MAYOR’S UPDATE
Sept. 27, 2021
Mayor Donna D. Holaday
City Council Agenda
Ordinances
Municipal Facility Reports and Municipal Building Procurement: these ordinances are important as we track and document energy uses in municipal and school buildings. I appreciate the input and review during the Planning and Development subcommittee meeting and encourage your support.
Transfers: We have completed collective bargaining negotiations with Teamsters Union Local 170 on the Department Head contract. The highlights of the contract are in your packet as well as the transfer needed to fund the contract for FY22. I look forward to the City Council’s review and will join your Budget & Finance meeting along with the Teamsters Business Agent and our Department Heads.
CPA Funding for the YWCA at Hillside: It was a good decision to hold this project in committee for further review given the outstanding questions raised at your last Council meeting. Budget & Finance was able to review the project status and terms with David Hall, Hillside developer and with John Feehan, Executive Director of YWCA. Additional stipulations were developed as a result of the meeting and appeared agreeable to the parties. I would ask that one modification be made to item #5 where the Newburyport Affordable Housing Trust also be notified when a vacancy occurs. We need more affordable housing in our city and I urge you to support the funding request for $50,000.
Plum Island Utility Fund: As you are aware the situation in the Reservation Terrace area is in a dire situation with the total loss of the primary dune. This occurred after the jetties were rebuilt and the omission of the spur or addition of a weir to allow sand movement through the jetty, are believed to be the factor that caused this severe erosion. Despite seven years of efforts to get Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to address this ongoing crisis on their property, it took a change in administration to work directly with the city to find a solution. Once it was clear the dredge of the Merrimack River would have to be rebid in the Spring of 2022 due to the receipt of only one bid nearly 50% over projected costs, we had to advocate for the short-term protection of wood pilings and coir bags to place protection for our water system, road and homes. The State has allocated $400,000 for this project and requested a match of $100,000. This funding is identified from the Plum Island Utility fund established after successfully securing $5.5M in a settlement for the issues with the water and sewer installation. This funding is identified to protect the water and sewer infrastructure and there is a strong nexus here. Finally, there are very rigid restrictions on types of solutions permittable as well as timelines when projects may occur both in the river and on the beach. The Short Term Protection is fully permitted and upon approval of the match this evening, SumCo will order the needed materials tomorrow and begin to mobilize this important effort. I am asking for your affirmative vote this evening.
Orders:
Street Crossing Beacons (RRFB): The Safe Streets grant had a surplus and with the Senate earmark in the FY22 State Budget, the city was able to purchase 4 additional RRFBs. This order is for installation at the crosswalk at the entrance to the Senior Community Center and Bresnahan School. This is another area that is difficult for crossing especially with young children and we have received several complaints about safety here.
Market Landing Park Expansion: Thank you to all who have provided input to Sasaki, the ad hoc waterfront committee and Planning Department on the conceptual design for the Mark Landing Park. The outstanding decisions appear to be in the finalization of the ways to the water, Unicorn and Central Wharf Way and the rail trail access through the central waterfront. Approval of the conceptual plan is in your packets tonight and we look forward to further feedback as we work towards a final conceptual design.
General Government:
Indigenous People’s Day: The request to change from Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day was generated initially by the students at the River Valley Charter School and followed by the research and support by the Unitarian Universalist Church and our DEI Alliance. General Government held two meetings to review and the sponsor Councilor Shand will update during committee reports. My thanks to all residents and students who spoke in support of this change.
Other:
Global property: A public Hearing on the Global land on the corner of State St. and High St. is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12th at 6:30 p.m.; confirmation will be forthcoming.
Storm Surge & Sea Level Rise: We will be meeting this week with GEI and the coastal engineer to discuss the status of the bulkhead project and how to address the future need for elevation while addressing the immediate degradation of the structure.
Rapid Recovery Grant: City and Chamber staff met last week with Ezra Green, our consultant on status of our economic recovery plan. We are working on developing actionable, well-developed projects that reflect Covid-19 recovery needs, community priorities, available resources and incentives, and capacity to implement at a local level. There will be more information coming shortly.
Plummer Springs Bridge: I will be meeting with the Town Manager of West Newbury later this week to update a new MOU for our joint efforts to renovate this bridge. We are hoping that additional infrastructure funding will be available to assist in the cost escalation.
Mayor Gayden W. Morrill Charitable Foundation: Our annual meeting was held last week to present this years’ park beautification projects. Status reports were presented on last year’s funding and projects. Once the Trustees vote on the projects to approve this year, documentation will be presented to the City Council.
Mayors meeting with Gov. Baker: MMA Mayors hosted Gov. Baker last week with positive reports on State revenues, highest balance in State stabilization fund and the ability to increase c.70 school funding by $220M. Vaccination rates have reached 99% for 1 dose for those 65 and older; 5.2M fully vaccinated and low hospitalization rates. State is awaiting more details on federal vaccine mandate for employers with over 100 staff. Four hearings have been held on State ARPA funds with two more scheduled- focus is on housing, environment and infrastructure. There is still time to send testimony to state in support of the $400M funding:
- Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, House Chair Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Rep. Daniel Hunt, House Chair House Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight
- Sen. Cindy Friedman, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Ways and Means
International Institute of New England (IINE): Presented during a remote meeting on immigration and the status of Afghan evacuees coming to Massachusetts. 49,000 Afghans are already in the US with 40% being processed at army bases and being assigned to resettlement agencies. Here they are receiving temporary shelter, food, medical screenings & care (including COVID vaccines), and employment support. New arrivals have been temporarily halted due to a small outbreak of measles.
IINE is preparing to welcome 200 evacuees but they are only receiving a one time payment of $1,000 (at least for now). Previously evacuees were each given $1,000 per person in family that would extend for 6 months. There is a bill being filed with the legislature to provide $12M to assist in resettlement. The expectation is for an additional 1,000 evacuees across the six resettlement provider agencies.
Needs for these evacuees include: ESOL, work readiness, orientation, job placement, wrap-around services and legal services. Volunteer teams are being formed with IINE to include: airport pick up, homestays, sorting & packing home goods, apartment set up, group meals (at hotels), activities for kids (especially at hotels), ESOL tutoring, welcome dinners and welcome teams.
The greatest needs right now are financial donations and temporary housing (hopefully leading to permanent housing). Lowell is a priority community as 350 Afghans have relocated there since 2014 under Refugees & Special Immigration Visa (SIV). Humanitarian parolees can be here legally for 2 years.
Our interfaith community has been in contact with IINE and will provide additional information on status and ways to assist.