Everett pets get a leg up – City Council measure backs Animal Control Officer

‘There are compassionate and passionate people in the community who want to make sure animals are cared for’—Erin Devaney, Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s chief of staff

City Council members on Monday agreed to add a new section to the Emergency Animal Control Calls ordinance that aims to streamline calls for service for lost and endangered animals. “The ordinance was enrolled by a vote of 7-1,” said Erin Devaney, Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s chief of staff. The measure was offered by Ward 2 Councilor Stephanie Martins.

Currently, calls for service to Animal Control Officer Stacia Gorgone are received by the Everett Police and Fire Departments. But some residents, more familiar with Gorgone, call her directly. Gorgone, who was present at Monday’s board meeting, is passionate about the welfare of animals.

“When a person calls about their animal, they are in distress,” said Gorgone.

The organization “The Lost and Found Network” helps locate and return lost animals to their pet owners.

Lifelong Everett resident Katy Rogers – present at Monday’s board meeting – said people in Everett just want to make sure their pets are well cared for. “The goal is to reduce the number of animal-related emergencies,” she said.

Devaney agreed that Everett residents want to keep a careful watch over their animals. “Mayor DeMaria is an avid pet lover and appreciates all of the residents in Everett for their love and dedication that animals receive the best treatment possible,” said Devaney. “There are compassionate and passionate people in the community who want to make sure animals are cared for. This appeals to the good nature of the people in the community. “

Other board and City Council actions on Monday

• Board members unanimously agreed to appropriate $765,000 by borrowing for a number of school items: $400,000 to reconfigure a central storage area at Everett High School, $300,000 to reconfigure health center space at the Keverian School and $65,000 to reconfigure the library at the Lafayette School.
• By a vote of 7-0, City Council members accepted a grant of $40,450 from the state Department of Environmental Protection in order to identify appropriate sites for the future instillation of “high energy/low cost infiltration trenches.” Under the terms of the grant, the city will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association.
• City Council members confirmed the appointments of several new members of the Everett Fire Department. New firefighters include Rodney Durand, Matthew Invernizzi, Hunter Poulos, Tori Cyrus, Alexander Pabrezis, Anthony Defeo and Patrick Neary.
• City Council members voted unanimously to extend the public comment period to 20 minutes from the previous time period of 10 minutes.
• Councillors accepted a donation of $30,000 to the Everett Fire Department from Schnitzer Steel Industries for the purchase of equipment and training.
• Zoning Board of Appeals members, by a vote of 7-0, voted to confirm the appointment of Rebecca Korom to the Board as an associate member for a term of one year, to expire on June 1, 2023.
• Pointing to a need for public safety, board members agreed to seek grants for seven enhanced crosswalks on Revere Beach Parkway. The Community & Development Office will seek the grants.
• By a vote of 7-0, City Council members approved of a one-year license for Wentworth Precious Metals at 421 Second St.