Quincy — During its Dec. 8 meeting the City Council approved a series of motions that redirected small Ward 4 mitigation balances to neighborhood programs, adopted state law enabling stop‑arm camera enforcement on school buses, granted a developer easement for Hancock Street utilities, and authorized using the Construction Manager at‑Risk method as a next step for a proposed Performing Arts Center.

Councilor Devine moved to repurpose Ward 4 mitigation funds to the Quincy Community Action Program (QCAP) Southwest Community Center; Councilor Campbell seconded the motion and the roll call recorded nine yes votes. The council also approved smaller appropriations: $6,000 for traffic, parking and lighting improvements near Willard Street and Che Park; $9,043.81 to support PTO activities at Southwest Middle School and Lincoln Hancock Community School; $956.19 for PTO equipment; and $2,224.64 for the Southwest Middle School PBIS program — each motion passed on roll call.

The council adopted a state law provision enabling stop‑arm camera equipment on school buses (Mass. Gen. Laws ch.90, §14C) to allow automated enforcement of illegal passing; administration said the city would first equip its own fleet and later consider private contractor buses. The solicitor described and the council approved a utility easement at Hancock Street and Newport Avenue to allow utility pads and sidewalk work tied to a developer project.

Separately, the council advanced an order to use MGL Chapter 149A (construction manager at‑risk delivery) for an eventual Performing Arts Center. Administration stressed the action places the project in the state pipeline with no funding attached; the Monroe Building was referenced as a likely focus for the project and the Performing Arts Center would be coordinated with the Adams Presidential Center vision. The motion to advance that order passed by roll call as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Votes at a glance:
- Repurpose Ward 4 mitigation funds to QCAP Southwest Community Center: approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- $6,000 to traffic/parking/lighting (Ward 4): approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- $9,043.81 to Southwest Middle & Lincoln Hancock PTOs: approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- $956.19 to Southwest Middle School PTO equipment: approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- $2,224.64 to Southwest Middle School PBIS program: approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- Adoption of MGL ch.90, §14C (stop‑arm cameras): approved (roll call: 9 yes).
- Hancock Street easement for developer utilities and sidewalks: approved (roll call recorded).
- Order to use Chapter 149A for Performing Arts Center pipeline: approved (roll call recorded).