Council Recap: May 18, 2026
The tension is growing at the table and it's only May. Let's not forget, we have 3 more meetings this week for Budget.
Written by: Dan Shibilia InsideMethuen@gmail.com
Full agenda with attachments: Here
Recording of Meeting on Youtube: Here
⭐Councilor MacLaren.
She consistently doesn’t just speak to speak. She speaks to be heard with intention. She says what needs to be said and moves on. She was the gold start of this meeting.
The Council met Monday night for its regular May meeting.
Councilor Pesce was absent and by consensus in the room, she sat out to avoid voting on the health insurance item due to her recent attempt to secure health insurance for herself. Councilor DiZoglio got the call up to the #2 seat to act as vice chair tonight. This is interesting since the last meeting without a vice chair, Councilor Drew was tapped for the substitute opportunity which, for those who know the Councilor, did not sit well with Councilor DiZolgio.
The agenda was updated right out of the gate to remove the presentation and GIC vote due to ongoing negotiations with the unions and the executive session was removed as “the council has already voted on the issues” according to the Solicitor.
A moment of silence was observed for Lieutenant James “Jimmy Mac,” McLachlan, a 29-year member of the Methuen firefighter who recently passed due to occupational cancer.
Councilor Santos offered a religion-free invocation. Minutes from the April 21 Regular Meeting. However, the tone of the invocation was not lost on me and a few others in the room who snickered (you’ll notice a trend throughout the night of this)
“Let us begin this meeting with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our community together. May we lead with wisdom, respect, and compassion as we make decisions that affect the lives of our residents, families, seniors, and future generations. May this chamber be guided by unity over division, understanding over conflict, and solutions over personal interest. Give us the strength to listen with open minds, speak with integrity, and work together for the common good of our city.”
As the meeting unfolded, this didn’t age well.
They proceeded to accept the minutes from the April 28 Special Meeting and the May 4 Regular Meeting, which were all approved.
Now on to the good part…
Public Participation
Public Participation run by Councilor DiZolgio kicks off…
Zackary Spindler, who is a student and resident in town. He spoke in support of the pickleball courts. He thinks the City should keep working to improve this area not just shut it down. As a neighbor to the Rod and Gun club, he knows what the sound is like but the City is appears to be acting in good faith so let’s keep working.
Kevin O’Donnell, new union head for ASME 93, spoke about the budget and pending layoffs. He hits on the issue that the people who are impacted had no control over the budget and some of them don’t make very much at all. He advocated for his union members and the community to avoid layoffs and reduced services.
Diane Moore, chair of the historic district commission, member of the historic commission, and the preservation commission, spoke about Searless and the ability to continue offering lectures at the Estate. She brings attention to the growing interest in the Estate.
Ann DiBeneditto, retired teacher in Methuen after 35 years. She was here when the PEC was formed. She appreciates the work being done by the Mayor and the PEC but is upset about the surprise split increase retirees saw in January. She wants to see the work continue to get the best outcome for everyone.
Linday Soucy thanked the Council and everyone for the support at the Mann Inc charity gold tournament. She thanks the Kattar’s specifically (which becomes even more relevant in the appointments section). Then she transitions to the dirt bikes and thanks DiZolgio for his efforts. She supports the gas station solution but realizes its going to take more than just this to find a solution. She also congratulated Zack for speaking earlier, acknowledging how hard is to come up and speak at the podium and congratulated the appointments coming up on the agenda.
Kristen Maxwell, a former school committee member, accurately hits on the sad state of the political scene in Methuen. Then recounts her resignation before heading into the “…letters, and coordinated attacks against us for differences of opinions” statement, which is loaded with irony. She also hits on the importance of holding individuals accountable for their own actions and those of others. (This deserves its own article in the future.)
Eric Moreau, president of the firefighters’ union, came to thank the city and its residents for the support received during the services for Jimmy Mac.
Kara Blatt, co-president of the Teachers Union and member of PEC, thanks the body for their countless hours to work on this and for tabling tonight’s PEC issues for the body to negotiate. She raises one thing that is very new in this City… for the first time ever, every union is united. That has never happened in Methuen before. She accurately hits on how every union relys on the rest.
Lois Jacobs, retired Methuen teacher, thanks the Mayor for pulling the PEC vote and wants to keep working on making this better for everyone. She just wants a fair solution.
Steven Sarconie, the resident representing the neighbors at the center of the pickleball court. He presented the history to remind people that this isn’t about the sport, it’s about the noise and proximity to the homes. He came with facts about how, despite the issues raised even before these were built, citing stories from other communities, and the City spending 300k on beautification instead of issue mitigation. He just wants this fixed.
Heather Plunkett spoke about the item on the agenda by Valley on the liability concern for the Searles Estate. She is concerned that this is an attempt to stop events at the Estate and hopes this isn’t the case.
Ace Hayden piggybacks on the support for the Searless. She just doesn’t want to lose it and shared how the Massachusetts Film Commission came out to tour it.
Appointments
The respective chiefs read each candidate’s backup into the record before each vote. It’s also worth noting that the hall was full of Firefighters, pouring over in the hallways. All of whom came out for their brothers to show support.
Firefighter Jesse Kattar — Lieutenant
The name Kattar is a well-known one in town, which made Soto’s mispronunciation of it land with a chuckle from the firefighters in the hallway. Councilor Drew asked why the position is necessary, pointing to CBA staffing requirements. Simard called out the civil service framework. Soto requested a roll call. Passed 8-0-1.
Firefighter Sean Wholley — Lieutenant
Moved by DiZoglio, seconded by Santos. Passed 8-0-1.
Acting Police Lieutenant Matthew Mueskes — Permanent Police Lieutenant
Moved by Simard, seconded by Santos. Drew asked the same position-necessity question. Simard spoke highly of Mueskes. Passed 8-0-1.
Acting Police Sergeant Matthew St. Jean — Permanent Police Sergeant
Moved by Simard, seconded by Santos. Passed 8-0-1.
The Council recessed briefly for photos.
Mayor’s Report
Bond Rating
S&P affirmed the city’s AA bond rating with a stable outlook. The Mayor noted this allows the city to borrow at better interest rates.
Clean Energy Grant
Methuen won a clean energy grant to update the Timony, selected from 61 applicants. The Mayor said the administration will keep aggressively pursuing outside funds.
FY27 Budget
The Mayor acknowledged his budget, released Friday, would have been easier to produce by maintaining the status quo. He said that’s not why he was elected.
Major Projects
Highlighted projects include Apex for the Milk Street traffic calming project, the Oakland Avenue Bridge repair, and engineering and design work for streetscape improvements in the Arlington neighborhood. A working group is ongoing for rezoning planning.
Bond Refinancing
Councilor Drew asked about the opportunity to refinance existing bonds. CAFO said they look at it regularly but it hasn’t been worth it.
June 5 at 6pm: MHS Graduation.
CAFO Report
Searles Estate Expenses & Revenues (Req. of Clr. Soto)
The CAFO distributed handouts: the 2026 CIP, a revised bonding approach for better rates and management, a utilities update, a snow and ice summary, and notice of a $2.5 million shortfall she’ll be formally requesting. Santos noted she had reached out about the Oakland Avenue School and is waiting on additional information.
DiZoglio raised something about a camera that wasn’t initially clear, eventually landing on a discussion about body cameras — the grant for which has expired.
Drew asked how the administration plans to address the snow and ice shortfall. CAFO said they’re looking at options in other lines to minimize the free cash impact.
Valley asked about the Echo Lane bond. CAFO explained the authorization rolls over and the city won’t take the loan until it’s ready to begin in FY27.
Soto asked the CAFO to include totals on categories and to send reports in advance of meetings.
Requests of Councilors
Paving List on the City Website (Req. of Chair Soto)
DPW has a draft. It will be posted once complete.
Assessor Appointment — Legal Opinion (Req. of Chair Soto)
Soto brought forward a discussion and request for a legal opinion regarding the appointment authority for the Acting Assessor, City Assessor, or Chief Assessor positions. The Mayor directed her to the City Solicitor but laid out his legal logic, rooted in Massachusetts General Law, explaining why the process was valid. Soto argued the charter should control and noted this is how appointments have worked going back decades. She also disclosed she served as an assessor from 2020 to 2023 and said she was actually looking forward to using this temporary appointment as a test run before committing to a permanent hire.
What followed was a stretch of Soto asking the Mayor questions without letting him answer. The Mayor acknowledged that posting the job as a department head position was a mistake… his mistake. Soto then went after the City Solicitor, accusing him of writing an opinion for the Mayor without her permission as the Chair and his boss and characterizing the Mayor’s approach as sneaky.
Temp Vice Chair DiZoglio gave the Mayor the floor. The Mayor said he respects the checks and balances and pushed back on the idea that doing things the same way they’ve always been done is the same as doing them right.
Simard called it out plainly: this is budget season, this looks personal, and the Council received a 10-page document from Soto at the meeting tonight with no advance notice about why the Mayor is wrong. Soto countered that the Council received a 50-page packet from the Solicitor at the start of the meeting, so don’t complain about hers. The entire exchange lacked maturity and continued to throughout the rest of the item.
Soto made clear she wants the appointment voided, a new process run, and a new candidate. She also made a fairly direct threat to cut the new Assessor’s position in the budget. The Mayor noted he didn’t write the charter, state statute, or municipal code, reminding Soto she is a legislator, so “if you don’t like the rules, change them”.
MacLaren called out the grandstanding and said the focus should be on fixing the disconnect, not relitigating it.
The City Solicitor then spoke. He said he understood why people feel as they do, confirmed he was asked by the Mayor to review the matter, and agreed there is a disconnect between the code and the charter that should be fixed through the proper process. He was direct: he works for the city, not for Soto or the Mayor alone. MacLaren added that if something needs to be done, put forth a resolution otherwise, move on.
Other Requests — Status Updates
Echo Lane Sewer Connection RFP (Req. of Clr. Valley): Pending.
Rail Trail Depot Overhangs (Req. of Clr. Valley): Pending.
Route 110 Sidewalk/Bike Lane Project (Req. of Clr. Valley): At the state level. Waiting on the state to respond.
Searles Estate Liability (Req. of Clr. Valley): Pending.
Oakland Avenue Bridge State Report (Req. of Clr. Santos): Provided in the Mayor’s report and on the agenda.
Public Safety Buildings / DPW Feasibility Study (Req. of Clr. Santos): Provided in the Mayor’s report and on the agenda.
Parks Audit RFP (Req. of Clr. Drew): With the Council for review.
Buildings Audit RFP (Req. of Clr. Drew): Same as parks.
Pickleball Court / Public Petition (Req. of Clr. MacLaren): Pending.
Forest Street Paving (Req. of Clr. MacLaren): It is on the paving list.
Contracts
C-26-87: Apex Companies, LLC — $48,600
Engineering services for the Milk Street Traffic Calming Project through DPW. Moved by Simard, seconded by Santos. No discussion. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-88: Weston & Sampson CMR, Inc. — $75,750
Engineering services for expanded feasibility studies of the Public Works, Police, and Fire facilities. Moved by Santos, seconded by Drew. DiZoglio asked what the contract covers; the Mayor described it as a tangible next step. Santos asked about a prior feasibility study she’d requested but says she never received. The Mayor said he was on the email chain confirming it was sent. For context: the last study was done during the Jajuga administration (2017-2019). This contract expands the scope and builds on that earlier work. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-89: NEL Corporation — $57,503.34
Emergency repair to the Oakland Avenue Bridge under DCAMM Waiver No. 5291. Moved by Marsan, seconded by Valley. Santos wanted a timeline, noting it’s been months. The Mayor walked through the sequence: state negotiations, DCAMM waiver obtained, funding identified… this vote is what lets the work start. CAFO jumped in to restate and noted the contract expressly states an anticipated completion date of July 31st. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-90: Woodard & Curran — $235,500
Engineering services for Phase I-A of the Arlington Neighborhood Streetscape Improvement through DPW. Moved by Marsan, seconded by Santos. DiZoglio’s question: concrete or hot top for the sidewalks? The Mayor made a joke about how he knows this is a very important issue for DiZoglio. The Mayor called up Director Bower who said concrete is the preference but it’s cost-prohibitive as salt kills it. DiZoglio said other cities do it. Bower said they can get quotes but right now this is design work. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-91: Hilltown Demolition, LLC — $34,900
Installation of a concrete slab at Veterans Memorial Park for the base of an outdoor Fitness Court through DPW Recreation. Moved by Drew, seconded by Valley. DiZoglio said this is the best thing the city can bring to residents. Drew noted he visited the site with Director Angelo and that the layout is planned with future expansion in mind. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-92: E.J. Paving Company, Inc. — $1,197,448
Chapter 90-funded paving contract for FY2026 through DPW. Moved by Drew, seconded by Valley. Valley called up Deputy Director Felix: approximately 3.5 miles of road at 4 inches thick. She asked for the list of roads and it will be provided. She also asked for the bid on reclamation work, which is still pending signatures. Drew confirmed the contract covers roads and asphalt curbs, not sidewalks. Marsan asked process questions; Felix explained. Passed 8-0-1.
C-26-93: DCAMM Waiver No. 5289 — $897,677
Emergency purchase and replacement of seven bulk chemical tanks, plus pipes, valves, fittings, and transfer pumps at the Water Treatment Plant. Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. DiZoglio asked why the city keeps repairing the plant and whether grants are an option. The Mayor acknowledged deferred maintenance has piled up and confirmed the city is always looking for outside funding. Drew noted these valves require routine attention. Marsan acknowledged the equipment is old and neglected, worth noting as it wasn’t discussed or mentioned that he served six years on the Council during which this work was deferred. The Mayor flagged that water and sewer rates are long overdue for an increase to keep up with the actual demands and costs. Passed 8-0-1.
Other Officers and Committee Reports
DiZoglio on Public Safety: he went with Soto and Bower to the conservative club to clear the bird sanctuary and were approved, with the PD getting access from their side. He mentioned a potential resolution on road restoration after utility excavations, something on handicap parking (details were not entirely clear), outreach to the Salem lighting vendor who did the lanterns there, and a reference to the dirt bike ordinance on tonight’s agenda.
Old Business
TR-25-75: Cooper Lane as a Public Way
Removed from the table by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio. The Solicitor updated the Council and deferred to conservation and DPW: the waterway needs to be cleaned out before the street can be accepted. Once the conservation agent confirms completion and bond requirements are met, including a contribution to the sidewalk fund which is required when only putting a sidewalk on one side of the street, it can move forward. Simard knows the builder and is confident they’ll comply but moved to table in the meantime. Valley seconded. Marsan opposed. Soto called for a roll call. Passed 6-2-1, with Marsan and Santos voting no.
TR-26-32: Health Insurance Options (MGL Ch. 32B, Sections 21-23)
Removed from the agenda.
TR-26-49: PACE Massachusetts
A Resolution authorizing the City of Methuen to participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program. Moved by Drew, seconded by DiZoglio. Passed 8-0-1.
New Business
TR-26-50: Home Rule Petition: Reinstatement of Positions by Seniority
Sponsored by Soto, DiZoglio, and Valley. Moved by Valley, seconded by Santos. This addresses the scenario where superior officers could be demoted as civil service counts time on the job, not time in a specific rank. The Fire Chief acknowledged emotions are running high with the budget and said this resolution will help. Worth noting: the Mayor was listed as a co-sponsor but asked to be removed before the vote. The reason wasn’t stated. Passed 8-0-1.
TR-26-51: $15,200 SAFE / Senior SAFE Grant
Requested by the Mayor and Chief. Moved by Drew, seconded by Santos. An EPA was requested to access the funds quickly. Passed 8-0-1. EPA also passed.
TO-26-11: Pest Control Ordinance for Demolition, Site Clearing, and Commercial Waste
Sponsored by Councilor DiZoglio. Moved by Santos, seconded by DiZoglio. Passed 8-0-1.
TO-26-13: Nepotism Ordinance Amendment
Removed from the table. As amended.
TO-26-14: Self-Service Gas Stations Ordinance (EPA Requested)
Sponsored by DiZoglio and Chief McNamara. Moved by Drew, seconded by Valley. DiZoglio said the ordinance came out of an ask from Linda Soucy following a motorcycle crash on Merrimack Street. This one was painful to watch. DiZoglio asked Chief McNamara to come forward. He was clearly trying to distance himself from this resolution. He noted Lawrence recently passed a similar ordinance and said it’s not a unique problem,the issue is off-road vehicles being ridden on public roads, which has been in the news. The PD’s restrictive pursuit policy limits what officers can do in real time; he said he’d rather have a drone to track these riders than put officers and the public in dangerous chases. He wants to bring it back to the drawing board.
Santos said the focus should be on public safety without burdening gas stations. Simard said it’s a nice try but the mechanism isn’t right, and pointed to the courts as the real problem, citing the individual on Merrimack Street with a gun doing wheelies who was let go with a warning after facing gun charges. MacLaren agreed the public needs protection but this ordinance isn’t the way. Simard suggested tabling. DiZoglio made a case for legislative action that wandered into a broader commentary on gun laws.
After far to much back and forth, Drew moved to table. Seconded by Marsan. Passed 8-0-1.
And that was all she wrote….
Until next time!