City Council

METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Chair Marsan called the regular meeting to order. Members present: Clr. Valley, Clr. Campagnone, Clr. DiZoglio, Clr. Faretra, Clr. Pesce, Clr. Saffie, Clr. Soto, Clr. Surillo, and Chair Marsan. Acceptance of the Agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Saffie, to amend to move both Proclamations and TR-25-7 out of order after Public Participation prior to Organizational Business. Upon Vote: Unanimous. MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve as amended. Councilor DiZoglio requested that minutes be voted separately. Chair agreed UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Pledge of Allegiance/Words of Wisdom/Moment of Silence – Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice-Chair Soto read a quote from Sister Mary Rose McGeady. Public Participation Sid Harris, 2 Appleblossom Way, distributed literature to the Council members a topic he is about to discuss this evening. Copies for the clerk, Solicitor and the Mayor. His topic is tonight’s appointments. He read a prepared statement: “I am here this evening to speak with the city council regarding the disability commission appointments on tonight’s agenda. First let me say that having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act is defined as having a physical or medical impairment that substantially limits their major life activities or bodily functions. I want to remind the council that the topic of the makeup of the commission brought to the city’s attention previously. You now have a copy of the Massachusetts general law Chapter 40 section H (a) as well as a copy of governing city ordinance related to the makeup of the commission in the city. As you can see both the state and the city ordinances are very clear on the required membership of the commission. The City of Methuen’s Disability Commission shall have nine members. The majority of those members shall be individuals with disabilities. One members shall be a direct relative of a person with a disability, which would make six members, an appointed city official which the city has appointed the ADA coordinator, which would make seven members and two from the general public which would make nine. The city is obligated to ensure that people with disabilities are appointed before anyone else to ensure that the commission is represented by people with disabilities as required by state and local law. In spite of that fact, I and other members of the community have previously raised the issue including involving the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the membership of the commission continues to violate both state and city ordinances. MOD, Massachusetts Office on Disability, in a letter that you all have here tonight, to the former Mayor gave recommendations as to how the METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING city can be in compliance. I have also provided a copy of that communication. The then Mayor nor the Disability Commission advocated this recommendation to the City Council, which would have resolved some of the confusion that we are actually experiencing here. In spite of this, the Mayor continued to nominate and the Council approved the persons with no demonstrated disability. In addition, members have been reappointed who have served well past the recommended ten years. As far as I can tell, the current makeup of the commission is seven active members. Under current commission practices, it is impossible to determine whether a majority of these members are persons with disabilities. But based on my knowledge and experience with the commission I believe the majority has not been established nor has it even got close to its target. Had the city adopted the MOD’s lawyer’s recommendation it would be a clear procedure for applicants to indicate their disability status without violating their privacy. Instead the city opted to ignore the law and continued to treat the important commission as just another political tool. Qualified candidates are turned away in favor for political friends and as a result the Commission on Disability fails to fulfill its responsibility to the Methuen residents as spelled out in the Americans with Disabilities Act, state law, and city ordinances. Another concern I have is why the leadership of the commission participates in the interviews of potential members and why they are allowed to make recommendations to the Mayor as to those who will or will not serve. I am aware that there are three others with disabilities that have been turned away for reason or another, but all were qualifying candidates in the past last few years. I believe the Charter is very specific in the appointment process. I am not aware that any board and/or commission in the city has this type of influence over its membership. In my opinion the commission is politically compromised over the last five years and focus on matters that do not focus on the mission of the commission. As most of you may know, I have a qualifying disability under the ADA and have years of experience and hold the necessary technical knowledge of both state and federal accessibility laws and requirements. I’ve been an accessibility advocate for over forty years in this community and was one of the first people to be appointed to the commission in 1984. I believe I have served my community well over the years to help my city become accessible to people and I hope I am allowed to continue to work with the city to help provide needed oversight in representing those in our community with disabilities. I recently completed a talent blank for a position on the commission and I have yet to have at least an interview. By appointing the members here recommended by the Mayor this evening to the commission would be in violation of the Mass General Law and the city Charter. Now is the time for the City Council to correct this situation. I respectfully request that this agenda be tabled until the correct and lawful appointment process can be reestablished and the commission to be allowed to be primarily supported by the people with disabilities as intended by law. I also make it perfectly clear that there is a misconception that people on the commission that actually have a family member is actually included in the five people who have disabilities. That is not true. Absolutely not true. The five people on that commission, the majority is required to have ADA qualifying disabilities and I can tell you from my experience in METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING the last forty years of serving this community I can tell you that the Disability’s Commission is in violation of the Massachusetts General Law. Thank you” Ashley Smallwood, Chair of Disability Commission, spoke about the reappointments this evening. She is on the agenda to be reappointed. She was voted in January to be Chair after serving as Vice-Chair for two years and as a commissioner for a third year. During her time on the commission some of the things that she is proud of that she has done is partnering with the Mayor’s office during COVID 19 to make sure that all our residents with disabilities had first access to COVID 19 test kits. And she has also worked really hard to establish more of a presence for the commission in the community by updating social media and by attending community events like Methuen Day and the fireworks so we can get to know community members better. She spoke in support of Sean McCormick’s appointment to the commission. He's been a long time resident of Methuen. She has worked with him professionally for five years. During her time working with Sean, he’s shown that he can be professional in a variety of situations, even when people disagree with him or challenge his beliefs. As an advocate that’s extremely important because everyone has different points of view and we all have to work together to find the best solution. He would be an excellent addition to the commission. Speaking on what was previously said regarding the composition of the commission she would be willing to volunteer publicly, although she is uncomfortable doing so. She is a person with a disability although she is accused of not being so though. Not only is she a survivor of childhood cancer but she also had a condition diagnosed in 2023 that when it flares up it renders her unable to use one or both of her hands, at times putting her on leave from work. She is a state employee where she is documented as being an employee with a disability and receives reasonable accommodations at her job to be able to get her work done even when she is having a flare up. In terms of Mr. McCormick, she doesn’t feel comfortable disclosing his personal information here. However, he does have a disability and the commission would be more than happy to speak with the Council, the Mayor’s office, to be transparent about who on the commission has disabilities and what they. We have no problem doing that because we want to be in line with the regulations and it is very important that a commission representing people with disabilities has voices of people who have disabilities on it. when everything had happened when talking with the city about how we could approach this going forward they had recommended that there be a mechanism for people to disclose if they chose to if they have a disability when they apply and quite a few of the talent bank members have voluntarily disclosed that on their applications. The commission thankfully is able to use that information to help screen candidates while we’re looking for new commissioners and that is one of the most important things we’re looking for: Is this person a person with a disability? And if so, what are their qualifications that they can bring to the commission? She invited anyone to attend a commission meeting at any time. They are the first Thursday of the month. Linda Soucy, 10 Kirk Street, representing the Methuen Arlington neighborhood, spoke in support of the approval of the Shannon Grant, which they are part of. They collaborate with the METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Methuen Police Department and provide the match that is required for the grant. This funding funds their staff mentors, youth employment program, and other events and programming that Council sees in their backup material. They provide two mentors at the Hallmark Center. They have five youth they employ through the youth employment program and engage up to 275 children during the school year and in the summer programming. This is a small amount, a little less than $39,000, that helps them keep their programming going. She would appreciate Council’s support on this. Taken out of order PROCLAMATION/CORRESPONDENCE Emerald Pines Residents for Emergency Food Pantry Donations – Mayor Beauregard recognized Patrick McCarty to come to the podium. Patrick announced they are here tonight to give thanks to the residents at Emerald Pines. Dick and Deb are present as representatives from the community of Emerald Pines. For the last few years, since the pandemic, they’ve been massive supporters of not only the whole community, but specifically with HSSI and our fight against food insecurity and other public health matters. Every month, without fail, they come and make donations to our office which really helps them stay supplied and help residents in need. Additionally they’ve not only been incredibly friendly but they are also very reliable, no matter where we are, whether it is Methuen Cares, at the Senior Center, at One Broadway, they’ve been able to make those adjustments and meet them where they are to make their donations. All the residents that come together to do this without the community buy in like this and without the support of our community members it makes it that much harder for them to do their work. We would really like to present them with a citation tonight for their hard work and all the generosity they have had for these past four or five years. Mayor Beauregard read the Citation: “On behalf of the City of Methuen I offer congratulations to the residents of Emerald Pines in recognition of your continued donations to the City of Methuen’s Human Service Team for over three years helping to combat food insecurities in the community. Thank you for your tireless volunteer work and efforts on your behalf of the citizens of Methuen. Your dedication is greatly appreciated. Given this 3rd day of February 2025” The Citation was presented to the residents of Emerald Pines. Colie Ryan for Community Foundation Award - Mayor Beauregard said during Mayor Perry’s time in office, he began to give out a Community Foundation Award and this is a tradition he would love to continue. Tonight, he is presenting it to Colie Ryan, co-owner of the Irish Cottage. Frank Curran is here as well. Colie is a tremendous asset to our community. He is always ready and willing to give back to the community, help those in need, and he does it as quietly as possible and never expects any recognition. The Mayor read the award: Founded in METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING 2023, this award recognizes and individual or their business for their commitment and their consistent support of the City of Methuen. He presented the award to Colie Ryan. Colie Ryan said he is deeply honored. He lived in Ireland for nineteen years, lived in south Boston for eight years, and North Andover for another seven years. He has been in Methuen for a quarter century, twenty-five years, raised his children here. He loves this city. He is proud of it and is proud of all its officials and the job they do in this city. It is a fantastic place to live. He wouldn’t pick anywhere else. He thanked the Mayor and Council. Chair Marsan declared a brief recess. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Campagnone. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Upon return all Councilors were present for the remainder of the meeting. TR-25-7 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2025 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant (Requested by Mayor and Police Chief) MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Organizational Business: Greater Lawrence Committee School Committee Methuen Representatives required to attend Bradley Jones and Thomas Hatem, Greater Lawrence School Committee Representatives, came to the podium to present information requested. Chair Marsan said the representatives were requested to come before Council this evening to help them with the Superintendent’s contract. One of the Council members requested it. Council needs more input. The information doesn’t seem to have been complete. That is why you are here tonight and to give Council this information. Mr. Hatem said everyone has a copy of their admissions. There is a spreadsheet in document distributed to help Council decipher the thick copy given the first time. There is another updated copy in there. They’d be happy to help answer any questions. They have reached out to the Council to visit them. The Vice-Chair and Councilor Surillo came down and spent some time with them. the invitation holds to anybody. The information is all there. Councilors are charter members of the Greater Lawrence Tech since 1963. Councilors are welcome to any and all information they have at any time. Councilor Faretra said his request was sent December 12th. Today is February 3rd. They asked for it digitally. It has been six weeks. You say you want to help but why hasn’t anything been sent? You gave Council another handout tonight. Councilor Faretra reiterated its been six weeks. Nothing has been given to Council in a digital copy for anyone to see. The last thing he received was a packet that was delivered from Mr. Jones to the Chair on January 11th (Thursday) and he followed up to everybody’s emails saying Council needs a digital copy. Nothing except for another email saying “oh, we’d like to meet with you”. The follow up was we’ll meet when METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING we have the documents. Once again, no documents. And then we get a spreadsheet here and no documents to go along with it. The papers he received had a four-year gap from 2018 to 2021. The contract amendments he has don’t have any financials attached to them. He knows there is a clause somewhere that was approved by somebody that ties the Superintendent’s salary to enrollment, which he has been told by numerous people is borderline illegal. There is overcrowding in the school and classroom, over 25, 26, 27 and are not providing documents. You are trying to deceive your member districts. It is really cut and dry. Just provide the documents so Council can see everything that your districts do. That’s all. He doesn’t understand why it’s a , why we are going through this sherade of maybe this, maybe that, come meet, what are you looking for? Provide the documents. That’s it. Mr. Jones said there was another packet that was delivered to the Vice-Chair that Councilor Soto has which gives a clearer timeline from his original contract. It shows the six amendments to the original contract. It shows when each contract got an extension and every time there was a pay increase, its listed in the packet she is going through right now. Councilor Faretra said here is the problem. You are piece mailing it to individuals. That should be in an email so the Council sees it, not envelopes being handed to people like we are in a 60’s movie where envelopes are cash. It should be “here’s the digital copy” provided to the whole Council and everybody can see it. Instead of one envelope goes to the Chair in January. Another envelope goes to the Vice-Chair in February. The one person who actually asked for the information has yet to get a digital copy of anything, which once again, looks very sketchy. And the more this goes on, the more people from your school that you represent, continue to call him saying – the more things he is finding out. The people that you are representing are not happy with the fact that you seem to be protecting the Superintendent more than the students and the staff who work at that school. Chair Marsan asked if the representatives could provide a digital copy of documents distributed this evening by Friday of this week. Mr. Hatem said the information that the Councilor originally asked for went back to 2010. That information was not scanned into the computers. They only hold on to them for seven years. They did have the boxes. They tied up the business office for over a week going through all those boxes of 2010 up to get the information they wanted. They did get them on paper. During that time they had school vacation, Christmas vacation, and were also hacked through their computers. Their business office computers were down for 2 ½ to three weeks and they were out of school for four or five days. There is nothing sketchy here. There is nothing to hide. The information is in front of Council. Granted it was confusing because there was so much of it. There is a spreadsheet broken down to dates that covers just about everything that would make it a lot easier for Council. Councilor Faretra asked if the Superintendent has a clause in his contract that ties his salary to enrollment at Greater Lawrence Technical School. Mr. Hatem said not that he knows of. METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Faretra you signed it Hatem said the package includes the amount of kids they have, the shops, the amount of shops they have. Everything is one big package. It goes right back to his evaluation. Faretra you signed his contract. It should be a yes or no. You signed his last six year extension. You should know how he gets paid. Brad Jones said to best of his knowledge when he started reviewing the paperwork, they looked at the original contract, it was kind of light and then the amendments started adding in so they could see where the changes were. He did not see anything saying he gets a bonus for enlarging the enrollment. His contract is performance based and either a one or a two percent. If he gets exemplary he is allowed a two percent increase. He is allowed COLA and those are basically the two items that add to his salary. At a certain point, he did ask to have one week of vacation time bought out and added to his total. Their previous school committee members agreed to it. That’s another reason the salary changes. Chair Marsan thanked him for the explanation. He said he is going to make a request to the school tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. that the school have this digitalized in one week. Because the school has had time to get it to Council, he feels that another week and Council should have it. He will make the request so that the representatives don’t have to. Councilor Faretra has been asking for this. If not, he will get it done by Friday if this is the whole contract that is in front of him. Councilor Faretra so you mentioned the merit-based increase. All the paperwork they gave him, the first mention of actual evaluations since the contract was signed in 2011 was 2021. He asked if there was an evaluation done since the representatives have been on the committee. “Have the evaluations actually been done?” those should be part of the record in order for him to get his merit increase. Brad Jones indicated an evaluation was done this past Spring. Councilor Faretra asked about the Springs prior. Brad Jones said it is his first year on. Councilor Faretra said if the Superintendent is getting merit based raises, the contract states that there needs to be an evaluation done. That documentation should be provided as well in order to get the merit based and the documents they provided to him here, there is a three year gap from June 18th to May 2021 there is nothing provided. May of 2021 was the first time the evaluation was brought up in here. That is concerning. Mr. Jones mention that there was one done this year and he couldn’t find any records of evaluations done. They weren’t mentioned in the minutes or the agendas. It just seems like: “How’s he doing?” “Okay.” Give him two percent on top of the COLA. For a salary to go from a $155,000 in 2010 to $327,646 (according to your documents) is over doubled by just merit and COLA in fourteen years does not sound in anyway kosher. There’s no way, even by selling back the five days vacation added to salary, that should roll into salary. That is just a one-week buyback. He doesn’t know how someone doubles their salary with merit and COLA increases in fourteen years because he increased his METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING pay by $170,000 in fourteen years with just percentage increases. We’re missing something. He would love an explanation at some point. He wanted digital because that way he could work with the CAFO who he trusts when it comes to math. They can look at this and figure out what is missing. He has never seen anyone’s salary jump like that with merit and COLA increases in fourteen years. Until Council gets the digital copies, he has no further questions. Chair Marsan guaranteed Council will have a digital copy in one week. Councilor DiZoglio thanked the representatives for coming tonight. He doesn’t want to take this out on the representatives because this isn’t directed at you two because you are two of seven and you also represent Methuen. There’s also three other communities here too that we have to talk to. This is a collaboration between you guys approving this. He thinks the two Chairs, GLTS committee and Council Chair, should be communicating as well on this not just through our representative but also through the Chairs. Your Chair should really be giving Council this information and should have direct access to this, Mr. Hatem, and as the Chair you should be communicating with the Council Chair and hopefully Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings: January 13, 2025 special meeting MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS January 21, 2025 regular meeting minutes MOTION BY: Councilor Soto, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Consideration of Appointments: Christopher Dawe - Methuen Community Advisory Board MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Rosamaria Croughwell - Methuen Community Advisory Board MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Ashley Smallwood - Commission on Disability (Reappointment) MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Sean McCormack, BSN, RN - Commission on Disability MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING PRESENTATION/PROJECTS/DEPARTMENT HEAD - None Mayor’s Report MHS Update – Mayor Beauregard said he will have additional updates to share the first meeting of the month. The contact person for this project is Steve Angelo at 978-983-8590 or email him at SAngelo@ci.methuen.ma.us. The Mayor reported t hat Day’s Inn plans to phase out as a shelter in the next year. It will occur by Monday, June 30th, 2025. There is an ARPA meeting scheduled for Wednesday this week. The safety risk management project will be making progress as well as sewer main projects. ……… Doctor Agawah from Lawrence General Hospital. A representative will be joining our mental health task force, health core in town hall. The Mayor announced a new textile recycling program with curbside pickup is coming forward at no cost to residents. Information will be forthcoming. He reported the Methuen Public School Audit is underway. Tenney School and Timony re-inspection. There is another site visit at the end of the month. The result are available on line. At the Timony there were numerous rodents over the holidays. There was a meeting Tuesday last week and there are no recent sightings. They are keeping an eye out to make sure our schools are safe. The Mayor announced a new small business opened today. There was a ribbon cutting today at Maya Gourmet, 436 Broadway, Unit A-14 C-1, Methuen. CAFO Report • CIP Report Update • ARPA Report Update • Free Cash Update Request of Councilors • Update on School Audit (Request of Chair Faretra) • Ownership and assessment update regarding storage facility on Old Ferry Road (Req. of Clr. DiZoglio & Clr. Pesce) the Mayor indicated he sent information to Councilor Pesce and Councilor DiZoglio. More information to come from the Treasurer. Councilor Pesce expressed concern due to lag time and loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 9.9 million dollars or so going forward not 7.2 million non- controlling interest supported in the property. There is a time lag issue going forward. Councilor DiZoglio suggested keeping track of this property once we find out who buys this property. That building has tractor haulers. He questioned the long-term use of the property. He noted that plastic cones do not stop people from going up there. METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING • Request for a Joint Meeting with School Committee (Clr. Faretra) Mayor Beauregard said he has been in touch with the Superintendent. They are required to meet twice per year. His preference is to have set before a Council meeting. They spoke briefly about dates. It may be in March or sooner. • Update or plan to address the ongoing traffic issues on Pelham Street towards Marsh Grammar School. (Clr. Valley) The Mayor said the Chief has been in touch with Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. We do not have a specific study. The resource officer at the Marsh is addressing some issues. Council Valley asked if there are any funds available for sidewalks. Councilor DiZoglio asked if there were any traffic studies done for the Marsh. We should be looking at that opportunity. • Update on Murphy's Farm Project. (Clr. Valley) Mayor Beauregard explained there is ongoing litigation. Paul O’Neill said ……………. • Update on the fiscal transparency page that was due to be posted on the website to give real time updates to all city accounts (Clr. Faretra) These are online.gov to provide financial transparency. • Update on Searles Estate (Clr. Surillo) Mayor Beauregard announced there is a meeting of the advisory group on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. for residents to come in Wednesday to be heard. Councilor Soto asked if the membership needed to come before Council for a vote. The Mayor indicated it is an Adhoc Committee. there are no votes, no official action. It is not a formal working group. This is facilitating public discussion. Councilor Valley asked if they would report to the Mayor or Council. Mayor Beauregard said he will share updates with Council. These meetings will be televised. • Councilor DiZoglio said he would to see updates on schools/contracts. He also requested an executive session on all pending litigation and contracts. Mayor Beauregard said school updates are posted on K12.ma.us day to day. Individuals may click on the yellow bar. • Councilor Faretra said he is looking to Seeclickfix for missed trash and recycling 9/1/24. Also he would to see COLA increases from 2008 to 2024 percentage increases only. PUBLIC SERVICE: A) Grants: None B) Licenses: None C) Contracts: None OTHER OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilor DiZoglio said Monday or Tuesday there will be a ………….. meeting Councilor Faretra announced there is a meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. of the Unaccepted Ways Committee. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolutions: METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING TR-25-5 A Resolution Urging the Massachusetts Legislature to Honor the Vote of Its Constituents on Question 1 (Requested by Councilor Faretra and Councilor Saffie) MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. Councilor Faretra commented that the Legislature is not going to let the Auditor to do what we want them to do. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-25-6 Resolution Authorizing the Commencement of Solicitor Search (Chair Marsan) (amended on January 27th) MOTION BY: Councilor Cmpagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to add language “effective upon passage” UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve as amended. Councilor Faretra epressed concern that what happened over the past month with the process could scare applicants. Also it is not a good idea for the Solicitor interviews to be televised. That could scare applicants away. Human Resources should be leading this as well as creating the questions for interviews. Council is overstepping their bounds. The execution is poor. Councilor DiZoglio noted the both fire and police Chief’s final interviews were on camera. Human Resources has tools. The city will provide the resources. Chair Marsan said he spoke with HR Director and she is willing to work with the committee. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 7 yes, 2 no (Clr. Faretra, Clr. Saffie) Ordinances: None NEW BUSINESS Resolutions: TR-25-8 Resolution Authorizing Use of $175,000 from the Public Safety Stabilization Fund to Provide for Additional Funding to the Fire Department Personnel Services Operating Budget (Requested by Mayor and Fire Chief) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-25-9 Order Authorizing an Amendment of Order No.5754 Borrowing to Pay Costs for the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Improvement Plan to reclass $340,000 between enterprise capital projects (Requested by Mayor and DPW Director) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Valley to approve. METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING CAFO Duprey said there is $340,000 remaining from a completed project. the funded project came in under budget. The remaining balance from the water tank would go to the water treatment plan. Councilor DiZoglio asked why this funding is from 2023. CAFO Duprey said the city is going to repurpose the funds. We are still doing multi-year projects and had expenditures. 2025 has remaining funds available. Ordinances: None 1. ANY OTHER BUSINESS FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY 2. ADJOURN Ronald Marsan Council Chairman For residents wishing to view the meeting, please: Tune in to Channel 8 (Comcast) or Channel 32 (Verizon) Watch the livestream at https://methuentv.org/methuen-government-tv-live-stream/ This meeting will be archived and viewable on demand within one to three business days at https://methuen-ma.viebit.com/index.php?folder=ALL. Anyone needing an access accommodation to participate in City of Methuen programs or services, please contact Sandy Almonte, ADA/DEI Coordinator at 978-382-2123 or salmonte@ci.methuen.ma.us at least two weeks in advance, or two business days before any board or commission meeting. This notice is available in alternative formats upon request.