Boston City Council Regular Meeting – May 13, 2026

The Boston City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:11 PM in the Christopher Iannella Chamber, with President Breadon presiding. Eleven councilors were present; Councilor Coletta Zapata was absent. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Joseph Musset of First Haitian Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Two presentations were made: one celebrating Haitian Heritage Month (including the Haitian national anthem performed by the IFC Band) and a second supporting a resolution opposing internet censorship legislation, featuring testimony from Evan Greer, Director of Fight for the Future. The council approved the minutes of the May 6 meeting and then proceeded through a lengthy agenda of grant acceptances, collective bargaining agreements, hearings, resolutions, and other business.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (Docket #1011–1029) was adopted by unanimous voice vote, including resolutions recognizing community organizations, individuals, and memorials.
• Routine approvals of minutes and placement of various reports on file were also handled without objection.

Discussion Items

• Section 17F Oversight Dispute: Councilors Murphy and Flynn moved to adjourn the regular order to address unanswered Section 17F information requests. The motion failed on a roll call vote of 2–10 (Flynn and Murphy in favor; 10 opposed; Coletta Zapata not present).
• Grant Acceptances: Over a dozen grant acceptances were considered, most passed under suspension of the rules with unanimous 12–0 votes. Notable grants included:
  • $30 million for the Inclusionary Development Policy Fund (Docket #0968) – referred to committee.
  • $12.57 million for 2026 FIFA World Cup security (Docket #0969) – referred.
  • $1.07 million for the Shannon Community Safety Initiative (Docket #0970) – referred.
  • Various grants for cultural programs, violence prevention, senior meals, and equipment – many passed unanimously.
• Police Collective Bargaining Agreements: Dockets #0909–0912, covering FY26 contract increases for the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society and its Superior Officers Unit (2% base wage increase, updated hazardous duty pay, and sick time buyback or paid detail changes). All four orders passed unanimously (12–0).
• FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Budget: Dockets #0733–0740 and #0756 (Parkman Fund) remained in the Ways and Means Committee. Councilor Weber provided an update on six committee hearings, noting a $444,000 increase in the Police Department budget and a $7.9 million increase for the Fire Department, among other details.
• School Bus Violation Detection Ordinance (Docket #0998): Councilors Pepén and Fitzgerald introduced an ordinance to enforce school bus stop-arm violations using camera technology. Referred to the Government Operations Committee.
• Hearing Orders on Gun Violence (Docket #0999), Mental Health Crisis Response Training (Docket #1000), and Community-Based Mental Health Crisis Pilot (Docket #1001): All three orders were referred to the appropriate committees after sponsors added co-sponsors.
• Section 17F Requests (Dockets #1002 and #1003): Councilor Flynn’s orders requesting information on commissioner employment contracts and zoning board denials for parking relief were passed unanimously.
• Resolution for In-Person City Work (Docket #1004): Councilor Flynn’s resolution urging a return to in-person work for a minimum of four days per week was adopted on an 11–1–1 vote (Councilor Breadon present; one not present).
• White Stadium Construction Pause Resolution (Docket #1005): Councilor Mejia’s resolution calling for a temporary halt on vertical construction pending SJC review was debated. Councilor Worrell offered a friendly amendment, which was accepted. The amended resolution was then referred to the Committee on Labor and Economic Development.
• African American Military Veterans Day (Docket #1006): Unanimously adopted (12–0).
• Opposition to Internet Censorship Legislation (Docket #1007): Resolution opposing federal/state bills that would restrict online resources for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized groups was adopted by voice vote.
• Haitian Heritage Month Resolution (Docket #1008): Unanimously adopted.
• Support for the Ride Safe Act (Docket #1009): Resolution supporting state legislation to regulate e‑bikes, mopeds, and scooters was adopted unanimously (12–0).
• Personnel Orders (Docket #1010): Temporary appointment of Natalie Terese Poftak to the City Council passed without objection.
• Confirmation of Christopher Osgood to BWSC (Docket #0623): Councilor Flynn moved to confirm the appointment without a hearing; passed by voice vote.
• BHA Elevator Safety Commission Resolution (Docket #0307): Councilor Flynn’s motion to bring the resolution from committee to the floor failed on a 6–6 tie (Councilor Coletta Zapata absent).

Key Outcomes

• Motion to adjourn for 17F compliance – defeated (2–10).
• Grant acceptances – All grants that were voted on passed, most unanimously. Several (IDP Fund, World Cup security, Shannon grant, firefighter equipment, recycling program) were referred to committees for further review.
• Police collective bargaining agreements – All four orders (Dockets #0909–0912) passed unanimously (12–0).
• Resolution for in-person work – Adopted 11–1–1 (Breadon present).
• White Stadium pause resolution – Amended and referred to committee; not adopted as originally filed.
• Confirmation of Christopher Osgood – Confirmed by voice vote.
• BHA Elevator Safety resolution – Failed to advance from committee (6–6 tie).
• All other resolutions (African American veterans, internet censorship, Haitian Heritage, Ride Safe Act) were adopted unanimously or by voice vote.
• Next meeting – Scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 3:46 PM in memory of Maria DiGirolamo Dello Russo, Hazel T. Williams, Joyce King, Mr. Regan, and Reverend Franklin Murray.