Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – March 19, 2014
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
March 19, 2014 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present were
Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. Noel DiBona, Ms. Barbara Isola,
Mrs. Anne Mahoney, Mr. David McCarthy, and Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Vice Chair.
Vice-Chair
Presiding
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The Superintendent called the roll and all were present. Also present were:
Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Mrs. Michelle
Andrews, Ms. Rita Bailey, Ms. Barbara Campbell, Ms. Diane Colletti, Mr.
Michael Draicchio, Dr. John Franceschini, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Mrs. Pamela
Gibbons, Mrs. Mary Griffith, Ms. Beth Hallett, Ms. Kristin Houlihan, Mrs. Jane
Kisielius, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Ms. Maureen MacNeil, Ms. Kate MacRitchie,
Mr. Michael Marani, Ms. Courtney Mitchell, Ms. Alexandra Morales, Mrs.
Joanne Morrissey, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey,
Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Ms.
Nancy Tierney, Ms. Judy Todd, Ms. Roseann White; Ms. Lindsay Schrier,
Quincy High School Representative to School Committee; Ms. Allison Cox,
President, Quincy Education Association.
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There was a moment of silence for members of the military serving overseas.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved
3/5/14
Mr. McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bregoli, to approve the Regular
Meeting minutes for March 5, 2014. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Executive Session Minutes Approved
3/5/14
Ms. Isola made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCarthy, to approve the Executive
Session minutes for March 5, 2014. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee proceeded to the
next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent's
Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by introducing the Inspire
Quincy video featuring the recent Junior Heroes event, the Middle School
Competitive Swimming Skills Clinic, HyperRobotics competion, Sterling Middle
School Science Fair, Atlantic Middle School Science Fair, Atlantic Middle School
Geography Fair, The Wizard of Oz at Broad Meadows, previews of Quincy High
School’s upcoming production of Bye Bye Birdie and North Quincy High School’s
production of Into the Woods, the Middle School Honors Band, and a very talented
Snug Harbor student.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the teachers who participated in recent Parent Academy
on Assessment for Elementary School parents, noting that principal and teacher
support for all events is tremendous. The Curriculum and Assessment team hosted
four Parent Academy events this year and asked parents for topics to focus on for
next year.
Dr. DeCristofaro then recognized several new administrative appointments: Sterling
Middle School Principal John Franceschini; Assistant Principal Courtney Mitchell;
Snug Harbor Principal Margaret MacNeil, and Assistant Principal Michael Marani.
These talented professionals have in common a love of children and a focus on the
families, all have been Quincy Public Schools staff members throughout their
careers.
Upcoming Events include the School~Community Partnership Breakfast on April 8
at the Tirrell Room. The Credit for Life Fair will be held on March 27 at the Tirrell
Room; 200 high school seniors will meet with 75 volunteers from fifteen business
partners sponsoring the event. The Middle School Swim Championship will be held
on April 5 at the Lincoln Hancock pool at 9:00 am. Clifford Marshall, Lincoln
Hancock, and Montclair will begin a new session of Tuesday afternoon Learn to
Swim lessons in collaboration with the South Shore YMCA on April 1.
The Spring Athletics season is just underway; Winter Sports tournament team
captains and coaches will be recognized at the April 9 School Committee meeting.
The Robotics Team, now in its 19th year, competed at the University of New
Hampshire event recently and made it to the quarterfinals. The team is sponsored
by Bluefin Robotics and team alumni assist the team members throughout the
season. The next event will be March 28-29 at Northeastern University.
During the February vacation week, Quincy High School teacher Meg McMillen
chaperoned 35 students at the Harvard Model Congress, a 4-day event where
students participate in debates, crisis management, and policy development events.
NAEYC Accreditation is completed for the Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center and
Snug Harbor Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Kindergarten programs at all
elementary schools will be reviewed between this spring and next fall.
Pre-Kindergarten screenings for the 2014-2015 school year will be held on April 1
and April 8.
High School Course selection is underway for students in Grades 8 through 11.
Parent information evenings have been held at both high schools and assistance in
completing the online scheduling through Aspen was provided.
Dr. DeCristofaro updated on the school building projects in development with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority. The contractor bidding process is
underway for the North Quincy High School, Wollaston, and Merrymount window
and door replacement projects. For Sterling Middle School, the Initial Compliance
Certification and the School Building Committee are submitted to the MSBA.
Enrollment projections and the educational profile are due May 5.
A long-standing safety issue at the Wollaston School is almost resolved after several
meetings between Mayor Koch, the MBTA, Dr. DeCristofaro, Principal Hennessy, and
Mr. Tramontozzi from the Traffic & Parking Department. MBTA Bus 211 route will
be moved from Highland Avenue to North Central Avenue for the block between
Beale Street and Brook Street. The next step is for new bus stop signs to be
installed.
The Wollaston Elementary School is celebrating the building’s 100th Anniversary
on Saturday, April 12 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Dr. DeCristofaro concluded the Superintendent’s Report by noting the Home-School
Connections shared with School Committee: Monthly Newsletters from the Della
Chiesa Early Childhood Center, Atherton Hough, Wollaston, and Squantum
Elementary Schools.
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New Business
Health Services
Senior Director of Student Support Services Maura Papile introduced Health
Services Coordinator Jane Kisielius and spoke of her great leadership, and work
with a staff on the cutting edge of implementing wellness and concussion policies,
and collaborating with families. School health programs are experiencing
unprecedented demand for services, facing new paradigms for health care delivery
system, and providing advocacy and individual nursing care for all students.
Mrs. Tierney, the nurse at Lincoln Hancock, spoke of needing strong clinical skills
and the ability to communicate and be flexible to adapt to any situation. A typical
day might include health screenings: height, weight, vision, hearing, scoliosis,
conducted to minimize disruption to student learning. Daily issues arise from
students and staff and nurses must adjust to best meet the needs of student
immediate needs. New this year, Quincy Public Schools has three nurse
paraprofessionals to assist with screenings and communication with parents.
Mrs. Campbell spoke of the role of a middle school nurse, encouraging students to
become active participants in managing their own health care issues and organizing
wellness initiatives, such as healthy tips, and nutritional information geared to
students and staff. Nurses provide CPR, AED, and First Aid Training for all QPS staff
members, another layer of safety for students and staff with 150 staff certified this
year.
Mrs. Houlihan spoke of the role of the high school nurse as a case manager, in
collaboration with staff, students, and families on care and well-being
issues. Nurses provide preventative health education to high school students,
support peer to peer education on substance abuse, safe driving, sun safety, and
collaborate with health interventionists. Quincy Public School nurses at every level
work to provide intervention, education, and health promotion.
Mrs. Kisielius recognized the nurses in the audience who came to support the
presenters. Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the presenters and appreciates their
leadership role as collaborator and counselor.
Ms. Isola noted how much nursing has changed and appreciates the fact that the
nurses are juggling so many things, looking at each student and their families, their
place in the classroom. As a School Committee member and a parent, thanked them
for their efforts.
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Elementary Library
Support Program
On behalf of the thirteen Elementary Library Support Teachers, Ms. Laura Owens
gave an overview of their accomplishments over the course of this school year.
Over 24,000 books have been circulated to date to the 4,228 students in Grades K-5.
Over 6,000 books have catalogued, including Atherton Hough’s library where the
data was not retrievable. The Library Support Teachers provide for planning time
and support to 214 teachers; technology support for ThinkCentral, Study Island, and
Reading Eggs. Individual school initiatives include keyboarding, Docent Art,
research project support, poetry writing, and Read Across America.
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Mayor Koch left the meeting at 8:30 pm.
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PARCC Field
Test Presentation
Senior Curriculum Coordinator Madeline Roy introduced an overview of the PARCC
Field Test, noting the many hours of research and planning that went into
implementing this PARCC Field Test. Massachusetts is moving towards a new
assessment to better align with the new Common Core State Standards. These new
frameworks demand strong reading, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills;
assessments within the district and at the state level must shift to meet these
demands.
PARCC is the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers and
made up of 18 states and charged with developing common, high-quality ELA and
Mathematics Assessments for Grades 3-11. These assessments will be computer
based and consist of two summative assessment components: Performance-Based
Assessments (PBA) and End of Year Assessment (EOY). In 2010, the governor
signed a memorandum of agreement to commit to adopt the PARCC assessments
provided they are at least as comprehensive and rigorous as our current MCAS
assessments. Other states are involved in the Smarter Balance consortium.
For ELA, MCAS assesses writing in Grades 4, 7, and 10. PARCC PBAs will assess
writing in every grade 3-11; students will be writing in response to reading or
writing to a source. For Math, students are expected to apply and extend their
knowledge to real-life modeling and problem-solving. At the high school level,
PARCC will be an end-of-course test.
This year is a field test, next year may require assessment in both styles (no details
available yet). It is anticipated that in the 2015-16 school year, PARCC will be
administered at all Grades except for 10 through 2016. The PARCC field test being
administed in randomly selected Massachusetts schools/classrooms and other
states. The field test will not yield scores for any student, school, or district. The
purpose of the field test is to examine the quality of the items, pilot administration
procedures, and give schools and districts the opportunity to experience the
administration of the PARCC Assessments.
Mrs. Fredrickson spoke of the field test, over a million students nationwide from 15
of 17 PARCC states, and 1,097 Massachusetts schools. For a field test to yield
reliable and valid information, schools and students must be selected
randomly. Mrs. Fredrickson shared the schedule for field testing and the schools
involved. Five elementary schools, all five middle schools, and both high schools
will be involved. Field tests may be administered as paper and pencil or on
computers. PBA Assessments will be given between March 24 and April 11 and can
be Math or ELA. End of Year Assessments will be administered between May 5 and
June 6. Schools will coordinate so there is no conflict with MCAS Testing.
Dr. DeCristofaro said that the decision was made by SLT and Principals to have
students take MCAS and PARCC since MCAS data is important in planning and
assessment of programs and professional development. Statewide, 83% of districts
are choosing to administer both tests. QPS staff will be observing students and
providing information on administration and student participation.
Mr. Segalla reviewed that 9 of 12 schools will be administering the PARCC field test
as a computer-based assessment. QPS will utilize desktop computers and
infrastructure and hardware upgrades over the last few years will assist with the
efficient administration of the tests. QPS IT Team has worked on technology
readiness with each of the test sites, participating in Readiness Toolkit assessments
and training, site readiness planning tools. Staff attended a regional training
workshop and are collaborating with Principals to schedule test sessions across the
three-week window and will provide support. QPS has already begun online test
administration at the high school level (MEPA, AP Exams), Project Lead the Way and
ParaPro.
The PARCC Field Test is timed, although students may receive additional
time. Extended time is available for students with disabilities or ELL
students. Testing blocks are two to two and a half hours on multiple days. Many
accommodations previously available for MCAS are built into computer based
PARCC tests and available to all students as accessibility features. There are specific
accommodations available for students with disabilities and ELL students. There
are tutorials that students will access on days prior to the field test administration.
Information was shared with parents through the QPS website/social media
platforms; letters were also sent to students who were selected to participate in the
field test. The online post included DESE resources with FAQ.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the breakdown states across the country: 18 are in PARCC,
24 are part of the Smarter Balance consortium; the other states are developing tests
independently or have not adopted Common Core. Mr. Bregoli thanked the team for
sharing the accommodation information. Mrs. Fredrickson said there are very
specific directives about what can be accessed or not. Mr. Bregoli asked if a student
has an IEP with accommodations, will those automatically be implemented. Mrs.
Fredrickson said yes, but how may be adjusted. Mr. Bregoli expressed concerns
about technology, Mr. Segalla said we are in good shape for the field test, but going
forward, additional equipment will be needed. Mr. Bregoli asked if the federal
government was going to provide funding for new equipment, but there has been no
indication of this as yet. Mr. Bregoli asked about the number of PARCC
administrations annually; with the speaking component, it will be three tests. Mr.
Bregoli concerned about the volume of testing, raising a generation of children that
are good test-takers, removing opportunities for creativity.
Ms. Isola thanked the presenters and said that it was helpful to hear that there are
many undecided factors. She emphasized that this is mandated by the state
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and that there was not an
option to not participate. She also noted that this is an unfunded mandate. She
asked for Ms. Roy and Dr. DeCristofaro to speak to this. Dr. DeCristofaro has spoken
to the Office of Assessment and they will be sending out additional communication
on the importance of the field test to parents. State regulations give DESE the
authority to direct school districts to administer these field tests. This is an
incredibly cumbersome and stressful initiative for students, parents, teachers,
administrators; and affects time on teaching and learning. QPS does not have a
choice and the Superintendent has heard from a few parents directly; all efforts will
be expended to lessen the stress of students and teachers. Ms. Isola asked if our
receipt of state funding is contingent on participating in these initiatives; Dr.
DeCristofaro agreed that although this is not specifically spelled out, there could
certainly be ramifications for failure to comply. Ms. Isola asked if there is a rubric
that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will be using to evaluate
PARCC; the plan is for them to analyze PARCC and MCAS data side by side in
standards-setting meetings in the summer of 2015 before making the decision. For
the 2014 and 2015 MCAS tests, items will be reflective of the Common Core State
Standards. Ms. Isola noted that the Speaking and Learning component is yet to be
determined and that seems like it could be time-consuming to administer.
Mr. McCarthy asked that in terms of deciding whether to administer both tests, it
seems like it wasn't a choice whether to administer the MCAS tests as well. Dr.
DeCristofaro said the value of the data and the expectations of parents made this the
best choice. Mr. McCarthy agreed with Mr. Bregoli and Ms. Isola that the public
should be aware that these are not decisions of the School Committee or Quincy
Public Schools administration.
Mrs. Mahoney noted that this is a federal mandate, and is concerned that failure to
participate could affect funding and accreditation. She agreed that participation
gives us a window into what is coming in the future, there is a benefit to all students
and teachers ultimately, especially with the comparison for computer based testing
to paper and pencil administration. MCAS has been in place for 17 years, prior to
that there was a different testing system, agreed with Mr. Bregoli's concern about
students being test-focused. She thanked the team for the presentation, it is
overwhelming and will impact time for classroom learning and creativity. Mrs.
Mahoney asked test items would be available later as practice items, but it is a
secure test and these items will not be released.
Mr. DiBona asked whether MCAS will always precede PARCC. Ms. Roy responded
that MCAS is our priority and students will not begin the tutorials or preparation for
PARCC until MCAS is completed.
Mrs. Hubley noted that this presentation will be posted on the Quincy Public Schools
website.
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Policy Update on
Athletic Eligibility
(9.8.5)
Mr. Bregoli read the proposed revised policy into the record, noting that parents
have requested our standards be raised above the MIAA minimum standard. Our
revised policy is as follows:
During the last ranking period preceding the contest, a student must secure at least 25
credits and may not receive more than one failing grade. To be eligible for fall sports,
a student must have secured 25 credits and not have more than one failing grade on
the previous academic year final report card. All grade 9 students are eligible for fall
sports. The academic eligibility of all students shall be considered as official and
determining only on the date when the report cards for that ranking period have been
issued.
As a support, coaches will be encouraged to check in with players and assess risk of
failing in collaboration with deans and guidance counselors. Ms. Isola clarified that
this is not part of the Policy.
Mr. Bregoli noted that the draft revised Policy will be posted online for public
review and that School Committee would vote on the revised Policy at the April 9,
2014 meeting.
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Out of State
Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Sterling Middle School
Grade 6 to Canobie Lake Park in Windham, New Hampshire on June 16, 2014. Mr.
Bregoli seconded the motion. On the motion, Mr. McCarthy stated that there should
be additional chaperones added to the trip. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel of Montclair Elementary
School Grade 5 to Canobie Lake Park in Windham, New Hampshire on June 16,
2014. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Overnight Travel
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel of Quincy High School
Skills USA students to the Massachusetts District Conference May 1 through May 3,
2014. Mrs. Mahoney seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Out of the Country
Travel
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Out of the Country Travel of North Quincy
High School Italian students to Rome and Florence, Italy April 14 through April 24,
2014. Mr. DiBona seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
Mr. DiBona announced that there would be a Health, Transportation, and Safety
Subcommittee meeting on Monday, April 7, following the Budget and Finance
Subcommittee Meeting.
Mr. DiBona noted that all School Committee members had received a letter from a
parent concerned about traffic issues at North Quincy High School. Dr. DeCristofaro
has followed up with Quincy Police Department Chief Keenan and he has agreed to
provide coverage for through the Community Police Officer to cover for School
Resource officer should he be absent going forward. Ms. Isola asked for an update
at the upcoming Health, Transportation, and Safety Subcommittee meeting.
Mr. Bregoli removed the Dedication of NQHS basketball court item from the Policy
Subcommittee.
Mr. McCarthy requested that the crosswalk on Hancock Street at McDonalds be
repainted. Mr. DiBona said that Mr. Draicchio will be communicating with the
Department of Public Works and Traffic & Parking to assess crosswalks at all school
sites as part of their summer program.
Mr. McCarthy said there are several potholes on the Lancaster Street side of Point
Webster Middle School. This information will be forwarded to the Department of
Public Works as well.
Mrs. Mahoney mentioned that parking limits have been imposed on Russell Park by
the City Council (2-hour limits). She is concerned about the Quincy High School
parking lot and if there is adequate parking reserved for our staff and students. She
also asked about the front parking lot and whether the YMCA is still parking
there. Dr. DeCristofaro said that the front lot will be for juniors, tennis court
parking is for seniors. All staff have been issued tags for their cars and untagged
cars will be ticketed. Quincy High School Security is continuing to monitor.
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Communications
Mrs. Mahoney announced that the Special Education Subcommittee will be held on
March 26 at 6:00 pm at Quincy High School. On Saturday, March 29, the Quincy
Parent Advisory Council to Special Education will be hosting a Resource Fair at
Quincy High School from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Mrs. Hubley announced that the Quincy Band Boosters would be holding a meeting
on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
Mrs. Hubley noted that all School Committee and Subcommittee meeting minutes
are posted on the Quincy Public Schools website: www.quincypublicschools.com.
Ad Hoc Subcommittee
on Instrumental
Music
Mrs. Hubley reported on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting on Music Programs held
on March 10, 2014. Instrumental music staff members provided an overview of the
programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels during the school day
and as extended educational opportunities. Discussion focused on the scheduling
challenges, particularly at the middle school level and the transition from middle to
high school.
Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2014 Ad Hoc
Subcommittee on Instrumental Music. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion and on a
voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Facilities and Security
Subcommittee Meeting
Mr. McCarthy summarized the March 18, 2014 Facilities and Security Subcommittee
meeting, where Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed enrollment history across the
elementary, middle, and high school levels and opened the discussion for
explorations to meet the demands of a growing elementary school population
across the city. Specifically, Dr. DeCristofaro concluded by noting that the new
Sterling Middle School project gives Quincy Public Schools an opportunity to
address the facility capacity issues at Lincoln Hancock. Enrollment Projections are
due May 5, then the MSBA will work with us to certify enrollment prior to beginning
the Feasibility Study.
At the meeting, Mr. McCarthy also shared a brief update on the construction plan for
the Presidents City Inn.
Mr. McCarthy made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 18, 2014 Facilities
and Security Subcommittee Meeting. Ms. Isola seconded the motion,
On the motion, Mrs. Mahoney asked about projecting future enrollment and Dr.
DeCristofaro clarified that this will be done as part of the enrollment certification
process. Mrs. Mahoney was surprised by the idea of changing the grade level
configuration at Sterling Middle School, was not able to attend subcommittee
meeting. Dr. DeCristofaro agreed that this is a new idea, there is a process to follow
about discussing this with School Committee and with the public. Dr. DeCristofaro
said that the information presented yesterday was many hours of development and
research and a comprehensive look at the system to provide a basis for these
discussions.
Mrs. Mahoney expressed concern about the other schools with capacity issues and
how will we move forward. Perhaps a new building there would be an opportunity
to relocate some of the citywide Special Education classes. Mrs. Mahoney wants to
be sure that we are looking at this holistically. Dr. DeCristofaro said the report is
meant to capture the information that presents the opportunities and challenges for
the school system.
Mrs. Mahoney asked about the Presidents City Inn and possible corporate partners;
this is still unresolved. Mrs. Mahoney asked whether there will be an effort to
market the property to a different clientele and that is something Mr. McCarthy will
follow up on.
Ms. Isola requested that the enrollment packet be posted on the website; this is a
clear picture of the district. Yesterday's discussion was a preliminary review of
facts and the information will need to be digested and reviewed along with
ideas. Mr. McCarthy said a similar process was followed a number of years ago
when Grade 5 was moved to Point and Sterling. He will be scheduling another
Facilities & Security Subcommittee meeting shortly.
Mr. DiBona said that the information presented about the significantly increased
Kindergarten and Grade 1 levels is so important and the proximity of the Lincoln
Hancock and Sterling sites may allow us to consider this a K-8 campus. This is very
early in the discussion. Mrs. Hubley agreed that this presentation was a first step.
Mr. Bregoli said that yesterday's presentation was excellent, made it easy to see
where the population growth is located. Mr. Bregoli regrets that the city sold
school buildings in the 1980s
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Adjournment
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn at 10:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Bregoli and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.