May 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes
MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR May 6, 2026
IN ATTENDANCE:Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Fran Fistori, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee, Ed Awon, David Lynch, Chris Carlozzi from NFIB, Lori and Rich Gowell, Sam Audi Bassam, Dan Trout, Bill Forte, Chief Brenda Perez, Brendan Weeks BFD, Councilor Jack Lally, Al Davis, Matt Stanton for Jim Stapleton, Vincent Colarusso, Councilor Jeff Thompson.
Scott opened with Old Business. Greg announced Treasurer report.
Chris Carlozzi introduced, State Director of NFIB presented; they advocate for small business and have 5000 members in this state. He is a signer for the 4% tax (reduction bill) and 62F law which puts money back to taxpayers. Other issues NFIB watches: energy (look at your bills with many hidden fees), bills in the statehouse and senate, example: bill to limit takeout items from restaurants and bags for your purchases and involve fees and fines taxes, healthcare costs, labor costs and finding qualified help, captive audience bill to form unions in small businesses, they are a watchdog to keep an eye on labor-related issues all over the country, credit card fees in MA are not allowed to be surcharged to customers, (only state other than Connecticut to not allow), commission on legislative package to address this issue, unemployment tax rates skyrocketing due to COVID and too easy to qualify and collect too much for too long compared to all other states and fraud depleting our state trust fund WHICH we must now repay as employers. Website: NFIB.com/MA Chris said NFIB has meetings now directly Main Street Matters in cities and towns rather than having small business go to the statehouse for presentations. Affordability issues in Massachusetts: Mileage surcharges brought up, fees and surcharges are on your utility bills about 40%; lots of upcharges for health insurance as well due to state mandates, minimum wage bills outpricing tasks for teen/basic/summer jobs, timeoff bills for voting, summer Cape Cod issues with lack of employees, tip worker issues who want the system left alone. NFIB is the eyes and ears for small businesses in Massachusetts and all over the country.
Brenda Perez: moved communications center to new safety building, several local law entities moving over as well, regulation proposed limiting transfer of needles 1000 feet from schools and public property, cold case from Brockton solved, homeless, substance abuse and mental health programs are in the works. Greg asked why a business is not contacted when police know about property damage sustained.
Greg asked about calls to police not getting through; Chief said phone lines are in transition.
Bill Forte said 2 new hires of inspectors in addition to the 2 so each one has a quarter of the city to monitor. Inspectional services will have a webpage to announce their tasks, etc. FIFA worldcup soccer rentals will be inspected for safety. See Click Fix will be discontinued. Inspector hours 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be in line with serving the construction industry with inspectors out at 9 a.m.
Scott asked about a body shop with cars flowing out in the street on East Ashland St. and another one
under a bridge off Montello St. across from Woodward Spring with cars and boats blocking the city street.
Quality of life issue Jeff Thompson and Bill Forte mentioned new ordinances will be enforceable now and not grandfathered for these types of problems.
Jack Lally agreed with Jeff Thompson. Budget coming up for the City Council to approve for the city and the school department. No runaway trains of funds should be allowed. State Inspector General came to the last Council meeting and assessed the bad financial issues Brockton has allowed. The best possible people should be doing these important jobs and be accountable to the public.
Bill Forte: soccer complex update: neighbors complaining about dust, complex structure began, inspectional services keeping an eye on the progress. Private security will be provided by the complex and not burden the city. It is listed as a practice facility, not yet for games.
Matt Stanton promoted the South Middle School PAC for Jim Stapleton, announcing the upcoming gala and asking for support. Greg will forward the email to all from Montello Biz. Please consider it as a worthy local cause where students as young people want to do well and be a positive influence in this city. This program is unique to South Middle and is a role model to other parts of the city. It also is wonderful that the adults are so dedicated and the students want to be part of it.
Greg updated Snow Clock plans: replacing shield and spear with the cooperation of Tim Carpenter with the Parks Department. Plan presented to contribute $2875.00 with Waitt Funeral Home committing $2000 and Fran Fistori and David Lynch splitting the $875 to beautify the planting area with perennials needing less water and beautifying for the spring, summer and autumn. YAY! Thanks Dave and Fran!
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
