City Council
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 12 p.m. (Boston time), Council Chambers
Video of the meeting
On the agenda
- Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding Boston Public Schools' school bus auto liability insurance coverage, including the non-renewal of the prior policy, the procurement of a new insurance provider, and all related safety, claims, and cost data, Docket #0779, passed by the City Council on April 8, 2026. (2026-0850): Placed on file.
- Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F relative to the City of Boston's insurance and liability coverage, Docket #0817, passed by the City Council on April 15, 2026. (2026-0851): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from Nicholas Ariniello, Assessing Commissioner, of the appointment of Caroline Noone as an Assistant Assessor, effective April 10, 2026. (2026-0855): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Trustees of the Boston Retirement Board seeking an individual to fill the vacant Fifth Member board position. Due to the vacancy, this term shall expire on January 15, 2027. (2026-0856): Placed on file.
- Communication was received from Timothy J. Smyth, Executive Officer of the Boston Retirement Board re: the FY27 Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment ("COLA") Base Vote. (2026-0857): Placed on file.
- 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 January 28, 2026. (2026-0858): Placed on file.
- 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 February 4, 2026. (2026-0859): Placed on file.
- 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 February 25, 2026. (2026-0860): Placed on file.
- 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 18, 2026. (2026-0861): Placed on file.
- Communication was received from Councilor Flynn requesting a response on Docket #0221 relating to BHA Ruth Barkley elevators. (2026-0862): Placed on file.
- Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding a public records request relating to drink spiking in Boston. (2026-0863): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Mac Hudson as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately. (2026-0853): Placed on file.
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Darien Johnson as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately. (2026-0854): Placed on file.
- On the message and order, referred on February 4, 2026, Docket #0260, for the confirmation of the appointment of Samira Ahmadi as a Member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) Review Board, for a term expiring May 23, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. (2026-0260): The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed.
- On the message and order, referred on March 18, 2026, Docket #0569, approving an appropriation of Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($32,600,000.00) from Fiscal Year 2026 community preservation fund revenues for community preservation projects at the recommendation of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”). The upcoming projects will aim to improve the quality of life across Boston neighborhoods. Plans include renovating playgrounds and enhancing or creating recreational spaces such as parks, community gardens, and urban farms. In addition, these projects will plant trees to grow the city’s tree canopy, preserve historic buildings and artifacts, support a program for affordable first-time home buyers and construct new affordable housing units for residents. Together, these efforts are expected to deliver a meaningful and lasting positive impact on Boston’s neighborhoods and communities, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. (2026-0569): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0761, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00) in the form of a grant, Red Sox Arts and Parks Program Grant, awarded by the Boston Red Sox to be administered by the Mayor's Office, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0761): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the communication, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0771, received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #147.89 - The Copley Plaza Hotel, Back Bay (in effect after April 30, 2026 if not acted upon), the committee submitted a report recommending that this designation ought to be approved. (2026-0771): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0758, approving an appropriation order in the amount of One Million Seven Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Ninety Dollars ($1,763,090.00) for the administrative and operating expenses of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”) for Fiscal Year 2027, and a further appropriation order in the amount of Thirty-Nine Million Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars ($39,587,798.00) from the Community Preservation Fund’s (“the Fund”) estimated annual revenues for Fiscal Year 2027, to be appropriated and reserved for future appropriation, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0758): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0760, for your approval an appropriation order in the amount of Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars ($860,000) for the Cemetery Division of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Trust Office of the Treasury Department to be funded from the Cemetery Trust Fund established under Chapter 13 of the Acts of 1961, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. (2026-0760): The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- Resolution declaring "Polish Constitution Day" in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Flynn and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Flynn and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0880): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing National Teacher Appreciation Week.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Mejia and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0881): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- WITHDRAWN. (2026-0875): Withdrawn.
- Resolution affirming the City of Boston's opposition to the use of Charlestown for Everett Stadium event parking. (2026-0876): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
On motion of Councilors Flynn and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor.
On motion of Councilors Flynn, Durkan and Worrell the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0885): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of establishing a university small business technical assistance partnership in the City of Boston. (2026-0869): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution calling for an independent investigation into the in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction. (2026-0871): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution calling for the temporary suspension of correctional staff involved in the December, 2025 in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction. (2026-0872): Placed on file.
- Resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0883): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing National Nurses Month and National Nurses Week.
On motion of Councilors Mejia and FitzGerald, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. (2026-0884): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month.
On motion of Councilors Weber and Durkan, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. (2026-0886): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of safeguarding state and federal funding allocated for transportation and streets projects. (2026-0877): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of United States Postal Service reestablishing a post office location in Allston. (2026-0878): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution recognizing May 1st, 2026 as Dr. Jean McGuire Day in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Culpepper as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors Worrell, Mejia and Culpepper, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0882): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- Resolution in support of the elimination for summer block party grants.
Councilor Breadon in the chair.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution failed to be adopted: yeas 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0879): Placed on file.
- Order requesting 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. (2026-0873): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding the City of Boston's efforts to address drink spiking and drug-facilitated sexual assault in nightlife establishments, including safety training programs, prevention initiatives, communications with licensed venues, and records maintained by the City related to these efforts. (2026-0874): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
- Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Vu Tran in City Council, effective May 9, 2026. (2026-0887): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Moira Carragee in City Council, effective May 2, 2026. (2026-0888): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Legislative Calendar for April 29, 2026. (GS-4/29/26)
- Resolution recognizing Jack Fultz. (2026-0889)
- Resolution recognizing the grand opening of Avra Estiatorio. (2026-0890)
- Resolution recognizing Sherley Smith. (2026-0891)
- Resolution recognizing Eileen Peterson. (2026-0893)
- Resolution recognizing Elsie Morantus Petion. (2026-0894)
- Resolution in memory of John Francis Snedeker. (2026-0895)
- Resolution recognizing the Prince Hall and African Lodge No. 459. (2026-0896)
- Resolution recognizing Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson. (2026-0898)
- Resolution recognizing Candelaria Silva-Collins. (2026-0899)
- Resolution recognizing Chris Sumner. (2026-0900)
- Resolution recognizing Marcia Butman. (2026-0901)
- Resolution recognizing the Friends of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit. (2026-0892)
- Resolution recognizing April 30th 2026, as International Jazz Day. (2026-0902)
- Resolution congratulating Larry E. Polston Jr. (2026-0903)
- Resolution recognizing Siobhan Salani. (2026-0897)
- Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Rodney Marshall as Fire Commissioner and Chief of the Boston Fire Department effective May 1, 2026. (2026-0852): Placed on file.
- Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Lexie Gross in City Council, effective May 2, 2026. (2026-0904): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of City Council staff employees in City Council, effective June 27, 2026. (2026-0905): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Wilmer Quinones Melo in City Council, effective May 2, 2026. (2026-0906): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Wilmer Quinones Melo in City Council, effective May 16, 2026. (2026-0907): Passed under suspension of the rules.
- Notice was received from Councilor Louijeune regarding her absence from the April 29, 2026 City Council Meeting. (2026-0908): Placed on file.
- Councilor Flynn called Docket #0302, resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent traffic signals in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation.
No objection being heard the matter was properly before the body.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune). (2026-0302): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- An Ordinance Increasing Tenant Protection During Rental Inspection Code Violations. (2026-0864): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to explore the use of parking structures. (2026-0865): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to explore establishing a university small business technical assistance partnership in the City of Boston. (2026-0868): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to examine the circumstances surrounding in-custody deaths at the Suffolk County House of Correction and systemic factors contributing to mortality in custody. (2026-0870): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston Planning Department's performance and 2026 Annual Report. (2026-0866): Referred to
- Order for a hearing to discuss a moratorium for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Boston. (2026-0867): Referred to
Roll-call votes
- On the message and order, referred on March 18, 2026, Docket #0569, approving an appropriation of Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($32,600,000.00) from Fiscal Year 2026 community preservation fund revenues for community preservation projects at the recommendation of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”). The upcoming projects will aim to improve the quality of life across Boston neighborhoods. Plans include renovating playgrounds and enhancing or creating recreational spaces such as parks, community gardens, and urban farms. In addition, these projects will plant trees to grow the city’s tree canopy, preserve historic buildings and artifacts, support a program for affordable first-time home buyers and construct new affordable housing units for residents. Together, these efforts are expected to deliver a meaningful and lasting positive impact on Boston’s neighborhoods and communities, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass.: Accepted 12-0
- On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0758, approving an appropriation order in the amount of One Million Seven Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Ninety Dollars ($1,763,090.00) for the administrative and operating expenses of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (“CPC”) for Fiscal Year 2027, and a further appropriation order in the amount of Thirty-Nine Million Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars ($39,587,798.00) from the Community Preservation Fund’s (“the Fund”) estimated annual revenues for Fiscal Year 2027, to be appropriated and reserved for future appropriation, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.: Accepted 12-0
- On the communication, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0771, received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #147.89 - The Copley Plaza Hotel, Back Bay (in effect after April 30, 2026 if not acted upon), the committee submitted a report recommending that this designation ought to be approved.: Accepted 12-0
- Resolution calling for an independent investigation into the in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction.: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution calling for the temporary suspension of correctional staff involved in the December, 2025 in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction.: Passed 6-3
- Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding the City of Boston's efforts to address drink spiking and drug-facilitated sexual assault in nightlife establishments, including safety training programs, prevention initiatives, communications with licensed venues, and records maintained by the City related to these efforts.: Passed 11-0
- Resolution affirming the City of Boston's opposition to the use of Charlestown for Everett Stadium event parking.: Adopted 12-0
- Resolution in support of safeguarding state and federal funding allocated for transportation and streets projects.: Adopted 7-4
- Resolution in support of United States Postal Service reestablishing a post office location in Allston.: Adopted 12-0
- Resolution in support of the elimination for summer block party grants.
Councilor Breadon in the chair.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution failed to be adopted: yeas 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Failed 4-8
- Resolution declaring "Polish Constitution Day" in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Flynn and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Flynn and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution recognizing National Teacher Appreciation Week.
On motion of Councilor FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors FitzGerald, Mejia and Murphy, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution recognizing May 1st, 2026 as Dr. Jean McGuire Day in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Culpepper as original co-sponsors.
On motion of Councilors Worrell, Mejia and Culpepper, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution in support of nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
On motion of Councilors Flynn and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor.
On motion of Councilors Flynn, Durkan and Worrell the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Councilor Flynn called Docket #0302, resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent traffic signals in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation.
No objection being heard the matter was properly before the body.
On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata), absent 1 (Louijeune).: Adopted 11-0
- Resolution in support of establishing a university small business technical assistance partnership in the City of Boston.: Adopted 10-0
Documents
Summary
The Boston City Council, chaired by Council President Liz Breadon, opened with presentations recognizing International Jazz Day and Massachusetts Nurses Association members from Brigham and Women's Hospital, who are in contract negotiations. The council confirmed Samara Armani to the building emission reduction (BERTO) review board, passed a cemetery trust fund appropriation of $860,000, a $375,000 Red Sox arts and parks grant, Community Preservation Act appropriations ($32.6 million for FY26 projects and FY27 funding), and approved the landmark designation of the Copley Plaza Hotel. It adopted resolutions calling for an independent investigation into the December 2025 in-custody death of Coby Kenny at the Suffolk County House of Correction (a companion resolution seeking suspension of involved correctional staff failed), opposing the use of Charlestown for Everett stadium event parking, urging protection of state and federal transportation funding, and supporting restoration of an Allston post office, along with numerous recognition resolutions. The council referred a tenant protection ordinance, an AI data center moratorium hearing order, and several other matters to committee, and FY27 budget dockets remained in committee after a Ways and Means progress report. A resolution to eliminate summer block party grants failed.
Transcript
0:37 am.
5:14 this is also pursuant to
5:15 rule 42.
5:17 I remind all those in the
5:19 chamber that no demonstration
5:21 of approval or disapproval from
5:23 members of the public will be
5:23 permitted.
5:24 Thank you.
5:26 Uh, MADAM Clerk, would you
5:28 please call the roll to
5:29 ascertain the presence of a
5:30 quorum?
5:35 I'm sorry to hear that your.
5:41 Councilor durkan.
5:43 So I can hear
5:45 councilor fitzgerald on
5:45 fitzgerald here.
5:46 Councilor flynn?
5:47 Yeah.
5:48 council flynn here.
5:50 Council louijeune.
5:52 Councilor mejia.
5:53 Council.
5:54 Murphy.
5:55 Councilor.
5:56 Pepen.
5:58 Council.
5:59 Puppet PRESIDENT.
6:00 Council.
6:00 Santana.
6:01 Francis.
6:02 Antonio.
6:02 Yeah.
6:04 Councilor weber on several.
6:07 We have a quorum.
6:08 Thank you, MADAM Chair.
6:12 Um, I've been informed by the
6:13 trip that there is a quorum
6:13 present.
6:16 Um, we will now recite the
6:18 pledge of allegiance.
6:19 Oh, pardon.
6:21 Oh, you you came by.
6:25 Uh, MR. Clerk, uh uh, MADAM
6:27 Clerk is going to do an
6:28 invocation this morning.
6:31 um, our strategy where
6:32 unavailable and, uh, the church
6:34 was unavailable, so here we
6:35 are, MADAM Clerk.
6:36 You have the floor.
6:38 Uh, with.
6:39 is it necessary to.
6:40 Uh, bench?
6:44 Stand everyone?
6:46 GOD is.
6:48 GOD of creation whom we try
6:50 again and again to make into
6:53 our own image and enable us to
6:55 desire rightly and to be the
6:57 .
6:57 use of in the service of others
6:59 Be with these boston city
7:00 councilors.
7:02 Grant them the wisdom to create
7:04 what is essential for the
7:05 common good.
7:07 Keep within each of their
7:09 hearts a love for the cause
7:12 of the human welfare and a
7:13 dedication to enrich the lives
7:14 of all people.
7:17 Guide them in their labor to
7:18 maintain and strengthen our
7:19 public lives.
7:22 And remind them to be good
7:23 stewards of the gift of life.
7:24 Amen.
7:28 thank you.
7:35 Republic for which it stands
7:39 one nation under GOD,
7:40 indivisible with liberty and
7:41 justice for all.
7:44 Thank you.
7:56 uh, we have two
7:57 presentations today.
7:59 Councilor louijeune and
8:00 councilor culpeper are
8:01 recognizing international jazz
8:02 day.
8:04 Uh, so I'll invite
8:05 councilor culpeper to come up
8:07 and introduce our our guests
8:09 and then that will be followed
8:10 by councilor flynn who's
8:11 recognizing the massachusetts
8:13 nurses association who will
8:13 come up next.
8:16 So, um, councilor culpeper, you
8:16 have the floor.
8:19 Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
8:21 Good afternoon everyone.
8:25 Today councilor louijeune and I
8:28 are honored to invite canfield
8:32 and fabiola mendez of jazz
8:33 boston to the dais.
8:35 Uh, ken will say a few words.
8:38 Uh, and then fabiola will honor
8:42 us with, uh, it says short
8:43 performance, but I'm just going
8:45 to say a performance in
8:48 recognition of APRIL 30th as
8:50 international jazz day in the
8:50 city of boston.
8:54 Jazz is a uniquely american art
8:56 form that grew from the african
8:58 american experience, blending
9:00 musical traditions with global
9:02 techniques to create something
9:03 truly transcendent.
9:06 Boston has long been a vital
9:08 part of that story from the
9:11 legendary stages of the hi hat
9:13 and wigwam to the enduring
9:15 legacy of wally's which still
9:18 brings live music to our city
9:21 every single day on
9:24 district.
9:24 massachusetts avenue in my
9:26 We must look forward
9:28 metaphorically and specifically
9:30 as the opening of the jazz
9:32 album opens in nubian square
9:33 next month.
9:36 And also because we celebrate
9:38 celebrate jazz not just as
9:41 history but as a living
9:43 breathing force for creativity.
9:47 I can now come and say a few
9:50 words and followed by fabiola.
9:54 Thank you.
9:57 you.
9:59 thanks to, uh, PRESIDENT
10:01 Breadon and councilors lucien
10:02 and culpeper for giving me a
10:03 few minutes to speak.
10:04 I'm ken field.
10:06 I'm the PRESIDENT Of jazz
10:07 boston since 2006.
10:10 We've been advocating for the
10:12 boston area jazz community
10:13 of musicians, audiences, venues
10:14 and media.
10:17 We currently have over 4700
10:20 members and about 60% of them
10:21 open our monthly newsletters on
10:21 a regular basis.
10:22 They're engaged.
10:25 They're passionate about this
10:27 important music and I always
10:28 say this is important music.
10:30 It's not just music we play or
10:30 enjoy.
10:33 Jazz was created in the
10:34 african-american community.
10:35 We think it's valuable to shine
10:37 an ongoing spotlight on that
10:38 history.
10:40 Jazz is a somewhat unique
10:42 musical style in that it
10:44 focuses on spontaneous
10:44 improvization.
10:46 Boston has played and continues
10:48 to play as the
10:49 councilor mentioned a central
10:52 role in the history of jazz and
10:53 this music has spread across
10:55 from the us across the globe
10:56 and jazz.
10:57 Boston is proud to bring you
10:58 this afternoon a short
11:00 international jazz day
11:02 performance by the puerto rican
11:04 born country star fabiola
11:04 mendez.
11:06 Did I say that right?
11:06 Okay.
11:10 um, fabi will tell you about
11:12 her guitar like instrument the
11:12 cuatro.
11:14 But I can tell you that she's
11:16 performed at venues such as
11:19 npr's tiny desk concert, the
11:20 metropolitan museum of art, the
11:21 celebrity series of boston, the
11:22 new orleans jazz and heritage
11:23 festival and many others.
11:26 Her collaborations have
11:28 included uh with bad bunny, uh,
11:29 the puerto rico symphony
11:31 orchestra with danny rivera,
11:32 the chicago sun harmonic and
11:34 the boston landmarks orchestra
11:35 among others.
11:36 Please give her a warm welcome
11:37 and if you'd like to be
11:38 informed about jazz boston's
11:40 activities, you can sign up for
11:41 free membership at jazz
11:42 boston.Org and one more thing.
11:44 Uh, fabiola is going to be
11:47 doing a performance at, uh,
11:51 wgbh tomorrow night at 7 P.M.
11:54 And it's a, uh, ticketed event
11:54 .
11:55 But if any of the councilors
11:57 would like to attend, talk to
11:59 me or send me an email at info
12:02 at jazz boston.Org and we'll
12:02 make it happen.
12:04 Thank you very much.
12:04 Fabiola.
12:07 Yeah.
12:09 good afternoon everyone.
12:12 I am so honored to be here
12:14 today I will share my
12:16 instrument and of course the
12:17 three days of jazz.
12:19 This is a cuatro and it's a
12:20 puerto rican folk guitar.
12:22 That's traditionally used in
12:24 the country music of puerto
12:24 rico.
12:26 But I have had the blessing
12:27 of attending berklee college
12:29 of music and exploring how this
12:30 instrument can also be merged
12:32 with jazz and other genres
12:33 of music.
12:34 So I'm going to play an
12:35 original song of mine entitled
12:37 dedicated area in spanish but
12:40 celebrating the women in my
12:40 life that have been
12:41 inspiration.
12:42 hope you enjoyed.
12:49 and I will.
12:51 Uh.
12:57 the more I love and um um.
13:00 I.
13:05 Madre for that I mean I know
13:09 I'll let.
13:12 I see let me out but I can see
13:16 all these latino men um and all
13:18 the it is not.
13:24 You.
13:28 Coming.
13:37 Here.
14:00 Um yeah.
14:04 Well, uh, the.
14:08 Thought of the the um.
14:11 Mother.
14:15 day when that I mean, I
14:16 gotta.
14:19 That.
14:21 you know.
14:23 We are one.
14:24 Of us yogi berra number.
14:29 Four love yes I.
14:33 To let legal money on the.
14:34 Table right.
14:38 and the I'm the only one.
14:42 What do I need to pay for my
14:42 medical?
14:47 Um who I got out of the um.
14:48 What lot.
14:51 of them did?
14:55 That but I see, um they.
15:08 Fabiola.
15:11 come on, join us up here.
15:20 Offered by counselor ruth z.
15:22 Louijeune and minyard culpepper
15:23 .
15:29 The city of boston city
15:30 council resolution recognizing
15:34 APRIL 30th, 2026 as
15:35 international jazz day.
15:39 Jazz is a unique art that
15:41 embodies this unique blend
15:43 of creativity, cultural
15:45 heritage, individual expression
15:47 and combining elements of black
15:50 musical traditions with global
15:52 musical techniques and forms.
15:55 The jazz preservation act
15:57 of 1987, the united states
16:00 congressional act states jazz
16:02 has achieved preeminence
16:04 throughout the world as an
16:05 indigenous american music and
16:08 art form, bringing this country
16:10 and the world as uniquely
16:13 american musical synthesis and
16:14 culture through the african
16:18 american experience and jazz
16:20 has played a significant role
16:21 in cultural development
16:24 of boston, influencing and
16:25 being integrated into the
16:28 city's education, arts and
16:32 community life and boston has
16:34 been home to many legendary
16:36 jazz musicians such as mel
16:40 hallett, leo raisman, don
16:42 redman, johnny hodges, harry
16:45 carney, dean earle, slam
16:48 stewart, roy haynes, allen
16:50 dawson and so many others and
16:52 has fostered a vibrant jazz
16:54 scene that contributes to the
16:56 city's reputation as a cultural
17:01 hub and in the 1940s and 50s
17:02 burton thrived with well-known
17:06 jazz clubs like the hi hat, the
17:09 wigwam, savoy and wally's
17:11 frequented by jazz greats at
17:12 the intersection of the south
17:15 bend and roxbury while it is
17:17 still operating today offering
17:22 live music 365 days a year and
17:24 new clubs like jazz are being
17:27 set to open in MAY 2026.
17:29 In nubian square showcasing
17:31 jazz's long standing endurance
17:34 and freshness and international
17:37 jazz day highlights the power
17:39 of jazz as a force for
17:41 enrichment and creativity,
17:44 promoting expression and dialog
17:46 through musical art,
17:50 spontaneity and vitality and
17:51 the observance of international
17:54 jazz day supports the cultural
17:56 vibrancy of boston, enriching
17:58 the lives of residents and
17:59 visitors alike through
18:02 performances, education and
18:02 community events.
18:07 Now therefore be resolved that
18:10 the city of boston city
18:13 council hereby recognizes APRIL
18:16 30th 2026 as international jazz
18:19 day and encourages all citizens
18:21 to participate in activities
18:23 and events celebrating the rich
18:26 heritage of jazz music, thereby
18:29 enhancing cultural appreciation
18:32 and fostering a deeper
18:35 significant artform.
18:35 understanding of this
18:38 Ken and fabiola I present you
18:41 with this resolution on this
18:44 2030 day of APRIL international
18:44 jazz to.
18:45 Thank you so.
18:50 Thank you.
18:52 Uh, with my colleagues I had to
18:53 come up for a photograph.
18:55 To come up here.
18:57 Yes.
18:57 Thank you.
18:58 Stand to stand here.
19:02 We will come to the stand.
19:04 Oh, yeah.
19:05 Don't hit it.
19:06 Don't hurt anybody.
19:06 with that.
19:09 Thank you, thank you.
19:11 Thank you you.
19:17 oh, that's okay.
19:18 No you don't.
19:32 Get us.
19:35 Thank you thank you thank you.
19:40 Thank you thank you.
19:40 thank you.
19:40 So much.
19:44 thank you.
19:49 So if you want to leave it.
19:53 Oh thank you.
19:54 Um.
20:00 Tonight.
20:04 And I invite, uh,
20:05 councilor flynn to come forward
20:06 with his presentation.
20:08 That's okay.
20:08 yes.
20:11 And our friends from the m&a
20:12 you want to come up?
20:27 Thank you, thank you, thank you
20:27 .
20:34 Thank thank you, MADAM
20:35 PRESIDENT, for giving me a
20:36 couple of minutes.
20:39 I'm here with city councilor.
20:41 Durkan and, um, councilor brian
20:43 world as well.
20:46 But we have a resolution later
20:50 in the program in support
20:51 of the mass nurses association.
20:55 But with us today is myles
20:57 matthew and sarah best.
20:59 Well and sarah is a women's
21:02 health nurse at the brigham and
21:02 woman.
21:04 I want to extend my deep
21:05 appreciation and a warm welcome
21:08 to the mass nurses association
21:09 at the brigham and women's
21:09 hospital.
21:11 It's an honor to have them with
21:12 us today.
21:15 You represent the very best
21:16 of our community.
21:17 Professionals professionals.
21:19 Who show up every day with
21:21 skill, compassion, unwavering
21:23 commitment to care for others.
21:25 We recognize that nursing is
21:27 more than a profession it is a
21:27 calling.
21:31 However, we also know that
21:33 these are challenging times.
21:35 At the brigham and women's
21:38 hospital, the nurses and nurse
21:39 practitioners at brigham and
21:41 women's hospital compromised a
21:42 workforce of more than 4000
21:44 dedicated professionals
21:45 providing high quality,
21:48 lifesaving care to patients
21:49 literally across the country.
21:53 These nurses have been engaged
21:56 in contract negotiations since
21:56 OCTOBER 25th.
21:58 What are they advocating for
22:00 fair wages, affordable health
22:01 care?
22:04 Safe working conditions current
22:06 management proposals include a
22:08 0% wage increase for most
22:10 nurses nurse practitioners.
22:13 We're advocating here on behalf
22:15 of the city council is justice
22:16 a little bit a little bit
22:19 of respect, dignity, compassion
22:21 for the nurses I think I think
22:23 they've earned it and I think
22:25 what we're going to do later
22:26 today is.
22:27 Talk about a.
22:29 Resolution vote on a resolution
22:32 that stands with the nurses, uh
22:34 times.
22:34 ,during these challenging
22:36 Having said that, I do want to
22:38 ask sarah from the mass nurses
22:40 association from the brigham
22:42 and women's hospital um, if
22:43 she'd like to come up, say a
22:45 few words on behalf of the
22:47 nurses at brigham and women's.
22:52 Good afternoon everyone.
22:54 Um, it's.
22:56 Councilor flynn said I'm sarah
22:56 wheel.
22:58 ,um, a registered nurse at
22:58 brigham and women's hospital.
23:01 I'm the secretary of the m&a uh
23:02 ,bargaining committee there.
23:05 And I also set um as the
23:07 secretary of the m&a board
23:07 of directors.
23:10 I want to start by thanking
23:12 quasi boston city councilors
23:14 especially councilor flynn
23:16 durkan and well, thank you um
23:18 for pass or for talking and
23:19 hopefully passing this
23:22 resolution today receiving this
23:23 support on the same day we're
23:24 holding our informational
23:26 picket outside brigham and
23:28 women's hospital means a lot to
23:28 us brigham nurses.
23:31 It shows that the community
23:32 understands what's at stake
23:32 here.
23:35 We're picketing today because
23:36 we care deeply about our
23:38 patients and the future
23:39 of brigham and women's hospital
23:39 .
23:42 Unfortunately, more and more
23:43 we're seeing decisions by
23:45 executives at mass general
23:46 brigham that are moving the
23:48 health system in the wrong
23:48 direction.
23:50 They're closing programs like
23:52 the weiner center threatening
23:55 the brigham burn unit and
23:56 cutting programs that help
23:57 coordinate care.
23:59 Brigham nurses see the impact
24:00 of these decisions every single
24:01 day.
24:04 They affect continuity of care,
24:06 harm patient outcomes and put
24:07 more strain on the staff that
24:10 are holding everything together
24:10 .
24:12 At the same time, telling
24:14 nurses were worth 0% raises
24:16 while trying to increase our
24:16 health insurance costs.
24:19 Mgm's approach would make it
24:21 harder to keep experienced
24:23 nurses at the bedside and more
24:24 difficult to recruit new
24:25 nurses.
24:26 We all.