Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 6 PM

Agenda 2 items

1. 1.
   22-2077 Committee Minutes Approved

   Approval of the Charter Review Special Committee Minutes of December 7, 2022.

   Roll call: 11 aye

   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Kristen StrezoAye
   • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
   • Jesse ClinganAye
   • Ben Ewen-CampenAye
   • Lance L. DavisAye
   • Beatriz Gomez Mouakad Aye
   • Charlotte KellyAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Jake WilsonAye

   • 📎 Minutes - Charter Review - 12-7-22 Full
2. 2.
   22-1520 Officer's Communication Kept in committee

   Charter Review Committee conveying its recommendations and proposed Charter text.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Calibri;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\f0\fs24 The Chair noted that the discussion is best focused on intent, and can later address the specifics of how to get there and what can be adjusted based on the likelihood of approval. \par Chair Scott noted that the section of the Charter for discussion was Elections, with five sub-topics.\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sa200\sl276\slmult1 1.\tab Expand Voting Rights to Non-Citizen Residents\par 2.\tab Expand Voting Rights to 16- and 17-Year-Old Residents\par 3.\tab Reducing Signature Requirements for Several Elected Offices\par 4.\tab Establish a Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee\par 5.\tab Establish a Public Financing of Municipal Campaigns Study Committee\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1 The topic of expansion of voting rights to non-citizens was discussed first. Councilor Kelly expressed strong support but noted that this has already been put before the legislature with no movement. Director Sahni shared that Home Rule Petitions are often filed after the deadlines but he is not aware of any specific steps the legislature has taken. Councilor Burnley also emphasized support and asked about whether the Secretary of State\rquote s Office will accept the result if it is passed. Director Salerno has shared the information with the state but has not been informed about any specific steps. He added that he does not envision a problem with voter lists. Councilor Burnley stressed that these items are important and represent the city\rquote s values. Councilor Gomez Mouakad inquired about potential barriers to voter registration and Jessica Lieberman noted that there will need to be a strong focus on communication to affected residents and policies around implementation, but there were no specific barriers that the Committee identified. Councilor McLaughlin also conveyed strong support coupled with skepticism that it would pass at the state level, as many Home Rule Petitions have not. \par \ul\i Chair Scott moved to support the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on expanding voting rights to non-citizen residents. The motion was approved. \par \ulnone\i0 On expanding voting rights to 16- and 17-year residents, Councilor Davis noted that the Home Rule Petition will be re-submitted to the City Council and again transmitted to the legislature. \par \ul\i Councilor Davis moved to support the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on expanding voting rights to 16- and 17-year old residents. The motion was approved. \par \ulnone\i0 The topic of reducing signature requirements was discussed next. The reductions would be by 50 for all offices except Mayor. The requirement to live in the Ward for a Ward seat is still present, but the seat is not vacated if they move during the term. Councilor Strezo disagreed with the change, sharing that working for the signatures demonstrates a devotion to the community. Jessica Lieberman shared the intent, which is that the act of running for office in itself demonstrates a commitment. The work will still be necessary in order to win election. This early part of the process felt arbitrary and that it would not improve the quality of the candidates. Councilor Gomez Mouakad added that this will help the city elect people who are more representative of different perspectives in the community and they may not know the process well enough to focus on signatures. Councilor Kelly asked about the rationale to increase the term limit for the Mayor without increasing the signature requirement. Jessica Lieberman noted that the requirement seemed appropriate for the office, regardless of term, the two were separate issues. Councilor Kelly added that many additional signatures are typically collected and supported the change. Councilor Pineda Neufeld shared that she also supported the change, and any barriers to service. Councilor McLaughlin also supported the changes and added that the work will be done on the campaign trail. Councilor Burnley recognized the spirit of Councilor Strezo\rquote s concern but emphasized that a more equitable government is more important and he supported these reductions. Councilor Wilson agreed about lowering barriers to running for office and added that ranked choice voting is a great solution to the possibility that this may lead to more preliminary elections. Councilor Ewen-Campen noted that incumbency is a strength and challengers are good for democracy and should be encouraged. Chair Scott \par \ul\i Councilor Burnley moved to support the recommended language by the Charter Review Committee on reducing signature requirements for several elected officials. The motion was approved. \par \ulnone\i0 Chair Scott noted that the recommendation to establish a Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee would not be included in the Charter language, but would be a requirement if the Charter is adopted. Councilor Burnley asked how this would be implemented and Beverly Schwartz noted that it would require state approval but there is precedent in other Massachusetts municipalities. Stephen McGoldrick clarified that it would require a Special Act - a Home Rule Petition would be submitted to affect the change. \par Councilor Kelly expressed concern about the composition of various study committees, noting that while staff are excellent, they are representatives of the administration with no corresponding representatives of the City Council. Councilor McLaughlin agreed that this is a good idea, referencing the Charter Review Committee on which he served. Councilor Ewen-Campen and Councilor Clingan agreed. \par \ul\i Councilor Kelly moved to add language to the Charter that the City Council President or designee and School Committee Chair or designee be included in the composition of all study committees. The motion was approved. \ulnone\i0\par The final topic discussed was establishment of a Public Financing of Municipal Campaigns Study Committee. Similar to the previous item, this would not be part of the Charter language but would be a requirement if the Charter is adopted. Councilors Burnley and Wilson expressed strong support. Councilor Gomez Mouakad emphasized that this also would be valuable to empower more diverse participation and representation. \par Councilor Ewen-Campen asked about whether municipal elections could be moved to coincide with federal elections. Commissioner Salerno shared that the state has previously said no to this request, but he is uncertain whether that is a law and will research further. \f1\fs22\par \pard\cf1\f0\fs24\par }

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