The Public Safety & Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June 3. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Semi-annual public auto inspections — 5-0 (Councilor Greenberg not voting). Seven companies with one vehicle each were inspected and passed. Renewals will be mailed in September for re-inspection at the December meeting.
- Appropriation of $225,000 from June 30, 2025 Certified Free Cash for Police firearm equipment replacement — 5-0 (Councilor Greenberg not voting). Chief Cohoon explained that the department’s current firearms are near end-of-life. The appropriation will replace .40 caliber weapons with 9mm weapons and add reflex sighting systems and mounted lights to improve target identification and officer safety, aligning the department with current law enforcement best practices.
- Appropriation of $105,000 from June 30, 2025 Certified Free Cash to support the Police Department — 5-0 (Councilor Greenberg not voting). Funds will support five initiatives: $30,000 for modernized recruitment efforts; $30,000 for continuation of the Blue Voice AI platform for law enforcement operations; $20,000 to streamline hiring under the Civil Service alternative local hiring register; $15,000 to send officers to a Use of Force Seminar; and $10,000 for an independent audit of the evidence and property function.
No Action Necessary
- Endorsement of MA Legislature Bill H3754 to authorize traffic cameras — 6-0. The committee heard from State Representatives Greg Schwartz and Amy Sangiolo, Police Chief Timothy Cohoon, and a representative of MassBike. The bill would allow municipalities to opt into a program using automated road safety cameras for red-light, right-on-red, speeding, and intersection-blocking violations. Chief Cohoon expressed concerns about removal of officer discretion, loss of collateral public-safety yield from traffic stops, and owner-based liability. Chair Lucas suggested the committee consider a resolution or letter supporting the bill.
Present: Councilors Lucas (Chair), Greenberg, Block, Irish, Roche, and Silber.
Absent: Councilors Golden and Wright.
Also present: Councilors Leary and Gordon.
City staff: Sergeant Jason Schlegel and Chief Timothy Cohoon, Newton Police Department.