Council Recap: June 8, 2026
A night that started with celebrating the best of our schools and ended well past anyone’s patience.
Written by: Dan Shibilia InsideMethuen@gmail.com
Full agenda with attachments: Here
Recording of Meeting on YouTube: Here
The night actually started before the regular meeting, and it started the right way.
The School Committee held its annual Teachers of the Year recognition ceremony, and the media center was full of family, friends, students, colleagues who were all there to celebrate the educators who show up for Methuen’s kids every single day. It was positive in the best way. It was the kind of room that reminds you why any of this matters.
Each school honored one teacher. Each teacher had a story. And for a few minutes, the politics and the budget fights and the dysfunction that too often define how people talk about this school district faded into the background. What was left was a room full of people who genuinely love what they do and a community that, when given the chance, shows up to say thank you.
Teachers of the Year
MHS
Julie Gaudioso, Junctions Sub-Separate Special Ed
Timony
Terri Zappola, 5th Grade (also the Methuen Rotary Teacher of the Year)
Tenney
Leah Beauchman, STEM
Marsh
Sarah Cordero, English Language Development
CGS
Bethany McCarthy, 3rd Grade
ECC
Brooke Belmont, Occupational Therapist
Program Assistants of the Year
ECC
Allison Petro
Timony
Sofia Gonzalez
Congratulations to all of them. These recognitions matter.
At the same time this was wrapping up, the public hearing on An Act Relative to the Reinstatement of Positions in a Departmental Unit According to Seniority for the City of Methuen (Requested by Chair Soto, Clr. DiZoglio, and Clr. Valley). The Fire Chief explained that when rehiring, the city needs to bring back staff based on time in rank, not time on the job. He noted many other communities have adopted this approach and that the issue traces back to pre-COVID. Jill Stacklin and Councilor Simard both spoke in support of the home rule charter.
Then the regular meeting got underway.
Roll Call
Councilor Pesce was absent. She’s on a family vacation and will also miss the next meeting as well from the sounds of it. Councilor DiZoglio got the call up to the big chair as acting Vice Chair.
The whispers from the Council is that Soto promised DiZoglio the chair in January. So, that will be something to watch to see how it evolves.
Acceptance of the Agenda
Moved by Santos, seconded by MacLaren. Two notable additions before the main motion passed:
Valley moved to shift the summer meetings to 6 p.m., so the July 6 and August 3 meetings will start at 6. Councilor Drew correctly noted this belonged under Organizational Business, but it passed unanimously anyway. The reason is valid. The agendas are going to be longer, they will need the time. They can’t risk letting anything interfere with “Hot Girl Summer.”
Santos moved to pull her item (TR-26-63) to the top of the agenda. Drew asked why. Santos said a constituent requested it and Soto corrected her that it was requested by the Castle Fund. Drew’s pushback was fair: everyone in the room wants their item first, and giving special treatment based on who asks sets a bad precedent. He was the sole no vote. It’s not the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last.
Main motion passes as amended.
Pledge / Invocation / Moment of Silence
Another invocation heavy on integrity and selfless service from Santos. The irony was not lost on anyone paying attention.
A moment of silence was held for a local resident who recently passed whose name DiZoglio unfortunately stumbled. Out of respect, we’ll leave it theren so I don’t get it wrong.
Public Participation
Mike Welch, a local resident and former paid consultant of the Unaccepted Way Task Force, has spent three years working to align state and city accepted road lists. His findings: 47 streets are accepted by the state but not the city, meaning we get money for them but don’t pave them. Another 17 the city treats as accepted, but the state doesn’t. The big issue … 105 streets are currently unaccepted. This is important work and deserves a real response.
Ann DiBeneditto, a retired Methuen teacher, returned with questions about health insurance, specifically the overage situation, the new broker selected by the mayor, and the request that the Public Employees Committee return to meeting in person as it once did. She reminded the room that GIC is a multi-year (three-year) commitment and that getting out is hard. She has been around long enough to remember people pleading not to go GIC in the first place. Her best line of the night: “Mayors and councilors come and go but employees stick around.”
Donna Gongas, a retired teacher and representative for Methuen retirees on the PEC, reiterated the financial pressures retirees face and how the recent increase has not kept pace.
Jim Toff, originator of the PEC and member of the Retirement Board, said the changes imposed on retirees were illegal and placed that on the shoulders of the Mayor. He also called out the CAFO for lack of oversight of the health insurance trust fund and explained that the COLA for retirees exists specifically to cover insurance. Pointed remarks for sure.
Steve (last name not caught) is the representative for the neighborhood adjacent to the pickleball courts. Through a public records request, he uncovered a letter from the community of Falmouth warning about noise issues, a letter the prior city solicitor, the police chief, and others were aware of before construction began. The warning came in May of 2024. Construction started anyway, with a plan to deal with complaints later. Three hundred thousand dollars was spent on beautification instead of soundproofing. He had a sound study conducted and confirmed the levels exceed the city’s own noise ordinance. He quoted some texts he obtained from the mayor that he viewed as dismissive at best. He wants the Council to act. They knew this was coming.
Councilor DiZoglio read two statements into the record. One questioned school leadership and urged the city not to fund the schools further. The second opposed the drone purchase on tonight’s agenda, calling it frivolous. Worth noting: the first letter appears to be the same one Councilor Pesce declined to read aloud at the last meeting, choosing instead to submit it silently into the record.
TR-26-63 — Resolution Authorizing Expenditure of $22,500 from the Castle Fund to the Methuen Youth and Community Center
(This was the item Santos moved to the top of the agenda.)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passes unanimously. EPA also passes unanimously.
Organizational Business
Minutes from the May 18, 2026 Regular Meeting, the May 21 FY2027 Water & Sewer Public Hearing, the May 21 FY2027 Municipal Budget Public Hearing, and the May 21 FY2027 Municipal Budget 1st Read were all approved.
Appointments
Firefighter Craig Langlais to Lieutenant
The hall was packed with firefighters. Soto asked why the city is promoting people when furloughs are on the table. The Chief explained it’s contractual: four shifts, every ladder needs a Lieutenant and two firefighters. The passing of Lieutenant Jimmy Mac is what set this whole chain of movement in motion. DiZoglio added that if we can’t fill the role with overtime, we’d have to close a station. Roll call passes unanimously. Brief recess for photos. Congratulations to Lt. Langlias.
Presentation: City of Methuen’s Health Insurance Program
(Presentation from Ken Lombardi of NFP, Requested by Mayor Beauregard)
The Mayor opened by addressing the elephant in the room: he hasn’t broken any laws. The reason the CAFO wasn’t aware of the broker fees is because they were commissions paid by the carrier. For those new to the administration of health insurance side of the house… that is simply how health insurance brokerages work. He then recounted that in 2019, this same firm recommended the city explore GIC. The city didn’t, and the Mayor put the cost of that inaction at $29.9 million since 2019. The prior local broker, he argued, had a fiduciary duty to give better advice. The broker recommended a 6% increase when the market was calling for closer to 19%. That gap is part of what the city is now dealing with.
Ken Lombardi walked the Council through the three models for how a city can offer health insurance: self-funding, GIC, or joining a cooperative with other communities. He confirmed the earliest the city could join GIC is January 1, 2027, and it would be a three-year commitment. He got deep into coverage details and plan options. For the community collective option, he was pretty blunt in the fact that nobody would want to partner with Methuen due to our claims and makeup (being so heavily on retirees).
DiZoglio said what everyone was thinking: this is a lot of information and it needs to be presented in a less dense way. He also made a substantive comment for someone who is a user of a similar plan in another community where he is employed: this kind of review should have been happening regularly, not rushed at the end of the year.
The Mayor acknowledged he can’t kick the can down the road. The 19.3% increase is what it takes to keep the current structure solvent for the next fiscal year.
Santos took a shot at the Mayor, was told she wasn’t listening, and then complained about being asked to vote without seeing the presentation in advance. The Mayor clarified there is no vote tonight. It was a rough night for Santos.
Simard offered a sensible suggestion: stop beating this tonight and set up a dedicated Q&A session with the unions. … Sensible but unlikely.
The Mayor closed with an important point: if the Council doesn’t approve use of free cash to address the health insurance trust fund shortfall, the alternative is putting it on the tax bill.
Mayor’s Report
A new cell tower in the Howe Street area will bring in additional revenue. Several grant items are on tonight’s agenda. A new partnership to help residents with student loan debt. The Board of Health will be voting on fee changes next week. Groundwork Lawrence may be establishing a Methuen branch. Constellation will be coming to the Council next meeting with a funding request. The Mayor wants to see Methuen become a school choice community. Alderbrook Lane is not a concern. Teacher of the Month recognition. Pride flag ceremony was held today. Friday is Concert in the Park. Sunday is the Firefighters’ Memorial. The full schedule for the Fourth of July celebration is coming.
CAFO Report
Request for Update on Searles Estate Expenses & Revenues (Req. of Chair Soto)
The monthly regulars, electric, gas, and utilities, were reviewed. The bigger issue is the financing structure: a one-year interest-only renewal rather than a long-term bond, which means a roughly $260,000 interest-only payment. Drew asked if we’d have to do this again next year. The CAFO confirmed a decision needs to be made at this time next year. Drew pressed on why a long-term bond wasn’t explored instead of rolling one-year notes. The CAFO can’t explore those options until we know if we are keeping it or not.
Requests of Councilors
Does the Methuen Housing Authority currently receive trash collection services through the city’s municipal trash contract? (Req. of Chair Soto)
The Mayor didn’t have the answer and will get it for the next meeting. Soto’s position is that if they do, they should be paying for their own.
Request for paving list to be submitted on the Methuen Website (Req. of Chair Soto)
It’s already online.
Update regarding implementation of M.G.L. Chapter 200A, Section 9A — unclaimed property (Req. of Clr. Valley)
Being advertised per the rules.
Update regarding the Rail Trail depot overhangs (Req. of Clr. Valley)
The Mayor passed it to the City Solicitor. Valley noted the union head is willing to transfer the building to the city. The Solicitor pushed back hard, pointing out that an outside counsel letter was sent to the building owner eight years ago to fix the structure, and nothing has happened. Drew noted the building has split ownership between the union and the VFW which may or may not be the actual case. His follow up suggestion was sensible: get all the parties in a room. Valley mentioned grants from Senator Payano could fund repairs. DiZoglio was interested in that path. The Solicitor’s more pragmatic observation: it’s still a privately owned building.
Update on the feasibility study for the public safety buildings and DPW (Req. of Clr. Santos)
Contract was signed at the last meeting. Work is in progress.
First report from the Sanitation/Zero Waste Coordinator (Req. of Clr. DiZoglio and Clr. Drew)
Director Bower reported the new coordinator has issued 100 citations so far and is also working on resident education.
Request for information regarding operation at 4 Alderbrook Lane (Req. of Clr. DiZoglio and Chair Soto)
Covered in the Mayor’s Report.
Parks Audit RFP status update (Req. of Clr. Drew)
As expected: nothing new.
Buildings Audit RFP Status update (Req. of Clr. Drew)
Same.
City employee email signature standardization (Req. of Clr. Drew)
Being looked into.
Fire Department fees update — lift fees and ambulance rate adjustment (Req. of Clr. Drew)
Fee increases coming at the July meeting.
Update on Tyler Financial MUNIS implementation plan (Req. of Clr. Drew)
CAFO is in discussions with the contractor to figure out timing.
HHSI permit fees review and update (Req. of Clr. Drew)
Covered in the Mayor’s Report.
Contracts
C-26-94: Tread Milling Co. Inc. — $28,800
Cold planing and profiling of bituminous surfaces funded through Chapter 90 for paving season FY2026. Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. Valley asked how many streets this covers; DPW clarified this is patchwork for pipe work and other infrastructure issues, not street-level paving. Passes unanimously.
C-26-95: Murray Paving & Reclamation, Inc. — $648,071
Bituminous concrete pavement reclamation funded through Chapter 90. Moved by Santos, seconded by MacLaren. DiZoglio raised ADA compliance at curb cuts when streets are paved; DPW confirmed the department addresses that before paving and noted the obligation does not extend to utility companies when they repave. Soto asked for the street list; DPW noted it’s posted but changes. Passes unanimously.
C-26-96: EJ Prescott, Inc. — $191,850
Manhole frames, covers, catch basin frames, gate boxes, and service boxes funded through Chapter 90. Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-97: McGovern MHQ, Inc. — $136,307.33
2026 Ford F350 with service body and crane for the Water Treatment Plant. Moved by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio. Drew asked what vehicle is being replaced and confirmed it will go through the surplus process. Passes unanimously.
C-26-98: Torromeo Industries, Inc. — $85,603
Purchase of sand, stone, and gravel for paving season FY2026. Moved by MacLaren, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-99: Safeware, Inc. — $24,999.82
One Skydio Night Sense Drone purchased through state contract HLS06. Moved by Santos, seconded by Drew. Soto asked why it was on “her agenda” since its under the necessary $25k threshold. The Mayor explained it was a transparency move since the contract came in 18 cents under the $25,000 threshold and he didn’t want anyone to think it was being hidden. Drew noted public concerns about drone surveillance. The Chief reminded the Council that Methuen has had drones since 2017 and explained data retention policies and usage. Passes unanimously.
C-26-100: Island Tech Services — $60,546
Outfitting of five police vehicles. Moved by Valley, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-101: McGovern MHQ, Inc. — $82,747
One 2026 Ford Explorer and one Chevy Equinox for the Police Department. Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Valley. Valley asked about the budget line. CAFO explained it spans two lines. Drew confirmed replacements will be surplused. Passes unanimously.
C-26-102: Energy Source, LLC — $56,151
Replacing the oil burner at North Station Fire Department, funded in part through National Grid. Moved by Valley, seconded by Valley. Drew asked about the ROI. Mayor confirmed roughly $2,000 in annual savings with National Grid covering a portion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-103: Energy Source, LLC — $122,581
Installing a Building Management System to efficiently control HVAC at MHS. Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-104: Energy Source, LLC — $43,227
Energy-efficient LED lighting at MHS. Moved by Santos, seconded by Valley. Drew asked about ROI. Mayor explained it’s part of an ongoing grant-funded project, with this being the city’s portion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-105: TASCO Construction, Inc. — $112,550
Manhole casting adjustments for paving season FY2026. Moved by Santos, seconded by Valley. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
C-26-106: Black Earth Composting, LLC — $39,500
Curbside collection of organic food scrap material. Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. The Mayor noted food waste is 25% of trash tonnage and this is heavily grant-funded, targeting 1,000 households to start. Drew asked for ongoing tonnage data to evaluate whether to continue. Passes unanimously.
C-26-107: Richard F. D’Ambrodis, Inc. — $1,142,843.50
On-call sidewalk repairs throughout the city for paving season FY2026. Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. DiZoglio dug back in on his long-running preference for concrete over asphalt. DPW representative Felix explained that for spot repairs, the city replaces whatever material was originally there so it matches the surrounding area. Passes 7-1, with DiZoglio voting no.
C-26-108: Waste Management of Londonderry, Inc. — $2,240,186 (three-year total)
Hauling and disposal of Transfer Station construction and demolition material for FY2027-FY2029. Moved by Santos, seconded by Valley. Marsan asked what the city charges per ton; the CAFO confirmed $250, reportedly the cheapest in the area. Valley requested recent Transfer Station revenue figures. Passes unanimously.
C-26-109: Cambire Consulting, LLC — $75,000
Professional grant writing and consulting services. Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Valley. Santos pressed on ROI. The Mayor explained the not-to-exceed contract structure and that the RFP expectation is $3 to $4 million in new grants. Santos asked the same question at least three times in slightly different ways. The Mayor did his best. Passes unanimously.
Other Officers and Committee Reports
Veterans Subcommittee: Six candidates were identified. Five agreed to move forward after being informed of the furloughs. Resumes are coming from HR.
Unfinished Business
TR-26-50: Resolution Requesting a Home Rule Petition Regarding the Reinstatement of Positions in a Departmental Unit According to Seniority
(Sponsored by Chair Soto, Councilor DiZoglio and Councilor Valley)
Moved by Valley, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously.
TO-26-13 : An Ordinance Amending the Methuen Municipal Code, Section 4-1 (J) Nepotism (as amended)
Soto explained this is her item and asked for a motion. It’s worth a watch as people avoid eye contact. It doesn’t get off the table… again.
TO-26-14: An Ordinance Adding Chapter 9, Section 9-92D, “Self-Service Gas Stations”
Requested to be removed from the agenda by DiZoglio before the meeting.
New Business
TR-26-52: Resolution Amending Traffic Rules to Require Parking on Only One Side of Short Street
(Sponsored by Councilors Jana Zanni Pesce and Patricia Valley)
Moved by Drew, seconded by Valley. Valley explained the street isn’t wide enough for two-sided parking without blocking a fire apparatus. DiZoglio suggested referring similar streets to the Public Safety Committee; Drew asked how many streets are in this situation. DPW says they have the data, just not at hand tonight. Passes unanimously. EPA passes 7-1.
TR-26-53: Resolution Requesting that the Mayor and CAFO Conduct an Insurance Review & Obtain Competitive Quotes
(Sponsored by Councilor Yanilda Santos)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Valley. Santos wants the city to understand its options and potentially save money. The Mayor noted it’s already going out to bid. Passes unanimously.
TR-26-54: Resolution Accepting the Gift of a Black Ornamental Fence with a 12-Foot Double Arched Gate at Meeting House Hill Cemetery from the Methuen Festival of Trees
(Sponsored by Mayor Beauregard and Methuen Festival of Trees)
Moved by Santos, seconded by MacLaren. The Mayor noted it’s a gift. The rules were suspended to include the EPA, needed by July 1. Passes unanimously. EPA also passes unanimously.
TR-26-55: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $1,075,569 of Free Cash to Methuen Public School Budget to Cover One-Time FY26 Special Education Costs (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. The Mayor described this as part one of two; the second transfer will come once free cash is certified. Passes unanimously. EPA also passes unanimously.
TR-26-56: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $850,000 of Free Cash to Compensated Absences Reserve (EPA Requested)
Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-57: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $500,000 of Free Cash to the Unemployment Reserve (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. Drew asked how many employees are affected. Approximately 10 on the city side and perhaps 50 from the schools, though the exact number wasn’t available. Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-58: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $500,000 of Free Cash to Worker’s Compensation Reserve (EPA Requested)
Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. No discussion. Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-59: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $150,000 of Free Cash to the Injured in the Line of Duty (ILD) Reserve (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-60: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $2,470,150 from Free Cash to DPW Other Expenses to Fund Snow & Ice Expenditures (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. Soto asked how much was transferred last year; the CAFO looked it up and confirmed $960,000, for a total of roughly $1 million. Passes 7-1, with Santos voting no, though she offered no explanation. EPA passes unanimously.
TR-26-61: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $5,000,000 of Free Cash to the Health Insurance Trust for FY2026 (EPA Requested)
Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. Marsan noted this is a shock but the Council doesn’t have much of a choice. Valley raised concerns about the bond rating impact. The CAFO acknowledged she disclosed this at the last rating review but conceded it isn’t a good look. The Mayor’s argument: the cleanup, paired with structural reform, actually signals fiscal responsibility. Drew pressed on whether this was foreseeable. It was... This has been building for about a decade and was repeatedly ignored. The Mayor acknowledged it. Drew’s point was direct: we need to do better and find more revenue. Soto asked how past deficits were handled. The Mayor confirmed the city covered them with available funds; the alternative was the state stepping in and adding it to the tax bill. The CAFO clarified that the first two years of major deficits are this year and last.
A motion to extend the meeting passed 5-3, with Marsan, Santos, and Valley voting no. At this point you could see people were running out of patiences.
Passes unanimously. EPA also passes unanimously.
TR-26-62: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $1,500,000 of Free Cash to the Health Insurance Trust for FY2027 (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. The Mayor explained this is the true-up for the city’s portion of the 19% increase. Passes 7-1, with Soto out of the room. EPA the same.
TR-26-64: Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a FY2027 State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant of $180,964 (EPA Requested)
Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-65: Resolution Authorizing Transfer of $371,000 Between Various FY26 General Fund Budgets (EPA Requested)
Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. Passes unanimously. EPA the same.
TR-26-66: Resolution to Temporarily Rescind the Adoption of the Fourth Paragraph of MGL Chapter 40, Section 5B to Allow a Dedicated Stabilization Fund for Methuen Restaurant Meals Tax Revenues (EPA Requested)
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. The Mayor described this as an assumption built into the budget and a one-year measure before reverting to normal. Marsan pointed out the Council said “one year” last year too, and we’re voting again. The CAFO clarified the mechanics: originally all meal tax went to stabilization; it shifted to 75/25; without this annual vote it would revert to 100%, though there was notable confusion at the table about what the actual reversion rate is. Soto said this is a vote she regrets, these are meal tax dollars that could fund projects. Passes 6-2, with Santos and Valley voting no. EPA passes 7-1, with Valley voting no.
TO-26-15: An Ordinance Amending Section 9-92, Prohibiting Operation of Dirt Bikes, by Adding Penalties, Enforcement, and Impoundment Provisions (EPA Requested)
(Sponsored by Councilor DiZoglio, Councilor Santos, and Chief McNamara)
Moved by Marsan, seconded by Valley. DiZoglio said he took the feedback from the gas station ordinance discussion and this was the result. Passes unanimously. EPA the same. DiZoglio was really laying into the meat of the document and the Council unaminously voted to move the question cutting him off.
TO-26-16: An Ordinance Amending Section 9-52, Trash and Recyclables Collection (EPA Requested)
(Sponsored by Councilor DiZoglio)
Moved by Santos, seconded by Valley. DiZoglio worked with Health and Human Services leadership and modeled this after Peabody’s approach. Key provisions: a $100 late fee for barrel non-payment, with the balance hitting property taxes after six months, plus a formal cancellation process for residents who no longer want the barrel. DiZoglio noted that 60% of residents currently aren’t paying their barrel fees. The EPA failed on the Mayor’s suggestion as he stated this one needs more work before it’s ready to take effect immediately. The ordinance itself passes 7-1, with Drew voting no.
TO-26-17: An Ordinance Amending Section 8-7, Municipal Charges Lien (Sponsored by Councilor DiZoglio)
Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. This is the companion piece that gives the city the right to place fees on the property tax bill. Passes unanimously.
Any Other Business
Chair Soto introduced Farah Kannan, a student at Massachusetts School of Law, who is serving as a free intern in the City Solicitor’s office. For those of you running through the Methuen Family tree, yes, this is Jennifer Kannan’s daughter. By all accounts thus far, she is doing a great job so those you who would pass judgment based on family name should hold judgment until you have a reason to judge. Don’t judge children on your opinions of their parents.
And two final comments for the record:
Soto referred to “my clerk,” “my councilors,” and “my meeting” at various points tonight. Worth remembering: this is our meeting. The taxpayers’. That kind of possessive language about a public body is telling.
If you’re going to vote no on a motion… why would you vote yes on the EPA?
As always, the full agenda is here. Meetings are archived at MethuenTV.
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