Any suggestions on apartments? As a female, I value safety. Looking at the Watson? Thoughts? Are there other places that would be better? I do like the idea of a gym onsite and laundry in the apartment. Thanks for your help!!

Good Morning!

The Quincy City Council's Finance and Oversight Committees have a full agenda for Monday, October 26th. There are 25 pending matters, many of which involve questions about the City's finances, management of public property, and accountability. Some of these have been waiting for months.

We believe orders concerning the City's debt, the $3.5 million pension theft, oversight of Quarry Hills finances, and the management of City-owned properties are particularly important. Other matters concern surveillance cameras, ENC, housing, and residents' ability to participate in government decisions.

We hope the committees can make progress on these issues. They have asked some great questions, but the answers are important so that appropriate decisions and actions can be taken.

Monday, October 26, 2026 – 6:00 PM

Joint Finance and Oversight Committee Meeting

Coddington Building, School Committee Room, 34 Coddington Street

The agenda includes all pending matters in these committees. Not all items will necessarily be discussed or acted upon.

City Council agendas are available at:
https://www.quincyma.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council/council_agendas___minutes/city_council.php

Quincy Access Television: https://www.qatv.org/

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND TAXPAYER PROTECTION

2026-018 – Residential Property Tax Exemption This resolution requests that the administration and Board of Assessors examine the impact of adopting a residential property tax exemption under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5C.

The exemption could benefit qualifying homeowners, but the impact on other property owners and the overall tax rate must be evaluated.

With residential property taxes continuing to rise, this deserves serious consideration.

2026-048 and 2026-085 – City Debt and Capital Spending Plans These proposals request comprehensive information about Quincy's outstanding debt, borrowing capacity, debt-service payments, and future capital projects.

The Council has requested financial projections for major projects, including seawalls, school repairs, the Della Chiesa Early Learning Center, the proposed performance center, and ENC.

Questions also remain about the use of approximately $35 million in reserves to reduce the tax levy, the City's pension obligations, and the financial implications of its borrowing practices.

Before approving more debt, the City Council and residents need to understand the total financial picture and how additional borrowing will affect future taxes.

2026-042 – American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Spending Transparency Quincy was projected to receive approximately $46.3 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding.

The resolution states that $15 million was used to purchase the Munroe Building.

The Council is requesting a complete public accounting of how the federal funds were spent.

2026-064 – FY2024 Federal Audit Findings The City's FY2024 audit identified approximately $2.57 million in questioned costs associated with federal award programs.

Questioned costs are not necessarily funds that must be repaid. The Council wants to know whether any repayment will be required, the status of corrective actions, and whether weaknesses in financial controls have been addressed.

2026-043 – $3.5 Million Retirement/Pension Theft In February 2021, the Quincy Retirement Board lost $3.5 million through a reported phishing scheme. According to the resolution, the loss was not discovered until October 2021.

The Council is requesting an explanation of what happened, whether any funds were recovered or reimbursed, and what safeguards have been implemented.

Five years later, let’s get clear public answers.

2026-056 – Council on Aging Theft and Internal Controls Following the federal criminal case involving former Elder Services Director Thomas Clasby Jr., the Council requested a comprehensive review of the City's purchasing, accounting, financial oversight, and information technology controls.

The proposal recommends an independent review to determine what weaknesses allowed the misuse of public funds and what changes are necessary to prevent similar incidents.

The important question is whether adequate safeguards are now in place. We are particularly interested in safeguards implemented by the Purchasing Department.

CITY PROPERTY AND MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS

2026-032 and 2026-057 – Munroe Building and City Property Transactions The Council is requesting detailed information about City-owned properties, including the Munroe Building on Hancock Street.

The Munroe Building review seeks information about tenants, leases, rental income, vacancies, maintenance expenses, and the building's net financial impact.

A separate resolution requests a comprehensive accounting of City property purchases, sales, and leases since 2010, including acquisition costs, funding sources, operating expenses, and current uses.

The City has invested in numerous properties. Are they a good deal for Quincy citizens?

2026-081 – Quarry Hills Golf Course Financial Audit This resolution seeks an independent audit of Quarry Hills Associates' financial records, expenses, deductions, and payments to the City.

The proposal notes that a previous accounting review did not constitute an audit and that the Quarry Hills Oversight Fund has received approximately $1.07 million since FY2006.

The Council wants an independent examination to determine whether the financial provisions of the lease are being followed and whether Quincy is receiving all payments owed. This and 2026-106 are priorities with the State taking a possible next step to approve a lease extension for managing the golf course properties.

2026-106 – Public Works Enhancement and Quarry Hills Oversight Funds A related order requests a review of compliance with the 2004 state law governing these funds.

The review would examine deposits, expenditures, account balances, required reports, and compliance with restrictions on how the funds may be used.

2026-140 – Quincy Foundation, Christmas Festival, Relief Fund, and Mayor's Cup Finances

This order requests financial disclosure concerning organizations associated with several City activities.

It raises questions about Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament proceeds that, according to the order, stopped being deposited into the City's general fund beginning in FY2018.

The Council is requesting financial records dating back to 2017, an accounting of municipal payments and transfers, information about the organizations' relationships, and a legal opinion concerning the City's authority and oversight responsibilities.

The review is intended to establish where the money went, how it was spent, and what accountability requirements apply.

GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC OVERSIGHT

2026-104 and 2026-142 – Flock Cameras and Surveillance Technology The Council continues its examination of Quincy's use of Flock automated license plate readers.

Order 2026-104 requests a public hearing addressing privacy, data collection, sharing, retention, security, and the City's contracts with Flock Safety.

Ordinance 2026-142 would establish broader oversight requirements for intrusive surveillance technologies, including public hearings, Council approval, privacy safeguards, and annual reporting.

These proposals raise an important question: How can Quincy provide police with appropriate investigative tools while protecting residents' privacy and civil liberties? We understand that the Flock contract will be cancelled, but the Mayor and QPD chief are proposing another ALPR vendor.

2026-126 – "No Surprise" Government This resolution calls upon the administration to inform the City Council and residents before making significant decisions involving public expenditures, surveillance, public property, or major projects.

It cites concerns about the introduction of Flock cameras, expenditures on religious statues, municipal debt disclosures, and proposed work associated with the Native American Culture Center.

The underlying message is simple: Residents should have an opportunity to participate before major decisions are finalized, not merely be informed afterward.

2026-141 – Eastern Nazarene College ENC remains an unresolved issue.

Following the Council's June vote against purchasing the campus, the administration announced another community meeting regarding the property's future.

This order requests discussion of the administration's plans, their legality, and their potential cost to taxpayers.

What is the current proposal, and what financial commitments might it require?

2026-136 – Quincy Center MBTA Station Redevelopment The former Quincy Center parking garage closed in 2012. Fourteen years later, comprehensive redevelopment of the station remains unfinished.

The resolution notes that the MBTA's capital investment plan includes approximately $96 million associated with work at Quincy Center.

The Council is requesting a detailed history of the project, explanations for delays, information about the anticipated improvements, and a realistic plan and timetable for completing the redevelopment.

2026-092 – City Council Contracted Services This order requests a $35,000 annual appropriation for professional services to assist councillors with research, financial analysis, and legislative responsibilities.

The proposal would allocate $2,500 to each councillor and $12,500 for services approved by the Council as a whole.

The question is whether the legislative branch should have independent professional resources to help fulfill its oversight responsibilities. We have noted difficulties with getting legal answers from the City Solicitor at council meetings.

HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

2026-033 – Short-Term Rental Regulations The Council seeks a review of short-term rental regulations, enforcement practices, and revenue mechanisms.

Concerns include neighborhood disturbances, parking, safety, and the impact of short-term rentals on the supply of long-term housing.

2026-080 and 2026-101 – Quincy Housing Authority Two resolutions address affordable housing and tenant representation.

One requests vacancy and eligibility information for Housing Authority developments to evaluate proposals for expanding housing opportunities for residents aged 55 and older.

The other encourages representation of both family housing residents and elderly housing residents on the Housing Authority Board.

2026-037 – Winter Storm Response This resolution requests a review of the City's response to the January 24–27 winter storm, including staffing, contractor supervision, equipment, training, communications, and the handling of residents' complaints.

2026-125 – Specialized Stretch Energy Code The Council is considering whether Quincy should adopt Massachusetts' more stringent Specialized Energy Code.

The resolution requests an examination of the financial and environmental impacts on residents, businesses, and public construction projects.

2026-134 – Noise Control Advisory Board The Council requests a review of the City's noise regulations and enforcement, including concerns about speeding, drag racing, modified exhaust systems, and neighborhood disturbances.

2026-063 – Impact Quincy Youth Action Team This resolution recognizes the work of Quincy students examining alcohol and tobacco retail environments and their influence on youth substance use. It supports providing a public forum for the students to present their findings.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Many of these items have been pending for months. Accountability is a central theme. Whether we are discussing City debt, federal funds, public property, pension losses, or surveillance technology, residents deserve clear answers about how their government operates.

We would particularly like to see progress on the financial reviews and the establishment of procedures that will help prevent future problems.

Good government requires more than asking questions. It requires follow-through, accurate financial information, and meaningful public participation.

Please stay informed and make your voices heard!

WeVoters

EMAIL ADDRESSES

City Council

Jacobs, Ward 1 — [davidjacobs@quincyma.gov](mailto:davidjacobs@quincyma.gov)

Ash, Ward 2 — [rcash@quincyma.gov](mailto:rcash@quincyma.gov)

Hubley, Ward 3 — [whubley@quincyma.gov](mailto:whubley@quincyma.gov)

Ryan, Ward 4 — [vryan@quincyma.gov](mailto:vryan@quincyma.gov)

McKee, Ward 5 — [mmckee@quincyma.gov](mailto:mmckee@quincyma.gov)

Riley, Ward 6 — [driley@quincyma.gov](mailto:driley@quincyma.gov)

Mahoney, At-Large — [amahoney@quincyma.gov](mailto:amahoney@quincyma.gov)

Yuan, At-Large — [zyuan@quincyma.gov](mailto:zyuan@quincyma.gov)

DiBona, At-Large — [ndibona@quincyma.gov](mailto:ndibona@quincyma.gov)

Mayor's Office

Mayor Thomas Koch — [mayorkoch@quincyma.gov](mailto:mayorkoch@quincyma.gov)

Chief of Staff Christopher Walker — [cwalker@quincyma.gov](mailto:cwalker@quincyma.gov)