City Council Holds First Post-Election Meeting

The day after City Council incumbents all defended their seats in the municipal election, the board held a quick, controversy-free meeting.

City Councilor Stephen Murphy, who came the closest to losing his seat in Tuesday's vote, ran the Wednesday meeting.

"I’m very proud to welcome all of us back to our rightful places here in Boston City Council Chambers,” said Murphy.

Among the agenda items was what has become an annual rite: passage of a resolution supporting Transgender Awareness Week, which begins Saturday. It was the third year in a row councilors had filed the resolution, according to City Councilor At-Large John Connolly.

"We as a city don’t get to our full potential until our brothers and sisters who are transgender don’t face discrimination," said District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson.

In other action from Wednesday's meeting:

• Councilors moved forward with a plan to force utility companies to notify the Boston Fire Department before they cut electric service to residences. 
• Heard a proposal from Mayor Thomas Menino that would give a tax exemption of up to 100 percent for members of the National Guard and Reserve who are serving overseas. Tax breaks already exist for veterans of other service branches.