The Everett City Council approved an ordinance at its Oct. 11 meeting that will ban animal testing in the City of Everett.
The issue of animal testing for research purposes had arisen after there had been much public discussion about a science research center being built on the site at Suffolk Downs which is situated in both Revere and East Boston. The Revere City Council voted in August to reduce the Biosafety Level (BSL) from BSL-3 to BSL-2 at the center and create restrictions on the testing of certain types of animals.
The Everett City Council approved the ban-on-animal- testing ordinance with Councillors Stephanie Martins, Vivian Nguyen, Al Lattanzi, Rich Dell Isola, Wayne Matewsky, John Hanlon, and Darren Costa voting in favor of the ban. Councillors Michael Marchese and Stephanie Smith voted against the ordinance.
Everett resident Katy Rogers was a strong supporter of approving the measure to ban animal testing in the city.
“After I learned about the life science center being proposed in Revere, I knew it was a possibility Animal Testing would come to Everett,” said Rogers. “I recently spoke with developers about their intentions to build lab spaces in Everett, and they were transparent about this possibility. In this case, I knew it was important for legislation to be established as a preventative measure, rather than going against developers one-on- one. I commend Councillors Stephanie Martins and Al Lattanzi for their lead on this piece, with the support of Vivian Nguyen, Wayne Matewsky, and Darren Costa.”
Following are the remarks of Katy Rogers at the City Council meeting:
“I believe it is in Everett’s best interests to strictly prohibit any and all animal testing and experimentation in our city. As our community grows, it is important to establish legislation to close any loopholes which could negatively impact the quality of life for Everett residents.
In Everett, there are currently no measures to prevent animal testing. Revere residents have recently been blindsided by the development of an animal testing facility in their community. Chelsea may be facing the same dilemma. Recent developments in Everett include plans for unspecified lab spaces. We have come this far in transforming our community away from an intoxicated wasteland to an accessible waterfront where nature has begun to flourish. Let us not allow our city to continue to be tainted in the name of private interests.
Let us recollect in 2016, when more than 1,800 Everett residents petitioned against a proposed slaughterhouse. We are a three-square-mile city with waterfront property that has been untouchable for decades. It is not in our best interest to allow animal testing anywhere.
Some of my most successful peers who graduated alongside me at Everett High School studied computer sciences and technology. This summer, an Everett High School student received an internship at Lincoln Labs which employs more than 700,000 people in cyber security. There is certainly room for lab spaces in Everett that do not include animal testing and provide lucrative opportunities in professions relevant to our students. By taking preventative measures, we are not inhibiting any existing plans to develop lab spaces, we are setting a standard. Everett should strive to be a city of innovation and that does not include animal testing.
Furthermore, I believe it is important that we continue to maintain public and free access to any developments connecting to our waterway and standardize solar energy in future developments throughout the city.
Thank you for your consideration.”
Following are the motions of the regular meeting of the City Council Tuesday, October 11:
Public Hearings
1. C0408-22 Public Hearing/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
A free petition, in accordance with Section 8-1 of the Everett City Charter, requesting a five year moratorium on new housing developments in the City of Everett greater than 3-families and strict enforcement of current city ordinances regarding building and conversion of 1, 2 and 3 family properties
Public Hearing Held, And Several People Spoke In Favor Of This Petition, & No One Spoke Against This Petition
Referred To The City Solicitor With A Response By The Next Meeting
2. C0410-22 Public Hearing/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
A petition from National Grid requesting to install underground conduit from Tyler Street to Hoyt Street
Public Hearing Held, And No One Spoke For Or Against This Petition
Passed
Public Participation:
Stephanie Hanlon, Maria Bussell, Stacia Gorgone, Laurie Stathopolous, Katy Rogers, Beverly Leonard, Paula Sterite, Carole Pollastrone, Holly Garcia, Peggy Serino, John Puopolo
Approval Of Minutes Of The Previous Meeting
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 09/12/2022
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 09/26/2022
Communications From His Honor The Mayor
3. C0418-22 Order/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
A petition requesting a special one-day beer & wine beverage license to Everett Crimson Tide Pop Warner for a fundraising event occurring on October 22, 2022 from 4:00pm – 9:00pm at Sacramone Park.
Passed
4. C0420-22 Order/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
An order requesting the transfer of $1,741,943 for paying the costs of the replacement of the Webster School Building Roof with said transfer being funded as explained in the attached documents
Suspended Rule 13, Passed
5. C0429-22 Petition/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
A petition for a special one day license to serve beer & wine at the City of Everett’s Fiesta Del Rio to be held on October 15, 2022, at Glendale Park
Passed
6. C0432-22 Order/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
An order requesting the acceptance of a donation from Village Bar & Grill of 3 kegs of beer, valued at $600.00, to the City of Everett’s Fiesta Del Rio to be held on October 15, 2022.
Passed
Petitions And Licenses
7. C0419-22 Petition/s/ Councilor John F. Hanlon, as President
A petition requesting the renewal of the following licenses for All Checks Cashed Inc. at 1998 Revere Beach Parkway: second hand dealers’, antique and precious metals
Passed
Committee Reports
8. C0233-22 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
An ordinance establishing Paid Family Medical Leave for municipal employees in the City of Everett
Enrolled
9. C0387-22 Ordinance/s/ Councilors: Stephanie Martins, Councilor Alfred Lattanzi, Darren Costa, Wayne Matewsky, Vivian Nguyen
An ordinance banning animal testing in the City of Everett
Enrolled
10. C0400-22 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
An ordinance amending Section 4-5 (Affordable Housing Linkage Fees) Subsections (d)(4)b. Transition Rules & (d)(7)a. Collection of Linkage Fees
Enrolled
Unfinished Business
11. C0271-22 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
An ordinance adding a new section 3-35 (Emergency Animal Control Calls)
Ordained
12. C0362-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
That the Administration provide the cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing the Wellness Center vs. keeping it in-house as well as the breakdown of the current contract [e.g. approx. how many people are outsourced today, what are the job responsibilities of these outsourced personnel, number of free offerings (if any), the detailed cost breakdown of the $340K (invoices if possible), the return of funds (if any) Everett is getting due to the hours being reduced 15 hours per week from the contract, and any activities the city is subsidizing]
Postponed, Referred To The Mayor’s Office For A Written Response
13. C0366-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
That a representative of the Youth Commission come before the City Council at the first meeting in October to provide an update on the mission, goals and activities planned for the Fall of 2022.
Postponed
14. C0385-22 Resolution/s/ Councilors: Richard J. Dell Isola, Jr., Darren Costa, Michael Marchese
That a representative from the Everett Housing Authority appear at the next City Council meeting to discuss concerns from residents about Glendale Towers.
Referred Back To Sponsor
15. C0401-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That a representative from Anser and the administration appear at the next meeting to describe the ARPA approval process, Anser contract and services, committee members, and next outreach steps.
Postponed, Referred To Mayor’s Office & Anser To Report Back At The Next Meeting
16. C0402-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That the new Director of Veteran Affairs appear at the next meeting to discuss current Veteran programs in Everett.
Referred To The Veterans Director
17. C0404-22 Resolution/s/ Councilors: Richard J. Dell Isola, Jr., Stephanie Martins, Michael Marchese, Al Lattanzi
That a representative from the Engineering Department explain why the sidewalk was widened down on Norman Street, taking away much needed parking in that area.
Postponed
18. C0414-22 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
An ordinance amending section D Effective Date on the Ordinance Banning Plastic Bags in the City of Everett
Ordained
19. C0416-22 Order/s/ Councilor Darren M. Costa, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
An order requesting and recommending that the City Council have a voice and a vote on the allocations of the $47,191,952 in ARPA grants accepted by the City Council at its September 13, 2021 regular meeting
Referred To City Solicitor
New Business
20. C0421-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That a representative from Community Development appear at the next meeting to give an update on enhanced crosswalks on Revere Beach Parkway
Referred To Senator Didomenico & D.c.r. For Action
21. C0422-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That representatives of the Planning & Development & Engineering departments appear at the next meeting to discuss the need to repave Paris Street.
Referred To Community Development & Dpw For Action
22. C0423-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith
A resolution requesting that the Mayor’s Office provide any available information for this meeting (feasibility studies, cost estimates, tax impacts, etc.) on retaining Pope John for usage as a middle school (grades 7 and 8)
Referred To Mayor’s Office & School Administration To Come To An Agreement On The Price To Renovate Pope John And Report Back To The Council At The Next Meeting
23. C0424-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That Sergeant Gaff appear at the next GOPS meeting to discuss parking and visibility after the widening of the sidewalks on Nichols Street.
Amended To Add Councilor Smith As A Sponsor, Referred To Government Operations Committee
24. C0425-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky
That speed control measures be added at the intersection of Chelsea Street and Everett Avenue.
Referred To The Traffic Commission For Action
25. C0426-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That the Planning Board send a list of developments with required inclusionary zoning, the number of units, and the current stage of development, and consider adding a section to our website making that information and lottery application process for each development accessible to our residents.
Referred Totheaffordable Housing Coordinator For Action
26. C0427-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That the administration consider using ARPA funds or other funding from vacant positions to create a Small Business Development position.
Referred To The Mayor’s Office To Consider Adding This Position
27. C0428-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins
That Human Resources provide a list of open positions and advertising/posting/interview status
Referred To The Mayor’s Office For A Written Response Back To The Council
28. C0434-22 Resolution/s/ Councilors: Stephanie V. Smith, Michael Marchese
That the Administration sends out an RFP of the parcel located at 888 Broadway in Everett, commonly known as the former Pope John High School, for the express purpose of renovating it as a school per the plans submitted by the School Administration
Amended To State Administration Draft A Request For Proposal, Referred To Administration To Give An Update On The Rfp If It Has Been Drafted And Put Out To Bid And Report Back At The First Meeting In November
29. C0435-22 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Michael K. Marchese
That the Administration puts $10MM of the ARPA funds towards the renovation of the parcel located at 888 Broadway in Everett, commonly known as the former Pope John High School, for the express purpose of renovating it as a school
Amended To Use $20 Million Dollars Of Arpa Funds. Further Amended To Add Councilor Costa As A Sponsor, Referred To The Mayor’s Office
Adjournment:11:58pm