Committee tables home-rule petition on veteran parking after solicitor says ordinance may suffice

Councilor Bartley presented Item 6, a request that the city seek a home-rule petition to expand the use of MGL chapter 40, section 22A to permit designating veteran parking spaces at municipal buildings beyond City Hall. "If the petition is granted, the city could create a local ordinance that would designate parking for veterans at the municipal buildings other than City Hall," the chair read.

Councilors generally supported the idea, noting potential locations such as senior centers, libraries or war memorial sites. Councilor Bacon said he had heard support from former Councilor Peter Tomlin and described the proposal as noncontroversial recognition of veterans. Councilor Murphy Romaletti noted similar past provisions allowing veterans to park free in municipal lots and said the proposal complemented earlier work.

Solicitor Bissonnette reviewed the statute and told the committee he believed the city likely could designate veteran parking on city-owned property by ordinance without a home-rule petition, but he recommended confirming whether home-rule authority would be required in specific instances. Given that uncertainty, the committee voted to table the item while the solicitor confirms if a home-rule petition is necessary or whether the ordinance committee can draft local language instead.

The committee asked the solicitor and staff to report back with a recommendation and, if needed, draft home-rule or ordinance language.