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July 2025

 
   

Waban Area Council

MEETING AGENDA – July 10, 2025 7:30pm - ZOOM ONLY

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Sallee Lipshutz, Chris Pitts, Sumukh Tendulkar, Drake McCabe, Bill Bracken, Steve Gusenoff,

Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86847520630?pwd=aHVQN2g2VUoweVVqeUgxU0JSSStCQT09

Meeting ID: 868 4752 0630 Passcode: 700015

 

I.  Opening (15’)

  • Confirmation of quorum

  • Issues from the Community 

II. Discussion Items (20’)

  • Gas Line Replacements (5 min – CC Rena Getz)

  • 4 AC Debates and Interviews with Mayoral, School Committee and City Council Candidates. October 18 &19

  • Proposed Series on Newton Government to be held in the fall, co-sponsored by Newtonville, Highlands, and Upper Falls Area Council – Chris Pitts – see below Revised schedule

III. Community and Administrative Items (5’)

  • Treasurer’s Report 

IV. New Business (5’)

 Please note: Agenda order and discussion length is at the President’s discretion.

Proposed Series on Newton Government

Meeting 1: Understanding Newton’s Local Government Structure 30 min. - Q&A 10 min.

Overview of Newton’s City Government

Roles and Responsibilities of the Mayor, City Council, and Committees

Detailed Look at City Council Functions and Decision-Making Processes

How to Effectively Engage with City Councilors

Public Participation and Advocacy Best Practices

Interactive Q&A Session with Councilor Mark Laredo 

Meeting 2: Budgeting and Funding Priorities in Newton, Planning, Zoning, and Community Development

Understanding Newton’s Budget Process

Major Funding Sources and Allocation Priorities

Guest Speakers: Newton's CFO, Maureen Lemieux or Budget Committee Representative and a member of the Finance Committee

Case Study: Recent Projects and Funding Decisions

Newton’s Planning and Zoning Processes

Key Issues and Projects Affecting Waban

Guest Speakers: Representatives from Newton’s Planning Department, and Zoning Board, Zoning & Planning Committee member - to be determined)

Meeting 3: Newton Public Schools: Governance, Budget, and Community Impact

Structure of Newton Public Schools and Governance Model

Who Decides: Curriculum Dr. Anna Nolin, NPS Superintendent, Budget (School Committee, Mayor, City Council), Class Size, and School Renovations

Guest Speakers: Past and Present Member(s) of the School Committee and Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent

Recent and Upcoming Initiatives: Facilities Upgrades, Equity and Access, and Enrollment Trends

Community Engagement: How Parents and Residents Can Participate 

Meeting 4: The Role of the Area Councils

Introduction to Area Councils

Role and Influence of Area Councils in Local Governance

Panel Discussion: Past and Present Members of the Waban Area Council and City Council

How Residents Can Get Involved and Influence Local Decisions 

 

 

Meeting Date: 
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - 7:30pm
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