Councilor’s Message
Hi Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and warm in these cold winter months.
My family had a wonderful holiday break with everyone home for the festivities. We also hosted Christmas dinner for the first time, which we really enjoyed. Then we rang in the new year as we have done for the past 15 years with friends on Great Hill in Houghs Neck.
On Monday, January 5th, the City of Quincy held its city council swearing in cermoney. I was so happy to see so many friendly faces in attendance.
A few days later, I also attended the Quincy School Committee swearing in cermony welcoming new members Tom Leung and Kate Campbell, as well as returning member Tina Cahill. My wife, Kathryn Hubley, was unanimously elected by her peers to serve as Vice Chair for the committee. Congratulations to all!
On Monday, January 19th, I had the pleasure of attending the City of Quincy Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast featuring an engaging speech by Brigadier General Enoch Woodhouse (aka “Woody”). Our scouts were in attendance in full uniform. You can watch segments of the speech here.
This past Sunday, I was happy to represent the City of Quincy on a panel at a showing of the Inundation District documentary at the Thomas Crane Public Library. It is a thought-provoking film and an engaging discussion sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association and QCAN.
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. Please feel free to share this with friends and neighbors who may find this information helpful.
Stay safe and stay warm!
Sincerely,
Walter Hubley
City Councilor, Ward 3
Quincy City Council
Council Update
On Tuesday, January 5th, at 7:30 PM, the council held its first meeting with a full agenda. I expected the meeting to go on for several hours, given the ambitious agenda, but instead, the meeting only lasted about 35 minutes. Through parliamentary procedure, one of the council members objected to the open forum and the elected official compensation agenda items. The objections deferred the items to the next meeting. I’m disappointed that these items were not referred to the subcommittee to be vigorously discussed. You may watch the meeting on YouTube here.
Last Night the city council met and moved forward with several agenda items, including previously deferred items relating to elected official compensation, transparency, and public input. You can watch the meeting at this link. You may watch the meeting on YouTube here.
I put forth a resolution in support of the Massachusetts House bill H.91 and Senate bill S.2556 to modernize funding for Community Media, notably Quincy Access Television. As the media landscape evolves, our funding for public, government, and education (PEG) access television needs to evolve with it, and I commend our state delegation for their efforts.
I also put forth a resolution to review resident interactions with City Hall and Opportunities to Expand Access to Online City services. The city IT team does a great job making online options available to residents for any number of important services. The city staff does a great job at supporting residents with in-person support or by phone at City Hall. This resolution will help us understand and recommend areas of improvement for online access, freeing up resources to provide even greater support for in-person and phone support. This is the first in a series of resolutions I have planned for the Municipal Technology committee I chair.
Last but certainly not least is the winter storm that we are still digging out from. Thank you to all the residents who reached out to help identify problem areas with snow removal. The DPW is still working very hard to clear the 90 miles of designated sidewalks, prioritizing schools, essential services, and primary pedestrian routes. This work is challenging because the snow needs to be hauled away, which causes street closures. The latest update from Mayor Koch can be viewed below.
At the next council meeting, we will be hearing from DPW and other departments about the snow removal process and protocols. You can find the agendas at this link when they become available. The video below shows the snow farm forming at the Fore River Shipyard, courtesy of Dan Quirk. I am deeply thankful for the hard-working city employees who have put in long hours to help keep our community safe.
Community Calendar
Events happening in Ward 3 and throughout the city.
Thomas Crane Public Library Events
The Thomas Crane Public Library offers programs throughout the year, with some great options for the cold winter months. These events can be a fun, educational way to get out of the house while staying out of the bitter cold. See below for some examples at the main branch and a link to their calendar.
Monday, February 9th, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Main Branch - Tai Chi Classes with QARI.
Master K.C. Lee from the QARI Tai Chi Team will lead weekly traditional Chinese Tai Chi classes at the Library.
Wednesday, February 25th, 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM at the Main Branch - Stitch, Chat & Connect with One Another (Knitting and/or Crocheting Class)
Shop Local with White Pines Market
Sunday, February 15th, 12:00 - 4:00 PM, Galentine’s Market by White Pines Market. Enjoy shopping and sipping indoors at Marina Bay inside Break Rock Brewing, Capella Yoga, and Aria Salon & Spa. White Pines Market is run by my friend and Ward 3 resident Joanne Hall Robertson.
Stop the Stigma 5K
On Saturday, April 5th, Interfaith Social Services will host the Stop the Stigma 5K each year to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance, and eliminate stigmas, all while raising funds for our New Directions Counseling Center. Registrations are now open for Interfaith Social Services’ Stop the Stigma 5K.
Ward 3 Projects
The Bog
Work crews expect to complete the much-needed maintenance work at the Bog, which includes dredging the waterpathways, adding two access gates and access paths, and sealing leaks in drain pipes. See my previous Quick Note for more information about that project.
Community Meetings
There are two community meetings scheduled for February. A proposed Taco Bell off Newport Ave and an ADU on Safford St. Please visit this link for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
In these cold winter months, getting out of the house to serve the community can be an uplifting experience. In this newsletter, I am highlighting Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP). QCAP is the leading private, nonprofit organization in the Greater Quincy area dedicated to reducing poverty and helping low-income residents achieve financial stability and security.
QCAP has a food pantry that needs volunteers. You can find the volunteer job description here and contact Anna Debiasi for more information.
If you are feeling ambitious, you can get together with some friends and organize a food/essential items drive. You can find a list of food and essential items needed on the QCAP website. Please contact Anna Debiasi to coordinate the delivery of collected items.
Useful Information
Quincy Community Action Programs Energy Program can help income-eligible households save money on heating and utility bills each year. Contact 617-657-5301 or email fuelassistance@qcap.org to see if you qualify!
Snow Removal Hotline (617) 376-1927 or snowhotline@quincyma.gov
2026 snow emergency parking: ODD numbered side of non-emergency neighborhood streets
Pot Hole Hotline: (617)-376-1914
Flooding Issues/Water-Sewer: (617)-376-1910
Downed Trees-Parks Dept.: (617)-376-1251
Power Outage-National Grid: (800)-465-1212
Gas Leak-National Grid: (800)-892-2345
Quincy Emergency Operations Center: (617)-376-1470
Constituent Services: (617)-376-1500