Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 27, 2023 City Council denies amending the city’s administrative code to organize a Cemetery Commission By Tara Vocino T he City Council voted 8-0 to deny amending the city’s administrative code to include the organization of a potentially paid, fi ve-member Cemetery Commission during Monday’s City Council public hearing at City Hall. 10% Off Senior Discount! SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Dennis at (857) 249-7882 for details. Some towns and cities have a Cemetery Commission in which its members are paid a stipend. Councillors and residents didn’t feel that amending the administrative code was necessary. Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins asked if the fi ve-member commission that was in operation in 1986 was paid. However, Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith, who voted against the language, made a motion to divide the question to determine if councillors were in favor of the change. If the change had passed, Chapter 2 of the revised ordinances of the city would have needed to be amended by ordinance to remove all responsibilities and transfer them to the upcoming commission, according to City Clerk Sergio Cornelio. The City Council has to act within 60 days of the administration submitting the code. Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon said the Department of Public Works handles the cemetery upkeep well. “Who is going to dig graves?” Hanlon asked. “Commissioners aren’t going to get out to cut grass.” The Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Erin Deveney, said Malden has a Cemetery Commission; however, many other communities with a commission that she researched fall under a town structure, such as Hubbardston, Gloucester, Salem, Belmont, Royalston, Phillipston, Taunton, Lowell, Greenfield, Woburn, Quincy, Medford, West Brookfi eld, Princeton and Lunenberg. Ward 6 Councillor Alfred Lattanzi, who is in favor of an unpaid commission, said he’s been volunteering on six commissions for the last 30 years, many of which were unpaid, because he wants to give back to the city. Deveney replied that it’s under the City Council’s authority to determine whether the commission would be a paid position. “We had conversations with young people who want to make the administration aware that fi nances may discourage people from wanting to apply,” Deveney said. “We like to encourage diff erent candidates to consider their time to the city.” Smith asked Deveney if there’s a cemetery superintendent. Deveney said that there is, and they’re not deviating from city services, who are already assigned there. The commission would act in an advisory role to set rates while the Department of Public Works would handle the care and maintenance of graves. Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky said the city needs a commission. He said veterans have to be buried in Winchendon, Bourne or Gardner. “Seventy dollars a month to pay members isn’t a lot – to me – to pay someone who has the title of a commissioner,” Matewsky said. Ward 3 Councillor Darren Costa, who is in favor of a commission, said more specifi c language, such as hiring people with experience in that fi eld, is important. Smith agreed. “I put people serving the city with little or no pay at a higher threshold of scrutiny,” Costa said. “As Councillor Lattanzi does a passion project, which I appreciate.” ~ Calendar of Events at the Everett Public Libraries ~ January 30– February 4, 2023 Broadway Office Space For Lease Parlin Adults and Teens Meditation: Parlin Tower Room; Tuesday, January 31, at 12:15 p.m. and Thursday, February 2, at 12:15 p.m. Take a quick lunch break. Reduce your stress, with Nurse Joanne. Please call 617-394-2300 if you have any questions. No registration required. Parlin Book Group: Monday, January 30, at 6:00 p.m.; Parlin Meeting Room and via Zoom! We will read and discuss Barbara Kingsolver’s “Unsheltered,” a timely meditation on the cost, and benefi ts, of change. 18+. For the Zoom link, call Kathleen at 617-3942300 or send an email (slipp@ noblenet.org) – or join us in person! Bingo! Parlin Meeting Prime Broadway Location, 1,500 Sq. Ft. with conference Room, Lobby/Waiting Area, and Kitchen. Ideal for Law or Tax Office. Call Matt at (617) 699-0887 Room; Wednesday, February 1, at 1:00 p.m. Can’t get enough Bingo? Join us for our Bingo afternoon! Prizes awarded. We have space for 12 people. Please join us. If you have any questions, call 617-394-2300. Chess Club: Parlin Fireplace Room; Wednesday, February 1, from 3- 5 p.m. Play, learn and practice chess at our club meetings every other Wednesday. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Call 617-394-2300 with any questions. No registration required. Thursday Night Movies! Parlin Meeting Room; Thursday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and hot chocolate provided by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Join us for a showing of the classic teen rom-com “Clueless” (PG-13). Parlin Children Storytime with Vera: Tuesday, January 31, at 12 p.m.; in English or Portuguese by request. Visit the Parlin Library Children’s Room to attend! Suggested ages: two to six. Can’t make it on Tuesday? Catch Vera again on Thursday, February 2, at 12 p.m. in the Shute Children’s Room. Storytime and Singalong: Parlin Toddler Play Area; Wednesday, February 1, at 11 a.m. Come to the Parlin Library and listen to picture books, sing songs, dance around and more. Suggested ages: two to six. Friday Family Movie Night! Parlin Meeting Room; February 3 from 3-5 p.m., we will be watching “Shrek 2.” Break out the popcorn! Come and watch movies with your friends and family.
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