City Council will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Tuesday, June 20 at 7:45PM. See Reports Docket and the New Docket. The meeting can also be viewed on NewTV (YouTube, Comcast 9, RCN 13 or 614, Verizon 33).
Zoning and Planning will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Tuesday, June 20 at 6PM. The agenda includes the following:
Chair’s Note: This meeting is to hear a comprehensive presentation of the proposed Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) by staff and consultants, and to provide the whole Council with an opportunity to engage in a Q&A and discussion to prepare for the opening of the June 26 public hearing.
- Request for review, discussion, and amendments relative to Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinances by adding a new Village Center Overlay District consisting of four (4) district tiers, by establishing requirements for such District, and requesting amendments to the Zoning Map to include the Village Center Overlay District.
- Request discussion on state guidance for implementing the Housing choice element of the MA Economic Development Legislation.
See Planning Memo.
Programs and Services will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, June 21 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Appointment of James Thompson to the Biosafety Committee
- Request for a home rule petition and approval to extend the lease term so the City can extend its current ground lease with Newton Community Development Foundation (NCDF) for Warren House for an additional 34 years.
- Request to set the early voting hours for the September 12, 2023, Preliminary Election, if needed, on the following dates, location, and times recommended by the Election Commission:
- Tuesday September 5, 8:30AM-5PM — Newton City Hall
- Wednesday September 6, 9AM-8PM — Newton City Hall
- Request to set the early voting hours for the November 7, 2023, Municipal Election on the following dates, location, and times recommended by the Election Commission:
- Saturday, October 28, 11AM-5PM — Newton City Hall
- Sunday, October 29, 11AM-5PM — Newton City Hall
- Monday, October 30, 8:30AM-5PM — Newton City Hall
- Tuesday October 31, 8:30AM-5PM — Newton City Hall
- Wednesday November 1, 8:30AM-5PM –Newton City Hall
- Request to relocate the polling location for Ward 1, Precinct 4, currently located at the Pellegrini Playground at 11 Hawthorn Street be relocated to a new location
- Request to relocate the polling location for Ward 2, Precinct 1, currently located at the Albemarle Field House to the Scandinavian Living Center on 206 Waltham Street
- Request for a home rule petition to allow the City to create an ordinance to prohibit the purchase or application of anti-coagulant rodenticides in Newton.
- Request to appropriate and expend the sum of one hundred forty thousand dollars ($140,000) from account #5503R602590001 B.A.A Marathon to a Parks, Recreation & Culture Account to fund a “Heartbreak Hill” banner and playground improvements.
- Request for a discussion with the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Culture about the maintenance plan for our parks, recreation, and culture resources, including recreational fields.
- Request for a discussion with the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department regarding a cost-benefit analysis of grass fields in sufficient quantity to meet Newton’s demand for playing time (by user group; Newton school athletic programs, Newton Youth groups, others) vs additional artificial turf fields.
- Request for a discussion with the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department regarding the creation of a strategic and operational plan for capital improvements to our athletic fields, athletic facilities, and playgrounds.
Public Facilities will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, June 21 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Request for a grant of location to install 154’+ of conduit in a westerly direction from new pole #308/30 to the property at #323 Nevada Street.
- Appointment of Jon K Slote to the Citizens Commission on Energy
- Appointment of Vincent McKay to the Sustainable Materials Management Commission
- Request to appropriate and expend $1,000,000 from both the Sewer and Water funds to complete the Wash Bay Project at the Crafts Street yard – total cost of project $1,500,000 ($500,000 approved in 2018)
- Request approval for the taking of temporary construction easements for the Commonwealth Avenue Carriageway construction project in Auburndale.
- Request for a discussion regarding the new stormwater ordinance and how the provisions are being enforced.
- Chair’s Note: Regarding the following item, the committee will be focusing on municipal clean energy, energy efficiency, and solar projects. This item will be discussed by the Public Facilitates Committee annually. Request for an update from the Sustainability Team and appropriate staff on the status of implementing Climate Action Plan measures, expanding municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy programs
Public Safety and Transportation will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, June 21 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Request for a discussion with the Chief of Police on security measures taken for the Boston Marathon, not limited to but including personnel hours and equipment used by the Police Department. Also requesting updates on any incidents, disturbances, interrogations, calls to dispatch, and/or arrests along the marathon route on April 17th.
- Request for a discussion of the residential parking permit program costs, convenience and pricing.
- Request for an update on the West Newton Square Enhancement project and discussion with Public Works, Planning, Police, and Fire, with an opportunity for public input, regarding traffic conditions in and around West Newton Square, status of signal timing and other adjustments, and measurement and mitigation of traffic impacts on neighborhood streets.