City Council

Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Chair Beauregard called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Councilor Faretra, Councilor Finocchiaro, Councilor McCarty, Councilor Saba, Councilor Saffie, Councilor Simard, Councilor Zeigler, Councilor DiZoglio and Chair Beauregard. Acceptance of Agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to accept the agenda. MOTION BY: Councilor Finocchiaro, seconded by Councilor Simard to add Reconsideration of the Tax Rate vote to the agenda. Solicitor Rossetti explained this is not on the agenda and still requires 48-hour notice. Councilor Finocchiaro said, under the Council Rules, there is no limitation and no requirement for Council to put reconsideration on the agenda. There is nothing in the rules or the Charter that says Council cannot. Solicitor Rossetti explained this Council took up reconsideration of the bus ordinance which was posted on the agenda. If this body takes up reconsideration on tax rate, it could be deemed an open meeting law complaint. Councilor Simard noted it would be worth hearing. The risk outweighs the importance. Solicitor Rossetti further explained if undertaken there would have to be a determination if the act was intentional. It could be deemed intentional which would be violating the open meeting law which would be a negative factor. Chair Beauregard said when Council amends the agenda, it is to move to strike an item. He has concerns about adding an item. Councilor Finocchiaro said Council should not be in the business of limiting future discussions. It was done too quickly at the last meeting. If the open meeting law is a concern, council could table until the next meeting or a special. Solicitor Rossetti advised against discussion. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 6 no, 2 yes (Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. Simard) 1 present (Clr. DiZoglio) UPON VOTE: (acceptance of agenda) UNANIMOUS yes Acceptance of Minutes Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings: December 5, 2022 regular meeting MOTION BY: Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 present (Clr. Finocchiaro) Appointments Randy Haggar – Deputy Police Chief MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. Chief McNamara read Captain Haggar’s bio for the record. 1 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor McCarty spoke against this appointment for several reasons. He didn’t recall the need from the audit to have a deputy chief. He has concerns with the process. There was no process, no job posting. He would be willing to add a Captain and make it three. He agrees with the other promotions which can be achieved by making a third Captain. He is concerned with adding $200,000 to the budget. Council just passed a tax rate. This would pad a pension which will impact a long-term person. He does not agree with it. He understands commitments were made. It is almost like having two chiefs. He is a “no”. Councilor Simard thanked the Chief for this pick. The Chief is checking off all the boxes. This is not a political favor. Captain Haggar was very responsive to all his requests. He trusts the Chief’s decision and is a “yes”. Councilor DiZoglio commented the Chief came with facts not falsehoods. The Chief has been the best thing for the city. If he is saying this position is needed and Council approved that budget, this is his budget to use. This candidate is an asset to this department along with the other promotions. He is a “yes” vote on all promotions. Councilor Saba noted looking back is like night and day. Going back to some earlier meetings was dark. He has dealt with Captain Haggar who has come through on behalf of all the residents. This is a step in the right direction. Councilor Finocchiaro noted Council already took a vote on the budget and put faith in the Chief. The decision is whether the appointment should be approved. She has no reason not to support this appointment. Councilor Zeigler said she trusts the process that was put forward. There is a clear process for this department. Captain Haggar is very responsive, positive, and has the best interest of the city in mind. He is a great choice. Mayor Perry indicated this candidate is the right candidate. The Chief presented a re-org plan, and the budget included a deputy chief. This is already budgeted. There is no additional cost. It is a win-win for the city. He could stay as Captain and make more money. Let’s move past what has happened in the city in the past and move forward. Councilor Simard UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 no (Clr. McCarty) Randy Haggar thanked everyone for their support. Chief McNamara is a great mentor. He agrees with the upcoming promotions. The city couldn’t ask for three better individuals. He thanked all the men and women who are working in the department who are making our community a better place. The following three are contingent on the appointment of Deputy Chief Eric Ferreira promotion from Lieutenant to Captain Chief McNamara read Lieutenant Eric Ferreira’s bio into the record. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. Councilor Simard noted as part of the search committee, the panel was impressed with this applicant. 2 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Zeigler indicated her support of this candidate. He is sharp and cares about our community. Councilor Finocchiaro said over the past few years many additional responsibilities were taken on. She made calls and this individual received all glowing reviews. People said he was working on behalf of the department, in the best interest of the residents and officers, always doing the right thing. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Captain Ferreira thanked everyone for their support, for the kind words, his family, in- laws, and wife Rebecca. James Moore promotion from Sergeant to Lieutenant Chief McNamara read Sergeant James Moore’s bio into the record. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor Simard asked if everything is in line with Civil Service. Chief McNamara stated no candidates were bypassed. Councilor Simard indicated he got to know this candidate much better this past year. He led the union out of turmoil. He is good for this department moving forward. Councilor Finocchiaro noted she reached out and no one had anything bad to say which is a rare thing to happen. Councilor Zeigler indicated she is happy to support this candidate. He is going to move the department towards a positive direction. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Lieutenant More thanked everyone for their support and congratulated the other candidates on their promotions. He thanked the Council and the Chief for doing things the right way. It has been a long road. There is more work to be done and there is a need to train people behind them. The appointments are being done for the right reasons. Chad Sirois promotion from Patrol officer to Sergeant Chief McNamara read Chad Sirois’s bio into the record. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. Councilor Simard noted this individual has worn many hats with pride and is a great choice. Councilor Finocchiaro gave congratulations to Chad Sirois from Patrol Officer to Superior Officer. That change is the most meaningful. She heard nothing but good things from his colleagues. This is a life-changing event. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Sergeant Sirois thanked everyone, the Mayor, the Chief, Councilors, family, and friends. He is looking forward to serving the department. He also thanked Interim Chief McInerny for attending tonight’s meeting. MOTION BY: Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor Faretra to declare a five- minute recess. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. 3 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Chair Beauregard called the meeting back to order. Marc Jordan – Superintendent of Environmental Management MOTION BY: Councilor McCarty, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. Councilor Faretra noted he read the job description, education, and experience requirements. It doesn’t read right to him. This individual doesn’t have that. There is nothing specific when it comes to candidates almost like it was targeted for a certain individual. Councilor Saffie agreed with Councilor Faretra. Safety is of the utmost importance. The DPW individual has had time. She reiterated safety should be the utmost importance. Mayor Perry disagreed with the statements made. This individual has a CDL license and a hydraulic license. The Mayor distributed an information sheet depicting how much training individuals have. Yellow is the schedule and green are completed, until such time as we complete activity based upon what we can pay. The panel came back with this individual for the job. DPW Director, Pat Bower, explained this individual is a sixteen-year veteran who also worked in Bedford. He values private sector work and brings a lot to the municipal side. Marc would have been to the first Osha training. He has an unblemished safety record which speaks volumes. Marc came to the interview and answered all the questions. He’s be in the Acting position. He is very proud. Safety isn’t everything. Can’t take a veteran employee because he doesn’t have Osha training. It was a different discussion than this morning. Councilor Simard shares similar concerns. Loyalty for sixteen years in this position. He has faith in Mr. Bower’s choice. Councilor Saba disclosed his son works for DPW in a different department. DPW is the first department to get cut. If the city wants to get the employees more training, we should get them more money. This individual has the experience for that position. He supports Director Bower’s recommendation. It is a great move for the department. Councilor Zeigler said she had several residents contact her about the process that took place. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro to table. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 7 no, 2 yes (Clr. Zeigler, Clr. Finocchiaro) The CAFO indicated Lisa Crowley from Human Resources is present. Mayor Perry said there were five candidates. This individual was the recommendation of the panel. You are going to devalue people who have been working here for a long time. Lisa Crowley said five candidates were interviewed. Marc rose to the top. He is also concerned about safety. The other candidates thought Marc would be the best candidate for this position. Councilor Finocchiaro said hearing concerns makes her want background. Without that information in hand she would have to support it out of faith form Director Bower. A table would help her make a more educated decision on this. Council cannot vote on another motion to table. Solicitor Rossetti agreed. Councilor Saba said Council has a vote, either yes or no. Councilor Finocchiaro said the concerns were severe. This is someone’s life. Discussion is important. She agrees with Councilor Zeigler. Councilor Finocchiaro Charter Objected. 4 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor McCarty questioned the CO. Solicitor Rossetti explained that anything Council can vote on, any item subject to adoption, is subject to a Charter Objection. Chair Beauregard announced the item will return on January 3rd agenda. Public Participation Sid Harris, 2 Apple Blossom Way, spoke of the audio system in the Great Hall. He noted he could only hear 30% of the meeting. It needs to be fixed so people can hear. He said he did not file an Open Meeting Law Complaint out of spite. He was not allowed to speak and forced to use regulatory process. He said decisions are discriminatory. The handicap commission is dysfunctional. He said he left because of political divide. When he became a commissioner, they all worked together. He made it clear and they should recognize they made a mistake. the entrance in the front of the building is not accessible. He had this conversation thirty-three years ago. It is very dangerous. There are DPW vehicles and dumpsters there. He is not looking for a fight and is willing to work with anybody. He recommended putting people on the commission that have a disability who should be able to have a discussion. He is trying to respect the last forty years. Michael Bleiweiss, 45 Washing Street, Unit 45, read a prepared statement regarding recycling services to condominiums (attached) John Saba commented it is nice to have a police department the city can count on. He still has question on the fuel assistance program. Being a landlord, he sees a lot of about. He asked: why do we have one with city money and one from the state. He asked how we make sure and how do we know who has applied to the state. He asked: who makes the decision? How do you keep these funds to the right people? He noted electricity is going to 62 cents per kilowatt. What are the criteria if taxpayers are using that money? Who is managing that? Are employees or their families getting that? Linda Soucy, 10 Kirk Street, congratulated all the appointees. She noted they always have the residents in foremost part of their mind. She has great faith in the Chief. Mayor’s Report Mayor Perry reported the Building Inspections department has more than doubled. He said it is swamped with building inspection requests, etc. The January 2023 Award Winner will be Bada Bing to recognize John Vargas and all he does for the city. Mayor Perry said the Homeowners Associations have a reduced tax rate. When someone buys a condo, Homeowner Association services are borne by the HOA not the city. He’s been getting lots of feedback. If the city only has six HOAs getting recycling not trash pick up or plowing from the city. Toll Brothers would be an enormous impact on the city. He said for a household size of under three individuals he asks them to work with the city regarding trash and recycling. Some individuals have been asked to provide more information 5 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building but did not. The city ran out of carts and had to re-order them. It was not an easy decision regarding HOA. There was a lot of discussions on facts. Mayor Perry announced there is a new fire engine in the city being outfitted this week. It replaces a twenty-three-year-old piece of equipment. He reported the Order of Taking was filed today for 9 Branch Street. The Mayor announced the city is closed 12/23 and 12/26. Trash pickup is the same and on schedule. Councilor DiZoglio noted the city must get over the next six months the phasing of the opening of Brach Street. He noted he was under the impression there was only one HOA. Mayor Perry said the city gave them carts for three months until they were able to make other arrangements. Councilor DiZoglio said that would be a three-month expense to the city. Mayor Perry said there were six but there are twelve to fifteen more HOAs. The six additional locations would be in our favor. Some have gone on for ten years plus. Councilor DiZoglio asked how much the city is going to save. Mayor Perry said we are going to get Toll Brothers’ people here to say, “if you give it to them, give to me”. “How do you say no to Toll Brothers?” Answer by saying no and losing these six. Councilor DiZoglio said the cost is already there. We need to discuss this further. Regarding Engine 5, there was a concern at the East End fire station. Mayor Perry said the fire station is all set and ready for it. Councilor Faretra said getting totes back from HOAs should help. There is a cost associated with HOAs. Mayor Perry explained the fuel assistance is ARPA money tarted for Methuen residents. RAFT and lighting waiting list are long. National Grid put increase in distribution costs. Seniors should not have to pick between heat, a roof over their head, or food. People over sixty and reside in Methuen a minimum of three years, based on size of family and income guidelines. Seniors are too proud to ask for anything. This is not going to get better. He noted the waiting time for federal assistance is four to six months. Councilor Faretra asked if the hours at the transfer station have been altered. Mayor Perry announced they are closed Friday, December 23rd, Saturday, December 24th and Monday, December 26th. Councilor Saffie mentioned that residents having problems should first use seeclickfix. Councilor Simard said people aren’t changing t heir habits and it is a must to change habits. E.L. Harvey has entertained a discounted rate for HOAs. Mayor Perry noted trash and recycling are linked together. He would be happy to go out and talk to some of the trash groups. There are houses at the golf course that have trash and recycling with Harvey. Councilor Simard noted a public participant is a landlord who sees fraud all the time. The city must make sure who we are giving money to. Councilor Saba noted recycling was removed from six HMOs who were getting it for years. We must do the right thing for the residents. Mr. Harris spoke tonight. He met with him 6 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building when the city renovated Nicolson Stadium and was out of compliance. Sid Harris is the only person that has come to Council and spoke about the needs of disabilities. Councilor Saba said he knows some of the people who are on the commission and didn’t know they were on it. He suggested that Mayor Perry speak with him. He noted that the assistant DPW Director has a lot of responsibilities. Mayor Perry announced today was Felix’s first day. It is a big job running DPW in his new role as the Assistant Director and will be responsible for this. Councilor Saba asked if there is a plan for the Central Administration building. Mayor Perry indicated he does not. He will meet with the Superintendent and come back to Council. Councilor Saba expressed concern about the Searles Estate. Councilor Zeigler said she received great feedback on the tree lighting. The Mayor said he would be putting calculations together for HOAs. Mayor Perry said he is going to finish this week. Councilor Zeigler asked if condo residents are trying to extend recycling. Mayor Perry indicated all the feedback has been “you can’t take it away from us”. Councilor Zeigler said it was done one month after a financial investment was made. She hopes to get information soon and see where breakdown took place. Mayor Perry said the breakdown in communication is when a party doesn’t get it. Other HMOs are going to ask for it as well. It sets a precedent. Solicitor Rossetti said HOA to HOA is inconsistent, differential treatment. Public resources should not be used to benefit private parties. Councilor Zeigler said she is looking for clarification. Councilor Finocchiaro asked that Mayor give the document Council received to review during the meeting to the Council Clerk, Linda Gagnon. It could potentially be subject to the open meeting law. She asked that the area in the back be evaluated by DPW and or police. Mayor Perry indicated the front of the building and the tunnel area are ADA accessible. Councilor Finocchiaro said she received complaints regarding trash and recycling and cancelled contracts. Mayor Perry said no HOAs have received trash pickup. A third party distributed trash and recycling bins. Councilor Finocchiaro asked about the $40,000 in fuel assistance, RAFT and Lighting and other things. She asked if the salary criteria is different or if residents just needed to apply. Mayor Perry said it could be both and put on a list for four to six months. The income table is in the resolution. Once a person is deemed eligible, there is a waiting list, a six-week backlog in either situation. He will provide additional information. Public Service: Grants: None Licenses: Vinny’s Billiards, Prospect Street, Methuen, MA MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes 7 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Contracts: C-23-57 Employment Contract by and between the City of Methuen and Randy R. Haggar, Deputy Chief MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Simard. Councilor McCarty expressed his opposition to the contract and seeing the base salary that gets inflated by 2% given to department heads. The state no longer recognizes the Quinn Bill, but it is folded into contract. Solicitor Rossetti explained it is three years for a department head. He is not technically a department head. The term would be governed by the contract/assistant department head. The deputy may need to step in the role as “Acting Chief”. Councilor McCarty noted the contract is one-year ending 10/3/24 and may be extended. The two contracts are connected. Chief McNamara said he proposed the Deputy Chief’s contract be coterminous with his contract. What is proposed is reasonable. If he is fortunate enough to have his contract extended, it is the Deputy Chief’s desire to lock in a three-year contract. Councilor McCarty noted approval of the Chief’s contract would be approval of the Deputy Chief’s. Mayor Perry responded if the Council sees fit to extend the Chief’s contract. Councilor McCarty said it should be dealt with exclusively with one another. He asked that the Council send this contract back to clean this up. Councilor Faretra said he had a lot of questions and got them answered before tonight. He likes the idea of the two contracts tied together. It is a cost savings for the city. He is a “yes” on this contract. It is a good deal. Chief McNamara said the intention of parties is success is tied to each other. It is the middle ground to what Captain Haggar was making. He would get a rise of 8 ½ % below what the Chief is making. They want to keep the Deputy Chief in the middle range unless the Mayor proposes a raise for all our department heads. Councilor Simard said he had some concerns. He spoke with the Lieutenant who said the detail system would be adhered to. He must be away from his family. Maybe the deputy will be fine with the contract. Councilor Zeigler said she had quite a few questions. The Chief took the time to go over all questions. He also talked about vacation and personal time and how it would be delineated. Anything moving forward would be covered at the new rate. Councilor DiZoglio thanked the Chief. It is a good contract. He does not disagree with the Quinn. We should look at what we are gaining from this contract. It is a savings for overtime. He is losing money in this contract. It is a good steppingstone. The Chief explained he pushed for it to be in a manner so Council could quantify all the categories. The idea was to be transparent. Councilor Finocchiaro asked the Chief to confirm accrued sick hours and contractual hours. Councilor McCarty Charter objected 8 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building C-23-58 2022 Memorandum of Agreement Between City of Methuen and Randy R. Haggar MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to table. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Item Tabled Approval of City Council 2023 Regular Meeting Schedule MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor Finocchiaro suggested changing the schedule to weekly meetings with shorter agendas and to schedule meetings on a Tuesday instead of Monday. If there are no agenda items, no meeting will be posted. This would shorten length of meetings and long agendas. It would be easier for both branches to plan. Councilor Faretra suggested Councilors do not have to comment on every item on the agenda. Councilor Simard said, as a father of three, it is a struggle to have two meetings a month. He would rather have two long meetings. Councilor DiZoglio commented that Council meets during April and February vacations. He wants Council to be mindful that other committees take a break that week of vacation. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Other Officers and Committee Reports -None Unfinished Business Resolutions: TR-22-105 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Gift of $200 from AJ 401 Main LLC to Provide for Continuing Operations of the Methuen Cares Initiative MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-106 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Sustainable Materials Recovery Program- Recycling Dividends Program Municipal Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-107 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Fiscal Year 2023 Local Cultural Council Program Grant in the Amount of $37,000 MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes 9 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building TR-22-108 A Resolution Ordering the Rededication of the Patriots Bridge (Requested by the Memorials Committee) MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor DiZoglio asked about potential estimates. He said he need outweighs the cost. Councilor Finocchiaro said more information/estimate should be given for this meeting. CAFO, Maggie Duprey, said the city will have to go out and get bids. Councilor Finocchiaro noted the maintenance is supposed to be paid by the state. Solicitor Rossetti said he reached out to the Mass DOT and sent picture of memorial as well as the Act that provided the dedication expense. He has not heard back yet. Councilor Finocchiaro said she will vote in favor since it is not an expenditure. Councilor Saba noted at this point it is up to the CAFO and Mayor’s office who could ask for a cost estimate with or without pictures. Councilor Saba will assist the CAFO. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Ordinances: None New Business Resolutions: TR-22-109 Resolution Authorizing Transfer $2,550,000 from Free Cash, to be transferred to Debt Service Expenses to fund the payoff of the State Qualified Deficit Financing Loan MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor Zeigler noted this has been discussed for several months and she has no issue with it. CAFO, Maggie Duprey, said she has had multiple conversations with Sean Cronin. His opine reads positive. This will remove state oversight as of payoff which will be in March of 2023. She spoke with bond counsel who was very supportive of this. Sean Cronin assured her he is just a phone call away. She noted Bond Counsel advises us on debt. This will help with our interest rate. Councilor Faretra noted $461,000 coming off the bottom line is huge. This is what we do with Free Cash. Now it will pay off. Councilor Saba said he spoke with Sean Cronin. He will be out of his official capacity but will be available for questions. This is going to bring huge savings on the interest. He supports it. Councilor Finocchiaro said the CAFO, Council and Mayor made great strides, millions of dollars, no precedence. State oversight allowed us to have some savings. She does not know if Methuen would have as much Free Cash right now. There is economic uncertainty. She is cautiously optimistic about state of finances. We cannot say we have fixed 100% of that or close to where we should be. The requirement is two reads to make payment in March. She plans to charter object. She would residents to hear about this plan and give Council their feedback. Councilor Finocchiaro charter objected 10 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building TR-22-110 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance $200,000 Community Compact Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-111 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2022 Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Performance Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-112 Resolution Authorizing Expenditures of $41,000 from the Edwin J. Castle Fund MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Ordinances: None Vote to Enter into Executive Session -Open Meeting Law Complaint The Methuen City Council will vote to enter into Executive Session with the Mayor, Methuen’s Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, and Methuen’s City Solicitor, in accordance with Exemption 7 (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(7)), to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements, and in particular, to review and act under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 23(b), regarding a complaint under the Open Meeting Law by Sidney Harris against the Methuen City Council. After the Methuen City Council adjourns the executive session, the City Council will reconvene in open session. Once the open session reconvenes, the Methuen City Council will not discuss or deliberate in the open session regarding Mr. Harris’s Open Meeting Law complaint. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to enter Executive Session. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 6 yes, 3 no (Clr. Faretra, Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. Saba) Council returned to open session at 10:55 p.m. Members present: Councilor Faretra, Councilor Finocchiaro, Councilor McCarty, Councilor Saba, Councilor Saffie, Councilor Simard, Councilor Zeigler, Councilor DiZoglio and Chair Beauregard. Request of Councilors - None Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community Councilor Zeigler announced the Menorah lighting will be on the 21st at 6:30 p.m. at the Methuen Police Department and there is a Master Plan Open House on January 6th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. 11 Votes Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, December 19th, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Simard asked why Community Development is still meeting via Zoom. Chair Beauregard announced that, after careful consideration, he is stepping down and will not be a candidate in 2023 for Chair. He has taken a job co-ordinating Economic Development in another community. This will give someone else the opportunity to serve as Chair. He noted this Council accomplished a great deal getting things done. He thanked his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chair. He wished the next Chair all the best. ADJOURN MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to adjourn. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. I do hereby certify that at a meeting which a quorum was present the foregoing minutes were approved on January 3, 2023 by a unanimous vote. Linda Gagnon COUNCIL CLERK 12