The Programs & Services Committee voted to approve the following (see the report and the meeting video):
- Appointment of Molly Doris-Pierce to the Health and Human Services Advisory Board (7-0) for a term ending February 18, 2028. She emphasized her commitment to enhancing access to health resources, influenced by her background in public health.
- Reappointment of Edward Chapman to the Parks & Recreation Commission (7-0) as the Ward 4 member for a term ending April 19, 2028.
- Reappointment of Matthew Stafford to the Health and Human Services Advisory Board (7-0) for a term ending January 1, 2028.
- Reappointment of Asa Fanelli to the Health and Human Services Advisory Board (7-0) for a term ending January 1, 2028.
The committee voted to hold the following:
- Discussion regarding GoGo Newton (7-0) Complaints are down and service has improved compared with the previous transportation service NewMo. GoGo Newton costs significantly less for the City to operate $465,000 compared to $709,600 for NewMo). NewMo had limited days and hours and service area. GoGo Newton is available anytime, any day, for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income riders and provides more service beyond Newton. User costs are slightly higher. There are about 200 unique riders per month and 30% of riders hit their monthly trip limit of subsidized rides on Uber or Lyft. Monthly one way subsidized rides vary from 4 to 12 based on riders income. A new $2 fares to the Cooper Center for Older Adults was initiated in December 2024. Overall fare reductions, a cost cap hike and increased income limit are ‘coming soon.’
- Addressing distressed properties and rodent management city-wide (7-0) Various city officials provided insights into current challenges and strategies, emphasizing the complexity of enforcing property standards without infringing on owners’ rights. The Fire Department will notify Inspectional Services if they notice issues when responding to a call. State laws limit what the City can do to strengthen ordinances on the issue. (See also Fig City News article on this part of the meeting.)
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Oliver, Micley, Malakie, Humphrey, Lobovits, and Farrell
Absent: Councilor Baker
Also Present: Councilors Greenberg, Wright, Leary, and Lucas
City Staff: Anthony Ciccariello, Commissioner of Inspectional Services; Jenn Martin, Director of
Transportation Planning; Mignonne Murray, Director of Older Adult Services; Nicole Freedman,
Transportation Planning Coordinator; Shin-Yi Lao, Commissioner of Health and Human Services;
Jonah Temple, Deputy City Solicitor; and Jaclyn Norton, Committee Clerk
