THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023 Page 3 City Council approves $675K transfer to cover winter treatment deficit, various depts. By Barbara Taormina A fter approving more than $11 million in loans for necessary sewer system improvements, the City Council voted to approve $675,757 in spending from the city’s free cash or budget surplus from last year. The lion’s share of that money, $515,757, is for the snow and ice deficit. CFO Richard Viscay anticipated questions about a half million-dollar defi cit for the account during a winter when there wasn’t much snow. “There were a lot of ice events,” said Viscay, adding that much of the money was for sand, salt and overtime. Viscay also explained that the city needed to pay for the storage of DPW equipment while construction for the new DPW facility on Charger Street is underway. “We didn’t have any place to store equipment,” said Viscay. Councillors transferred $160,000 from free cash to the Fire Department’s auto maintenance account. Viscay said the money would be used to pay for signifi cant mechanical problems with fi re equipment. Councillors also voted to transfer $1,100,994 from the Water/Sewer retained earnings fund to the Water/Sewer Enterprise fund. The council also approved the transfer of $225,000 from the overlay surplus account to the comprehensive survey acCity celebrates Pride Month with City Hall flag raising ceremony By Barbara Taormina discrimination.” R evere marked the start of Pride Month on June 1 with cotton candy, oranges and the raising of the Pride fl ag at City Hall. The fl ag raising ceremony was organized by Councillor-atLarge Steven Morabito and City Hall staff . Organizers assembled a panel of elected offi cials and LGBTQIA advocates to share personal and political comments about the meaning of the fl ag and their support for the LGBTQIA community. “Pride month is a time when we come together to recognize diversity, equality and acceptance for all,” said Morabito, who, as master of ceremonies, introduced fellow Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo and Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe. “Pride month is a reminder our remarkable diversity is a gift,” said Rizzo. “Also, it’s a time we celebrate the progress that’s been made protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community,” said Rizzo, adding that it’s also a time to reaffi rm the commitment to protecting those rights. Keefe spoke about change that the community needs to accept and understand. “The way Revere has evolved to be a more open and inclusive environment makes me proud to be a Revere resident,” said Keefe, adding that Revere residents raise their families with the right values and tolerance. Like other speakers, State Rep. Jessica Giannino praised Morabito for bringing events like the pride fl ag raising to Revere and for being a role model for young gay residents. “This fl ag is a beacon of love, acceptance and unity,” said Giannino. “We refl ect on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQAI community. But it’s not just a celebration. The fi ght for equality is far from over. We are standing up against any form of Giannino said the Pride flag should serve as a reminder that everyone is free to love and be loved. “Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes Revere beautiful,” she said. State Senator Lydia Edwards echoed Giannino’s comments about remaining vigilant against all forms of discrimination. “I’m excited to promote Pride and use it as a reminder for everyone to have respect and love for one another,” she said. Revere resident Jesús García Mota, a community organizer for the Latino community, spoke about the need to ensure equitable opportunities. “We need to be kind to each other and embrace our diversity,” he said. “We need to dedicate ourselves to the mission of acceptance.” Revere Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erica Porzio called Pride Month a celebracount and the Assessor’s Revaluation Account. The $75,000 for the Assessors is to assist with the valuation of some of the larger properties and projects in the city. The remaining $150,000 would be used to conduct a comprehensive survey of salaries, benefi ts and job descriptions of all City of Revere employees. According to Viscay, the survey would provide a solid, detailed document for the new mayor for the next round of collective bargaining. $2.95 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 tion of history. “It’s a time for us to honor the courageous resistance, resilience and fearlessness of those who fought tirelessly for the equal rights of all,” said Porzio. But Porzio said the fi ght is “still on.” “Living your truth is still very much a diffi cult feat in this world,” she said, adding that gay youth face bullying and harassment every day. “We deserve to have our truth; we deserve to be our authentic selves.” Dallas Ducar of Transhealth spoke briefl y about the challenges of providing primary and gender affi rming healthcare to those in need. With temperatures hitting close to 90 degrees on City Hall Plaza, it was a relief when Morabito led a countdown to the raising of the Pride fl ag. With the city’s fourth annual Pride fl ag raising, the Pride celebration moves from an event to an established Revere tradition. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
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