[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6107802,"mediaKeyId","2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896","parentId",2772728,"title","Everett City Council moves to audit mayor payments, seeks halt to use of public funds for legal defense","audioSeconds",5366,"startMs",1494370,"endMs",6861120,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896&start=1494&end=6861","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896/thumbnail_1494370.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6107802/Massachusetts/Everett-City-Council-moves-to-audit-mayor-payments-seeks-halt-to-use-of-public-funds-for-legal-defense","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107802-733dce3de99fa234b50368e3fdcf2f53/orig.mp4?Expires=1776382279&Signature=Jzw1~VIwMBdDQ5-QnbHCMeedZYM7vc1lEaBjzNt~xTJ-sUOrGkAlWvyPFr0bcHnxXQ7lPOhfc~3~YuFcE2aLOQdMZdO7XHs65Vl2wBRO3ncZBiCaLv2zFFketZ-Tl8nPyLcrbm2glrIWIl1YVHApE5WI0uUfSMKjQuAEN4gJUTuELXQJpOpGoOeVPfSPMFox3WxMtCEfGqIxoidkqOo2yOmkge8R91W4hxaWkm~t5UQml-ybTwX~IhMh8jwMg0Ew-jO7u8ma2pEZmf~B~DrPRTNgXLLoRKXtdzfib1gzINwgNIrxjS9nYdjNIXOh1mEcqsz0KMM0tihGHxRsYS8JNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Everett City, MA","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Everett City Council voted this evening to seek an independent audit of payments to Mayor Carlo DeMaria and to press the administration for documents and explanations after a February 27, 2025 letter from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found irregularities in longevity payments and related accounting.

Councilors authorized the council president to retain an independent auditor to review payments to the mayor from Jan. 1, 2016, to the present and to transmit correspondence to the mayor, the city chief financial officer and the budget director seeking information tied to the OIG recommendations.

The action followed an executive session called under Massachusetts General Laws c.30A, §21(a)(3) and (7) to discuss anticipated litigation and privileged legal advice on longevity payments. The council reconvened in public and announced several unanimous or near‑unanimous votes taken in executive session, including authorizing the president to send three letters to the mayor, CFO and budget director and to send a response to the OIG. The council also voted to seal the executive‑session minutes for administrative use.

Why it matters: The OIG’s Feb. 27 letter found the administration misapplied an ordinance, producing an overpayment of about $180,000 to the mayor, cited roughly $30,000 in improper payments before the ordinance was enacted, and noted an improper advance of about $1,700 for nonunion department heads. The OIG also flagged a possible violation of the state conflict‑of‑interest law, M.G.L. c. 268A, and offered seven recommendations. Council members said they need independent financial review and transparency before the city proceeds further.

What the council did: At the March 24 meeting the council
- Voted (roll call) to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(3) and §21(a)(7) (11 yeas, 0 nays).
- Voted to authorize the City Council president to retain an independent auditor to audit payments to Mayor DeMaria (favorable action as amended; recorded vote 10 yeas, 0 nays).
- Voted to transmit correspondence authorised in executive session to the mayor, CFO and budget director seeking materials identified in connection with the OIG findings; the administration was asked to respond within seven days (collective vote for items 36–38; 10 yeas, 0 nays).
- Passed a resolution requesting the DeMaria administration “immediately cease and desist” using public funds to challenge the OIG’s findings and to provide written confirmation within seven days (item 39; recorded vote 9 yeas, 0 nays).
- Voted unanimously in executive session to have the council president send three drafted letters to the mayor, CFO and budget director, and to transmit a response to the OIG; minutes of that executive session were sealed for administrative use.

What council heard from counsel: Christopher Petrini, special counsel retained by the council, told members the OIG investigation was thorough and that the Feb. 27 letter represented a “sea change.” He advised the council that, in his view, it was no longer appropriate for city funds to pay for the mayor’s lawyers to oppose or delay the OIG findings because the mayor’s interests had become adverse to the city and to a state agency the city can reasonably rely on. Petrini recommended the council move to stop payment of legal bills from city funds on this matter going forward.

What the OIG found (as summarized to the council): misapplication of an ordinance resulting in approximately $180,000 in excess payments to the mayor; approximately $30,000 in improper payments before the ordinance was enacted; an improper $1,700 advance for nonunion department heads; and possible conflict‑of‑interest concerns under M.G.L. c.268A. The OIG offered seven recommendations.

Next steps and limits: The council authorized the president to retain an independent auditor and to send letters requesting documents. The council also asked the administration to respond in writing within seven days where specified. The council did not itself make findings of law or criminal culpability — the actions are investigatory and administrative steps to collect records and secure an independent financial review.

Context and background: The council’s actions follow public debate this month about the OIG letter and invoices paid to outside law firms. At the March 24 meeting members debated whether city funds should continue to pay attorneys who appeared at a March 4 meeting and whether the city charter and local ordinances were followed when outside counsel were retained. Several motions at the March 24 meeting referred questions about invoices and firms to staff and postponed some requests while the city solicitor reviews legal language and invoices. The council also invited, then excused, Christopher Petrini after his remarks.

What to watch: The council requested prompt written responses and authorized an independent audit that will review payments to the mayor for the covered period. The council also signaled it will press the administration on who has been paying which invoices and for what purpose.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Everett City Council Meeting 3-24-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Everett City Council voted this evening to pursue an independent audit of payments to Mayor Carlo DeMaria and to seek written confirmation that public funds will not be used to challenge a February 27, 2025 Office of the Inspector General finding that flagged improper longevity payments.","taxTitle","Everett City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",78383,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107793,"Davis Companies presents Everett Docklands plan; council raises safety, transit and lab‑use concerns",4142,8883050,13025290,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896&start=8883&end=13025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896/thumbnail_8883050.jpg","/articles/6107793/Massachusetts/Davis-Companies-presents-Everett-Docklands-plan-council-raises-safety-transit-and-labuse-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107793-84eecc19918f68527e33b024b3fdf76e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776382279&Signature=TE2jAQE6DkNh~TfrS9xPyUQdyO2fv3O1UJ6zxIv23pJ57A~WgdR53ko-DEP3qOdfaqjesbI5mad~4UX~KVejzyyzbXJDC1cn9aozRrO~6H6Mjmgs9xFMjnmy-TPucgGEZhhoxLHTR590tL6GFxvHk8qd~YCGHMG5uGQeks2qtSHq3P7VKUWDGk2xOAO~IFRw5Ct0og0nHknhW7ba4yiR3wFRjlbyi-lEyQjKyg6KuGBh0LTxwclnIVhNjJRwLYaGBpNx7qOpIFXBwesFWSq1ckq82Zh0sr5NYADkSXyRzWG5bGHInTCWqBNXV7IdYgb4n1CHqaQoN~oFYhgLuXoU3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Davis Companies and planning partner Spec Dempsey presented conceptual plans for the 100‑acre Everett Docklands Innovation District tonight, describing demolition and remediation work already under way and a master‑plan approach that aims to create a walkable mixed‑use neighborhood with public spaces, new streets and provision for laboratory, manufacturing, residential and retail uses.

Developers said they closed on the site in late 2023 and have begun demolition and remediation, including removal of above‑ground storage tanks and treatment of contaminated soils. The team said remediation and infrastructure work will be substantial — the presenters estimated remediation and infrastructure investment “well in excess of $200 million.” They described a district approach that treats the area as a 500‑acre zone of influence, with the 100‑acre site forming a core and a deep‑water parcel at the site’s edge. The project team includes Davis Companies, Global Partners (ownership partner), Spec Dempsey (urban design), Perkins and Will (urban design/architecture) and shop architects.

Plan highlights and constraints
- Site size and staging: The parcel is roughly 100 acres with a marine dock terminal and two “tank farm” parcels divided by Beecham Street. Developers described 29 above‑ground tanks (26 removed so far) and 17 concrete bunkers being demolished.
- Remediation and cost: Developers estimated the cost of remediation and infrastructure at “well in excess of $200 million.” Remediation steps include decommissioning tanks, demolition, soil mixing/stabilization and raising site elevations for resiliency.
- Potential uses and scale: The zoning changes previously adopted by the city allow a range of uses. Developers said early‑stage buildout might be lower‑density residential (roughly 1,000 units), with higher‑density scenarios of up to 3,000 units as the market and transit improve. A higher‑end estimate for total development potential was described in the presentation as 5–7 million square feet, depending on market demand.
- Battery storage: The team showed a proposed battery storage allocation of about 20 acres (described as an Eversource/Jupiter facility in discussion). Developers said the battery area would sit behind streets and building fronts (i.e., an alley buffer) and said they are engaging technical and safety consultants. The battery conversation prompted multiple council questions.

Council concerns and exchange with the team
Councilors pressed the presenters on several topics: lithium battery safety and siting, the potential for lab uses including animal testing, waterfront access and transit improvements (including a commuter‑rail stop and Silver Line extension), public‑safety infrastructure like a fire station, and the project’s timeline.
- Battery safety: Councilors Wayne Matuski and Thomas Hamlin expressed strong safety concerns about a battery storage facility near residential development; Hamlin said he would oppose residential adjacent to lithium batteries. Developers said detailed technical sessions (including a public meeting scheduled for April 8) would address safety, and that they intended to design the battery site with visual buffers and to follow regulatory and technical best practices.
- Labs and animal testing: Several councilors raised whether certain laboratory uses — particularly animal testing — would be allowed. The developers noted the zoning currently allows lab uses but that community limits may be possible; they suggested the council could consider constraints on testing types and square footage.
- Waterfront access: Councilors pressed for improved land access to a roughly 16‑acre waterfront parcel (three acres of terra firma and the balance water). Developers said access engineering is complicated and they are studying options that could require street improvements or easements.
- Transit and public realm: Developers emphasized walkability and said they are advocating for mass‑transit investments, including a commuter‑rail stop and possible Silver Line acceleration. The project team highlighted design elements to create comfortable streets, protected bike lanes, plazas and a storm‑water park.

Timing and next steps: Presenters described the project as a multi‑decade effort and said the master‑plan special‑permit filing would be submitted in the coming weeks or months; they invited continued engagement with councilors and the public. Councilors referred the item back to the sponsor for further review; developers said they would host additional public meetings and technical hearings, including the April meeting on battery storage.","Developers for the Everett Docklands project outlined a 100‑acre remediation and master‑plan proposal including mixed‑use development, transit improvements, and a 20‑acre battery storage facility; councilors pressed developers on battery safety, animal testing in labs, waterfront access and timelines.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107797,"Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers highlights Everett office, asks council for equitable funding",1113,345280,1459220,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896&start=345&end=1459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772728-024b584f6676547ec7f3fefcc0703896/thumbnail_345280.jpg","/articles/6107797/Massachusetts/Massachusetts-Alliance-of-Portuguese-Speakers-highlights-Everett-office-asks-council-for-equitable-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107797-701761713821bde6043bef9b93f17de7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776382279&Signature=EIZCf67W8hG8M5g1EfPmF7RWgdNnduBAATHbcv87YN9hfL8kXw3wdQsF4Pl5cCtEOEENcFLoZg09cEiZbtvUDSRkQf2h2Y1Kk5Dz3uK6081V96gGVeKoE7p5hqDhjPOJqkheEHALF1yIpWCpcaS6EW3zwl-FpMSkjOOdff9dr9JzO-Pw5ulueXLsN0-wwtsfCUZibdFZyB9aH9g6iDcO409mYUfCHOxNf2btdgk99uCRAoz6vDHE7bNxmLJ1ukv2Z71J81uk3jCLbT8C5ZVHObX~rOe0F4mUqWXp2P2J8~pI4AyJEEPkEzH6V04nUNt9BR2JiKGjeHSC5g4ypOLI2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers from the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) told the Everett City Council during public comment that MAPS’ new Everett office, opened June 2024, is providing immigration, health, and social services in Portuguese and other languages and urged the council to support a resolution calling for equitable nonprofit funding.

MAPS staff and volunteers described services now available in Everett including citizenship and green‑card assistance, MassHealth enrollments and renewals, case management, domestic violence advocacy, HIV/STI prevention and testing, translation and interpretation, and outreach to seniors. The group said the local office has seven staff and that volunteers and staff meet clients in churches, schools and community settings to reduce travel barriers.

Why it matters: Councilors heard that the Everett MAPS office has been in operation since mid‑2024 and that residents benefit from services in Portuguese and other languages. MAPS asked for sustained and equitable municipal funding to support nonprofit work that helps immigrants access healthcare, benefits, and legal and housing support.

Who spoke: Multiple MAPS speakers took the public‑comment period. Alessandra Fisher described immigrant integration and elder services. Yuri (last name not provided) and Erica Nogueira described casework and language access for survivors and seniors. Anderson Pinto spoke about HIV/STI prevention and the organization’s use of Everett space to provide testing. Patricia D’Aliveira (board president), Lucinda Murajes (director of HR and administration), and Paulo Pinto (MAPS CEO) asked the council to support a resolution guaranteeing equitable funding for nonprofit providers serving Everett’s immigrant population.

Council action and next steps: MAPS’ request was identified on the agenda as item 16 earlier in the meeting; the council later postponed item 16 to a future meeting for further consideration. MAPS and the council also discussed coordination with the administration on disbursing ARPA and other funds; the chief of staff later briefed the council on ARPA subrecipient agreements, reporting requirements and a decision allowing subrecipients to request up to 50% of awards up front to start programs.

Context: Everett has a substantial Portuguese‑speaking population. MAPS represents statewide Portuguese language services that now include a local Everett office, and speakers said the presence has reduced travel burdens and improved access. MAPS staff detailed services provided, the number of offices (seven statewide) and local staffing.","Several MAPS staff and board members told the council their new Everett office is serving thousands of Portuguese‑speaking residents and asked the council to back a resolution directing equitable funding to nonprofits serving immigrant communities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Everett City Council moves to audit mayor payments, seeks halt to use of public funds for legal defense

Davis Companies presents Everett Docklands plan; council raises safety, transit and lab‑use concerns

Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers highlights Everett office, asks council for equitable funding