The Programs & Services Committee voted to Approve the following (see Report and watch the Meeting):
- Appointment of Shin-Yi Lao as Commissioner of Health and Human Services (5-0, Councilor Baker Not Voting). Director Lao stated she sees her biggest challenges as connecting people with resources and preparing for the next pandemic.
- Early Voting Hours at City Hall for the September 3 State Primary Election (5-0, Councilor Baker Not Voting)
- Saturday, August 24: 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday, August 25: 11 am-5 pm
- Monday, August 26: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday, August 27: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday, August 28: 8:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday, August 29: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday, August 30: 8:30 am-5 pm
Approximately 50% of Newton voters vote by mail.
- Early Voting Hours and location for the November 5 State and Federal Election (5-0, Councilor Baker Not Voting)
- At City Hall
- Saturday, October 19: 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday, October 20: 11 am-5 pm
- Monday, October 21: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday, October 22: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday, October 23: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday, October 24: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday, October 25: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday, October 26: 11 am-5 pm,
- Sunday, October 27: 11 am-5 pm
- Monday, October 28: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday, October 29: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday, October 30: 8:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday, October 31: 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday, November 1: 8:30 am-5 pm
- At Newton North High School
- Saturday, October 19: 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday, October 20: 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday October 26: 11am-5pm, Sunday October 27th: 11am-5pm
- A Newton South High School
- Saturday, October 26: 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday, October 27: 11 am-5 pm
- At City Hall
- Appropriations
- $296,312 for student transportation for students who are homeless or in foster care (5-0, Councilor Baker Not Voting)
- $500,000 for IT infrastructure improvements (6-0) from PEG Access and Cable Related Fund (the “Fund”) to Micro/Network Services – PC Hardware (0111154-585111), to make improvements to the City’s IT fiber optic cable infrastructure.
- Reappointments
- Marcela Merino to Community Education Commission (5-0, Councilor Humphrey Not Voting)
- Karl Munger to the Biosafety Committee (5-0, Councilor Humphrey Not Voting)
- Howard Birnbaum to the Urban Tree Commission (5-0, Councilor Humphrey Not Voting)
The Programs & Services Committee Held the following:
- A complete review and appropriate changes to the Rules of the City Council (5-0, Councilor Baker Not Voting). A Rules Subcommittee has been formed, “chaired by Councilor Oliver with Councilors Baker, Krintzman, and Micley serving on the Subcommittee.”
- Discussion regarding hoarding and refuse on private property (5-0, Councilor Humphrey Not Voting). Public hearing participants spoke of rodent infestations. “If the City finds a property in violation (of the Public Nuisance Statute) they can begin issuing citations, letters of abatement, issuing fines, final notice letters, and taking the person to court if needed.” The City needs to be invited onto the property to do a complete inspection but can view a property from the street or neighbor’s properties. The City is educating restaurants about how to secure dumpsters.