A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 12:31 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 May 20, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Motion prevailed.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF THE MAY 20, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding all grant programs, contacts, and funding provided to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations and external partners in Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027, including all reductions, eliminations, and changes in funding, Docket #0873, passed by the City Council on April 29, 2026.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirty-Nine Thousand Dollars ($39,000.00) in the form of a grant, Donation of MSP Surplus Vessel - Marine 43, awarded by Massachusetts State Police / Crime Laboratory to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund the transfer of one 1979 Coast Guard UTB Patrol Boat "Marine 43" from the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit to the Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) in the form of a grant, Community Safety Initiative, awarded by MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund the City of Boston's comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing gun, gang, and youth violence in the City.
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.
PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Application of West End Library Preservation Associates Limited Partnership for authorization and approval of a project pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 121A and the Acts of 1960, Chapter 652, each as amended, for the West End Library Redevelopment Project in the West End neighborhood of Boston.”
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 April 29, 2026.
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 May 13, 2026.
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Mildred Hailey Phase One Chapter 121A Project, completion of design review procedures for Phase 4A and Phase 4B, second amendment to report and decision.”
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Mildred Hailey Phase One Chapter 121A Project Phase 4A and Phase 4B second amendment to report and decision.”
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn transmitting the Wolf & Company Audit.
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Franklin Hill Phase 2A and 2B Chapter 121A Project, amendment to report and decision and regulatory agreement.”
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Mattapan Heights III Chapter 121A Project, second amendment to report and decision.”
Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding “Mildred Hailey Phase One Chapter 121A Project, first amendment to report and decision.”
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding a double amputee, disabled veteran, sleeping outside due to an elevator failure at BHA Ruth Barkley Apartments.
Notice was received from the Mayor of her absence from the City from Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 A.M., returning Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 12:15 P.M.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
On the message and order, referred on May 13, 2026, Docket #0969, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twelve Million Five Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars ($12,573,604.00) in the form of a grant, 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. The grant would fund support to the safety and security needs of our Massachusetts state and local entities directly involved with providing services for the Boston 2026 World Cup event, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1030, authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Forty-Seven Million One Hundred Twenty Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Two Dollars ($47,120,292.00) for purposes of funding the Snow & Winter Management appropriation to meet operating expenses of the fiscal period commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1031, authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Twenty-Two Million Eight Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Two Dollars ($22,845,672.00) for purposes of funding Boston Public Schools to meet operating expenses of the fiscal period commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. This appropriation request was approved by the Boston School Committee on May 6, 2026, and is intended to cover projected deficits in health insurance ($18,087,750.00) and utility spending ($4,757,922.00), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
Ordinance to Require Quarterly Revenue Reports to be Provided to the City Council.
Order for a hearing to discuss Boston's Main Streets Programs and the recently released Wolf & Company audit.
Order for a hearing regarding the City Council's authority to adopt, amend, or reject the annual budget under the Boston City Charter.
Order for a hearing to examine eliminating minimum lot size requirements in District 4.
Order for a hearing to examine the elimination of the Boston Human Rights Commission in the FY27 operating budget.
Order for a hearing to explore the creation and maintenance of public bathroom facilities in the City of Boston.
Order for a hearing to discuss the 2025 Boston Firearm Trafficking Report.
Order for a hearing to discuss the findings of the 2025 Annual Report by the Boston Disability Commission.
Resolution recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.
Resolution affirming the City of Boston's commitment to green infrastructure.
Resolution to receive quarterly revenue reports from the Finance Cabinet.
Resolution recognizing Juneteenth in the City of Boston.
Resolution recognizing Caribbean American Heritage Month in the City of Boston.
Resolution calling for a federal investigation into Boston Housing Authority (BHA) elevator failures.
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding the number of parking meters and annual revenue generated in the City of Boston.
PERSONNEL ORDERS:
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Mohamed Diallo in City Council, effective May 30, 2026.
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Worrell offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee George Yousif Abdallah in City Council, effective June 20, 2026.
GREEN SHEETS:
Legislative Calendar for June 3, 2026.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Resolution congratulating Young Man With a Plan.
Resolution recognizing Dorchester Day Honors.
Resolution recognizing Pvt. William P. Nearen.
Resolution recognizing Colectivo Brothers & Sisters.
Resolution recognizing Manlio Mendez.
Resolution recognizing B/SPOKE Fitness Studio.
Resolution recognizing Michael Schmidt and Tara Lyons.
Resolution recognizing Dayanara Hernandez Cabrera and 21 other East Boston High School - Fisher College dual enrollment graduates.
Resolution recognizing Democracy Brewing.
Resolution recognizing Elaine Anoli.
Resolution recognizing Skippy Imbergamo.
Resolution recognizing Nick Moulaison, Ann Guange, and Gina Guange.
Resolution recognizing Joanna Cataldo.
Resolution recognizing Father Angel Pedro Alvarez.
Resolution recognizing Jane O’Reilly.
Resolution in memory of Teresa Basile.
Resolution recognizing Grace Gans-Linnane.
Resolution recognizing John Coleman.
Resolution recognizing Carole Coleman.
Resolution recognizing Mario Umana Academy.
Resolution recognizing Sacred Heart Parish.
Resolution recognizing Captain Dean Bickerton.
Resolution recognizing Sarah Frederick.
Resolution recognizing 12 graduates and volunteers of Roslindale ESOL courses.
Resolution recognizing the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston.
Resolution recognizing John Messia Jr.
Resolution recognizing Bobby Juliano.
Resolution in memory of Maria E. Juliano.
Resolution in memory of Alexander Nguyen.
Resolution recognizing the Boston Center for Independent Living.
Resolution in memory of Barry J. Callow.
Resolution recognizing the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center.
Resolution recognizing the Michael J. Perkins Elementary School.
Resolution recognizing the James F. Condon School.
Resolution declaring May 21, 2026 as "Fenway Community Center Day."
Resolution recognizing John Tobin.
Resolution recognizing Mothers Against Drugs, Inc.
Resolution recognizing Officer Joaquim P. Antunes III.
Resolution in memory of Joseph W. Donovan.
Resolution recognizing Rev. Oscar J. Pratt, Jr.
Resolution recognizing Nuevo Dia Adult Day Health Center's West Roxbury location.
Resolution recognizing Aileen Montour.
Resolution recognizing Cafe Polonia.
Resolution recognizing 2026 District 3 Legacy Businesses.
Resolution in memory of Rita Joan Garufi.
Resolution recognizing Roberta Smalls.
Resolution recognizing Roscoe Hamer.
Resolution in memory of Robert "Bobby" Kilduff Jr., Boston Fire Department, Local 718.
Resolution recognizing Dorchester Day Awards.
Resolution in recognition of Ariella Hellman.
Resolution in recognition of @ Union and two other winners of the 2026 Legacy Business Award.
Resolution recognizing the Islamic Society of Boston.
Resolution recognizing Petit Robert Bistro.
Resolution recognizing Dr. Angela Paige Cook.
Resolution recognizing Reverend Joe Cook.
Resolution recognizing Fred Woodard.
Resolution recognizing Tariq Meyers.
Resolution in memory of Reverend Franklin Murray Sr.
Resolution in memory of Roscoe Baker.
Resolution in memory of Eileen Kenner.
Resolution recognizing Andrea Puckerine-Braxton.
Resolution in memory of Nerva Desir.
Resolution in memory of Giovanni "Gio" Bala.
Resolution in memory of Hazel T. Williams.
Dockets #0733-0735, Orders for the FY27 Operating Budget, including annual appropriations for departmental operations, for the School Department, and for other post-employment benefits (OPEB).
Dockets #0736-0737, Orders for capital fund transfer appropriations.
Dockets #0738-0740, Orders for the Capital Budget, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements.
Communication was received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #294.24 - The Swallow Mansion, 33 Cordis Street, Charlestown, MA (in effect after July 1, 2026 if not acted upon).
Resolution declaring May 26, 2026 "Frantzdy Pierrot Day."
Councilor Santana, on behalf of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, submitted the following:
Councilor Weber, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1030, authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Forty-Seven Million One Hundred Twenty Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Two Dollars ($47,120,292.00) for purposes of funding the Snow & Winter Management appropriation to meet operating expenses of the fiscal period commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0735, approving an appropriation of Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund authorized under Chapter 32B, §20, as added by Chapter 479 of the Acts of 2008. The latest available OPEB actuarial valuation as of June 30, 2023 estimated the City’s unfunded liability at $2.68 Billion Dollars, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0736, approving an appropriation order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) from the City’s Capital Grant Fund to address the impact of transportation network services on municipal roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure or any other public purpose substantially related to the operation of transportation network services in the City. Such funds will be transferred and credited to the Capital Grant Fund from revenue received from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0737, approving an appropriation order in the amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) from the Surplus Property Disposition Fund, credited to the Capital Fund for planning, design, and construction of coastal resilience solutions around the City, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0738, approving an appropriation order in the amount of Three Hundred Eighty-Four Million Seven Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($384,705,000.00) for various capital improvement purposes for city departments including the Boston Center for Youth and Families, Boston Housing Authority, Boston Planning and Development Agency, Boston Public Library, Innovation and Technology, Environment, Fire, Mayor’s Office of Housing, Office of Arts & Culture, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Property Management, Public Health Commission, Public Works, and the Transportation Departments, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to be read once and passed.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0739, approving an appropriation order in the amount of Thirteen Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($13,855,000.00) for various capital improvement purposes for the Boston Public Schools, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to be read once and passed.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0740, authorizing the City of Boston to enter into one or more lease, lease-purchase or installment sales agreements in Fiscal Year 2027 in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($28,500,000.00). These funds are to be used by various City departments for the acquisition of equipment in furtherance of their respective governmental functions. The list of equipment includes: computer equipment (hardware and software), motor vehicles and trailers, ambulances, firefighting equipment, office equipment, telecommunications equipment, photocopying equipment, medical equipment, school and educational equipment, school buses, parking meters, street lighting installation, traffic signal equipment and equipment functionally related to, and components of, the foregoing, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to be read once and passed.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0734, for Annual Appropriation for the School Department for FY2027, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0733, for Annual Appropriation and Tax Order for FY2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass in an amended draft.
Councilor Weber moved to substitute language in the committee report. Seconded by Councilor Durkan.
The substitute committee report was properly substituted.
Councilor Mejia objected to accepting the committee report.
Recess.
Committee members polled: yeas 6 (Weber, FitzGerald, Coletta Zapata, Louijeune, Pepén, Worrell), nays 1 (Culpepper). Yeas prevailed.
Councilor Coletta Zapata offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Durkan.
Councilor Weber recused himself from discussion of the amendment.
The amendment was properly before the body.
Recess.
On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the amendment was withdrawn.
Councilor FitzGerald offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Flynn.
The amendment was properly before the body.
Councilor Coletta Zapata in the chair.
Councilor Breadon in the chair.
Motion by Councilor Mejia to lay the amendment on the table. Seconded by Councilor Flynn.
The motion did not prevail; yeas 4 (Durkan, Flynn, Mejia, Worrell), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Councilor FitzGerald moved to close debate. Seconded by Councilor Durkan. Motion prevailed; yeas 10 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 3 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan).
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 10 (Culpepper, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 3 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan).
Councilor FitzGerald offered a second amendment. Seconded by Councilor Durkan.
Councilor Weber recused himself from discussion of the amendment.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber).
Councilor Flynn offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 2 (Flynn, Murphy), nays 11 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell).
Councilor Flynn offered a second amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 2 (Flynn, Murphy), nays 10 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber), not present 1 (Worrell).
Councilor Flynn offered a third amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 2 (Flynn, Murphy), nays 10 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
Councilor Mejia offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 3 (Culpepper, Mejia, Worrell), nays 9 (Breadon, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
Councilor Mejia offered a second amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 4 (Culpepper, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Councilor Mejia offered a third amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 4 (Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
Councilor Culpepper offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy.
The amendment was properly before the body.
A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 5 (Breadon, Culpepper, Flynn, Murphy, Worrell), nays 7 (Coletta Zapata, Durkan, FitzGerald, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber), not present 1 (Mejia).
Recess.
The substituted report was accepted; Docket #0733, the order as amended was passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), nays 1 (Mejia).
Councilor Weber called Docket #0756, message and order approving an order appropriating One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,400,000.00) from the income of the George Francis Parkman Fund. The funds are to be expended under the direction of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the maintenance and improvement of Boston Common and Parks in existence as of January 12, 1887, from the Committee on Ways and Means.
No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
Councilor Weber called Docket #0757, message and order approving an appropriation of Three Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,600,000.00) from the 21st Century Fund, also known as the Public, Educational, or Governmental (PEG) Access and Cable Related Fund. Pursuant to Section 53F 3/4 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, the funds may be used to support PEG access services, to monitor compliance with the cable franchise agreement, and for preparation of renewal of the franchise license, from the Committee on Ways and Means.
No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
Councilor Flynn called Docket #0307, resolution in support of a Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Elevator Safety Commission, from the Committee on Housing and Community Development.
The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
Adjourned at 6:47 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Eileen Kenner, Theresa "Terri" Perrotta, Andree Anna David Mathurin, Frances Y. Dennis, Desrianna Clary, Superintendent in Chief John Gill, Massachusetts Corrections Officer John Edwards, Barry Hayes, Mary Rose (Sullivan) Carroll, Rita Joan Garufi, and Boston Firefighter Robert "Bobby" Kilduff, Jr., to meet again on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Attest:
Alex Geourntas
City Clerk