Meeting May 6, 2026

Jim Stapleton & Amanda Gomez co-chairs of SOAP

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.

MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR April 1, 2026 IN ATTENDANCE:: Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee, David Lynch, Brendan Weeks BFD, Derek Salamone BPD, Win Farwell, Sam Audi Bassam, Jeff Smith, Al Davis, Jim Stapleton, Chief Brenda Perez, Phil Nessralla, Dan Trout, Vincent Colarusso, Ken Galligan, retired BFD chief, Senator Mike Brady, Amanda Gomez, Jay McLaughlin. Scott opened with Old Business. Greg announced Treasurer report. Greg updated Snow Clock plans to beautify for the summer with plantings. Brendan Weeks report: new recruits coming in and recent fires have been well-managed and extinguished. Chief of Police spoke: traffic control one on days, two on afternoons, full funding has been secured to address the homeless issue with all aspects of bettering their situations. 2 ordinances: needles and “gas station heroin” items sold that are not illegal but very dangerous in bottle and tablet form 7OH/Kratom being proposed. Avon mutual aid aligned with their Chief Bukunt to provide support at D.W. Field Park spots. Win Farwell Councilor at Large: Division of Local Services letter from Dept. of Revenue warning Brockton of serious financial problems here. World Cup event brings up residents renting space to attendees. Brendan said this is a potentially dangerous situation where fire risk is a possibility, $150 city permit and inspection would be new ordinance to rent private spaces. Fireworks illegal in streets and parking issues examples of what could happen. Ken Galligan as current president spoke about Brockton Historical Society. Founded 1969, current location since 1970, membership has dwindled in recent years. Financial woes as well. Lots of history there but lack of interest threatens its future. The house and fire museum are located there, former shoe industry history was very important but now collections have been moved to Stonehill College. Pictures from George’s Café have been donated to the museum. All old Enterprise newpapers bound there to peruse full articles to over 100 years old. The iconic Christo’s podium, Carney family furniture, many local artifacts there Dave Lynch commented. Ken’s love of Brockton drives him to volunteer there and try to preserve history. Motion to donate $200 to Brockton Historical Society. Jim Stapleton offered donation and also proposed to have a July fundraiser at Enzo gallery. Greg gave a shout out for Ken. Open 1st and 3rd Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Mike Brady said he hopes the people do not vote to reduce the income tax to 4% because it could be devastating to Brockton. He said to reach out if you want help. Desalination plant purchase proposal (Aquaria), MWRA, surrounding towns needing water help, all brought up. Win Farwell brought up City residents need a right to vote on water purchases per state statute. 5 million gallons per day currently and this plant needs updating. State can’t waste savings because we don’t know the future; there have been many federal cutbacks on funding. Legislation to be filed to monitor marijuana levels at dispensaries and hemp product sales at gas stations. Several attendees asked about the revenue from tax on marijuana sales. Win said it can be about 3.5 million a year into the general fund. Greg contacted DCR whose funding now cannot provide trees; Greg will keep us updated. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Date: April 1, 2026 meeting at Tinray's 6 PM Guest Speakers : Ret. Brockton Fire Chief Ken Galligan Brockton Historical Society & DA Tim Cruz might make it.

Help Shape the Future of Food in Our Region - Survey Closing Soon! The City of Brockton has partnered with Old Colony Planning Council, Plymouth County, Marion Institite, and others across our region to develop a Food System Action Plan for Plymouth County—and we need your input. Residents, farmers, food-related businesses, and community organizations are invited to take a short 5–10 minute survey to help identify priorities and guide practical actions for the next 5 to 10 years. The project will help communities like Brockton better understand local food needs and identify ways to support local food production, strengthen food-related businesses, improve access to food, and prepare for supply disruptions and extreme weather. The survey is anonymous, and you may skip any questions you prefer not to answer. Please take a few minutes to share your perspective and help build a stronger, more connected local food system for our region. Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ourlocalfood The survey is open through March 22. Every response helps shape the plan.

MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR March 4, 2026 IN ATTENDANCE:Scott Dwyer President now 70 years young, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee, Richard Gowell, David Lynch, Brendan Weeks BFD, Derek Salamone BPD, Jack Lally Ward 6, Dan Trout, Al Davis, Vincent Colarusso, Bill Forte, Jesse Ford of DQ, Bill Hogan city history, RFCU Francia Monteiro, Shirley Asack Ward 7, Mayor Moises Rodrigues and his contingency of assistants, Phil Nessralla, Councilor at Large Jeff Charnel, Djidji Monteiro, Adelino and Procopio Pires. Scott opened with Old Business. Greg announced Treasurer report. Bill Forte hiring 2 code enforcers out of 5 applicants. Jim Doucette health enforcer noted. Quadrants will be divided in city and we should see significant difference in the next 3 months. DPW and Refuse departments brought up issues with snow clearance. Shirley Asack…announced traffic division meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday March 5th at Arnone School regarding Angelo and Raymond Schools. Cleaned up North Main St. to free extra lanes. Refuse barrels still out in street beyond snowbanks and not picked up. Shirley and Mayor Moises will address. Jack said the equipment is having maintenance done. Dave Lynch said you can’t suck a mattress into equipment and expect it to work. State level needs to be lobbied about the contracts that the municipalities have to offer to get more contractors to sign on. Mayor spoke that residents need to respect the travel ban and cooperate. A city can impose a travel ban and enforce it with a $500 fine. Future reference! The state did send extra help because Mayor screamed at Boston (good!) And lots of contractors cannot sign on because of the CITY requirement of Brockton, New Bedford and Fall River that require too much liability insurance for the contractors. State is being requested to continue on all numbered routes to plow fully, not stop and turn around. Public Safety new building not done yet although it has been dedicated already. Piping infrastructure example to update and new 2-way traffic should be introduced. School and state funding confusion and Mayor trying to navigate the responsibility and negotiations. Speak up about real issues that can be corrected within reason. Nonprofits have been put on notice to be a part of solving the homeless issue, not just the same old situation. City Hall to be open to 7 p.m. on Wednesday nights all departments. Cemetery department will add one more person and Mayor agrees that it will take time to get practical about the operation. Also there are sadly some people on injury for an unreasonable time span, one for close to 40 years in the warm sunny state of Florida. Bill Forte said Inspectional Services will deal with any private property issues and DPW deals with public property issues (dumping, refuse, etc.) George DePina, Jim Doucette and 2 new hires coming soon. He announced housekeeping internal and function issues and revamping with an open door policy. Restrictive zoning and development changes will be made to improve investment in Brockton. He is hoping to make a noticeable and positive impact. Phil commended Bill’s momentum thus far and noted that commerce and business will hopefully be interested in coming to Brockton. All positions are now full-time. Online permitting will be implemented will aid in efficiency all-around. Greg said online payments for city hall should be implemented. Mayor said Health and Human Services concept is that more than one person should be able to access and process needs so important functions are not delayed. Councilor at Large Jeff Charnel thanked all and used a train concept for us to move forward together or get off! Use jcharnel@cobma.us and speak up. Dave said Lynch’s Towing did their best to follow the city directive to tow whomever city hall said. Bill Hogan said he knows Brockton history and is using Lowell as an example of involving history in tribute with modern life. He is well-versed in maps both current and historical. Bill is designing a parkway trail plan from Howard St. bridge to Plain St. bridge and gave a trove of information regarding the sewer city taking of 1892 with D.W. Field. The ‘Fighting Flynns” family of Augustine St. had 7 sons serving in WW2 and one in Korea, one died in WW2. Bill asked about some kind of plaque or monument in the North Side. Greg suggested maybe 7 banners in Montello along North Main St. for the brothers. Mayor said perhaps Station 1 could be a future museum and convert the land use on Pearl St. current fire museum to be an active fire station. Bill said some of the space at the main Brockton Public Library could be repurposed on the upper floors. Mayor said the facility is underutilized. Greg brought up the possibility of a historical commission to be appointed by the Mayor. Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

Date: March 4, 2026 meeting 6P.M. at Tinrays.  Montello Business Association congratulates the New Mayor of Brockton Moises Rodriques . His promises on crime, clean streets, and promoting businesses has set him apart from the other candidates. We are looking forward to his leadership to bring Brockton Back to a city that is proud and worthy to shop, walk and feel safe.

All are welcome. ....

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