The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appropriation of $4,500,000 to support the City’s Transportation Network Improvement Program (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent). Funds FY2026 paving projects, with $3 million from Free Cash and $1.5 million from snow and ice reserves. COO Yeo explained most of the City’s Free Cash is spent in the latter part of the year, after “the City has had a chance to assess how the winter went and reviewed accounts in terms of overtime.”
- Appropriation of $43,100 for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent) from Free Cash. Funds two additional beacons to improve pedestrian safety at priority locations, supplementing grant-funded installations.
- Appropriation of $100,000 for a second trailer at the Rumford Avenue Resource Recovery Center (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent) from Free Cash. The trailer will provide staff with climate-controlled space and additional hygiene facilities.
- Appropriation of $150,000 for City Hall Boiler Condensate Tank replacement (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent) from FY2025 Budget Reserves. Replaces a failing tank that could cause significant damage to the steam system.
- Appropriation of $100,000 for Inspectional Services HVAC improvements (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent). Replaces the 30-year-old, struggling air conditioning system serving the Inspectional Services Department.
- Appropriation of $250,000 for Police Headquarters interior improvements (7–0, Councilor Danberg absent). Funds flooring, painting, ceilings, and lighting upgrades.
- Appropriation of $75,000 for the Newton Centre Tree Lighting project (7-0, Councilor Danberg absent) Newton Community Pride spoke in favor. A councilor was hesitant because of the tight budget and suggested public-private partnerships fund future projects.
- Appropriation of $2,525,000 for priority school facility projects (8-0) from “Free Cash for the purpose of completing a list of priority school facility projects throughout the district.”
- Appropriation of $1,100,000 for one-time school facility projects typically funded out of the Newton Public School charter maintenance account (8-0) The funds will be placed under the control of the Public Buildings Department.
Present: Councilors Albright (Chair), Leary, Kelley, Gentile, Getz, Laredo, Danberg and Kalis
City Staff: Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Yeo, Commissioner of Public Buildings Josh Morse
