The Finance Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Reappointment of Shawn Murphy as Constable (7-0), term expires 9/15/2028—routine reappointment.
- $8,000 transfer for accessible-parking enforcement (7-0) from the Handicap Parking Fines Disability Commission account to the Operation Access Account for funding an annual holiday-season enforcement emphasis to deter placard abuse and ensure turnover of accessible spaces.
- Parking fine revision (7-0) to amend city ordinances on parking fines, aligning them with those of surrounding communities, which would increase some penalties from $15 or $20 to $25.
- Residential parking programs and fee structures changes (7-0) to make both residential parking and visitor parking permits $25 per year. Visitor permits had been free, and people were abusing the system.
- $1,650,000 from Certified Free Cash for Vehicle Replacement Program (7-0). Currently, there is about $22 million in Free Cash. This is the first request from the June 30, 2025, Certified Free Cash. This, plus the $850,000 in the Operating Budget, will fully fund the 2026 Capitol Improvement Vehicle Replacement plan. Early ordering will help avoid price increases.
- Correction to a prior Council Order (mitigation funds for inflow and infiltration projects) (7-0) Technical fix to adjust a previously voted amount by $450 to match the source ledger.
- $17,290.73 legal settlement (Amica a/s/o Barbara Murphy v. City of Newton) (7-0) Settlement for a case involving vehicle damaging residential property due to the driver’s medical emergency.
- CPA Historic Resource appropriation of $1,997,000 for West Newton Cinema Building Stabilization Project (7-0). Concurred with Zoning and Planning’s action to stabilize the historic building (roof, egress, core utilities, and insulation) as Phase 1 toward a full building rehabilitation. Electrical upgrade necessary to add a future elevator for second-floor theater access. To be paired with 50% matching funds.
Held/Discussion:
- Workers’ Compensation program review and a specific claim (7-0) The Administration requested additional time; members flagged policy clarity for part-time employees and asked for a structured follow-up.
Present: Councilors Gentile (Chair), Malakie, Greenberg, Bixby, Lipof, Humphrey, and Grossman
Absent: Councilor Micley
City staff present: ADA Coordinator Jini Fairley, Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux, Commissioner of Public Works Shawna Sullivan, CPA Program Manager Mollie Hutchings, Police Captain Daniel Devine, Comptroller Steve Curley, Senior Analyst Endrit Poreci, Traffic Council Chair David Koses, Assistant City Solicitor Jennifer Kelly, Assistant City Solicitor Jennifer Wilson, Financial Analyst II Trevor Goehring
