Recap: January 20, 2026 Council Meeting
Written by: Dan Shibilia
This is only the second meeting recap. I'm trying a new recap style. We will see if it works and if I stick with it ….
Ok, here we go…
The meeting began with a gospel reading. Personally I don't think City Hall is any place for that. For a municipal body, this immediately raises questions about the separation of church and state. I know we've done it before…
Following the flag salute, a moment of silence was held. The first two names were Methuen residents. It was explained that they were political and philanthropically active. Then, Chair Soto stated they had a request from a constituent to do another moment silence. She rifled off three names. No explanation. No identifying reason other than the request. The names were recent ICE-related murders and identification of such was notably sidestepped. The omission did not go unnoticed.
Citations & Recognitions
Councilor Santos presented citations to Wally Correa and E&W Auto Body, including a separate acknowledgment from the Mayor for work performed months earlier. Santos also recognized Maryvelisse Nunez of Glamour Nails.
A new recognition category was introduced: Outstanding Service Recognition, which now applies to City employees, consultants, and contractors. Ann Lloyd-Zaralidis of the Treasurer’s Office was selected by Councilor Soto. Amy Priante-Walkowicz was selected by Councilor Valley, though the presentation did not clearly explain her role or the specific work that merited the recognition.
Recipients receive a plant meant to symbolize growth, strength, and community impact. What remained unclear is how recipients are chosen. There was no explanation of criteria, benchmarks, nomination process, or oversight. This, for me, is wraising a reasonable question as to whether this is merit-based or simply discretionary.
Adoption of City Council Rules & Procedures
The Council moved to adopt amended rules last discussed on January 5. Councilor Drew attempted to ask questions, but the Chair moved the vote before discussion occurred. The motion passed before questions were allowed … a confusing and irregular sequence.
Drew then moved to revert the public address disclosure requirement back to its original language. This sparked an extended and, at times, circular debate about whether residents should be required to disclose their FULL address at the podium (123 Main Street Methuen MA 01844) After considerable discussion, the Council ultimately struck the word “full” from “full address,” narrowing the requirement without eliminating it.
Councilor Soto later circulated a proposed amendment that partially acknowledged an Open Meeting Law issue. The amendment passed and created a formal mechanism to extend council set time limits when meetings are impacted by weather or holidays.
Council Subcommittee Appointments
Subcommittee assignments were made solely by the Chair. Councilor Simard was not assigned to Public Safety, or Veterans, or to any committee at all. He took issue with this but was dismissed by Chair Soto stating it's on him for not reaching out to her as instructed.
Simard made a brief statement that he has expertise nobody else on the committee has and to bypass him is a disservice to the community. He remarked that this may be retribution for his no vote to her selection as chair.
This comes back up at the end of meeting….
Public Participation
A resident spoke about the winter parking ban, explaining that not all residents have driveways and that his car had been towed as a result. Despite long-standing Council rules discouraging engagement during public participation, Councilor Soto engaged directly with the speaker … a notable departure from past practice.
Two other speakers came to the podium to address the parking ban and safety in the community with growing concerns over ICE racial profiling.
Fun fact…Neither of which gave their address.
Appointments
The City Solicitor advised tabling several appointments to allow time for additional legal research, citing unclear rules around 10+ years of service. This is due to a new solicitor as this issue comes up pretty regularly.
Patrice Friant – Conservation Commission: approved unanimously
Cara Seaman – Conservation Commission (reappointment): approved unanimously
David DiZazzo – Conservation Commission (reappointment): tabled unanimously
Kenneth Sateriale – Conservation Commission (10+ year reappointment): tabled unanimously
Raymond DiFiore – Greater Lawrence Sanitary District: tabled unanimously
The concern here is practical as much as legal: Methuen does not have a deep bench of applicants, and prolonged tabling risks vacancies.
Mayor’s Report
The Mayor provided an extensive update, including:
School goals for 2024–2027, emphasizing literacy and professional development
Continued improvements in pest remediation and facilities maintenance
Trash RFP nearing completion; new trash carts have been ordered and will be distributed upon delivery. The Mayor acknowledged the program rollout was poorly executed and stated the City is working to correct course
An update on City/School IT litigation... The Mayor intends to rescind the executive order, and the School Committee will vote to dismiss the legal matter. Any new attempts must comply with Chapter 71 §37M. (Votes by both parties to allow the merger)
Pelham Street traffic study ongoing
Searles Elevator RFP currently being drafted
Eagle Woodworking filling a long-vacant Broadway property formerly occupied by Crest (a nonprofit, non-taxpaying use). The project includes 42 existing jobs and 25 new jobs, many committed to Methuen residents as part of the tax incentive agreement … a clear economic win
Grant writing efforts have stalled due to difficulty finding qualified vendors; an RFP is likely forthcoming
Murphy’s Farm appeal filed by the Mayor; the developer is attempting to have it dismissed
Regarding education oversight, the Mayor described a recent DESE meeting as productive. However, no concrete outcomes were identified beyond acknowledgment by the Commissioner that problems exist and new solutions are needed.
Community announcements included:
Methuen Restaurant Week (week of the 25th)
Planning for the City’s first Dominican Independence celebration
Methuen 300 celebration planning
St. Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for Saturday, March 21
CAFO Report
The Chief Administrative and Financial Officer presented the Capital Improvement Program and walked newer councilors through how to read it.
Key figures:
Approximately $7.5 million in outstanding taxes, 68% residential (a combination of principal and interest)
$5.8 million collected since 2019 through an outside collections firm
Councilor Pesce proposed publishing a list of delinquent taxpayers, stating it would be informational rather than punitive. The CAFO explained the list is already published. Pesce suggested adding it to the City website, though it was unclear who would monitor it or how it would materially improve collections, given that liens are already in place.
Councilor Soto raised the Equity Theft Law. The Solicitor responded that Methuen is already compliant and that the practices Soto referenced are already occurring.
Licenses & Contracts
Approved unanimously:
Vehicle-for-Hire renewals and a new license
Talty Floors contract for Timony School carpeting and VCT installation
Musco Sports Lighting purchase for Methuen High’s lower turf field (product only, capital funded, not a replacement)
Fire alarm upgrades at Marsh Grammar School
Major Resolutions & Ordinances
Vocational School District Charter Amendment (TR-26-8): approved unanimously; EPA passed 8-1
Edwin J. Castle Fund transfer: approved 8-1; Drew opposed due to uncertainty over where the language would live in the Charter
Winter Parking Ban Ordinance: already in effect; no action required
The Assistant Council Clerk salary ordinance generated significant debate. Concerns included lack of benchmarking, budget impact, and whether the Council should pay the position or the individual. A friendly amendment limited the salary increase to the current clerk only, resetting if the person leaves. Despite this, the ordinance failed after multiple no votes, as it required six affirmative votes.
Conservation easement at 799 Lowell Street, a former eagle nesting site, was approved unanimously
Tax Increment Financing agreement for Eagle Woodworking was approved unanimously, locking in taxes and sharing future increases which was already approved by the state
Councilor Drew introduced two proactive planning resolutions:
A parks audit was tabled due to lack of cost details
A facilities audit for non-school City buildings passed 7-2, with strong support from the Mayor, who detailed the age and fragility of City infrastructure including fire stations built for horse-drawn equipment and DPW facilities at risk of failure
At this point it was 8 minutes before 11:00 PM, which required the council to vote to extend past 11. The vote was taken and the Council failed to extend the meeting, leaving only minutes to finish remaining business.
Acceptance of a $2,000 gift from DCU to support the Police Department: approved unanimously
Two wage and classification ordinances were tabled due to time constraints
Any Other Business
Councilor Drew announced an Irish Cottage fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Councilor Simard stated he was ignored regarding subcommittee requests but contacted when his vote was needed for Chair calling the process non-transparent. Soto disputed this characterization. The entire thing is petty when to consider what a leader should do and that Councilor Simard has a history of service on the council and numerous subcommittees.
A new City Council Facebook page was announced.
What a meeting… this council is going to be wild.