The Programs & Services Committee voted to Approve (see Report and watch the video):
- An Amendment to the Human Rights Commission Ordinance clarifying the Commission’s investigatory powers and authority (8-0) The amendment clarifies that the Committee has no authority to enforce or remediate after the investigation of a complaint. By law, all claimants must go to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Newton’s Human Rights Commission receives complaints and forwards them to the appropriate State agencies.
- Amendment to change the name of the Department of Senior Service to the Older Adult Services and to combine the Senior Services Advisory Board with the Council on Aging. (8-0)
- Approved $150,000 CPA funding to create Spears Park Community Garden (8-0). The “project will provide up to 30 raised garden beds with 2 being accessible, a critter-resistant fence enclosure, site amenities such as benches, yard hydrants, and amenities for the community outside of the fenced in gardens. The total budget for the project is $349,519 with $150,000 being requested from CPA funding.” The 0.32 acre park is located at the corner of Washington Street and Walnut Park.
- Reappointments:
- John Synnott to the Newton Commonwealth Foundation (8-0) NCF oversees the public golf course at 212 Kenrick Street.
- John Neville to the Newton Commonwealth Foundation (8-0)
- John Neville to the Parks and Recreation Commission (8-0)
- John Rice to the Parks and Recreation Commission (8-0)
- Patrick Costello to the Farm Commission (8-0)
The Programs & Services Committee Voted to Hold:
- Discussion and possible amendments to the Tree Ordinance (8-0) At a previous meeting, the Committee heard from residents that they opposed the new tree ordinance. Protect Newton Trees spoke for the public in favor of the new tree ordinance. They asked that the City wait until March 1, 2025, before evaluating the new tree ordinance because older, pre-ordinance building permits ‘muddy the picture.’ A subcommittee is reviewing suggestions for strengthening the ordinance with improvements, such as not allowing trees planted in hedge formations to count as replacement trees. At the Public Hearing, Protect Newton Trees and Mothers Out Front requested waiting until March 1, 2025, to evaluate the ordinance. Residents spoke in favor of the Tree Ordinance. Councilors asked about exempting invasive species. The Tree Warden stated that the issue needs more discussion and that no permit is required to prune trees.
- Discussion on a proposed amendment to allow the removal and prohibition of planting trees that are invasive species. (8-0) Councilor Malakie stated this is not a concern because planting invasive species is banned in Massachusetts.
- Discussion on a proposed amendment to exempt trees from within by-right build areas on a single and two-family residential lot. (8-0)