The Public Facilities Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
Appointment of Shawna Sullivan as Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (8-0) Shawna Sullivan, appointed as Commissioner, discussed her 28 years with the City and future plans for the DPW, including restructuring for career advancement and improvements in the snow and ice program. This year, all vehicles will have radios “and an app for drivers to improve communication and efficiency.” The DPW is piloting a technology placed on vehicle windshields to scan roadways for potential problems. Commissioner Sullivan plans to meet with businesses to discuss the Newton Highlands Village Enhancement project.
- Text clarification in City of Newton Ordinances regarding sidewalks (Approved 7-0-1; Councilor Gentile Abstained) The amendments clarify the requirements for installing sidewalks in new developments or when a building addition exceeds 50%. This ensures consistency and maintains the city’s infrastructure standards. Sidewalks must be concrete unless trees are in the frontage, in which case asphalt may be used.
Present: Councilors Albright (Chair), Getz, Kelley, Gentile, Leary, Laredo, Danberg, and Kalis
Also Present: Councilors Farrell, Malakie, Lobovits, Lucas, and Oliver
City Staff: Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Shawna Sullivan and Chief Operating Officer
Jonathan Yeo
