City Council

METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING 1. Roll Call – All members present – in Great Hall - Clr. Pesce, Clr. Surillo and Chair Marsan – Members remotely present – Clr. Campagnone, Clr. Soto, Clr. DiZoglio and Clr. Valley 2. Acceptance of the Agenda – Motion to accept by Clr. Surillo, seconded by Clr. Soto – UPON ROLL CALL VOTE – 6 yes, 1 no (Clr. DiZoglio) 3. Public Participation: • Bonita LaTorre, 34 Forest Street, Methuen – “Bonita LaTorre, 34 Forest Street. Evening. Chairman, Councilman, and City Attorney. I'm here to express my concerns about the voting for health insurance. You are all part-time employees. And as far as I'm concerned, no part-time employee should be granted health insurance. Also, just because you have the authority to vote for it doesn't mean you should. By taking this action, it tells me a lot about your character and the ones who voted to approve it. This tells me you have an agenda that is not in the best interest of the City of McDonough or the residents. As a resident in Massachusetts, we are all required to have health insurance. And premiums may go up in January. So, to give yourselves a perk at the expense of your constituents is wrong. I would also like to point out that per the City Charter, Section 2-3, this action is possibly illegal. And I would like and hope that the City Attorney will address this at this point during the meeting. But he's not here. Being a City Councilor requires integrity and morals. And I'd like to thank you. And I wish you all a Happy New Year and a Healthy New Year. Thank you.” • Lisa Gomez, 30 Longwood Drive, Methuen – “Lisa Gomez, 30 Longwood Drive. I came tonight because about five years ago I came to a Council meeting when taxes were going up. They go up every year to $200, $300 and I understand that. But I said at the last meeting I went to, you're going to tax me right out of Methuen. I've lived in my house for 51 years. I have a tenant. I only charge him $1,700 because unlike other apartments in Methuen, there's no way this person would be able to increase her rent and for her to live comfortably. And I need to get my rent to pay my taxes. I have an example. Ten years ago, my taxes on a two-family home on a dead-end street were $3,300. Five years ago, $4,900. This year, it is almost $6,800. That's unacceptable. In five years, almost $1,800 it went up. The parks are not taken care of. My road has not been towed in 59 years. My sidewalks were trip hazard, which I've reported. The garbage is nothing. The trash pickup is nothing to praise either. And one other thing I wanted to know is about --- the special truck that they brought for the leave pickup. I have yet to see that $250,000 truck. So, my concern is with the health insurance, and yes, my health insurance at my job is going up. I can't afford for part-timers to have their insurance paid with my tax money. I think it's a very bad idea. And like I said five years ago, I will move out of Methuen. Because the only thing this city has, and I call it more of a town, is the loop. There's nothing else but a drive-through town. It's not really a city. It's a town. And it's sad because it's losing that appeal of being a family town. It's become more of a corporation, and it's not listening or caring about taxpayers. And as you see, a lot of these people are elderly. METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING They're not going to be able to afford an increase in their taxes, so people can have free health insurance. Thank you for your time.” • Mike Burns, 225 Pelham Street, Methuen – “Hi, my name is Mike Burns. I'm from 225 Pelham Street, Methuen. I wrote my speech, I forgot it. I come before you tonight on a vote that took place earlier this month. A vote for Councilors to be on the city's health insurance. This was an unpopular decision among residents and voters in Methuen for several reasons. But the Council voted yes anyways. Our mayor vetoed this vote that is allowed in the Methuen Charter. And a meeting is being held tonight to overturn this vote. This vote did not help the city. It will add another growing cost year after year to an already tight city budget. What is the benefit? Has some new funding been discovered that will pay for this new expense without a burden to the taxpayers of Methuen? Many, including myself, see this as someone trying to take advantage of the city at the taxpayer's expense. We did not want this. Several years ago, this happened in Methuen with a particular contract and the city is still dealing with it in court. This unpopular decision reminds me of a quote from my junior high civics class that has always stuck with me about unpopular decisions in government. Vote Populite, Vote Dei. Translates to the voice of the people is the voice of God. Emphasizing the importance of public opinions in governments and decision makers. You are an elected body by the residents of Methuen. This decision was voted by what many would call a lame duck Council. Several members of this Council will not be returning to the chamber next year. This will not benefit if it passes but this vote was brought up after the city election. That vote was unpopular among your constituents. I implore you to let the mayor's veto stand and drop this measure.” • Barbara Ell, 79 Lowell Street, Methuen - My name is Barbara Ell. Good evening, Council. I'm here to express my concerns on how you are, I'm going to say, reaping from the people of Methuen. You are going to greatly benefit from this health insurance if it passes. Hopefully it won't. And you're going to be hurting a lot of residents in Methuen. As you can see, as it was stated, many of us are senior citizens. We live on a fixed income. Social Security and a pension if you're lucky. Some of you here have independent contractors. You're self-employed. You chose these occupations on your own. We are not here to help you out of your jam, to call it. You are here to represent us. And again, you're not. You do not have our best interests at heart. I'm going to read something that somebody said to me today, or yesterday. And it says, ask what I can do for Methuen, what I can do for Methuen, but what can Methuen do for me? And that's exactly what you're asking. What can we do for you? You're being selfish. Thank you for listening to me and have a happy new year.” • Jack Burke, 49 Canobieola Road, Methuen – “I don't have an outside voice. Anyone here who was reelected to this Council, or who was elected to the School Committee next term, should ethically recuse themselves from this vote. As they should have done on all the preceding votes on TR-25-73. The code of ethics states that the acceptance of a code of ethics implies the understanding of the basic organization of the Council under the Charter and the rules of the Council. I METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING paraphrase here. The oath of office of a Councilor binds a Councilor to adherence to both the Charter and the Council rules. In the section on relations with the community, item 5 states, Council members shall not benefit personally from Council activities. I'd like to mention rule 7, item E, which states all resolutions must be read in full unless, after the reading of the title, further reading is waived by the unanimous consent of the Council members. This is, or was, especially important as in the case of TR 2573, one or more amendments were proposed and approved, thus changing the text of the resolution. So, let's look at what the Charter states about this legislation. Section 2-3, compensation and expenses, the city Council, by ordinance, not by resolution, should establish expense allowances for its members. In the context of financial reporting, an expense is a cost recognized during a specific time frame, reflecting resources consumed to provide services or goods within that period. No ordinance increasing an expense shall be effective, however, unless it shall have been adopted by a two-thirds vote of the full city Council during the first 18 months of the term for which Councilors were elected. The new expense schedule is to be effective upon the commencement of the terms of office of the next city Council to be elected, not upon passing or at any other arbitrary time not specified within the Charter. I ask that you look into your representative hearts, and due to the defects in this legislation, recuse yourselves from voting tonight, as you should have at least two other times when this legislation was before you. Thank you very much.” • Jade Jalbert, 6 Lady Slipper Lane, Methuen – “Good evening, Jade Jalbert, 6th Lady Slipper Lane. Before I begin my speech, I would like to say that last week I requested a sign-up for the Zoom. I requested it again after not hearing from any council member this week. I was told yesterday that I would be on that list as I was walking in today. As I sat there today, I still do not have that link. Interesting, given that the public participation has been limited. The legalities against what you are doing tonight are absolutely astounding. You're breaking open meeting rules. You're breaking the Home Rule Charter. Those broken rules are apparently not enough. Tonight's meeting is actually against Massachusetts state law. I went back and listened to the meetings where insurance was discussed. Not a single resident spoke to anybody on this body getting insurance. On the Mayor's Veto Announcement post the day it was posted; there were 154 positive reactions and 52 comments in support of his actions the day he posted it. As of this afternoon, there were over 215 positive reactions. Still not one comment indicating a desire for this body to get insurance. The summary of the comments are relatively simple. Thank you, Mayor, for listening to the residents. That raises the question. Why is this Council not listening to the residents? Why does this Council think voting for themselves getting insurance at their constituents' expense is the best interest of the residents of the city you're supposed to be serving? Why this rush to do it in the 11th hour, quite literally, when that is strictly against your own charter? You're also attempting to push this vote in without the full Council. So much shady stuff is going on here with this one topic. Let's move to the next. The vote of no confidence in the Superintendent and the School Committee. I would love for reasonings from each of you who are currently breaking moral, ethical, and legal standards to even make this vote while still METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING thinking that you have any grounds to do so. You have no authority over that position or that body. The outcry from the citizens shows no confidence in you. I admit that there is a minority saying that they are for this vote. But you're here for the majority, are you not? Both the person and the board you are proposing this vote on are gone. Your posturing only weakens the status of the new School Committee has to barter for a quality Superintendent. I say barter and not pay because while you are more than willing to use the taxpayers' money illegally for your own gain, how much of what the schools need will they see come budget cycle? Since one of the basic reasons the school's failure is budgetary, the lack of staff is budgetary, will you vote for the full budget that the schools require rather than the stripped-down bare bones nonsense so that you can actually help them? Or will you stand on your vote of no confidence though it is clear where the residents' confidence stands? If this vote happens, you need to add this law-breaking group to that vote. As for the roads, this was put forth by a member who is listed as living on a partially accepted road. In fact, there are three members that should be recusing themselves for conflict of interest based on your own documentation of unaccepted and private ways. Additionally, the financial impact statement wasn't issued in time as per your own rules. However, I am unable to estimate the financial impact of this as project scope and specifics are unknown. That certainly speaks to the information the CAFO received prior to noon yesterday. We are beyond the first and second reads. Why is this unknown still at that time? How was more information being submitted after? Why am I not at all surprised that this only bolsters your own self-serving desires? Until all of this is cleared up, this measure should not be on any agenda, let alone a veto override. And truthfully, it cannot be. The people here allowed to vote on this do not make up a simple majority, let alone a two-third vote. We residents can plainly see that you behind those desks are not acting as public servants, but as self- serving figures here for your own personal gain. This entire agenda is a testament to your true goals here. It's disgusting, and we are disgusted. To the residents who wish to report ethical violations, I encourage you to do so. I have that information with me.” • Dan Shibilia, 22 Riverview Avenue, Methuen – “Dan Shabilia, 22 Riverview Ave. First, I want to thank you guys for bringing us all together tonight in the true meaning of the holiday spirit, because this room is never as full as it is on budget night like it almost is tonight. So, the way this meeting was scheduled is an embarrassment. The mayor issued vetoes at 4.30. The city solicitor posted this meeting after 9 o'clock that night. City Hall was closed for Christmas and closed on Friday, and it does nothing to portray trust and transparency in government. It's an embarrassment. It's everything you're accusing the School Committee that I am currently sitting on for the next 30 hours of being a massive disappointment. So, I'm not going to just continue to re-hit the same things other people have already said. You don't need me to explain how you violated the charter. You have an attorney who may or may not be inept enough to do that. You don't need me to explain the seven-day right to care or the fact that this should have been done in the first 18 months. You don't need me to explain the open meeting law violation. The bigger METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING issue for me on the insurance is the fact that the CAFO's financial impact statement completely fails to mention the fact that this is a self-funded policy. You sat here last time and said that this is not an impact. Depending on who takes insurance next year, it's anywhere between $9,000 and $28,000 per person on the employer portion of the paid premium per counselor and school committee member if this thing passes the way it's currently proposed. It doesn't stop there. We are self-funded. So, if you have a $500,000 surgery or a brain issue or a heart issue, we're paying for that. There is no big insurance company behind this that's going to handle that. And you're either turning a blind eye to that or completely ignoring it. And I wish the CAFO was here because what she's doing is grossly negligent because she completely omitted it from the statement that she published. Not once, not twice, but at least three times in the last six months. So, I understand that the CAFO is not political, but this isn't political. This is math. Omitting this wasn't a judgment call. It was a complete and utter failure. Can I take a vote right now with no confidence in the city council because with 30 hours left, that's what you guys are leaving us with? So, I guess my question is simple. How is the responsibility for a financial breakdown when it fails to disclose the most significant portion of an uncapped liability that this city needs to face? It is your job to serve the city and protect the city, not yourselves because you're self-employed. Or you want to have better insurance at a cheaper rate because you don't want to buy it on the open market. So, let's talk quickly about the roads for a second because that's also up on an appeal for a veto. I don't want to restate the things Jade said, but out of the incoming councilors, there are now five of nine who live on unaccepted ways. Three of you on this current council live on unaccepted ways. You don't need to vote to support yourselves. You're supposed to support us, the people in this room and at home. Nobody is jumping up and down except for the people who live on unaccepted ways, and the city should 100% do something to help them. But it's a very clear path on how that is supposed to happen. On the vote of no confidence, I just need to ask why. Thirty hours from now, the school committee is gone. You've done nothing but turn the city into a perpetual rolling joke that we all have to suffer with because of ego? I don't know. So, I guess in short and in closing, if this passes, tomorrow my first call is to the State Ethics Commission to report the Council. My next call is going to be to the Secretary of State for the Open Meeting Law Department to inquire and push for the meeting law violation for this meeting. And then my next one is to the BBO because clearly the city Solicitor's department needs a whole lot of guidance and their hands slapped for giving you crap advice. Thank you.” • Kelsey Shibilia, 22 Riverview Avenue, Methuen – “Hello, my name is Kelsey Shabilia, 22 Riverview Ave. Our schools that you all express dire concern about don't have libraries. I'm going to repeat that. Our schools don't have libraries. Because librarians cost money. Less money by far than the health insurance you illegally voted on for yourselves. And less money than the potential onslaught of the road repairs that the city doesn't own but three of you live on. You are not part time employees. You are elected officials. This isn't complicated. Do the right thing.” METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING • Steven Gillis, 235 Jackson Street, Methuen – “How are you? A vote of no confidence is accountability. Standards in the benchmark the city sets for future Superintendents. About eight years ago, the then Superintendent, Judy Scannell, a Methuen school district faced serious public controversy involving nearly $500,000 missing and appropriate funds. Along with licensing and compliant failures. At the time, the current Superintendent held the senior administration role responsible for the oversight. Judy Scannell's license was allowed to expire. Public money went missing. And to this day, the public still has not been given a full explanation. Leadership must be judged by results. According to schooldigger.com, Mathuna ranks roughly 350 of 450 schools in Massachusetts. This is not progress. It's decline. I want to speak as a parent. While my son was attending Methuen High School during Ms. Kwong's time as Superintendent, students were allowed to walk out and protest the second amendment --- the right to bear arms. I only learned this about that because my son came home and said, ‘Dad, we shouldn't have guns.’ And then he explained that they all went out to school to protest. I was never given email, nothing. They just did it to the kids. So later, they had also a Black Lives Matter march. Again, no email, no notice to the parents. My son did not attend that event. But the issue was the same. Regardless of anyone's political views, schools have no right to involve children in political activism without clear parents’ notice of content. This serious failure of judgment in leadership. Anyone who had children in the Methuen High School system over the last decade knows the problem runs deeper. Learning has been replaced by feelings. Standards have lowered. Classes are taught at the slowest kid in the class level. And my son came home one day with a failed grade, and he said, ‘Dad, don't worry about it. I'll take the make-up test tomorrow. They're going to give me the answers.’ That's not learning. That's getting participation trophies. And when everyone gets a trophy, no one's prepared for the real world. At this time, schools are teaching only the downfalls and the sins of America. And it's not achievement. Parents who had their children in the system over the last decade know this is abnormal and destructive that it's become. The curriculum has been overtaken, and ideologies, not education. Every civilization in history has sins. Every one of them. Taking land, using force, benefiting from people over power. What distinguishes civilizations is whether they rise above those sins. Yes, the West had slavery, and we did every civilization on Earth. And what's unique about the West is that we abolished it and enforced it using the British Navy to the end and global trade. And the students are not taught that story. When students learn only what to be ashamed of and never be proud of, they lose respect of the country and their education and principles. Those harms learning, civil responsibility, and the future of this nation. It must change. This isn't about one issue. It's about parent, age-inappropriate materials approved even at elementary level. Mismanaged funds, politicized classrooms, activism, feelings prioritized over academics. The results are clear. Following a vote of no confidence, the superintendent ended medical leave while medical privacy must be respected. The timing immediately after adverse Council action, where I seriously concern responsibility, questioning among the residents. This vote matters beyond one METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING individual. The Council’s original vote reaffirmed the basic principle. The Superintendent is not exempt from accountability. Reversing the decision would send the wrong message. The oversight failures can be overlooked, poor performance excused, and consequences negotiated away. Holding a vote sends the opposite and correct message. Strong schools do not lower standards to attract candidates. They raise them and attract the right ones. Serious qualification professions are not afraid of accountability. They expect it. Accountability does not scare away excellence. It filters out incompetence. Thanks for listening.” • Meaghan Carabello, 14 John Street, Methuen – “Hello, my name is Meaghan Carabello of 14 John Street. I'm here tonight because I am appalled at the recent actions of the Council. Not responding to e-mails from residents, releasing agendas and changing them at the 11th hour, and refusing to read e-mails of Public Participation are all actions that show you are not acting in good faith. These are elected positions in which you are here to represent the best interest of the residents. The residents have spoken and made clear statements, disagreeing with all three items on this agenda. I recently listened to Councilwoman Pesce speak on some of these items in her podcast. She spoke about how a group of people are spreading misinformation and that all part-time city employees receive health insurance. She also reminded everyone that this included the City Council until two years ago. By only stating these points, she directly misinformed the people. A City Council position is not considered to be a part-time employee. Councilors are elected positions that receive a stipend. This does not put you in a category to receive health insurance. There was also no explanation as to why health insurance was removed two years ago. If anyone would like to review, the minutes from February 6, 2023, meeting clearly state that the stipend amount was more than doubled and the health insurance would be removed. Giving half the information is misinforming the residents. At this time, I am concerned that the Council does not have its residents' best interests in mind. Thank you. • Kristen Maxwell, 5 East Prospect Street, Methuen – “Kristen Maxwell, 5 East Prospect Street, Methuen. I have a few things written that I was going to speak on, but I do just want to say I understand the position that you guys are in, and I know it's a really hard position to be in. I do know that the vocal minority shows up and we speak out and we say what we have to say. But at the end of the day, it really comes down to, you know, there are 5,000 voters here and you guys are sitting in your seats for a reason. Some of us do believe in you. Some of us do believe in the things that you push forward. I do understand a lot of the points that were brought up tonight, so I'm not going to share my opinion because I am also a School Committee member, even though I'm not here as a member. So, I don't want my opinion to be viewed as if I want one thing or the other, you know. I know that this was a thing until January 1st, 2024, and when it was removed, I don’t know about you, but I haven't seen a difference in my taxes when it was removed. I didn't see a decrease in taxes. The veto on the no confidence, I mean, it's done, right? The mayor called it divisive and symbolic, and to be honest, my question for him if he was here would be, isn't this veto symbolic and divisive? The City Council and the school METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING committee and the politics and the agendas and everything that everybody has said here tonight just comes off Facebook. And it needs to stop because it is creating a divide in our city. And we need to do better, and we need to step up. And I, along with a lot of other people who don't come and speak, because people who are happy don't come and stand here at this mic. Let's be real. They put you here. They want you here. So, continue to do what you're doing. I'm not sure. You know, I'm confused, I guess, on the process. I don't know how a mayor could veto certain votes that you guys have already voted on. The votes have been made. So, to veto them, you know, you guys have already voted once. I don't understand going through with the veto. But I just wanted to say this is nothing but divisive and symbolic. So maybe we can stop tonight and start fresh in January. Thank you. • Laurie Keegan, 68 Monroe Avenue, Methuen – “Laurie Keegan, 68 Monroe Avenue. I'm not going to stand here for a long time because I already know that this meeting is happening. Therefore, you already have your decision made and you already know that you have the votes to make them. So, anything that anyone says tonight is completely irrelevant to your votes. What I am going to say is that as a school committee member and an incoming school committee member, I completely object to being included in the insurance vote. I do not want it. And I don't think it's fair that you dragged us into it because it is absolutely appalling to me that we would get a doubled stipend and then use that stipend to pay this employee portion. In other words, having the taxpayers paying the entire portion of your monthly premium. And then on top of that, the only thing that you pay is a copay. And then the city pays the rest of it. So, it is a complete fleecing of the taxpayers of Methuen. And I want to make sure that the public knows that the school committee was not asked if we wanted to be included in this vote. And I, for one, personally, absolutely appalled that I'm part of this. Thank you.” • Keith Martinelli, 14 Trenton Street, Methuen – “Keith Martinelli, 14 Trenton Street. I don't have a big speech planned or anything, but I just wanted to say that I'm against a lot more people getting on city health care. And, again, I'll just restate what Dan stated in that it's a self-funded plan, which we're looking at some of the breakdown of what the costs might be just in premiums. And I think a far bigger expense could be the potential health crises that could arise. Again, hip replacement, $40,000. If somebody needs a kidney transplant, God forbid, it's $500,000. Or heart bypass, $150,000. That all falls directly on the taxpayer. This is not an insurance plan that's spread out amongst 100,000, 200,000 people all across the state. It's all directly funded by the taxpayers of Methuen. And it's a lot to take on. And I'm just against it.” • Heather Plunkett, 115 East Street, Methuen - Good evening. My name is Heather Plunkett. I live at 115 East Street. Before I start my speech, I just wanted to say thank you for being here in person, those who are here. And I find it interesting that those who are not here don't even have the common courtesy to have their camera on. Thank you. I'm on the Community Development Board. We have meetings just like you do, and we keep our camera on the entire meeting. We don't keep our face hidden from the public. We don't even know if they're listening. Rude. Anyway, METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING that's point one. I want to start my comments after that comment, stating how truly unbelievable it is that we are here again for the following agenda items. When there has been very little to zero public support in favor of each one. Let's recap them, shall we? Tonight, you're overturning the mayor's veto on taxpayer-funded health care for elected officials. Vote of no confidence for a superintendent who submitted her resignation back in September and is now on medical leave of absence. Taxpayer- funded road maintenance for private ways, which are very likely under the purview of an HOA, which should be collecting fees for their maintenance. It is not the city's responsibility. Nearly every person seated at the big table and behind their screen on Zoom has a nameplate in front of them as an elected official. Another term for that is a public servant. What are the core duties and responsibilities of a public servant? To serve the public. To provide essential services, answer calls, educate, protect, and ensure public safety. To uphold the law and constitution, implement laws, charters, and ordinances faithfully and impartially. Act ethically. Maintain high moral standards. Avoid conflicts of interest and not use public office for private gain. Ensure impartiality. Provide equal treatment to all citizens and organizations, avoiding favoritism. Manage resources, steward government funds, protect public property, and work to improve program efficiency. Lastly, be accountable. Be transparent, disclose waste, fraud, and abuse, and be responsive to the needs of constituents. I would be very interested in hearing how any of tonight's agenda items fall under the duties and responsibilities of a public servant. When the mayor issued his vetoes and his letter was posted on social media, the residents not only supported his decision, they thanked him for it. I know most of you are also on these same social media pages since just a few months ago you posted your campaign ads day and night leading up to the election November. So, to think you haven't seen the residents' reaction to the mayor's vetoes would be disingenuous to say the least. But you scheduled the meeting anyway. You scheduled a meeting to overturn the Mayor's vetoes with only one representative for the West District, one representative for the Central District, and three Councilors with less than 72 hours left as a Council member. Given these circumstances, can you honestly say you're sitting here tonight in the best interest of the residents? Here are the questions I have based on tonight's agenda. How many of you currently own property on a private way? That would be an interesting fact for the residents to know before you take this vote. How does taxpayer-funded health care for public servants benefit the residents? Are you stating that if we pay for the lion's share of your health care coverage, you'll make better decisions on our behalf? The vote of no confidence was brought forth by a Councilor who wasn't elected to his seat and wasn't re-elected to make decisions on our behalf. But this horribly divisive and quite frankly petty and nasty measure will benefit us how exactly? Maybe it will result in another lawsuit against the city. Is that the ultimate outcome you're hoping for? The law enforcement contract wasn't enough of an embarrassment and a shameful display of power for Methuen. So, let's make sure your names are known for something equally shameful. If that's the goal, congrats. This agenda is certainly making that known. So, let's be honest about why we're here tonight. This emergency special meeting's only purpose is to give our METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING mayor and the residents the middle finger. It's nothing more than a flex of power, the power that we gave you, to be used against us. The Mayor stood up for the residents by vetoing these measures and now the seven of you want to overturn that decision for your own personal gain and flick of the chin to the rest of us. Has it been seven days since the mayor issued his veto? No, it has not. Are you supposed to wait seven days in order to overturn his veto? Yes, yes you are. But here's the bottom line. I don't want people to run for city council or for school committee for the health insurance, the stipend, and the power to make decisions for personal gain. In short, ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality. I want elected officials who truly want to be public servants for their community. People who want to make decisions in the best interest of and supported by Methuen residents. I want our public servants to be Team Methuen and not Team, insert Councilor name here. You may think in two years’ time the voters will forget these antics when you're all running for office again and posting all over social media, hosting events at the Irish Cottage, talking about how awesome you all are for the city of Methuen. And I can promise you this. I will not forget and I'll be more than happy to remind everyone of this meeting the next time each of you is running for office. I don't care what your last name is. I don't care who your Daddy is. It's all about who you are and the decisions you make on behalf of the city. Thank you.” • David Copley, 28 Meadowbrook Road, Methuen – “David Copley, 28 Meadowbrook Road, Methuen. Look, I don't remember, I mean, I don't know if you guys remember. There was a certain thing with the, don't take this the wrong way, but the one police department, you know, turned into the biggest fiasco the city ever had. And you're about to do it again. You know, we couldn't afford it then. You think we can afford it now? It's only been a few years. You know, this is a total joke, all right? Why don't you give me it, put me on that plan then. Put all of us on that plan. Then we'll support it. How's that? You know, you're not going to, well, they got enough taxes. You know, what do you guys think this is? I'm going to tell you, if you ever think of running for office again, forget it, because your plan will last for every shot. And if I, I don't know how, I will find out how to start a recall petition against all of these. You know, and, I'm sure. • Catherine Cahill Hansler, 15 Old Farm Road, Methuen – “I'm Catherine Cahill Hansler, 15 Old Farm Road, Methuen. I just have a question. You want the insurance; I'm not for it. But now what happens, I mean, you're only a voted for, what is it, two years? Now what happens once you get off the Council? What happens then? Are you still entitled to the insurance? Huh? I mean, aren't you going to answer? So, what happens once you're not on the Council anymore? You're voted out.” Clr. DiZoglio said, “You lose it. You won't get it. Does that answer your question? If you're a Councilor and you are voted out of office, you will lose it. Or if you're not in office, you will not have it.” UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolutions: METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING TO-25-19 – VOTE TO OVERTURN MAYORAL VETO OF An Ordinance Amending Article IV, Sections 16-28 and 16-29 Temporary Repairs and Reconstruction of Private Ways and Unaccepted Ways - Funding Options (Sponsored by Clr. Neily Soto) Motion to Overturn Mayoral Veto by Clr. Soto, seconded by Clr. Pesce – Discussion – Chair Marsan recognized Clr. Pesce, “Thank you, Chair. Three questions for the Assistant Solicitor, please. Just prior to taking any of these votes tonight, because I think a lot has been said that we need clarification on. One, there was a seven-day rule mentioned that we should be abstaining from taking this vote until seven days have passed from the veto. Is there any legal basis for that determination?” First Assistant Solicitor Hailey Reisman said, “The seven-day requirement falls under General Laws, Chapter 43, Section 55. The City of Methuen falls under Chapter 43-B with the Home Rule Charter. Our Home Rule Charter does not have the seven-day waiting period to take the vote tonight. So, there is no issue on that front.” Clr. Pesce said, “Thank you. Next question on this one. Did the Solicitor inform you or did you see any ethical restrictions as to any of these sitting Councilors having a potential conflict of interest or anything that might raise ethical considerations to our vote this evening?” Assistant Solicitor Reisman said, “I did not. They were not raised to me. For anyone who has concerns, that can be raised to the Massachusetts Ethics Committee. Each Councilor is required to do the training. The ethics fall on each as an individual, not on the Council as a whole. It would be up to that individual Councilor to seek guidance as to their ethical obligations.” Clr. Pesce said, “Thank you. That's it for that one. I can add that one. And do you see this as, is this legally defined under the law as a compensation or expense for the Council that would have to fall under the first 18-month rule that they're referencing?” Assistant Solicitor Reisman said, “In Massachusetts, health insurance is identified as a tax-fringe benefit, not a salary or an expense, so it would not fall and be required to be done in the first 18 months.” UPON ROLL CALL VOTE – 6 yes, 1 no (Clr. DiZoglio) TR-25-73 - VOTE TO OVERTURN MAYORAL VETO OF A Resolution Allowing City Council Members to opt into the City’s Health Insurance on the same basis as City employees (Req. of Clr. Pesce) (as amended on December 15th to include members of the School Committee as well) – Motion to overturn the Mayoral Veto by Clr. Pesce, seconded by Clr. Valley – Discussion – Chair Marsan recognized Clr. Pesce, “I'm aware that our comments are supposed to be narrowed into the veto. Am I allowed to speak as to issues that were brought up tonight as it relates to the veto?” Chair Marsan said, “Yes.” Clr. Pesce continued, “Okay. So, I don't want to rehash everything. I tried to reach out to as many emails as I possibly could. I just want to clarify a couple of things that were misspoke tonight. One, all taxpayers, as it stands right now, are in fact paying for part-time employees of Methuen to receive taxpaying shares. Excuse me. This is part of the tax budget. So, this is not coming from me. This is coming from the capital. And I got the number of employees as well as the cost to the city, which I don't have in hand. But you can write to the city and find out for yourself. Two. This is not an opinion. We aren't part-time employees because we say we are. I am relying on Mass General Law 32-B, Section 12, which not only gives the right to the current part-time employees, but also gives that same right to elected officials. I METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING welcome anyone to look it up. This is not an opinion. This is the law. And I will say one thing. I also got the numbers. I asked the CAFO. And I am upset that the CAFO is not here tonight, nor is the Mayor. And they're not here at the last meeting. Because if they were here at the last meeting, they could have easily alleviated the financial impact statement to clarify it for everybody. And that financial impact statement, in my opinion, is somewhat misleading. It is the worst-case scenario. So, I did my research. I didn't go on social media. And I asked the CAFO to look back six years before this was revoked. So, you know, this isn't a new thing. This was revoked by a Council, which by your same accord shouldn't have been done, because that would have been self-serving by the same definition. If the council can't make decisions, then they can't make decisions. But it was removed. And as of January 1st, 2024, that was the first year that we would have seen it removed. So, that year in 2025. I asked the CAFO to go back six years to give me the actual numbers of the city councilors and school committee members who actually opted in. This is not a free plan. This is a contributory plan. I heard them mention it was free. So, back up until 2018, and the CAFO said that she went back.” Chair Marsan said, “In the audience…please, you have to stop. Everyone that got up to the microphone got to speak uninterrupted. If you don't have the common courtesy, I'm going to have the Sergeant remove you. You have to just bear with the Councilor. She has her points to make.” People were yelling from the audience. Chair Marsan continued, “It's okay. She didn't agree with you. You don't have to agree with her. You have to control yourself. That's what you have to do. Be adults.” Clr. Pesce said, “This is the truth. This is not social media. This is from the city. According to the CAFO, not me, according to the CAFO, and I'm happy to forward the e-mail, please send me a request. My information is everywhere. According to the CAFO, she went further back. She found two Councilors that opted into it and then sent me a supplemental e-mail that said, oh, I found one more. That is over the span of six years, and she said she went back further. As to the School Committee members who took it, zero. This is per CAFO. I understand your frustration on taxes. I am there with you, but this is not the cause. This is about equality amongst employees and executing our laws correctly within the city. Thank you. This is about the taxpayers. That's my answer to the question.” Chair Marsan recognized Clr. Soto, “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to read something into the record that I sent the CAFO and the Mayor. The mayor throwing his grenades and not showing up to have this conversation, and the CAFO two meetings in a row were not available to answer questions for this body. That rightfully so, when amendments are done on the floor, we cannot execute and make decisions or follow up on certain things because it takes her two, three weeks to get back to us. That's unacceptable, and I hope the new Council coming in, along with those that remain, will hold her accountable to responses in a timely manner. I sent an email to the mayor and the CAFO, which I haven't gotten a response to, but it was in regard to the financial impact statement that was provided. On the ordinance that we just overturned, the financial impact statement that was provided was an ordinance that was even updated 30 days ago. She was providing an impact statement on something that was not on the table and was not accurate. So, with that being said, I wanted to clarify that as well. So, if you haven't downloaded the updated impact statement, please do so. So, my email read, thank you for your response and clarification regarding the parameters used in preparing financial impact statements. I understand the position that a proper financial METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING impact statement should reflect the total potential cost based on the wording of the legislation and disclose the city's maximum possible financial exposure. That said, I am compelled to ask why the same level of due diligence and worst-case scenario analysis was not applied to the acquisition of the Searles Estate. In that instance, the financial impact presented to the Council and the public has since proven to be inaccurate and not fully transparent, despite the city now facing significant financial consequences that were not clearly articulated at the time of that decision. Additionally, given the elected officials were already known at the time, I question why due diligence was not conducted by contacting those officials directly to determine their interest in opting in to the insurance. The information could have materially informed the financial analysis and provided a more accurate and realistic assessment of potential exposure. Given this history, I question how the financial impact statement being provided to the Council today can be considered reliable or sufficient. And subsequent facts demonstrate that the prior projections did not reflect the city's true exposure. It raises serious concerns about the usefulness of this analysis and informing council decision making. In my personal opinion, inconsistency in applying these standards undermines confidence in the process and weakens the council's ability to decide with factual and data driven information that is readily available, particularly when large scale acquisitions and long-term financial obligations are involved. For the record, I am not opting in to any insurance plan. Nonetheless, I contacted fellow elected officials to ask if there was an interest in them opting in. Understanding that this due diligence could have been completed without difficulty by the CAFO respectfully. So, with that being said, Mr. Chairman, I wanted to point out that it is unfortunate that our financial impact statements and the grenades our Mayor throws out there for social media. Well, where claim that we grandstand him posting on his personal social media. I am the hero and I saved the world without accurate data. That's a true concern to the city. Thank you. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE – 5 yes, 2 no (Clr. Campagnone, Clr. Marsan) TR-25-74 - VOTE TO OVERTURN MAYORAL VETO OF Resolution of the Methuen City Council Calling for a Vote of No Confidence in the Superintendent of Methuen Public Schools and Methuen School Committee (Req. of Clr. Surillo) (as amended December 15th) – UPON ROLL CALL VOTE – 5 yes, 2 no (Clr. Dizoglio & Clr. Campagnone) Respectfully submitted, Lisa Yarid Ferry Assistant Council Clerk At a meeting where a quorum was present, the foregoing minutes were approved by the Methuen City Council on January 20, 2026 by a vote of 5 yes, 4 present (Clr. DiZoglio, Clr. Drew, Clr. Simard & Clr. MacLaren)