Chelsea public meetings in 2023

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct public hearings and consider orders regarding zoning changes. These include updates to regulations for marijuana retailers, indoor commercial recreation, and the creation of a Transit Community Overlay District.

• Public hearing and proposed amendment to Section 34-158 (c)(2) regarding Marijuana Retailers
• Public hearing and proposed amendment to Section 34-241 regarding indoor commercial recreation
• Public hearing and proposed amendment to establish a Transit Community Overlay District

The City Council approved a zoning amendment establishing a Transit Community Overlay District (TCOD) near the Chelsea Commuter Rail Station and Silver Line terminus, complying with the MBTA Communities Act. The amendment allows multifamily housing by right, with density bonuses for affordable units and ground-floor retail. A separate amendment to remove marijuana retailer operating hour restrictions was rejected 6-3. A third amendment updating definitions for indoor commercial recreation was introduced but not voted on.

• Approved Transit Community Overlay District zoning amendment (10-0-1)
• Rejected amendment to remove marijuana retailer hour restrictions (6-3-2)
• Introduced indoor commercial recreation definition amendment (no vote taken)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several appropriation requests from the General Stabilization Fund for city projects and staff. The body is also discussing contracts for the Fire Department and potential new hires for the Council.

• Appropriation of $100,000 for Emergency Housing/Shelter Operations
• Appropriation of $150,000 for Marginal Street Sidewalk
• Appropriation of $140,000 to establish two additional City Manager staff positions
• Proposed hire of Mohamed Amine Brahimi as Legislative Aide with a probationary salary of $54,819.06
• Increase of base COLA for retirees from $12,000 to $15,000 effective July 1, 2024

The Chelsea City Council approved several funding requests from the City Manager, including $100,000 for emergency housing/shelter, $30,758 for a fire-damaged DPW vehicle, and $100,000 for the Chelsea 400th anniversary celebration. The council also advanced appointments to boards and commissions to a second reading and accepted and filed various communications. All decisions were made without objection.

• Approved $100,000 for emergency housing/shelter from General Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $30,758 for replacement of fire-damaged DPW vehicle (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for Chelsea 400th anniversary celebration (unanimous)
• Advanced appointments to Board of Health and Council of Elder Affairs to second reading (unanimous)
• Advanced reappointments to Historical Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals to second reading (unanimous)
• Approved five-year contract for Fire Department Record Management System (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 4 and December 6, 2023 meetings (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed communications from Traffic and Parking Commission and committee report on hiring legislative aide (unanimous)

Sub - Committee on Conference

The Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to handle organizational matters for the 2024 term. The body will accept nominations for leadership roles and determine the order of seating and roll calls.

• Nominations for City Council President and Vice-President for 2024
• Nominations for Delegate to the School Committee for 2024
• Drawing lots for seating arrangement and roll call order for 2024

Subcommittee on Conference - Public Safety Related Issues

The City Council Subcommittee on Conference will meet to discuss public safety-related issues. Invited attendees include the City Manager, City Manager-designee, and the chiefs of police and fire departments.

• Discussion of public safety-related issues

Subcommittee on Conference

The Subcommittee on Conference will meet to discuss proposed staffing changes in the City Manager’s Office. The body will also review a related appropriation request.

• Proposed staffing changes in the City Manager’s Office
• Appropriation request for City Manager’s Office staffing

Public Hearing

The Department of Housing and Community Development is seeking public input on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The body will review the proposed Community Development Strategy for the year. This hearing is a requirement before the city can submit the application to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

• Discussion of proposed FY2024 CDBG application
• Review of the proposed Community Development Strategy
• Public input on funding categories including housing rehabilitation, economic development, and public infrastructure

Special Committee on Hiring - 5pm

The Special Committee on Hiring will meet to conduct interviews for a Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position. The committee will enter executive session to perform these interviews.

• Interviews for Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position

Special Committee on Hiring - 9am

The Special Committee on Hiring will meet to conduct interviews for the Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position. This portion of the meeting will be held in Executive Session.

• Interviews for Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to interview candidates for a vacancy on the Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee. The body will vote to fill the vacancy following the interviews.

• Interviews for Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee vacancy
• Vote to fill Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee vacancy

The Chelsea City Council and School Committee held a special meeting to interview three candidates and fill a vacancy on the Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee. After interviews and a vote, Blanca Gachama was selected as the finalist with 9 votes, pending a CORI check.

• Selected Blanca Gachama to fill vacancy on Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee (9-5-1)
• Motion to make vote unanimous adopted without objection

Sub - Committee on Conference - Affordable Hosuing

The Chelsea City Council Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to discuss affordable housing policy in the City of Chelsea. The meeting includes invited attendance from the City Manager and the Director of Housing and Community Development.

• Discussion of affordable housing policy

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY2024 residential tax exemption and minimum residential tax factor. The body is also considering several fund appropriations for city staffing, sidewalk repairs, and vehicle acquisitions.

• Proposed 35% Residential Exemption for Fiscal Year 2024
• Appropriation of $150,000 from General Stabilization Account for Marginal Street Sidewalk
• Appropriation of $140,000 for two additional staff positions in the City Manager’s Office
• Transfer of $175,858.00 to fund USWA Local 9427 contract wage increases
• Appointment of Clifford Cunningham as Clerk to the City Council at a salary of $75,197.65

The City Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with USWA Local 9427 for FY2024-2026 and authorized a $175,858 transfer from the Salary Reserve to fund FY2024 wage increases. It also approved reallocating $68,500 from a fire department mobile repair vehicle to a training vehicle, and accepted several communications from the City Manager, including a $150,000 emergency sidewalk stabilization appropriation. Appointments to the Board of Library Trustees were confirmed in a 10-0-1 vote.

• Approved USWA Local 9427 collective bargaining agreement for FY2024-2026 (10-0-1)
• Authorized $175,858 transfer from Salary Reserve for FY2024 wage increases (10-0-1)
• Approved reallocation of $68,500 from M-1 Mobile Repair Vehicle to H-1 Training Vehicle
• Approved $150,000 emergency appropriation for Marginal Street sidewalk stabilization
• Approved re-appointments to Board of Library Trustees (10-0-1)
• Accepted communication on prior-year fire department expenses of $12,749.60
• Accepted communication on appointments to Historical Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals
• Accepted communication on $140,000 supplemental salary request for City Manager's office reorganization

Special Committee Meeting

The Special Committee on Hiring will meet to discuss personnel matters. The committee intends to enter executive session to review resumes for a Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position.

• Review of resumes for Legislative Aide/Administrative Assistant position

Sub - Committee on Conference - COLA

The City Council Sub-Committee on Conference is meeting to discuss the proposed Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Retirement System. The meeting includes the Retirement Board Chairman and the Retirement System Executive Director.

• Proposed Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Retirement System

Sub - Committee on Conference - Chelsea Pride

The Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to discuss the suspension of Chelsea Pride from the Northeast Commonwealth Youth Football and Cheer League. The body will address mitigation for affected youth and the future of youth football in Chelsea.

• Suspension of Chelsea Pride from the Northeast Commonwealth Youth Football and Cheer League
• Mitigation for affected youth
• Future of youth football in Chelsea

Sub - Committee on Conference - Traffic & Parking

The Chelsea City Council Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to discuss traffic and parking-related concerns within the city. City officials and the Traffic and Parking Commission are invited to attend.

• Discussion of city-wide traffic and parking-related concerns

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several funding requests for open space and park projects. The body is also considering the approval of a collective bargaining agreement with USWA Local 9427 and the payment of prior-year vendor expenses.

• Appropriation of $850,000 from General Stabilization Fund for 212 Congress Avenue PARC Grant
• Transfer of $225,000 from Voke Park Renovations to 88 Clinton Street Park Project
• Approval of collective bargaining agreement with USWA Local 9427 and a $175,858 transfer for wage increases
• Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Everett for the Island End Flood Resilience Project
• Proposal for Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board to dedicate opportunities to Chelsea residents only

The City Council approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with United Steelworkers Local 9427 covering management-level staff, including annual raises of 4% in FY24, 3.5% in FY25, and 4% in FY26, with a total cost of approximately $1,078,536. The council also authorized a $175,858 transfer from the Salary Reserve Account to cover FY24 costs. Additionally, the council accepted a $15,000 grant from Mystic Valley Elder Services for a senior fitness program, approved a $50 library donation, and set a public hearing on FY2024 tax rates including a 35% residential exemption and 175% commercial shift. Several appointments to boards and commissions were confirmed, and prior-year expenses totaling $17,848.16 for DPW and other departments were approved.

• Approved union contract with United Steelworkers Local 9427 (8-0-3-0 roll call)
• Authorized $175,858 transfer from Salary Reserve for FY24 union costs
• Accepted $15,000 Mystic Valley Elder Services grant for senior exercise program
• Accepted $50 library donation from Lynne Ellis
• Set public hearing on FY2024 tax rates with 35% residential exemption and 175% commercial shift
• Approved appointments to Community Recreation Advisory Board, Community Preservation Committee, and Board of Library Trustees (8-0-3-0 roll call)
• Approved prior-year expense payments totaling $17,848.16 for DPW, Police, and other departments
• Accepted and filed communication from resident regarding immigration policy

Sub - Committee on Conference - Legislative Code

The Chelsea City Council Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to discuss a proposed Legislative Code. City Solicitor Cheryl Watson Fisher is invited to attend.

• Proposed Legislative Code for the Chelsea City Council

Sub - Committee on Conference - Tax Rates

The City Council Sub-Committee on Conference will meet to discuss the tax rates for Fiscal Year 2024. The City Manager, Director of Assessing, and City Auditor are invited to attend.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Rates

Sub - Committee on Conference - Northeast

The City Council Sub-Committee on Conference and the School Committee are meeting to discuss the process for filling a vacancy on the Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee.

• Process to fill vacancy on the Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School Committee

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several funding requests, including emergency housing and park construction. Members are also discussing traffic safety measures and the authorization of payments for prior-year expenses.

• Appropriation of $850,000 from General Stabilization Fund for 212 Congress Avenue park
• Appropriation of $100,000 from Operating Stabilization Fund for Emergency Housing/Shelter Operations
• Transfer of $225,000 from Voke Park Renovations to 88 Clinton Street Park Project
• Inter-municipal Agreement with Everett for the Island End River Flood Resilience Project
• Proposal to repeal Section 14-2 of the City of Chelsea Code of Ordinances

The Chelsea City Council approved an $850,000 appropriation from stabilization funds for the 212 Congress Avenue Neighborhood Park Project, funded partly by a state PARC grant. The council also advanced appointments to boards and commissions to second reading and accepted several communications from the city manager, including approval for prior-year expenses and an intermunicipal agreement with Everett for flood resilience.

• Approved $850,000 appropriation for 212 Congress Ave park project (no vote tally recorded)
• Advanced Community Recreation Advisory Board appointment of Farah McCormack to second reading (unanimous)
• Advanced Chelsea Historical Commission appointments of Michelle Mirthes and Alison Shepard to second reading (7-0-4-0 roll call)
• Advanced Community Preservation Committee appointments of Mayra Molina De Romero and Juana Lourdes Perez Vasquez to second reading (unanimous)
• Advanced Community Recreation Board appointment of Kim Huffer to second reading (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed communication on prior-year expenses totaling $12,951.39 (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed communication on Island End River Flood Resilience Project intermunicipal agreement with Everett (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 16, 2023 regular meeting (unanimous under suspension)

Sub - Committee on Rules and Regulations

The Sub-Committee on Rules and Regulations will meet to discuss a proposed Legislative Code for the City Council Office.

• Review of proposed Legislative Code for the City Council Office

City Council

The City Council approved an additional $100,000 from the Operating Stabilization Account for emergency housing/shelter after FY24 funds were exhausted due to four catastrophic events affecting 38 family members. The Council also approved a 4-year employment agreement for incoming City Manager Fidel Maltez starting January 1, 2024, with a $247,500 salary and 3% annual raises. Several other items were accepted and filed or adopted under suspension, including appointments to the Youth Commission and orders for a housing policy sub-committee, a school committee vacancy discussion, a camera installation, and a mattress disposal policy review.

• Approved $100,000 supplemental emergency housing/shelter funding from Operating Stabilization Account (unanimous under suspension)
• Approved 4-year employment agreement for City Manager Fidel Maltez starting Jan 1, 2024, salary $247,500 with 3% annual raises (11-0 roll call)
• Approved Youth Commission appointments: Yurie Lee, Josue Castellon, David Prudencio (new); Brandon Ossa, Tinsae Haile, Daniela Maldonado, Arianna Perdomo (re-appointed) (11-0 roll call)
• Approved $12,993.98 in prior-year expenses from current FY24 budgets (unanimous under suspension)
• Accepted and filed proposed zoning amendment for MBTA Communities Act overlay district (unanimous under suspension)
• Adopted order for sub-committee on housing policy with Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, CPC, and Housing Director (unanimous under suspension)
• Adopted order for joint sub-committee with School Committee on Northeast Metro Regional Vocational School vacancy (unanimous under suspension)
• Adopted orders for camera installation on Marlborough Street and mattress disposal policy review (unanimous under suspension)

City Council

The Chelsea City Council approved conflict-of-interest law exemptions for a DPW employee to coach middle school softball and for a Recreational and Cultural Affairs employee to be compensated for summer work. The council also adopted three ceremonial resolutions recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. Minutes from September 18 and September 20 were approved, and communications from the city manager were accepted and filed.

• Approved conflict-of-interest exemption for DPW employee Alejandro Arroyo as Girls Head Softball Coach for Middle Schools (unanimous)
• Approved conflict-of-interest exemption for Ammi Velez to be compensated as a part-time Summer Paraprofessional (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution recognizing October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution recognizing October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution recognizing October 2023 as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 18, 2023 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 20, 2023 special meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed communications from City Manager on conflict-of-interest exemptions, Commuter Rail Quiet Zone update, and zoning amendment request (unanimous)

City Council

The Chelsea City Council interviewed four finalists for the city manager position — Michael McGovern, Fidel Maltez, Cheryl Watson Fisher, and James Duggan — during a special meeting. After public comment, Councilor Hatleberg moved to postpone the vote until the next regular meeting on Monday, October 2, which was adopted without objection. No decision on the city manager was made at this meeting.

• Postponed vote for next city manager to October 2 regular meeting (no objections)

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting solely to receive the list of finalists for the City Manager position from the Screening Committee. No votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was procedural only.

• Received finalist list: James Duggan, Cheryl Watson Fisher, Fidel Maltez, Michael McGovern

City Council

The Chelsea City Council approved a resolution supporting a $31,026 Justice Assistance Grant for the police department and accepted a donated half-pipe skate ramp from Orchard Skateshop, Adidas, and the New England Revolution for Creekside Commons Park. The council also approved a $69,258.80 transfer for roadway repairs, appointed Mario Fernandes to the Board of Health and Yazmin Guevara Alvarez to the Cultural Council, and passed an order to hold a special meeting for public feedback on the city manager hiring process. All votes were 10-0-1-0.

• Approved $31,026 Justice Assistance Grant resolution (10-0-1-0)
• Accepted half-pipe skate ramp donation from Orchard Skateshop, Adidas, New England Revolution (10-0-1-0)
• Appropriated $69,258.80 from TNC Surcharge Fund for roadway repairs (10-0-1-0)
• Appointed Mario Fernandes to Board of Health (10-0-1-0)
• Appointed Yazmin Guevara Alvarez to Cultural Council (10-0-1-0)
• Ordered special meeting for public feedback on city manager hiring (10-0-1-0, as amended)
• Ordered sub-committee meeting on Chelsea Pride Football suspension (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 18, 2023 meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Chelsea City Council accepted and filed several communications from the City Manager, including a $200,000 Boston Foundation grant for emergency assistance to low- and moderate-income households, a $69,258.80 appropriation from TNC ride fees for road improvements, and a $1,000 American Library Association grant for library book discussions. The Council also approved a conflict-of-interest exemption to hire a retired city employee for fire detail work. No public comment was made on a proposed amendment to visitor parking sticker rules, and the hearing was closed without opposition.

• Accepted $200,000 Boston Foundation grant for Resilience Fund emergency housing aid (unanimous)
• Appropriated $69,258.80 from TNC ride fees for FY24 Streets & Sidewalks Program (unanimous)
• Accepted $1,000 American Library Association grant for Great Stories Club book discussions (unanimous)
• Approved conflict-of-interest exemption to hire retired employee Richard Perisie for fire detail (unanimous)
• Approved prior-year expense payments for DPW from FY24 budgets (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution declaring Sept 15–Oct 15 Hispanic Heritage Month (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution honoring Fr. Stanley Rousseau's 25th priestly ordination anniversary (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 28, 2023 special meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council approved the designation of a portion of Fourth Street between Walnut Street and the Tobin Bridge as 'Herbie Kupersmith Way' by a 6-0-5-0 roll call vote. The Council also approved early voting for the September 26, 2023 municipal Preliminary Election. A resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal, C.L.A. was adopted unanimously.

• Approved street designation of Fourth Street between Walnut Street and Tobin Bridge as 'Herbie Kupersmith Way' (6-0-5-0)
• Approved early voting for September 26, 2023 Preliminary Election on Sept 16 and Sept 18-22 (6-0-5-0)
• Adopted resolution celebrating 50th anniversary of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal, C.L.A. (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 26, 2023 City Council meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council voted 9-0-2 to authorize a 20-year Energy Management Services Agreement with Ameresco Inc. for battery storage, solar panels, and other energy conservation measures. It also approved a related 15-year equipment lease/purchase agreement with Banc of America Public Capital Corp for up to $3,615,699. Both votes passed unanimously with two absent members.

• Approved 20-year Energy Management Services Agreement with Ameresco Inc. (9-0-2)
• Approved 15-year equipment lease/purchase agreement with Banc of America Public Capital Corp up to $3,615,699 (9-0-2)
• Accepted donation of fitness equipment from Hilton Homewood Suites for Senior Center (unanimous)
• Accepted donation of furniture from H&H Furniture LLC for Police Department (unanimous)
• Approved appointments: Emily Van Heukelom to Conservation Commission, Stanley Troisi to Chelsea Housing Authority (9-0-2)
• Adopted resolution honoring retiring Library Director Sarah Jackson (unanimous)

City Council

The Chelsea City Council accepted and filed a notice of intent to appoint Emily Granoff as Senior Planner/Project Manager with a residency waiver, and approved appointments to the Conservation Commission and Housing Authority. The council also accepted communications on PEG Access and Community Preservation Act FY24 budgets, and an opioid settlement stabilization fund proposal. A resolution recognizing Juneteenth was adopted unanimously.

• Accepted notice of intent to appoint Emily Granoff as Senior Planner/Project Manager with residency waiver
• Approved appointments: Emily Van Heukelom to Conservation Commission, Stanley Troisi to Chelsea Housing Authority
• Approved residency waiver for Conservation Commission member Devan Braun
• Accepted PEG Access and Community Preservation Act FY24 budgets for approval
• Accepted communication on Opioid Stabilization Fund for appropriation
• Adopted resolution recognizing Juneteenth (unanimous)

Regular Meeting - REVISED

The City Council approved a $3.6 million energy services agreement with Ameresco for Phase 1 of the Chelsea MicroGrid Project, which includes battery storage at City Hall and the Police Station and solar panels at the DPW City Yard. The council also approved a union contract with SEIU covering FY24-FY26 with annual raises totaling about $416,000. A zoning amendment to delete the Community Improvement Trust Fund section passed 11-0. Resolutions recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Arbor Day were adopted unanimously.

• Approved $3,615,699 energy services agreement with Ameresco for MicroGrid Phase 1 (battery storage at City Hall/Police Station, solar at DPW Yard)
• Authorized lease-purchase financing with Bank of America for $3,615,699 over 15 years
• Appropriated $249,855.89 for first-year lease payments
• Approved SEIU union contract with 3% raise in FY24, 4% in FY25, 4% in FY26 (total ~$416,000)
• Adopted resolution recognizing June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution recognizing Arbor Day and tree planting efforts (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 8, 2023 meeting
• Deleted Community Improvement Trust Fund zoning section (11-0)

Public Hearing

The Chelsea City Council held a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to delete Section 34-111 (Community Improvement Trust Fund) and renumber subsequent sections. No public comments were made, and the hearing was closed after three minutes.

• Held public hearing on proposed amendment to delete Zoning Ordinance Section 34-111 (Community Improvement Trust Fund) and renumber Section 34-112 as 34-111, with Sections 34-112–34-133 reserved (no vote taken).

Sub - Committee Conference

The sub-committee received the FY21 audit report from the City Auditor and the auditing firm Roselli, Clark and Associates. No material weaknesses were found. The city's reserve ratio is 28%, double the state average, and its bond rating is AA. The OPEB liability is $120.8 million, down $40 million from the prior year. The meeting was informational only; no votes or decisions were taken.

• No votes or decisions taken; meeting was informational only

City Council

The City Council accepted and filed the proposed FY24 budget totaling $231,135,736, which includes $98,768,227 for city expenditures and $132,367,509 for schools. The budget adds 11 new positions, including an OEM assistant director, housing assistant director, and three police officers funded by a federal grant. The council also accepted a residency waiver and conflict-of-interest exemption for a part-time English instructor position. No substantive decisions were made beyond accepting and filing communications.

• Accepted and filed FY24 proposed budget of $231,135,736 (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed residency waiver for Yemil Serret for part-time English instructor (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed conflict-of-interest exemption request for Yemil Serret (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 24, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted Mother's Day resolution (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Earth Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. The Council also approved changes to its rules and processed various city communications.

• Adopted resolution recognizing April 22, 2023 as Earth Day (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution commemorating Administrative Professionals Day on April 26, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution recognizing April 24, 2023 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution proclaiming May as Asian/Pacific Islander American Month (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 8 and April 18, 2023 meetings
• Affirmed Sub-Committee on Rules and Regulations report recommending changes to Council rules (8-0-3-0)
• Referred Traffic and Parking Commission communication to the Sub-Committee on Conference
• Approved order requesting a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Conference with the Director of Inspectional Services, City Solicitor, Police Chief, and community Navigators (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to act on the City Manager profile. The Council voted to adopt the profile as amended by the Collins Center.

• Adopted the profile for the City Manager introduced by the Collins Group (10-0-1-0)

City Council

The City Council unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing National Autism Awareness Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and National Arab-American Heritage Month. The Council also moved a job profile for the vacant City Manager position to a Sub-Committee on Conference.

• Adopted resolution celebrating National Autism Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution acknowledging National Arab-American Heritage Month (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 27, 2023 meeting
• Approved scheduling a Sub-Committee on Conference to discuss residency waivers
• Referred Chelsea Retirement System Cost of Living Adjustment communication to Sub-Committee on Conference
• Moved vacant City Manager job profile to Sub-Committee on Conference (7-3-1-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a five-year Capital Improvement Program and a corresponding loan order to fund infrastructure projects. The council also appointed members to the City Manager Selection Committee and hired a new City Council Clerk.

• Adopted Capital Improvement Plan FY’24-FY’28 (9-0-2-0)
• Approved FY2024 Capital Improvement Program Loan Order totaling $12,650,963 in grants and other funds (9-0-2-0)
• Appointed Fidel Maltez, Joan Cromwell, Michelle Nadow, and Juan Vega to the City Manager Selection Committee (9-0-2-0)
• Appointed Clifford Cunningham as City Council Clerk with a starting salary of $54,819.06 (9-0-2-0)
• Adopted amendments to the Linkage Fee Ordinance regarding Community Impact Fees (9-0-2-0)
• Requested City Manager instruct DPW to paint speed bumps for public safety
• Requested City Manager provide an emergency evacuation plan
• Requested Traffic and Parking Commission consider stop signs and speed bumps on Essex and Pearl Streets

City Council

The City Council approved an order to hold a conference with the Inspectional Service Department regarding enforcement violation formalities. The Council also moved several resolutions regarding the FY24-FY28 Capital Improvement Plan and zoning amendments to second readings or sub-committees.

• Approved order for conference with Inspectional Service Department on enforcement violations (10-0-1-0)
• Adopted resolution recognizing March as Women’s History Month
• Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes
• Accepted Traffic and Parking Commission items #7 and #9; rejected item #6 (9-0-1-1)
• Moved Capital Improvement Plan FY24-FY28 resolution to second reading
• Moved Capital Improvement Program Loan Order FY2024 to second reading
• Referred proposal to delete Community Improvement Trust Fund Zoning S. 34-111 to Planning Board and sub-committee
• Referred Linkage Fee Ordinance amendment to Sub-Committee on Conference

City Council

The City Council adopted an ordinance requiring commercial, industrial, and residential developments over 25,000 square feet to pay community impact linkage fees. The council also approved funding for Mill Creek water work and a grant for transportation policy. Additionally, new procedures for special event permitting were established.

• Adopted linkage fees for developments >25,000 sq ft: $12.50/sq ft for commercial/industrial and $10.00/sq ft for residential (9-0-2-0)
• Approved $539,200 from General Stabilization Account for Mill Creek Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination work (9-0-2-0)
• Authorized acceptance of $50,000 grant from Barr Foundation and Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (9-0-2-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending Chapter 14 to create new special event permitting procedures and definitions (8-0-3-0)
• Established a Selection Committee of Councilors to appoint residents to the City Manager Hiring Screening Committee (9-0-2-0)
• Ordered the interim City Manager to provide an air quality study for the Highland Park area
• Approved resolution honoring Black History Month 2023 Chelsea Trailblazers
• Tabled ordinance regarding zoning provisions for marijuana establishments

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to swear in three firefighters and several police department members. The meeting also included a reading of a resolution recognizing the Chelsea Public Schools and Boston Children’s Choir.

• Swore in firefighters Walter Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, and Kevin Gomez
• Swore in Captain Thomas H. McLain Jr.
• Swore in Lieutenants Paul Marchese and Will Brizuela
• Swore in Sergeants Paul McCarthy and Michael Noone
• Swore in officers William Piper, Marc Garcia, John Coen, and Kevin Clavijo

REVISED Meeting

The City Council approved grant funding for four community projects and authorized an employment agreement for Acting City Manager Ned Keefe. The Council also moved the FY24-FY28 Capital Improvement Plan to a sub-committee for a public hearing.

• Approved $100,000 grant for Chelsea Restoration Corporation (9-0-2-0)
• Approved $30,000 grant for Comunidades Enraizadss/Community Land Trust (9-0-2-0)
• Approved $100,000 grant for Housing Families (9-0-2-0)
• Approved $246,000 grant for Temple Emmanuel (9-0-2-0)
• Authorized employment agreement for Acting City Manager Ned Keefe (9-0-2-0)
• Rescinded $539,200 appropriation for Mill Creek IDDE work to correct a drafting error (9-0-2-0)
• Moved FY24-FY28 Capital Improvement Plan to sub-committee for public hearing
• Ordered DPW to notify abutters 24-72 hours before water service interruptions

City Council

The City Council approved several budget transfers and expenditures, including a $5 million reallocation of ARPA funds. The Council also authorized the hiring of a consultant for the City Manager search and re-issued the job posting for the City Council Clerk.

• Transferred $5,000,000 in ARPA funds from Cary Avenue Water Sewer and Roadway Reconstruction to Downtown Broadway Revitalization Project (6-0-5-0)
• Approved $165.00 from Human Resources for FY22 unpaid costs (6-0-5-0)
• Approved $3,051.52 from Chelsea Public Schools for FY22 unpaid costs (6-0-5-0)
• Authorized engagement of the Collins Center to assist in the City Manager search (6-0-5-0)
• Ordered re-issuance of the City Council Clerk job description as a full-time position up to 35 hours (6-0-5-0)
• Tabled employment agreement for Acting City Manager Edward Keefe
• Approved Sub-Committee on Conference meeting for January 30, 2023, to discuss FY2023 Rules and Regulations
• Sent CPA grant funding recommendations totaling $476,000 to a second reading

REVISED Meeting

The City Council appointed Edward P. Keefe as interim City Manager following the resignation of Thomas G. Ambrosino. The Council also approved a $15,000 arts grant and authorized the hiring of Paul Casino as a part-time consultant and clerk.

• Appointed Edward P. Keefe as interim City Manager (11-0-0-0)
• Approved $15,000 grant from the New England Foundation of the Arts (11-0-0-0)
• Hired Paul Casino as temporary Part time Consultant and Clerk at $50/hour, max 20 hours/week (11-0-0-0)
• Ordered City Manager to look into placing a detail officer at Broadway and Congress Avenue
• Moved order to transfer $5 million in ARPA funds from Cary Ave project to Downtown Broadway project to a second reading
• Moved order to pay $3,051.52 in prior year School Department expenses to a second reading
• Referred order to pay $165.00 in prior year HR Department expenses to Sub-Committee on Conference
• Approved minutes from December 19, 2022 and January 3, 2023

City Council

The City Council held an organizational meeting to elect its officers and delegate for 2023. The council also approved the seating arrangement, roll call positions, and the adoption of 2022 rules and regulations.

• Elected Councilor Robinson as President (6-5)
• Elected Councilor Recupero as Vice-President (7-4)
• Elected Councilor T. Garcia as Delegate to the School Committee (10-0-1)
• Approved 2023 seating arrangement based on Dec 19, 2022 conference (11-0-0-0)
• Approved 2023 roll call positions based on Dec 19, 2022 conference (11-0-0-0)
• Adopted 2022 Rules and Regulations for 2023 (11-0-0-0)