A contentious public safety measure was ruled out of order by the City Council at Monday’s meeting without receiving any discussion.
Last week, several councillors had submitted an order requesting an investigation into enforcement of the state’s 10-mile residency law, which mandates that all police, fire and EMS employees live within 10 miles of their workplace. The order emerged from findings during budget deliberations that revealed numerous personnel residing beyond the 10-mile requirement. Given the Boston Marathon bombing and Chelsea’s record of significant fires, the Council had indicated interest in examining this issue’s ramifications. Historically, enforcement of the state law was rigorous, though it has grown increasingly lenient across the state in recent years due to improved communications technology and expanded mutual aid agreements. Emergency ‘call backs’ for public safety workers have also become uncommon.
Initially, a substantial Council majority expressed willingness to revisit stricter enforcement of the state law—the order specified that any personnel living outside the 10-mile zone would need to relocate within six months or face dismissal.
By Monday evening, the Council’s sentiment had shifted dramatically. Rather than referring the measure to committee, eight councillors voted to rule it out of order and prevent any discussion.
Three councillors—Joe Perlatonda, Leo Robinson and Giovanni Recupero—voted to preserve the measure and refer it to Committee on Conference for additional examination.
According to numerous accounts, the reversal resulted from an intensive behind-the-scenes advocacy effort.