On the message and ordinance, referred on March 2, 2022, Docket #0312, for your approval regarding targeted residential picketing, to protect the quality of residential life in our city, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft. Councilor Arroyo moved for substitution. Motion prevailed.
Duncan Number 0312 message in order for your approval, an ordinance regarding targeted residential picketing to protect the quality of residential life in our city. Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on February 28, 2022. Thank you. The chair recognizes counsel. Royal Chair of the Committee on Government Operations Counsel. Royal. You have the floor. President. On Monday, March 13th, the committee held a hearing on docket 031 to an ordinance regarding residential picketing to protect the quality of residential life in our city. This matter was introduced by the mayor on March 2nd, 2022, and, according to council rules, must be acted upon by this body before May 2nd, 2022. I want to thank my council colleagues that were able to join us Councilor Murphy, Councilor Louie Jeon, Councilor Barker, Councilor Braden and Councilor Fernandez Anderson. Councilor Flaherty, Councilor me here, Councilor Flynn and Councilor Laura. I also want to thank Chief Miller for joining us from the administration. This ordinance would limit the ability of individuals to engage in targeted picketing between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.. For this ordinance, targeted picketing means picketing, protesting or demonstrating directed towards a specific residents. This ordinance would work in addition to existing laws around excessive noise, disturbing the peace and blocking streets and sidewalks. Violation of the ordinance would result in a fine of $100 for the first offense, 200 for the second offense, and 300 for the third and any subsequent offense. The ordinance would be enforced by the Boston Police Department. During the hearing, the committee discussed. There we go. Excuse me. This is a warning. Next time you're going to be escorted out of the building. Well. Can we take a break briefly? So somebody's going to interrupt me. We're back in session. Thank you, Mr.. Counselor Arroyo, you have the floor. Thank you. During the hearing, the committee discussed the legality of the ordinance and whether it would unreasonably restrict First Amendment rights. There was some discussion of including a sunset clause or more clearly defining which protest, demonstrations and picketing would be covered by this ordinance. Several councilors highlighted the fact that this ordinance was not introduced in a void, but rather in the context of hateful, extended attacks in the mayor's residential neighborhood. While the law department did send a letter discussing some high level legal aspects of the ordinance. They declined to attend the hearing, and the committee was not able to get further clarification on how the ordinance could be more narrowly tailored. Several councilors also inquired about the lack of enforcement of the city's existing noise ordinance and expressed concern over the addition of this ordinance instead of enforcement upon an existing law. The committee will be submitting requests for information to the administration, including an explanation from the police department about why existing noise ordinance has not been enforced. The total amount spent on police details for the demonstrations at the mayor's residence, the number of attorneys within the law department, their responsibilities and their salaries, as well as the amount of money spent on. Excuse me. That's a warning sign. Please do not disrupt. Please do not disrupt this this hearing. You have your right to your opinion not to disrupt. Please escort him out. Please, American. Let's take a quick, quick. Question. Thank you, Mr. President. The number of attorneys within the law department, their responsibilities and their salaries, as well as the amount of money spent on contracting outside legal counsel, whether a stay away order would be a more effective punitive measure rather than fines. This hearing has also included a large amount of public testimony. And as Chair, I would just like to correct some misinformation that may have been spread because of this hearing that COVID 19 virus is real. It's not a hoax. Vaccines are proved safe and an important way to prevent serious illness. And in addition, City Hall has been open to the public since last summer. I also want to thank our essential staff lady Candace and Christine, whose patients leading up to and throughout the hearing allowed it to go as smoothly as I believe it possibly could due to outstanding questions of counselors. I recommend that this matter ought to remain in committee for a working session so that we can hear from the police department and the law department on specific language adjustments that were discussed at the hearing. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Counsel Royal. Would any other counselors like to speak on this? Dawkins 0312 will remain in committee motions, orders and resolutions. Mr. Clerk, please read DAWKINS 0381.