City Council — June 11, 2026

Phil Laughlin (Willows Neighborhood Association) opposed a proposed fire lane on Sutton and Beach, arguing it removes essential resident parking for a rare emergency event. Josiah Guthrie criticized the administration's 'reactive governance,' citing broken links in the SeeClickFix app and the recent police drone budget controversy as evidence.

The testimony concluded without immediate council action or response.

National Grid requested the installation of a single-ohm pole and relocation of another to provide load relief. A local resident supported the request but requested that the new poles do not include streetlights to prevent excessive light pollution.

The council approved the request with the condition that no streetlights be placed on the new utility poles.

The council discussed a study aimed at tapping the potential of the Jefferson Avenue corridor, particularly in relation to the planned South Salem commuter rail stop.

The matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole for a presentation of findings and public engagement results.

Planning and Community Development Department to present findings to the Committee of the Whole.

Proponents argued that combining meetings reduces the administrative burden on the City Clerk's office staff during the summer. Opponents argued that skipping August meetings creates a backlog in September and limits the council's ability to respond to constituent needs like block parties and permits.

The motion to combine the July and August meetings into one meeting on July 9, 2026, passed with 7 votes in favor and 3 against.

The ordinance aims to create an emergency access route following a 2024 flood. Residents expressed concerns regarding the loss of 4-5 parking spaces and the impact on elderly residents. The proposer noted the trade-off between resident convenience and public safety.

The ordinance was referred to the Committee of Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.

Committee review including input from the Fire Chief and Parks and Rec.

The council reviewed incremental increases for solid waste, water, and sewer services to cover rising costs. During the water rate discussion, the council identified a clerical error in the proposed minimum residential meter rate and amended it to ensure a consistent 9% increase.

The ordinances for trash fees, water rates (as amended), and sewer rates were all approved for first passage.

The ordinance proposes increasing residential sewer charges from $8.28 to $8.70 per 100 cubic feet, and non-residential rates for both low and high usage tiers. The speaker argued these incremental changes are necessary to manage operational costs.

The council approved the ordinance for first passage.

The Committee on Administration and Finance recommended the bond order for adoption. The council suspended rules to allow Finance Director James LeBlanc to assist during budget hearings.

The bond order was adopted for first passage via roll call vote.

The committee recommended adoption. Councilor King clarified that votes for different bond orders are taken separately because they involve different funding sources.

The bond order was adopted for first passage via roll call vote.

Councilor King moved to strike two line items: $41,667 for police drones and $200,000 for Pioneer Village. Arguments for the drones included public safety benefits and grant timelines, while concerns centered on privacy and community oversight. Regarding Pioneer Village, arguments included community impact on summer camps and the historical authenticity of the project versus its high cost.

The council split the question. They voted to strike the $41,667 drone line item but voted to keep the $200,000 Pioneer Village line item.

The council discussed the possibility of the Mayor bringing the drone item back for further discussion via a motion, order, or late file.

Councilor King raised concerns about the $120,000 annual revenue from Pioneer Village, noting that current revenue is generated without staff. Concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of the 'night fair' project and the need for continued climate resiliency work at Forest River Park if the site moves.

A motion to remove the $200,000 line item for Pioneer Village from the Building Department failed with a 5-5 vote.

The budget underwent multiple amendments to correct typographical errors in municipal insurance, debt services, and solicitor licensing. Councilors debated various departmental budgets, including the School, Police, and Fire departments, ensuring all line items were accurate before final adoption.

The total General Fund for FY2027 was adopted as amended at $201,010,605. Multiple enterprise funds (Sewer, Water, Trash, PEG Access) and the total operating budget were also adopted.

The Government Services Committee recommended proportional rather than sequential ranked choice voting. Proponents argued it increases voter turnout, ensures winners have a mandate, and promotes more collegial campaigning, while concerns were raised regarding voter education and historical precedents of repeal in other communities.

The motion to adopt the recommendation for the Home Rule Petition carried with a unanimous 10-0 vote.

The petition will be submitted to the state legislature.