City Council

Agenda

1. A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 12:15 PM. President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. City Clerk Alex Geourntas delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the March 18, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion prevailed.
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 18, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
5. 2026-0619 Message and order for your approval an order to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million, Forty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars ($1,046,178.00) to provide funding for the Boston Public Schools for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the School Committee of the City of Boston and the United Steelworkers 2936 (Bus Monitors).
   Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action
   Action: Referred to

   Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

6. 2026-0620 Message and order for a supplemental appropriation order for the Boston Public Schools Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million, Forty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars ($1,046,178.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the School Committee of the City of Boston and the United Steelworkers 2936 (Bus Monitors). The terms of the contracts are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The major provisions of the contracts include base wage increases of 2% to be given in July of each fiscal year of the contract term, as well as a $1/hr flat increase in January, 2026 and a $0.70/hr flat increase (for assigned monitors only) in January, 2028.
   Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action
   Action: Referred to

   Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

7. 2026-0621 WITHDRAWN
   Mayor Order
   Action: withdrawn

8. 2026-0622 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Earmark for Fairmount Housing Development, awarded by MA Executive Office Of Public Safety & Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund support of Police overtime for visible patrols in the Fairmount Development.
   Mayor Order
   Action: The rules were suspended; the order was passed.

   On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed.

9. 2026-0623 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Osgood as a member of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, for a term expiring March 30, 2030.
   Mayor Order
   Action: Referred to

   Referred to the Committee on City Services.

10. 2026-0624 Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F relative to the Memoranda of Understanding between the Boston Police Department and external entities, passed by the Council on January 30, 2026.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

11. PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
12. REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
13. 2026-0625 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Max Rome, as a Constituent Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust.
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

14. 2026-0626 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of March 11, 2026.
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

15. 2026-0627 Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Proposed Minor Modification to the Charlestown Urban Renewal Plan, Project No. Mass. R-55, with respect to Parcel C-1A.”
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

16. 2026-0628 Communication was received from Councilor Murphy requesting a briefing from the budget office regarding recent citywide spending controls and hiring constraints referenced in public reporting.
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

17. 2026-0629 Communication was received from Councilor Murphy regarding an officer-involved shooting in Roxbury.
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Placed on file.

    Placed on file.

18. 2026-0630 Communication was received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #228.07 - The Bussey House, 1203-1205 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA 02124 (in effect after April 22, 2026 if not acted upon).
    Report of Public Officer
    Action: Referred to

    Councilor Durkan moved to suspend the rules and pass Docket #0630. Objection by Councilor Flynn. Referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation.

19. MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
20. 2026-0166 Order for a hearing regarding Boston Public Schools student-athlete transfer and eligibility policies.
    Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action
    Action: Remains in

    Remains in the Committee on Education.

21. 2026-0201 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston's FY27 operating budget.
    Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action
    Action: Remains in

    Remains in the Committee on Ways and Means.

22. 2026-0202 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' FY27 operating budget.
    Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action
    Action: Remains in

    Remains in the Committee on Ways and Means.

23. 2026-0587 Order for a hearing to review administrative transparency, equitable student representation, and student freedoms in higher education.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Remains in

    Remains in the Committee on Education.

24. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
25. 2026-0631 Order for a hearing to examine diversity and representation within the Boston Fire Department, including leadership positions.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    On motion of Councilors Culpepper and Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Weber as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement.

26. 2026-0632 Order for a hearing to examine measures to prevent human, sex, and drug trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Boston.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    On motion of Councilors Culpepper and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor FitzGerald as an original co-sponsor. Councilor Culpepper moved to substitute language. Seconded by Councilor Durkan. Motion prevailed. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

27. 2026-0633 Order for a hearing to audit and review the City Council budget amendment process.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    Referred to the Committee on Post-Audit.

28. 2026-0634 Order for a hearing regarding citywide spending controls, hiring constraints, and fiscal outlooks across departments.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

29. 2026-0635 Order for a hearing to examine the denial of a longstanding nonprofit event permit and the city's policies governing use of public parkland.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    Referred to the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks.

30. 2026-0636 Order for a hearing to discuss city services and quality of life concerns in Copley Square.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    Referred to the Committee on City Services.

31. 2026-0637 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding White Stadium.
    Council 17F Order
    Action: The rules were suspended; the order was passed.

    On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the order was passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Durkan).

32. 2026-0638 Order for a hearing to examine the Boston Police Department's protocols for releasing police body camera and dashboard camera footage.
    Council Hearing Order
    Action: Referred to

    Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

33. 2026-0639 Resolution calling on the Boston Police Department to update body camera and dash camera release protocols to include access to oversight entities following police-involved shootings, mass shootings, and major events.
    Council Legislative Resolution
    Action: The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

    Councilor Mejia moved to close debate. Seconded by Councilor Weber. Motion prevailed: yeas 10 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 3 (Durkan, Flynn, Murphy). On motion of Councilors Culpepper and Worrell, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), present 1 (Durkan).

34. 2026-0640 Resolution recognizing Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.
    Council Legislative Resolution
    Action: The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

    On motion of Councilor Pepén, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

35. 2026-0641 Resolution in support of H.4683, "An Act Relative to Teacher Preparation and Student Literacy."
    Council Legislative Resolution
    Action: The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

    On motion of Councilors Culpepper and Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

36. 2026-0642 Resolution recognizing March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility.
    Council Legislative Resolution
    Action: The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

    On motion of Councilors Durkan and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Breadon as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Durkan, Santana, and Breadon, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).

37. 2026-0643 Resolution upholding alcohol restrictions at all Boston Public School facilities including the 14-Acre White Fund Parcel in Franklin Park.
    Council Legislative Resolution
    Action: The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.

    Councilor Mejia moved to substitute language. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. Motion prevailed. Councilor Mejia moved to close debate. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. Motion failed: yeas 5 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Mejia, Worrell), nays 8 (Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber). On motion of Councilors Mejia and Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was not adopted: yeas 3 (Flynn, Mejia, Murphy) nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), present 1 (Culpepper).

38. GREEN SHEETS:
39. GS-3/25/26 Legislative Calendar for March 25, 2026.
    Green Sheet
40. CONSENT AGENDA:
41. 2026-0644 Resolution in memory of George W. Gardner, Jr.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
42. 2026-0645 Resolution in memory of Shirley E. (Cameron) Duke.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
43. 2026-0646 Resolution in memory of Brenda Gael McSweeny.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
44. 2026-0647 Resolution congratulating Brazilian Women's Group.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
45. 2026-0648 Resolution recognizing Jack Maharaj.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
46. 2026-0649 Resolution recognizing Elaine Kevgas.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
47. 2026-0650 Resolution in memory of Sheryl Goler Richards.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
48. 2026-0651 Resolution recognizing Rachel Boeteng.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
49. 2026-0652 Resolution in tribute to Phillip Cohen Myrick.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
50. 2026-0653 Resolution recognizing the Child and Family Wellness Center.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
51. 2026-0654 Resolution in memory of Edmond Guillory.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
52. 2026-0655 Resolution recognizing Dr. Ted Landsmark.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
53. 2026-0656 Resolution recognizing the Chinese Progressive Association.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
54. 2026-0657 Resolution recognizing the Tai Shan Community Association.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
55. 2026-0658 Resolution recognizing the families of Tom and Eddie Butler.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
56. 2026-0659 Resolution recognizing Richie Linehan.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
57. 2026-0660 Resolution recognizing Lee Burke and the Michael Burke Foundation.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
58. 2026-0661 Resolution recognizing Bobby Ferrara.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
59. 2026-0662 Resolution recognizing Randy Greeley.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
60. 2026-0663 Resolution recognizing the Collins Family.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
61. 2026-0664 Resolution recognizing State Representative David Biele.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
62. 2026-0665 Resolution recognizing the Sam Yick Association of New England.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
63. 2026-0666 Resolution recognizing the Wong Family Benevolent Association.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
64. 2026-0667 Resolution recognizing the Timothy "Doc" Cook Scholarship Foundation.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
65. 2026-0668 Resolution in memory of Dan McCole.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
66. 2026-0669 Resolution recognizing the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
67. 2026-0670 Resolution recognizing the South Boston Citizens' Association.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
68. 2026-0671 Resolution recognizing R. Emily Goldberg Winer.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
69. 2026-0672 Resolution recognizing Rabbi Barry Dolinger.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
70. 2026-0673 Resolution recognizing the Castle Square Tenants Organization.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
71. 2026-0674 Resolution recognizing the DiDomenico Foundation.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
72. 2026-0675 Resolution recognizing the family of Susan Hurley.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
73. 2026-0676 Resolution recognizing Jessica Tang.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
74. 2026-0677 Resolution recognizing the Leung Family Association.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
75. 2026-0678 Resolution recognizing the Boston Groundwater Trust.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
76. 2026-0679 Resolution recognizing Women Veterans of Massachusetts.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
77. 2026-0680 Resolution recognizing the Emerald Society of the Boston Police Department.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
78. 2026-0681 Resolution recognizing Roxbury Prep.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
79. 2026-0682 Resolution recognizing Betty Jenkins.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
80. 2026-0683 Resolution recognizing Peggie Hope.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
81. 2026-0684 Resolution recognizing Vavisa Brown.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
82. 2026-0685 Resolution recognizing Cardicia Welcome.
    Consent Agenda Resolution
83. 2026-0134 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0134, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) in the form of a grant, Financial Empowerment Program, awarded by United Way, passed through the Boston Local Development Corporation, to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund financial education, credit/asset building, and employment services for residents at the Center for Working Families, from the Committee on Labor & Economic Development. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed.

84. The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
85. The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
86. 2026-0137 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0137, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) in the form of a grant, Municipal ADA Improvement Grant, awarded by The Massachusetts Office on Disability to be administered by the Department of Innovation & Technology. The grant would fund updating the municipal ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to address barriers to accessibility in web-based services and applications, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Flynn, the order was passed: yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).

87. 2026-0132 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0132, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend technology equipment valued at approximately Four Hundred Thirty Thousand Three Hundred Forty Dollars ($430,340.00), from the Connected & Online Program Grant, awarded by United States Department of the Treasury, passed through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, to be administered by the Department of Innovation & Technology. The equipment includes laptops, desktop bundles, and related equipment. The equipment will support public access to education, workforce development, digital literacy, and telehealth services across multiple City departments, with deployments centered at BCYF Centers and sites operated by the Office of Workforce Development and the Office of Returning Citizens. This award reflects strong cross-departmental collaboration and advances the City’s broader digital equity goals, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Flynn, the order was passed: yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).

88. 2026-0135 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0135, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) in the form of a grant, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), awarded by United States Department of the Treasury, passed through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, to be administered by the Department of Innovation & Technology. The grant would fund a multi-session digital skills workshop series at multiple locations and distribute devices to learners, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Flynn, the order was passed: yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).

89. 2026-0378 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0378, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty Dollars ($20,930.00) in the form of a grant, the El Centro Fellowship Grant, awarded by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston to be administered by the Department of Innovation & Technology. The grant would fund the fellowship program for El Centro IT training program graduates, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Flynn, the order was passed: yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).

90. 2026-0133 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0133, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Eight Dollars And Three Cents ($219,178.03) in the form of a grant, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Funding, awarded by MA Executive Office for Administration & Finance to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund the Center for Working Families' Boston Tax Help Coalition in assisting low-income taxpayers with personal income tax filings for the 2026 tax season, from the Committee on Labor & Economic Development. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
    Mayor Order
    Action: Passed

    On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed.

91. Adjourned at 3:09 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Stephen Bronchuk, George Reese, Emmanuel Damas, and Lillie Mae Keizer, known as Mother Borders, to meet again on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk