~ Revere City Council Roundup ~

Congratulations, Robonerds

The pride in the City Council Chamber was palpable as the council awarded Certificates of Achievement to the Revere High School ROTC Robo Nerds robotic club for winning a national title at the National Robot Drone League event held at East Tennessee State University. Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio and Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri, who sponsored the motion for the award, did the honors. Argenzio read the certificate, which detailed the team’s accomplishments.

“In acknowledgement of extraordinary, distinguished and meritorious achievement as a member of the Revere High School Army JROTC RoboNerds Team #3000, special recognition is hereby accorded to the team In recognition of their outstanding achievement in being crowned National Alliance Champions at the 2026 Robot Drone League National Competition, held March 27-28, 2026, and in celebration of a remarkable inaugural season defined by innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. In your rookie year, you demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating robots and drones through a simulated Moonbase Habitat challenge, achieving top qualifying scores and reaching a personal best of 3,255 points at the national level. Your accomplishments further include earning 2nd place overall at the New England Regional Competition and receiving the Alliance Award, Engineering Award, and Team Showcase Award, reflecting your collaboration, technical excellence, and dedication. Your success brings great pride to Revere High School and the City of Revere, serving as an inspiration to the entire community.

Everyone in the room was thrilled by the team and Major Deborah Bowker and grateful for them making Revere shine.

Thank you, Jamie Russo

A Certificate of Commendation was awarded to Jamie Russo in recognition of his continued support of the Revere Fire Department through the voluntary donation of properties slated for demolition for use in critical, hands-on fire training exercises.

Cryptocurrency ATMs

The council referred an ordinance banning cryptocurrency ATMs in Revere to the Legislative Affairs Subcommittee. Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri said the ATMs, which are often found in convenience stores, are heavily used in scams, financial fraud and money laundering. The current absence of sufficient federal and state consumer protections and regulatory oversight for such machines necessitates a municipal prohibition to safeguard residents and preserve public safety. The ATMs also charge much higher fees than online crypto brokers. Silvestri said he had spoken to a resident who lost $350,000 over several months. The ordinance will ban the machines and set a $300 fine for any business that does not remove them.

Drainage improvements

The council approved a $3.6 million bond authorization for stormwater improvements. Superintendent of Public Works Chris Ciaramella explained the proposed project involves drainage improvements in the Sewall and Library Streets area. Ciaramella said the work is necessary and will allow for subsequent paving and sidewalk installation to complete upgrades in the neighborhood. After drainage pipes are installed, a settling period of approximately six months will occur before paving and sidewalk construction begins. The improvements will extend through the surrounding streets, including Sewall, Elm and Harris.

Councillors raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks in certain sections of Sewall Street, particularly due to increased traffic, and requested that sidewalk installation be prioritized as part of the project. The Superintendent confirmed that a study would be conducted to determine sidewalk placement following completion of the drainage work.

Constable Cole

The council referred the Mayor’s appointment of Gerard Cole as a constable for Revere to the Appointments and Personnel Subcommittee for confirmation.

Need for AEDs

The council supported a motion from Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya that Mayor Patrick Keefe request the City Solicitor, in coordination with the Department of Public Health and the Inspectional Services Department, to draft and submit for adoption an ordinance requiring that all unstaffed fitness facilities, including but not limited to those located within apartment buildings, condominium complexes and residential developments — particularly those situated along Revere Beach — whether resident-operated or managed by building ownership or management, shall be equipped with a fully functional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on the premises.

Crosswalk for Revere Street

Councillor Guarino-Sawaya filed a motion that the Mayor request the Traffic Commission to install a painted crosswalk at 425 Revere St. in the interest of public safety for the newly operational childcare center at this location.

Delivery truck troubles

The council supported a motion from Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro that the Mayor direct the Chief of Police and the Director of Parking to increase the enforcement of delivery trucks blocking lanes on Squire Road. Further, both departments increase enforcement relative to parking within 20′ of an intersection at all intersections of Squire Road.