Monday evening brought the City Council back into session with a special organizational meeting, followed by action on the year’s opening business items.
As anticipated, Damali Vidot secured a second term as council president through a Council vote. Luis Tejada, the District 2 Councillor, was elected vice president, while Yamir Rodriguez was chosen as the Council’s School Committee delegate.
“I want to thank all my colleague’s for
entrusting me with one more year as president,” said Vidot. She holds the distinction of being the first female councillor to serve two consecutive terms as council president.
Looking ahead, Vidot expressed her commitment to fostering unity and respect among council members throughout the coming year.
The Council unanimously moved forward with approving funding for new contracts covering the City’s two police unions.
These agreements provide retroactive salary increases of 2.5 percent for FY17, 3 percent for FY18 and FY19, with an additional 3 percent increase scheduled for FY20 and a further 1 percent increase effective Jan. 1, 2020.
Among the contract provisions is a residency requirement for all new Police Department hires.
The Council also voted to approve an amended residency ordinance applying to police, fire, and civil service employees.
Under this ordinance, current Chelsea residents hired by the city must remain residents for five years following their hire date. Those not residing in Chelsea at the time of hire are given six months to establish residency in the city.
Councillor-At-Large Leo Robinson was the sole dissenting vote on the amended ordinance, citing scenarios such as an employee needing to care for ill parents as potential hardships that might prevent relocation.
•The public comment section of the meeting featured several visitors expressing gratitude to the Council.
Members of the Chelsea High senior class came forward to thank the council for its decision to fund a $170,000 turf field cover for the new high school field.
This investment will enable the senior class and future classes to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies.
“We’ve put so much hard work into this, and
everything that has happened has been amazing,” said Senior Class President Jocelyn Poste.
Poste and fellow seniors presented the Council with a signed letter of appreciation and requested that council members sign a proclamation recognizing both the students’ and the Council’s collaborative efforts in bringing the turf field cover project to fruition.