City Council

Name: Boston City Council meeting
Start: 2026-09-16T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Council Chambers

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 12 p.m. (Boston time), Council Chambers

Video of the meeting

On the agenda

Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the form of a grant, the BPS Sundays Support Grant, awarded by the Barr Foundation to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant would fund MOAC's Cultural Access Program (Museum Sundays), allocating 60% of the funds to the Innovation Fund and 40% to unrestricted project expenses. (2026-1676): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, Food, Fuel and Shelter, awarded by The Boston Foundation to be administered by the Office of Food Justice. The grant would fund the expansion of the Boston Double Up Food Bucks Program to more communities. (2026-1682): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) in the form of a grant, BHCCI/Connect, Learn, Explore & CEF, awarded by Boston Children's Hospital to be administered by the Office of Early Childhood. The grant would fund the BHCCI/Connect, Learn & Explore and Child Entrepreneur Fund (CEF) Grant. (2026-1679): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty-One Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty Dollars and Thirty Cents ($51,980.30) in the form of a grant, FFY26 State Administrative Matching Grants for SNAP, awarded by USDA - Food & Nutrition Service, passed through the MA Executive Office of Health & Human Services, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant would fund costs incurred to operate SNAP, including outreach and application assistance. (2026-1681): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Dollars ($1,890.00) in the form of a grant, Project VOICE, awarded by the National Science Foundation, passed through the Georgia Institute of Technology, to be administered by the Department of Innovation & Technology. The grant would fund co-designing civic technology tools with and for youth in communities across Boston, MA, with the goal of strengthening neighborhood social cohesion and supporting youth mental health and resilience. (2026-1684): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, Tuition Free Community College Expansion, awarded by the United States Department of Labor to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund the Community Project - Tuition-Free Community College Initiative. (2026-1683): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Fair Share Supplemental Funds, awarded by Massachusetts Department of Transportation to be administered by the Transportation Department. The grant would fund the ongoing support of street operations in the City of Boston. (2026-1677): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston Procurement Department to enter into a contract for a period of up to six (6) years for the purchase of Fire Apparatus (ladder, pumper, and tower trucks). The contract term would begin in September 2026 and end December 31, 2031. The City Council’s permission to enter into a contract of this type for a period of more than three years is required by section twelve of Chapter 30B of the General Laws. A term longer than three years will enable the City to ensure that the contract is in effect while the apparatus are being built for all three (3) fiscal year orders. Year 1 will be ordered in August of 2026, year 2 ordered in July of 2027, and year 3 ordered in July of 2028. The expected lead time for the apparatus is between twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months, with delivery and payment for the final apparatus expected during 2031. (2026-1685): The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn transmitting "Boston Public Schools - Procurements, Contracts, and Payments: Improper Workarounds and Oversight Failures Lead to Wasted Public Funds and Inaccurate Budget Reporting" by the Massachusetts Inspector General. (2026-1704): Placed on file.
Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding a potential hate crime in the South End. (2026-1705): 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 August 26, 2026. (2026-1703): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Richard Claytor as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2028. (2026-1695): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Alex Edwards as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1696): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Abrigal Forrester as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1697): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Matthew Gibson as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1698): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Stanley Green as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1699): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Reginald Jean as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1700): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Desmond Kennard as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1701): Placed on file.
Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Ron Marlow as a Member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring September 11, 2029. (2026-1702): Placed on file.
Communication was received from Metro Boston Homeland Security regarding support for accept and expend of FY'25 UASI Grant funding. (2026-1707): Placed on file.
The Constable Bonds of Christopher Castagna, Carl Jean-Louis, Philmore Phillip, Bianca Pierre and Patricia Sheets having been duly approved by the Collector-Treasurer were received and approved under the usual terms and conditions. (2026-1710): Approved under the usual terms and conditions
Communication was received from Councilor Worrell and Councilor Culpepper regarding a memo from Professor James Jennings on the Blue Hill Avenue redesign project. (2026-1706): Placed on file.
Order for a hearing to discuss the status of HVAC updates in the Boston Public Schools. (2026-1334): Remains in
Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Directing the City of Boston Police Department to Waive the Maximum Age Requirement for Police Officers for Melvin Casseus. (2026-1714): The rules were suspended; the petition was passed.
Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding voter registration and Election Day voting procedures in the City of Boston. (2026-1719): The rules were suspended; the order failed to pass.
Resolution recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month in Boston. (2026-1729): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution endorsing a financial literacy graduation requirement for Boston Public Schools. (2026-1720): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing the 115th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Flag Raising for Taiwan Day. (2026-1734): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution in support of H.R. 1725 Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025. (2026-1727): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution in support of workers at Encore Boston Harbor. (2026-1721): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing September 23, 2026 as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day and Bi+ Visibility Day. (2026-1733): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing October 26, 2026 as Intersex Awareness Day. (2026-1735): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution denouncing hate crimes against the Asian American Pacific Islander Community. (2026-1722): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution condemning the United States Postal Service's proposal to permanently close the Allston Post Office branch. (2026-1724): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution in support of mail-in voting. (2026-1725): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution in support of H.1405 / S.860: An Act Establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts. (2026-1726): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution calling upon the Administration to honor its commitments to The People's Academy Inc. and ensure transparency and equity in the City's treatment of a Roxbury-based workforce development organization. (2026-1723): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing Latino Heritage Month in the City of Boston from September 15 to October 15. (2026-1731): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing September 12, 2026, as Black Joy Day in the City of Boston. (2026-1730): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution recognizing April 22 as "Yhinny Matos Day" in the City of Boston. (2026-1728): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Resolution declaring September 18th as Ben Swan Day in the City of Boston. (2026-1732): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Cassandra Johnson in City Council, effective September 12, 2026. (2026-1736): Passed under suspension of the rules.
Legislative Calendar for September 16, 2026. (GS-9/16/26)
Resolution recognizing TRUBU CIBAU. (2026-1737)
Resolution recognizing the ribbon cutting of 43 Hemenway. (2026-1738)
Resolution recognizing Bianca Rose. (2026-1758)
Resolution recognizing Shabazz Napier. (2026-1759)
Resolution congratulating the Boston to Belfast Program. (2026-1745)
Resolution recognizing four participants in Boston's 2026 Caribbean Carnival. (2026-1766)
Resolution recognizing Cedar Grove Cemetery and the Boston Women's Heritage Trail. (2026-1760)
Resolution recognizing June Weinberg. (2026-1741)
Resolution in memory of Madeline J. LaMonica. (2026-1742)
Resolution congratulating the Sacred Rose Center. (2026-1743)
Resolution in memory of Noreen Kelly. (2026-1744)
Resolution recognizing Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca. (2026-1739)
Resolution congratulating Landry's Bicycles. (2026-1746)
Resolution in memory of John Arun Basu. (2026-1747)
Resolution in memory of John Patrick McLaughlin. (2026-1748)
Resolution congratulating Marijane Diodati. (2026-1749)
Resolution congratulating the Brazilian Independence Day Festival. (2026-1750)
Resolution in memory of John Pierce Rousmaniere. (2026-1751)
Resolution recognizing Rubiel Patiño. (2026-1752)
Resolution recognizing Geoff Pipoly. (2026-1753)
Resolution recognizing Wilner Auguste. (2026-1754)
Resolution recognizing Alcides Velez, Jr. (2026-1755)
Resolution recognizing Juan Carlos Ferrufino. (2026-1756)
Resolution in memory of Denise Alena Washington. (2026-1757)
Resolution recognizing Dermot Kennedy. (2026-1740)
Resolution recognizing Evenflow E. Guillomaitre. (2026-1761)
Resolution recognizing Minister Don Muhammad and Sister Shirley Muhammad. (2026-1763)
Resolution recognizing Marcus Craigwell. (2026-1762)
Resolution recognizing Eddy Chrispin. (2026-1764)
Resolution in memory of Juanita Byner. (2026-1765)
Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Gretta Healy in City Council, effective September 19, 2026. (2026-1767): Passed under suspension of the rules.
Councilor Breadon for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Kiara Montes De Oca in City Council, effective September 5, 2026. (2026-1768): Passed under suspension of the rules.
The Constable Bond of Holsen Borgella having been duly approved by the Collector-Treasurer was received and approved under the usual terms and conditions. (2026-1769): Approved under the usual terms and conditions
Resolution to honor those killed in the Cape Verde bus crash and to support victims' families. (2026-1770): The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
Councilor Santana called Docket #1678, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-One Dollars ($288,221.00) in the form of a grant, the FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program, awarded by United States Department of Justice to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund two Criminalist positions, overtime, lab supplies, equipment, and continuing education expenses, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. (2026-1678): Referred to
Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirteen Million Four Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Seventy Dollars And Forty Cents ($13,471,070.40) in the form of a grant, FY2025 Urban Area Security Initiative, awarded by United States Department of Homeland Security, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. The grant would fund the enhancement of regional preparedness and capabilities in designated high-threat, high-density areas. (2026-1675): Referred to
Councilor Santana called Docket #1680, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Sixty-Four Thousand Two Hundred One Dollars And Fifty Cents ($64,201.50) in the form of a grant, Federal FY25 Emergency Management Performance Grant, awarded by Federal Emergency Management Agency, passed through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. The grant would fund the enhancement of operational capacity at the Boston Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and promote the professional development of OEM staff, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. (2026-1680): Referred to
On the message and order, referred on September 16, 2026, Docket #1671, to reduce the FY27 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY27 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS), the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell). (2026-1671): Referred to
On the message and order, referred on September 16, 2026, Docket #1673, to reduce the FY27 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY27 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS-SO), the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell). (2026-1673): Referred to
On the message and order, referred on September 16, 2026, Docket #1674, for the Boston Police Department for FY27 in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to cover the FY27 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS - SO). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around paid details and summer vacation schedules. As originally presented to you, the FY27 budget request included a Reserve for Collective Bargaining - a separate appropriation to fund projected collective bargaining increases. A separate order has been filed to reduce that appropriation by One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00), the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell). (2026-1674): Referred to
On the message and order, referred on September 16, 2026, Docket #1672, for the Boston Police Department for FY27 in the amount of One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to cover the FY27 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around sick time buyback at retirement. As originally presented to you, the FY27 budget request included a Reserve for Collective Bargaining - a separate appropriation to fund projected collective bargaining increases. A separate order has been filed to reduce that appropriation by One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00), the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell). (2026-1672): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Josh DeLisle, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2029. (2026-1693): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Oliver Sellers-Garcia, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2029. (2026-1694): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Gabriela Coletta Zapata, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2029. (2026-1692): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Jill Valdes-Horwood, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2028. (2026-1691): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Kailie Benson, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2028. (2026-1689): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Mike Glasfeld, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2028. (2026-1690): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Fred Penney, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2027. (2026-1686): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Gina Smyth, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2027. (2026-1688): Referred to
Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Maya Smith, as a member of the Boston Waterways Board for a term expiring on September 14, 2027. (2026-1687): Referred to
Communication was received from the Mayor, pursuant to the Ordinance on Surveillance Oversight and Information Sharing, Boston City Code Section 16-63, transmitting the City of Boston's 2025 Annual Surveillance Report. (2026-1708): Referred to
Communication was received from the Boston Police Department regarding a revised Surveillance Use Policy for the Department's use of "Social Media Analysis Tools." (2026-1709): Referred to
Ordinance Amending and Extending Protections for Tenants Facing Displacement by Condominium or Cooperative Conversion. (2026-1711): Referred to
Ordinance to Codify Abutters Meetings and Community Process for All Projects Seeking Zoning Relief in the City of Boston. (2026-1712): Referred to
Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to Fiscal Accountability and Oversight of the Boston Public Schools. (2026-1713): Referred to
Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Authorizing Property Tax Relief for Community-Serving Non-Profit Organizations in the City of Boston. (2026-1715): Referred to
Order for a hearing to discuss the findings of the state Inspector General's Report on Boston Public Schools' procurements, contracts and payments and plans to improve fiscal management practices going forward (2026-1716): Referred to
Order for a hearing to discuss San Francisco's reduced affordable housing requirements and Inclusionary Housing Program to address the housing crisis. (2026-1717): Referred to
Order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts. (2026-1718): Referred to

Roll-call votes

Documents

Summary

The Boston City Council met on September 16, 2026, with presentations honoring Lenny Curtis (retiring East Boston public works employee) and BC High lacrosse coach Marcus Craigwell. The council approved several grant dockets including funds for museum Sundays, street operations, early childhood programs, food access, and a multi-year fire apparatus contract. New matters introduced included a condominium conversion protection ordinance, an abutters meeting zoning ordinance, a home rule petition for BPS fiscal oversight, a data center prohibition zoning amendment, and resolutions supporting striking Encore Boston Harbor workers, condemning hate crimes against the AAPI community, supporting mail-in voting, and recognizing various heritage and awareness months. A Section 17F information request regarding election procedures failed to pass on a roll call vote.

Transcript

2:13 and.

9:10 I'm.

10:44 Going.

14:43 Good afternoon everyone.

15:01 Good afternoon.

15:04 Good to see so many folks in

15:05 the chamber this afternoon.

15:08 I call to order today's meeting

15:09 of the boston city council.

15:11 Viewers can watch the

15:13 council meeting on

15:15 youtube@boston.Gov backslash

15:17 city council tv.

15:19 At this time I ask my

15:20 colleagues and those in the

15:21 audience to please silence

15:22 their cell phones and

15:24 electronic devices.

15:26 Also pursuant to rule 40 and

15:28 remind all in the chamber that

15:30 no demonstration of approval or

15:31 disapproval from members of the

15:33 public will be permitted.

15:33 Thank you.

15:36 And also per council rules I

15:37 know we're welcoming uh, folks

15:40 from the oncor, uh, workers.

15:43 Um, and just a reminder that

15:45 per council rules, displaying

15:46 of signs is not permitted

15:47 within the chamber.

15:49 So I appreciate your, um, all

15:51 being here and we know why

15:52 you're here.

15:53 We're supportive.

15:55 Uh, but, uh, the council rules

15:55 with no sign.

15:56 So thank you for your

15:57 cooperation with that.

15:58 Thank you, mr chair.

16:00 Could you please call a roll,

16:01 uh, to ascertain the presence

16:02 of a quorum?

16:05 Councilor breadon.

16:05 here.

16:07 Councilor collette as a person.

16:08 Yeah.

16:09 councilor culpeper.

16:10 Durkan.

16:10 Council.

16:11 Council.

16:12 Fitzgerald.

16:13 Councilor flynn.

16:14 Councilor.

16:14 Yeah.

16:15 Councilor.

16:15 Louijeune.

16:16 Mejia.

16:17 Councilor.

16:18 Murphy.

16:19 Pepen.

16:19 Councilor.

16:20 Councilor.

16:20 Santana.

16:23 Councilor weber and council.

16:24 We're here.

16:25 A quorum is present.

16:26 Thank you.

16:28 been informed by the clerk

16:29 that a quorum is present.

16:31 Now it's my pleasure to ask,

16:33 uh, councilor santana to come

16:34 forward and introduce today's

16:34 strategy.

16:37 Following, uh, the remarks from

16:39 the today's strategy we pledge

16:42 we take the pledge, we recite

16:43 the pledge of allegiance.

16:44 Thank you everyone.

16:50 Good afternoon everyone.

16:52 Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.

16:56 It's my pleasure to introduce

16:58 wilson santos, a pastor and

17:00 dedicated public servant, to

17:01 lead today's invocation.

17:03 Mr santos is an immigrant from

17:05 the dominican republic who has

17:07 been an active member of the

17:09 congregation on the hula, a

17:11 bilingual church based in

17:13 roxbury since 1991.

17:16 There he served as youth pastor

17:17 for 12 years and became a full

17:19 time and full time associate

17:21 pastor in 2025.

17:24 Not only has he been deeply

17:26 involved in the church, but he

17:28 has shown his dedication to

17:29 serving the youth of our city.

17:31 Through his work with the

17:32 department of youth services,

17:34 the department of children and

17:36 families and as the supervisor

17:38 of the attendance uh for boston

17:39 public schools.

17:40 He also serves on the board

17:42 of the boston higher education

17:45 resource center, and he

17:46 celebrated his 25th wedding

17:48 anniversary with his wife this

17:49 past MAY.

17:50 I know so much.

17:50 Yeah.

17:52 Please join me in giving me a

17:53 warm welcome.

17:56 Someone who's been here, um,

17:58 um, in this chamber, um, to

17:59 pastor wilson's and those.

18:00 Thank you for being with us.

18:02 Thank you.

18:03 Well, he knows me pretty well.

18:05 I don't know how he got that

18:06 information that I just

18:07 celebrated my 25 year

18:07 anniversary.

18:10 I want to just to read a quick

18:11 verse and I want to just to

18:14 pray over everyone who's in

18:15 this room, especially our city

18:17 councilors because I know that

18:19 you have a tough job

18:20 representing the city of boston

18:21 and you have a lot of pressure.

18:24 So I'm going to a very simple

18:26 verse that you find it in james

18:27 one five.

18:29 Um, the two things I want to

18:29 pray about.

18:30 I wanted to pray over wisdom

18:31 and unity.

18:32 That I think that's something

18:34 that we desperately need in

18:35 these times.

18:38 So james one five says this

18:40 when you get older in your

18:42 reading glasses but if anyone

18:45 lacks wisdom let him ask of god

18:47 who gives to all generously and

18:50 without reproach and it will be

18:50 given to him.

18:54 Um heavenly father I just thank

18:56 you lord for this morning.

18:57 Thank you for this gathering

18:58 here lord.

19:01 Lord I pray for every city

19:01 councilor that's here.

19:03 Lord GOD you know them by name

19:06 lord and you know them by name.

19:08 Lord jesus, I pray for wisdom

19:10 over them lord GOD as they have

19:12 a lot of hard things that they

19:14 have to um deal with every day

19:15 lord GOD.

19:16 So I pray for wisdom over them.

19:18 I pray for protection over

19:20 their families lord GOD.

19:22 Um and always to them to know

19:24 that they could tap into you

19:26 lord jesus if they ever need

19:27 anything they could tap into

19:27 you.

19:30 Lord, if we ask for wisdom

19:31 direction from you you will

19:32 give it to us lord GOD.

19:34 And again I pray for today's

19:35 meeting and all the things that

19:36 they're going to be talking

19:36 about.

19:38 I pray for every person in this

19:39 room lord GOD because you also

19:41 know them and you love them

19:41 lord GOD.

19:43 Again, I just want to just

19:45 thank you for the service that

19:47 they do every day lord GOD that

19:48 they do things that sometimes

19:49 people don't even recognize

19:51 the people of GOD.

19:51 that they're working for for

19:53 So again I just pray for wisdom

19:56 and unity amongst them so they

19:58 could push the things forward

20:00 that this city needs.

20:01 I pray for these things in

20:03 jesus name amen.

20:03 Amen.

20:04 Thank you.

20:08 pledge of allegiance to the

20:09 flag of the united states

20:10 of america.

20:13 Republic for which it stands

20:17 one nation under GOD,

20:18 indivisible with liberty and

20:19 justice for all.

20:26 Thank you everyone.

20:28 Uh, before we go on to our

20:31 regular presentations, uh, we

20:33 uh we will be voting on a

20:35 resolution later in the

20:36 meeting, uh, regarding in

20:39 support of the workers at oncor

20:40 boston harbor.

20:42 Uh, so we'd like to take a few

20:44 minutes to ask our brothers and

20:46 sisters from the uncle workers

20:47 to come forward and have a

20:49 photograph taken with the city

20:50 council and I'll ask my

20:53 colleagues to come forward as

20:53 well.

20:54 So would you like to come down?

21:03 And.

21:10 confirm when it come on.

21:10 Oh no.

21:11 Okay.

21:15 Yeah, it's been a while.

21:15 Yeah.

21:23 I got you know.

21:26 Right next to me.

21:28 Come on.

21:28 Right here.

21:33 And come.

21:41 Yeah yeah yeah right here.

21:51 So.

21:59 Yeah yeah right there.

22:04 Yeah right.

22:14 So so so excited about things

22:15 like.

22:36 I'll.

22:42 You yeah.

22:52 I.

23:00 Yeah yeah good.

23:08 Yeah so now I get.

23:14 Um I can only.

23:22 Get brian as chief.

23:26 Yeah yeah I, I was a little

23:33 yeah yeah I did uh yeah it's

23:33 not.

23:37 My first.

23:44 Yeah but it.

23:49 Thank you everyone we are now

23:51 on to presentations today we

23:52 have two presentations.

23:55 Councilor collette is a pata is

23:57 recognizing lenny curtis and

23:58 councilor worrell is uh going

24:00 to recognize marcus craig well

24:01 the head of the lacrosse coach

24:03 at bc high.

24:05 So we'll start with constable

24:06 collette as a partner and her

24:08 guest uh, lenny curtis.

24:29 Presentation.

24:33 okay.

24:36 come on up on the dais.

24:38 Um, I want my knee to stand

24:39 right next to mejia.

24:42 Um, I thank you all so much.

24:44 Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT, for

24:45 allowing us to have this space

24:47 to honor, uh, your own

24:49 institution, lenny curtis.

24:51 We're joined here by his sister

24:52 kathy, his brother glenn.

24:53 And I told you I was going to

24:53 do this.

24:54 I'm so sorry.

24:57 His nephew corey, um, lenny is

24:59 retiring after 26 years

25:01 of service to the city

25:01 of boston.

25:03 He is our beloved hokie in in

25:03 east.

25:06 Um, lenny got his start due to

25:08 the famous, uh, junior lombardi

25:11 who is a legendary east boston

25:11 ward boss.

25:13 Um, I think we'll I'll have to

25:15 get stories from you about

25:17 junior at some point, but um,

25:19 my understanding is that he

25:22 really worked to, uh, get the

25:24 youth into city jobs to start

25:25 this pipeline so that people

25:27 felt like they had ownership

25:28 over their own neighborhoods.

25:31 um, lenny has been a constant

25:36 fixture on meridian street

25:36 where I live in eagle hill.

25:36 Um, and from just ask him a

25:38 question about how he got this

25:40 job, uh, and what he loves most

25:40 about it.

25:42 You could really hear the

25:43 passion in his voice for just

25:44 serving our community.

25:47 Um, when I asked him why he

25:49 loves his job, his answer tells

25:50 you everything you need to

25:50 know.

25:51 He got to take care of the

25:52 people, especially our seniors.

25:55 Um, and it's clear that he

25:57 cares about his boss and he

25:57 cares about the people.

25:58 Thank you.

25:59 Who live here.

26:00 He understands that it's not

26:01 just work.

26:03 It's about taking care of your

26:03 own.

26:06 us.

26:06 And, um, you always show up for

26:07 So I want to thank you so much.

26:08 You've always shown up for

26:09 me personally and I wanted to

26:11 be sure that because of your

26:14 hard work, um, and the fact

26:15 that all of our residents know

26:17 you and love you, that you get

26:19 your flowers today and just

26:20 general thanks for everything

26:22 you do for the city of boston,

26:23 um, and especially east boston

26:23 .

26:25 So with that I want to present

26:27 you with an official resolution

26:29 presented by myself and the

26:30 entire council be it resolved

26:31 that the city of boston honors

26:34 you, lenny leonard, lenny

26:35 curtis in recognition of your

26:36 many years of dedicated service

26:38 to the east boston community,

26:39 your invaluable contributions

26:41 as an integral member of the

26:42 public works department and

26:43 your commitment to keeping our

26:44 neighborhoods clean and

26:45 welcoming.

26:46 And be it further resolved that

26:47 this resolution be duly signed

26:49 by the PRESIDENT Of the city

26:50 council and attested to in a

26:52 copy thereof transmitted by the

26:53 clerk of the city of boston.

26:55 So after 26 years, lenny,

26:58 congratulations and have fun on

26:58 your retirement.

26:59 You deserve it.

26:59 Congratulations.

27:07 Uh, I just I just want to take

27:09 I want to take that real

27:10 positive approach.

27:13 Uh, so that I'm good.

27:14 Um.

27:14 I'm ready, I'm ready.

27:18 It's very hard for me to retire

27:20 from this job because I've seen

27:23 people out there watching

27:25 me and, um, saying good job,

27:26 good, good.

27:29 And that's what we need to know

27:30 each person you know, I can

27:33 tell the skin was getting bad

27:35 up there and I know that it's

27:37 my job to clean up and

27:39 hopefully, uh, I can help the,

27:41 uh, people in east boston even

27:42 though I'm retired.

27:44 It doesn't mean that I'm

27:46 retired from from cleaning I

27:48 spoke I still go out there and

27:50 do the best I can if anybody

27:52 needs me, I'm there for them.

27:53 That's how I am.

27:56 And I like to say to chair, uh,

27:57 I love you.

28:00 Uh thank you.

28:05 We love.

28:06 you so much, lenny.

28:07 Um, and kathy wants to say a

28:08 few words.

28:11 I just wanted to say how proud

28:12 I am of my brother.

28:15 He not only worked in east

28:17 boston for 26 years, but he

28:18 lived there since.

28:19 He was just a.

28:20 Little kid.

28:21 And we actually have a

28:23 photograph of him when he was

28:24 about eight years old with my

28:26 mom where they lived and I

28:28 think the mayor at the time.

28:29 was it mayor.

28:31 Flynn, mayor white, mayor white

28:32 we have a picture of lenny with

28:34 mayor white when he was only

28:35 about eight years old and we're

28:35 really.

28:36 Proud of him.

28:40 All right.

28:41 if my colleagues want to

28:42 come out, we can take a photo

28:43 with lenny.

28:43 Thank you so much.

28:47 You know, so that so you.

28:50 Want to go photograph them?

28:51 Um.

28:55 representatives from.

29:01 about.

29:01 City state we'll never think

29:07 You're welcome to thank you.

29:24 Thank you.

29:30 Okay.

29:35 And I don't want to.

29:40 Come on.

29:45 Anyone.

29:52 At this?

29:56 Oh.

29:57 Oh, you.

30:01 Walk into your.

30:18 Right next to me.

30:25 Is this.

30:31 I know don't say.

30:34 Thank you everyone.

30:35 Congratulations, lenny.

30:38 Uh, and I I'll invite

30:39 councilor worrell to come

30:40 forward with it for his

30:41 presentation.

30:52 Good afternoon everyone.

30:56 Uh, I'd also like to call, uh,

30:57 councilor fitzgerald if he

30:57 wants to join me as well.

31:06 i am proud today to stand

31:08 alongside councilor fitzgerald

31:10 to honor coach marcus craig.

31:15 Well and celebrate his 2026

31:19 state championship since taking

31:19 office.

31:20 Yeah, we could clap for that.

31:27 Since taking office in 2000

31:28 2019.

31:31 Coach craig has led his team to

31:34 five state championship

31:34 appearances.

31:41 But this year they brought home

31:42 the title game.

31:44 His dedication and commitment

31:48 shows up in his record 14

31:49 all-americans, three

31:52 professional players for coach

31:55 of the year honors and a 169

31:57 career high school wins.

32:00 Sports play a vital role in

32:01 youth development and a good

32:03 coach brings out the best in

32:03 our young people.

32:06 They recognize talent, build

32:09 confidence and push students to

32:10 see how far they can go.

32:13 Coach coach craig well is

32:15 putting that into practice

32:17 opening doors to sport that

32:18 some young people might never

32:19 had the chance to play.

32:22 Coach in your program young

32:24 people learn how to compete,

32:25 how to be accountable.

32:26 How to.

32:28 show up for their teammates

32:30 and how to lead those lessons

32:32 stay with them long after the

32:33 final whistle.

32:36 championship.

32:36 So today we celebrate the

32:38 We celebrate the work it took

32:40 to get there and we celebrate a

32:42 coach who impact reaches well

32:44 beyond the field.

32:45 Thank you coach for your

32:48 leadership, for your

32:49 mentorship, your commitment to

32:51 our young people and

32:52 congratulations to you and the

32:53 entire bci team.

33:03 Coach at first want to thank

33:04 councilor worrell for inviting

33:04 me up here as well.

33:06 Uh b-c high sitting well within

33:08 the district uh, a coach is not

33:09 just someone who teaches you

33:10 sports, right?

33:12 A lot of the time they're the

33:13 ones who can connect to your

33:14 kids when your kids stop

33:15 listening to you.

33:16 And I'm learning that

33:16 currently.

33:18 And so, uh, a lot of people

33:20 might think they're a coach,

33:21 but it takes a lot to be a

33:23 great coach and not just to win

33:24 on the field but off the field

33:24 as well.

33:25 And that's something you've

33:27 exemplified and so just so

33:28 proud to have your bci teaching

33:31 a lot of the kids in dorchester

33:32 uh those exact values.

33:33 So coach, thank you so much for

33:34 having me.

33:34 you.

33:38 I didn't really have a speech

33:38 but.

33:40 I just want to, uh, thank

33:42 you for the recognition and, um

33:44 ,although I'm the first black

33:47 coach to win a state state

33:48 championship in boys across.

33:49 all.