The Programs & Services Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointments to the Youth Commission (4-0) Four students were appointed: Chloe Lyons and Gassia Minassian of Newton North High School, Hanano Futai of Newton South High School, and Simbarashe Makura of Roxbury Latin School. The discussion highlighted the Commission’s role in advising on youth needs and the value of diverse school representation.
- Home Rule Petition to raise the maximum age for new police officers from 31 to 39 (4-0) to broaden the candidate pool and align with contemporary hiring realities while preserving training and fitness standards.
- Resolution in support of state “Climate Change Superfund” legislation (4-0). The Climate Superfund would aid communities in adequately funding climate adaptation and resilience projects, as well as recovery and repair from storm-related events. Similar legislation in NY has been held up in the courts.
The Programs and Services Committee held the following:
- Reappointment of Randall Johnson to the Parks and Recreation Commission (4-0) to invite the reappointee to be present at the meeting.
- Reappointment of Marjorie Butler to the Newton Election Commission (4-0) to invite the reappointee to be present at the meeting.
Attendees: Councilors Humphrey (Vice Chair), Farrell, Malakie, Lobovits;
Absent: Councilors Krintzman, Oliver, Micley, and Baker;
Also present: Councilor Leary;
City staff: Police Chief McMains and Assistant Director of Human Services Meri Haas.
