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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 31, 2020 Page 3 Mayor’s infrastructure request gets unanimous vote from Council By Christopher Roberson 60 days,’ that’s just kicking the T he City Council voted unanimously, during its July 27 meeting, to borrow $3 million to fund repair work for approximately 14 streets. However, it was not an easy sell. Although Mayor Carlo DeMaria does not expect that the full $3 million will be needed, he said the funds must still be available if a particular job exceeds the projected cost. However, Ward 6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin had reservations about approving that much money and asked for the list of streets that need attention. “Going out to bid for $3 million is concerning to me,” he said. Therefore, McLaughlin suggested borrowing $1.5 million to $2 million to cover 30 to 60 workdays. He also said the Department of Public Works could return before the council if additional funding was needed. However, DeMaria said such a plan would not be feasible. “To say, ‘Come back in 30 days, can down the road,” he said. “We can’t do that; you can’t bid that way. Here’s the deal: We cannot forgo doing infrastructure improvements.” McLaughlin immediately took exception to the mayor’s comments. “To say that I’m trying to kick a can down the road is false and what I would consider irresponsible,” he said, adding that he only wanted to know which streets are priorities and “I take offense to your comments.” DeMaria fired back, maintaining that $3 million is necessary to strengthen Everett’s infrastructure. “We need to have the appropriate funds in place,” he said. “I find the councilman to be very disrespectful.” Chief Financial Officer Eric Demas said the money would be put into a 20-year bond that would be paid back at approximately $150,000 per year. Demas also said time is of the essence given the uncertainty of the New England construction season. “It’s absolutely critical that you guys pass this tonight in one form or another,” he said, adding that the council approved $3 million last year. Councillor-at-Large Peter Napolitano urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the $3 million, saying the city’s infrastructure will only continue to decay if projects are postponed. “As bad as it is, it’s going to look a hell of a lot worse,” he said. Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese agreed with Napolitano. “Three million in construction is not a lot of money,” he said. “The road work that has to be done is astronomical; there’s no end to it. Pass the three; we’re going to use the money.” Residents seem lax about virus In other news, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone said 50 to 60 percent of residents are either not wearing masks or are wearing them incorrectly, thus risking the spread of COVID-19. “I think a lot of people have dropped their guard thinking that we’re through this,” he said. “We’re far from City looking to fill empty board and commission seats T he City of Everett is actively looking for members to fill vacancies on 11 boards and commissions. Members of the boards and commissions serve the community on a volunteer basis and provide advice and recommendations to Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the City Council regarding programs, activities and issues related to their mission and purpose. The openings include: • Department of Public Works Commission: 1. • Licensing Board: 1. • Council on Aging: 3. • Disability Commission: 2. • Election Commission: 1. • Historical Commission: 1. • Traffic Commission: 2: Each ward must have a representative; missing wards 3 and 4. • Youth Commission: 2. • Library Commission: 3. • Board of Appeals: 2 Alterthrough this. This is a very potent virus – we need to wear masks.” Budget deficit DeMaria said there is currently an $8 million shortfall in the city’s budget for fiscal year 2021. However, he said his objective is to have the budget level-funded without raising taxes as it remains unclear how many businesses will rebound from COVID-19. Parkway racing The council will alert the Everett and State Police about the motorcycles racing along Revere Beach Parkway and the adjacent side streets. “For the last month-and-ahalf, there’s been excessive motorcycle racing,” said Napolitano, adding that the greatest activity happens around 2 a.m. “They zoom across the side streets; they also do some drag racing on the Parkway.” www.eight10barandgrille.com nates. • Cultural Council: 2. Those interested in applying are asked to submit a resume via email to Kevin.O'Donnell@ ci.everett.ma.us. Subject line: City of Everett Board – Name of Board to show interest. For more information about the boards, please visit the city government website at http:// www.cityofeverett.com/181/ Boards-Commissions. We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! Jon E. Norton: Leading a Life of Giving to Community “Older adults want to be happy living in their own home. I give to Mystic Valley Elder Services because people want to be at home when they receive care!” exclaimed Jon E. Norton. Mr. Norton has served on the Mystic Valley Elder Services Board of Directors for the past two decades. He is a firm believer in the importance of care options and personal choice for older adults and adults living with disabilities. “Home care is very, very important. Getting the right help and good help makes it possible for people to stay in their homes as they grow older,” shares Mr. Norton. The City of Everett has always been “home” to Mr. Norton. He was raised in Everett and made Jon E. Norton certain that his mother, as she grew older, could remain in Everett in an accessible condominium with the care she needed until her death. So, when Norton was asked to serve on the Mystic Valley Elder Services Board by Mayor David Ragucci of Everett in 2000, Mr. Norton readily agreed. He continues to generously give his time and donations to this day – “I want to know what I can do to help people. I think my role as a Board Member and as a donor can ensure that older adults will get the care they need and be taken care of the right way.” Mr. Norton is someone who has led a life of giving to others. He influenced the lives of many 4th, 5th and 6th graders through his 35year career as a public elementary school teacher, first in Burlington and then Melrose. This was followed by his career of public service for the City of Everett, serving as Chairman of the Conservation Commission for many years. He continues to serve on this commission, having proudly never missed a meeting. He also served as Everett’s City Recycling Coordinator for years. When asked about the future, Mr. Norton said that he believes donors know that Mystic Valley Elder Services does important work that must continue. He also shared that legacy giving is definitely very important for donors to consider.

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