Councillors have Light Agenda

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

The city council met Monday night for a short meeting, the first one since one of the councillors became the mayor-elect last week and a new father the week before.

Councillor-at-large and Mayor elect Brian Arrigo was walking on air, beaming as he made his way to his seat, shaking congratulatory hands.

Before the council began its business, Council President John Powers invited Arrigo to the podium to congratulate him and let him say a few words.

“The last two weeks have been a really humbling experience with the birth of my son and this,” Arrigo said. “I look forward to serving on the other side. It’s been a hard fought battle. It’s been an incredible year and I thank the council for its friendship.”

In other council business:

• A special permit was granted to Oxford Technical Services was granted a special permit for a maintenance and repair facility at 885 North Shore Road.
• A request from the mayor to reappoint John Collleran to the Resident Employment Monitoring Committee was sent to subcommittee.
• Council President John Powers submitted a motion to have the mayor request the MBTA to remove the dilapidated shed and clean the area next to the Central Fire Station. Powers cited a concern for rodents and the disgraceful look it gives the downtown business district.
• Powers also made a motion to direct the mayor to replace two and a half sidewalk panels on Hyde Street at the entrance to the Inspectional Services Department.
• Powers made another motion to have the mayor request that the DPW arrange to have the women’s room in the basement of City Hall painted, doors and walls repaired, and ceiling panels replaced.

“I was contacted by a female city employee who took me into the ladies room,” Powers said.

Councillor Arthur Guinasso asked how long he was in there.

“I was so astonished (at the condition) that I didn’t stay long,” Powers said.

Councillor Anthony Zambuto pointed out that some of the motions were “work orders”. He asked Powers if the council could request work orders before making them a motion.

“Work orders don’t get done,” Powers said.

Zambuto asked if the council could return to the rules of order.