Boston City Council President Michelle Wu's meeting notes of Feb. 2016

As always, please reach out with any questions! Anyone can sign up to receive these notes by email at www.michelleforboston.com/sendmenotes or see the whole list of notes at www.michelleforboston.com/notes.
Appointments & Confirmations

• Boston Public Health Commission: Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan was reappointed and Francis Doyle appointed to the Commission by the Mayor, subject to Council confirmation
• Audit Committee: We voted to confirm Mark Ciccone for a term until November 2020

University Reporting: Mayor Walsh submitted an amendment to the University Accountability Ordinance filed by Councilors Zakim and Ciommo last term, which would clarify the reporting format and deadline of October 1^st. The matter was sent to the Government Operations Committee for a hearing.
Student Housing: Mayor Walsh submitted an ordinance to create a new Certificate of Occupancy permit for private student housing, which would institute a $15/unit fee (capped at $2,500 per building) and give the City greater authority to regulate the conditions of student housing ($300/month violation penalty per unit). The matter was sent to the Government Operations Committee for a hearing.
Municipal Lobbying: Mayor Walsh submitted a home-rule petition to create regulations on disclosure and registration for lobbying at the city level, modeled after existing State-level regulations. The rules would apply to both executive and legislative lobbying, including communications with all city employees at all levels over government operation. The rules would also include procurement contracts in the regulatory framework. The matter was sent to the Government Operations Committee for a hearing.
City Clerk Election: As required by City Charter, we took a vote to elect a City Clerk (every 3 years after the first Monday in February). The Clerk serves as Clerk both for the City of Boston and for the City Council, responsible for leading a staff to maintain the records of the City and track administrative procedures at Council meetings. Clerk Maureen Feeney was reelected unanimously.
Trauma Recovery Centers: Councilor Pressley called for a hearing on the Boston Public Health Commission’s Trauma Recovery Centers. She noted that the Health Commission established 8 Trauma Recovery Centers in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan that provide trauma support services and referrals to additional health services. She further stated that data from these centers could help align and target funding for improved services and coordination. The matter was sent to the Committee on Healthy Women, Families, and Communities for a hearing.
Firearm Safety/Gun Violence Prevention Resolution: We voted to suspend and pass Councilor Pressley’s resolution in support of HR 2612/S 1473, a bill sponsored by Senator Ed Markey to authorize the appropriation of funds to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for conducting or supporting research on firearm safety or gun violence prevention – treating gun violence as a public health issue. Under that framework, the federal government should be providing research to support prevention and reduction of gun violence as it would for other public health crises.
Youth Development Program Funding: Councilor Campbell submitted her first hearing order today, calling for a review of funding for youth development programs in the public safety context. She emphasized the need for developing proactive, coordinated, systematic programming, because our youth development programs often address mental health services, mentoring, job opportunities for our youth in a way that impacts public safety. She noted that 20,000 people are incarcerated in MA, with the majority returning from state and federal detention facilities to the city of Boston. Many are first exposed to the criminal justice system as youth. At the hearing, she will focus on the need to maximize investments in our youth and hear from young people about what is working. As is Council tradition, we all stood and gave her a standing ovation for her first remarks on the Council floor. The matter was sent to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice for a hearing.
Massport/City Development: Councilor Flaherty called for a hearing on Massport Development Plans for City- or EDIC-owned parcels, especially in the Marine Industrial Park. He noted it was reported that MassPort recently put out an RFP for property, which would be a unique economic development opportunity for the City and seafood industry. However, the site is on a ground lease with 53 years and no guarantee of renewal. Any future changes would have to come before the City Council, so Councilor Flaherty believes that Massport needs to engage with the community and Council now. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning & Development for a hearing.
Upcoming Hearings/Working Sessions (Watch at www.cityofboston.com/citycouncil/live.asp)

• Tuesday, 2/9 at 10AM, Council Chamber: Hearing on Ordinance to Exempt Elderly Residents from Snow Removal Obligations (Government Operations)
• Tuesday, 2/9 at 1PM, Piemonte Room: Working Session on Urban Renewal (Planning & Development)

www.michelleforboston.com / 617.652.0136 / info@michelleforboston.com 

Statement by the President on the Signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Statement by the President on the Signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

For more than five years, a group of 12 countries have negotiated a forward-looking trade deal that sets new, high standards for trade and investment in one of the world’s fastest growing and most important regions. Today, these countries signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership – a new type of trade deal that puts American workers first.

Right now, the rules of global trade too often undermine our values and put our workers and businesses at a disadvantage. TPP will change that. It eliminates more than 18,000 taxes that various countries put on Made in America products. It promotes a free and open Internet and prevents unfair laws that restrict the free flow of data and information. It includes the strongest labor standards and environmental commitments in history – and, unlike in past agreements, these standards are fully enforceable.  TPP allows America – and not countries like China – to write the rules of the road in the 21st century, which is especially important in a region as dynamic as the Asia-Pacific.

Put simply, TPP will bolster our leadership abroad and support good jobs here at home. That’s why I released the full text of the agreement three months ago for all to see, and it’s why I’ll continue working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to enact it into law as soon as possible so our economy can immediately start benefiting from the tens of billions of dollars in new export opportunities. We should get TPP done this year and give more American workers the shot at success they deserve and help more American businesses compete and win around the world.

美國總統黨派初選 3/1 投票

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE REMINDER IN PREPARATION FOR THE MARCH 1ST PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Residents are Reminded that Wednesday, February 10 is Last Day to Register or Make Changes for March 1 Presidential Primary Election

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - In preparation for the March 1 It is important to note that primary elections are centered on party nominations. In the primary a registered voter may only vote on the ballot of the party that they are affiliated with if they are enrolled in one of the four major political parties (Democrat, Republican, Green-Rainbow, and United Independent Party).  Voters whose party status is "UNENROLLED" (often referred to as Independent) may choose one party's ballot to vote on in the primary. Voters who are members of Political Designations (not political parties) can choose which party's ballot they would like to receive. Only the Democrat, Republican and Green-Rainbow parties have candidates on the March 1, 2016 ballot. The United Independent Party (UIP) will have ballots available but with no candidates printed on them.  Voters registered in UIP will not be eligible to take a Democratic, Republican, or Green-Rainbow ballot.  To make changes to voter registration, residents are encouraged to visithttp://www.cityofboston.gov/elections,the Election Department in room 241 of City Hall, or the City Hall To Go Truck. Additionally, these changes can be made by downloading a mail-in registration form. All mailed registrations must be postmarked by the February 10, 2016 deadline. For registered voters who will be unable to vote in person on March 1, 2016, absentee ballots are now available in the Election Department from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The deadline for an absentee ballot application and/or to vote in person via absentee status is February 29, 2016 at noon. The absentee process is designed for registered voters who will be absent from the city onelection day, have physical disabilities preventing them from getting to the polling location, or are unable to get to a polling place for religious reasons. Absentee ballot options are also available to non-registered voters who are Massachusetts citizens who will be absent from the state on March 1, 2016, an active member of the armed forces; their spouse or dependent and if one is confined in a correctional facility or jail except by reason of felony conviction.All Absentee Ballots must be in the possession of the Election Department by8:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016, not postmarked by March 1, 2016. To register, update or check your voter registration information, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/elections. For more information or questions please contact the Election Department 617-635-3767 or Election@boston.gov.  Follow us on Twitter (@BostonElections) and Facebook (Boston ElectionDepartment) for updates and more.

Governor Baker Nominates Michele Ouimet-Rooke to Springfield District Court

Governor Baker Nominates Michele Ouimet-Rooke to Springfield District Court

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has nominated Michele Ouimet-Rooke, an attorney with over 17 years of experience in Western Massachusetts courts to serve as a judge in the Springfield District Court.

“Michele Ouimet-Rooke offers the court a great combination of experience in both civil and criminal legal matters drawn from her career in public service and private practice in Western Massachusetts,” said Governor Baker. “I am pleased to recommend an individual with such broad experience to the Governor’s Council for their consideration.”

“The first two District Court openings our administration has sought to fill are in Hampden County, and we are pleased to make this second nomination to the Springfield District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “If confirmed we know that Ms. Ouimet-Rooke will serve her hometown with distinction.”

Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Statewide Judicial Nominating Commission and recommended to the Governor. All judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

There are 62 District Courts throughout the Commonwealth hearing a range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health and other case types, including all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, misdemeanors and violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. Springfield is located in the Region 6, which includes courts in Chicopee, Eastern Hampshire, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northern Berkshire, Northampton, Orange, Palmer, Southern Berkshire, and Westfield. 

For more information about the District Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/dc/.

About Michele Ouimet-Rooke:

Michele Ouimet-Rooke, a native and resident of Springfield, MA, joined the practice of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy in 2002 as an Associate representing plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of litigations, including employment and discrimination law, premise and product liability, insurance defense, landlord/tenant issues, criminal defense and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012. Ouimet-Rooke began her career in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as a Victim/Witness Advocate for eight years before becoming an Assistant District Attorney and Chief Prosecutor. She obtained a Bachelor of Science and Master in Education from Springfield College and Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law in 1999.  

Governor Baker Statement on White House Opioid Abuse Proposal

Governor Baker Statement on White House Opioid Abuse Proposal

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement supporting $1.1 billion in new funding from the President's FY17 budget that will address prescription opioid abuse and the heroin use epidemic that is plaguing the Commonwealth and nation:

"President Obama’s comprehensive proposal aimed to help states combat the opioid epidemic, including additional funds to expand treatment options and overdose prevention efforts, is a positive development for Massachusetts' own efforts to address this public health crisis. It is encouraging that the President is taking action on a recommendation from our opioid working group to create a pilot program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe buprenorphine.  With nearly four people dying per day from overdoses in our state, it is clear that this epidemic transcends partisan boundaries and our administration looks forward to the legislature taking action on a bill to target the drivers of opioid and prescription painkiller abuse."

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $6.7 Million in Shannon Grants to Combat Youth Gang Violence

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $6.7 Million in Shannon Grants to Combat Youth Gang Violence

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Dan Bennett announced the release of $6.7 million in competitive grant funds to communities and local partners to bolster their efforts to combat gang violence. The awards, made to 15 communities and 10 Local Action Research Partners (LARPs) through the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, are available specifically for the purpose of combatting gang violence in the Commonwealth.

“The cities and local partners selected for these grants have demonstrated commitment and creativity in combatting the gang violence that threatens the safety and well-being of the residents of their communities,” said Governor Baker. “By using a multidimensional approach that employs a full range of diverse and effective techniques these communities have empowered themselves to make a serious impact on youth violence and gang activity.” 

The $6.3M awarded to the CSI sites provides funding to communities that demonstrate high levels of youth violence and gang problems, a comprehensive plan to work with multi-disciplinary partners, and a commitment to coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Funded strategies include social intervention and opportunity provision programs, as well as gang task force personnel costs and overtime.

“This funding will allow cities and local partners to further enhance community outreach to at-risk youth and provide them with positive opportunities that divert them away from gang activity and toward a brighter future,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “This effort is coupled with programming that provides education, training, and employment direction for young people at high risk for either youth violence or involvement in a gang.”

“Monitoring the activity of gang-involved youth and other high impact players by police, prosecutors, probation officers, and other officers of the court can result in significant disruption of criminal activity,” said Secretary Bennett.

"This funding has been a critical component to the City's strategy in addressing youth, gun and gang violence in Boston,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. “With this funding we can provide involved youth with direct services through all our local partners," said Commissioner Evans. "I thank Governor Baker and Secretary Bennett for continuing to support the great work being done in Boston and across Massachusetts."

Shannon CSI Grant Sites	Award Amount
Boston	$1,365,434.46
Brockton	$425,692.00
Fall River	$450,754.68
Fitchburg (incl. Gardner, Leominster)	$169, 274.72
Haverhill (incl. Methuen)	$111,788.51
Holyoke (incl. Chicopee)	$479,594.20
Lawrence	$254,271.69
Lowell	$563,778.45
Lynn	$194,519.69
Metro Mayors Coalition (incl. Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, Winthrop)	$343,991.69
New Bedford	$496,192.66
Pittsfield	$95,191.29
Springfield	$717,569.13
Taunton (incl. Attleboro, Norton)	$89,746.37
Worcester	$506,992.66

Local Action Research Partners assist the funded Shannon Community Safety Initiative sites by providing strategic, analytic, technical, and research support. These partners received grants totaling $470,000.

Local Action Research Partners (LARPs)	Award Amount
City of Brockton	$46,600.00
Clark University	$59,999.60
Community Resources for Justice	$59,474.20
North Shore Community College	$45,683.00
Roger Williams University	$45,243.80
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	$43,721.80
University of Massachusetts, Boston	$58,425.50
University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Haverhill/Methuen Site)	$16,110.80
University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Lawrence Site)	$16,110.80
University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Lowell Site)	$59,996.20
Westfield State University	$18,032.10

BULGER COMPANION PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL CONTEMPT CHARGE

BULGER COMPANION PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL CONTEMPT CHARGE

 

BOSTON – Catherine Greig, the longtime companion of convicted killer James “Whitey” Bulger, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with her refusal to testify before a federal grand jury.  The investigation centered on whether others assisted her and Bulger during the 16 years they were fugitives from justice. 

 

Ms. Greig, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt.  U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2016. 

 

Greig is currently serving an eight year sentence for her 2012 conviction of identity fraud and harboring James J. Bulger. 

 

The charge of criminal contempt provides for a sentence or no greater than life in prison to be served subsequent to her current eight-year prison sentence and a fine.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary B. Murrane of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.