Revere City Council Roundup

Revere City Council Roundup

City Council Honors

The City Council awarded a certificate of commendation to Justin Pioppi of Luigi’s Pizza in Beachmont in recognition of his appearance on the CBS reality television show, Survivor.

The Calendar girls of the Jack Satter House were also honored with commendations for their participation in the Satter house calendar project. The calendar was a fundraiser for the Satter House. Proceeds will be used for transportation and activities for Satter House residents.

Short Term Rental Office

Vincent Argenzio from the city’s short-term rental office was at the council meeting this week with an update on short-term rentals in Revere. Argenzio said the office has changed the software used to manage the rentals. The previous software cost $25,000 but the new software is $9,950 and the services are the same. Argenzio said his office has also tightened up the registration process, increased fines, and now has the authority to post cease and desist notices on properties out of compliance.

According to Argenzio, prior to the stricter rules, the city had 1100 short-term rentals. There are now 78. Argenzio said the office collects about $18,000 in short-term rental registration fees. The rentals also generate an estimated $100,000 in tax revenue.

Congratulations and thank you for your service

The council confirmed the appointment of Robert Selevitch as a constable in the city of Revere.

Councillors also confirmed the reappointments of Brian Harkins to the Public arts Commission and Dr. Drew Bunker to the Board of Health.

Free Cash Stash

The council approved a change in the ordinance that regulates the distribution of free cash or a budget surplus.

Under the change, 10 percent of the total amount will go to the high school stabilization fund.

Ocean Ave Safety

The City Council supported a motion from Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky that Mayor Patrick Keefe work with Revere’s state delegation to direct the Department of Conservation & Recreation to install pedestrian traffic control lights at the crosswalk located at 376-382 Ocean Ave. in the interest of pedestrian safety.

This request was submitted in 2021 with no response from DCR.

Let’s Talk

Councillors supported Councillor-At-Large Michelle Kelly’s motion that the mayor, school Superintendent Dianne Kelly, Brian Dakin of Left Field and members of the high school building committee meet with the City Council to discuss the reconfiguration of the new high school’s design features to reduce overall cost.

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna said she had been asking for a similar meeting for the past year. McKenna has repeatedly asked if there’s a way for the city to downsize from a Cadillac to a Camry.

“It’s not what’s on the outside of a school that matters,” said McKenna. “It’s what’s on the inside, the teachers.”

Winter Costs

Councillors approved a $640,000 appropriation to fund the 2025 snow and ice deficit. There wasn’t much snow but a lot of cold days that required road treatments to keep drivers safe.

Step IT UP MassDOT

Councillors supported Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna’s motion that MassDOT be requested to clean debris from all state highways in Revere including but not limited to American Legion Highway, Revere Beach Parkway. North Shore Road and Lee Burbank highway. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino Sawaya asked if the Lynnway could be added to the list.

McKenna said she had noticed that Chelsea, Everett, Revere and other urban communities do not receive the same attention as suburban cities and towns.

“I’m asking for MassDOT to step it up,” said McKenna.

We’ve Got Your Back

The city council supported Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro’s motion that they meet with School Superintendent Diane Kelly and the School Committee to discuss the district’s budget shortfall and what the council can do to help.

“We owe it to the city to have a conversation about this,” said Cogliandro who suggested there are ways to maneuver funding.

“We need to keep everyone safe, protect jobs for teachers and make sure the educational needs of students are met,” said Cogliandro.