| Newton MA News and Politics BlogHere’s Amy Sangiolo’s digest of what’s happening in Newton government this week.   Happy Birthday Amy.

The latest announcements and updates…

Notable Events and Announcements

Birthday:  It’s my birthday today! YAY!!

Blue Ribbon Commission on Elected Official Compensation:

The City Council passed a resolution asking that the City Council President appoint a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine the salaries and benefits that Newton’s elected officials (the Mayor and members of the City Council and the School Committee) receive for their service and to make recommendations for future changes to those salaries and benefits.

In order to carry out the City Council’s resolution, President Laredo will be appointing a new Blue Ribbon Commission of between 9-15 members of the Newton community. The Commission will begin its work in January 2019, with the goal of having a report to the City Council by June 2019. It will meet once or twice a month, with meetings likely to be in the evenings.

For more information and instructions on how to be considered for appointment to this Commission, please click HERE.

Last Day to Register to Vote is Wednesday, October 17th!!  Go here to check your registration and register to vote.

Poll Workers Wanted

The City of Newton is looking for individuals who are:

  • Enthusiastic & Energetic
  • Passionate about Civic Involvement
  • Registered to vote in Massachusetts
  • Available to work:
    • October 22 – November 2: Early Voting Period
    • November 6: State Election

To work at various polling locations throughout the city.

Available positions include: Wardens, Clerks and Inspectors

If you are interested in working as a poll worker, please contact Karen Fallon at (617) 796-1205 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Download a PDF fillable Poll Worker Application here.

Early Voting is available for both Elections – State and Municipal 

Newton City Hall – 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
October 22 – 25, 2018, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
October 26, 2018, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
October 29 – November 1, 2018, 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
November 2, 2018, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Newton North High School – 457 Walnut Street
October 27 & 28, 2018, Noon  to 5:00 pm

Newton South High School – 140 Brandeis Road
October 27 & 28, 2018, Noon to 5:00 pm

Golda Meir House – 160 Stanton Avenue (Limited Parking)
October 24, 2018, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Lasell Village – 120 Seminary Avenue
October 25, 2018, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Coleman House – 677 Winchester Street
October 29, 2018, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Evans Park – 430 Centre Street
October 30, 2018, 9:00 am – Noon

Absentee Ballot Information Click Here

Polling Locations Click Here

Job Opportunities with the City of NewtonHere are some current employment opportunities with the City of Newton.  Here are current employment opportunities with the Newton Public Schools.

City Council Committee Reports – Now Available

Land Use Committee –  10/02/2018: The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following:

  • Request to Withdraw without Prejudice a request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a nine unit multi-family dwelling at 39 Herrick Road
  • Request to appropriate $3 million in CPA funds for a grant to the Newton Housing Authority to create Haywood House, a permanently affordable rental development consisting of 55 one-bedroom units for seniors at JFK Circle
  • Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan approval to allow reconfiguration of an existing tandem driveway to allow two side-by-side stalls within 5′ of a setback and within 5′ of a street on the corner lot at 27 Albion Street
  • Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan approval to construct side and rear additions to create an attached garage, accessory apartment, and additional living space exceeding FAR and extending the non-conforming 3.5 story structure at 58 Rochester Road
  • Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan approval to relocate an existing carriage house and attach it with a breezeway to a new multi-level principal structure addition, extending the non-conforming height and exceeding the FAR at 44 Ballard Street

All other items were held or postponed.

Programs and Services Committee – 10/03/2018:  The Programs and Services Committee voted to approve the following:

  • Re-appointment of Ouida Young as Acting City Solicitor until a permanent replacement is hired or until November 5th when the temporary appointment may be extended by the City Council
  • Extension of re-appointment of Ouida Young as Acting City Solicitor be further extended from November 5th until November 16th in order to align with her scheduled retirement
  • Resolution to reaffirm public accommodation non-discrimination laws

Public Facilities Committee – 10/03/2018:  The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following:

  • Appointment of Robert Hnasko to the Design Review Committee
  • Appointment of Tamar Warbug to the Designer Selection Committee
  • Appointment of Karen Slote to the Solid Waste Committee
  • Appointment of Steve Siegel to the Design Review Committee
  • Request to appropriate $800,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the replacement of the roof at the Crafts Street garage
  • Request to appropriate $500,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the installation of air conditioning units at the Carr School

The Committee voted No Action Necessary on a petition for a grant of location to install conduit in Moulton Street.

All other items were held.  Please note the report contains a detailed discussion of the Organics Pilot and Recycling IQ Program and a discussion with DPW regarding the steel workers lockout.

Public Safety and Transportation Committee – 10/03/2018:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted to approve the following:

  • Appeal of a Traffic Council decision to create a one-way on Derby Street from Waltham Street to Cherry Street westbound

The Committee voted No Action Necessary on a request for a discussion regarding the roll-out of Lime Bikes.

Land Use Committee Report – 10/09?2018:  The Land Use Committee met and voted to approve the following:

  • Request to Withdraw without Prejudice a Request for a Petition for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert an existing single-family dwelling to a three-story, six residential unit building with ground floor units, to construct a second three-story, three residential unit building with ground floor units and waivers of other requirements for property located at 424-434 Cherry Street
  • Request to amend a previously granted Special Permit/Site Plan to allow the addition of dormers to the attic level where 3.5 stories exist and 2.5 stories is allowed at 47 Lewis Street
  • Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to raise the roof of the existing 2.5 story house and add oversized front and rear dormers to the attic level and creating a third story where 2.5 is allowed at 63 Cherry Street
  • Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a multi-family development in a business district with more than 20,000 gross floor area, with a three-story structure 41′ in height containing a 12 unit dwelling with ground floor units and allow waivers of other requirements at 189-193 Adams Street/Quirk Court (See Letter opposing Adams Street petition – Cerqua  and Letter opposing Adams Street petition – French

All other items were held.  The report contains detailed notes on the Public Hearing regarding the Kesseler Woods petition and a Financial Analysis on Hancock Estates.

Zoning and Planning Committee Report – 10/10/2018:  The Zoning and Planning Committee met and voted to approve the following:

  • Request to appropriate $100,000 from Community Preservation Funds for professional services related to protection of open space at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway

The report can be found here.  The report contains committee review of Zoning Redesign discussion.

 

City Council Committee Meetings – Week of October 14th

Finance Committee: The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, October 15th at 6:45 p.m. (before the Full Council Meeting) in Room 211. The agenda includes the following:

  • Re-appointment of Jeffrey Silton as Constable for the City of Newton
  • Request for an appropriation of $3 Million from Community Preservation Funds to the Newton Housing Authority to create Haywood House – permanently affordable rental housing consisting of 55 one-bedroom units for seniors in a new building at JFK Circle
  • Request for an appropriation of $2.5 million from Community Preservation Funds for a grant to the Newton Housing Authority to create 42 one-bedroom units of permanently affordable rental housing for seniors in a new building at JFK Circle
  • Request for $100,000 from Community Preservation Funds for professional services related to the protection of open space at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway
  • Request to appropriate $500,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund installation of air conditioning units at Carr School
  • Request to appropriate $800,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund roof replacement at the Crafts Street Garage

Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following:

  • Appointment of Alissa Ocasio Guiliani as City Solicitor
  • 5 Appointments to the Newton Farm Commission- Lori Yarvis, Charles Reilly, James Harper, Michael Goldman, and Vaunita Schnell
  • Discussion and adoption of best practices, including a mandate to separate recyclables from trash and include recycling pick up to meet Massachusetts Waste ban regulations for private haulers doing business in Newton
  • Prohibition on polystyrene-based disposable food or beverage containers in the City of Newton if that packaging takes place on the premises of food establishments within the City

Public Facilities Committee:  The Pubic Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following:

  • Petition for a water main extension through a proposed utility easement in a private way off Farwell Street from the existing water main
  • Request for authorization to appropriate $500,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund a new wash bay at the Crafts Street garage
  • Request to appropriate $420,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the purchase 2 dump trucks for DPW
  • Request to appropriate $89,600 from the Storm Water Reserve Fund for consulting engineering services to perform the Phase 2 Dam Safety Engineering Evaluation for the Bullough’s Pond Dam
  • Request authorization to transfer $100,000 from Budget Reserve for the purpose of funding Phase 1 of 3 of Audible Pedestrian Signal Installation at all intersections throughout the City
  • Request authorization to accept, appropriate and expend $105,103 from the City’s FY18 allocation from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Fund to be used for concept design engineering services for complete streets design of the Wells Avenue – Nahanton Traffic Signalization Intersection Improvement Project
  • Request for public hearing on the recently completed Auburndale Square improvement project

Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th has been cancelled.  Notice of Cancellation can be found here.

City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of October 14th

Newton Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following:

  • Commissioner Reports on Programs, Forestry and Maintenance
  • Informational discussion on the Jackson Road/NHA proposal
  • Committee Reports:
    • Community Preservation Committee
    • Farm Commission – Election of Commission representative
    • Cabot Redesign Committee
    • Commonwealth Golf Course
    • Off-Leash Area Working Group
    • Crystal Lake Working Group
    • Athletic Fields Committee
    • NewCAL
    • Policy and Procedure Review
      • Field Naming
      • Sign Policy

Board of Licensing Commission:  The Board of Licensing Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 16th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.

Board of Assessor’s:  The Newton Board of Assessor’s will meet on Wednesday, October 17th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108.  The agenda can be found here.

Conservation Commission:  The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 2B at the Newton Free Library on a draft ordinance Wetlands Ordinance.  The Notice can be found here.

Crime Prevention Commission:  The Newton Crime Prevention Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. at the Newton Police Headquarters. The agenda can be found here.  Highlights for the three years ended June, 2012 can be found here and Programming Highlights for the Five Years ended June 2017 can be found here.

Urban Design Commission:  The Urban Design Commission will meet on Wednesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Planning Department’s Conference Room. The agenda includes the following:

  • Requests for Sign Permits for the following:
    • 959 Watertown Street – Newton Covenant Church
    • 20 Manet Road – Mt. Alvernia Academy
    • 1149 Washington Street – Eastern Insurance
    • 33 Boylston Street – The Street; Copious Row
    • 165 Needham Street – Newton Nexus; Stop & Shop
    • 271 Auburn Street – Dental Specialists Newton
    • 131 Needham Street – Newton Nexus; Sierra
    • 189 Watertown Street – CVS Pharmacy
    • 71 Needham Street – Beal Bank
    • 33 Boylston Street – Chilacates Mexican Street Food
    • 165 Needham Street – Ideal Image
  • Fence Appeal
    • 138 Berkeley Street
  • Design Review
    • 156 Oak Street – Northland Design Guidelines Review
    • 956 and 962 Walnut Street Design Review
  • Requests for Sign Review
    • 320 Needham Street –  Fusion Academy
    • 227 Washington Street – LC Kids Montessori

Financial Audit Advisory Committee – Accounting and Audit Sub-committee:  The Accounting and Audit Sub-committee of the Financial Audit Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. in Room 211. The agenda can be found here.

Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following requests for Certificate of Appropriateness:

  • Request to install a chimney cap at 41 Old Orchard Road
  • Request to install a railing system at 154 Beacon Street
  • Request to move electrical convertors and transformer at 100 Suffolk Road
  • Request to install a railing system, lights, vents, and condensers at 61 Gate House Road

Newton School Committee-Executive Session

The Newton School Committee will meet in Executive Session on Monday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. in Room 304.  The agenda includes the following:

  • Discuss strategy in preparation for Collective Bargaining with the Newton Teacher’s Association
  • Discuss complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual:
    • Open Meeting Law Violation Complaint filed by State Representative Steve Howitt
    • Petition filed and certified on 9/17/18
  • Discuss strategy with respect to litigation
    • Civil Matter:  r #18-2283, Koplan vs. Newton School Committee
    • Petition filed and certified on 9/17/18

 

Two Newton SEPAC Meetings

Newton SEPAC:  The Newton SEPAC will meet on Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 217 at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street.  The agenda can be found here.

Newton SEPAC Presentation:  The Newton SEPAC will hold a presentation on Anti-bullying on Thursday, October 18th at 7:15 p.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street. The Notice of Meeting can be found here.

 

Notice of Intent to Release Funds – Housing Rehabilitation and Development Program

Notice by the City to interested parties that projects under the Housing Rehabilitation and Development Program may require lead paint abatement.  The Notice can be found here

Notice by the Housing and Community Development Program of Release of Funds – $45,000 for minor improvements including repair and replacement of rotting wood and clapboards, sealing and repainting of the exterior at 102 Lyman Street  The Notice can be found here.

Development Review Team Meetings – Week of October 14th

The following potential development proposals/projects will be reviewed by the Development Review Team this week:

  • 1310 Centre Street -Special Permit/Administrative Site Plan Review to
    establish a for-profit school
  • 14 Emerald Street –  Potential Special Permit/Variance to exceed allowable lot
    coverage