Highlights this week…
- Zoning & Planning …reviewing budgets for Planning, Community Preservation Act, Inspectional Services
- Programs & Services …reviewing budgets for City Clerk, City Solicitor, Health & Human Services, Older Adult Services
- Public Safety & Transportation ..reviewing budgets for Fire and Police
- Public Facilities Committee …considering almost $6.5 million in Free Cash expenditures, including snow and ice expenses and three feasibility projects ($1.25 million each):
- Newton South High School
- Police Headquarters and Training
- Ward and/or Underwood Elementary Schools
City Council
City Council will meet on Monday. The Reports Docket includes:
- Grants:
- $28,092.79 from the Executive Office of Public Safety and the Department of Fire Services for rescue equipment
- $14,000 from the National Environmental Health Association for food safety inspection equipment and training
- $31,460 from MassDEP’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Program for three dual-port charging stations at 60 Elliot Street
- Appointment of Karen F. Munro as Chief Procurement Officer
- Acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and external audit reports for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
- Ordinance amendment to reorganize Purchasing Department under Financial Services
- Authorization to submit FY27 Annual Action Plan to HUD for Newton’s CDBG, ESG, and WestMetro HOME Consortium funds
- Appeal of Traffic Council Decision as amended: parking restrictions extended on both sides of Holly Road near Beacon Street
- Parking restriction on the north side of Berwick Road, May 1 through October 31
- No Action Necessary:
- Discussion on improving compliance for violations of street sweeping regulations in Nonantum
There is no New Docket this week.
FY27 Budget Reviews: City Council committees are reviewing aspects of these proposals by the Mayor:
- FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Plan
- FY2027–FY2031 Supplemental Capital Improvement Plan
- FY2027 Municipal/School Operating Budget
City Council’s Budget Calendar (see calendar)
- May 5: Zoning & Planning: Planning, Community Preservation Act, Inspectional Services
- May 6: Programs & Services: City Clerk, Veterans, City Solicitor, Health & Human Services, Older Adult Services
- May 7: Public Safety & Transportation: Fire, Police
- May 11: Finance: Assessing, Financial Services, Executive/Sustainability, Human Resources
- May 13: Public Facilities: Public Buildings
- May 14: Programs & Services: Information Technology, Museum, Library, Culture & Arts, Parks & Recreation
Zoning & Planning Committee will meet Tuesday regarding:
- Department budget discussions: Inspectional Services, Planning & Development, CPA Administration
Programs & Services Committee will meet Wednesday regarding:
- Appropriations from Certified Free Cash
- $325,000 for NPS science curriculum
- $500,000 for Full Day Kindergarten Aides
- Department budget discussions: City Clerk, City Solicitor, Health & Human Services, Older Adult Services
Public Facilities Committee will meet Wednesday (virtual) regarding:
- Appointment of Emily Prenner to the Design Review Committee
- Appropriations from Free Cash:
- $2,319,875 for snow and ice expenditures
- $1,250,000 for Newton South High School feasibility design phase
- $1,250,000 for Police Headquarters and Training Facility feasibility design phase
- $1,250,000 for Ward and/or Underwood Elementary Schools feasibility design phase
- $345,697.55 for intersection improvements at North Street and Crafts Street
- $63,573.42 for security cameras at Underwood Elementary School
- Other Appropriations:
- $880,125 from Inclement Weather Reserve Funds or snow and ice expenditures
- $142,370 from Energy Stabilization Fund for LED Lighting Project at Day Middle School
- Public hearing on request for relocation of drain easement at 129 Rowe Street
- Repurpose $833,948.85 for Burr School roof
- Repurpose $500,000 for multiple small projects at NPS
- $52,000 grant from MassDEP Sustainable Materials Recovery Program for waste diversion
Public Safety & Transportation Committee will meet Thursday regarding:
- Department budget discussions: Police, Fire
- Appropriations:
- $1,000,000 from Certified Free Cash for SCBA Harnesses
- $75,000 from Certified Free Cash for Jaws of Life
School Committee
School Committee is not scheduled to meet this week.
School Councils meeting this week:
- Newton North High School Council on Monday
- Bigelow Middle School Council on Tuesday
Boards and Commissions
City Librarian Search – Preliminary Screening will meet Monday in Executive Session to review applicants for the City Librarian position.
Planning & Development Board will meet Monday regarding:
- Subdivision plan at 132 Homer Street and 60 & 61 Chapin Road
- Site Plan Review of proposed 4.5-story, 26-unit multi-family dwelling and Special Permit for restricted end stalls and reduced aisle widths in the parking facility at 19 Highland Avenue, Newtonville
- Zoning Ordinance change to allow raised beds in the front and rear setback under certain conditions
Youth Commission will meet Monday regarding:
- Debrief SparkShare Storytelling Summit
- Debrief April 28 Newton Civic Spotlight
- Discuss May 18 YCAB Celebration
- Discuss Annual Report to the City Council & Department Updates
Dangerous/Nuisance Dog Complaint Hearing will be held Wednesday at City Hall, Room 211, regarding a complaint involving a dog named T-Rex.
Conservation Commission will meet on Wednesday regarding these wetlands decisions:
- Kennard Boardwalk replacement at 0 Dudley Road Off
- Fence in Flood Zone, tree cutting, planting at 176 Dedham Street
- Minor change to planting plan to address fence in unapproved location at 152 Suffolk Road
WestMetro HOME Consortium will meet on Thursday regarding:
- Budget Update
- Fair Housing Testing Program Year 3
- Update on SAVE Program
- HOME Final Rule
- FY27 Annual Action Plan: Budget Update, Timeline
- HEROs and Environmental Reviews
- FY26 Subrecipient Agreements Update
- Monitoring Update
Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council will meet on Thursday regarding:
- Village Enhancement Project: Zoning, general discussion
- Village Day
- Route 9 over Green Line bridge project
- Village parking district
Farm Commission will meet Thursday regarding:
- Introduction of Laila Bravo
- NCF Staffing for 2026 Season
- Farm & Field Operations
- Farm Programming & Events
- Buildings, Grounds, and Infrastructure Status & Issues
- Update Farm Commission Vacancies
Newtonville Historic District Commission will meet Thursday regarding a request for Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish and rebuild the rear deck at 168 Walnut Street.
Other
Notice of Property Takings: The City has posted a notice of tax takings for 21 parcels scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 10AM.
This week’s road construction schedule.
