2013-06-19

EVERETT – The following press releases & images were provided by the City of Everett and the Office of Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. For more information about the community, visit www.cityofeverett.com. Developer reveals expensive & impressive model of potential Everett casino Last week, Chief Operating Officer of Wynn Resorts Gamal Aziz unveiled a model of the potential resort casino that could be built in Everett. Mayor Carlo DeMaria joined Aziz at the headquarters of Everett United for the unveiling of the $90,000 model that was well attended by residents, Everett United supporters, and the media. The 3D model design of the potential lower Broadway revealed more precise locations for the various components of the resort as well as an update about water accessibility, progress on the proposal, & other information tidbits included in the presentation. “The Wynn Group has skillfully designed a model that displays all the different aspects and characteristics of the potential resort for Lower Broadway,” stated Mayor DeMaria in a press release issued this week. “When I walked into Everett United I couldn’t believe my eyes. The detail and precision put into the 3D model is unbelievable. I hope all residents take the opportunity to view the magnificent representation.” Residents vote on Saturday, June 22, 2013 on the casino referendum. City secures competitive rate for bonds Mayor Carlo DeMaria, along with City Auditor Rich Viscay and City Treasurer Domenic D’Angelo were pleased to announce that the City received competitive bids from note underwriters on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, for the $5,500,000, 270-day Note that will go toward projects included in the FY13 Capital Improvement Plan, such as road repairs and the renovation of Glendale Park. Out of four bidders, Eastern Bank was the winner for all the Notes, with a net interest rate of 0.204%.  The Mayor and his financial team were extremely pleased with such a low interest rate.  “The fact that the City received an interest rate of lower than 1% on such an important bond speaks volumes of our financial stability,” stated the Mayor. Prior to the sale, Moody’s Investors Service, a municipal credit rating agency, assigned the highest rating of “MIG-1” to the Notes. Moody’s maintains an Aa3 rating on the City’s outstanding bonds. The rating agency cited the City’s satisfactory financial position, bolstered by healthy reserve levels, a sizable tax base and a manageable debt profile, as positive credit factors. The bids for the Notes were accepted at the office of the City’s Financial Advisor, First Southwest Company, at 54 Canal Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Mayor DeMaria attends Lafayette School Career Day Mayor Carlo DeMaria recently attended the Lafayette School’s career day, a day where students learn about different careers and vocations. The Mayor spoke to the entire 3rd grade class about City Government and holding the Office of Mayor. The Mayor also spoke to the class about taxes, as they are currently learning about formation of government and policy, in particular the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party. The students had many questions for the Mayor. While there, the Mayor also had the opportunity to visit his daughter Caroline’s class and speak to them and answer any questions they might have had about being the Mayor. “It was a privilege to attend the Lafayette School Career day as one of the invited speakers,” states Mayor DeMaria, “I always enjoy speaking to the youth of our City. It is important to continue to mold these young minds and help build upon the interests and subjects that intrigue them.” Speakers at the event included members of the Everett Fire Department, Lori Cawthorne, the Assistant Director of Human Resources at Suffolk University, Chris Collins, a Sports Broadcaster and faculty member at EHS, Chris Glionna, an attorney and Hockey Coach for Suffolk University, Kristin Powers, a Graphic Designer from SmartPak, Jarrett Barrios, former MA State Senator and current CEO of the American Red Cross, Roman Agresti, a police officer for the City of Everett, David Schnee, a Pharmacist and Professor of Pharmacy, Tim Conklin, a Chef at UMASS Lowell, Tara Antonucci, a  Fashion Blogger/Marketing Director for Bella Sera Bridal Salon, and Brian Parmenter, a  Land Surveyor. Kiwanis honors Everett High School Students Mayor Carlo DeMaria recently joined the Everett Kiwanis at their annual Scholarship Luncheon for graduating Everett High School students. The Everett Kiwanis serves the youth of the community in a variety of ways. They support Service Leadership Programs in the schools through Key Club and Builders Clubs. Through these clubs they promote leadership training and community service for Everett’s youth. The Mayor was happy to meet with all the recipients and their families, and to congratulate and acknowledge them on their noteworthy accomplishments. This year’s recipients included; Azeb Freitas, Evan Roberts, Colleen Garrity, Jefrey Perez, Allison Sutera, Patrick Sullivan, Janyne Sierra, Kylie Jepson, and Juliana Martins. Also in attendance to congratulate the recipients were State Senator Sal DiDomenico, and State Representative Wayne Matewsky. Getting to Know City Employees: Lara Wehbe-Ammouri Have you ever gone to City Hall and not known which office you needed to visit?  And how many of your municipal employees do you actually know by name?  The City of Everett will be conducting a series of interviews with department heads, employees, and board and commission members in order to familiarize residents with those people who are diligently working and serving the City on their behalf. This week The City of Everett is pleased to highlight Lara Wehbe-Ammouri, the Contract Attorney/ Purchasing Agent for the City. Wehbe has been with the City for two years, in the past as the Assistant City Solicitor, and now currently as the Contract Attorney/ Purchasing Agent. Prior to coming to the City, Wehbe worked in private practice specializing in family and criminal law. She also worked for the West Roxbury District Court as the Student Prosecutor. Wehbe is a graduate of Boston University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a graduate of New England School of Law, and a Certified Public Purchasing Agent. Wehbe’s main objective is to continue to provide an efficient means for procuring goods and services. She also aims to work with the CFO in order to implement a system that will allow the use of vendors who accept E- Procurement Cards.  This system would maximize the rebate offered through the Bank of America E- Payables Program.  In addition Wehbe is also working on procuring an Energy Saving Contract in order to save the City money on utility bills, while simultaneously updating the City’s buildings and facilities for environmental efficiency.  All of these objectives will allow Wehbe to assist all departments in the City with the procurement of supplies and services at the lowest cost in relation to the quality and services rendered, while complying with the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth, the City of Everett, and sound business practice. Wehbe was married in August 2012 to Edmond Ammouri. The newlyweds are expecting their first child this September. In her free time, Wehbe enjoys cooking for her family. Wehbe’s father, Sam Wehbe, is a prominent businessman in Everett who has owned Glendale Gas and Auto for 35 years.

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