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By Greg Belcher June 12, 2025
MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR June 11th, 2025 IN ATTENDANCE: Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Councilor Phil Griffin, Derek Salamone BPD, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee Henrickson, Francia Monteiro representing new member Rockland Federal Credit Union, Moises Rodrigues with one more, Sam Audi Bassam, Lt. Paul Gurney PFD, Fran Fistori, David Lynch, Al Davis, Jeff Smith, Pires Brothers Adelino Pires and Procopie Pires and Manny Pires, Fred Fontaine, Councilor Shirley Asack, Atty. Phil Nessralla, Vinny Colarusso, Jeff Charnel candidate for Councilor at Large and resident of Ward 7, state Rep. Rita Mendes, Paul Stewart with one more from Home Café, Atty. Jay McLaughlin. See below added names invited to join and/or speak. Scott opened with Old Business, see last month posting. Greg announced Treasurer report. Discussion started about the Father Bill’s at former armory on West Chestnut St. Building completely redone for sheltering homeless. City reps said no local approval was needed for this project. Now the area is loaded with debris and trash. Note to self: reach out to state and national legislators about this. Guest speaker Moises Rodrigues Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor: He spoke about his past, 12 years in Brockton politics, graduated from Brockton High School in 1980, served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years. Served as interim Mayor for 7 months when Mayor Carpenter died unexpectedly. Montello has been special to him: connections to Cape Verdean Association and church. Business coming into Brockton is great idea but we need to support the existing businesses. Homeless population here is 60% from outside of this city. Shared some of his discussions with homeless: some choose to be homeless, not liking rules, not taking services offered. Brockton young students have to contend with walking to school passing the homeless, needles, trash. Tough love and making some discomfort might motivate some of them. Police have been told to leave them alone. DPW spends hours cleaning every day with the same result of debris and rubbish by the next day. Businesses are leaving the city because of this. Code enforcement here has only 2 officers. The nice guy attitude is not working; homeowners and businesses pay taxes; having a sewer system and gas utility available should be attractive to businesses. Monthly citizen advisory meetings for the public to attend and voice concerns should be implemented. First order of business: homeless issue, secondly Aquaria water backup plant was never purchased to gain control and make money, not waste money paying for nothing all these years; sewer expansion could possibly help the city as well. MWRA closest connection is Blue Hills in Canton. That option is not feasible. Moises spoke well and hopes to be successful in his quest to be mayor because he is dedicated to Brockton. He emphasized action over talk and having the numbers of people to band together to take action. David Lynch said cleanup of the city would help, street by street, agreed to by Moises. Brockton Community Development Officer Francia Monteiro spoke for Rockland Federal Credit Union. She is promoting its presence at Westgate Mall for in-person service and businesses banking options. State Rep. Rita Mendes reported on meetings with business owners with regards to immigration and the gathering/arrests/deportations and is open to answer questions, acknowledging that I.C.E. is a federal agency. Rita proposed a bill to adjust auto insurance premiums based on a new zipcode and calculations. She updated us that the representatives have to be in person at the statehouse; senators can still attend by zoom. David Lynch questioned selloffs of Salvation Army-owned parcels and what will be allowed on these properties. Shirley Asack has been working with debris and rubbish issues at Salvation Army, Westgate Lanes, and other properties at the Mall. Unfortunately the problem is continuous, lots of mattresses left on sidewalks all over. Tagging such items and placement liens on properties is being done. Dairy Queen did not get license for drive-thru. Jeff Charnel is chairman of the License Commission. It may be revisited in the future. Jeff Smith for D.A. office stated community court at Library hoping for September opening; resources will be available for rehabilitation close by; hoping it becomes a resource for more of the homeless as well. Community service component might help all around. BFD Paul Gurney spoke briefly, reflecting the department faces the same issues. BPD Derek Salamone said one academy graduate coming in and 5 or 6 more prospects, 14 potentials for August. 30% of department is 4 years or less, retirement barely balanced by new hires. One cruiser dedicated to writing tickets running out of ink. Citizens Police Academy graduated 20 to enlighten residents about the law enforcement process; trying to hold this once a year. Look for him on city police website as a resource. Motorcycle issue mentioned, all aware of the issue; focused intensive operations will hopefully help curb activity. Speaking of motorcycles, rumors of sale of police bikes will be investigated. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
By Greg Belcher June 9, 2025
Date: June 11th meeting at Tinray's 6 PM Gust Speakers : Moises Rodriques Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor and Francia Monteiro Rockland Federal Credit Union
By Greg Belcher May 30, 2025
Date: Meeting Changed from June 4th to Wed. June 11th at Tinray's 6 PM
By James Stapleton & Amanda Gomez May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Presented by DBA May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Greg Belcher May 15, 2025
Welcome New Member : Francia Monteiro - Community Development Officer
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EVENTS

By James Stapleton & Amanda Gomez May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Presented by DBA May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Greg Belcher May 3, 2025
Bye Bye Birdie May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Brockton High School Drama Club Spring Musical: Bye Bye Birdie Friday, May 16th at 7:30 pm Saturday, May 17th at 7:30 pm Sunday, May 18th at 6:00 pm Brockton High School Fine Arts Building, 470 Forest Avenue  Bernadette Werra :Phone Number: 5083264016 Email*:bwerra3@gmail.com Subject*: Brockton High Drama Club Message: Hi! My name is Bernadette and I’m from the Friends Committee of the BHS drama club and we are reaching out to business and community members to ask if they would like to sponsor this years musical Bye Bye Birdie. Sponsors will be listed in the musical’s program. Please reach out to me for further information or to obtain a sponsor form. Thank you and have a good day.
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MEETINGS

Guest Speaker Moise Rodriques candidate for Mayor


By Greg Belcher June 12, 2025
MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR June 11th, 2025 IN ATTENDANCE: Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Councilor Phil Griffin, Derek Salamone BPD, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee Henrickson, Francia Monteiro representing new member Rockland Federal Credit Union, Moises Rodrigues with one more, Sam Audi Bassam, Lt. Paul Gurney PFD, Fran Fistori, David Lynch, Al Davis, Jeff Smith, Pires Brothers Adelino Pires and Procopie Pires and Manny Pires, Fred Fontaine, Councilor Shirley Asack, Atty. Phil Nessralla, Vinny Colarusso, Jeff Charnel candidate for Councilor at Large and resident of Ward 7, state Rep. Rita Mendes, Paul Stewart with one more from Home Café, Atty. Jay McLaughlin. See below added names invited to join and/or speak. Scott opened with Old Business, see last month posting. Greg announced Treasurer report. Discussion started about the Father Bill’s at former armory on West Chestnut St. Building completely redone for sheltering homeless. City reps said no local approval was needed for this project. Now the area is loaded with debris and trash. Note to self: reach out to state and national legislators about this. Guest speaker Moises Rodrigues Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor: He spoke about his past, 12 years in Brockton politics, graduated from Brockton High School in 1980, served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years. Served as interim Mayor for 7 months when Mayor Carpenter died unexpectedly. Montello has been special to him: connections to Cape Verdean Association and church. Business coming into Brockton is great idea but we need to support the existing businesses. Homeless population here is 60% from outside of this city. Shared some of his discussions with homeless: some choose to be homeless, not liking rules, not taking services offered. Brockton young students have to contend with walking to school passing the homeless, needles, trash. Tough love and making some discomfort might motivate some of them. Police have been told to leave them alone. DPW spends hours cleaning every day with the same result of debris and rubbish by the next day. Businesses are leaving the city because of this. Code enforcement here has only 2 officers. The nice guy attitude is not working; homeowners and businesses pay taxes; having a sewer system and gas utility available should be attractive to businesses. Monthly citizen advisory meetings for the public to attend and voice concerns should be implemented. First order of business: homeless issue, secondly Aquaria water backup plant was never purchased to gain control and make money, not waste money paying for nothing all these years; sewer expansion could possibly help the city as well. MWRA closest connection is Blue Hills in Canton. That option is not feasible. Moises spoke well and hopes to be successful in his quest to be mayor because he is dedicated to Brockton. He emphasized action over talk and having the numbers of people to band together to take action. David Lynch said cleanup of the city would help, street by street, agreed to by Moises. Brockton Community Development Officer Francia Monteiro spoke for Rockland Federal Credit Union. She is promoting its presence at Westgate Mall for in-person service and businesses banking options. State Rep. Rita Mendes reported on meetings with business owners with regards to immigration and the gathering/arrests/deportations and is open to answer questions, acknowledging that I.C.E. is a federal agency. Rita proposed a bill to adjust auto insurance premiums based on a new zipcode and calculations. She updated us that the representatives have to be in person at the statehouse; senators can still attend by zoom. David Lynch questioned selloffs of Salvation Army-owned parcels and what will be allowed on these properties. Shirley Asack has been working with debris and rubbish issues at Salvation Army, Westgate Lanes, and other properties at the Mall. Unfortunately the problem is continuous, lots of mattresses left on sidewalks all over. Tagging such items and placement liens on properties is being done. Dairy Queen did not get license for drive-thru. Jeff Charnel is chairman of the License Commission. It may be revisited in the future. Jeff Smith for D.A. office stated community court at Library hoping for September opening; resources will be available for rehabilitation close by; hoping it becomes a resource for more of the homeless as well. Community service component might help all around. BFD Paul Gurney spoke briefly, reflecting the department faces the same issues. BPD Derek Salamone said one academy graduate coming in and 5 or 6 more prospects, 14 potentials for August. 30% of department is 4 years or less, retirement barely balanced by new hires. One cruiser dedicated to writing tickets running out of ink. Citizens Police Academy graduated 20 to enlighten residents about the law enforcement process; trying to hold this once a year. Look for him on city police website as a resource. Motorcycle issue mentioned, all aware of the issue; focused intensive operations will hopefully help curb activity. Speaking of motorcycles, rumors of sale of police bikes will be investigated. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
By Greg Belcher June 9, 2025
Date: June 11th meeting at Tinray's 6 PM Gust Speakers : Moises Rodriques Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor and Francia Monteiro Rockland Federal Credit Union
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Events


By James Stapleton & Amanda Gomez May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Presented by DBA May 22, 2025
Hello neighbor, 
By Greg Belcher May 3, 2025
Bye Bye Birdie May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Brockton High School Drama Club Spring Musical: Bye Bye Birdie Friday, May 16th at 7:30 pm Saturday, May 17th at 7:30 pm Sunday, May 18th at 6:00 pm Brockton High School Fine Arts Building, 470 Forest Avenue  Bernadette Werra :Phone Number: 5083264016 Email*:bwerra3@gmail.com Subject*: Brockton High Drama Club Message: Hi! My name is Bernadette and I’m from the Friends Committee of the BHS drama club and we are reaching out to business and community members to ask if they would like to sponsor this years musical Bye Bye Birdie. Sponsors will be listed in the musical’s program. Please reach out to me for further information or to obtain a sponsor form. Thank you and have a good day.
By Greg Belcher October 25, 2024
Thank You for Joining the 38th Annual Holiday Parade! Inbox Search for all messages with label Inbox Remove label Inbox from this conversation Courtney Henderson Mon, Oct 21, 10:15 AM (4 days ago) to Courtney, bcc: me Dear Participants, Thank you for confirming your participation in the 38th Annual Holiday Parade! We are thrilled to have you join us, whether you'll be walking or featuring a float this year. If you're receiving this email, it means you have confirmed your spot in the parade. For those planning to have a float, please note that the dimensions of the flatbed are approximately 20 feet long and 96 inches wide. Each float can safely accommodate 10 to 15 people, so please do not exceed this number. Additional participants are welcome to walk alongside the float. Flatbed reservations are on a first come, first served basis, so we encourage you to contact Lynch's Tow at (508) 586-7577 as soon as possible. When calling, simply mention that you're reserving a flatbed for the parade and arrange a time to decorate. Lynch's Tow is expecting your calls and is prepared to start taking reservations. There is no cost for reserving the flatbed, gas, or driver. The only expenses you’ll need to cover are any decorations you wish to add to your float and any items you plan to distribute to the crowd. We are looking forward to a fantastic parade and are excited to see your creativity shine! Best regards, Courtney -- Courtney Henderson Director of Immigration Affairs Office of Mayor Robert F. Sullivan Brockton City Hall 45 School Street Brockton, MA 02301 508-897-6812 She/Her/Hers
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Meetings


By Greg Belcher June 12, 2025
MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR June 11th, 2025 IN ATTENDANCE: Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Councilor Phil Griffin, Derek Salamone BPD, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee Henrickson, Francia Monteiro representing new member Rockland Federal Credit Union, Moises Rodrigues with one more, Sam Audi Bassam, Lt. Paul Gurney PFD, Fran Fistori, David Lynch, Al Davis, Jeff Smith, Pires Brothers Adelino Pires and Procopie Pires and Manny Pires, Fred Fontaine, Councilor Shirley Asack, Atty. Phil Nessralla, Vinny Colarusso, Jeff Charnel candidate for Councilor at Large and resident of Ward 7, state Rep. Rita Mendes, Paul Stewart with one more from Home Café, Atty. Jay McLaughlin. See below added names invited to join and/or speak. Scott opened with Old Business, see last month posting. Greg announced Treasurer report. Discussion started about the Father Bill’s at former armory on West Chestnut St. Building completely redone for sheltering homeless. City reps said no local approval was needed for this project. Now the area is loaded with debris and trash. Note to self: reach out to state and national legislators about this. Guest speaker Moises Rodrigues Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor: He spoke about his past, 12 years in Brockton politics, graduated from Brockton High School in 1980, served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years. Served as interim Mayor for 7 months when Mayor Carpenter died unexpectedly. Montello has been special to him: connections to Cape Verdean Association and church. Business coming into Brockton is great idea but we need to support the existing businesses. Homeless population here is 60% from outside of this city. Shared some of his discussions with homeless: some choose to be homeless, not liking rules, not taking services offered. Brockton young students have to contend with walking to school passing the homeless, needles, trash. Tough love and making some discomfort might motivate some of them. Police have been told to leave them alone. DPW spends hours cleaning every day with the same result of debris and rubbish by the next day. Businesses are leaving the city because of this. Code enforcement here has only 2 officers. The nice guy attitude is not working; homeowners and businesses pay taxes; having a sewer system and gas utility available should be attractive to businesses. Monthly citizen advisory meetings for the public to attend and voice concerns should be implemented. First order of business: homeless issue, secondly Aquaria water backup plant was never purchased to gain control and make money, not waste money paying for nothing all these years; sewer expansion could possibly help the city as well. MWRA closest connection is Blue Hills in Canton. That option is not feasible. Moises spoke well and hopes to be successful in his quest to be mayor because he is dedicated to Brockton. He emphasized action over talk and having the numbers of people to band together to take action. David Lynch said cleanup of the city would help, street by street, agreed to by Moises. Brockton Community Development Officer Francia Monteiro spoke for Rockland Federal Credit Union. She is promoting its presence at Westgate Mall for in-person service and businesses banking options. State Rep. Rita Mendes reported on meetings with business owners with regards to immigration and the gathering/arrests/deportations and is open to answer questions, acknowledging that I.C.E. is a federal agency. Rita proposed a bill to adjust auto insurance premiums based on a new zipcode and calculations. She updated us that the representatives have to be in person at the statehouse; senators can still attend by zoom. David Lynch questioned selloffs of Salvation Army-owned parcels and what will be allowed on these properties. Shirley Asack has been working with debris and rubbish issues at Salvation Army, Westgate Lanes, and other properties at the Mall. Unfortunately the problem is continuous, lots of mattresses left on sidewalks all over. Tagging such items and placement liens on properties is being done. Dairy Queen did not get license for drive-thru. Jeff Charnel is chairman of the License Commission. It may be revisited in the future. Jeff Smith for D.A. office stated community court at Library hoping for September opening; resources will be available for rehabilitation close by; hoping it becomes a resource for more of the homeless as well. Community service component might help all around. BFD Paul Gurney spoke briefly, reflecting the department faces the same issues. BPD Derek Salamone said one academy graduate coming in and 5 or 6 more prospects, 14 potentials for August. 30% of department is 4 years or less, retirement barely balanced by new hires. One cruiser dedicated to writing tickets running out of ink. Citizens Police Academy graduated 20 to enlighten residents about the law enforcement process; trying to hold this once a year. Look for him on city police website as a resource. Motorcycle issue mentioned, all aware of the issue; focused intensive operations will hopefully help curb activity. Speaking of motorcycles, rumors of sale of police bikes will be investigated. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
By Greg Belcher June 9, 2025
Date: June 11th meeting at Tinray's 6 PM Gust Speakers : Moises Rodriques Councilor at Large and Candidate for Mayor and Francia Monteiro Rockland Federal Credit Union
By Greg Belcher May 30, 2025
Date: Meeting Changed from June 4th to Wed. June 11th at Tinray's 6 PM
By Greg Belcher May 15, 2025
Welcome New Member : Francia Monteiro - Community Development Officer
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Minutes


By Scott Dwyer May 2, 2024
Attendance: Scott S. Dwyer, President Jack Lally Councilor Ward 6 Jay McLaughlin ESQ Capt. Hallisey, Brockton Police Derek Salamone, Brockton Police Al Davis Dave Lynch Sam Audi Fran Fistori Gale Lutz and Lee Henrickson Guest Speaker Euclides M. Goncalves BRA Edward Williams Deputy Chief Greg & Lisa Belcher Topics of Conversation: The Montello Business Association meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. Police recruit update by Derek Salamone: 4 graduating soon, 2 graduating in July, 12 starting academy then 2-5 starting in August. 10 retirements coming up. 5 SGT and 3 LT upgraded rank recently. To expand recruitment base, advised to delete residency requirements. Fire department not short on staff; Greg Belcher commended Deputy Chief Ed Williams for his excellent service in code enforcement for Brockton Fire. Progress being made slowly at new Public Safety building on Warren Ave. Traffic patterns discussed. Tommy Doyle's at Oak St. Ext. having trouble in parking lot and people in woods using his restrooms without patronizing the restaurant. Environmental police will be aiding city to clear out encampments in woods. Groups of cars from Boston burning rubber in local parking lots including Woodward's and Westgate Lanes. Rosseter St. illegal parking and dumping mentioned. Councilor Jack Lally gave an extensive update: A.R.P.A. funds recommendation from Troy Clarkson is that Montello Business Association present as a group evidence to support loss from 2023 road work. School reports: D.E.S.E. paid Open Architects to report Brockton Schools financial damage assessment. City is looking over school budget as well. Rounds of budget cuts will be done on the city side for the budget to be presented in June. City side of budget not in deficit. Grant employee funds are being reviewed where grants ended and employment continued. Education mandates that are unfunded need to be reviewed, i.e. transportation from any distance for current students who leave the area. MGL Ch. 71 allows municipality to merge responsibilities with the school department. Examination of combining functions and positions to save funds is being looked at, i.e. personnel and human resources as example. Which leads to the school bus issue: move transportation department TO the city FROM the school department to administer oversight and contracts with drivers. City negotiates stronger than the school department does. Example: D.P.W. might be better to find space to park buses; administer control of the drivers to the city and away from the school department. North Main Street repaving schedule questioned. Consultation with Pat Hill recommended. Euclides Goncalves was introduced as Business Outreach Coordinator for Brockton Redevelopment Authority. He presented: state level business funds and local level home funds, emergency rehab funds to get homes up to code at no cost to homeowner; lien stands when house is sold; Jodi Beckman works with the residential side. B.R.A. does work with other non-profits. They do serve for-profit businesses as well with such programs as facade improvement zero-percent loans. Euclides has private equity and market research background and offers free consultation. Applications validated for state by Mayor, B.R.A. or elected city officials help to get better results. Deputy Chief Ed Williams spoke about two recent enforcements in the city. Meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
By Greg Belcher March 7, 2024
Attendance: Scott S. Dwyer, President Phil Nessralla ESQ Jay McLaughlin ESQ Capt. Hallisey, Brockton Police Derek Salamone, Brockton Police Al Davis Dave Lynch Sam Audi Rich Gowell Gale Lutz and Lee Henrickson Guest Speaker Councilor Alex Hoxie Mary Waldron Topics of Conversation: The Montello Business Association meeting was called to order at 6:01p.m. Scott read the letter about getting a list of names of Businessesthat lost revenue due to the construction detours on North Main St. We will need to get the last three year of sales to show this year's loss. The Association will then need to start a Committee. Trying to get this all done by the end of March. DUES ARE DUE!!!! This evening not in attendance Ward 6 Councilor Jack Lally Ward 7 Councilor Shirley ASack no other City Councilors Mayor's Office Economic Development Bob May Fire Dept Ed Williams We have been having some street issues that were told to Captain Hallisey AS follows: 1. Herrod Ave Parking 2. 756 North Main St. There are a lot of vehicles for sale out there but no license. 3. Between 544 -554 North Main St a lot of big trailers for storing property doesn't look kept up. Houses are run down. 4. 147 Battles St where there was some digging, property filled in a large hole that had been left open, No dumpster for yard waste, or boulders. Case that some child may get hurt, no tape or block this off. 5. Between 287 - 311 North Montello St there are too many cars on the lots, and parking on the street. There are some blue tubs out back, you can see from the street, the possibility of someone living in them. 6. Porter St parking on both sides of the streets, a small street in which school buses go down there. 7. Snow Ave No Parking signs on both sides of the street, a small BAT BUS has been parked on the street, cars parking right under no parking signs. Street sometimes not passable, for small vehicles probably won't be able for emergency vehicles to get down there. 8. Linden St parking on both sides of the street, cars parked out of the small lot., cars parked right at the corner to North Main St. Cars Parked to the corner on North Main st and Linden St. clearly marked for signage and stripes on street 9. Broad St and North Main St what is going on there and the property? We have a guest speaker Alexander , with Clean City Crew ( 508-203-0081), Alex introduced himself as being homeless, living in a tent city, and on drugs years ago, and went into rehab and got clean. He hooked up with a church at 30 North Main St, L Street church yard filled with needles and started cleaning them up. He had heard at a meeting that Irving's Hardware wanted to move due to a shooting. He said give him a week and clean the drugs and gangs away from there. The gang Leaders and the gangs soon moved from the parking lot and the park nearby, to the area on Montello St near the :Library in that park. He was told by the City he was doing a good job getting the places cleaned up and literally cleaning up the city. He got a person with a van to help him and went back to City Hall to look for money that was promised to him. But at the meeting he was told no money to help him clean up in front of the businesses and the downtown area. He had moved from West Bridgewater to Brockton to help clean up the City and he was not given a chance for a meeting or money or anything. He was given some help by Irving's for the help he did for them. He has a flyer out that will join this message if any Business wants some help cleaning, he is ready, willing and able to do it. President Dwyer had asked him to see Crown LInen Company; they had just asked Pres. Dwyer about cleaning around their fence. He mentioned a few other places that might need help with outside cleaning also. President Dwyer asked Captain Hallisey if he had anything to talk about, he just said the issue of BHS and the Police Calls and fights. Captain Hallisey applauded the Principal for starting to turn the school around. It is not going to happen overnight, but he has brought back inhouse suspensions and on Saturdays. Are the teachers safe ? was a question asked to the Captain, the school is run by the Administrators not by the police. He also said the principal is trying and he thinks he will be doing a good job. Mary Waldron spoke about Alex the speaker and how good the job he is doing. Also wanted to thank Pres Dwyer for the name of Adams Ironworks on Ames and North Montello St for the great work for the Iron doorway of the Edison building so homeless people weren't sleeping and other things on the steps of the building. Mary also said More working cameras have been added and better lighting. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made.
By Greg Belcher February 8, 2024
Attendance: Scott S. Dwyer, President Greg Belcher Lisa Waitt Belcher Capt. Hallisey, Brockton Police Derek Salamone, Brockton Police Al Davis Troy Clarkson CFO of Brockton Dave Lynch Sam Audi Jay McLaughlin Esq. Fran Fistori Rich Gowell Vincent Colarusso Gale Lutz and Lee Henrickson Deputy Chief Ed Williams Rob May COB Planning Guest Speaker Councilor Jack Lally Phil Nessralla Esq Topics of Conversation: President Scott opened the meeting at 6PM. Clerk Greg Belcher read minutes of the last meeting and the financial report. Greg mentioned Jamie Holmgren CPA filed the 990 with the IRS. Massasoit College hosting a POLAR PLUNGE for Special Olympics on Feb. 19th . Greg mentioned repairs on Snow Clock with a grant and reimbursement to help repairs. Derek Salamone talked about 25 new cadets. The police dept. did have to go out of the city for prospects. MBTA no response for the unhoused living under the bridges. Boise Idaho legal precedent that unhoused have rights. Councilor Lally and CFO Troy Clarkson talked about the ARPA funds and how they can help the businesses affected by the North Main St. Water and Gas project. Atty. Nessralla brought up damages from the projects preventing some businesses from being open. Overall Commissioner Hill has been doing a good job communicating with businesses. Mr. Clarkson mentioned the MBA form a subcommittee to see who was affected and get numbers for a realistic loss. We will meet with him in a week. Rob May talked about the economic development. Rob talked about businesses need properties rehabbed for new purposes. Many need to be updated for food production, manufacturers, precision machine, and health care. K Mart plaza still an eyesore with empty space. BREA could be interested in redeveloping that area but the lease is holding the project. Harbor One property sold but no usage as of yet. Parking a problem. Also President Scott Dwyer talked about businesses that have to many cars but permitted for less on their property. Councilor Lally suggested that we question those not following the city ordinances. Authority is being questioned. City Clerk gives out those Licenses. Meeting was adjourned at 7PM
By Greg Belcher December 7, 2023
Attendance: Scott S. Dwyer, President Greg Belcher Lisa Waitt Belcher Capt. Hallisey, Brockton Police Derek Salamone, Brockton Police Al Davis Joe Murray Dave Lynch Shirley Asack Ward 7 Jay McLaughlin Esq. Fran Fistori Lori and Rich Gowell Vincent Colarusso Gale Lutz and Lee Henrickson Deputy Chief Ed Williams Rob May COB Planning Guest Speaker Councilor at Large Winthrop Farwell Jr. Senator Mike Brady Jimmy Valentin Brady's Assistant Topics of Conversation: President Scott opened the meeting at 6PM. Clerk Greg Belcher read minutes of the last meeting and the financial report. Featured guest speaker Win Farwell touched on subjects which opened comments by attendees and gave the experts an opportunity to share with the group worthy information. Councilor Win began with the topic of safety and security at Brockton High School. A few hundred students out of control with no consequences are compromising the learning atmosphere there for everyone. Immediate attention is warranted there as all students deserve a safe and secure environment. He addressed that traffic enforcement in Brockton is another daily concern which brings up the lack of police on the force. Derek Salamone commented we are 33 police officers short and need qualified applicants to complete training academy; he did mention the complicated process involved. Greg mentioned Councilor Teixeira who owns Mattress Maker said his business is down 43% due to unhoused people using drugs and loitering in the area of School St. and Montello St. Many other businesses there are in the same situation. Sgt. Hallisey did attend a meeting on Zoom which involved MBTA and that No Trespassing signs will be placed on MBTA property. This may aid police to have some power to better the area. The used drug dirty needle subject brought up the Brewster Ambulance collecting and disposing via the Brockton Fire Department number to report needle pickup at 508-583-2323. This info from Capt. Williams. Court case affecting unhoused Martin v. City of Boise, Idaho ruled unhoused people simply being on public property are not committing any crime. The legal outcomes at different levels of government are yet to be known. Mass. Law Chapter 111 Section 122 does require Board of Health to investigate public health issues. Health hazards can lead to getting financial aid from the state. Greg mentioned that social services in downtown area should be out in the streets directly offering help to the unhoused; he asked about the PILOT program to request non-profits to donate to Brockton to help with services already provided in lie of taxes. Councilor Win said under former late Mayor William Carpenter the only organization to donate was Fr. Bill's/Mainspring out of all the non-profits. Greg again brought up the police details being covered by retirees; Derek and Win said there would have to be union negotiation. Shirley Asack read proposed local ordinance to give police rights to enforce pedestrian and traffic issues for the safety of people and drivers. This will be the subject of a vote at Brockton City Council Meeting Monday December 11. Stay tuned, maybe attend, watch meeting online to see outcome. Win said winter is coming fast and for 55 snow plow routes in the city which formerly had 110 vendors there are only 72 pieces of snow equipment available at this time. Expect significant delays in school and office openings if this does not get better coverage. Dave Lynch said there is significant liability and insurance cost which scares off new or former vendors. ARPA grants for businesses who have suffered economically can be applied for; contact Councilor Jack Lally for information. Brockton fairgrounds property for sale: City will get a study done to investigate whether it is beneficial for Brockton to buy it or not...stay tuned. It was a lively discussion, very amicable, and we all want better for Brockton. To summarize: Brockton must be a clean and safe city both inside our facilities and outside on all property to promote economic development.
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