Author: Chris Sicuranza

Mayor’s Statement on Tax Veto

~ Chris Sicuranza

November 23, 2016

To Gloucester City Council:

At last night’s City Council meeting, we heard thoughts on the city’s tax classification, or shift, for 2017 and potential adjustments. As I stated during public testimony, I hoped the classification would maintain the same 1.06% shift, which the city has maintained for 11 years. In maintaining the current ratio during an economically uncertain time, I wanted to reassure our homeowners, families, and the elderly this administration’s goal is to help provide stability for their household budgets. Knowing our financial future gives us all a sense of security.

 

The claim that we become more business friendly by placing additional taxes on citizens while lowering our taxes on businesses is simply not true. Our administration has put a clear emphasis on economic development and has created a true economic engine of success. The reality is that any prospective business owner is not enticed by a slightly lower tax rate, instead, we know that businesses are attracted to the community and amenities as a whole. They look at housing, access to top job candidates, schools, transportation and other variables found within the community. Tax rates are typically very low on their list, which we reinforced during a presentation by Northeastern University Professor Barry Bluestone just last month.

I’m disappointed that we could not even compromise at a tiered approach starting with 1.03% for business owners. We appreciate all input from our City Council, but when TIF meetings become a rallying cry from the public against a business, and when we extend public hearings around a twenty-five cent increase for our trash bags, I am left disappointed that we couldn’t encourage better communication on this matter as it will affect all residents and their everyday budgets.

We must always aim to provide clear communications between all community stakeholders so as to realize our goals of helping citizens and businesses alike. We must choose our battles carefully, with clear purpose and vision. But I assure you that when taxes go up for all our citizens, you will get phone calls and letters from your constituents complaining about this vote.

I listen to our citizens every day and they cannot afford any increase right now. I echo the sentiments provided by Councilor LeBlanc, Councilor Nolan, and Councilor Lundberg expressing our concerns in disrupting this established and proven shift ratio, putting additional unnecessary burdens on our citizens, and setting a new precedent of corporations over people. I know we had passionate dialogue and I thank everyone for their input.

For these reasons, I’m vetoing this certificate of vote. I ask that the City Council and the City Clerk schedule a special session to determine next steps as a result of my executive action. I recommend we compromise at 1.03% to meet in the middle, but I will honor any result the Council may determine. As always, I will make myself available to further discuss any ideas or concerns you may have.

While this is my first veto as Mayor with this council assembly, I cast it in the name of our citizens and with the optimism that we will continue to work and solve problems together as leaders. I again express my gratitude to you all for your collective hard work on this matter and more.

Thank you,

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken

Gloucester Halloween Festival 2016 Announced

~ Chris Sicuranza

Sunday, October 30th, 2016 / Gloucester City Hall area / 2PM – 5PM

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Please join Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken for a FREE Halloween celebration with hayrides, haunted house, food and memorable fun! Children of all ages are invited but must be accompanied by an adult.

Please contact Volunteer Mayoral Liasion Roseanne Cody to volunteer or ask any questions. E: rcody13@gmail.com / P: 978-335-0755

Gloucester provides information on former police chief with FAQ

~ Chris Sicuranza ~ 3 Comments

In an effort to answer some  misconceptions and concerns vocalized by the residents of Gloucester over the recent departure of the former police chief, the city has created a FAQ document to help provide insights and answers:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Departure of former Chief Leonard Campanello

  • Q: Why have the details of investigations around the police department not been issued to the public?
  • A: The administration fully believes in transparency and accountability, period. When rumors and allegations are issued against public officials, they are taken seriously but handled professionally to ensure that we are not spreading lies or creating a dangerous and slanderous precedent which could ruin a person’s life or career. If any allegation proves to be true, however, we provide swift disciplinary actions with oversight from our HR and legal teams. We will always support fair due process and that will remain our standard policy.
  • Q: Are all the investigations over now?
  • A: No. Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) will continue their audit and review of the entire Gloucester Police Department to analyze and determine where improvements need to be made through their professional assessment systems.
  • Q: Did the mayor move to terminate Campanello earlier in the week because he was caught lying about his phone during his investigation?
  • A: Yes. Allegations were made against the former chief which led to the launch of an investigation on Campanello. During this investigation, the former chief’s phone contained critical evidence which he destroyed and he later sent anonymously to his own attorney. The Essex District Attorney’s Office was able to determine that Campanello lied about not knowing where his public cell phone was or how it ultimately arrived with his lawyer, as he was seen on surveillance tape mailing the envelope through DA Blodgett’s resources.
  • Q: Why is Gloucester paying Campanello anything if we moved to terminate him, especially if he was caught lying?
  • A: Campanello’s contract signed in 2014, by former Mayor Kirk, contained unusual clauses providing the former chief with the ability to legally fight the city and appeal all disciplinary decisions, creating a strain on city resources, budget, expenses, and staff time. Additionally, Campanello’s contract contained a clause that any termination notice requires at least thirty days’ notice, even with cause or criminal activity. Another clause provided the former chief the ability to get three months’ salary regardless of any termination decision. So whether one side calls this a termination or another side calls it retirement, the end results for final payout are nearly equal, except a true termination would be more timely, costly and continue to draw negative media attention.
  • Q: Will there be any other legal action taken against Campanello?
  • A: In order to move the city forward, it was decided it was in the collective best interest to resolve this matter efficiently, and we have done so. Any comments or questions around further legal action taken by the District Attorney’s office, or other parties, will not be addressed through our offices.
  • Q: Is this really a savings for the city considering how much we are paying out?
  • A: Yes. Campanello’s unusually strong contract signed by the last administration ensured that whether he was terminated with cause or retired on his own, he would essentially receive the same benefit. Additionally, by resolving this matter now with the former Chief, we save on legal fees- both actual and potential, as well as halt other grievances filed against the chief. Campanello’s pension will be primarily funded through his decades of service while in Saugus and other communities, as the former Chief only served in our City for a few years, thus our pension commitments are as minimal as contractually possible. Our HR, legal and budgetary teams agreed that the ultimate arrangement finalized with Campanello provided the City the least costly option, in every sense of the phrasing.
  • Q: Do you have confidence in our police department considering all the rumors?
  • A: We believe in due process, and allegations will always be taken seriously. For that very reason, we have retained MRI to offer our city a fair, unbiased assessment to determine how to best improve our police department. If we find any violations of our municipal policies in any capacity, we will enact swift disciplinary measures up to and including terminations. All the same, citizens in Gloucester can be assured that our public safety teams are committed to performing their duties to best protect and serve us all, as declared during their oath of office.
  • Q: What did the city give up as a result of this resolution?
  • A: We gave up nothing. The chief has a legal right to retire at any time, and we were moving toward a termination hearing. When he chose to retire, he voluntarily waived his contractual right to a hearing. The former chief’s contract ensured the same payouts no matter the scenario or headlines suggesting a different strategy was taken.
  • Q: I have something I would like to report, but am afraid of contacting the police. What should I do?
  • A: The Gloucester Police Department is prepared to take any and all complaints, as obligated by their service. Additionally, the Essex District Attorney’s office has various tools to assist potential victims, including “Victim & Witness Assistance” services seen at this link (http://www.mass.gov/essexda/victim-assistance/) or by calling direct at: 978-745-6610
  • Q: How does the city move on now with so many questions still lingering?
  • A: By wrapping up these dealings with the former chief, we can showcase our true community values. We have a new Harbormaster busy creating new moorings and providing new revenues, a public health team helping provide resources for all people for all needs, a community development team that just finalized the Fuller School property deal, an evolving and growing downtown featuring new stores, restaurants and now the beautiful Beauport Hotel – our city has plenty to work on and our focus on results is what the citizens demand and deserve.
  • Q: I heard a rumor on Facebook that…
  • A: All rumors are just that: rumors. We will not comment on hearsay or other potentially slanderous claims unless they have genuine validity and can showcase legitimate testimony, evidence or specific examples to support a claim. Fake names on Facebook or Twitter who spread claims should not be engaged with or shared, as the spread of misinformation will only worsen as a result. We hope that any party hiding behind a fake name or alias – for whatever reason they are doing that  – will consider identifying themselves, supporting their claims clearly and work with the appropriate authorities direct to help affect positive change, and not continue online harassment or mud-slinging. Our city has received allegations from various sources and our audits are ongoing to help determine the truth in all situations. If you’d like to report something confidentially, Gloucester Human Resources / Personnel Department can help take your claim and will protect your privacy. Additionally, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free and confidential. They can connect you with local programs and national resources that may be able to help you, whether related to domestic violence or otherwise. To reach the hotline, call 1-800-799-7233. It is available 24 hours a day.
  • Q: Will the mayor give the public answers or provide a forum to express our input?
  • A: The mayor absolutely wants to provide answers, but she also wants to provide accountable and correct answers, too. Finalized audits through our expert partners will help provide clear and professional answers which will be shared with the public when completed. The mayor remains committed to her open door policy and interested parties can schedule a meeting with her direct using this contact form and a staff member will coordinate schedules thereafter. The mayor’s goal remains to provide the best services to the citizens of Gloucester and her office always welcomes insights – whether critical or supportive – but asks that you remain patient while we conduct thorough and complete audits. Sharing any results from these audits in advance would potentially jeopardize the integrity of any investigation and may violate legal and personnel agreements, too.

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken reaffirms that all decisions made by the administration is designed to best support the Gloucester citizens every day. By advocating and fighting for those in need, the mayor is committed to providing the leadership necessary to move beyond this unfortunate situation. The actions recently taken by our administration is not a change of heart or a reversal of any sort. Rather, it is a continuation of the mayor’s promise to always put people first while remaining decisive. The mayor understands your concerns and shares many of your sentiments, yet we must move forward, together. Thanks to everyone in Gloucester for the continued patience and support.

Have other questions you’d like answered? Please send your remarks to the city using this submission form and staff will do their best to get answers.

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Write up on busy events this weekend from Asst. Chief McCarthy

~ Chris Sicuranza

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This upcoming weekend, August 18- 21t, 2016, has many scheduled activities which require pre-planning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.

Tonight, August 18, 2016 – Concert at Harbor Loop – 6:00p.m. Featuring Gloucester Native John Jerome. Expect traffic to be heavier than normal in the Rogers Street and Harbor Loop areas.

Waterfront Festival at Stage Fort Park – Saturday and Sunday August 20-21 2016 9:00a.m.- 6:00p.m. There will be heavy traffic in the Stage Fort area both days.

Downtown Block Party – Main Street-Saturday, August 20, 2016 – 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m. Main Street will be closed from Pleasant Street to Tally’s Corner. Expect traffic delays in the downtown area.

Rotary Pancake Breakfast – Stage Fort Park – Saturday, August 20, 2016 – 7:30a.m. -11:00 a.m. Expect traffic congestion in the Stage Fort Park area during these hours.

Public Beaches – Saturday August 20 and Sunday August 21s1, 2016 are forecasted to be weather conducive for perfect ‘Beach Days’. Expect the usual heavy traffic on Eastern Avenue,Thatcher Road, Concord Street and Atlantic Street from 9:00a.m. – 12noon. We will, when available, have police units at the Eastern Avenue Lights and the Concord and Atlantic Street Intersections. Our routine Police Details will be Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach and at Stage Fort Park.

There will be extra police presence at the Quarries, the Stone Pier off of Atlantic Street, and in the evening at the boater’s end of Wingaersheek Beach. All the aforementioned areas have been the locations of numerous citizen complaints.

City Release: Lane’s Cove Seawall Appeal Successful, Over $1.3 Million in Support for Critical Repairs Expected Through FEMA

~ Chris Sicuranza

Lane’s Cove Seawall Appeal Successful, Over $1.3 Million in Support for Critical Repairs Expected Through FEMA

 Additional EEA State Matching Funds Pursued to Earn Additional $2.2 Million

 (Gloucester, MA) – August 15, 2016 – The City of Gloucester has successfully won an appeal to support restorative work at Lane’s Cove Breakwater with an estimated total of $1,356,195 expected to be received from MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency).

“We are grateful that the city’s appeal was successful in order to gain the necessary funds for the critical needs at Lane’s Cove Seawall,” said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken. “Our city needs help from our state and federal partners to ensure we have safe infrastructures, and this appeal shows we are continuing to fight for results.”

A petition was originally filed by the City against FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in October 2015, with Gloucester Public Works Director Michael Hale noting that the City disagreed with the then determination that “damage to Lane’s Cove Seawall from the December 26, 2010 storm was substantially the same damage as reported from the February 8-10, 2013 blizzard.” The appeal further provided insights from engineering reports which showcased the difference in damage between the two storms, outlining the specific damage as a result of the later storm.

In a letter back to the Gloucester Department of Public Works and MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz, FEMA Regional Director Paul Ford stated that availability of financial assistance through the October 2015 appeal, which will now be remanded to the DRM (Disaster Recovery Manager) for implementation. The FEMA funding will be directed through MEMA to assist Gloucester as a result of the findings.

The City is also seeking additional funds via the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) for approximately $2.2 million dollars in matching relief under EEA Project Category 2, which covers “seawalls, coastal flood and/or foreshore protection.”

About the City of Gloucester America’s oldest seaport, the City of Gloucester is known throughout the world as an authentic, working waterfront community, a place of spectacular natural beauty, and home to a diverse population of about 30,000 residents. An important center for the fishing industry, Gloucester also is proud of its vibrant cultural life and rich art heritage as one of the premier art colonies in the United States. In addition, the city is a destination for thousands of visitors who visit the harbor and its beaches during the summertime. In recent years, Gloucester has been actively diversifying its traditional maritime economy, adding leading small research institutions such as the UMass Amherst Large Pelagics Research Laboratory and the Ocean Alliance to the array of local businesses and state and federal agencies working in the city. Recent advancements in Gloucester include new investments in marine robotics and new product development from the fishery.

Media Contact: Christopher Sicuranza, csicuranza@gloucester-ma(dot)gov, 978-281-9700

 

Heat Emergency Declared in Gloucester, Cooling Center Announced at Rose Baker Senior Center

~ Chris Sicuranza ~ 1 Comment

With temperatures expected to reach or exceed 90 degrees for the next several days, Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken has declared a heat emergency. Seniors and youth are especially cautioned to take precautionary measures.

The Rose Baker Senior Center will be open for use as cooling centers for the public to use starting Thursday. Rose Baker Location: 6 Manuel F Lewis St, Gloucester, MA 01930 / Phone: (978) 281-9765

Mayor Romeo Theken and Health Department Assistant Director Max Schenk issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public:

  • Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
  • The elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions, especially respiratory conditions, are more susceptible to the effects of heat.
  • Check in on the elderly and family or neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke as temperatures climb.
  • Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of times.
  • If you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and immediately find shade or a cool area to rest. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately.
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun’s UV radiation is strongest
  • Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
  • Homeless individuals can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of access to water or shelter from the heat. If you observe someone who appears to be in distress, call 911 immediately
  • If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of 6.
  • Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks.

Harbormaster Introduces New Facebook Page

~ Chris Sicuranza ~ 1 Comment

The Gloucester Harbormaster office through the leadership of Thomas “TJ” Ciarametaro has announced the launch of a new Facebook page for updated news and announcements about our waters. Great to see our new department head hitting the ground (or is it water?) running.

Please ‘like’ the page seen here: https://www.facebook.com/Gloucesterharbormaster/

 

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https://www.facebook.com/Gloucesterharbormaster/

 

Community Gathering: Discussion and Planning for Public Safety and Needle Recovery

~ Chris Sicuranza ~ 1 Comment

(Official link – click here) An ad hoc community gathering has been established for Thursday, July 7 from 6PM to 8PM at the Kyrouz Auditorium for citizens to gather and report their collective concerns around public safety, especially with regard to appropriate protocols to needles. This is not an official city hall sanctioned event, but representatives from various departments (including administration, Mayor’s office, Health, DPW, Law Enforcement, etc.) have been invited to better clarify updates, inform the public of opportunities and create a cohesive plan for short term and long term action.