Tuesday, February 17th meeting of the Gardener City Council. The clerk will now please call the role. >> Councelor Brooks, >> present. >> Councilor Craig Cormier, >> present. >> Councelor Delawarez, >> present. >> Councilor Harder, >> present. >> Council Heath. >> Council Hegel, >> present. >> Council Kazinsquecus, >> present.
>> Council Mack, >> present. Constanti >> present. >> Constant >> present. >> And President Tyrus >> present. >> Those who wish may now rise for the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance. >> Almighty God, we thank thee for bringing us together this evening. Inspire us to
deeds and sound decisions and direct us towards the attainment of good city government. We pray thee to bless and protect all the people of our city and to guide and inspire us that we may liberate in unity and harmony. Amen. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Announcement of open meeting recording. Any person may make a video or audio recording of an open session of a
meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number placement and operation of the equipment used so as to not interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any person intending to make such recordings shall notify the chair forth with all documents and exhibits used or reference at the meeting must be submitted in
duplicate to the clerk as they become part of the meeting minutes. Is anyone recording this evening's meeting? No response. Reading of minutes of prior meetings. We'll begin with the reading and approval of the November 3rd, 2025 and November 17th, 2025 regular meeting
minutes. Councelor Heg. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, leading to a quick motion, looking at the minutes, um, you know, there were a number of small typos, and I know I' I've talked on this before. I don't think those alone would necessarily make me want to hold these up. However, there's a table
on page 6 of 8 for the November 17th uh meeting minutes that's and readable. And then for neither minute uh set of minutes, the counselor comments were reflected there. Uh and so with that, I move to table approval of the minutes pending corrections.
>> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Hegeland, seconded by councelor Brooks to table the reading and approval of the minutes. Is there discussion? Councelor Dows. I'd like to uh also make a motion to amend council Hegelund's motion to add a list
of the outstanding meeting minutes to the next agenda. >> Second. >> Motion to amend made by councelor journal allowance. Second by councelor heglin to have a list of the status of meeting minutes on the next council agenda. >> Is there discussion?
>> All those in favor on the motion to amend. >> I those opposed. Motion to amend passes. Now to the main motion to table the minutes as amend as amended. Motion made by councelor Hegeland second by councelor Brooks. All those in favor I >> I. >> All those posted no.
>> Motion passes. There are no public hearings. Communications from the mayor. Item 11774. Communication from the mayor requesting the opportunity to address the city council regarding the city's sludge landfill. I'll now grant the mayor's request to address the city council.
Mayor Nixon. >> Thank you very much, Mr. President. Be able to speak with you here this evening. When dealing with projects related to the environment, it's important that we follow all of the regulations and processes that are in place at the state and federal level. The sludge landfill has been a topic of
discussion in Gardener pretty consistently over the past decade. From the moment I launched my first campaign until now, I've consistently said that we need to let the process play itself out before any preconceived notions are made. Any decision made before any final review was completed by the various state and federal agencies reviewing the
project as well as the feasibility of its alternatives would be ill-advised, uninformed, and amateur at best. The processes are in place for a reason. We need to make sure that every eye is dotted and te is crossed when dealing with a project of this size, cost, and
impact. And that's exactly what we've done. After the reviewing the reports received from the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act office and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, I've directed the city's Department of Public Works and Engineering Department to
discontinue any further pursuing of any further expansion of the existing sludge landfill. It is my opinion that further expansion is not in the best interest of the city and our rateayers, either fiscally or environmentally. I'm holding true to the same promise that was made before on this project to make an
informed decision once all the facts, figures, and reviews were completed and received so that the best outcome could be reached. It would have been easy for me to simply torpedo this project when we first came into office. This was the plan that was and proposal that was started before I took office.
But by making a snap decision, relying on biased or conflicting opinions to make a decision is not what people in leadership positions should do. It may make for good social media politics, but it's not good public policy. Until recently, we did not have every fact,
and we were still waiting on variables. I personally share many of the concerns raised by opponents of an expansion project. But it would have been irresponsible for me as an elected official to campaign against this, put a sign on my lawn, or make a decision before all the facts came in, before all
the varials were known to us, and before we actually knew what the reviews gave to us. We were here, we were elected to represent everyone, not just a small group. In making my decision not to proceed with this project, I do so with every bit of information there is to
make a complete and sound judgment so that the rateayers can be assured that the best decision has been made. I know some of you have strong opinions on this as well. Some of you have expressed to me that you weren't in favor of an expansion and would not vote for it and
would vote against it. I appreciate when those legitimate opinions did not turn into political games and theater. Now that the decision has been made, we will only review those alternative options outlined in the reports received from those agencies mentioned before from re uh to review the project. I want
to be clear that there is no easy solution to this. Just as we were cautious about expanding the landfill, so are other so are other communities who may be destinations should we truck this out and look at other alternatives. The concerns raised
about what is in our sledge have only become more pronounced over time, which may make all other alternatives difficult in reviewing. So, anyone celebrating decisions like this, just remember that we are nowhere close to being out of the woods yet on this issue, but we've at least made this step
forward. I'll continue to uh update the council as my administration continues to work towards a solution for this problem, but wanted to update you where we are to this day. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Mr. President. Petitions, applications, communications.
Item 11785, election of city auditor. Report from the special search committee for the city auditor. Council General. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um just wanted to give an overview of the auditor special committee uh search committee um
and the process we went through to get where we are today. Uh the committee itself comprised of members from the finance and appointments committee uh co-chared by councelor Heath and myself with me members councilors uh Matt Kazinskus and Hegeland process began with a review of the current at that
time job description and edits and updates were made by the committee um for the job posting. The job was then posted um for a period of approximately one month. Um the committee then reviewed and selected candidates to be interviewed and finalized questions to
be asked to those candidates during those interviews. Uh three candidates were ultimately interviewed by the committee, two in person and one virtually. Committee then unanimously selected one candidate to recommend to the full council for election as the next auditor for the city of Gardner uh
who I will be nominating during uh the election process. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council Dur allowance. Nominations are now in order for the office of city auditor. Nominations are now open. Council journal allowance. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. President, I would like to nominate Cameron Butler for the
position of city auditor for gardener. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Dalowitz. Second by councelor Heg. Are there any councelor M. >> I make a motion that we close the nominations. >> Second.
>> Are there uh I just have to repeat this uh one part. Are there any further nominations? Are there any further nominations? Are there any further nominations? With that, council uh motion made by councelor Mack to close nominations. Second by councelor Cormier. All those in favor I.
>> I. All those opposed, no. >> Nominations are now closed. When the clerk calls the role, please state the name of the nominee of your choice. >> Brooks. >> Karen Butler. Councelor
Craig Cormier. >> Karen Butler. >> Council General Owitz. >> Karen Butler. >> Council Hardurn. >> Karen Butler. >> Council Haggler. >> Karen Butler.
>> Council Kazinskus. >> Karen Butler. >> Council Mack. >> Karen Butler. >> Council Totz. >> Karen Butler. Council Tone, >> Karen Butler,
>> and President Tyros. >> Karen Butler. >> 10 votes for Karen Butler. Karen Butler has been elected city auditor. We'll now take a brief recess for the clerk to administer the oath of office. Raise
your right hand and then repeat after me. I state your name. >> Iron Butler. Do we square? Solidly swear that I will faithfully and impartially I will faith faithfully and impartially perform the duties of city auditor
perform the duties of city auditor >> according to the law >> according to the law >> and the best of my abilities and the best of my abilities. meeting is back to work. Item 11786, request for exclusion from certified bargaining unit based on managerial
status. This is a communication which I recently received that I want to bring to the council's attention that there has been indeed a group of department heads have unionized and I will be appointing councelor Mack as the layison on to this matter to keep the council informed as the situation progresses.
I encourage all counselors to read further. Reports of standing committees appointments committee. Item 11628. A measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Greg Dumis to the position of conservation commission member for a term expiring October 21st,
2028. >> Councelor Gazinskus. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make a motion. Um, so the committee voted to unanimously recommend this reappoint and I move to confirm the mayor's appointment. >> Second
>> motion. Motion made by councelor Kazinsk, second by councelor hegland to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Councelor Kazinskus. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Dumis has raised his family and gardener for more than 20 years and has served on the gardener conservation commission since
September 2010. currently as chair. He holds a conservation commission fundamentals certification and a commercial construction license, bringing both regulatory expertise and practical construction experience to his role. As chair, he ensures thorough review of all matters before the
commission and actively pursues ongoing professional development to remain current with conservation regulations across the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, the conservation commission has balanced responsible development with strong environmental protection under gardener wetlands and riverfront
ordinances. The commission has partnered with the North County Land Trust and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust to preserve critical wetland areas while maintaining public recreational access. Mr. Dumis has supported projects ranging from residential improvements to larger
community initiatives, including the 99 restaurant development and improvements near Mount Wusa Community College. His community involvement extends to supporting youth sports field transitions, assisting Eagle Scout projects, working with the Gardener Fish and Gun Club on renewable energy efforts, contributing to the North
Central Pathway expansion, and advocating for the cleanup of the Kinser Drive site. The commission has also supported projects at Gardener Elementary School and provided guidance on conservation efforts affecting Bailey Brook and surrounding conservation areas. And Mr. Mr. Dumis' dedication, his balanced leadership, and
long-standing commitment to gardener's environmental stewardship and responsible growth have been outstanding and he is um a strong uh candidate for this uh recommended reappoint and I strongly support it. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any further discussion?
>> Motion made by councelor Kinska, second by councelor Heglin to confirm the mayor's appointment. All in favor? I. I. >> All oppose, no. Motion passes. Item 11646, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of David Orwig to the position of conservation commission member for a term expiring August 21st,
2028. Councelor Kazinskus. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The committee voted unanimously to recommend this reappoint and I move to confirm the mayor's appointment. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Kazinskus, second by councelor Hegman to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Councelor Kazinskus. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Dr. Orwig has
served on the city's conservation commission since 2014 and is a valued contributor to its work. He is a senior ecologist at Harvard forest specializing in forest ecology, dendroecology and the effects of land use, disturbance and invasive pests on forest ecosystems. His
research spans old growth forests across the eastern United States and integrates stand to ecosystem level approaches. He holds a BS in biology from RIT and both an MS and PhD in ecology from Pennsylvania State University. And I strongly support this appointment.
>> Thank you, counselor. Is there further discussion? All those in favor? I >> those opposed? No. Motion passes. >> Item 11680, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Jim Bidau to the position of zoning board of appeals member for a
term expiring August 22nd, 2028. Councelor Heglin. >> Thank you, Mr. Council. Uh Mr. President, uh moved the measure be confirmed. >> Second. Motion made by councelor Heglin, second by councelor Tone to confirm the mayor's appointment. Is there discussion? Councelor Heglin.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh we met on this appointment twice. Once for interview and once for discussion following our new rule. Uh he comes highly recommended by the mayor. Uh Mr. Bilo, who by chance I've also known much of my life, uh has great corporate experience that I think will be
beneficial to the zoning board. He's sat on the other side of this table in many communities when opening uh new franchises of McDonald's. And so again, he'll bring some, I think, some great valued experience. We were unanimously in favor of this and I look forward to supporting this appointment. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? I >> I. >> All those opposed? No. >> Motion passes. We'll take a brief recess for the clerk to swear in Mr. Bill. repeat. I state your name
>> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully and impartially >> I will faithfully and impartially >> perform the duties of zoning board of appeals member >> perform the duties of zoning board of appeals member >> accord according to the law
>> according to the law >> and the best of my abil to the best of my abilities. And now back to work. Finance Committee. Item 11744, a measure confirming the gift of $10,64367
from the Department of Public Works to the Gardener Community Action Committee. Councelor Heglin. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Move the measure be confirmed. >> Second >> motion made by councelor Hegin, second by councelor during an allowance to confirm the measure. Is there discussion? Councelor Hagglin. >> Thank you again, Mr. President. Threw
you to the council. This item was on the finance committee's agenda for several meetings. The item originated when uh councelor Mack just some background requested the finance committee study the donation after it appeared in the gardener news, which was how both the council and mayor found out about it. As
you likely know, the DPW used funds from scrapped metal reportedly gathered over the last few years to make a donation to the CAC, the Community Action Committee, in the amount of $10,64367. Rightfully so, the sizable figure raised concerns around the lack of mayoral and council involvement. During the course
of our meetings, it was reported by the mayor that the DPW does have a history of making small donations under $1,000 usually to the CAC's food pantry. It was also reported by the mayor that this amount did exceed the legal threshold requiring mayoral and council approval
and should not have been made without that approval. There is a legal opinion from the city solicitor backing this up. Uh so we are being asked to retroactively approve the donation to remedy the error on behalf of the DPW director and the mayor. The committee requested and received letters from the
DPW director as to the types of metal scrapped and their values. The mayor assured the committee that all employees were reissued the policy as well around making donations to nonprofits and have been retrained on the procurement matters accordingly. The finance committee expressed their concerns in
the hope for something like this to not happen again. Uh and the finance committee voted unanimously to recommend this measure be confirmed. So just to reiterate a few things that I think are key to remember going into this evening. It is you absolutely not okay for any city employee to give away or take
anything that is public property. The law and our own policies govern that from dollar one. There are stricter rules in place when the amount is over $10,000. Like here, the mayor has assured the finance committee that all employees are aware of and have received and been trained on the policy, a copy
of which was also in our packet. I think we all obviously want to see the CAC supported. We know the great work that they do in our community uh and it serves an important role uh to so many of our citizens as well and we've approved measures to support them in the past. However, there is a proper way to
do so. While the finance committee is recommending we pass this measure, I don't want to convey that any implicit endorsement of the chain of events that brought us here today. Though this kind of thing shouldn't happen. We shouldn't make a habit of retroactively approving things like this and we should expect proper steps to be taken. Uh thank you
and I hope the measure is passed. >> Thank you councelor. Any further discussion? Councelor Kazinskus. >> Uh Mr. Chair through you to the finance committee. If so, if we vote this down, then what happens? The question, >> councelor Mac, yeah, the finance.
>> Well, the check was issued uh to the CAC. Um and once even though this was being questioned um by the finance committee and and city councilors, um the mayor gave permission to the CAC to cash the check. So, the check has
already been given to the CAC and my assumption would be because it was before the Christmas holidays, the funds have probably already been allocated and spent. >> He uh just to to add on to that, I I think unfortunately it it did put us in a tough spot in a tricky position uh to
the counselor's question. Uh well, councelor Mack, I think that's all correct. I I think unfortunately if we did not that we'd be in a tough position of finding this money elsewhere whether DBW somehow had defined the money somewhere or we would have to request it back from the CAC which I don't think we
we want to do. Um and so again it it's a messy problem. Um luckily I think we are correcting this but unfortunately again it it put us in a tough position. >> Thank you President Tyros. So, I I
appreciate uh Councelor Hugglund's uh explanation um because I I agree with what he had said about kind of the position that we've been put in. I appreciate um councelor Max's answer as well as councelor Hegeland's answer to that. Um and it seems like to me it's
been taken care of to the fact where all the information is out there and that the department understands what they would need to do or any departments in the future. Um the mayor provide information as well. Uh it just seems like as we've said we've been kind of put in this position whereas of course
we support a donation to the CAC but things were just kind of done backwards. Uh so I just wanted to be clear on that if we voted down there's really nothing that can be done at this point. Um but I don't expect that we'll be in this position again. So um I I will support it. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor. Any further
discussion? Council Tone. >> Thank you council president Tyrus. I just want to remind everybody this is for the greater good the greater good of gardener. Um us as a council raised funds through the
food for the uh for food uh s sat outside um this fall uh as a group don't know the dollar amounts that were put together there things happen this is for the greater good and and I support you know us having to backtrack and I
understand from a process perspective um that it's important that people follow the guidelines um But um as far as as far as this goes, it has my full support. Um and that's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor, for the discussion. Council may
>> I I just want to make a different uh difference between um the council doing a food drive and asking for donations and stuff um for the CAC versus a department using city funds as a donation because any sale from surplus
goods is actually city funds and it's it's not donated money. Um, so that's the distinct difference between the two things that occurred. And technically, um, this could have been used within the DPW for other things, but there was this was
not the DPW's money to donate. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Council. >> Council President Kyros. Um, thank you. I I did not make my comment for debate. I just made my comment for a statement. Thank you.
>> Any further discussion? Motions to confirm the measure made by councelor Heglin, second by councelor Benowitz. All those in favor? >> I. All those opposed? No. Motion passes. Item 11752 study and report on the salt shed
repayment issue update. >> Councelor Aglin. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Through to the council, move the resolution be adopted and report be placed on file. Second >> motion made by councelor Heglin, second by councelor journal to move the resolution be adopted and the update
placed on file. Councelor he >> thank you for discussion and just some background on this issue as well. Um this item has been and remains on the finance committee's agenda but the committee did feel that a report to the full council and a council resolution were in order to address uh the first
part of this issue. So, as you recall, we voted in March of 24 to approve a loan to ourselves from our stabilization account to build a salt shed for $625,000. There were a few meetings around this item. There was great discussion, a presentation by the mayor. I think councelor Brooks did a very good job of
outlining the pros and cons of such action, but with the understanding that this would be repaid over the next three years by increasing our contributions from free cash to stabilization, the council agreed. I'll note that I do think the foresight by our DPW has paid off. We were fortunate to have salt in
our shed this winter uh in recent storms when other communities were running or already out. So then we moved to November 25. The mayor stated in a letter appropriating $100,975 from free cash to the stabilization account that due to appropriations that
have been made and interest received in the account, the $625,000 that was appropriated from the stabilization account for the construction of the new salt shed has fully been reimbursed to the account. This sentence alarmed the entire finance committee and that's why
this issue is being studied. It was troubling for a couple of key reasons. The 15% contributions would allow the city to maintain its best practice of putting 5% towards stabilization from free cash and hopefully up to an additional 10% each year for three years to pay back the salt shed. That's
important because first it was never stated by the mayor nor agreed to by this council that interest regularly accured in the stabilization account would go towards repayment which was cited in that November letter as part of the alleged successful reimbursement. And second, it was never stated that we would forego our normal stabilization
contributions to repaid assaulted. The second's concerning because as the finance committee investigated further, the FY24 and so far since we're still in the midst of FY26, free cash to stabilization account contributions are just about 5% of free cash. Being only
5%, these contributions only count as our normal contribution to the stabilization and therefore don't count towards the salt shed repayment. The FY25 contribution was 10% of free cash, meaning 5% was our normal stabilization contribution, and the other 5% which was
about $130,000, went towards the salt ship. So, knowing this, how could we be told back in November 25 it was fully reimbured when it clearly isn't? It's not even close. The finance committee was has determined that about half a million dollars or $494,999.85
85 cents is to load plus the interest lost by the draw. This is spelled out on a chart that I'll hand out after my remarks. The repayments been further complicated because we're also told at two finance committee meetings that the project's not yet closed out as there's an outstanding electrical work to be
done and eventual landscaping to be done in the spring. However, we have a letter that the DPW director from the DPW director that $19,000 of the 625 was spent with mayoral approval on two new cabin chassis for salt trucks. So, if
the project isn't closed out, why are we spending it on unrelated items? If it is, why wasn't unused money sent back to stabilization? The original money order and all communications from the mayor to date discussed DPW salt shed, not DBW salt shed in equipment or other such language.
So the information came to the finance committee in a roundabout way as well in December while the finance committee was looking into the repayment issue. It was reported to the service committee that quote leftover funds from the salt appropriation had already been spent purchasing other equipment for the DBW. The finance committee was not notified
of this by the administration and the service committee did not know what questions the finance committee was working on. We found out because when the committee chairs changed and councelor Mack, who has been part of those finance committee meetings, was preparing to accept the December service committee meetings, she noticed this and
brought it to our attention in the form of a letter from the DPW director. To this end, I proposed to the finance committee a resolution to outline what I feel was the council's original agreement and expectation regarding the repayment of the $625,000. The resolution was in our packet. The
mayor expressed his support of it at our last finance committee meeting. We had a good discussion about it just clarifying the council's expectations and position. Um the committee voted unanimously in favor of recommending to the full council the resolution be adopted. So I hope you'll join us in voting yes to support the resolution. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor Heglin. Any further discussion? All those in favor? Oh councelor. >> There's no objection to I'll pass out that chart I mentioned just so everyone can see the financial numbers I referenced. >> So we'll take a brief recess. 1752. The motion on the table is the uh
move to adopt the resolution update uh to place the update on file by councelor Heglin, second by councelor general. Is there any further discussion? >> All those in favor? I. >> I. All those against no. Motion passes. >> Item 11766,
a measure authorizing a contract of up to five years for curbside waste and recycling collection. Councelor Mack. >> Thank you, Council President. leading to a motion. This measure is to authorize the purchasing agent to enter into up to a five-year contract for curbside waste
and recycling on behalf of the city as a current contract is up for renewal. The finance committee was in favor and I make a motion to approve the order. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Max, second by councelor Dowz to approve the measure. Um, is there discussion?
>> All those in favor? I >> I condensed no motion passes. Item 11767, a measure authorizing a contract of up to five years for website hosting. Councelor Mack.
>> Thank you, Council President. Leading to a motion, this measure is to authorize the purchasing agent to enter into up to a 5-year contract for website hosting. On behalf of the city, as the contract is up for renewal, the finance committee was in favor, and I make a motion to authorize the order. >> Second.
>> Motion made by councelor Max, second by councelor Heg to authorize the order. Is there discussion? All those in favor? I >> I against no. Motion passes. Item 11768.
An order appropriating $35,200 from free cash to fire department new equipment account. Council Dalowitz. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This order from free cash is a federal grant match from the city um for new portable radios for the fire department. current radios
are 15 plus years old and are severely out of out of date. Uh the total cost of the p purchase is $365,975 which mean the grant um is covering um about 90% of the purchase price as outlined in the appropriation. These funds are to be solely used for this
expenditure with any unexpended funds returning to the appropriate city count uh city account. Finance committee was in favor and I move the order. Motion made by councelor Dernow, second by councelor Heglin to move the order. Is there discussion? Councelor Heglin. >> Thank you, Mr. President. To the
council, I just want to uh commend councelor Dalow who amended the order language as well to the finance committee. What I liked about it was adding that specific language. So if you've looked at the order really everything from you know after new equipment account so for the sole and
exclusive purpose through the further ordered language is new uh for us. Usually our our orders stop just after fire department new equipment account or other language. Um but I think having this in there really outlines and looks you know at what we are expecting this
to go to it. It does not leave any question or or vagueness I think. Um, and so it doesn't allow it to go into an equipment account and then maybe be used for something else and and not that I think the fire department would do that, but uh, it does add that specificity, which I really appreciated. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any further
discussion? Council Brooks. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Um, just to to further talk about the the the further ordered sections of this. Um, I I think it's showing that there's some concern. >> I think it's showing that there's some
concern. uh that the council has with how uh our spending authorizations are being handled. And if if I can go into it a little bit, um per master general law, the mayor would present a city budget in three sections. It says salary
and labor, ordinary maintenance, and other than ordinary maintenance, which would be capital kinds of things. Historically, the city has presented uh two orders, one for salary and one for expenses. And then there are other budgets for school expenses, which is a
totally separate budget, any special funds like the enterprise funds or any reserve for appropriation like the cable commission. When I was city auditor, and I know that was a long time ago, the budget was considered approved by department. So
for example, even though this the order was for salary and wages for the general fund, it was assumed to be approved as city council department salary and wages, mayor department salary and wages, city
auditor department salary and wages, so on. City council had to act on transfers between departments even if it were salary to salary or expense to expense. Meaning if if there was a transfer from say
uh city clerk's salary to election and registration salary, they were considered separate departments and and there was a vote at that time. City council especially wanted to vote on transfers from mayor's unclassified reserve for sick leave
buybacks to various departments to cover the payments for retiring employees. They also wanted to know about order transfers uh for overtime uh even if it were within the same department because they were trying to manage overtime.
Currently, it is my understanding that the budget is considered voted as two numbers, one for citywide salary and one for citywide expense. So that transfers that used to be voted by city council are now made by the city auditor at the request of the
departments and the mayor. This process, I admit, is different from when I worked here, but it's legal, and if that's what we're doing, that's okay. I don't if that's what we're doing, that's what we're doing. The question that
the the two orders we have today bring up to me where they have further ordered and trying to get a little more specificity about what happens with the funds is how much oversight does city council want? based on the or this order and the next it seems we want a little more oversight
as to the spending and I say a little more because I'm assuming we don't want to be bogged down in minutia voting a $10 transfer from this line to that line those kinds of things. So I I believe that further discussion on this topic is appropriate and I think
the timing is good because we are entering the budget season for FY27 and we are welcoming or have welcomed a new city auditor who will have the responsibility for properly recording and reporting the city finances. That's really the position that that keeps an
eye on this these matters and and I think the way the city charter is set up where the auditor reports to the council that gives the city auditor some protection and some some protection when when that
person has to say no to the mayor that they they should know that they have uh support from the council if if they're doing what they're supposed to be doing. So I I do look forward to further work on this topic. I think it's something that's worthy of discussion and maybe just
having having a tighter understanding as to what uh when we're voting or what how we want to see and how much we want to have come back to us versus uh not. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Counselor Councelor Mac. >> I just want to um say that I'm going to
support this um appropriation from free cash. Um and I want to commend the fire department for putting in for this grant. The grant was originally for 42 radios, which is what they needed. And this grant's going to cover 38, and it's so important that we maintain our
equipment. Um, the chief, if you watch the finance committee, talked about, you know, water gets into a radio. Um, and this just happened after a major fire. Uh, this a major fire down in West Broadway and he said how, you know, during winter months, um, that it does put the firefighters at risk. So, I just
want to um I appreciate their proactiveness and uh support this measure. Thank you. >> Thank you, council. Any further discussion? >> So, require a roll call vote. The clerk will now please call the role. >> Council Brooks, >> yes. >> Council Craig Formier, >> yes. >> Council General Lawitz,
>> yes. >> Council Hardurn, >> yes. >> Council Heglan, >> yes. >> Council Kazinsquecus, >> yes. >> Council Lat, >> yes. >> Council Tone, >> yes. >> Council Tunos, >> yes. >> And President Tyres, >> yes. 10. >> 10 yays. The motion passes.
Item 11769, an order appropriating $21,000 from free cash to police department new vehicle account. Council journal outs. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh this is another order from free cash. This is for the purchase of three new vehicles for the police department, including one
patrol pickup uh for the ship supervisor. Included in our packet is the price quote for the vehicles as well as a breakdown of the current um fleet for the police department which was asked for by the finance committee. Um just like the previous order, the appropriate funds are to be solely used
for this expenditure with any unexpended funds returning to the appropriate city account. The finance committee was in favor and I move the order. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor journal. Second by councelor tone to move the order. Is there discussion? This require a roll call vote. Now,
please call the meeting. >> Council Brooks, >> yes. >> Councelor Craig Cormier, >> yes. >> Council Delaw, >> yes. >> Council Hardurn, >> yes. >> Council Heglland, >> yes. >> Council Kazinskus, >> yes. >> Council Math, >> yes. >> Council Tisone, >> yes.
>> Council Tunz, >> yes. >> And President Tyrus, >> yes. >> 10 years. The motion passes. >> There's no unfinished business. There's no new business. Councelor comments and remarks. I'd like to lead off council comments and remarks. I think recently
in our city, we've had a significant event. Some might call it cause for celebration. A big event that doesn't happen that often. Sometimes it's impactful in someone's life to for it to happen. Earlier today, Growing Places
had two congressmen visit uh which is significant. It's not that often a city has two federal elected officials coming. Uh, and I think that just goes to show the good work that the community center and growing places are doing at the former Waterford Street School. Uh,
just as important, we have a counselor with a big life event. Councelor Kazinskus, congratulations on your recent engagement. >> Thank you. >> Any further counselor comments? >> Then I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn after the closing quer. Motion made by councelor Tony, second by councelor
Cormier to adjurnn. All those in favor I >> I >> I. All those opposed. No. Motion passes. >> Father who cease overall as we adjourn. We thank thee for the opportunity of joint deliberation and action to during the course of this meeting. Bless Lord
all them who have gathered here and the people whose presence we are and do thou attend to our common welfare until our next meeting. Amen. >> Stand