The Public Safety & Transportation Committee voted to approve the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appropriation and transfer of $4,510,000 for the Newton Patrol Association (NPA) FY2022–FY2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (5–0) from FY 2025 wage reserves. Provides retroactive salary and benefit payments under the mediated settlement reached through the Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC) process. The patrolmen have been without a contract for 3 years.
- Transfer of $1,952,500 for NPA FY2026 salary adjustments under the same agreement (5–0) from FY2026 year wage reserves. Ensures FY2026 salaries reflect the new contract terms.
- Renewal of two shuttle bus licenses for the 128 Business Council’s Needham Shuttle program (5–0). The shuttles, operated by Transaction Corporate Shuttles, provide commuter service between Newton Highlands and area workplaces. Utilization remains strong, with plans to expand service.
- Two (2) Bus Licenses renewals for Boston College Bus (5-0) Undergraduates cannot park a car at the college. Ridership is just under 1 million a year.
- Four (4) Bus Licenses renewals for VPNE Parking Solutions, LLC. (5-0) from Chestnut Hill to Dana Farber. Buses are open to staff and patients, but does not get many patient riders.
- Semi-annual public auto inspections (5-0) of 10 company vehicles. City charges a $25 application fee.
Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Lucas, Block, Bixby and Lipof
Absent: Councilors Downs, Wright and Greenberg
City Staff: Superintendent Dennis Dowling and Sergeant Jason Schlegel, Newton Police
Department and Perry Rosenfield, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
Others Present: Lisa Cinella, Transaction Corporate Shuttles, Brian Murray, VPNE Parking
Solutions, Jeanne Levesque and Gabe Parker, Boston College and Attorney Frank Stearns