstructing views for motorists causing alarm for neighborhood, as well as, concerns in event emergency apparatus need access to Baldwin Ave.

19. C0152-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Faia
To address the city's current position in terms of the city projects and repairs.

20. C0153-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi Hicks
Police monitor the Meadows Park due to numerous complaints, especially of a broken fence and kids climbing behind 22 Oakes Street.

21. C0160-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Matewsky, M. Cardello and Leo McKinnon
Park Department take immediate steps to rectify the unclean conditions at Lynde Street Playground.

22. C0198-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Cynthia Sarnie and Kay Hicks
Mass Highway/DCR place a "NO ENGINE BRAKING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9 P.M. AND 6 A.M." sign on Route 16 Santilli Highway by May Street.

NEW BUSINESS
23. C0169-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
That the Mayor and someone from his Administration appear at this meeting to give the Common Council and the people of Everett a detailed and updated explanation of the criminal investigation at the Recreation Department.

24. C0170-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Stephen Simonelli
To have the City Engineer and Community Development seriously look at Francis Street, Franklin Street, Pleasant View Ave, High Street, from Ferry to Foster Street and Lexington Street, as these streets are in deplorable condition and need to be place on a priority list to be considered for repaving this year. No street in Ward Two has been repaved in two years.

25. C0175-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Lorrie Bruno and Rosa DiFlorio
That the Parking Clerk/Hearing Officer, Mr. Paul Kelly, appear this meeting for an update on the night time parking enforcement.

26. C0176-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph Hickey and Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That any junk or second hand dealer in receipt of any military plaques or memorbilia who fails to notify law enforcement will be fined with permanent revocation of license according to the Ordinances of the City of Everett.

27. C0177-07 Order/s/Councilors Michael J. Mangan, Millie J. Cardello and Rosa DiFlorio
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17, Section 17.1 (b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, “Names & destinations; erection of signposts”, that the intersection of Green Street and Mansfield Street be dedicated and named the “Joseph Vetrano Square”. Mr. Vetrano was a World War II Veteran.

28. C0178-07 Order/s/Councilors Michael J. Mangan, Millie J. Cardello and Rosa DiFlorio
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17, Section 17.1 (b) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, “Names & destinations; erection of signposts”, that the corner of Argyle Street and Harris Street be dedicated and named the “Francis Gallagher Square”. Mr. Gallagher was a World War II Veteran.

29. C0179-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne A. Matewsky and John Leo McKinnon
That Mr. Pietrantonio of the Parks Department and Mr. Sheehan, the Director of City Services appear this meeting relative to the conditions of playgrounds in the City of Everett and their overall performance.

30. C0242-06 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
Be it
Resolved: To the Common Council, that the introduction of candidates for public office as such, at televised meetings may be in violation of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 55.

31. C0180-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Wayne A. Matewsky, Millie J. Cardello and John Leo McKinnon
To request that department heads respond on status of any item referred to them by the Common Council within a four week period, no exceptions, Traffic Commission excluded.

32. C0181-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. Keane
That Mayor Hanlon appear this meeting with report on update of different committees requested to be formed.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
6/7 6PM COMMITTEE OF WHOLE ON BUDGET 2008
6/9 8AM COMMITTEE OF WHOLE ON BUDGET 2008
6/11 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
6/14 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
6/14 6PM CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
6/19 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
6/25 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Coveted Award for Superintendent Foresteire

2007-06-02T08:30:00.000-04:00

Drum roll please......we are pleased to announce that our Superintendent of Schools, Frederick F. Foresteire, has won another coveted award in education. It would appear that news of Mr. Foresteire's "creativity" with a school budget has traveled beyond the four corners of Everett, and has caught the attention of a website that publishes education "exploits" across the country. Although the competition was intense, Mr. Foresteire's special award is listed second.

http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/bag_of_rocks.html

Congratulations, Mr. Foresteire. It's well deserved.

Board of Aldermen Agenda: May 29, 2007

2007-05-26T06:57:00.000-04:00

6pm Joint Convention-RE: Planning Board Report)

AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA

________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0196-07
To all parties interested in the public hearing to revoke the 2nd Class Motor Dealer License for Wallace Salgado D/B/A Ultimate Auto Business, Incorporated at 12 Dexter Street because the business has closed.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
2. A0199-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby reappoint Kathleen Carroll as the Animal Control Officer for the City of Everett for a period of one year effective June 28, 2007.

3. A0200-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby reappoint Dorothy Gomez to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Library, for a term ending June 2010.

4. A0201-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby reappoint Mary Marcantonio to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Library, with a term ending June 2010.

5. A0202-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby reappoint Theresa O'Donnell to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Library, term ending June 2010.

6. A0203-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby reappoint Theresa Shalsi to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Library, term ending June 2010.

7. A0204-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Subject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby appoint Edward Clifford, Robert Nelson, Jr., Michael E. Ostrowski and Felix C. Negron-Torres to be Sworn Weighers for a period of one-year, without pay, for Duncan Galvanizing Corp., 69 Norman Street, Everett.

8. A0206-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation totaling $1,000.00 to the Everett Police Department K-9 Account from the following: J & S Landscaping $300.00, Antonio Pesce, Attorney $200.00 and Duncan Galvanizing Corp. $500.00.

9. A0207-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of the following miscellaneous items that were donated from Mellon Bank to the Everett Police Department: 2-Conference Tables, 1-Book Case, 24 Chairs and 3-Conference Room Cabinets.

10. A0208-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $184,162.82 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department Salaries Account to supplement health insurance agreement entered into by Former Mayor David Ragucci with the School Department on June 4, 2004. MEMO TO THE ALDERMEN: GET A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT AND READ IT THOROUGHLY. IT DID HAVE TERMS AND LIMITATIONS. WHY ARE THERE TWO SEPARATE PIECES ON THIS TOPIC?

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
11. C0159-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the amount of $416,432.12 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the School Department Salaries Account 01-300-20-320-5111 to supplement health insurance agreement entered into by Former Mayor David Ragucci with the School Department on June 4, 2005 which is now due. MEMO TO THE ALDERMEN: GET A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT AND READ IT THOROUGHLY. IT DID HAVE TERMS AND LIMITATIONS. Passed sent up for concurrence)

12. A0153-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Parker Street for a distance of 95 feet in a northerly direction. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

13. C0079-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Cynthia Sarnie
The purpose of the amendment is to place no parking signs on east side of Christina Circle; with favorable recommendation to amend to the one-side no parking on east side, from the Traffic Commission. (Ordained as amended, sent up for concurrence)

14. C0080-07 Ordinance/s/Councilors Sal DiDomenico, James A. Keane and Stephanie Smith
The purpose of the amendment is to place no parking signs on the odd side of Coburn Terrace from Sycamore Street to Glendale Park. (Ordained sent up for concurrence)

15. A0151-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Emery Street for a distance of 60 feet in a southerly direction.(Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

16. A0152-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Ferry Street to Emery Street in a southerly direction; amended to read "Ferry Street to Parker Street", with favorable recommendation on the amendment. (Enrolled, as amended, in concurrence, sent up for ordainment, as amended.)

17. A0154-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, east side, from Timothy Avenue for a distance of 80 feet in a northerly direction. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

18. A0085-07
Celebration Committee Report from 5-15-07 with updates on celebration plans for Independence Day festivities on June 30th, 2007 at Glendale Park; with a recommendation to report back to City Council for informational purposes. (Committee report accepted and sent up for concurrence to grant further time.)

19. C0161-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the amount of $8,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Facilities Maintenance Telephone Account due to insufficient funds and unexpected repairs in the HVAC Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

20. C0165-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the amount of $1,998.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Veterans Services Plaques and Signs Account to manufacture and install one 15" x 10' sign to read "EDWARD G. CONNOLLY CENTER" to be placed above the entrance of the Everett Armory. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

21. C0166-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Michael Mangan, James Keane, Rosa DiFlorio, Cynthia Sarnie, Millie Cardello, Leo McKinnon and Aldermen Frank Nuzzo, Carlo DeMaria and Robert Van Campen
That His Honor the Mayor appropriate $100,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the After School Program for the School Year 2007/2008. (Amended by adding Councilor Sal DiDomenico as Co-Sponsor and passed sent up for concurrence to send to Mayor Hanlon)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
22. A0209-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for 3rd Class Motor Dealer License from Prolerized New England Company LLC d/b/a Second Street Iron and Metal at 285 Second Street.

23. A0210-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for Junk Dealer License for Prolerized New England Company LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company further know as Proleride Transport Inc. and Hugo Neu Steel Products Inc. at 69 Rover Street.

24. A0211-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
Petition for Junk Dealer License Renewal from Prolerized New England Company LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company D/B/A Second Street Iron and Metal at 285 Second Street.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
25. A0037-07 Committee Report/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerri
Joint Convention Report on Planning Boards negative recommendation for Ordinance offered by Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerri to increase lot size and frontage for residential properties.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
26. C0075-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico
To appropriate the amount of $488,049.20 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the City Treasurer/Collector Department Short Term Interest Account to pay for the interest due on Bond Notes. (Passed in the Common Council 3/19/07, sent up for concurrence). (5/14 Reconsideration passed, referred to this meeting to invite City Treasurer Dom D'Angelo to attend.)

27. A0129-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith and Councilor James A. Keane
To present a power point presentation showing glaring need of a teen resource center and the desired benefit it can have on the community. Supported and presented by the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center and Police Chief Steven Mazzie. (Referred to Mayor Hanlon 5/14 for response this meeting)

28. A0172-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
Mayor appear to discuss letter from the Inspector General's Office concerning Superintendent Foresteire dated December 4, 2006. (Referred to this meeting to invite Inspector General Greg Sullivan and Attorney for Mr. Foresteire, as well as, notifying Mr. Foresteire.)

29. A0185-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle
Budget Director, Auditor and Treasurer appear and answer questions about the forensic audit and bring the display boards that were used for the forensic audit. (Postponed to this meeting to re-invite as requested above)

30. A0194-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen and Alderman Jason Marcus
Dan Cameron from NSTAR appear this meeting relative to the Recreation Center.

NEW BUSINESS
31. A0205-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Frank Nuzzo
That the principals of Regal Auto Sales appear before the next meeting of the Committee on Licenses to address various issues.

Adjournment

Respectfully submitted:
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Everett City Council
council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS TO NOTE:
5/29 6PM JOINT CONVENTION RE: PLANNING BOARD REPORT
5/31 6PM JOINT CONVENTION RE: MAYOR DELIVERS 2008 BUDGET
6/4 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
6/11 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
6/14 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
6/19 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING (TUESDAY)
6/25 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

Calendar of the Board of Aldermen, 5/14/07

2007-05-10T17:39:00.000-04:00

PLEASE NOTE THE HIGHLIGHTED PASSAGES:

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, MAY 14, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. A0176-07 Petition
To all parties interested in the petition for Auto Repair-Mechanical License from Elba Garcia D/B/A Garcia's Auto Repair, at 69 Norman Street, Unit #23C.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
2. A0188-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To accept the donation of $300.00 from the Leavitt Corporation to the Police Department K-9 Unit.

3. A0189-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To transfer the amount of $5,000.00 from the Parking Clerk-Meter Revenue Account to supplement the Parking Clerk-Ticket Processing Account due to an increase in the number of tickets being processed and cost for mailing overdue notices.

4. A0190-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $14,610.99 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Recreation Department Salaries Account to supplement monies necessary for the hiring of a new Director of the Recreation Department.

5. A0191-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President
To appropriate the amount of $410,387.28 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the following accounts, in the following increments to satisfy the City's negotiations with Local 25 and the Police Union: Parking Clerk Salaries Account $1,570.07, Facilities Maintenance Salaries Account $15,363.43, Recreation Salaries Account $4,491.32, City Services Salaries Account $130,965.24, 911 Salaries Account $40,525.43 and Police Salaries Account $217,471.79.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
6. C0111-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the generous donation of $714.00 from Century Bank to the City Council-4th of July Account for celebration festivities for the City of Everett. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7. C0122-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the generous donation of $800.00 from Cumar, Inc., 69 Norman Street, to the Everett Police Department K-9 Division. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

8. C0123-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the generous donation of $1,500.00 from The Everett Foundation for Aged Persons, Inc., 21 Trenton Street, Melrose, to the Mayor's Office of Human Services to be used towards the purchase of a new sound system for the Edward Connolly Center. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

9. C0136-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $1,391.37 from the Everett Historical Society to the Parlin Memorial Library Preservation Fund. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

10. C0137-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

11. C0138-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $870.00 from the Friends of the Everett Libraries for the Homework Center Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

12. C0139-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $50.00 from Rosie's Senior Flower Club to the Shute Gift Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

13. C0140-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept the donation of $300.00 from the Friends of the Everett Libraries for the Young Adult Programs to the State Aid Account #26.3590CW. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

14. C0141-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To accept donation of $200.00 from Lifestyle Transportation International to the Everett Police Department K-9 Account. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

15. C0112-07 Communication
Communication from Steven J. Chilton, Senior Vice President of Mass Development Finance Agency to notify you they gave preliminary approval to issue a revenue bond on behalf of Eliot Community Health Services Trust at 173 Chelsea Street. Please advise in the event that the proposed project conflicts with an existing local or regional comprehensive plan. (Communication accepted and placed on file, sent up for concurrence)

16. C0079-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Cynthia Sarnie
The purpose of the amendment is to place no parking signs on east side of Christina Circle; with favorable recommendation to amend to the one-side no parking on east side, from the Traffic Commission. (Enrolled as amended, sent up for enrollment as amended.)

17. C0080-07 Ordinance/s/Councilors Sal DiDomenico, James A. Keane and Stephanie Smith
The purpose of the amendment is to place no parking signs on the odd side of Coburn Terrace from Sycamore Street to Glendale Park; with favorable recommendation from Traffic Commission. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

18. C0144-07 Communication
Copy of letter (FYI) from attorneys for Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., from City Solicitor John Kryzovic, relative to Resolution proposed by Sign & Pictorial Local #391 regarding Union Strike at Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. (Copy in mailboxes 5/4/07)(Communication accepted and placed on file, sent up for informational purposes)

19. C0146-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as President
To appropriate the total amount of $27,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the following accounts: Purchasing Department-Salaries Account $24,000.00, Purchasing Department-Office Supplies $3,000.00. [Passed sent up for concurrence (reconsideration failed)]

20. C0147-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Millie J. Cardello
That the Everett City Council supports Governor Patrick's legislation to close corporate tax loop-holes. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
21. A0163-07 Petition
2006 Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License for White's Auto Sales at 79 Vine Street.

22. A0164-07 Petition
2007 Petition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License for White's Auto Sales at 79 Vine Street.

23. A0177-07 Petition
Junk Dealer's License for Carlyle Precious Metals, LLC, 8-24 Dexter Street, that is, second hand dealer, junk dealer, precious metals license and antique dealer.

24. A0178-07 Petition
Junk Dealer's License for HH & M Metals Inc. at 337 Second Street.

25. A0179-07 Petition
Petition for Awning at 76A Hancock Street for the Monde V. Beauty Salon.

26. A0180-07 Petition
Petition for Awning from Robson A. Desa for new awning (3 parts) for a Brazmca Emporio Store at 170 Main Street.

COMMUNICATIONS

27. C0075-07 Communication/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
Request for Reconsideration on item #24 of the Board of Aldermen Agenda dated April 23, 2007, from Representative/Alderman Stephen Smith on Order from His Honor The Mayor -To appropriate the amount of $488,049.20 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the City Treasurer/Collector Department Short Term Interest Account to pay for the interest due on Bond Notes. (Passed in the Common Council 3/19/07, sent up for concurrence); with a recommendation for favorable action from the Finance Committee. (Order failed to pass 3-3 in the Board of Aldermen 4/23/07)

28. A0020-06 Communication
Traffic Commission Report
on Ordinance offered by Aldermen L. Charles DiPerri for no heavy trucking on Timothy Avenue and Burditt Street; with no action-ordinance enacted 12-11-50, referred back to Sponsor, at his request.

29. A0151-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Emery Street for a distance of 60 feet in a southerly direction; with recommendation to refer back to Sponsor.

30. A0152-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles DiPerri-That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Ferry Street to Emery Street in a southerly direction; amended to read "Ferry Street to Parker Street", with favorable recommendation on the amendment.

31. A0153-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles DiPerri-That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, west side, from Parker Street for a distance of 95 feet in a northerly direction; with a recommendation to refer back to Sponsor.

32. A0154-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles DiPerri-That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Burditt Street, east side, from Timothy Avenue for a distance of 80 feet in a northerly direction; with a favorable recommendation.

33. A0155-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman L. Charles DiPerri-That the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett Chapter 18, Traffic and Motor Vehicles; Article V, Parking, Stopping and Standing; Section 18-134, Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets is hereby amended by adding Timothy Avenue, South East and North West sides, from the intersection of Burditt Street for a distance of 30 feet in a northeasterly direction; with favorable recommendation.

34. A0156-07 Communication
Traffic Commission Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Jason Marcus-That "Slow, Children" sign be put on the top of Alpine Ave coming down on left-hand side coming down Alpine Ave; with recommendation to refer to Highway Department-Sign Division.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
35. A0150-07 Committee Report
License Committee Report on Lodging House License for the Prescott House, 36 Church Street; with a recommendation for favorable action pending the approval of required departments.

36. A0110-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van Campen
That the City Auditor appear this meeting to discuss the recent performance of the City's pension system. (Mayor and Auditor respectfully requested to appear this meeting)

37. A0129-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith and Councilor James A. Keane
To present a power point presentation showing glaring need of a teen resource center and the desired benefit it can have on the community. Supported and presented by the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center and Police Chief Steven Mazzie.

NEW BUSINESS
38. A0171-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
Mayor appear this meeting to answer a few questions concerning the suspended employees.

39. A0172-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith
Mayor appear to discuss letter from the Inspector General's Office concerning Superintendent Foresteire dated December 4, 2006.

40. A0173-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To move the existing bus stop located on the west side of Broadway, in front of Pope John High School, in a southerly direction, a distance of forty (40) feet. The purpose of the amendment is to ease the restriction on Broadway at the new traffic island.

41. A0174-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
To add a crosswalk on Shute Street, at number 194 Shute Street.

42. A0175-07 Resolution/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri
That the City of Everett consider repaving Bradford Terrace from Ferry Street to Cedar Terrace.

43. A0181-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason Marcus
That Mayor Hanlon appear to let us know how much money was left in the stabilization account from the previous administration when he took over and from the free cash that was left from the previous administration.

44. A0182-07 Resolution/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and Jason Marcus
That City Services repair the sidewalks at the corner of Villa Ave and Foster Street.

45. A0183-07 Resolution/s/Aldermen Jason Marcus and Joseph McGonagle
City Services remove the old fire alarm box near 30 Hamilton Street.

46. A0184-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Frank Nuzzo and Joseph McGonagle
To place a service zone, not to exceed 30 minutes, at 108 Ferry Street, intended for safety and convenience.

47. A0185-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle
Budget Director, Auditor and Treasurer appear and answer questions about the forensic audit and bring the display boards that were used for the forensic audit

48. A0186-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle
City Services remove the asphalt and replace with cement where there was a water main break last summer, as well as, placing a cap on the water shut-off in front of 7 Maplewood Ave.

49. A0187-07 Resolution/s/Aldermen Robert J. Van Campen and Jason Marcus
Assistant City Solicitor Colleen Mejia appear this meeting to discuss the updates on Dan's Redemption Center and Lee Redemption Center.

Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Everett City Council Office
council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
5/15 6PM CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
5/15 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
5/21 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
5/29 6PM JOINT CONVENTION-PLANNING BOARD REPORT
5/29 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

No Urban Legend: The Infamous Inspector General's Letter of December 4, 2006 (click each page to read)

2007-05-02T13:48:00.000-04:00

They Got What They Paid For: City Audit

2007-04-26T15:04:00.000-04:00

Now that the audit has been released, and Melanson & Heath have appeared before City Government to discuss the findings, we can finally comment:

This administration, and this Mayor, have lost what little credibility they had left.

How is it possible that both Marchese & Sons and GTA's attorneys are able to produce the very documents that the city claims it cannot locate? Is this a case of poor record keeping, or is this a case of a Nixonian-like conspiracy to take down the perceived enemies of the Mayor?

Melanson and Heath's first shot over the bow . . . that the $5 million figure reported last week does not match any figures they provided in the audit . . . did immediate damage to the Mayor's claims last week of corruption and wrong doing. The fact that Hanlon could not identify with any certainty where that figure came from is very telling. Is he lying, or is he really that out of touch with the members of his own administration?

There is so much about this audit that has a false ring to it that it's difficult to put it in any kind of perspective. Who are the people who had access to the documents and computer drives that were seized? The Mayor made the claim that the hard drives had been examined and copied, prior to the involvement of the AG and the US Attorney, but he did not identify who performed this work. Who had access to this information during the period that the audit was underway. We already know that there were meetings being held at City Hall on the weekends. We know this because the Facilities Management Director made the statement when he came before the City Council requesting additional funding to cover the overtime account for the janitorial services.

The Mayor has claimed all along that this was to be an audit of all city departments, and that Melanson & Heath had determined that there were five departments that were of particular concern. However, last night we found out that it was not departments that were audited, but particular vendors that were the focus of the audit, and that the names of these vendors were provided by the Budget Director.

The Mayor has claimed all along that this audit would cost exactly $60,000, even after the contract with Melanson and Heath was signed; yet last night we discover that the contract for Melanson and Heath is and has been $45,000; now the Mayor claims that the $60,000 figure was presented as a "ball park" figure in order to be sure the cost of the audit was covered completely.

The Mayor has either been uninformed or has lied throughout this entire process.

Certainly this isn't the end. The Mayor claims that there are ongoing investigations outside of this audit. There are questions that were asked last night that the Mayor still needs to answer -- i.e., where did this phantom $5 million figure come from? The Mayor also claimed that his Budget Director did not provide a list of 16 vendor names to the auditing firm, contradicting what was published in the report. He has said he is going to check with his budget director today. It'll be interesting to see if they continue to deny this, essentially calling the audit inaccurate.

Yes, this drama will continue into the coming days and months; the budget season is now upon us. This administration should, and we believe will, be held up to painfully close scrutiny now. A positive outcome of this sad chapter in our history may be that the City Council will step up their performance and finally create a legacy of service to the people instead of political pandering and deal making.

Calendar of the Board of Aldermen, 4/23/07

2007-04-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

(FYI: 6PM-JOINT CONVENTION)
(Presentation to Sean Cronk)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1.
A0165-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentSubject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby re-appoint Chief Vincent Caruso and seventeen other named Everett Auxiliary Police Members as Special Police Officers for the City of Everett for a term of one-year, without pay, expiring May 8, 2008.

2.
A0166-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentTo accept the donation of $714.00 from the Century Bank to the Office of Human Services to be deposited into the Office of Human Services Literacy Program Account.

3.
A0167-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentSubject to confirmation by the Honorable Board of Aldermen, I hereby appoint Bernard Evens to serve as a Member of the Disability Commission to fill a term expiring in February 2010.

4.
A0168-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentTo accept the donation of $100.00 from the Vietnam Veterans Association & Iron Workers Local 7 to the Department of Veterans Services.

5.
A0169-07 Order/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentTo accept the amount of $15.00 from an anonymous donor to the Mayor's Office of Human Services Emergency Services Account to help support the Christmas Program.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
6.
C0100-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo accept the donation of $100.00 from Anthony and Ada Toto to the Office of Human Services Senior Medical Transportation Program. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

7.
C0101-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo transfer the amount of $55,000.00 from the Fire Department Salaries Account to the Fire Department Replacement Fire Fighting Supplies & Equipment Account for a vehicle replacement of $30,000.00 and an extrication tool for $25,000.00.(Passed sent up for concurrence)

8.
C0076-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo adjust compensation for the following Administrative Officers effective July 1, 2007: City Auditor minimum $74,819.51, maximum $85,856.04; City Solicitor minimum $70,249.12 maximum $80,613.57; and City Treasurer minimum $65,888.68 maximum $75,696.58; with favorable Administrative Affairs Committee recommendation. (Amended by adding "no more than 3% increase".) (Ordained as amended, sent up for ordainment)

9.
C0005-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Michael ManganAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on compensation for the School Committee with favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,500.00 starting January 2008, no retroactive pay, no health benefits, and to be part of the pension plan. (Ordained, as amended, sent up for ordainment)

10.
C0049-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance that in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2-102, "Compensation" of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, the salary of the Clerk of Committees shall be $27,000.00 annually, effective July 1, 2007, with favorable recommendation.(Ordained sent up for ordainment)

11.
C0398-06 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. HickeyThat there will be no transport of any waste deemed to be hazardous through the City of Everett; with a Rules & Ordinances Committee recommendation for favorable action on the amended Ordinance 18-184 "Transportation of Waste Matter, Sewage". (Ordained as amended, sent up for ordainment)

12.
A0607-06 Ordinance/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria; Alderman L. Charles DiPerri and Councilor Leo McKinnonTo amend Chapter 13A to include a new section 13A-88 to provide for the eviction and relocation of tenants of illegal dwellings; with a recommendation for favorable action on the attached Ordinance 13A-88 "Illegal Lodging and Illegal Lodging Houses in Dwellings" as amended. (Enrolled, as amended, in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

13.
A0606-06 Ordinance/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagleThat Chapter 13A is hereby amended by inserting Article X Regulating Public Nuisances; Section 13A-61.0 to 13A-100.0.(Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

14.
A0071-07a Ordinance/s/Alderman Frank NuzzoAn ordinance limiting the number of Auto Repair Shop licenses granted in the City of Everett to no more than 50. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

15.
C0096-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. MatewskyThat the City Clerk investigate possibility of beauty salon/barber shop being located at the car dealership on Chelsea Street, at the corner of Chelsea Street and Chelsea Place due to neighborhood concerns that there is a new business there. (Referred to Board of Aldermen, City Clerk, Building Department, State Licensing Board and Code Enforcement Task Force 4/17)

16.
C0097-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. KeaneWhereas the Everett Common Council voted unanimously to support a change in the Charter of the City of Everett which would prohibit candidates from seeking more than one municipal office; and Whereas said change will not be considered by the State Legislature in time for this election cycle; Therefore, Be itResolved: that the members of the Everett Common Council pledge to honor the spirit of that order and not seek multiple offices in the 2007 elections, and Be it Further Resolved that the Members of the Common Council urge all candidates for office in the City of Everett to do the same.

17.
C0107-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo transfer the amount of $48,000.00 from the Code Enforcement Salaries Account to the Veterans Department-Veteran Benefits Allowance Account to meet end of FY '07 Veteran Services. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
18.
A0161-07 PetitionPetition for Open Air parking License for Paul's Towing Inc. at 3 Buell Street.

19.
A0162-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from La Hispano Americana Inc D/B/A Carnaval Latino Restaurant at 700-A Broadway.

COMMUNICATIONS
20.
A0125-07 CommunicationCommunication from Rep. Stephen Smith in response to Resolution offered by Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as President, in support of restoring the 40% cut in the FY '08 Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
21.
A0119-07 Committee ReportFinance Committee Report on Order from His Honor The Mayor-To appropriate the sum of $45,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Veterans Department-Veterans Benefits Allowance Account to meet projections for end of the Fiscal Year 2007 service to our veterans, with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

22.
A0120-07 Committee ReportFinance Committee Report on Order from His Honor The Mayor-To appropriate the amount of $30,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Facilities Maintenance Telephone Account as there have been unexpected increases in phone usage; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

23.
A0121-07 Committee ReportFinance Committee Report from His Honor The Mayor-To appropriate the amount of $10,000.00 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the Facilities Maintenance Overtime Account, as there have been unexpected increases in off-hour custodial City Hall demands; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

24.
C0075-07 Committee ReportFinance Committee Report on Order from His Honor The Mayor-To appropriate the amount of $488,049.20 from the Budgetary Fund Balance to the City Treasurer/Collector Department Short Term Interest Account to pay for the interest due on Bond Notes. (Passed in the Common Council 3/19/07, sent up for concurrence); with a recommendation for favorable action.

25.
A0133-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Petition for Lodging House License from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE MARLBORO at 51 Chelsea Street; with recommendation for favorable action.

26.
A0134-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Petition for Lodging House License from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE NEWPORT at 59 Chelsea Street; with recommendation for favorable action.

27.
A0135-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Petition for Lodging House License from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE GLENDALE at 322-324 Ferry Street; with recommendation for favorable action.

28.
A0150-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Lodging House License for the Prescott House, 36 Church Street; with a recommendation for favorable action pending the approval of required departments.

29.
A0127-07 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Resolution offered by Alderman Jason Marcus relative to the disrepair or improper display of the American Flag.

30.
A0124-07 Committee ReportRules & Ordinance Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Jason Marcus to amend the time that trash can be put out by on the day before scheduled collection from "sunset" to "5:00 p.m.", at the request of elderly residents in the community.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
31.
A0126-07 Resolution/s/Aldermen Robert J. Van CampenThat the City of Everett denounce the recent decision of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs concerning the proposed materials handling facility for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission. (Referred to Mayor's Office for response back to Board of Aldermen April 23rd meeting)

32.
A0087-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenIn the interest of protecting the children of Massachusetts from sexual predators, that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through its State Legislature, take the necessary steps to enact Jessica's Law.

33.
A0110-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenThat the City Auditor appear this meeting to discuss the recent performance of the City's pension system.

34.
A0129-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith and Councilor James A. KeaneTo present a power point presentation showing glaring need of a teen resource center and the desired benefit it can have on the community. Supported and presented by the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center and Police Chief Steven Mazzie.

NEW BUSINESS
35.
A0159-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason MarcusThat the Budget Director, Janice Vetrano, appear this meeting relative to the amount of money transferred to date compared to last year at this time, and the year before; also how much was appropriated so far this year and last year at this time, as well as, the year before.

36.
A0160-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason MarcusThat the Police make sure they tag the top of Garland Street on trash day during rain, sleet or snow, as well as, announce that they are tagging so people move their cars so that they can clean the street.

Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant
Everett City Council Office
Council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:

4/25 6PM (FYI) TRAFFIC COMMISSION-KEVERIAN ROOM
4/30 6PM JOINT CONVENTION
5/7 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
5/14 7PM NEXT BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
5/15 6PM COMMITTEE ON BILLS & ACCOUNTS MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com/

Tragedy in Virginia

2007-04-16T18:41:00.000-04:00

We at The Everett Mirror would like to take a moment to express the profound sadness and horror that so many across the country are feeling at the news of the shootings today at Virginia Tech. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.

Calendar of the Common Council, 4/17/07 (Tuesday)

2007-04-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1.
C0100-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo accept the donation of $100.00 from Anthony and Ada Toto to the Office of Human Services Senior Medical Transportation Program Account #26.3590.CD.

2.
C0101-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo transfer the amount of $55,000.00 from the Fire Department Salaries Account to the Fire Department Replacement Fire Fighting Supplies & Equipment Account for a vehicle replacement of $30,000.00 and an extrication tool for $25,000.00.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
3.
A0018-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerriTo amend the Riverfront Overlay District to extend from Route 99 along Mystic-Malden Rivers to the Malden line.(Ordained sent down for ordainment)

4.
C0076-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo adjust compensation for the following Administrative Officers effective July 1, 2007: City Auditor minimum $74,819.51, maximum $85,856.04; City Solicitor minimum $70,249.12 maximum $80,613.57; and City Treasurer minimum $65,888.68 maximum $75,696.58; with favorable Administrative Affairs Committee recommendation. (Amended by adding "no more than 3% increase".) (Enrolled in concurrence, as amended, sent down for ordainment. Reconsideration failed).

5.
C0005-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Michael ManganAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on compensation for the School Committee with favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,500.00 starting January 2008, no retroactive pay, no health benefits, and to be part of the pension plan. (Enrolled in concurrence, as amended, sent down for ordainment)

6.
C0049-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance that in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2-102, "Compensation" of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, the salary of the Clerk of Committees shall be $27,000.00 annually, effective July 1, 2007, with favorable recommendation.(Enrolled in concurrence, sent down for ordainment)

7.
C0398-06 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. HickeyThat there will be no transport of any waste deemed to be hazardous through the City of Everett; with a Rules & Ordinances Committee recommendation for favorable action on the amended Ordinance 18-184 "Transportation of Waste Matter, Sewage". (Enrolled as amended, in concurrence, sent down for ordainment)

8.
A0607-06 Committee Report/s/Alderman Carlo DeMaria; Alderman L. Charles DiPerriRules & Ordinance Committee Report on Ordinance signed Aldermen Carlo DeMaria and L. Charles DiPerri-To amend Chapter 13A to include a new section 13A-88 to provide for the eviction and relocation of tenants of illegal dwellings; with a recommendation for favorable action on the attached Ordinance 13A-88 "Illegal Lodging and Illegal Lodging Houses in Dwellings" as amended. (Enrolled, as amended, sent down for Enrollment)

9.
A0606-06 Ordinance/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagleThat Chapter 13A is hereby amended by inserting Article X Regulating Public Nuisances; Section 13A-61.0 to 13A-100.0.(Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

10.
A0071-07 Order/s/Aldermen Frank NuzzoTo restrict the number of licenses for Second Hand Motor Dealer businesses and Auto Repair Shop businesses to no more than 50. (Passed sent down ro concurrences)

11.
A0085-07 Committee ReportCelebration Committee Report from 4-3-07 on organizing celebration plans for the 2007 July 4th festivities; with a recommendation for further time and report back to City Council for informational purposes. (Further time granted, sent down for concurrence)

12.
A0071-07a Ordinance/s/Alderman Frank NuzzoAn ordinance limiting the number of Auto Repair Shop licenses granted in the City of Everett to no more than 50. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

COMMITTEE REPORTS
13.
C0011-07 Committee ReportPublic Service Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Stephen Simonelli-To have the Mayor appear to update on the civilian resident parking attendants issue. No quorum present, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. (Sponsor is requesting the matter be referred back to him)

14.
C0045-07 Committee ReportPublic Service Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilors Lou Sierra, Stephen Simonelli and Joseph King-To request a public service meeting be called for the residents of Mt. Washington Street in regards to water flow issue and snow removal. (Sponsor requests matter be referred back to him) No quorum present, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

15.
C0070-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonPublic Service Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Leo McKinnon: That the Parking Clerk and the current four (4) traffic enforcement individuals come before the Common Council to explain why they are not eligible to use their own vehicles as the new night enforcement people are entitled to. To also explain the current pay rate for those on the job compared to those that are being offered the night enforcement jobs. We would also like a list of the candidates that have applied for the nighttime enforcement job, as well as, what cities these individuals live-in currently; (Sponsor requests matter be referred back to him). No quorum present the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

16.
C0006-07 Committee ReportFinance Committee Report on Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonThat the City of Everett consider adding on their next bills, that we have a box to give ($1.00) one dollar to youth sports, as this would help youth programs off-set the traveling cost to the parents, and would not leave any child out of the activities. (Amended by deleting "as this would help youth programs off-set the traveling cost to the parents" and insert "within the City of Everett Youth Organizations")(Amended by deleting word "parents" and inserting "child".

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
17.
C0063-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonCETF Chairman, Mr. Frank Champi, appear this meeting to give the Common Council an update on code enforcement in the City, to explain how the new nine employees are working out under his direction, and to also set up a process of getting the Council a written report on all properties within the City that are being investigated with updates on progress made at said properties.

18.
C0068-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor James A. KeaneTo place 20MPH speed limit signs on Woodlawn Ave due to complaints of speeding motorists.

19.
C0081-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi HicksThat the City consider building an indoor pool for use by the citizens of the City of Everett.

NEW BUSINESS
20.
C0095-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonThat the Traffic Commission make recommendation for placing a "No U Turn" sign at the corner of Carlson Street and Ferry Street, in the interest of public safety.

21.
C0096-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Wayne A. MatewskyThat the City Clerk investigate possibility of beauty salon/barber shop being located at the car dealership on Chelsea Street, at the corner of Chelsea Street and Chelsea Place due to neighborhood concerns that there is a new business there.

22.
C0097-07 Resolution/s/Councilor James A. KeaneWhereas the Everett Common Council voted unanimously to support a change in the Charter of the City of Everett which would prohibit candidates from seeking more than one municipal office; and Whereas said change will not be considered by the State Legislature in time for this election cycle; Therefore, Be itResolved: that the members of the Everett Common Council pledge to honor the spirit of that order and not seek multiple offices in the 2007 elections, and Be it Further Resolved that the Members of the Common Council urge all candidates for office in the City of Everett to do the same.

23.
C0098-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Lou SierraTo request Engineer Mr. Paul Coviello to appear this meeting with update on Mt. Washington Street situation with water drainage and sewer problems.

24.
C0099-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Joseph F. HickeyThat the Mayor instruct all City departments, including Everett Housing Authority, to replace all worn and tattered American flags throughout the City.

Adjournment
Respectfully submitted: Caroline McCorry, Administrative Assistant, City Council Office, council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES:
4/18 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
4/18 6PM PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
4/23 TENTATIVE JOINT CONVENTION
4/23 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
4/30 TENTATIVE JOINT CONVENTION
5/7 TENTATIVE JOINT CONVENTION
5/7 7PM NEXT COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com/

Calendar of the Board of Aldermen, 4/9/07

2007-04-06T08:13:00.000-04:00

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, 7:00 PM, PETER J. MCCARREN MEMORIAL CHAMBERS, EVERETT, MA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
A0128-07 To all parties interest in the Petition from National Grid for the installation of 2-4" concrete-encased conduit ducts near Broadway from existing manhole 255 to existing Pole #3159 on Henry Street.

PAPERS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL
2.
C0089-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAppropriating $434,000.00 from Budgetary Fund Balance to the Everett School Department Personnel Account to offset the cost of both the City's full-day kindergarten and re-establishment of the Pre-School Program for three and four year olds. (Passed sent up for concurrence, reconsideration failed)

3.
C0090-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the amount of $42,000.00 be transferred from Code Enforcement Division-Salaries Account to the Parking Clerk-Salaries Account to staff the night time parking sticker program. (Passed sent up for concurrence, reconsideration failed)

4.
C0091-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the amount of $2,000.00 is hereby transferred from the Code Enforcement Task Force Division-Salaries Account to the Parking Clerk-Clothing Allowance Account for night time staff attire for parking sticker program. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

5.
C0092-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the transfer of $23,000.00 is hereby allowed from Budget Office to Purchasing Department for an additional clerical person due to the Office being extremely labor intensive, reporting to have increased requisitions from approximately 4000 annually to 100,000. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

6.
A0018-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerriTo amend the Riverfront Overlay District to extend from Route 99 along Mystic-Malden Rivers to the Malden line. (Enrolled in concurrence, sent up for ordainment)

7.
C0317-06 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph R. KingTo abolish fees for the removal of white goods, that is, refrigerators, stoves, et cetera. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

8.
C0076-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentTo adjust compensation for the following Administrative Officers effective July 1, 2007: City Auditor minimum $74,819.51, maximum $85,856.04; City Solicitor minimum $70,249.12 maximum $80,613.57; and City Treasurer minimum $65,888.68 maximum $75,696.58; with favorable Administrative Affairs Committee recommendation. (Amended by adding "no more than 3% increase". Enrolled, as amended, sent up for enrollment)

9.
C0005-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Michael ManganAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on compensation for the School Committee with favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,500.00 starting January 2008, no retroactive pay, no health benefits, and to be part of the pension plan. (Enrolled as amended, sent up for enrollment, reconsideration failed)

10.
C0046-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $6,000.00 to be paid to the Clerk of the Common Council effective July 1, 2007; with a favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,000.00. (Committee report accepted, amended by deleting "$6,000.00" and inserting "$5,000.00" passed as amended, sent up for concurrence)

11.
C0047-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $6,000.00 to be paid to the Clerk of the Board of Aldermen effective July 1, 2007; with a favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,000.00. (Committee report accepted, amended to $5,000.00, passed as amended, sent up for concurrence)

12.
C0048-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $48,000.00 to be paid to the City Council Administrative Assistant effective July 1, 2007; with favorable recommendation. (Passed sent up for concurrence)

13.
C0049-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance that in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2-102, "Compensation" of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, the salary of the Clerk of Committees shall be $27,000.00 annually, effective July 1, 2007, with favorable recommendation.(Enrolled sent up for enrollment)

14.
C0398-06 Ordinance/s/Councilor Joseph F. HickeyThat there will be no transport of any waste deemed to be hazardous through the City of Everett; with a Rules & Ordinances Committee recommendation for favorable action on the amended Ordinance 18-184 "Transportation of Waste Matter, Sewage". (Committee report accepted, enrolled as amended, sent up for enrollment)

PETITIONS AND LICENSES
15.
A0131-07 PetitionPetition for Junk Dealer License from M. & S. Metals Co., Inc. at 391 Third Street.

16.
A0132-07 PetitionPetition for Junk Dealer License from Paul P. Mattuchio at 282 Second Street.

17.
A0133-07 PetitionPetition for Lodging House Licese from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE MARLBORO at 51 Chelsea Street.

18.
A0134-07 PetitionPetition for Lodging House License from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE NEWPORT at 59 Chelsea Street.

19.
A0135-07 PetitionPetition for Lodging House License from Andrew T. Philbin D/B/A THE GLENDALE at 322-324 Ferry Street.

20.
A0136-07 PetitionPetition for Open Air Parking License from A.G. Quealy Towing Co., Inc., at 52 Robin Street.

21.
A0137-07 PetitionPetition for Open Air Parking License from A. G. Quealy Towing Co., Inc. at 91 E. Elm Street.

22.
A0138-07 PetitionPetition for 2nd Class Motor Dealer License from Boston Auto Sales at 26 Garvey Street.

23.
A0139-07 PetitionPetition for Auto Repair-Body License from Patriot Truck & Body LLC at 380 Second Street.

24.
A0140-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Manu G. Salgado D/B/A Cancun Restaurant at 432 Broadway.

25.
A0141-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from R & L Cafe LLC D/B/A Caffe Aroma at 37 Norwood Street.

26.
A0142-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from BMW Motorcycles of Cambridge Inc. D/B/A Parkway Cycle at 1865 Revere Beach Parkway.

27.
A0143-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Alberto J. Costa D/B/A Elm Street Bakery Inc. at 173 Elm Street.

28.
A0144-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Peter To D/B/A Top International Hair Salon at 684A Broadway.

29.
A0145-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Pizza Hut of America, Inc. at 7 Sycamore Street.

30.
A0146-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from National Tire & Battery #563 at 1920 Revere Beach Parkway.

31.
A0147-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Rick's Variety at 798 Broadway.

32.
A0148-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from West Everett Beer & Wine Co., Inc. at 82 Main Street.

33.
A0149-07 PetitionPetition for Lord's Day License from Cycle Craft Co., Inc. D/B/A Boston Harley-Davidson at 1760 Revere Beach Parkway.

COMMUNICATIONS
34.
A0130-07 CommunicationNotice of unrenewed licenses in accordance with Section 12-10 "Time limit on renewal of licenses" from the City Clerk's Office consisting of the following: 1st Class Motor Dealer License-United Rentals NA Inc. at 354Third Street, 2nd Class Motor Dealer Licenses for the following: White's Auto Sales-79 Vine Street, Ultimate Auto Business Inc.-12 Dexter Street and The Car Store-383 Second Street.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
35.
A0603-06 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Alderman Stephen Smith that the new parking law be amended so that senior citizens and/or disabled people have the option of purchasing a yearly placard for no fee; with a recommendation to refer to the Parking Clerk.

36.
A0021-07 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Order offered by Alderman Stephen Smith that the City of Everett cannot put up for sale any building or land without first having a licensed professional determine a fair market value; with a recommendation to refer to the City Solicitor to draft the appropriate language.

37.
A0607-06 Committee ReportRules & Ordinance Committee Report on Ordinance signed Aldermen Carlo DeMaria and L. Charles DiPerri-To amend Chapter 13A to include a new section 13A-88 to provide for the eviction and relocation of tenants of illegal dwellings; with a recommendation for favorable action on the attached Ordinance 13A-88 "Illegal Lodging and Illegal Lodging Houses in Dwellings" as amended.

38.
A0606-06 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Ordinance signed Alderman Joseph McGonagle-That Chapter 13A is hereby amended by inserting Article X Regulating Public Nuisances; with a recommendation for favorable action on the attached Ordinance Article X "Regulating Public Nuisances", Sections 13A-61.0 to 13A-100.0.

39.
A0090-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on all parties interested in the petition from Brasil Transmission Auto Center at 43 Mystic Street, for an Auto Repair-Mechanical License, with a recommendation for favorable action on the petition with the condition that only the seven (7) parking spaces directly in front of business be utilized for customer/employee parking.

40.
A0095-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Petition for Lodging House License from Ellsworth Realty Trust, 13 Ellsworth Street, with a recommendation that the matter be postponed until the next License Committee meeting to be scheduled for Monday, April 9th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

41.
A0071-07 Committee ReportLicense Committee Report on Order offered by Alderman Frank NuzzoDeclaring a moratorium on new motor dealer and mechanical and auto body repair shop licenses; with a recommendation for favorable action on the Order and Ordinance to restrict the number of licenses for Second Hand Motor Dealer businesses and Auto Body Repair Shop businesses to the current amount of licenses in effect.

42.
A0085-07 Committee ReportCelebration Committee Report from 4-3-07 on organizing celebration plans for the 2007 July 4th festivities; with a recommendation for further time and report back to City Council for informational purposes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
43.
A0087-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenIn the interest of protecting the children of Massachusetts from sexual predators, that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting through its State Legislature, take the necessary steps to enact Jessica's Law.

44.
A0110-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenThat theCity Auditor appear this meeting to discuss the recent performance of the City's pension system.

45.
A0109-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenThat the Owner of Bright-White Laundry located at 167 Bucknam Street appear next meeting of the Board of Aldermen, Monday, April 9th, regarding neighborhood complaints, as well as, hours of operation.

46.
A0102-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Robert J. Van CampenThat the Hanlon Administration provide the Members of the City Council with the Forensic Audit Report one week prior to the Joint Convention scheduled for April 23, 2007, in order for Members to review it prior to the Joint Convention.

NEW BUSINESS
47.
A0127-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Jason MarcusRelative to the disrepair or improper display of the American Flag.

48.
A0129-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Stephen Smith and Councilor James A. KeaneTo present a power point presentation showing glaring need of a teen resource center and the desired benefit it can have on the community. Supported and presented by the Suffolk University Juvenile Justice Center and Police Chief Steven Mazzie.

Adjournment
Respectfully submitted, Caroline McCorry, Administrative Assistant, Everett City Council Office council@ci.everett.ma.us
SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
4/12 6:30PM COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING
4/17 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING (TUESDAY)
4/18 6PM COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
4/18 6PM COMMITTEE ON BILLS & ACCOUNTS MEETING
4/23 7PM NEXT BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING

http://cityofeverett.com

Calendar of the Common Council, 4/2/07

2007-03-30T11:55:00.000-04:00

As a weekly courtesy to our readers, based on comments posted in the past two weeks, we will now publish the weekly calendars for the Common Council and Board of Aldermen meetings.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2007, 7:00 PM, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3RD FL., EVERETT, MASS
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
1.
C0089-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentAppropriating $434,000.00 from Budgetary Fund Balance to the Everett School Department Personnel Account to offset the cost of both the City's full-day kindergarten and re-establishment of the Pre-School Program for three and four year olds.

2.
C0090-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the amount of $42,000.00 be transferred from Code Enforcement Division-Salaries Account to the Parking Clerk-Salaries Account to staff the night time parking sticker program.

3.
C0091-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the amount of $2,000.00 is hereby transferred from the Code Enforcement Task Force Division-Salaries Account to the Parking Clerk-Clothing Allowance Account for night time staff attire for parking sticker program.

4.
C0092-07 Order/s/Councilor Sal DiDomenico, as PresidentThat the transfer of $23,000.00 is hereby allowed from Budget Office to Purchasing Department for an additional clerical person due to the Office being extremely labor intensive, reporting to have increased requisitions from approximately 4000 annually to 100,000.

PAPERS FROM THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
5.
A0374-06 Ordinance/s/Alderman Stephen SmithTo prohibit parking on Englewood Ave, east side, from Vaughn Street to the Chelsea line, at the request of area residents, in the interest of public safety. (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

6.
A0077-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Frank NuzzoRelative to regulating and licensing of Commercial garages, auto body shops and automobile repair shops. (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

7.
A0086-07 Ordinance/s/Alderman Robert Van CampenTo amend Section 18-149(e)(6) "Designation Criteria" of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett to read as follows: "Any trailer whether or not attached to a vehicle with a residential parking sticker." (Ordained sent down for ordainment)

8.
A0018-07 Ordinance/s/Aldermen Joseph McGonagle and L. Charles DiPerriTo amend the Riverfront Overlay District to extend from Route 99 along Mystic-Malden Rivers to the Malden line. (Enrolled sent down for enrollment)

9.
A0101-07 Resolution/s/Alderman L. Charles DiPerri and Councilor Joseph HickeyThat the City repave Cedar Street, Bennett Street and Yarmouth Street. (Passed sent down for concurrence to send to Mayor, Community Development and City Services.)

10.
A0125-07 Resolution/s/Alderman Joseph McGonagle, as PresidentResolution in support of restoring the 40% cut in the FY '08 Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund. (Passed sent down for concurrence to refer to State Representatives, as listed, as well as, House Ways & Means Chairman.)

11.
A0126-07 Resolution/s/Aldermen Robert J. Van CampenThat the City of Everett denounce the recent decision of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs concerning the proposed materials handling facility for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission. (Passed sent down for concurrence to send to Mayor's Office for response back to Board of Aldermen April 23rd meeting)

COMMUNICATIONS
12.
C0317-06 Communication/s/Councilor Wayne A. MatewskyReconsideration filed by Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 2:18 p.m. relative to Ordinance offered by Councilor Joseph R. King-To abolish fees for the removal of white goods, that is, refrigerators, stoves, et cetera. (Enrolled sent up for enrollment in the Common Council Monday, March 19th, 2007)

13.
C0041-07 CommunicationNegative Traffic Commission Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Rosa DiFlorio that Disability Commission and Traffic Commission consider placing additional handicapped parking spot in the City Hall parking lot, with unfavorable recommendation (4-0).

COMMITTEE REPORTS
14.
C0076-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance that In accordance with Chapter 7, Section 7-164 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, to adjust compensation for the following Administrative Officers effective July 1, 2007: City Auditor minimum $74,819.51, maximum $85,856.04; City Solicitor minimum $70,249.12 maximum $80,613.57; and City Treasurer minimum $65,888.68 maximum $75,696.58; with favorable recommendation.

15.
C0005-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Michael Mangan-That the Joint Committee on Finance conduct research into compensation that is provided in other Cities for the office of Mayor, City Council and School Committee and that the Committee reports back their findings; with favorable recommendation to amend to an Ordinance, and amend the annual salary to $5,500.00 starting January 2008, no retroactive pay, no health benefits, and to be part of the pension plan.

16.
C0046-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $6,000.00 to be paid to the Clerk of the Common Council effective July 1, 2007; with a favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,000.00.

17.
C0047-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $6,000.00 to be paid to the Clerk of the Board of Aldermen effective July 1, 2007; with a favorable recommendation to amend the annual salary to $5,000.00.

18.
C0048-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Order that the City Council hereby establishes an annual salary of $48,000.00 to be paid to the City Council Administrative Assistant effective July 1, 2007; with favorable recommendation.

19.
C0049-07 Committee ReportAdministrative Affairs Committee Report on Ordinance that in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2-102, "Compensation" of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, the salary of the Clerk of Committees shall be $27,000.00 annually, effective July 1, 2007, with favorable recommendation.

20.
C0398-06 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Resolution offered by Councilor Joseph Hickey that the Rules & Ordinances Committee establish an ordinance that there will be no transport of any waste deemed to be hazardous through the City of Everett; with a recommendation for favorable action on the attached Ordinance 18-184 "Transportation of Waste Matter, Sewage" as amended.

21.
C0071-07 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Leo McKinnon that anyone within city limits spray painting graffiti on any part of our city property, public property, personnel property, schools, parks, businesses, cars and streets from one end of the city to the other end of the city will be punished by a fine of no less than $300.00 per incident. Any subsequent thereafter will be punishable by a $500.00 fine per incident. This is whether you were seen in the open doing it or by a phone call to police to catch you at a later date; with a recommendation to refer back to sponsor.

22.
C0073-07 Committee ReportRules & Ordinances Committee Report on Ordinance offered by Councilor Leo McKinnon that when Code Enforcement enters a dwelling and it is in plain site that doors are bolted per each room in a household, for utilization of one bed room apartments within a larger dwelling, they should, at this point, be fined by the Fire Department on fire code violations up to $300.00 per locked door for fire safety codes, as well as, the minimum occupancy space allowed per living area. In addition to the fines for the locks on the doors the homeowner will receive an additional $500.00 fine for not complying with our current fire laws. This will become a problem when we have our city's real first fire with thirty-seven (37) people dead, which will make national news; with a recommendation to refer back to Sponsor.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
23.
C0024-07 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnonThat Chief Steven Mazzie and Chief David Butler appear this meeting February 5th relative to discussing the evacuation route designation from Boston into Everett and why we do not have any designation of an evacuation route for the City of Everett.

24.
C0006-07 Resolution/s/Councilor John Leo McKinnonThat the City of Everett consider adding on their next bills, that we have a box to give ($1.00) one dollar to youth sports, as this would help youth programs off-set the traveling cost to the parents, and would not leave any child out of the activities. (Amended by deleting "as this would help youth programs off-set the traveling cost to the parents" and insert "within the City of Everett Youth Organizations")(Amended by deleting word "parents" and inserting "child" and referred to Mayor for response this meeting (4/2).

25.
C0058-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Rosa DiFlorioThat the Owner and Supervisor of Capital Waste appear before the Common Council due to many complaints on throwing of barrels and inappropriate language being used.

26.
C0072-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonThat Code Enforcement appear at this meeting to give us updates on all current boarding houses in the City of Everett, and what has been done to make them conform to our laws in the City. To also give updates on new non-legal boarding houses starting up all over the City, and how to combat them from starting.

27.
C0052-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Michael ManganThat Representative Stephen Smith appear this meeting to discuss the way the lottery aid is distributed throughout the Commonwealth.

NEW BUSINESS
28.
C0081-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Catherine Tomassi HicksThat the City consider building an indoor pool for use by the citizens of the City of Everett.

29.
C0082-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonMayor consider appearing this meeting to explain the recent letter that was mailed out to city council members with regards to the forensic audit.

30.
C0083-07 Resolution/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonThat Sgt. Bova of the Police Traffic Division appear this meeting relative to discussing the city wide no parking here to corner law, and especially at Bryant Terrace and Ferry Street.

31.
C0084-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonThat no temporary housing may be used except with the written permission of the Board of Health and Code Enforcement of the City of Everett. Any one not in compliance with this Section 410.430: 105 CMR Department of Public Health shall be subject to Section 1.8 of the City of Everett Revised Ordinances.

32.
C0085-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonEgress Obstruction: No person shall obstruct any exit or passageway. The owner is responsible for maintaining free from obstruction every exit used or intended for use by occupants of more than one dwelling unit or rooming house units. The occupant shall be responsible for maintaining free from obstruction all means of exit leading from his/her unit and not common to the exit of any other unit. Any one not complying with 105 CMR Department of Public Health Sec:410.451: and Sec. 1.8 of the City of Everett Revised Ordinances shall be fined by said Ordinance 1.8 City of Everett.

33.
C0086-07 Ordinance/s/Councilor Leo McKinnonMinimum Square FootageA. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for its first occupant, and at least 100 square fee of floor space for each additional occupant. The floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area.B. In a dwelling unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at leat 80 square feet of floor space. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 60 square feet of floor space for each occupant. C. In a Rooming House Unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 90 square feet of floor space. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet for each occupant. If not in compliance of this ordinance the subject or property owner will be fined according to Massachusetts 105 CMR Department of Public Health Sec. 410.400. And Sec. 1.8 of the City of Everett Revised Ordinances.

34.
C0087-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Rosa DiFlorio and Cynthia SarnieThe Mr. Paul Kelly, Parking Clerk/Hearing Officer, appear this meeting of the Common Council, Monday, April 2, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., to discuss City of Everett policy on accepting payment for tickets and explain why tickets can only be paid by cash.

35.
C0088-07 Resolution/s/Councilors Cynthia Sarnie and Stephen FaiaThat the Police Department and the City Services Department work together on any street cleaning/enforcement issues, especially at 136 Main Street. Police ticket violators of the street-cleaning ordinance; otherwise City Services clean area by broom and shovel, which is what is being requested by complainant at 136 Main Street.

Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline McCorry
Administrative Assistant,
Everett City Council Office
Council@ci.everett.ma.us

SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES TO NOTE:
4/3 6PM CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
4/9 6:30PM LICENSE COMMITTEE MEETING
4/9 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
4/12 6:30PM FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
4/17 7PM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING (TUESDAY)
4/18 6PM BILLS & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING
4/23 7PM BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
http://cityofeverett.com

True Budget Train Wreck

2007-03-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

The first three cars of the Hanlon True Budget Train came cruising into City Hall Monday night looking to replenish their fuel supply in the form of tax dollars they loaded up on at the beginning of the fiscal '07 budget (a supply that the Mayor guaranteed us was more than adequate to see them through the next budget season) after having run through that fuel supply with 3 1/2 months still remaining on the trip. The conductor has lost direction, and the True Budget Train is careening out of control.

Based on Monday night's requests, these three cars alone require additional fuel totalling over half a million dollars in order for the Train to reach it's June 30th destination.

Lest we overextend the metaphor, here's what happened at the meeting. Three department heads -- Walter Rice of Veterans' Services, Barry Doyle of Facilities Maintenance, and Treasurer Dom D'Angelo -- came before the Board of Aldermen requesting transfers from free cash to see them through the rest of the fiscal year.

Walter Rice, who by all evidence is dedicated to providing services to our veterans, was upfront in admitting he underbudgeted and failed to anticipate additional expenditures that would be required by the return of soldiers fighting in Iraq. His request was for $45,000.

Barry Doyle had two separate requests -- $30,000 to cover unexpected telephone expenses and $10,000 to cover unexpected overtime expenses. The "unexpected telephone expenses" consisted of charges incurred due to, Mr. Doyle said, "employee behavior." In other words, employees were misusing business telephone services. Overuse of 411 and the *69 feature, along with excessive long distance phone calls, were among the actions which had caused the telephone charges in the Facilities Maintenance Department to increase by over $1,000 per month over fiscal '06. The additional overtime funding was, Mr. Doyle said, was a result of requests by the administration to provide additional custodial services not previously budgeted, primarily for meetings taking place in the evenings and on Saturdays at City Hall.

Domenic D'Angelo appeared to request $488,000+ to cover a check that had already been written on an account that had only 8 cents in it to make a payment on a short term loan. He spent money that was not in the account, hedging his bets that when free cash was certified, the Board of Aldermen would simply approve the transfer to replenish the fund. They did not.

There are many things that could be said about this overspending, but that's not the issue here today. The issue is the Hanlon True Budget Train -- or should we call it the Phantom Express, because clearly this "true budget" never existed. The True Budget Train is now the True Budget Train Wreck, and it is likely that more cars of the train are going to follow -- crashing into the Council chamber, looking for the City Council to save them from themselves. The Board of Aldermen were unwilling to perform immediately repairs on the first three cars of the train wreck and have sent them to the Finance Committee for further evaluation of the damage they've inflicted upon themselves. Only time will tell whether this train ever gets back on track.

The Long and Winding Road

2007-03-22T21:00:00.000-04:00

With apologies to the Beatles, the long and winding road that leads to the eventual release of the forensic audit report took a bizarre twist this week with the announcement by Mayor Hanlon that the US Attorney's office was now involved in the "investigation." The Mayor claimed, in a public statement read to the Common Council, that in addition to the Inspector General, the Attorney General and the US Attorney had also been consulted in the past few months, and the US Attorney's office had contacted him over last weekend to request an additional 30 days to complete their investigation.

Wow. These are quite the revelations, given that for the past several weeks, the Mayor has been promising the release of the audit as soon as the final signed report was received. There has never been any mention of the AG or the US Attorney prior to this announcement. This was a jolting turn in the long and winding road.

Call us crazy (and many of you will, in colorful language), but something doesn't seem quite right here. When the public discussion of the audit first began last June, the Mayor insinuated sinister goings on from the previous administration had been discovered when he came into office. When he appeared before city government requesting the $60,000 appropriation to pay for the audit, he wouldn't elaborate on what the issues were but assured us that it was "serious."

Months went by, and finally, several weeks ago, the Mayor was requested to appear before the Common Council for an update. By this time, he had received a draft of the report but was still unwilling to share any of the results. Since that time, the road has become a little bumpy, as the Mayor has made a number of contradictory statements in his appearances before the Common Council.

First, he and his advisors were reviewing the draft report; no changes would be made to the draft, he said, but there were some points of it that needed clarification -- the infamous "if I can't understand it, the average person won't understand it" gaffe. The Mayor also said that once the final report was received, it would only be released in Executive Session because the results may implicate particular individuals. He later had to retract that statement because, he said, he was advised that once the final signed report was received, it was a public document and had to be released to whoever wanted to see it.

Next, the report was back in the hands of Melanson and Heath, taking weeks to complete, which seemed odd if there were no edits being made to it. How long does it take to fix one typo and return the report? Again, the Mayor assured us that as soon as the report was received, the Council would be the first ones to see it. He also, at that time, mentioned four of the five departments that had been the focus of the audit, unable to remember the fifth one.

That brings us to this past Monday, and the sudden involvement of the AG and the US Attorney, the Mayor's announcement that, once again, the report would only be released in Executive Session, his statement that no one in City Hall other than himself had read the audit, and his claim that he would not release the departments covered in the audit when he had already listed out four of them two weeks ago. But let's look at the most . . . questionable . . . claim made at this meeting.

The Mayor's claim that an agency that has never before been mentioned in any discussion of this audit was now requesting an additional 30 days to complete an investigation that had apparently been going on for at least a few months seems . . . suspect. His claims that he gave the US Attorney's office his own deadline -- "I told them that they had to tell me exactly what they needed -- if they needed 30 days, they had to tell me now; I told them that on April 23, no matter what you say, I'm releasing the report"-- seems completely ridiculous. The US Attorney's office does not accept ultimatums from local elected officials. The US Attorney's office, under the jurisdiction of the federal Department of Justice, will not be dictated to. This is a department that manages homeland security, investigates terrorist threats against the United States, and has hunted down some of the most dangerous criminals in history. Yet the Mayor of Everett claims to be dictating terms on what, to them, has to be one of the lowest level investigations ever conducted, if it's being conducted at all.

Only time is going to tell what lies at the end of this long and winding road. Will it be Hanlon's pot of gold, or the equivalent of Al Capone's vault -- a whole lot of empty?

To Pay or Not to Pay

2007-03-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

That will be the question before the Common Council this evening as they vote on whether to compensate the Everett School Committee to the tune of $6350 per member per year. Additionally, there is a recommendation from the Finance Committee that the pay be retroactive to January of this year.

There's a lot of emotion tied to this issue; people have very strong feelings about the School Committee and the job that they do -- or what some people feel is the job that they fail to do. Some people feel that the School Committee, in its current make up, has been nothing more than a rubber stamp for what the Superintendent wants to do. There's certainly enough evidence to support that contention.

Unfortunately, the city charter allows the city council to establish a salary for the members of the school committee (Section 52); however, it seems that MGL would prohibit the retroactive pay. According to Chapter 39, Section 6A of MGL, "No increase or reduction in such salaries shall take effect during the year in which such increase or reduction is voted, and no change in such ordinance shall be made between the election of a new council or other legislative body and the qualification of the new council or other legislative body." One could argue that the School Committee qualifies as an "other legislative body." A twist to this, however, is that while our charter accepted this law, the charter applies it only to the salary of the mayor and the city council; it is not included in the section that provides for a salary of the school committee. Section 52 provides that the city council can establish and change the salary from time to time, but says nothing about the effective date of such actions.

One could also argue that this particular school committee was elected on the basis of not being provided a salary; it doesn't make sense to provide them with a salary half way through their term. If they must, and it seems that they will, provide a salary for the school committee, surely such a provision should be subject to the same law that's applied to salary changes for the mayor and the city council -- that the salary not take affect until the next municipal year -- in this case, until January, 2008

It will be interesting to see how the Common Council dances their way around this. It cannot escape them that this is not going to be a popular move, nor is it clear that it's even the right thing to do. They're playing a dangerous political game, and they could come out on the losing end.

Congratulations

2007-02-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Congratulations is in order; it's been reported that the city's bond rating has been recently upgraded a step to an A2.

The bond rating is predicated on a number of factors, and the rating system can seem a little mysterious. From the DOR website:

A credit rating assigned to a municipality to help investors assess the future ability, legal obligation, and willingness of the municipality (bond issuer) to make timely debt service payments. Stated otherwise, a rating helps prospective investors determine the level of risk associated with a given fixed-income investment. Rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard and Poors use rating systems, which designate a letter or a combination of letters and numerals where AAA is the highest rating and C1 is a very low rating.

Just for historical perspective, this is Everett's bond rating for the last 12 years:

1995: A
1996: A
1997: A
1998: A3
1999: A3
2000: A2
2001: A2
2002: A1
2003: A1
2004: A2
2005: A3
2006: A3
2007: A2

These are all "A" level bonds, and Everett should be pretty proud of its financial record. Medford, Saugus, Somerville, Malden and Melrose have A level bond ratings. Revere is at B level.

The DOR had this to say about A level bonds:

Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

The Great Audit Debate

2007-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

While we await the release of the final "forensic" audit report that was commissioned by the Mayor's Office -- at a cost of $60,000 to the taxpayers -- the Mayor has appeared before both the Common Council and the Board of Aldermen to answer questions regarding its contents and when the report will be released.

The Mayor's appearances presented more questions than they answered; his claim that he has received a draft copy of the audit report has raised more than a few eyebrows. Why would this company not just submit a final report of their findings? Why would something like an audit be submitted in a draft form for review?

Well, at the Common Council meeting, the Mayor said he had read halfway through it and had found one typo and said that was the only thing he changed; at the Board of Aldermen meeting, he said that no changes would be made to the draft report and that there would be a "pristine" copy of the draft (with no notes and no markings on it) available along with the final copy of the report. That brings us back to the question . . . if no changes are going to be made to a draft copy, why is a draft copy necessary?

The Mayor then claimed that after he had read through the draft copy, there are portions of it he didn't understand; he said he needed to meet with representatives of Melanson & Heath, the firm that conducted the audit, to ask them to clarify certain points in the audit because, the Mayor contends, if he can't understand it, the "average person" isn't going to understand it, either. Let's overlook that particular insult to the intelligence of, well, the vast majority of us and go to the next question; does the Mayor not have a staff that can look at this audit and explain any questions that the Mayor may have? Again, why the need for a draft? Why not review the final copy, get your questions answered by the firm and your own staff, and be prepared to answer questions based on the final report? The city employs an entire legal department, an auditor, an auditing consultant, a budget director, and a city treasurer. Surely these people are qualified to interpret the findings of a final audit report. Aren't they?

The Mayor was also questioned by Alderman DiPerri regarding his claim that the initial presentation of the audit results would be presented in Executive Committee; the Mayor backpeddled from that, saying that he had been advised by "his people" that once the final signed report was received, it is a public document; there will be no discussion in Executive Session. This is a 180 degree turn from what he told the Common Council, which was that he was advised that until the Inspector General had reviewed and weighed in on the report, it could not be discussed publicly, hence the need for Executive Session, because there were people named in the report and there was a potential for legal action as a result of the audit findings. Huh? What changed in the week between his appearance before the Common Council and the appearance before the Board of Aldermen. Is it possible that Mayor Hanlon, who was the City Clerk for 20 years, managing the office responsible for many public documents, had to be "advised" what a public document is?

So many questions -- before the audit is even released. The Mayor said that the firm focused on five departments. Which departments were they? Why did no one on the Board ask that question? For that matter, does anyone know the content of the original request? When the Administration contracted with Melanson & Heath, what exactly was the scope of the request? The Mayor claims they were contracted to do an audit of the entire city, but Melanson & Heath came back and said that they were going to focus only on five departments. Why? Why would a firm that has been contracted for specific services be able to alter the scope of the investigation?

No doubt there will be many more questions when the audit, and the questionable draft copy, are released for public consumption. In the meantime, the Mayor has tangled himself up in a web of contradictions from which he may have difficulty extricating himself and his administration.

Reminder Notice

2007-01-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

From time to time, we need to reminder our readers and posters about the proper use of language. Foul language is not to be used when posting comments on this blog.

We generally will edit posts containing any foul language, but the policy of The Everett Mirror going forward will be to completely delete any comments posted that use foul language, and the ISP of the poster will be blocked from the site.

We're sorry to have to take this extreme measure.

Thank you for your consideration.

A SECOND REMINDER!!

2007-01-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

We posted a reminder back in November concerning comments about the family members of elected officials. Remember . . . family members are not public figures and, therefore, should not be subjected to public scrutiny in the way that elected officials and other public figures are. We asked back in November that you all be mindful of this when posting comments and refrain from involving these family members in the discussion on this blog.

Once again this evening, a comment was posted that was inappropriate, and comments that followed only served to escalate commentary that was already out of line. These comments have been removed, and comments of this type that are hurtful or potentially libelous in this way will continue to be removed.

We thank you for your understanding.

Sludge Meeting Update-by Chris Keohan

2007-01-20T11:03:00.000-05:00

We had another tremendous meeting last night. Over 40 people showed up to take on leadership roles within our ever-expanding group. Paul from Toxics Action Center showed us the steps that we need to take to become a fully organized group that can help us Stop the Sludge! It is also a pleasure to welcome Carrie Dancy of East Somerville Main Streets. She will be instrumental in getting our group to expand into the Somerville area. Mayor Curtatone sent 2 representatives from his office and they are eager to help in any way they can. We will also continue to reach out to other active groups in order to continue to grow and expand our reach. I hope that everyone can continue to forward these emails out and tell people that Boston's project is definitely not a done deal.

While I will continue to help organize the overall campaign, we have decided to have 5 "Team Leaders" that will take the lead on specific tasks for the group. The leaders are:

MEDIA: Pat Johnston
The media group will organize people that are willing to write letters to the editor, editorials, etc. They will also help coordinate events that we expect to get press at, and organize people to call media outlets in order to get our project more air time.

POLITICAL PRESSURE: Peter Napolitano
The political pressure group will organize people to write letters to elected officials and decision makers. They will also organize people to make phone calls, send faxes, etc.

COALITION RECRUITMENT: TBD
We currently have many people working to expand the group, as well as bring in other organized groups to expand our reach. Groups like East Somerville Main Streets and Toxics Action Center will be integral to reaching out to the other cities involved in fighting this project. I will spend most of my time working with this group, but would love to have someone take it on as the Team Leader.

The coalition recruitment group will work to contact other activist groups, recruit businesses to allow signs, pamphlets and petitions, and expand the amount of people working to collect signatures, make calls, and go door to door to educate people.

*This group will eventually be able to filter all newly signed up volunteers to the other working groups based on what each volunteer agrees to do. Members will have to work closely with the other groups in order to educate, expand, and evaluate our progress.

Experts/Information Research: Peter Aliberti
The experts/info research group will work to gather as much information on the project as possible. Their other responsibility will be to seek out experts on Environmental Justice, Rivers, land management, etc. that would be willing to help out our cause pro bono.

FUNDRAISING: TBD
We recently applied for a grant from the Grassroots Environment Fund and are waiting to hear back. To further our efforts we must reach out to other groups that give grants, ask members to help, find donors, and solicit local businesses/others that will be affected by this project. By raising money we will be able to produce pamphlets, make signs, advertise, etc. Although this will not be very expensive, any amount of money raised will help us to fight Boston. *Remember, anytime we make copies or print something out it costs someone money.

Thank you all for all of the work that you have done, are doing, and will do in the future. Together we will stop Boston and put everyone on notice that the people of Everett, Somerville, and Charlestown will not be the dumping ground for Greater Boston any longer. We have taken our fair share of the pollution. Now is the time for everyone in this area to realize the benefits of clean air, water, and land.

Keep up what you are doing; if you're interesting in participating in any of the above groups, please contact me, and I'll forward your name to the appropriate team leader.

I will be in touch soon about a major meeting for all of the surrounding communities in the next month or so to gain major press for our cause.

Chris
(617) 892-2765

Dear Mayor Hanlon

2007-01-18T00:20:00.000-05:00

We've been reading through some old newspapers lately, Mayor Hanlon, and we came across the 12 point plan that you used during your campaign in 2005 to outline what the Hanlon administration would look like. We'd like to ask you . . . what happened?

Your 12 point plan to stop tax increases was to start the day after inauguration, beginning with an immediate authorization of a “fraud” audit of all city transactions over the past 4 years. Didn't it take you almost nine months to come before city government to get the funding for this audit, even though you said you had begun the audit before the funding was approved?

Continuing on with what you said in your plan -- until the audit is completed, you were going to institute the following emergency measures:

1. A freeze on the number of city employees – no increase in staff. This was the first point in your plan, and the first promise you broke. What happened?

2. A freeze on the hiring of outside law firms. How has this one been working out, with a part time City Solicitor who has neither the respect nor the trust of city government, let alone the capacity to adequately represent the city?

3. Settle all pending legal cases to avoid additional fees. How is this going? We hope you've settled all pending legal cases, because you've added a few to the docket since you took office.

4. Eliminate unnecessary city positions and department heads who are unqualified for their positions. So tell us, Mr. Mayor -- what positions have you eliminated? We know you brought back quite a few that had been eliminated by the previous administration. The archivist position, for instance. How's that working out? All important city documents now properly catalogued and archived? And don't get us started on "unqualified department heads."

5. An immediate freeze on all new building and zoning changes in residential areas. Hmmmm . . . wonder how the people down in the Miller Street area feel about this one?

6. Put more police officers back in uniform and back on the streets, visible to potential wrong doers. This is an interesting one. Now that you've decided to “civilianize” the overnight parking program, what has happened to the police officers who were doing the job up until now -- one could argue that having the police do that job keeps them out on the street where they can be visible to "potential wrong doers."

7. Audit city water department to identify and eliminate excessive abatements for political reasons. Tell us, how many "excessive abatements" have you found that can be tied back to political connections.

8. Create “citizen audit” to establish fair prices for all city property sold. Honestly -- we have no idea what this particular piece of rhetoric is all about. The high school is ready for the block, and there's no citizen audit committee in place.

9.Institute tighter controls over handling taxpayers’ cash at City Hall. Great -- maybe you should've instituted the same controls at the Recreation Department.

10. Tighter controls over “rainy day” and “stabilization” fund. Tell us . . . what exactly do we have in our "rainy day" and "stablization" funds? What about those "controlled" transfers from the free cash account to fund all those new hires?

11. Freeze on the use of outside contractors when City employees can do the job. There must have been an early thaw on this one. Contracts are still going out to bid, contractors are getting contracts and we have at least 40 new hires.

12. >“Clerk of the Works” to supervise contractors on jobs over $10,000 on a daily basis to avoid lawsuits later on. This one sounded like a good idea, but the phantom clerk hasn't been announced as yet.

Public Notice: Stop the Sludge Meeting

2007-01-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

Stop the Sludge will be having a meeting on Thursday, January 18th at 7 P.M. in the Meeting Room of the Parlin Memorial Library. We are asking anyone that would like to help take a leadership role in the group to attend.

We received terrific news on Friday that Toxics Action Center, an environmental group with extensive community involvement history, has decided to help us in our efforts to take on Boston and stop their proposed handling facility on Lower Broadway. The meeting this Thursday will serve as an introduction to Toxics Action, as well as to have people sign up for specific tasks to stop the sludge. This group has graciously offered to draw up a plan of action based on our "4 prong plan" that will allow us to reach both short and long-term goals that can get Everett, Somerville and Charlestown moving in the right direction.

We have done a terrific job to this point gathering signatures and spreading the word. We must now take our efforts to the next level and assemble an organization that can reach out to more people each day. It is my hope that after this meeting we will have people signed up to help with Media outreach, Signature collection, Business community outreach, Constituency calls to elected officials, and a number of other projects that will develop our group further.

Please forward this on to anyone that I may have missed. We would like to get as many people as possible who will consider themselves regulars at meetings and events to Stop the Sludge!

If you have any questions feel free to email me or call at (617) 892-2765. Chris Keohane

'Nuff Said! From the Boston Globe

2007-01-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

There's been a lot of discussion about our tax bills. Let there be no doubt that it was, indeed, a tax increase - the largest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

From today's Boston Globe, 01/02/07:

The Globe's analysis examined the tax bills for single-family homes, which make up the largest portion of property tax bills and are generally used to gauge tax trends.

According to the Globe's examination, the state's largest percentage tax increase was a 26.9 percent hike in Everett, where the average homeowner's bill in 2007 will be $2,836.

You may read the full article at: http://www.boston.com/

Happy New Year!

2006-12-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

2006 is fast coming to a close, and a brand new year is about to begin. That said, New Year's Eve is often a time of reflection on the old year, and resolutions for the new. Here are a few of the resolutions that we're wishing for....please feel free to post some of your own.

Mayor John Hanlon - to keep his campaign promises -- all of them.
Representative-elect Stephen Smith - to bring back more state aid for Everett
Alderman President Nuzzo - to allow BOA members to speak whether he agrees with them or not.
Superintendent Foresteire - to take a course in finance and ethics
Alderman Jason Marcus - to take a stand and stick to it
Alderman Charles DiPerri - nomination papers for mayor
Alderman Joe McGonagle - nomination papers for mayor
Alderman Carlo DeMaria - a reality check
Alderman Robert Van Campen - to find his lawyer mojo that he so aptly displayed during the previous administration
Editor Josh Resnek - a cure for Koolaid addiction
School Committee President, David Ela - ditto
School Committee member, Robert Alconada - to find where he left his Masters Degree in Public Administration and put it to use.
Everett Citizens - Peace, parking, and lower taxes in the new year!

To Vote or Not To Vote

2006-12-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

That's the question facing the Massachusetts legislature now that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that they cannot do anything to compel the Legislature to vote on the issue of putting a gay marriage amendment on the ballot.

So what will our elected officials do? According to the SJC, the Legislature has a Constitutional responsibility to give the issue an up or down vote; in November the Legislature adjourned their Constitutional Convention without taking up the issue. The Constitutional Convention is due to meet again on January 2nd, and it seems likely that they will once again choose not to vote on the issue, in spite of the admonition of the SJC.

Is that the right thing to do? We don't think so. A constitutional obligation is just that -- an obligation, and not one that should be shirked just because the issue at hand isn't comfortable. Whether you agree with a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage -- and we don't -- a group of people collected 170,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot. The legislature should vote on it -- and if they disagree with it, they should have the courage of their convictions to stand up and say "we think it's wrong to write hate into the Constitution. We think it's wrong to use a document meant to endow rights upon people to deny rights to people." We think our Legislators should, once and for all, make a stand. Gay marriage has been law for over a year now. No one's life, at least as far as has made the news, has been turned upside down because of it; no one's heterosexual marriage has been destroyed; the world has not come to an end.

It might also be worth noting that marriage -- heterosexual or otherwise -- is not a constitutional right guaranteed to anyone. That being the case, why would we use the Constitution to deny rights to any one group simply because we may disapprove of how they live their lives?

The members of the Legislature should have the courage to stand up and vote what they believe to be right. Anything less is a violation of their oath of office.

Gerald R. Ford, 1913-2006

2006-12-27T07:59:00.000-05:00

Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, passed away in his sleep last night at the age of 93.

Ford came into the Presidency, some say, "accidentally", being chosen by Richard Nixon to replace Spiro Agnew upon his resignation of the Vice Presidency, and coming to the Presidency under the cloud of Vietnam and Watergate, the scandal that brought down the Presidency of Richard Nixon. Ford may be most remembered for pardoning Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed during his presidency. At the time, this move angered many Americans and probably cost Ford from being elected to the Presidency when he was challenged by Jimmy Carter, but it has come to be recognized as a bold action that was necessary and key to starting to heal the wounds caused by Nixon's betrayal of the office.

We thank Gerald Ford for his service to our country. May he rest in peace in God's love.

T'is the Season.....

2006-12-24T20:47:00.000-05:00

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and it is a beautiful clear night. It's not a white Christmas or even a cold one....but it's a beautiful one nonetheless. It's after 6 PM, which means you can't buy one more blessed thing, unless it's lottery tickets or something at Store 24. This is when it's best....when the holiday just falls down upon us, whether we're finished with the shopping and cooking or not. It's Christmas and that's all that really matters.

No matter what holiday you celebrate....this is the time for family and friends to gather and celebrate. Life is short, friends, enjoy every minute of it. Keep this season in your heart all year long.

The Staff of the Everett Mirror wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To our Jewish friends, a belated Hanukkah.

"This Is All This Town Has..."

2006-12-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

The Boston Globe sports section on Sunday, December 3 featured a front page article and photos of Everett High's football team and coach, John DiBiaso. It had some great pictures of Dib with the kids, the team bus, and even DiB shopping! It was a nice piece, very complimentary to the city's football program; it was a wonderful tribute to the Crimson Tide, and well deserved.

There was one comment, which was probably very offhand, that was very telling and a little disturbing at the same time. In the section titled "A day in the life," an unnamed coach, in the context of Everett going without a championship title in two years, comments that "This is all this town has."

"This is all this town has?"

Such is the culture of this school system, and in the fall months, it permeates the city. What a message to impart! It starts at the top and trickles all the way down to the players. In the article, our very media savvy school superintentendent strategically creates an image of a poor, dirty, industrial city in which football is the only beacon of hope. "When you live in a city like this, you point to the industry, the smokestacks, the traffic on Broadway...our houses are almost one on top of the other. This is something you can point to - I live in Everett and that's my team." When your superintendent makes a comment like that, what message is that sending to the other kids in the school system? If you don't play, or at least embrace, the football culture in this city, there's no place for you?

We're not trying to minimize the impact of high school football in this city. It is, indeed, a huge part of our culture and our heritage. It is not, however, the only thing this city has to offer our young people. There are youth sports organizations to which the adults in this city devote countless hours -- not just in football, but in baseball, softball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. The high school has various clubs outside of athletics -- a music program that draws more kids to it each year; language clubs; scholastic clubs. In the past couple of weeks, there have been pictures in the local paper of young people in the elementary schools who are part of the Kiwanis Builders Program. High school football is important to our city but it is, by no means, "all this town has to offer." By the way, someone should explain to that coach that we're a city, not a town. We haven't been a town since 1892.

The trickle down effect of this culture is frightening. It's in this "football is everything" culture that a young player is quoted, stating, "Football is life in Everett," and "It's our life." When all is said and done, football isn't everything. These kids graduate from high school and the vast majority don't go on to the NFL. Most of them leave their football glory behind and they go to college, or they go onto jobs and/or the military. That's real life. All the football victories in the world won't prepare young people for real life if "it's all this town has."

Guest Editorial by Chris Keohan

2006-12-08T23:50:00.000-05:00

STOPPING THE DUMP…STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY

BY: CHRIS KEOHAN

THE MEETING
On Wednesday, December 6th the Boston Conservation Commission held a meeting regarding the proposed materials handling facility (i.e. sludge dump) located at the border of Everett and Boston on Lower Broadway. I was proud to be one of those in attendance, opposing the project and representing what I believe to be the stance of a vast majority of Everett citizens.

Senator Barrios, Representative-Elect Smith, Mayor Hanlon, Aldermen, City Councilors, and everyday citizens attended the meeting and spoke against this proposal. The meeting lasted well over 3 hours, and during that time the people attending from Everett spoke passionately about their concerns. We were prepared well beyond what the City of Boston and its representatives were ready for. Advocates for the project were clearly not expecting us to have the breadth of information or quality of questions asked. In the end our voices sent a clear message…Enough is Enough!

The people of Everett are not going to allow a closed process on such an important issue to our future health and development. We will not sit idly by while the City of Boston attempts to push forward with a plan that will have a direct impact on the quality of life of our citizens without having our voices heard.

THE PROJECT
There are many facts that Everett residents must know about the proposed development:

On April 28, 2006, the City of Boston purchased a section of land directly across the street from the Mystic Power Plant. The sole purpose of this purchase was to place an unwanted City of Boston waste material handling facility on land that, while technically in Boston, has virtually no direct effect on its citizens. This project will, however, have a far greater influence on the City of Everett. It will directly affect the health, environment and economy of our city and its residents.

Representatives from Boston have undermined the authority of the City of Everett as an affected community at every turn. Our elected officials at both the state and local levels were not notified of the project until recently, and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission has gone to great lengths to keep Everett from having their concerns voiced and heard. We are fighting this every step of the way, but people need to be outraged by the complete lack of respect that the City of Boston has shown us as its neighbors. The affects of this facility WILL greatly increase traffic, the potential for pollution, undermine the redevelopment projects on lower Broadway and along the waterfront, and destroy one of the final areas left undeveloped in Everett.

Each day over 100 tons of sewer and drain debris will be shipped-in via 62 dump trucks over the Alford St. Bridge, which is the gateway from Boston, and into this facility. Once inside this “sludge” will sit in order to dry out and be prepared for shipping to a landfill in New Hampshire.

*Note- If this sounds like a temporary dump to you, then you are 100% correct.

The EPA readily admits that the substances being transported have a likelihood of contamination from oils and other roadside run-off. To combine the added trucking on an already impassable roadway, the likelihood of contamination, and the undoubtedly detrimental effect on our businesses, our housing prices, and US is staggering.

The stench that will emanate from each of the 62 trucks is only comparable to that of the one coming from Boston City Hall, and their handling of this project to date. This is a project that can and must be stopped, not just for our current residents, but also for the future of Everett, its economic development, and the environment that we have fought so long and hard to repair from years of dumping and toxic waste.

THE SOLUTION
You may be thinking…What can I do to help? Currently there is an online petition being emailed throughout the city for anyone residing, owning a business or working here. Please contact me at christopherj.keohan@gmail.com if you have not received it and would like to be included as a signer. If you do not have email please do not hesitate to call me at (617) 892-2765.

Finally, there is a meeting scheduled for the night of January 4th at the Knights of Columbus hall in Charlestown in which the people of Everett must be represented in large numbers. Please contact me if you would like to attend but need help finding a ride to the meeting. I will do my best to help arrange transportation for as many people as possible with elected officials throughout the city.

Together we must stand up for our city and our neighbors! There has been a partisan political divide within this city for many years now. This project, this injustice, this clear violation of our rights must be met head on with the force of an entire community. Together we must forget about the differences that have separated us politically for so many years and come together for what is a defining moment in the history of our great city. Anything less will result in defeat and another blight on a community struggling to move forward from its industrial past and find a new identity with its growing population.

THE TIDE ROLLS OVER BROCKTON!

2006-12-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

The Everett Tide posted another Superbowl win over Brockton, avenging their 2004 squeaker of a loss. Brockton has won the last two Superbowls, which makes this win even sweeter. Everett dominated the game, winning 35-6. Expect big coverage in the Globe and the Herald tomorrow, and don't forget Channel 5 news at 6PM.

Congratulations to the Crimson Tide football team, the cheerleaders and to Coach John DiBiaso.

HEADING TO THE SUPER BOWL: Congratulations Crimson Tide!

2006-11-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

The Crimson Tide won its MIAA semi-finals game against Xaverian last night. As many predicted, Everett dominated the game, winning 31-6 in a cold drizzle in Quincy. The Tide will be facing Brockton in the Superbowl, which squeaked by Dartmouth in a 15-14 win.

The MIAA website:

http://www.miaa.net/

More coverage and great photos of Everett:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/

CONGRATULATIONS EVERETT HUSKIES!!!

2006-11-27T10:09:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the Everett Huskies C Team, who are on their way to Florida after their impressive win yesterday against the New Haven Steelers! They'll be competing in the Pop Warner Superbowl in Orlando, as will three of the Huskies cheerleading teams!

The Huskies are currently in the midst of fundraising to help with the cost of the trip. One of our faithful posters, Noni Mos, has provided the following link for more information on the win and contact information, if you're interested in donating to the team.

Congratulations again to the boys and girls of the Everett Huskies!!!

http://www.leaguelineup.com/everetthuskies

Thanksgiving Prayer

2006-11-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

A Thanksgiving Prayer
Samuel F. Pugh

"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."

What are you thankful for?

A Message from Councilman Leo McKinnon

2006-11-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to inform you all that the Everett Huskies and Everett Eagles are joining together for a one time event "United We Cheer" pep rally. This will be held this Sunday evening, 11/19, at 7 o'clock in the High School Field House. I know many of you played on one of these teams and might be interested in seeing how far along cheerleading has come.

Also, The Huskie C team boys are Eastern Mass Champions and have two more games to make it to nationals.

Our city has 6 cheerleading teams going to Regionals in hopes of making it to Nationals:

Everett Huskies
A- small interm
B- small interm
C- small interm (my team)
D - large novice

Everett Eagles
C- large interm
D- small

There will be a charge of $5 for adults and $3 for students. Whatever profit is made will be split equally which will help if any of these teams make it to Florida.

Come and support and see history in the making as these two organizations join together. If you have any questions, give me a call or email me.

Have a wonderful day

Democrat Stephen Smith Wins the General Election

2006-11-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

In a decisive victory, Stephen Smith was elected State Representative on Tuesday by more than 1900 votes. While many had predicted a much closer race, given the level of support provided to Joseph Hickey by the Hanlon Administration, the Ward 3 Alderman received 60% of the vote, winning in every ward and precinct in the city.

It’s been a long, tough haul for Smith, who ran against the late Edward Connolly in 2004, and lost by only 56 votes. Smith simply never stopped campaigning; he knocked on doors and worked the phones throughout the ensuing two years. His hard work paid off.

Congratulations to Representative-elect Smith on this resounding victory!

One also has to wonder what the Hanlon Administration could be thinking this morning. In a rarely used power-play against his own party, Democrat Mayor John Hanlon had key staffers, including his budget director, Janice Vetrano, auditing "contractor," Bev Dorman, and the Keohane’s at the polls for unenrolled candidate Joe Hickey. Most mayors will stay out of a state rep. race, preferring not to get involved. They understand that they will be working with the victor on state and local issues – no matter who it is. Additionally, it was also an odd strategy that the Hanlons employed; rather than working to get people to vote for their candidate, they actually worked to suppress the vote, and openly challenged the right to vote of many people at the polls. This may have had a negative effect on the Hickey vote, as people learned about the various challenges while waiting in line.

One also has to wonder what Mayor Hanlon plans to do next, now that he’s burned some very serious bridges with the legislative leadership at the State House. Hanlon has now seriously isolated himself from the very people who make decisions about local aid to cities and towns. Mayor Hanlon better hope that new state representative, Stephen Smith, can persuade Speaker of the House, DiMasi and others to “forgive and forget, ” or the taxpayers of this city will be paying for these huge political missteps.

Election Day 2006

2006-11-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Election Day. It is critical that everyone who is registered to vote gets out and votes. We have many important choices to make tomorrow, including who will be our next Governor, but we in Everett have a most crucial vote to make in who will be our next State Representative, a seat that was held for the past 16 years by the late Edward G. Connolly. The candidates are Stephen Stat Smith, who came within inches of defeating Connolly in 2004 and who overcame a strong opponent and the vicious attacks of a local newspaper in this year's September primary; and Joseph Hickey, a three term member of the Common Council who switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent in order to avoid a primary fight.

Regardless of whom you support, however, the importance of exercising your right to vote cannot be stressed strongly enough. In her book A Patriot's Handbook, Caroline Kennedy wrote the following passage regarding Election Day, and we think it sums up very well the value of getting out to vote:

"The day I feel most proud to be an American is not the Fourth of July, but Election Day. The right to vote is perhaps the most critical right in a democracy, the means by which we can create the kind of society that truly represents America. A woman who had been the victim of FBI harassment and who had sacrificed twenty years fighting for her First Amendments rights once said to me, 'It is up to us to create a government that is close to our heart's desire. Because,' she added, 'if you don't do it, somebody else will.' One only has to look at the lengths to which people went to deny others the right to vote to understand that we should never take its importance for granted, nor forget that it is an opportunity as well as an obligation."

Proven Innocent? Not so Fast....

2006-10-17T14:28:00.000-04:00

Proclamations of “innocence?” Demands for apologies? Insisting it was “all Ragucci’s fault!”

Who does this guy think he’s kidding?

Instead of thanking his lucky stars that his attorney found a judge willing to slap him with a wet noodle for his indictment on receiving stolen property (the air conditioners), thereby allowing him to keep his pension - leave it to Fred Foresteire to go on the offensive, proclaim his “innocence,” and demand an apology. While our three local papers (sorry, we can’t call them newspapers any more) have more or less suggested that our “superintendent of fools,” (the school committee) was found “innocent” – the fact remains that Mr. Foresteire was not found innocent by Judge Paul Chernoff. Mr. Foresteire pleaded to “sufficient facts” that a guilty plea could be obtained by the facts presented. He was fined $2,090 in court costs. While the charges will be dropped in a year if Mr. Foresteire doesn't experience any additional legal problems, that year is considered a probationary period. The implication: rather than innocent, Foresteire was "in trouble." Bottom line: "sufficient facts" do not translate to innocence. Neither does continuing the case for a year with the stipulation that the defendent stay out of trouble.

And what our local newspapers, particularly today's Independent, which takes the Boston Globe to task for "faulty reporting", fail to point out is that this is not the first time evidence has been presented indicating that our Superintendent can be "ethically challenged" from time to time. As the Globe reported, the Superintendent has been sanctioned in the past by the State Ethics Commission for improper use of school services and personnel.

As for School Committee member, David Ela, we hope someone gets him into a twelve-step program for recovering Kool-aid drinkers. Consider this quote: “I consider the superintendent innocent on all counts?” Please, Mr. Ela – get some help. Take Alconada with you.

If you want to read a reasonably factual story of Fred’s Day in Court, don’t read the local press. Try this:

From the Boston Globe October 15, 2006

Educators Case Splits Parents

Everett's Pride?

2006-09-30T17:19:00.000-04:00

We’ve all seen the ever-present bumper stickers through out the city, proclaiming “Everett’s Schools are Everett’s Pride.” It’s been a wonderful public relations tool for Superintendent Foresteire for a number of reasons, the most important being that because people have tended to believe it, Mr. Foresteire has been somewhat insulated from criticism. Consider this -- last year a disturbing state audit of the Everett Public School System revealed wide spread mismanagement including unlicensed school teachers, bid-rigging, hundreds of thousands of dollars of misspent state and federal grant money, special education dollars spent on football parades and advertising, and misleading budgeting practices. Ordinarily, this alone would have gotten any other school superintendent fired, but the school committee via its “spokesman,” Robert Alconada, gave Mr. Foresteire an “A” as an educator, as reported in the Boston Herald.

Alas, that “A” is no more real than “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” The Boston Globe ranks Everett 10th graders 227 out of 280 in English, with 41% needing improvement or failing; in Math, Everett 10 graders rank 255 out of 280, with 52% needing improvement or failing. In English, Everett's ranking was beaten by Malden, Quincy and (gulp) Brockton. In Math - Everett's rank was beaten by Brockton, Lowell and Somerville. The "best blue collar school system?" Sadly, that's just an empty slogan.

2006 MCAS Results

The news was even more dismal on September 17, when the Boston Globe published an article indentifying two of Everett's schools, Parlin and Lafayette, as needing "corrective action" for failing to make progress in Math, English or both. Missing from the list needing corrective action was Revere. Do you still think we have the best blue collar school system? Even the Everett Independent, long a cheerleader for the superintendent, acknowledged these issues in last week's edition. Lowering the standards, however, is not the answer to the problem. Everett's school children need to have the skills to compete, whether in college or on the job, and lowering the standards won't help them achieve the skills to compete successfully.

Perhaps if the school committee stopped lowering standards for the Superintendent, we might actually get somewhere?

From the Boston Globe, 9/17/06:

State calls for action
The state Department of Education on Tuesday told 27 schools in the northern suburbs that they must take ``corrective action" to improve student performance. The schools on the list below were told that some students are failing to make adequate yearly progress in math, English l anguage a rts, or both.
District School
Amesbury Amesbury Middle School
Chelsea Chelsea High
Chelsea Clark Avenue School (5-8)
Chelsea Eugene Wright School (5-8)
Chelsea Joseph A. Browne School (5-8)
Danvers Holten Richmond Middle School
Everett Lafayette School prekindergarten-8)
Everett Parlin School (prekindergarten-8)
Gloucester Gloucester High
Gloucester Milton L. Fuller (elementary)
Gloucester Ralph B. O'Maley (middle)
Haverhill Consentino (middle)
Haverhill Haverhill High
Haverhill Silver Hill (elementary)
Ipswich Ipswich Middle School
Lynn Breed Middle School
Lynn Julia F. Callahan (elementary)
Lynn Lynn Voc Tech Institute (8-12)
Lynn Robert L. Ford (prekindergarten-8)
Lynn Thurgood Marshall (middle)
Malden Ferryway (K-8)
Malden Forestdale (K-8)
Malden Salemwood (K-8)
Masconomet Masconomet (middle)
Peabody J. Henry Higgins (middle)
Salem Collins (middle)
Saugus Belmonte Saugus (6-8)
Source: State Department of Education website
Compiled by Brenda J. Buote
© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

Decision 2006

2006-09-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

Primary Day is just around the corner, and while Everett’s turnout for Primaries is notoriously light – we hope you will consider getting out there to vote. This is your chance to make a difference!

Here are the races:

Senate: (Republican Ballot)
Kenneth Chase
Kevin Scott

Governor: (Democrat Ballot)
Christopher Gabrielli
Deval Patrick
Thomas Reilly, Attorney General

Lt. Governor: (Democrat Ballot)
Deborah Goldberg
Tim Murray
Andrea Silbert

Secretary of State: (Democrat Ballot)
William Galvin (I)
John Bonifaz

State Representative: (Democrat Ballot)
Frank Nuzzo
Stephen “Stat” Smith
Write in: Rosemary Miller

Clerk of Courts (Democrat Ballot)
Bruce Desmond
Michael Sullivan

A Little Etiquette Reminder

2006-09-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

To Our Readers:

Please be mindful of language when you are posting comments. We understand that debate will get heated from time to time, but we must emphasize that the use of profanity cannot be tolerated. This seems to have become more of an issue lately than it has in the past, and we are asking that you please choose your words more carefully when posting your comments.

Thank you for your consideration.

The Staff of The Everett Mirror

5 Years Later-Remembering September 11th

2006-09-09T17:43:00.000-04:00

As we approach the 5th anniversary of 9/11, we found the words to this song by Alan Jackson particularly reflective of what we all felt on that day. Do you remember where you were?

Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?

Guest Editorial

2006-08-30T16:35:00.000-04:00

By William Breining

Immigration Then and Now

In response to Marcony Almeida’s weekly column. Mr. Almeida claims in the Aug. 24, 2006 edition of the Everett Leader Herald of the long period of time and obstacles facing today’s immigrants. He states that “immigrants arriving in the United States in the 19th or early 20th century were not placed on long waiting lists or faced with a reduced number of annual green cards and that almost all were authorized to work and that there were no Social Security number requirements as there are today.” That statement is a willful distortion of the truth.

Social Security numbers were not required in the 19th and early 20th centuries for a valid reason, Social Security did not exist until the 1930’s (a program started after the Great Depression by President Roosevelt). It is a further distortion of the truth to claim that immigrants did not have to go through a “qualification” process to be considered as a candidate for immigration. During the time period Mr. Almeida brackets, there were many obstacles facing immigration to America, including sponsorship by a U.S. Citizen; a place to live; a job waiting for the immigrant; and passage through Ellis Island or similar facility. Arriving at Ellis Island (or its counterparts) was no guarantee of entry into America. It was the processing point for immigration. Here the final and perhaps the most grueling qualification began; quarantines, identification verification, medical evaluation, etc. If an immigrant did not meet the standards, they left Ellis Island on a ship home, not released into the general population waiting for a court date for an appeal; you were gone, period! A new immigrant, leaving an intake facility, stepped on the soil of his new homeland cleared and thankful to have been accepted into America. U. S. immigration, in many ways, was stricter than it is today.

Mr. Almeida, further states (in his article) “As long as American immigration laws remain viewed as inefficient, more families will remain separated and America can be called a nation of immigrants only with difficulty.” We are not a nation of immigrants; we are a nation of American (U. S. Nationals) descendent of immigrants; we are a nation, not a tourist attraction! As I have stated before, immigration is a privilege, not a right! And its parameters remain at the discretion of the American people.

Mr. Almeida’s final complaint is that it takes too long to become a U. S. Citizen and that the process requires that candidates fill out a 13 page form; be of good moral character; pass both an oral and written English exam, be tested in American History and pass a Federal background check. And this is a bad thing??? America is an English speaking country, the background check is necessary to our security. People coming to America, in the past, came here to be Americans. They did not need additional incentives. Again Mr. Almeida speaks generally of illegal aliens, not legal immigration. Immigrants are not relegated to “second class” status as indicated; in no other nation do immigrants enjoy the freedom and benefits they receive here in America. Those who remain “hidden” from society do so because they chose to ignore our laws and come here illegally…and who is to blame for that? In closing, I ask this question, “What kind of citizens will they be; those who begin their life in a new nation through deceit and contempt for our laws? Not the kind that made and continue to make our nation the greatest on earth.

Newspaper Wars or Jaw Wars?

2006-08-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

Everett is a unique city in many ways, one being that for a city of relatively small size, three newspapers vie each week for readership and advertising space. This could be a good thing in terms of competition if each paper was competing for legitimate news stories. However, after reading this week's editions of the Independent and the Advocate, it's clear that these two papers, at least, are vying for the championship title of spitball fighting. This is no "clash of the Titans," - that would be far too regal. This is more like "Beavis and Butthead.

For those of us old enough to remember, the volleying between these two papers is reminiscent of the battles long ago between the Everett Leader Herald owned by Joe Curnane Sr and the old Everett News, owned by Tom Guarino. It was foolish then, and it's foolish now. It's amusing, in some ways, but foolish nonetheless. Curnane Sr. would hold court in his cramped, cluttered office. His was the paper of record -- he was the one that local politicians and political wannabes went to for advice, and woe be unto them if they failed to heed that advice. Guarino fought to achieve the same type of status but never quite achieved it. The difference back then was . . . both Mr. Curnane and Mr. Guarino were "Everett guys."

Neither Josh Resnek nor Jim Mitchell are from Everett; both hail from Chelsea, a city with a long history of its own. Not that their residency should matter, but it's patently obvious that Josh Resnek and Jim Mitchell don't give a damn about Everett. Both are egomaniacs more interested in their own opinions than they are in what is really going on in the city. They help to keep the city divided with their ridiculous rambling commentaries -- Resnek the self-appointed defender of all things Hanlon, attempting to salve his own hurt feelings from what he believes was his mistreatment by the former Ragucci administration, and Mitchell slashing against the Hanlon administration because, it would seem, the Mayor owes Mitchell a good deal of money from his multiple campaigns to occupy the corner office. Anyone who knows Mitchell knows that he's all about the money.

And staying out of the fray is the once Grand Pubah of the Everett newspaper wars -- the Everett Leader Herald. The paper is now run by Joe Curnane, Jr., a nice guy with a friendly disposition but without the acerbic outlook of his father. Why Joe keeps the paper running is anyone's guess, but as long as it's making money, why not, right? He prints press releases, runs the ocassional story, is very good at covering the feel good community events, and collects what appears to be a significant amount of advertising dollars, then goes home at the end of the day to -- Melrose.

At the end of the day, Everett still needs a good newspaper, and none of our weekly papers are anywhere close to providing solid and objective reporting. Most other local weeklies charge a small fee for their papers - so perhaps that makes them more loyal to their readers than to the advertising revenue raised from city hall or the school department. We're not sure, but we do know that Everett deserves better than the newspapers wars.

Community Service Notice

2006-08-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

Free September workshops for parents and caregivers of

children and adolescents with mood disorders at Cambridge Health Alliance

Cambridge Health Alliance’s Center for Child and Adolescent Development is offering “Second Monday of the Month”, a new, practical series of workshops aimed at parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with mood disorders. The series is free and open to the public. The second workshop is entitled “How to help your child with social skills.” Please note that the upcoming lecture will take place on a Tuesday.

Date: Tuesday September 12, 2006
Time: 4-5pm
Location: Center for Child and Adolescent Development
101 Station Landing
Medford, MA 02155

Cost: FREE, but RSVP is strongly suggested.
Contact: Mimi Braude, LICSW, 781-306-8684
For more information about the CCAD and directions, please visit http://www.challiance.org/ccad/

Center For Child and Adolescent Development (CCAD) is a regional clinic that helps children, adolescents, and young adults achieve their fullest potential by providing assessment, treatment, and support to children and families dealing with learning, attention, and behavioral difficulties; conditions such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis; Neurological Disorders such as Tic and Seizure disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorders; and Developmental Disabilities. To find out more about CCAD, please call 781-306-8640 or visit http://www.challiance.org/ccad/.

CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE Cambridge Health Alliance is an innovative, award-winning health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Revere, and Boston’s Metro-North communities. It includes three hospitals, more than 20 primary care practices, the Cambridge Public Health Department, and the Network Health plan. With this unique model, the Alliance is able to offer the finest health services, a diverse working environment, and a premier training experience in community-based medicine. To learn more, visit us online at www.challiance.org.

Kerry Healey - Another Fish Story?

2006-08-14T21:02:00.000-04:00

Kerry Healy is doing her best to redefine herself. Just a few days ago, she was visiting with New Bedford fishermen, and vowing to fight fishing regulations. And then, despite years of being prochoice, she refused to fill out a survey by Planned Parenthood. And now, the Lt. Governor is trying to make the voters believe that she will hold down local property taxes. This is the same woman who made Everett her very first visit on her "goodwill tour" during the state budget cuts in 2003. Kerry's job on behalf of the Romney administration during the good will tour was to look at city and town budgets, and to "explain" why the state government was reneging on the Cherry Sheet promises and how local taxpayers had to pick up the tab through local taxes, particularly if there was "room" on the tax levy. Mayor Ragucci remarked in the Leader Herald at the time that he hoped that Everett would not be penalized. We took a 3/4 million dollar hit that year. That sounds like a penalty to us!

Kerry Healey...not your local property tax crusader. We hate to call it a fish story, but that's exactly what it is.

Seeking Reader Input

2006-08-07T09:24:00.000-04:00

The Everett Mirror is looking for your opinion. We've received comments on the blog in the past asking that people use some sort of a pen name when posting their comments -- the reason being the confusion that can result from so many people signing their comments as "anonymous."

Would people be agreeable to registering a pseudonym to enter their comments on the blog, similar to the procedure used on Michael's Message Board? This is just to make it easier to follow the conversations posted on the blog. However, we'll make no move to institute this process until we get your input. This post will run for 48 hours, and the majority opinion at that time will rule the day.

Also, as you can see, we have our first guest editorialist. Thanks to Bill Breining for taking the time to write this editorial! If anyone else is interested in writing a guest editorial, please feel free to email your material to us.

Thanks for participating!!

The Staff of the Everett Mirror

Guest Editorial by William Breining

2006-08-04T11:31:00.000-04:00

Here's a special welcome to Bill Breining, who is our guest editorial writer this week.
As this is a guest editorial, it may or may not represent the opinion of The Everett Mirror or its staff.

By William Breining

The Mayor’s veto of the Parking Program

Mayor Hanlon was correct in vetoing the badly flawed permit parking revision ordinance. This poorly written ordinance, if enacted, would have weakened the existing ordinance and had a significantly negative impact on overnight parking. The current overnight parking needs some revision but this version is not an improvement.

It is very telling to examine what was included and excluded from the proposed ordinance. Included was the following:

1. A visitor’s pass for a $10.00 fee, issued for a definitive period of time (7 to 14 days). Charging a fee to cover these costs is reasonable and will help curtail abuses.

2. A second visitor’s pass, issued for a full year for a $100.00 fee. In a city with as limited parking as Everett, this is a ridiculous proposal, it amounts to nothing more than the attempt to sell parking spaces in exchange for a higher fee . This would reduce the amount of parking available to the residents with no benefit to the general populace of the city.

3. A proposal to charge residents of abutting cities (whose property lies in one city and abuts a street that is in Everett) a $100.00 fee to park on the street (the sticker is supplied to Everett residents for no charge). Outrageous! All cities have streets that are bordered by adjacent municipalities and all have cooperative agreements for parking enforcement, and maintenance of the roadway. These residents, having no control or voice over the parking regulation (not being able to vote in Everett) should be accommodated with a parking sticker by virtue of the circumstances. When did it become the intention of a governing body to seek out ways to punish the innocent? Including these residents is the right thing to do both morally and ethically.

4. A $10.00 fee for the parking sticker for new residents moving into the city after the annual issuance of parking stickers. This is just another way to separate the residents from more of their money.

What was not included is equally as telling!

1. An extension of the overnight parking hours requested by residents and removed in committee, not part of the ordinance. I cannot comment on the wisdom of this except to state that I think the input of the residents should always receive serious consideration.

2. A provision to allow residents to obtain a non-resident permit to park a required work vehicle on the street. This was reportedly removed because some of our elected officials wanted to collect an amount equivalent to the excise tax paid on the vehicle in the city that it is registered. Our elected officials seem to think it is “acceptable” to sell visitors’ passes for a $100.00 per year, but not to allow a reasonable fee for a resident to park a vehicle that allows him to be gainfully employed and be a productive member of our community? I believe that the employer should be required to submit the application, signed by a company official and that the fee be paid by company check. This would reduce the possibility of abuses.

The current parking ordinance does not need some revision to make it more workable for the residents. What is not needed is having parking turned into yet another convenient revenue stream.

What will it take to bring our elected officials state of mind back to acting only when the government has a compelling interest and only in a manner that benefits the general populace? Unfortunately, many of our officials (elected and appointed) have succumbed to the addiction of public life …revenue; the ever increasing need and desire to charge the residents more and more for less and less.

Cool Heads in a Crisis

2006-07-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

By now most of us have heard of the shooting that took place on Sycamore Street today near Superstar Video. While the details of the event are starting to be reported, what has not and probably will not make the news is the fact that Glendale Park was full of kids participating in the City Works program. The counselors in the program -- all of them barely more than kids themselves -- acted with calm and cool heads, gathered the younger children together and got them to the safety of the firestation across the street.

So many times we criticize our young people and fail to recognize their ability to step up and be responsible. We were lucky to have just such young people in the park today.