Fire Chief Tony Carli appeared before the Council Monday night to discuss the first month of the new program to cross-train new firefighters as EMTs – noting that all 18 had been hired and are now working with Cataldo Ambulance for training, though he did not that though they are City employees they are not specifically assigned to Everett.
The plan is a strategic plan that has been in the works for several years, and Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the chief put the plan into place on April 5 when they hired 18 new people to begin the road to a new in-house ambulance/fire service – since most of the Fire Department calls are medically related, Carli said.
In a vote, 7-3, the City Council on Monday approved a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature that would change the City Charter to enact term limits on Councilors, School Committee members and the mayor.
The measure came somewhat out of the blue by Councilor Anthony DiPierro two weeks ago, when he introduced it at the April 26 Council meeting. However, such a thing has been discussed for several years off and on.
Those voting against the measure were Councilors Fred Capone, Gerly Adrien and John Hanlon. Those voting in favor were Councilors DiPierro, Rich Dell Isola, Rose DiFlorio, Jimmy Tri Le, Mike Marchese, Stephanie Martins, and Michael McLaughlin. The measure did require a super-majority (8 votes), but with Councilor Wayne Matewsky out on medical leave, it meant only seven votes were required. The matter goes to the State Legislature where it must be approved by both branches and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.