This government meeting is brought to you by Eastworks and our local cable subscribers. >> Welcome to the East Hampton City Council meeting for Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. The meeting tonight is being recorded and broadcast by E Media on Charter Channel 193 and live streaming
on their web page, east hampton media.org. Councilors and participants in this meeting are gathering hybrid on the order extended until June 30th, 2027, allowing us to do so. I remind both the members of the city council and the public participating remotely to
remain muted until recognized by the city council president. Also for the members of the public, please remove your camera for the duration of the meeting unless you are participating in the public speak time or public hearing. Thank you. This meeting is now called to order. Maryanne >> JPenski >> here. Connie Denim
>> here. Tamara Smith >> here. >> Felicia Jadzac >> here. >> Tom Peak >> here. >> Jonathan Schmidt here. >> Amanda Newton >> here. >> Ka Jamron McUade >> here. Nathan Marquee >> here. >> Great. Thank you Marian. Um now we're gonna have a moment of silence, but um I
just want to acknowledge that Monday was um Dr. King uh rem you know the uh celebration for Dr. King. Um and I've just been reflecting a lot over the last um week and the things that have happened in the comm community in the
community and across the nation. Um and I was reminded of a quote of his and um it it uh he said um it's not the words of our enemies that will be remembered but is the silence of our friends. And
so I've just been reflecting a lot on that. And so I hope you take this time uh to think about those things that uh are important to you or that uh you need in order to be able to center uh for this meeting. Thank you. If you would like to participate in the recitation of the
Pledge of Allegiance, now is your opportunity to do so. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Thank you. Uh we have a couple of uh minutes that we need uh to address. So, I will take a motion to pass uh minutes for January 2nd, 2026, the organizational meeting, and January 7th, 2026, which
was a regular meeting. >> I'll move to approve both. >> I'll second. >> Great. So, I have a motion and a second. Uh, all those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Absention. Great. Motion passes. Great. Uh, public comment. So now is
your opportunity to uh come to the podium and address council on any items that are not on the agenda. It's important to remember that during this time um council is not uh allowed to speak uh or respond to that uh anything
that you say because it is uh not an item that is on our agenda and we would be violating open meeting law if we were to address that. Um, you do have three minutes and so anyone who would like to uh speak to address council, please go to the podium uh provide your name and
uh your address. I have a 30 second warning. Oh, and one last thing. Um, we're trying a new system here. So, at uh when you have 30 seconds left, you'll hear a ding. And then uh you'll when your time is up, you'll hear a second ding. And so at the
second, please wrap up your comments. >> Okay. I'm I'm Sheri Braw from uh 61 North Street in Graanby. My husband, Charles Brown, and I were here in East [clears throat] Hampton on October 11th. We had dinner at Nene's. And we crossed
the street at the traffic light up at that end to go to the convenience store, started walking [clears throat] down the street on that side. When we got to before we got to Maple Avenue, we could see that there were no crosswalks there. So, we chose the crosswalk that goes
across Cottage Street. Um, a car went past. We stepped in, you know, off the curb. A car went past. We waited for that. Obviously, the next car that was coming down was, you know, a fair distance away and it looked like he was slowing down. So, we stepped out into
the street and when we got back to the middle of the lane, we were hit by the car. Um, we both went up over the hood. I hit my head on the windshield. So, anything I'm telling you about the next few minutes is what's been told to me. My husband came down, landed on one knee
in his foot. Um, I had a head injury and was kind of knocked out for a while. a woman from one of the shops right near that area came in uh came running out when she heard the the noise I guess and she began doing triage. She was formerly
an EMT. My husband between my husband and her they got me over to the side of the road and very shortly thereafter the EMTs arrived and performed the started doing the triage. Was that 30 seconds? >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. [laughter]
All right. Um the driver pulled over to the Maple Street thing. He did not try to flee. Officer Briggs um spoke with him and also spoke with my husband and um basically the EMTs did a fantastic
job. uh whether they were professional, friendly, helpful, and got I've got a collar on and they took me to Bay State Trauma Center uh where it was determined I did not have a concussion or any serious brain injury. Uh but they did
cut a you know sew up the the cut. Um essentially um but that's a really dangerous crosswalk there. It is the only crosswalk in the area that doesn't have any kind of signage whatsoever, but it is like right in that area where all
the restaurants and shops are. And it should needs to be better marked. And the the driver apparently says he did not see us because of the oncoming lights. If there had been a even that little sign that goes in the center of
the the lane with a picture of a pedestrian that alerts you that this is a crosswalk, that would that would help. But we would just wanted to let you know about our experience and that there is a situation there that really needs to be addressed.
>> Great. Thank you very much. >> Anyone else in the room for public speak? Okay. So again, please state your name uh and your address. And again, at the 2 minute and 30 second mark, you'll hear a a
buzzer. And then at the 3 minutes, you'll hear another out. My name is Lesie Button. I live at 5 Fox Road, East Hampton, Massachusetts. I've been a resident for 10 years. So I want to thank the city council for the opportunity to speak to you um during
public speak time tonight. I know that many of you are aware of what's been fold unfolding in Minneapolis and this is not something that's taking place in East Hampton, but nonetheless, I think it's important to say something about it. And from what I know, ICE is now in
Maine starting to uh detain people from the Somali community. So, I know city council and the school committee have issued statements about this over the past summer and the local police who do a phenomenal job in my opinion cannot be forced to carry out federal civil
immigration enforcement. But nonetheless, um if ICE is in Maine, they came through Massachusetts, I believe, to get to where they are. Um, and I raised this with the hope that uh the city government is having conversations about what should what could happen,
what should happen should ICE come here. Um, obviously this is a bigger issue than just local government. But I'm think all of us need to think about how to protect our community, especially children and vulnerable vulnerable people who may be most at risk. So,
thank you for listening to me. Thank you. Anyone else for public speak in the room? Anyone online who would like to address council?
If you could just raise your hand. Seeing nobody. Um we still have about six minutes before um public hearing. Um, I asked uh Director Nuttleman um to give an
update on Cottage Street uh just given um what was uh said uh this evening. Um this isn't city council u speaking on this, but um uh Director Nuttleman will have the opportunity to give a brief update on um kind of what's being done
by the city on Cottage Street. Um Director Nan, are you online? Yes, I am. Uh, good evening everyone. I'm uh, [clears throat] excuse me, Greg Nutleman, director of public works for the city. Um, so in 2025, we were able
to secure uh with the help of then state representative Dan Kerry a $100,000 appropriation from um from the state that came to us through Mass DOT. And with that funding, what we want to do Oh, I see the plan up there. Uh we've
been working on designing a project to make that specific crossing that uh was mentioned earlier uh significantly safer with an RFB and some ADA compliant ramps on each side. And uh we also want to try to make some repairs to the crumbling crossing closer up towards uh the
municipal lot. So um we we got that funding uh towards the end of last fiscal year and uh have been working on getting the design out. you should have that out to bid and um ready for construction. You should have it under construction by the beginning of the summer of this year. So um that is
something that's been on our radar for a while and something we've been working to make make safer for everybody. That crossing is uh challenging with the line of sight from the building being right on the edge there. And it's also challenging to construct what we want to construct just given how close the building is to the um to the edge of the
sidewalk. But um nevertheless, we will uh we will make that better and and we and we're going to do it soon. So, and it's looking like the funding we have will cover it. So, um it was great of Representative Carrie to have gotten that for the city of East Hampton and we're really looking forward to getting those improvements uh going out there.
>> Great. Thank you, Greg. Director Dalin. Um because this is not an item on the agenda, I can't open it up for questions from council, but um certainly um it was an unfortunate incident and we're very sorry that that you had that experience
and also want to acknowledge that um our DPW, our planning department are doing everything that they can to be able to address um kind of pedestrian safety. Um, and Director Nutleman, just want to extend our gratitude to the work that you're doing and obviously your team has
been doing a lot of work here. So, uh, we appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> U, we still have a couple of minutes. Um, Chief Norris, would you like to also, um, share some good information from the
fire department today? >> Yeah, thank you and good evening everyone. I'm Chris Norris, fire chief city of East Hampton. Um, two quick things. Um, number one, uh, coming up this weekend, as may have heard through the weather updates, we've got kind of a one-two punch coming with not only, um, a snowstorm, but cold weather. So,
through the mayor's office today, um, we communicated with the mayor's office, PD, uh, fire, EMS, uh, counseling agent, and also public health. And we, uh, had a press release issued earlier tonight in regards to open performance centers, um, at the public safety complex. Um, that will be open 24/7, Saturday,
Sunday, and Monday. So really looking for help from all of you to uh extend that message out there further than the press release has. Um certainly the temperatures that they are predicting um no one should be outside um without shelter um in warmth in these
predictions coming up. So please help us get that message out there again at the public safety complex Saturday, Sunday and Monday 24 hours um open obviously. So and we'll have the accommodations um needed for anyone who who needs those. And then uh finally uh we also pushed
out at press release today um deputy chief Kevin Benson um there is a state accreditation program. It's the fire chief credential and program through the state fire service commission um that's overseen by the department of fire services. And this basically looks at a individual's portfolio looking at
experience education certifications and community outreach uh and public support in regards to the last 3 years that they've been in a position. And uh um we were notified today that Deputy Chief Kevin Benson was recredential as a chief
officer for the city of East Hampton. Uh it's a huge accomplishment. We also were fortunate back um in the fall time, Captain Tom Rice, who at that time he pushed out as well um a press release also was recredential. And really when you look at these statewide recognitions, it really is a reflection
of the people serving your community. Um you you heard testimony tonight and so glad that you're doing okay both of you. But when you when you look at the first responders um out there in the communities um having this tiered response with police, fire, and EMS um on all these emergency calls, I I can't
express to you enough. I I've been fortunate in my career to see a lot across the state, across the country for emergency services. Um uh the services here in East Hampton um are absolutely exceptional with police, fire, and EMS. and and and I know I speak that from a position as the chief, but um I I truly
and sincerely mean that that um you know certainly this award from from Deputy Chief Benson um is significant and certainly reflection of of all emergency services in the city. So thank you. >> Appreciate you. Thank you so much. And also I just want to quickly acknowledge
Detective Briggs. Um he was one of the first people on site uh when um u Mrs. Brun and and Mr. around were dealing with the situation on cottage right so uh certainly appreciate your
service uh to the community it is uh 6:15 so I will take a motion to open the public hearing >> second >> so I have a motion and a second to open the public hearing um any further discussion uh uh all those in favor
>> any opposion motion passes um I will turn it over to Chair Jam Rob McQuade. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, so the proposed amendment is to amend chapter 7 section 77 7-17A exhibit A
classification of employees to add the position of a public safety dispatch director. Um, this would be at um wage range grade G. Um, and it is based on the exhibit B that you have in front of you. Um, so this position would take the
responsibility of supervising the dispatch. um off the shoulders of the police chief um was part of the law to manage uh is also funded by a grant for the first three years as well as an inter municipal uh dispatch agreement with South or Southampton. Um the city council ordinance committee voted
unanimously on 1218 um to recommend uh this passing and um yeah I guess that's all the relevant information. Um I would ask the president if it would be uh appropriate to invite the police chief Alexander up to
Chief Alexander, would you like to speak on this? >> Good evening, counselors. Chad Alexander, chief of the police department. Uh, just very briefly, councelor Jamro Mcuade covered most of it. Uh, once we regionalized uh, between East Hampton Police and Fire and Southampton Police and Fire, a in-depth
study was done by the Collins Center at UMass where their top recommendation was a director of p uh, dispatch uh, for a multitude of reasons. one being um everything from controlling the budget and grant writing uh which is currently
done by myself to simple things such as in the past few weeks we've had a minor disciplinary issue which it instead of being handled by one person looked into and handled it was received by myself I had to run it by each other chief all
four chiefs individually pass it on to my internal affairs it tied them up for a week or two to take care of what they had to report back to each chief individually, go over what if any discipline should happen and it's really a roundabout way. Uh we also uh human resource director
Russo uh talked to other area regionalizations such as Westcom uh answering service and then also the Westfield Regional Dispatch Center who is regionalized currently with Southwick. Um and that was number one priority for them also. Um, so and then
also going along with what councelor JMR McUade had said, the fact that it's grant funded, uh, we can apply for up to three fiscal years and we're currently in our first fiscal year. So FY26, uh, FY27, FY28, it would be covered and we
also receive a stipen uh, or a fee essentially from Southampton, the town, uh, for $175,000 a year, which would help offset the cost going forward. Great. Do counselors have any questions for the
Chief Alexander? >> No. Okay. >> I kind of I you've answered a couple of my questions already, so I was just kind of double checking my notes here. Um, but I did you so you mentioned a couple of other regionalizations already. I
imagine that in some larger cities, this is a position that exists as well. It's not a regional regionalized system specific. >> Correct. Yeah. So, most departments I don't have specifics. So, um I know for around us um Northampton has their own
uh and their own supervisor that oversees the department. Um when once you go out into the hilltowns, those are all covered by the state police. Um we entered into a a memorandum of understanding with the town of Southampton in uh January of 24.
Um and it came together rather quickly. So, it was kind of not that it was an oversight, but it was something that it was an emergency situation for them. Um, but yes, all uh big departments, they're uh covered where that person will answer directly to the mayor. Um, and the
regional, they also all have a department head. >> One more. >> Um, and you kind of spoke to this already, but just to add some further clarification. And so, um, the dispatch currently exists under the police department's budget. Essentially, what I'm hearing is that, um, the money that
goes towards, um, that work specifically will be separated out and become, uh, its own section. >> So, yes and no. Uh, so dispatch does have its own budget and luckily uh, by regionalizing u, the state offers fantastic amounts of grant money where a
large portion of our, uh, salaries are covered under grants. Um, so while it's prepared by the police department, it's its own separate section within the uh uh city budget. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome.
I think we >> um Chief Alexander, you mentioned the $175,000 uh fee or or stipen, whatever you want to call it, from Southampton. And I'm curious, um do you have an estimate of how like what percentage or what portion of that fee will be allocated to this
particular position going forward? >> So on the face of it, no. and that'll be up to whoever if the position is accepted. Whoever the department head is will seek that avenue and spend that money as they see fit. Um part of
regionalizing was the state 9 911 department offered a uh part of their grant, their development grant program it's called. There's a couple separate different ones, but as far as the development grant, which is for uh departments that regionalize, we're allowed to apply for a grant to cover
Southampton's costs, which phases out over 5 years. So, the first two fiscal years, because we're currently in the second fiscal year, was covered entirely by the uh state. Year three, I believe it drops to 75% and then 50 and then I believe 25. And then our sixth year
going forward, uh, Southampton's responsible for that total amount, but that money is for dispatch, uh, to supplement their budget as they see fit. >> Thank you for clarifying. >> Schmidt. >> And so at the end of the um current MOA
with uh with Southampton, um, is that going to be revisited? Is that an opportunity to to look at kind of the amount that they're paying for this? So, currently there is no uh end date in the contract. The contract is going forward. That's what's set. Um there are it's a
10-page document. Um I believe it's available right on I think you can get it right on the police department's website. Um that the agreement we entered into there's certain parameters where if they decide that they want to stop paying that we can sever ties. Um that would not be wise. It's a public
safety. They're the first person you get when you're looking for help. Um but there is no end date. But it is something that can be re looked at in the future. >> Uh so to follow up on that um I guess I was just curious if there's a plan to kind of look at that amount again in the
future just expecting you know costs to rise um and you know recognizing that that amount might not cover it in in the future. >> Sure. I would assume that if the position goes forward, I know if I I was to stay in charge of it, it'd be something we'd look at down the road.
Um, as budgets increase and as grant funding, we don't know what's going to happen year to year with grant funding. It all depends. It starts at the top at the federal government. We've been lucky thus far. Um, but that is definitely something that can be looked at and readressed and open theou.
[laughter] >> Um, so does this position do you already have someone who's doing a similar position that will move into this position or is it going to what how is it going to be chosen or hired or >> Yeah. So currently it's all an extra
duty for myself. I oversee um there is a supervisor within dispatch that handles kind of the day-to-day operations, but as far as everything else, it all falls under me and then I report to the mayor. Um so the position would be posted any
other way any new job would be posted. I I know HR I I believe uh director Russo is at another uh engagement. She may be able to speak more to as to where she would um >> she's here >> put this out to. I don't know if you want her to chime in. She really does
the kind of puts the blasts out for uh accepting applications. >> I can speak to that. So, we would follow the city charter process for hiring. So, we post the position. We welcome internal applicants. Um anyone who would apply internally would probably be from
the dispatch department, which is unionized. So, this is a non-unionized position. Um so we would go through the typical hiring process probably select a panel um probably people from fire police and from the city to participate in that process to find the best
candidate. Other questions? >> Councelor Marque. [clears throat] >> Um I believe I read the letter that um the HR director
sent out. Um would this person be reporting directly to the mayor or? Yes, >> correct. Yep. Directly to the mayor. >> That's it. >> Obviously, they'd work closely with all four department heads, both police departments, both fire, but they would answer directly to the mayor. Other
questions? >> Director. So, I actually have a question for you. Um, I'm I'm looking at the education and experience section and it's the first one is bachelor's degree. The second is
minimum of five years of progressive progressively responsible experience and then the third one is equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Um I know that um 60 to 70% of
um people who work in dispatcher are women. Um and a lot of women started in this career in the 1990s 2000 and that was really a period of time when this was
kind of a new field or a new industry etc. So there might be individuals who have 25 years of experience, right? Or 30 years of experience, but they don't have a bachelor's degree, right? Because they didn't they didn't offer degrees at that time for this, right? So, you know,
emergency management, you know, 911 response, etc. Those weren't fields that had um degrees. So when I look at equivalent combination of education does that include bachelor's degree or does that really just to experience?
>> So the beauty of that clause at the end of um the experience and education requirements is it gives us the flexibility to hire people who would be capable of doing the job even though that they don't have a bachelor's degree. If you have someone who has 25
years of experience in dispatch and has management or something in some other realm like those combined skills I would say are probably more powerful than having a degree or at least equivalent to having a degree. So we always consider all factors in someone's
education and experience when we're making a decision for interviewing and for hiring. We do not need them to have a degree. It is a suggestion and a desire trait. But if someone has experience and has the management abilities, we will gladly consider those
things equally to a degree. >> Great. Other questions? >> Great. Thank you, Director Russo and Chief Alexander. >> Thank you. >> Um, uh, Chair Jam McQuade, I will take a motion.
>> Sure. Um, I will move to amend chapter 7, section 17 7-17A, exhibit A, classification of employees. >> Actually, stop. Sorry, I made a mistake. Anyone from the public who wants to speak on this? >> I didn't see anybody like looking like
they wanted to say anything. So, anything anyone online? Anyone online want to speak to this? Okay. All right. I apologize. Please continue. >> All right. Uh I will move to amend chapter 7 section 7-17A exhibit A
classification of employees to add the position of public safety dispatch director. >> Second. >> Great. So I have a motion and a second to amend chapter 7 section 7-17A exhibit A classification of employees to add the position of public safety
dispatch director. Um any further discussion? Seeing none all those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Abstension. Great. Motion passes. Um I will take a motion to close public hearing. >> So moved. Second. Second.
>> I have a motion and a second to close public hearing. All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Densions. Great. Motion passes. Great. Um we have no items for immediate attention. No communication from elected
officials. We've heard from correspondents, uh, president and vice president, communications, vice president Jazz, do you have any announcements? >> I do. Um, thank you, President Denim. Um, just as a quick reminder for counselors here tonight, we do have the
Connect 351 conference coming up starting tomorrow. So, if anyone still would wish to register, you are still able to. [laughter] Um, so please, uh, feel free to do so. Please contact myself and or Marian if you have any questions about the
reimbursement for that. Um secondly, the 911 911 memorial committee is holding a listening session on uh Monday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Council on Aging. And so if you have any ideas for
uh that memorial, any thoughts, any comments, any concerns, you are welcome to attend in person. If you're not able to attend in person, you can also email any thoughts, questions, concerns, comments to Dylan Maxfield dmaxfield eastamptona.gov.
Um, finally, I'd like to just do a quick report out for the municipal leadership program. Uh, we have several people here in the room tonight who are part of that program. Um, and I know we have some past participants as well. We've had two sessions already. Uh, last week we visited the schools and had a really
great discussion there. Um the first session was city council, the mayor and finance. And uh we have about 12 attendees in that program which I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, is the most attendees we've had so far in all the iterations we've run at this point.
So it's going well and we have a few more sessions coming up. So um once again, thank you to all the city employees who are participating and helping out and thank you to everyone [snorts] who is participating. If you are listening right now and you did not know about this and you're sad that you missed it, we will most likely be
running another session next year. So, keep an eye out for that. And that's all I have to offer. >> Great. Thank you so much. And uh next week we'll be with the fire department. So, looking forward to that. Um, mayor's communication. [cough] [clears throat] >> Good evening, counselors. Um, so I
wanted to take a moment to introduce uh my new office manager. His name is Evan Labau. I think most of you have probably met Evan already. It's really great having Evan on board. Um, and I just want to give him a shout
out for, you know, transitioning into the office really seamlessly. Um, the reception he's gotten at city hall has been just awesome and um, he is just a great addition to our team. So, if you have a chance, welcome him. Um, and uh,
you know, if you're looking to set up a meeting with me now, now I have a point person to make sure I don't forget our meeting. Um, and that's in the books. So, and and I will just say, um, I have a couple brief updates. Um, [clears throat] so exciting thing happened today. I got to, um, I was
invited to the Mountain View School. Uh, I got to be in front of a classroom again. So, it was nice to return. Um, and this classroom was quite a big classroom. I I actually got to present to the entire eighth grade. um as part of their civics program. Uh and it was
great. We had uh such a great response from the kids started to get them excited about the we the people program. Um and they had some really thoughtful questions and we're really excited to learn about city government and how the whole process works. So that was tons of
fun. It's why I'm dressed up. Um and and at city hall we're doing a lot of work around budgeting and finance. So, um, you know, right now I'm starting to have preliminary meetings with department heads and and talking budget. Um, and we
are still, um, in the thick of it because we have our external auditor, um, was here all week and we'll be here all next week as well. Uh, which is a normal process that we go through every year, um, where we have an outside auditor look at our expenses to make
sure everything is in order. Um, and so far, no problems. So, that's that's always good news. Um, another thing that I think it's exciting, um, so hopefully I'll see some of you at the Connect 351 conference, uh, the Mass Municipal Association, which starts tomorrow. There's some really great workshops,
some really great opportunities for networking. Um, I was I was lucky enough to be invited to the state of the Commonwealth tomorrow night. Um, and so, you know, as I go out for the Connect 351, um, I've already talked to Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. I'm trying
to get some facetime around um advocating for the release of affordable housing funds in a more efficient manner. Um so that's one of the topics that every time I've talked to her, we talk about and I continue. Um I'm lucky enough also to be able to meet with our
federal delegation. So, um I'm going to be talking to Senator um Senator Warren and Senator Marky about um some of the things that are going on in East Hampton and hopefully seeing if we can try to find some ear marks that might be appropriate for us in the future. Um so
th those are exciting opportunities for the city, I think. Um and I'll do my best to represent us in in the best way possible. Um, as far as local stuff, I just want to say we've gotten some complaints around the use of the pond.
Um, and so one of the things that I'm trying to be proactive around this is, um, you know, coordinating with police, with fire, with public health, um, and with the National Pond Committee to talk about the winter use of the pond. Um,
you know, this is an amazing resource that we have right here, uh, in our backyard. It ab butts Natuck Park. It's beautiful. Um, and it should be used in all year round. Um, I'm a firm believer of that, but I think, you know, we need to sometimes set parameters for use in
order for people to use things um within reason and in an acceptable way. Um, you know, some of the things that we've been hearing is that um some of the uh trash is being left on the pond. um that some of the holes that are being used for ice fishing aren't getting filled back in,
which is creating a potential hazard. Um and [clears throat] that people are having bonfires directly on the ice um which is not um best practice for ice fishing. Um so my office is currently um working with the uh you know the
relevant parties and and the invested parties to draw up some you know basic guidelines because we don't have signs out there yet that say you know use the pond at your own risk and beware of the nice and those types of things which you know is a reasonable thing to expect to have when you have a pond in your backyard. Um and also setting some you
know really basic guidelines that are kind of industrywide accepted best practices. So filling in um ice fishing holes um so people don't trip through them. Maybe even having um you know areas where people are ice skating, you know, not ice fishing there um and those
types of things. So uh that's something my office is working on. And and I will finish with saying that as we have the storm that is bearing down on us and and the cold extremely cold weather, uh I want to appreciate our public safety team and Evan um was instrumental in
this as well and our public health um for letting people know that we do have a warming shelter um over at the public safety complex. But one thing I would like to add to that is that is always open as a safe space. um you know, so if
if it's cold and you don't have a place to go and we didn't issue a press release, it's still um open as a warming center. So um those doors don't get locked. So I just wanted to make sure that people knew that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor Derby. I've I've never
thought of having a bonfire on the on a frozen pond as best practice. I think that's just that's just dangerous, right? So great. Thank you so much. Um, council communications. We have an announcement from councelor Jamro McQuade. >> Um, thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to remind everyone in the
community um that the East Hampton Tenants Union meets just uh in the room right behind us here every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30. Um, they share resources for tenants um specifically around what rights they have and building solidarity and and power and numbers. Um I will say
this week I'm pretty sure a representative from the health department is giving a presentation on the resources um available through through them. Um so that'll be great and I hope to see as many people as possible there. >> Awesome. Great. Thank you council. Uh chair peak finance.
>> Great. Thank you Mr. Madam President. Um >> Mr. [laughter] >> I'm gonna I got a couple times in the uh different direction but uh thank you madam president. Um yes. So we met uh last week uh to discuss a proposal uh
from our city clerk to uh increase the uh vital statistics fee uh in the office of the city clerk. So this is something that uh is um done periodically. Uh if
you those of you who were here last term might remember that we went through and looked at a lot of sort of fines and whatever that had been established in the 80s and there was an amount that made sense [clears throat] at the time and it hadn't changed in some time. Um,
in our case, it it's um what uh our city clerk is proposing would be an increase from uh $10 uh per certified copy to $15 per certified coffee. And one reason why uh she's proposing this is that given
how many uh babies are born in in Northampton and just how much sort of traffic there is between here and Northampton, uh it's generally been the opinion of the clerk's office that it's good to keep those fees aligned so that we're charging the same amount as
Northampton since uh a lot of people, you know, could go theoretically to both. Um, and so, uh, they are at 15 right now. We have not raised our fees in, uh, Mary, can you remind me the number of years? >> Since 2005.
>> So, it's been 20 years since we've raised our our fees. And so, uh, and and and there's a good deal of these that come through. So even though it's only $5, it would add up to a few thousand extra dollars coming in every year that could help cover other costs in the city clerk's office where there's a lot of
processes where the fee might be kind of low, but the actual like hours of labor putting in can often quite exceed that. So um for that reason, uh it seemed like a reasonable thing uh to do. We haven't increased it in some time and it's a fairly modest increase, but I think it
is good uh for us to be checking in on these other fees and fines periodically to make sure that they don't just get totally swept away um by inflation. Um so we voted uh 3 to zero to increase the
uh vital statistics fee from $10 to $15 an hour and that will be the motion that um I'm prepared to to make. Uh, but if there's any questions, of course, I'd be happy to. >> So, just to be clear, you said $10 to $15 an hour. >> Oh, sorry. Per certified copy is what I
meant. Just want to make sure. >> No. Yes. [clears throat] Yes. Per certified copy. >> Do counselors have questions? >> All right. I will take a motion. >> Okay. Uh, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 40 section 22F, I move that
the vital statistics fee for birth, marriage, and death certificates in the office of the city clerk be increased from $10 uh per certified copy to $15 per certified copy effective February 1st, 2026. >> Second.
>> We have a motion and a second to increase the vital statistics fee from $10 to $15. Um any further discussion? All those in favor? I >> uh any opposed? Abstensions? Great.
Motion passes. >> Okay, great. And then the only thing we're going to be meeting I see there's some new business. So the plan will be to meet at our regular time 5:30 on Wednesday. So a week from today, uh conference room 1. >> Great. >> Um and concludes.
>> Great. I do have a question. Um, at our meeting in December, we had talked about setting a public hearing for the first meeting in February regarding adoption of chapter 329 of the acts of 1987. Um, are we still having a public hearing for
that or what are we [clears throat] or what are we doing? >> Well, I Yes. Would it be possible that we could potentially push that back a meeting or would that be would that be a huge conflict with anything else? There's just a little bit of just conversation I want to have with the
mayor and uh and just need to make sure that that all lines up. >> Yeah. So, I think we can do you want to do you want to set a public hearing? >> Sure. I >> councelor Marquee, do you have a question? >> I believe there was another
>> We talked about the short-term rental. >> That's it. Okay. >> Being then, but that is also going to have to be pushed back because we've made progress. Um but that will be at a later uh uh report out so that will not happen on then. So it is possible that
there won't be a conflict on that. >> Okay, great. In that case, I would make a motion to uh set a public hearing for the city council action request to adopt chapter 3219 of the act of 1987
uh for um >> February 4th. February. Well, so we were talking about February 18th >> at 6:15 in these chambers. >> Second. So, I have a motion and a second to set a public hearing to adopt chapter
329 of the acts of 1987 uh for February 18th. Any further discussion? Um seeing none, all those in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstension? Uh motion passes. So that will be in these
chambers uh 6:15 on February 18th. >> Thank you. >> Great. And that's concludes. All right. Great. Uh next, public safety. >> Okay. So, Newton. >> Yeah. Sorry. Thank you, Madam President. Um so, we met on January 13th to discuss
um Chief Norris's hazard mitigation plan um and the resolution for the city of East Hampton to adopt the hazard mitigation plan. Um so this hazard mitigation plan is basically a renewal of the one that we already have in
place. There's a few small things that have changed um such as our schools are no longer you know Maple Pep and those guys. We've got Mountain View. So the new um shelter uh for emergencies will be at Mountain View School. Um but most
of the language in there has not changed um and remains the same as 2018 when it was last passed. Um so the committee did vote unanimously to pass this. I will say um so this helps us with making sure
that we get FEMA funding. So, if we were not to pass this, um, we would potentially lose funding that we are eligible for otherwise. Um, it doesn't have anything to do with getting special grants or whatnot, but it does allow us
to continue to be eligible for FEMA funding as we have been. So, to remain status quo, continue the same. So, we voted unan unanimously to pass it. Um, so should I read it in a motion or
should I ask if we have comments? >> Yeah. Are do do any counselors have questions? >> Seeing none. >> No question, but I'll I'll make a comment real quick. >> Sure. >> Um, just wanted to note that, you know, this is um as as councelor Newton noted,
you know, in a way related to funding. Uh and it's really just one piece of a much larger puzzle uh in terms of the city's approach to um kind of you know uh preparing for potential emergencies that might face us. And so uh the the chief was very generous with his his
time and and willingness to to answer questions and and talk about that bigger picture as well. Um, and so I just wanted to for the folks who who read through it, note that um, if there's anything that you feel like might be missing from this that it may very well be in other pieces and and there's definitely collaboration happening, you
know, between our community and surrounding communities beyond uh, what you see here. >> Great. Thank you, Council Schmidt. Other questions, comments? >> So, I will take >> So, okay. So, I will read this um, as a
motion. Um, so this is a resolution of the city of East Hampton, Mass. adopting the hazard mitigation plan. Whereas the East Hampton City Council recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within the city of East Hampton, Mass. And whereas the city
of East Hampton has prepared a hazard mitigation plan, hereby known as City of East Hampton hazard mitigation plan, in accordance with federal laws, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as amended,
the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as amended, and the National Dam Safety Program Act as amended. And whereas the city of East Hampton hazard mitigation plan 2025 identifies mitigation goals and actions
to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property in East Hampton from the impacts of future hazards and disasters. And whereas adoption by the East Hampton City Council demonstrates its commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving the
goals outlined in the city of East Hampton hazard mitigation plan 2025. Now therefore be it resolved by the city of East Hampton Mass that the East Hampton City Council adopts the city of East Hampton hazard mitigation plan
2025. While content related to East Hampton may require revisions to meet the plan approval requirements, changes occurring after adoption will not require East Hampton to readopt any further iterations of the plan. Subsequent plan
updates following the approval period for this plan will will require separate adoption resolutions. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Uh any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor
>> I opposed. Uh abstain. Uh great motion passes. >> So then there were some other things. >> Um so we also met to talk about setting up quarterly um reporting from um all of
the different public safety departments. So that would be fire and EMS would meet with us together. um police would meet with us and then um DPW would also meet. So we were able to set up a basic
schedule. Um and we will have um public safety visiting us. Nope, sorry, that's us. Excuse [gasps] me. We will have the police department chief, Chief Alexander visiting us um on our next meeting, which is February 3rd at [snorts] 6 p.m.
in conference 1. and he will be giving a quarterly report of the updates that have been you know what's been going on in the police department. Um and then he will visit again 3 months later. So we will see um police and then we will see DPW and then we will see fire and then
it will continue to rotate like that um on a monthly bas basis. So, uh, we set that up. And then the other thing that we talked about was, um, the reviewing the traffic rules and order. Uh, so the language of the traffic rules
and orders. Um, we are going to be talking about it uh, starting to kind of work through some of that on February 3rd as well. Um, but I do think we need a 90-day extension for that if we can. Can we ask for that now? >> Um, sure.
Um, do you want to make a motion? >> Yes. I'd like to make a motion for a 90-day extension to review the language in the traffic rules and orders. >> Second. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second to extend the review of language in the
traffic rules and orders by 90 days. Uh, all those in favor? >> I opposed. Abstensions. Great. Motion passes. And um as Jonathan said, Chief Norris was with us for the meeting and he was able to answer a lot of really good
questions. Um so we got a lot from that and then we're excited to get more from the chief of police next month. >> Okay. Uh just a quick question. Uh when you think about uh the various public safeties departments, have you thought about also connecting with the uh health department? Yes, we actually have talked
about connecting with the health department and we've talked about how that would require us to also think about adjusting our schedule. So, we are on it. But for now, we've got the other [clears throat] three slash four departments in line.
But yes, >> perfect. Great. Is that everything? >> I think that concludes public safety. >> Awesome. Thank you, Chair Newton. Appointments. Chair Smith. >> Thank you, President. We met last time on January 13th,
2026 at 6, I'm sorry, 5:00 at night. And we had a few different um reappointments and appointments that we considered as part
of the meeting. Um before I start that though, um we had an we had an issue with um appointees not being able to find the conference room >> and so I would just um
this this room behind us I don't feel is very well lit especially if someone is coming in in the evening and the um the appointee who was coming forth seeing that this was kind of a darkened room and not sure if this was where the
meeting room was. Didn't actually get to the conference room. >> And so I really think that some new signage is due at the stairs that just clearly states conference room is behind the council um benches.
>> So that was my first first um concern that I just wanted to bring up that we had that problem with um some of the appointees. Mhm. >> So I have three I'm sorry I have two appointees that we approved although
they weren't at the meeting and this includes um the appointee that could not find the meeting room. Um we had one appointee who is here tonight to be sworn in and then we had one appointee that we decided to wait until our next
meeting to be able to um confirm. And so at this time I would like to introduce Carl Prawl to um the city of East Hampton. Um he is um let me think of how
I want to put this. Our committee voted three to zero to appoint uh Mr. PL to the housing authority. And so I'd like to read a few things from his application that really stood out to the committee as um
really important. So I just want to point out that Mr. Pearl is a farmer and a small business owner in the city of East Hampton. This is really important because in a small city with a lot of small businesses also comes a lot of
families who are really dependent on those businesses succeeding and trying to coordinate both the business in good times and in bad times and leaning that against how much you're having to pay
for rent is really a difficult difficult situation in East Hampton right now. And so he says, and I quote, "As a small business owner, I understand the realities of rising cross costs in a competitive world and the difficulty in
finding balance. As a farmer, I recognize the need for solutions that work for the coming decades and not just the coming months." Um he states that he would like to be part of finding solutions to keep our public housing available to seniors and to low-income
residents to keep the buildings well-maintained and to help the entire system run smoothly in East Hampton now and into the future. And so I just wanted to make sure that as you're getting sworn in tonight, Mr. appl that
we at least had an introduction to why you wanted to take this role on and um just talk about the accolades that you wrote about. And so at this time we'll have you approach the bench and we'll have our city clerk. >> We need to have a motion.
>> Oh, let me make a motion first. [laughter] >> All right. I would like to make a motion to accept Carl Prawl into the position of being on the housing authority board for a term expiration of 1231
2031. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to uh appoint Carl Prawl to the housing authority. Um any further discussion? Councelor Marquee. Um, I just wanted to
say that I've gotten to know Carl um on the campaign trail a little bit um running up to this election. Carl ran for um city council. He would have been a great city council if he had been elected and um that I am very happy to
see Carl Ps staying engaged with community and um yeah that's it. Other discussion council Jamquade. >> Thank you. I just want to echo the
comments that um councelor Marque made. I think that we're really lucky as a city to have as engaged um volunteers as Mr. PL here. Any further comment, discussion? So, we have a motion and a second. All those in favor to appoint Carl Pearl to
the housing authority. >> I uh any opposed? Abstensions. Great. Motion passes. Uh, Maryanne, would you like to swear in Mr. Prawl? >> Do you swear or affirm to perform the
duties as a member of the East Hampton Housing Authority to the best of your ability? Bravo. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] >> Councelor Smith. >> Okay. And >> Smith, >> we decided to move forward two other
names um on our list to for consideration from the full council. And so the first one is Michelle Savox for the Parks and Recreation Commission with a term expiration of 1231.
And the next one is Mary Church who um is also for the housing authority whom she is actually moving to the EHA resident appointment rather than as a voting appointment. And um I promise
Miss Church that in our next full city council meeting, she also will have the opportunity to be sworn in um before the board for the board for the council. >> Good. >> Do you want to make the motion? >> Um councelor.
>> Oh, council Pet one clarification. My understanding is that the resident is a voting member. >> It's just that there's a seat that's assigned for a resident. that seat was occupied at the point that Miss Church um joined the board and so there was a
vacancy that was specifically for a resident and she was holding an all-purpose seat that anyone could take. So she thought it was wise to swatch swap over to the resident specific seat so that anyone could apply for the other seat and then Carl did apply for that seat. So >> okay, appreciate that clarification.
Thank you. So, um I would like to also move Mary Church's name um for the consideration from the full council with a term [music] expiration of 123131 with the understanding that um we'll also invite her for the next full city
council meeting. >> Second. Second. >> So, we have a motion and a second to uh approve two mayoral appointments. Um all those in any further discussion? >> All those in favor? I >> I
>> any opposed abstensions? Motion passes. >> Okay. And the last item is that our committee is really looking right now at our current uh order of ways we do meril
appointments and the whole process. So, we're continuing that conversation at a committee level and our next appointment subcommittee will be on Tuesday 127 at 5:00 p.m. in conference room 2.
>> What was the time again? Sorry. >> 5:00 p.m. >> 5. Great. >> Clarification. Uh, was there a third person we needed to vote on that we >> There was one you were not putting forward tonight? Yeah, there was one that I wasn't putting forward.
>> Okay, but there was >> I had mentioned Michelle Subox and Mary Church together and we had already done Carl Pearl. >> Okay. Yeah, the box I think I overlooked that that was included in that motion. Sorry. >> Okay,
we're good. Okay. >> Is that everything? >> No, that's everything. President. >> All right. Uh Chair Gemma McQueen for ordinance. Thank you, Madam President. Um, so ordinance committee last met uh last night, January 20th. Uh, we further
discussed the general ordinance amendments related to the short-term rentals, particularly related to the fire safety um requirements from the or the concerns from the um fire department and building commissioner. Um, overall, we made progress. Uh, we seem to be on the same page on the content uh of
what's going to be put forward. Uh the acceptable alternative was made clear that a wireless monitor detection system uh is an acceptable alternative uh for uh except for cases where you have an attached garage because they're only
good um above freezing temperatures. Uh to move forward, we just need to finish drafting the specific language. So I'm going to meet with the planning director, building commissioner, and Captain Constantine to iron that out. Um and then uh I will request that we have it sent to the solicitor for final
approval um through you uh through the president. Um the goal is to have this ready for the ordinance for an ordinance committee meeting at the second half of February. Um and we're likely to meet twice in February. Um I'm also planning uh to help with the building and fire department info sheet for STR hosts. Um
including a flowchart that sort of better communicates the applicable regulations depending on like owner occupancy, number of days rented out, etc. Um so the next meeting we still need to schedule uh for the first half of February to address some of those
other items on our docket and then um we also need to schedule the joint public hearing with the planning board regarding the housing partnership recommendations sections 1 through 4. Um I will try to have those dates ironed out in the next week um and and let everyone know. Uh this concludes great.
Thank you Chair Juade. Uh, property chairwisinski. >> Uh, the property committee will be meeting on Thursday, February 5th at 6 pm. Thursday, February 5th at 6 p.m. And we'll have on that the agenda at that
time the discussion of 75 Oliver Street, the former Eastampton Town Lodging, which has served the city for over a hundred years. uh and the possible disposition of that property uh the the disposal of the structure and the 54
acres that surrounds the property. It has been uh farmed for most of that time and was a refuge for people to stay or go to should they be facing hard times for until the late 20 probably around
2018 2019 is when the doors were shuttered approximately. Uh since that time it has remained vacant. It has been difficult to maintain. And our hope is to be able to [clears throat] come up with the terms of sale for that [snorts]
uh that property as such that uh we as a city council then can propose to the mayor those terms for the sale uh any restrictions uh that we had in mind for the property and then the mayor has to concur in order for the process to
proceed. Uh it is a joint process between the mayor and the city council. So we're hoping to discuss that at that time. >> Great. Thank you. >> This concludes the property. >> Great. Uh and Sher Kazinski, right back at you for rules and government relations.
>> No report this evening. >> No, but we will be meeting. >> Great. So we have no old business. Uh new business. Vice President Jazzzic. >> Uh yes. for new business. First item is a city council action request for two
new appointments. Um I'll read these out in the form of a motion to move these to the appointment subcommittee. First appointment is for Tamara Smith to be appointed to the bees committee as a city council rep with a term of January
2026 through December 31st, 2028. Second appointment is for Carl Sailor to be appointed to the rent study committee for the term of January 2026 through December 31st, 2028. >> Second.
>> Do we have a motion? Okay, we have a motion and a second uh to send two city council appointments to the appointments committee. Uh any further discussion? Yeah, chair jam I real quick. >> Yeah, just a point of clarification. So um the rent study committee would I'm
also the chair of that committee. Um when we formed the committee none of those initial applicants were put through the appointments process if I'm remembering correctly. I I guess I'm just confused. Um I didn't know that that we all future applicants would need
to go through the process. Is there um they were I guess yes >> that is correct. So [clears throat] interesting point. I would say the rent city committee is a city council committee. So it was put together by the then city council president. So I am
actually not sure if future appointees need to go through our appointment process. >> Good point councilinski. >> As the rules person uh I would say that uh it was a we when when we decided it was a an appointment of the president.
Mhm. >> So it is a president president's appointment and prerogative to make this determination without necessarily going through the appointments committee. I personally am pleased that we have the opportunity to go through the appointments committee and would have no
objection to that process. >> Okay. Uh I do know that when I I was also appointed by the president for the bees committee but I went through the appointments process if I'm not mistaken. So that's why Yeah.
>> It just would happen to be the way it was formed. >> Yeah. Okay. Sorry. >> This is something that I have experience that um >> we it's pretty rare for us to do these council committees, but I've seen a few of them over my years and there's never
been a a consistent standard. There was one time in 2018, I believe, 2019 where there was uh there were some appointments made, presidential appointments made and there were some disagreements within the council about
the appointments that were made and there was a thought that we wanted to have the the rest of the council wanted to have more of a say on that, but I don't believe there's anything in our rules specifically requiring that. And so that might be an interesting topic for uh down the line, but I think for
now it's kind of however you as the president want to play it is how it is going to go. I think >> council >> Gorinski it really has to do with when they're ad hoc committees and they're established by the council. >> It depends on how that committee writes the
>> writes the recommendation. And so each time it would be up to the council to vote and decide whether or not they would have this be a council appointment or a presidential pre president's appointment. >> Uh and we did so with regard to uh the
rent study committee to make it a presidential appointment. >> So we we have that prerogative anytime we want to establish an ad hoc committee. >> Yep. Okay. So for consistencyy's sake,
uh can we remove the motion for Carl Sailor? >> Uh point of clarification, should we also remove the motion for Tamara Smith? Because while a bees committee is not an
ad hoc city council committee, the position is a specific exeicio seat that is appointed pending reelection by the city council president. >> So I'm wondering if we should remove the motion for both of those appointees.
>> Well, if I understand correctly, I the as president, I would have the ability to appoint Tamara Smith. So, I don't know that we would have to remove both motions because I would just make a motion or >> Well, the motion is to send it to
appointments committee, >> but if you're appointing councelor Smith, then does it need to go through appointments committee? >> So, that was my question. So when I ran for the bees committee and it was appointed by the former president of the council, I did have to go to the appointments committee, but I think that
was part of what was written in the expectation of the committee. >> Well, so as part of our um subcommittee work, I'm actually been digging into this. I'm looking at the >> purview right now and that's not something that's been listed out. So,
um, to my knowledge, but I would definitely defer to councelor Smith, who's been on the appointments subcommittee longer than I have. >> I think in the case of transparency, we should have the appointees come to the appointment subcommittee to be able
to at least introduce themselves and explain why this is um, something that they're interested in. I would uh may >> I would I would concur with councelor Smith >> for this
>> councelor Marky? >> Yeah, I I also agree with councelor Smith on this. Even if there is no vote necessarily coming out of the appointments committee, I still think that um for transparency and to get to know folks, I think that it's best if
things do go through appointments. Even if there is no motion moved out of appointments committee to the full board and therefore there's no full vote full board full city council vote. I do think for transparency I agree with councelor
Smith. >> Councelor Newton. >> Um, one thing I wonder about is I was I think I was at the meeting um the tenants meeting when um Carl Sailor had kind of talked about and learned about the committee. Um, and one of the things
I kind of worry about is is having to go through the appointments committee. like is that a step that will possibly deter people from taking on this position because it did seem like at the meeting that a lot of other tenants were kind of
reluctant to take on that role and I I just worry that um it may feel like I don't know >> to that chairman >> I think one of the things that we have as a committee is that we don't
videotape the um those particular meetings because if there were someone's work stuff and it's just a different process than the rest. So in that respect we're just asking them to come to our meeting to introduce themselves
to us and I I think that should be okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Also, uh I did inform Carl Sailor that as part of the process they would go through the appointments process. So, um
he seemed open to that. Um so, other further discussion, council jammer. >> Yeah, I mean I I would agree that I think it makes sense with transparency. I think my one concern and I think that this might just be something that we
need to express to the people on the rent study committee already or to future people that it was just a little bit of an oversight just I just worry about disperate treatment of different people um and like what that means if you know we have a landlord and a developer on the committee already that didn't have to go through this process
and now we're asking tenants to go through this process. So I just I worry about that disparity and I want to just be really mindful of that. >> Sure. Sure. And and I take full responsibility. I was appointed to that as a city counselor and so I obviously didn't go through the appointments process and so it made that um I I
couldn't remember because there was a lot of transition during that during that process but I I do have a concern that um it is I'm wondering uh and this is just a process if there's
no technical process is it just not having emotion, but you just invite them in. Like I I'm trying to kind of understand because there's no actual u process. So
>> that that might be seen as a little less um intimidating to be invited into >> um meet your city counselors. >> Mhm. >> Versus you've got one more you one more
hoop to jump. Mhm. So yeah, and it's also not coming back to council technically other than perhaps a report out, but you >> just wanted to councelor Kazinski >> comment to councelor Jamrock McUade that there was an effort on this happened
during transition >> and uh President Derby had made the initial appointments and then I took over and we both worked together to try to establish a committee that had representation of
both landlords and tenants. And so there was an effort to attempt to balance the committee for the so that we could get all interest on the on onto the committee. >> And I don't know Carl Sailor, so I'm curious what
>> his background is or her the person's background. So I I'd like to look forward to that during during during the appointment's time and to assure that >> there be an effort to see that >> we continue that process. >> Sure.
>> And to have to have an establishment of a committee that isn't all any one-sided, >> right? Sure. No, I appreciate we're fading into discussion about the appointees and not the motion of sending it to committee. So I just want to be
>> we are I was just responding to councelor Jamar McQuade. >> Yeah, I understand that. That's why I'm saying we're we're drifting here. So I want to get us back to the the motion itself. So C or Vice President Jadik. Um, so I'd like to I'm not going to say this in the form of resending quite just
yet, but I'd like to propose that I resend my motion eventually, but I'd also like to propose, and I don't think this needs to be in the form of a motion per se, but perhaps in a in our next meeting, we can add to our agenda um for the appointments of committee, a discussion around um codifying some of
the process around city council created committees versus mayoral committees because there is a difference obviously as we been discussing tonight and I think there are some opportunities to um at least discuss how we might want to handle this in the future. Um and then
one final point just to um clarify with what uh was just being said by councelor Kavinski um just so the public knows too with a rent study committee there are specific roles that are outlined for that committee. So it cannot be overbalanced in favor of one group or
another by nature of how that committee has been set up um through the initial resolution that was passed. So while there are some landlords and developers on the committee right now, this appointee, however it comes about will help to actually rebalance because right
now we've lost someone who represented a tenant and we're trying to replace that role on the committee. Um, so with that being said, uh, I don't know if there's any other discussions or questions, but I would be >> further discussion. counselor.
>> Yeah, I I do want just want to say that after hearing especially what um counselor Jamrock McQuade said, um I I do kind of feel strongly about the fact that it doesn't seem equitable for the landlords to be able to get on without having to go to the appointments, but
then there's this additional barrier for the tenant when um you know, the tenant is really putting themselves out there. >> Sure. Yep. Again, so let's we're on the motion. We're on the motion. Yes. >> I just like to speak to the comment. >> Well, we have to say we're we're on the
the motion is to move it, not the discussion of the makeup of the committee, etc. So, I I understand a point of clarification. >> Yeah. >> No one who was appointed to the committee went through any process. So, everyone who was currently serving went
through a process of appointment per se. >> Right. So again, we're we're staying on the the motion of sending this to the committee. So I just want us to stay focused on that. So >> So I would like to resend my previous
motion to send these two appointments to the appointment subcommittee. >> Was there a second to that? >> Second. >> There was a Who was the second? >> I second. >> Okay. So can you resend your second? I I I I wasn't the second on the original.
I will resend my second. >> Okay, great. And now you're I just want to make sure we're all in line here. Okay, so um since these are appointments, so that are approved or sent by the president, there is no need to send them to uh committee. Um but the
committee has the opportunity to to reach out. Um and I look forward at the next uh meeting getting an item that we can address this. >> Okay. >> Question. And then the next item, >> we have two more items. So the next item
is a city council actually I'll read this out in the form of a motion to send this to the rule subcommittee. So city council action request to amend rule 11A to the meeting agendas and amend rule 11 filing of meeting minutes. >> Second. So we have a motion and a second
to amend rule 11A to meeting agenda and amend rule 11 uh related to uh meeting minutes. Any further discussion >> and sorry point of clarification uh this
is the motion is to send it to rules committee. >> Yes. >> Thank discussion. All those in favor? I >> uh opposed staying. Uh motion passes. >> All right. And for the final item, I'm actually going to turn this over to
councelor P. >> Thank you. Uh I will make this uh the following uh first reading in the form of a motion to send it to uh so the motion I'll be making is to send this to appointments and to set a public hearing
for this item at our uh February 4th set finance. Yeah. And to um set a public hearing for this February is it February 4th? >> Correct. >> February 4th meeting at 6:15 in these chambers. Um request is hereby made for
approval of the following appropriation amount requested. $23,500 to be appropriated from fund balance reserve for open space $23,500 to be appropriated to dog park design $23,500.
The amount requested will be used for the following purpose. The funding would be used to complete a construction bid ready uh design of the East Hampton dog park. Second. >> I have a motion and a second to uh send
the following appropriation uh amount requested 23,500 to be appropriated from fund balance reserve for open space to be appropriated to dog park design. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor.
>> Actually, I'm going to put that back. also to uh set a public hearing for February 4th, 615th in these chambers. All in favor? >> I opposed extension.
Uh motion passes. Good. Um we have no other items on >> move to adjourn. Second. >> We have a motion to adjourn. We have a second. All those in favor? I >> I Great. Motion passes.
You're so bad.