THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024 Page 5 By Barbara Taormina Better Late Than…Late The City Council had the chance to voice their displeasure with National Grid and the company’s failure to tend to double utility poles and low hanging wires. Keith Amelin, representing National Grid at this week’s council meeting, off ered his explanation that the utility company frequently offers — it’s someone else’s fault. Amerlin said poles identifi ed for removal are being held up because they hold traffi c and street signs, signals, street lights and equipment from cable company providers. Amerlin said there is a need for better communication with the Public Works Department, which would be responsible for transferring any city signs. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya was doubtful and suggested that there must be a way to make other companies remove signs and equipment faster so poles can be removed. Amerlin said National Grid is in the process of hiring a manager to oversee pole placement and to develop a system to remove extra poles. New Pump Station Loan The City Council approved a $3 million loan order for the construction of a pump station and drainage improvements. CFO Richard Viscay said the new construction is part of the city’s continued eff orts to stay current with Revere’s consent decree by the Dept. of Justice. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said she is in support of the loan, adding that pump stations are essential in managing fl oods and sewerage and they work to protect Revere homeowners. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna agreed but added that the city needs to open fl ood gates and work pump stations. McKenna said that many times during storms equipment is not activated. She suggested more manpower is needed to protect property. The Cost of Composting Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo and Guarino-Sawaya touted their joint motion for a pilot composting program in Revere. Councillors spoke about the reduction in waste going to landfills and incinerators and the subsequent reduction in water and air pollution. Composting would reduce the city’s solid waste stream by 30 percent. According to Guarino-Sawaya, composting is part of an overall waste management plan that will help the city reach sustainability goals and save millions and millions of dollars in the process. Not all councilors agreed. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said he wants to know what the costs of the program will be. Jaramillo called for $25,000 in mitigation money and from the general fund to pay for a curbside collection of leaves, food scraps and other organic materials. Zambuto said he would support the pilot program but added, “I want numbers and to see the facts and fi gures.” Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley agreed and proposed sending the composting motion to the council’s Ways and Means subcommittee to give councillors a clearer idea on the costs and savings of the composting program. The council voted to send the motion to the Ways and Means Subcommittee over Jaramillo’s objection. Saving Should Be Easy. Everett Bank’s 24-Month CD Makes It Simple. Get a worry-free 5.0% APY 24-Month CD, the perfect EverettBank.com to open an account online today! There’s Every Bank. Then There’s *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the Member FDIC | Member DIF ~ CIT Y COUNCIL ROUNDUP ~ Final Budget Vote City CFO Richard Viscay asked the council for approval of the FY2025 City Budget submitted by Mayor Patrick Keefe. City Council President Anthony Cogliandro was ready to go through the budget department by department to allow councillors the opportunity to call for cuts or changes. But the councillors declined, saying they had been through enough department presentations and numbers. They agreed to vote once on the entire budget, which they approved “This is a responsible budget,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto. “There are no reasons for cuts. My fear is the next budget and the budget after that.” Council Appointments The council approved Mayor Patrick Keefe’s appointment of Danielle Nordenberg to the Public Arts Commission. Nordenberg attended the council meeting and shared highlights from her extensive resume of work in the arts. The council also confi rmed the appointment of Diana Ayala to the Library Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the subcommittee. The council also approved a residency waiver for Anthony Gulizia to serve as assistant superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department. Liquor Licenses for Suffolk Downs The staff from the Planning and Development offi ce asked the council for their support in petitioning the state legislature to allow Revere to surpass the quota on licenses for all-alcohol beverages not to be consumed on premises. The request was for the council to show their good faith intent and support for the economic development of Suffolk Downs. The change is aimed at allowing businesses, such as Trader Joe’s, which carries wine, to lease space at Suff olk Downs. “I don’t have a problem with this,” said Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna. “I want to see Suff olk Downs fl ourish and this is one of the best ways to do it,” she said. According to Planning Department staff , the council voting their approval to send the request to the state legislature, which will not be in session, will turn letters of intent into leases. Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri wanted to ensure that the newly licensed businesses would not threaten existing package store businesses in the area. Mayor Patrick Keefe said that wasn’t the intent and that the city is making sure that HYM is fulfi lling the commitment to bring national, high-end brands to the area without excluding local businesses. No Fireworks in Revere The City Council supported Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna’s motion that Constituent Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Services issue a reverse 911 call to all residents reminding them that fi reworks are illegal in Mass., and that fi reworks are a fi re hazard due to the close proximity of homes in the city. McKenna said the motion originated with former City Councillor Richard Serino after Fourth of July revelers left a mess of used fi reworks in the St. Mary’s parking lot. In addition to being a fire hazard, McKenna said, fi reworks pose a problem for veterans suff ering with PTSD. Request for Slash Pad Councillors praised a motion from Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas calling on the Planning and Development Department to assess the proper location for the installation of a splash pad and to investigate grant opportunities to pay for it. Haas said it would provide an opportunity for physical activity for residents and help build community. City Council Portraits The City Council approved a motion from Councillor-atLarge Anthony Zambuto that CCR | SEE Page 8
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