Revere City Council Approves Key Appointments and Addresses Language Access Plan
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/20/2024
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Duration:
40 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Revere
- Meeting Overview:
In a move to bolster city administration and reinforce its commitment to inclusivity, the Revere City Council approved several appointments and engaged in a discussion on an ordinance to provide interpretation services for public meetings and documents. The appointments included Leah Hoffman to the planning board, Steven Morabito as the executive secretary of The Human Rights Commission, Isaac McDaniel as director of veteran services, and Chris Chella as the DPW superintendent. Additionally, the council reviewed the city’s language access plan, aimed at ensuring equitable access to city services for all residents.
The council members unanimously approved Leah Hoffman’s appointment to the planning board, acknowledging her passion for real estate and construction and her enthusiasm for the positive developments within Revere. This appointment underscores the city’s focus on growth and strategic planning.
Steven Morabito’s appointment as the executive director of The Human Rights Commission was also met with unanimous approval. His personal and professional experiences were presented as valuable assets for representing and advocating for the diverse interests of the Revere community, especially those of the LGBTQ community. The mayor’s confidence in Morabito further highlighted the importance of the role in fostering an inclusive environment.
The council endorsed Isaac McDaniel for the director of veteran services, lauding his qualifications and determination to serve veterans with distinction.
Chris Chella was supported for his new role as the DPW superintendent. Council members commended his professionalism and commitment.
In addition to these appointments, the reappointments of Paul Raso as assistant Harbor Master and John Camarada to the election commission were discussed. Both individuals emphasized their dedication to their roles, receiving supportive feedback from the council members.
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the ordinance concerning interpretation services, a key issue given that over half of Revere’s residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s language access plan, developed in accordance with federal recommendations and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, received positive feedback from HUD and could serve as a model for other cities.
It aims to facilitate better communication between the city and its residents, increasing resident satisfaction and participation in civic matters.
However, questions regarding the workload associated with the provision of translation and interpretation services led to suggestions such as outsourcing and the involvement of high school students. These concerns prompted the legislative subcommittee to table the ordinance for further review and refinement, with the goal of aligning it with the city’s policies and addressing specific language in the ordinance.
The discussion on the need for additional workers to assist with redistricting, brought up by the Appointments Committee, was also an important point. The committee praised the work of individuals involved and emphasized the necessity of additional support to ensure a fair and efficient redistricting process.
The approved appointments are expected to bring new energy and expertise to the city’s administration, while the ongoing conversation about language access reflects a dedication to embracing the city’s diverse population.
Patrick M. Keefe Jr.
City Council Officials:
Anthony Cogliandro, Ira Novoselsky, Anthony T. Zambuto, Marc Silvestri, Michelle Kelley, Juan Pablo Jaramillo, Robert J. Haas, Iii, Joanne McKenna, Paul Argenzio, Angela Guarino-Sawaya, Chris Giannino
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/20/2024
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Duration:
40 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Suffolk County
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Towns:
Revere
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