Council Recap: August 10, 2026
A $2.5 million bet on keeping kids in district, a Housing Authority trash fight that felt personal, and a barrel fee nobody can actually count. Welcome to Another eposide of the Methuen City Council.
Written by: Dan Shibilia
Starting off tonight with a TL/DR for those who don’t want to read and don’t want to download the app so it will read it to them….
Big money night. The council put $2.5 million behind the Constellations behavioral services program for the schools, and honestly, for once, almost everyone was on the same page about it which for this body counts as a minor miracle.
There was also a genuinely uncomfortable stretch where the Housing Authority’s trash collection came up. There’s a real conversation buried in there about deferred maintenance and municipal trash contracts, but the framing around it felt less like oversight and more like payback for a resignation call made by a resident as a former meeting.
Best councilor of the night goes to Pesce which I am sure will come as a shock to her seeing this from me, who cut through weeks of vague trash-barrel-fee hand-waving and just said the quiet part out loud: nobody in that room actually knows how many extra barrels are out there. It was the most useful sentence said all night.
Here’s everything, in order.
Roll Call / Agenda
Everyone present, in person.
Under acceptance of the agenda, Drew moved to push C-27-22 down on the agenda to right after TR-26-77, seconded by Simard. Passed unanimously. Marsan then moved to relocate Item D (the order calling for the 2026 State Primary Election) to right before the Mayor’s Report. Passed unanimously. The amended agenda then passed unanimously.
My take: Drew’s move made sense… it puts the Constellations funding item right after the program itself gets approved, so the sequence actually tells a story. Marsan’s move didn’t come with a stated reason. Not a big deal, but if you’re going to shuffle the agenda, say why.
Pledge / Invocation / Moment of Silence
Moments of silence were held for Alex Putterah (spelling uncertain), Michael Lough, and Soto’s mother. My sincere condolences to Soto. No context was given on who Putterah or Luff were or why the council was recognizing them other than they passed.
My take: The religious content built into these City Council openings keeps striking me as more than what’s appropriate for a municipal meeting. Not sure why that’s the norm here. You can be uplifting without invoking any religion. I’ve also learned (with the correction of the name I heard) that Mike Lough was a long time DPW employee.
Public Participation
Cesey Avedo spoke about special education, arguing that IEPs aren’t being met and asking where the accountability is. She shared that her own child’s IEP failed and suggested the city’s legal fees on these disputes would be better spent training staff.
Bill Willette raised Constance Avenue, an unaccepted roadway, asking why it hasn’t been accepted or added to the paving list. He maintains everything was done correctly on his end. He also flagged the light at the MSPCA/Route 28 junction and suggested traffic cameras to catch drivers running the red.
Mike Welsh, the city’s paid roadway consultant, pushed back hard on the city’s continued use of the 2024 paving survey, which he says he’s already shown is inaccurate. He listed a string of problems with the paving plan, including unaccepted ways and private ways inside condo complexes.
Alejandro Beaz, a School Committee member, opened by congratulating Victor Rivera on his citation (see below), noted his comments were his own and not the committee’s, and spoke in support of Constellations.
Minutes
Minutes from the Monday, July 6, 2026 regular meeting… passed unanimously.
Proclamations / Correspondence
A citation was presented for Victor Rivera, Jr., one of 55 recipients nationwide for his award (covered in our Council Preview). He also received a citation from the Mayor’s office.
Consideration of Appointments
Pamela Bertheim — Constable (re-appointment). No discussion. Passes unanimously.
Bryan Chase — Licensing Board (re-appointment). Santos asked how long he’s served; Soto noted the paperwork shows 10 years. Santos asked whether the city is looking for new candidates. The Mayor explained this is a three-person board and Chase is the institutional knowledge alongside two relatively new appointees. Santos asked about term caps to which the Mayor said it follows the same charter rules as every board. Simard and Drew both endorsed the appointment. Soto said she’d vote yes despite her usual no on 10-plus-year appointees, citing the value of experience here. Passes unanimously.
Douglas Cairnie — Registrar of Voters (re-appointment). Required under state law per the Mayor. Soto asked if the position is paid and it turns out that it is a stipend appointment. Passes unanimously.
David Veit — Historical Commission. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
2026 Poll Workers List for the September 1, 2026 State Primary. DiZoglio asked whether the council also needs to vote on poll workers for the general election; the Mayor said probably not. Passes unanimously.
My take: Nobody flagged that some of the people on this poll worker list are from Lawrence and other communities, not Methuen. Might be totally normal. Might be worth a question next time. You will also notice a continued trend of some Councilors asking questions seeking information that is clearly in their packets and reported in our Council Preview. Hoping this little comment of mine hits a nerve and they read at least one of the two documents for the September meeting.
Order Calling for the 2026 State Primary Election
Moved up in the agenda per the earlier amendment. Order calling for the State Primary Election, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Passes unanimously.
Mayor’s Report
The Mayor opened with condolences to Soto for her loss. He revived the community foundation award and presented it to Kristen Snay (sorry if I spelt your name wrong) from Texas Roadhouse, detailing her community work. He then recognized the Key Program, a youth and families residential program, for its work in the city. Nancy Reardon shared how the program helped start a community garden and neighborhood park.
Following a second recess for photos, the Mayor acknowledged acting Chief designee Jamie Moore, then turned to the Constellations program, making the case for a one-year capacity investment built around staff training aimed at keeping students in district. He was clear this isn’t a guarantee every student can be kept in district since other factors are outside the city’s control. The ask later in the agenda is $2.5 million of roughly $6.5 million in the Stabilization Fund, which he said is exactly what that fund exists for.
On roads: the full depth reclamation program starts this week, covering 12 miles of the worst roads in the city, with more work coming.
On the budget: savings from no longer needing stop-loss insurance, the Islamic School Fund, and other items are bringing additional money to the council soon for a budget true-up.
GIC enrollment opens October 1, with a go-live date of January 1, 2027.
The grant company is performing well, with more details to come, plus upcoming city events.
CAFO Report
The CAFO confirmed new budget items are coming forward in September thanks to newly available funds.
Three councilor requests were answered here directly:
Searles Estate expenses and revenues update (Req. of Clr. Soto) — nothing new to report.
Trash barrel fees and fines status (Req. of Clr. DiZoglio) — roughly $13,000 in renewal payments collected over the past few months. However, there is some confusion if this is new money or not.
My take: This is why I agreed with Pesce. We have no idea. Everything around trash is talking in circles.
Five-year history of fee and fine revenue (Req. of Clr. DiZoglio) — CAFO said it will be sent out by email within the week.
Requests of Councilors
Housing Authority Trash Collection Costs (Chair Soto): Soto requested a cost and tonnage breakdown for Methuen Housing Authority trash collection under the city’s municipal contract. The city has picked up this trash since 1994. The Mayor suggested Soto take the discussion directly to the Housing Authority team and it was clear his intent was they meet and discuss although he did reference ot them in the room. Soto explained the request stems from a prior call for her and others to resign over not voting on a trash tonnage transfer. She was clear that the comment started the digging which is why this whole thing felt targeted. The Housing Authority’s Executive Director cited deferred maintenance issues that make shifting trash pickup to residents impractical, and noted every municipality handles this differently. Soto suggested involving the legislative delegation. Drew suggested revisiting the issue at the end of the Harvey trash contract, once further research is done.
My take: Soto’s underlying point that the Council gets a massive amount of scrutiny for trying to do the right things isn’t wrong. But the way this particular thread has unfolded, tied back to a resignation call over a single vote, does read as targeted rather than a neutral policy inquiry. There is also some level of tact required by elected officials that seems to be either forced or completely missing at times with the body.
Unaccepted Ways Web Resource (Clr. Valley): Valley requested the City Solicitor and DPW build a dedicated webpage walking residents through the unaccepted-ways acceptance process and that is should contain, at a minimum, an overview, application/petition form, eligibility, fees and betterment assessments, timelines, and contacts. The Mayor agreed and cited Gloucester’s website as a model to follow. This will be started soon.
Buildings Audit RFP Status (Clr. Drew): The Mayor is working with the Assistant Solicitor and a state group on a possible grant and CIP inclusion next year. Biggest concern flagged: the Timony roof, which is causing water damage. Drew and the Mayor went back and forth on the audit’s purpose and cost estimates.
City Employee Email Signature Standardization (Clr. Drew): No update. The Mayor joked about the room’s evident passion for the topic.
My take: This should be low hanging fruit which Drew says several times. IT should be able to set it automatically and it could be done. It would be a good win for the Mayor and clear one recurring item off this list.
HHSI Permit Fees Review (Clr. Drew): Raised during the FY2027 budget workshop. An update exists, but the Mayor didn’t have it on hand.
Trash App Implementation from Harvey (Clr. Drew): The app is still not done. Drew noted the app was contractually required and Harvey hasn’t delivered. Simard called it more broken promises but acknowledged the city is effectively stuck with the vendor. The Mayor said switching vendors isn’t realistic and reality is that no perfect option exists and it would be costly while reminding the council this is happening while the broader trash program is being fixed. Soto raised that AI is being used elsewhere in city operations and suggested the Mayor’s Chief of Staff start clearing items off this list, then pressed the Mayor to move faster.
My take: On the legal side, Drew’s right that Harvey is in breach. But practically, it’s hard to argue with the Mayor here… suing over a missing app isn’t going to be worth the disruption of switching vendors mid-contract. Going out mid contract to source a new vendor would undoubtedly cause service interuption and increased cost. It’s also funny how often Soto just says AI like its the magic wand for every problem.
9/11 Memorial Service Update (Clr. DiZoglio): Proceeding as planned.
Boards and Commissions Vacancy Status (Clr. Drew): A rundown can be provided. The Mayor acknowledged the city’s website listing is outdated and will be fixed.
Depot Overhang Ownership, Laborers Union Building (Clrs. Valley and Drew): The Mayor opened this by saying there was movement as it is not high on the priority list. The Solicitor chimed in saying he has met with several parties but has determined the overhang is privately owned and therefore private property, with no clear path forward yet.
My take: The Depot will be back… mark my words. The Laborers Union wants no part of fixing it. However, now it is no longer questionable who owns the overhang… until some time passes and it becomes questionable again.
Public Service
A. Grants: Public Service Grant 301043582 — Temple Drive, Westgate Circle, Jewel Circle. National Grid will replace existing direct-buried cable with a conduit system, including curb-to-curb cutting. Removed from the table, then moved by Drew, seconded by Valley. Passes unanimously.
Contracts
C-27-6: TEC, Inc. — FY2026–FY2027 Paving Program Construction Administration Services with DPW — $190,000.00.
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Valley. Marsan asked who writes the scope of services; DPW’s deputy explained the process. Passes unanimously.
C-27-7: Water Safety Service, Inc. — Backflow Prevention Device Testing & Cross Connection Program, Water Treatment Plant, FY2027 base plus two option years — $137,637.00 total ($42,627.00 FY2027; $45,825.00 FY2028; $49,185.00 FY2029, extensions subject to appropriation).
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Santos. Drew asked whether this is testing-only, and who does repairs and DPW confirmed repairs are handled in-house where possible, and the testing is mandated under drinking water regulations. Marsan questioned why this sits with the Water Department rather than the city broadly; staff explained it’s housed there but serves the whole city, with costs ultimately passed to businesses requiring testing. Passes unanimously.
My take: This got a little confusing for people. Ultimately, this contract is for the City to inspect buildings, both public and private. Let’s say a restaurant is inspected… they are billed for that inspection. If they fail, they are required to get it fixed and the City will reinspect.
C-27-8: Holland Company, Inc. — Aluminum Sulfate, 50%, delivered to the Water Treatment Plant — $150,000.00 ($1.78/gallon).
Moved by Marsan, seconded by DiZoglio. Drew confirmed this is a max contract value and unspent funds return to the general fund. Passes unanimously.
C-27-9: Borden & Remington, Corp. — Sodium Hypochlorite, 15% solution, 3,000 gallons, Water Treatment Plant — $90,000.00 ($0.1509/wet pound).
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Drew. Same repairs question from Drew as above, noted as consistent across the water contracts. Santos asked whether this should be handled by the Water Department directly; the Mayor confirmed it’s paid from the enterprise fund but still requires council approval. Passes unanimously.
C-27-10: Energy Source, LLC — Energy Conservation Project via National Grid & Eversource Expediter Program, weatherization at North End Fire Station — $25,221.00.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Santos. Marsan wanted the roof done first so it doesn’t disrupt spray foam work under a related contract. Drew asked about term, interest rate, and when energy savings would materialize; that information will follow. Passes unanimously.
C-27-11: Corolla Contracting, Inc. — Shingle Roof Replacement, North End Fire Station — $37,130.00.
Moved by Marsan, seconded by DiZoglio. Marsan commented on roofline venting. Passes unanimously.
C-27-12: Providence Capital Network — Financing for 1,045 Education Edition Chromebooks & Licenses, 48-month tax-exempt lease purchase, 4.98% rate, $1.00 buyout — $124,358.00 annual payment.
Moved by Marsan, seconded by Santos. Drew asked the CAFO about the rate and rationale for leasing. The CAFO said the oversight agent advised this approach for value reasons. Soto asked that IT weigh in when items like this come up. Drew asked about the fee breakdown and the Superintendent explained it covers replacement parts and break-fix costs. Passes unanimously.
C-27-13: Apple Financial Services — Class of 2030 financing for 550 iPads, AppleCare, and STM DUX Ultra cases, 48-month lease at 1.90% — $244,722.50 four-year total.
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. The CAFO corrected the annual payment figure from the printed amount to $62,918.69. Passes unanimously.
C-27-14: International Dioxide — Sodium Chlorite, 25% solution, 1,500 gallons, Water Treatment Plant — $70,000.00 ($0.8200/wet pound).
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Drew. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-27-15: BETA Group, Inc. — Engineering Services for Pavement Management — $88,650.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by Pesce. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-27-16: BETA Group, Inc. — Engineering Services for Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Inventory, ADA Compliance Plan — $42,900.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by Pesce. Brief discussion on who currently handles this work. Flex Garcia was identified as the responsible party and this is already in scope as part of existing duties. Santos asked about a tracking list. Soto again raised AI, noting the paving truck uses it to target specific streets. The Mayor confirmed software with AI components is in development. Passes unanimously.
C-27-17: ESO Solutions, Inc. — ESO Software, EHR Fax, Fire Incidents, ESO Fire Bundle, and EHR CAD Integrations — $27,071.28.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-27-18: Systems Electrical Services, Inc. — LED Lighting Installation, MHS Stadium Lower Turf Field — $169,000.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by Pesce. Marsan confirmed this is labor-only. Passes unanimously.
C-27-19: Carahsoft Technology Corp. — Cloud-based Occupancy/Inspection Software renewal, via COMMBUYS Contract ITS60 — $31,133.77.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Santos. Drew asked the Fire Chief about integration with software from an earlier contract; confirmed they integrate. Passes unanimously.
C-27-20: UNIVAR — Sodium Hydroxide, Caustic Soda, 50% solution, 4,000 gallons, Water Treatment Plant — $90,000.00 ($0.1681/wet pound).
Moved by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-27-21: D & J Landscaping — Landscaping Maintenance for three parks (Charles Street, Osgood Street, Grey Court), 3-year contract with two optional 1-year extensions at the city’s discretion — $86,658.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by MacLaren. Marsan asked whether other bids came in, and whether any Methuen businesses bid the work. The Mayor confirmed this was the lowest bid on a commercial solicitation with no local bidders. Santos questioned why this work is outsourced given the city recently purchased a lawnmower, and whether hiring in-house would be cheaper. The Mayor said maybe, but argued outsourcing is the better option given DPW’s existing workload. DiZoglio floated using the Sheriff’s Department for landscaping to which the Mayor noted they already handle graffiti and litter pickup. Drew, clearly having read the Council Preview (thanks, John), asked how work quality will be tracked. This too appears to fall to Felix Garcia. DiZoglio asked why graffiti removal is included in the contract. Garcia clarified it’s included so the city has the option to use it, not an obligation. Passes 8-1, Santos voting no.
C-27-23: Trane U.S., Inc. — Marsh Grammar School, replacement of three rooftop AHUs with new Trane Performance Climate Changer units — $399,402.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by Drew. Marsan pressed for system specs, which weren’t listed in the packet in a clear way. The Mayor cited preventing a repeat of a prior frozen-pipe incident but didn’t answer the specs question directly. The Solicitor explained the products are specified rather than listed by model/BTU number and said he’s comfortable with that approach. Passes unanimously.
My take: Marsan is on to something here. Really, it’s the bigger problem with most contracts the City executes. We need to be clear about what we are buying. A model number of a unit tied to a Manufacture would be fine but a random number in a spec sheet with no real source is not good contracting practice.
Committee Reports
Valley reported that the Unaccepted Way Committee met and discussed the Jade Street acceptance request, determining it needs to go through the standard process. Whitney Street was also discussed, along with the unaccepted-ways web resource covered above.
Unfinished Business — Resolutions
All second reads, previously discussed. This is the reason that there is little to no discussion on these items.
TR-26-67 As Amended — Declaring the Pleasant Valley School property (180 Pleasant Valley Street, Parcel #1109-78E-45) surplus and authorizing sale/redevelopment.
Moved by Santos, seconded by Drew. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-68 — Declaring the Currier School property (36 Boylston Street, Parcel #914-105-63) surplus and authorizing sale/redevelopment.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. Passes 8-1, Santos voting no without stating a reason.
TR-26-69 — Accepting $15,795.31 in FY2027 State 911 Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Grant funds.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Pesce. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-70 — Accepting $168,186.09 in FY2027 State 911 Department Training Grant funds.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Pesce. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-73 — Declaring 30 Railroad Street (Parcel #716-14-16) surplus and authorizing sale/redevelopment.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-74 — Transferring funds from the Edwin J. Castle Fund to the Methuen Literacy Project/Nevins Library and Methuen Public Schools/CTE Early Childhood Care.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. Soto asked for the amount (available in the packet); the Mayor noted it supports the literacy project. Passes unanimously.
Unfinished Business — Ordinances
(Also second reads.)
TO-26-18 — Amending Section 8-5A of the Municipal Code to increase ambulance rates and charges and establish a new lift-assist fee.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Drew. Drew reiterated this doesn’t create a new fee for residents. Passes unanimously.
TO-26-16 As Amended — Amending Section 9-52, “Trash and Recyclables Collection” (sponsored by DiZoglio).
Removed from the table, moved by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio; passed unanimously. Main motion by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio. DiZoglio explained the updated fee structure, noting that after six months, unpaid fees could hit the property tax bill. Santos raised concerns about dumpsters at the Housing Authority and other bin types to which DiZoglio clarified this ordinance covers residential barrels only and not commercial trash or dumpsters. The Solicitor noted it could be amended later to include commercial accounts, defined as anything over five units. Pesce directly stated she doesn’t believe anyone actually knows how many extra barrels are out there (I clapped) and DiZoglio didn’t immediately seem to follow the conversation and Pesce seems to try and and simplify the point. The new barrel fee is $250, voted annually. Drew noted the barrel fee assumptions were already built into the budget and pushed to move forward. Drew moved the question, seconded by Valley; DiZoglio voted no on ending debate to let further discussion happen. Question moved. Passes unanimously.
My take: Pesce’s comment here was the most honest thing said about this ordinance and the trash program all night. The city has been building fee assumptions into the budget without a real handle on how many barrels are actually in circulation, how to bill them, or how to solve the problem. Good on her for saying it plainly instead of letting it slide.
New Business — Resolutions
TR-26-75 (EPA requested) — Amending Traffic Rules and Regulations to require parking only on the even-numbered side of Elmwood Road (sponsored by DiZoglio).
Moved by Pesce, seconded by DiZoglio. Acting Chief Moore supported it for fire truck access and safety. Drew asked why the smaller side of the street was chosen and Moore explained it preserves hydrant access. Passes unanimously. EPA passes 8-1, Simard voting no, consistent with his standing position on EPAs.
TR-26-76 (EPA requested, requested by the Mayor and CAFO) — Abandoning the remaining FY26 Capital Improvement Plan funds for the Methuen High School water heater project and transferring $295,500 of those borrowed funds to cover the Marsh Grammar School air handler replacement.
Moved by Drew, seconded by Pesce. The Mayor explained the reasoning; the CAFO corrected the resolution language. Marsan asked whether the original water heaters had somehow fixed themselves and the Mayor said the air handler project is the more time-sensitive priority. Passes unanimously. EPA passes unanimously.
TR-26-77 (EPA requested, requested by the Mayor) — Appropriating $2,555,280 from the General Stabilization Fund to the FY27 General Fund, Methuen Public Schools line, for purchase and implementation of the Constellations Behavioral Services Program.
Marsan recused himself, citing a family member in the program.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Drew. Drew spoke in support, urging investment in the schools. DiZoglio and Simard also backed it, with Simard yielding time to school staff and the company representative (which they didn’t get until a little later). Finally, the acting superintendent addressed questions: the program targets a growing K–4 need and aims to build in-district capacity through training and program review, with the goal of keeping more students local though she was clear the district can’t force families already placed out of district to return. Soto asked the School Committee to stand behind the superintendent if questions came up. In response to Soto’s assertion that “this was brought up before and the previous committee didn’t support it,” and the Mayor corrected the record stating it was cut from the budget for funding reasons… a point the superintendent didn’t clarify for the record, though the Mayor did note funding as the actual prior obstacle. DiZoglio asked who oversees the program which gave us the news that an additional SEA was added at the Marsh to manage it, along with Mrs. Bozek. Valley asked how many special ed students are currently out of district: 172, with 58 matching this program’s services. Valley also asked how the city gets reimbursed for these placements so the superintendent explained the Circuit Breaker program. The Mayor noted the vendor selection went through a competitive bid “out of an abundance of caution” following conversations with the State Inspector General. Drew proposed an amendment focused on accountability and visibility into results. It didn’t go over well at all. The Mayor committed to providing updates, whether or not that’s written into the resolution. Just before the vote, School Committee member Baez approached the podium, which should not have been permitted at that point but was allowed to, to give props to the School administration. Passes unanimously. EPA passes as well.
My take: This is a huge step for the district and the students who require these services! However, having the School Committee stand behind the Superintendent was a real trashy power move by the Chair. She knows full well (and if she didn’t the Solicitor or Mayor would/should have set it straight) they can’t speak for the Committee when it is not in session. Any discussion by them would have constituted an open meeting violation.
Contract — C-27-22
C-27-22 — The Stepping Stones Group — Educational and Behavioral Services — $2,555,280.00.
Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. Passes unanimously.
(Simard exited at this point due to a standing conflict.)
New Business — Resolutions, continued
TR-26-79 (sponsored by the Mayor and CAFO) — Declaring surplus equipment and authorizing its auction.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by Valley. Valley questioned why vehicles from 2022/23 are being declared surplus, noting her own older car still runs fine and who sets the sale price. It was explained that these are 300k miles plus making them unsafe and the CAFO confirmed the sale price determined by the auction. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-80 (EPA requested, requested by Mayor Beauregard) — Accepting and expending a $1.7 million Green School Works Program grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for energy efficiency infrastructure at the Donald P. Timony Grammar School.
Moved by Pesce, seconded by MacLaren. The Mayor noted this was a highly competitive grant and the city received a larger award than typical, covering the first phase of repairs at the school. Drew confirmed there’s no municipal match required. Passes unanimously. EPA passes as well.
TR-26-81 (requested by Mayor Beauregard) — Accepting the gift of a Polish American Veterans Monument from the Julian J. Stopyra Veterans Post.
Moved by Marsan, seconded by Pesce. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-82 (Req. of Clr. Soto) — Transferring $1,000 from City Council Personal Services to City Council Other Expenses.
No formal motion recorded, Soto just read the title and began discussing it directly without passing the gavel. Drew noted there’s no dedicated line item for food to which the Solicitor explained it falls under an existing subcategory currently sitting at a zero balance. Passes unanimously.
New Business — Ordinances
TO-26-19 (requested by Mayor Beauregard and Chair Soto) — Amending Chapter 8 of the Municipal Code to eliminate certain fees for new business registrations.
Moved by Marsan, seconded by Santos. The Mayor tied this back to earlier budget discussions on business fees, framing it as a first step. Passes unanimously.
Any Other Business
Executive session was postponed and will instead be added to an upcoming Zoom meeting. The council was slated to consider entering executive session under Exemption 7 (M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(7)) to review past executive session minutes from July 13, 2020; June 10, 2021; June 23, 2021; September 8, 2022 (two entries); October 17, 2022; and December 19, 2022. That discussion did not happen tonight.
That’s a wrap on August 10, 2026. The full agenda is available at the City of Methuen website and meetings are archived at MethuenTV.
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