Zoning and Planning will meet in person (Room 204) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, May 12 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following requests:
- Addition of maximum residential facade build out ratio to Chapter 30, Zoning to aid in new development being contextual to the surrounding neighborhood
- Discussion and possible amendments to enhance the preservation of existing homes over their replacement by larger and more expensive structures
- Discussion to amend the setbacks in the MR zones to encourage preservation of existing buildings
- Discussion to align zoning to the proposed use for by-right or special permit projects for new build or major renovations
- Discussion and possible ordinance amendments regarding raised beds in the setback
Finance will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, May 12 at 7PM. The meeting will also be broadcast on NewTV (Comcast 9, RCN 13, 614 (HD), Verizon 33) and on NewTV’s YouTube channel. The agenda includes the following:
- Request to expend $2,000 from the Commission on Disability’s H-P Fines Account to celebrate Disability Pride Month with a community event at Newton Free Library.
- Request to expend $10,000 from the Commission on Disability’s H-P Fines Account to purchase one shower chair and two wheelchairs to be used at the Gath Pools.
- Request to increase the FY2025 Full Time Equivalent positions in the Comptroller’s Office from 6.4 to 7.0.
- Free Cash Appropriation requests:
- Request to appropriate $40,000 to repair the fountain located within the traffic island at the Chestnut St and Highland St intersection.
- Request to appropriate $50,000 from June 30, 2024 Certified Free Cash for the Jeannete West Recreation Center Restroom Improvement project.
- Budget Reserve Appropriation requests:
- Request to appropriate $50,000 from the FY25 Budget Reserve for the installation of a heat pump in the Information Technology Department at City Hall.
- Request to appropriate $40,000 from the FY25 Budget Reserve to purchase equipment for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Fire Headquarters.
- Request to transfer and expend $65,000 from DPW Highway – FullTime Wages account to settle a worker’s compensation claim.
- Grant Acceptances:
- $17,314 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Safety.
- $2,900 from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.
- CPC Appropriation recommendations:
- $75,000 in Community Preservation Act funding be appropriated from the Unrestricted Prior Year Funds for expenses relating to the replacement of the deck at the Newton Community Farm.
- $189,300 in Community Preservation Act funding be appropriated from the Unrestricted Prior Year Funds for architecture, engineering and investigative expenses to the War Memorial Stairs restoration.
- Budget Review:
Public Facilities will meet in person (Room 204) and virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, May 14 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Free Cash Appropriation Requests:
- $225,576 for prevailing wage rate adjustment under the City’s current contract with Waste Management.
- $3,000,000 to support the City’s Transportation Network Improvement Program (Additional $1,500,000 transferred from snow and ice reserves within the Comptroller’s budget for a total of $4,500,000 to support the program).
- $43,100 for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons.
- $100,000 for the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center to purchase and install a second trailer at the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center.
- $150,000 for Fire Station #1/#2 Living Quarters Improvements.
- $250,000 for the Police Headquarters Improvements.
- $75,000 for the Newton Centre Tree Lighting project.
- $2,525,000 for priority school facility projects
- Budget Reserve appropriation requests:
- $160,000 for City Hall Elevator Modernization project.
- $150,000 for City Hall Boiler Condensate Tank Replacement Project.
- $100,000 for Inspectional Services HVAC Improvements.
City Council will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) as a Committee of the Whole with Finance presiding on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30PM to discuss and possibly vote on the Mayor’s proposed FY26 Budget, FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan, and Supplemental Capital Improvement Plan (see agenda). The meeting will also be broadcast on NewTV (Comcast 9, RCN 13, 614 (HD), Verizon 33) and on NewTV’s YouTube channel.