The Programs & Services Committee met on Wednesday, June 3. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Resolution declaring the City of Newton’s support for Newton’s transgender, gender diverse, and LGBTQIA+ community — 7-0. The resolution is intended to reaffirm the City’s support for transgender, gender-diverse, and LGBTQIA+ residents in response to challenges at the federal level. The resolution does not change any existing laws or policies but reiterates the City’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of all residents.Two amendments were suggested, one (which was accepted) to clarify that the survey results were based on “tallied surveys,” and the other (which was not accepted) to revise survey language to explicitly compare the experiences of transgender students with those of other students.
Held
- New resident welcome packet with information on city opportunities — 7-0. Chief of Staff Dana Hanson reported that the Mayor’s office is planning in-person newcomer welcome sessions and a possible resource fair for city nonprofits. The committee discussed digital resources, multilingual accessibility, and social media outreach. The item was held pending further development of the Mayor’s office plans.
- Update on leaf-blower landscaper registration and enforcement ordinance — 6-1 (Councilor Oliver opposed). The Committee received an update on enforcement of Newton’s landscaper registration and leaf-blower noise ordinance. Inspectional Services reported improved compliance in 2026, with fewer violations and suspensions than in previous years. Commissioner of Inspectional Services Anthony Ciccariello reported 280 registered landscapers so far in 2026, with 151 found compliant — an increase of 121 over 2025. There have been five suspensions in 2026, compared to 19 in 2025. The discussion focused on enforcement challenges, including limited staffing, delays caused by the suspension and appeals process, and whether fines would be more effective than suspensions. Councilors also discussed potential future changes to the ordinance, including possible refinements to improve enforcement and consideration of all-electric leaf blowers.
- Newton City Charter Review — 7-0. Discussion focused on the Charter Commission’s proposed changes to the comprehensive plan provisions including the respective roles of the Mayor, City Council, and Planning Board. There was debate over whether the Comprehensive Plan should be a guiding document or a controlling document and concerns expressed that the Charter Commission’s proposed “shall not be inconsistent with” language could invite litigation or constrain future zoning decisions. There was discussion of the requirement that a new mayor review, affirm, amend, or propose a new Comprehensive Plan within two years.There appeared to be support for preserving the City Council’s ability to originate amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and agreement with most of the Charter Commission’s housekeeping changes.
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie (Vice Chair), Oliver, Farrell, Charm, Bixby, and Baker.
Absent: Councilor Micley.
City staff: Anthony Ciccariello, Commissioner of Inspectional Services; Deb Finamore, Executive Administrator of Inspectional Services.