Council Recap: July 6, 2026
A long summer session that welcomed three new appointments, dug into the city’s trash overhaul, cleared the way for solar panels on two schools, and the redevelopment of three city properties/
Written by: Dan Shibilia
Important Links
Public Hearing on Acceptance of Cooper Way: Link
Public Hearing for Public Service Grant: Link
Full Meeting Agenda: Link
Agenda Preview that breaks down each item below: Link
This was a long one. The displaced council took up residence in the Media Center last night for their first summer session meeting. The regular meeting gaveled in at 6 on a and it did not let up until well past 10. Despite several members at the table being well aware that the School, due to contractual obligations with the Janitorial Union, closes at 10 PM, that time came and went before the meeting even went into executive session. But, on a positive note, it started the way the good nights do … with the room there for its own.
The media center was packed with firefighters, on hand to watch a couple of their own get called up: a new Deputy Chief and a new Lieutenant. These guys always show up for brothers and sisters. It’s kinda nice.
Before the meeting, there were two public sessions, linked above. They were 15 minutes each with little to no fanfare.
Now, let’s get into it…
Roll Call
All members were present. Councilor Pesce joined remotely by Zoom with her camera on… for a bit. Note for later: Councilor Pesce dropped off the Zoom partway through the meeting, which is why several later votes show one member absent. I’m not exactly sure what time she decided she was all done with this meeting since nobody announced her depature like they did when Councilor Simard left for work shortly after 10.
Acceptance of the Agenda
As is the going trend now, Councilor Santos asked to move the appointments up so they would be heard right after public participation. Councilor DiZoglio seconded. Councilor Drew asked for the reason and since none of them used their microphones last night, the response could not be heard clearly from the audience. The motion to reorder passed, with Councilor Drew voting no. The agenda as amended then passed unanimously.
The argument could very easily have been made that the move was to free of the collection of FD personnel in the room. …But it was never made.
Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, and Moment of Silence
There was no invocation. The Council held a moment of silence for Jim Dawe, a longtime member of Methuen Community Studios who for years produced the recordings of council meetings at City Hall and had a strong history of community involvement, and who recently passed away.
Public Participation
This is the part of the meeting where any resident can step to the microphone and speak. Three people did:
Joseph MacDonald … on the MeVa bus strike
Mr. MacDonald spoke about the strike affecting MeVa, the regional bus service, and the toll it takes on people who rely on the bus to get to work, school, the grocery store, and other services. He urged that it be resolved soon.
Tim Vermett … on the Rail Trail depot
Mr. Vermett said he is leading an effort to repair the depot along the Rail Trail and wants to bring the Union, the City, and the VFW together to figure out how to fix it. He explained that the rail trail committee has fundraising and other efforts underway to address the structure.
Alejandro Baez … on the solar panel contracts
Mr. Baez made a point of noting he was speaking for himself and not on behalf of his position on the School Committee - good on him. He spoke in favor of the solar contracts, pointing to cost savings and a long term vision. He also praised the citation for Victor Rivera Jr. that appeared later on the agenda, noting that the scholarship Mr. Rivera received goes to only one student from each state and reflects the kind of civic participation the community hopes to see.
Consideration of Appointments
Lieutenant Michael Ferris … Deputy Chief
Moved by Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. Fire Chief Toto spoke to the quality of the two men up for promotion and confirmed, in anticipation of Councilor Drew’s two standard questions, that the positions tonight are both budgeted and contractually required. He read the supporting materials into the record. Councilor Simard asked the Chief to clarify what “non-discretional” means and to explain the duties, especially given that the city is carrying out furloughs (temporary unpaid time off for some employees). The Chief laid out the details. Passed unanimously.
Firefighter Eric Moreau … Lieutenant
Moved by Councilor Drew, seconded by Councilor Santos. Chief Toto again provided the key information and read the backup into the record. With no questions, Councilor Soto commented on how effectively Firefighter Moreau has advocated for his union and his department and built relationships with past and present administrations. Passed unanimously.
Jordan Normandia … Veterans Service Officer
Moved by Councilor Marsan, seconded by Councilor Simard. The Veterans Service Officer, or VSO, is the city staff member who helps local veterans access benefits and services. The hiring committee, which was comprised of Councilor Simard, State VSO Fransisco Urena, and one other person, selected former Mayor’s Office Constitutent Services Director Jordan Normandia. The Mayor spoke briefly about Mr. Normandia, noting he is a member of the veterans community (a Marine), and said the appointment was not taken lightly voicing his connection to the armed services through family and close friends. Councilor Simard described the process the subcommittee followed and noted that eight people applied. The state VSO, Urena, was invited to speak and praised the transparency of the process and the work of the city’s HR department. Mr. Normandia thanked the Council, noting his veteran status and lifelong residency in Methuen, and described his time in the Marines working in Administrative Services helping Marines transition to retirement and civilian life.
Councilor DiZoglio raised questions about Mr. Normandia’s handling of the city’s trash barrels during his time in the Mayor’s office. The Mayor responded that trash services and veterans services are completely separate, and later said the barrel program should never have been run out of the Mayor’s office, adding that he, as Mayor, should be held responsible rather than Mr. Normandia. He closed with his full support for the appointment. Councilor Drew spoke about his own family’s military connections and shared a story about his father’s experience with a VSO, expressing hope that Mr. Normandia would serve in a similar spirit. Councilor Simard noted that Councilors Drew and DiZoglio sat on the subcommittee with him but did not take part in the interviews. Councilor Soto said there were mixed opinions and some concern about optics, and noted she was concerned about Mr. Normandia’s shyness. The roll call was unanimous.
The Council then recessed briefly for photographs before returning to session.
Organizational Business
Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings
The Council took up the minutes from the Special Meeting of May 26, 2026 (the second read of the FY2027 municipal budget) and the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 8, 2026. (“FY2027” refers to fiscal year 2027, the city’s budget year.) Although missed in order, they were eventually approved.
Proclamations and Correspondence
The Council was to recognize Victor Rivera Jr., the scholarship recipient mentioned earlier during public participation, but he was unable to attended.
Presentation: Trash Coordinator Update
This was an update on the new Trash Coordinator position and the progress made toward fixing the city’s solid waste and “tipping fee” shortfall. (A tipping fee is what the city pays to dispose of trash at a facility.)
The Mayor introduced Carina Pappalardo, a longtime Department of Public Works employee who is the new Trash Coordinator, tasked with straightening out the program. DPW Director Pat Bower credited her strong performance and attitude, and said he hopes to return to the Council to discuss updating the transfer station where she previously worked as they have suggestions. Harvey, the city’s trash vendor, was in the room and has, by both Bower’s and Pappalardo’s account, been cooperative and great to work with.
Mr. Bower reported that currently we ahve 250 trash barrels and 25 recycling carts in stock and 305 warnings or rejections issued in the 60 days since Ms. Pappalardo started. He explained that a warning leads to a conversation, while a rejection means the barrel is left at the curb, which then triggers a call to Ms. Pappalardo and has taken up much of her time. On the carts themselves: every household received one trash and one recycling cart for free, and additional trash carts cost $100. Because both Harvey and the city were delivering carts, Mr. Bower acknowledged, in his words, that “it could have been handled better,” and said Harvey will now track the number of carts at each address. He said the annual cart fee is going up to $250 a year (this will need council votes), that new software is coming to manage fines, and that additional outreach and education will go out by mailer. It was even noted that some residents were mistakenly delivered multiple carts. No fines have been issued to date.
Ms. Pappalardo then took the microphone and showed examples of trash conditions she has seen on the streets. She said she has ridden along with Harvey to learn the routes and process, and that Harvey photographs each property along the way. She noted that crews have gone back for residents who forgot to put their trash out even when not required to, and that Harvey will provide an extra trash truck to improve speed. She also described her frequent illegal dumping pickups, explaining that her city assigned SUV often ends up holding trash bags containing old food scraps and other material she has picked up off the side of the road, that she cannot fit larger items, and that she lacks the right tools for the job. The trash smells in the car. While discussing the fines, she said “its almost unethical to ticket without education,” which I think was the smartest thing said last night.
Councilor DiZoglio, who has appointed himself the savior of the trash program and tipping fees, wanted Pappalardo to start tracking the barrel serial numbers at each home… hopefully with the help of Harvey. The rep from Harvery explained that requiring Ms. Pappalardo to collect identification numbers from carts is not workable given the scale and, in his experience, that tracking serial numbers is difficult and suggested simply counting the carts instead. Councilor DiZoglio confirmed Harvey can support that approach, which would let the city hold everyone accountable, and noted that 41% of barrel fees have been collected. He held firmly to the notion that the rest of the extra barrel holders are purposely going against the rules by not paying their fees.
Councilor Drew said he requested the presentation because of disorganization in the See Click Fix system (the app residents use to report issues) and truck breakdowns. He asked about a resident app that had been expected on July 1st per the contract we have with Harvey. The representative said it is coming soon and “needs tweaks,” without a firm date. He also asked why recycling bins are being denied; Ms. Pappalardo explained the 25 recycling carts in stock are reserved for new construction and that she has asked for more to be ordered. She explained she hadn’t denied any in her tenure but they were placed on hold pending a new order of carts. Councilor Drew raised a broader point that the city has historically struggled to manage contracts and asked the Mayor to create a checklist to ensure the trash vendor is meeting the terms of the contract.
Councilor Santos asked about communication with the Hispanic community in the central district. Ms. Pappalardo, noting “I’m from Lawrence” and speaking a few words in Spanish to show she communicate the needs of her new job, said she wants to use every available tool, from Methuen TV to classroom visits to social media, but is limited by time, resources, and money. Councilor Soto suggested using AI to help with translation. Councilor Simard urged the Council to give Ms. Pappalardo and the DPW the resources they need, warning that otherwise they “all fail.”
Councilor Soto asked which properties the city picks up from, such as the housing authority, and requested any written agreements (called MOUs, or memoranda of understanding) showing who else the city collects for. Councilor Santos asked why the DPW is paying to pick up bulk items; the Mayor explained this is a historical practice the city is moving away from and shifting to Harvey. Councilor Drew asked what resources Harvey is providing, and Ms. Pappalardo said she generally receives what she asks for.
Mayor’s Report
The Mayor covered a wide range of updates:
He shared his condolences for Jim Dawe and some kind words.
He revisited the agreement by the Public Employees Committee (PEC), the body that negotiates health insurance for city employees and retirees, to move to the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC). He said the move is expected to save the city about $11.2 million between now and FY2030, while providing high quality health plans and even reduced deductibles. He added that reduced stop loss costs and administrative fees already account for $1.9 million in savings for January through June 2027. (Where is that money going?)
He highlighted a projected $3.9 million net in energy savings over 20 years from the solar contracts, and pointed to efforts to use surplus city property to help seniors, veterans, and working families.
Mike Sarno and Mass Cabinets received tax credits to expand in the city, investing more than $8.5 million in their Cross Street facility and adding 25 new jobs.
The Mayor said he is in communication with MeVa and trying to help given the impact of the strike on residents.
He reminded residents that on Friday, July 10, City Hall begins a closure program as part of the city’s budget reductions. It does not affect Fire, Police, DPW, or the Library, so the impact is limited to City Hall. Impact bargaining with the unions is ongoing.
The summer meal program for youth 18 and under is back, with four sites: Gill Ave Park, the library, Tenney Street Park, and the Haverhill Street Y.
He congratulated Chief McNamara and the Methuen Police Department on earning state reaccreditation, and said the city is beginning the process of selecting its next chief using a professional search firm and a committee. The city’s new grant writer starts the following day, and a kickoff meeting with Weston and Sampson to plan the Police, Fire, and DPW facilities is set for Wednesday.
On the community calendar: Saturday brings the July 4th quintessential celebration at the Loop; next Thursday at 11 a.m. is the grand opening of Namaste Bazaar, an authentic Indian grocer and prepared food shop in the former Joann’s on Broadway; and an upcoming Disability Pride Fair will feature vendors, games, music, and more.
CAFO Report
The CAFO is the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, essentially the city’s top finance official.
Request for Update on Searles Estate Expenses and Revenues (Req. of Clr. Soto)
The CAFO said an update on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the city’s multi year plan for major projects, was shared by email. An accounts payable posting has been issued, and a revenue stream is expected in the future. Significant work has gone into payroll, with a go live date of January 1, 2027, chosen because it makes year end W2 tax forms cleaner. Councilor Drew asked about the cost of delaying from October to January and whether an October date would save money. The CAFO said the change is already budgeted and advised against the earlier date; she noted the relevant budget is roughly $60,000 for the year, so it is not a meaningful savings opportunity.
Requests of Councilors
Several councilor requests were noted as already answered in the Mayor’s Report:
Whether the Methuen Housing Authority receives trash collection through the city’s contract (Chair Soto); an update on the city’s adoption of M.G.L. Chapter 200A, Section 9A on abandoned and unclaimed property, known as “tailings” (Clr. Valley); an update on the Rail Trail depot overhangs, including possible acquisition and grant options (Clr. Valley); the feasibility study for the public safety buildings and DPW (Clr. Santos); and the first report from the Sanitation and Zero Waste Coordinator on fines and tonnage (Clr. DiZoglio and Clr. Drew).
Other requests and their status:
Buildings Audit RFP status (Clr. Drew): Councilor Drew is working with Steve Angelo to complete it, and the Mayor said it can now be a priority.
City employee email signature standardization (Clr. Drew): not discussed, no changes.
Fire Department fees update, covering lift fees and ambulance rate adjustments (Clr. Drew): up for a vote tonight. The Mayor stressed this does not affect residents; it applies to fees charged to facilities.
Update on Tyler Financial’s MUNIS implementation date, the city’s financial software system (Clr. Drew): covered by the CAFO.
HHSI permit fees review: ongoing.
Formal presentation on the Trash Coordinator position and progress since the Council approved the $850,000 free cash request for the solid waste and tipping fee shortfall (Clr. Drew): done, as covered in the presentation above.
See Click Fix cleanup and follow up (Clr. Drew): the Mayor said he will talk with Director Bower about better record keeping in the tool.
Boards and commissions appointment and reappointment status, including vacancies and expired terms (Clr. Drew): a lot has moved, some updates remain, and it is scheduled to be addressed in the coming weeks.
Update on ownership of the Depot Overhang tied to the Laborers Union building (Clr. Valley and Clr. Drew): discussions are ongoing. The Mayor deferred to the City Solicitor, who noted previous legal opinions exist and will be shared.
The Mayor also mentioned that the Marsh Grammar School received its new boiler that day, that the Human Trafficking task force is back up given an uptick in local incidents, with the state being looped in, and that new carpeting at the Marsh, on the agenda tonight, is long overdue and matches the work done at the Timony.
Councilor Valley asked the Solicitor about the depot overhang. He explained that outside counsel did an analysis in 2019 and that he will share it. Nothing has changed. Councilor Drew raised concern that staff at nursing homes will avoid calling for lift assistance because of the new fee and asked that it be explained clearly, and pressed for a firm date on the permit fees; the Mayor shared a quick real time update from his phone. Councilor Drew returned to See Click Fix, arguing the records are not being managed and asking how the tool helps if it is not maintained; the Mayor said he will begin bringing See Click Fix data to his meeting. Councilor Drew also noted that 43 members on the boards and commissions have expired terms, 29 have no term listed, and some seats are vacant, and asked whether the underlying data is simply inaccurate.
Public Service
Grants
Public Service Grant 301043582 … Temple Drive, Westgate Circle, and Jewel Circle
National Grid would replace existing direct buried cable with a conduit system. Moved by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor MacLaren. The Solicitor advised the Council to check whether any residents wished to participate, noting the mailed notices had been confusing; no one came forward. Councilor Drew asked whether this was a multiple read item and raised questions about curb to curb road repair. After discussion, Councilor Drew moved to table the item to ensure curb to curb repair, seconded by Councilor Valley. (By this point Councilor Pesce was no longer on Zoom.) Councilors Simard and Marsan voted no. The motion to table passed 6 to 2, with one member absent. (Sometime before this is when Pesce left.)
Licenses
Solar Project License Agreement … Tenney Grammar School, 75 Pleasant Street
An agreement with Solect Energy Development LLC. Moved by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Santos. Councilor Marsan asked about warranties on the school’s roof, which NOBODY at the table seems to have the ages on. After an awkward moment of silence, the Mayor joked that he would defer to legal, and the Solicitor said, “I have no idea,” adding that the agreement guarantees the installation will not void the warranty that exists… if it exists. There was extended discussion about the roof warranty. Councilor DiZoglio, a former School Committee member, said he did not recall any such discussion and recommended reaching out to the school. Councilor Marsan asked about load calculations, and the Mayor brought a company representative to the podium, who explained that they work with the warranty company to confirm any existing warranty is maintained and that an independent engineer performs load calculations so the building permit can be pulled properly. He described the deal as a fixed rate contract at $0.03 per kilowatt hour. Councilor Drew asked who would pay if the panels ever needed to be removed, and the representative said that cost would fall on the city. The roll call showed Councilors Santos and Drew voting no. Passed 6 to 2, with one member absent.
There was a lot of talk about the ages of the roofs for the CGS and Tenney. Unfortunately, nobody knew how old they were or that nobody thought to ask the current School Committee member who did know and was sitting in the room. It just showed a lack of preparedness.
Solar Project License Agreement … Comprehensive Grammar School, 100 Howe Street
Also with Solect Energy Development LLC. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. No additional discussion. Councilors Santos and Drew voted no. Passed 6 to 2, with one member absent.
Contracts
C-27-1 … Brox Industries, Inc. … $111,425.00
For bituminous concrete (asphalt) and cold patch, delivered for the city’s FY2026 paving season, through the DPW, with a winter rate of $55.00 for December 1 through March 31. Moved by Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
C-27-2 … Kitchen and Floor Décor, Inc. … $83,375
For removal of carpets and cove base and installation of VCT tile and cove base at the Marsh Grammar School (amount provided at the table). Moved by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Santos. Councilor Marsan asked about asbestos testing, and the Mayor explained the timing of the asbestos work. Councilor Drew said he spoke with Ian at the schools and that this matches the work done at the Timony, with no issues projected. Again, with the Mayor as School Committee chair, a former school committee member in DiZoglio who dealt extensively with this in his last two years (I know he did as I was with him doing it) and a Current School Committe member in the room, all the talk about asbetos was unnecesary as it was already tested and that could have been made clear had the communication and prep been better. This passed unanimously.
C-27-3 … Valerio, Dominello & Hillman, LLC … Legal Services for Fiscal Year 2027
Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. Councilor Drew asked what the firm does; the Solicitor explained the firm assisted with the GIC health insurance move and so many other things over the years (including the Gallant case) , that it is John Foskett’s firm, and that he may return to the Council if new issues arise. Councilor Soto asked whether councilors could contact Mr. Foskett directly; the Solicitor advised requests should go through his office. Passed unanimously.
C-27-4 … Power Purchase Agreement … Tenney Grammar School, 75 Pleasant Street
With Solect Energy Development LLC. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor Marsan. No discussion. Councilor Drew opposed. Passed 7 to 1, with one member absent.
C-27-5 … Power Purchase Agreement … Comprehensive Grammar School, 100 Howe Street
With Solect Energy Development LLC. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. No discussion. Councilor Drew opposed. Passed 7 to 1, with one member absent.
Other Officers and Committee Reports
None at this time.
Unfinished Business
Resolutions
TR-25-75 … Lay Out and Accept Cooper Lane as a Public Way
The item was removed from the table (moved by Councilor Marsan, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio, passed unanimously). On the main motion, moved by Councilor Marsan and seconded by Councilor MacLaren, Councilor Marsan said he verified the required check was received and everything is in order. Councilor DiZoglio raised trash pickup. Councilor Soto, with such confidence, explains to DiZoglio that trash will now be picked up. A conversation ensued until the Solicitor explained that accepting a street has nothing to do with trash and recycling collection, and that this street’s trash pickup is funded by the condo association, as with any condo complex. The measure passed unanimously.
TR-26-53 … Insurance Review and Competitive Quotes (Sponsored by Councilor Yanilda Santos)
This resolution asks the Mayor and CAFO to review city insurance coverage and obtain competitive quotes. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. The Mayor said the RFP will be online no later than the next meeting date and noted the city has been with the same company, Borislow Insurance, since 2005, calling the review long overdue. Passed unanimously.
Ordinances
TO-26-12 … Rezone Land Fronting on Arcadia Street for Commercial Improvement
Removed from the table (moved by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Santos, passed unanimously). On the main motion, moved by Councilor Santos and seconded by Councilor Simard, Councilor Marsan said, “this is a sad piece of property,” and welcomed the redevelopment. A developer representative showed a board of future plans for 298 Merrimack Street and said the plan is to return to the Zoning Board to propose changes. Councilor Drew asked whether the developer had spoken with neighbors about concerns; the representative said all legal notices went out. Passed unanimously.
TO-26-16 … Amend “Section 9-52. Trash and Recyclables Collection” (Sponsored by Councilor Ryan DiZoglio, as amended)
Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor Valley. The ordinance sets a fee schedule and a proration plan based on when a resident receives a barrel, and adds late fees for unpaid barrel fees of $100 a month. After several months, unpaid amounts would be added to the property tax bill. It also lays out an annual renewal process, with no mid year cancellation or refunds. The Solicitor said the Mayor had not yet reviewed it and that some of it, “this is unconstitutional,” pointing specifically to the $100 a month late fee, and noted other language changes the Council should review. The Mayor said he had been concerned about the lack of a warning step, which has since been added back, and suggested bringing the new sanitation coordinator, Ms. Pappalardo, into the discussion.
Councilor DiZoglio said that, “being really honest,” he is going “after the people who don’t pay their fee” and added, “Fine, I’ll be the bad guy.” Councilor MacLaren pushed for an “obvious middleground,” saying she does not believe 60% of residents are intentionally abusing the system and wants to focus on education. Councilor Santos said she supports the ordinance “100%” after education but wants to reduce the late fee. Councilor Drew asked about amending the late fees, and the Solicitor offered to review the language on the floor. The item was tabled on a motion by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Santos, so the Mayor and lega can review it and bring back changes. Passed unanimously.
TO-26-17 … Amend “Section 8-7. Municipal Charges Lien” (Sponsored by Councilor Ryan DiZoglio)
This companion measure allows certain unpaid city fees to be placed on a property tax bill. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. Councilor Drew asked whether it is legal; the Solicitor said yes. He also asked about a right to appeal before a charge hits the tax bill; the Solicitor said there is no right to appeal because it is a fee, not a tax. Passed unanimously.
New Business
Resolutions
TR-26-67 … Declare the Pleasant Valley School Property Surplus for Sale and Redevelopment
The property is at 180 Pleasant Valley Street. Declaring it “surplus” means the city no longer needs it and can sell it. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor Valley. The Mayor said the city is casting a wide net through an RFP to develop new “affordable housing” for seniors and veterans, and intends to use the proceeds from the school properties to fund capital projects for the schools. Councilor Drew said he does not want a “joke of an offer” on the RFP but nobody acknowledged the city cannot control what bidders offer. Councilor DiZoglio, recalling his School Committee years, said he had hoped the building could become a fire department or something else to avoid traffic, and said he would not vote yes until he sees a traffic study. The Solicitor explained both properties sit in a conservancy district that does not currently allow residential use, so a zoning change would be required, and reminded the Council the sites will need major capital investment. PV is a complete tear down. Councilor Soto asked Councilor Marsan what the market might bear; he estimated about $1 million which carries no weight as he isn’t a professional in this field. The Mayor noted the lot is much larger than it looks from the street.
Councilor Drew proposed an amendment setting a minimum bid of $125,000, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. On the roll call, Councilors Santos, Simard, Valley, MacLaren, Marsan, and Soto voted no, and the amendment failed. Councilor Santos then asked for an appraisal; the Mayor explained this differs from a residential sale, that there are no obligations after the RFP, and that the process amounts to a market appraisal in real time, adding that the city also has the assessed value used for taxes. Councilor Soto moved to require the Mayor to clearly state the assessed value in the RFP; that amendment passed unanimously. The main motion, as amended, passed unanimously.
It was about the middle of the last agenda item that the clock ticked past 10 PM. The build was officially closed and the staff on duty were supposed to be going home. They are now being paid overtime and could possibly bring a labor grievance. I’d like to know who pays for this?
Several of the Councilors and the Mayor were very much aware and nobody even bothered to say it out loud. … Just so disappointing.
The other concern is the children running the cameras. How old are they, did the council violate child labor laws too?
TR-26-68 … Declare the Currier School Property Surplus for Sale and Redevelopment
The property is at 36 Boylston Street. Moved by Councilor Marsan, seconded by Councilor Santos. (For the record, Councilor Soto noted that Councilor Simard had to leave at 10:08 p.m.) The Solicitor pointed out this resolution does include a minimum bid. Passed unanimously.
TR-26-69 … Accept $15,795.31 State 911 Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Grant
For Fiscal Year 2027. Moved by Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Drew. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
TR-26-70 … Accept $168,186.09 State 911 Department Training Grant
For Fiscal Year 2027. Moved by Councilor Drew, seconded by Councilor Santos. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
TR-26-71 … Transfer Between Various FY26 General Fund Budgets (EPA Requested)
Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor MacLaren. No discussion. Passed unanimously. The EPA (an emergency preamble, a step that lets the measure take effect immediately rather than after the usual waiting period) also passed unanimously.
TR-26-73 … Declare 30 Railroad Street Surplus for Sale and Redevelopment
Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. The Mayor said this is a vacant lot the city wants to put out to RFP, with the assessor’s information included as with the other properties. Councilor DiZoglio asked about zoning; the Solicitor confirmed it is zoned for multi family use but is small, so it will need zoning approvals. Passed unanimously.
TR-26-74 … Transfer Funds from the Edwin J. Castle Fund
To the Methuen Literacy Project at Nevins Library and to Methuen Public Schools for CTE Early Childhood Care (CTE stands for Career and Technical Education). Moved by Councilor Drew, seconded by Councilor Santos. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
Ordinances
TO-26-18 … Increase Ambulance Rates and Establish a New Lift Assist Fee
This amends Section 8-5A of the Municipal Code. Moved by Councilor Santos, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio. The Mayor explained it is a revenue assumption for the year. Councilor DiZoglio asked the Chief whether these charges were always allowed; the Chief said yes, and that they have become more common. The Mayor stressed, “THIS IS NOT A FEE FOR RESIDENTS,” and that it is “SPECIFICALLY GEARED TOWARDS BUSINESS ENTITIES LIKE NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVINGS” that often cannot lift a resident who has fallen and rely on the city instead. The Solicitor confirmed it must be structured as a fee, not a fine. Councilor Santos asked how the amount was set; it was based on other communities’ actual costs to make the runs. Passed unanimously.
Executive Session
The Council voted to enter executive session (a closed door portion of the meeting allowed by law) under Exemption 7 of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(7), to discuss past executive session minutes. If it entered session, the Council would discuss and vote on releasing executive session minutes for the following dates: February 21, 2017; June 11, 2018; September 24, 2018; October 29, 2018; July 26, 2019; August 14, 2019; September 25, 2019. Following the executive session, the Council would adjourn and not reconvene in open session.
What Happens Next
A few items are set to return in the coming weeks: the trash and recyclables ordinance (TO-26-16) comes back after the Mayor and the new sanitation coordinator review it, the National Grid conduit grant (301043582) remains tabled pending questions about curb to curb repair, and the boards and commissions status is scheduled to be addressed soon. City Hall’s closure program begins Friday, July 10, and the summer meal program for youth 18 and under is running at four sites.
And that’s all she wrote.