Programs & Services voted to hold the following (see Report and watch the meeting video here):
- Ordinance Change to Prohibit the Sale of Tobacco to Anyone Born on or After 1/1/2000: Held 5-0 (Councilor Krintzman Not Voting). A proposal, similar to an ordinance in Brookline and six other communities, to gradually phase out tobacco sales to individuals born on or after January 1, 2004, as part of efforts to protect younger generations from smoking-related health risks. The ban would apply to vaping and e-cigarettes also. Councilors expressed concerns the ban would be government overreach, difficult to enforce and questioned what the term ‘public exposure’ means.
- Discussion on the Ban of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles in Newton: Held 5-0 (Councilor Micley Not Voting). Discussion postponed on a ban on purchasing or selling single-use plastic water bottles to support environmental sustainability to wait for a Statewide decision on the issue.
Programs & Services voted No Action Necessary on the following:
- Discussion Regarding On-Demand Transportation System: No Action Necessary 5-0 (Councilor Micley Not Voting). Discussion on implementing the GoGo Newton system, an on-demand transportation service that interfaces with Uber and Lyft to enhance local transit options, particularly for low-income and elderly residents. GoGo Newton would be available 24/7. Low-income, elderly, and disabled residents will be able to receive rides to and from Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, Weston, and medical facilities in Boston. “Riders are categorized into three categories. The first category is very low-income individuals over 18 years of age. Individuals in this category will receive 12 subsidized one-way trips per month with the rider paying the first $4, Newton paying the next $10, and the rider paying the remainder of the fee. The second category is low-income individuals over 65 and low-income individuals with disabilities over 18. Individuals in this category will receive 8 subsidized one-way trips per month with the rider paying the first $6, Newton paying the next $8, and the rider paying the remainder of the fee. The final category is individuals of any income over 65 and people with disabilities over 18 of any income. Individuals in this category will receive 4 subsidized one-way trips per month with the rider paying the first $8, Newton paying the next $6, and the rider paying the remainder of the fee.” The price is locked in when the ride is booked. GoGo’s 1-year contract is funded through $275,000 from the City and $220,000 from State grants.