Councilors wished Councilor Karen Hardern well who has been absent due to a back problem. Get well soon, Councilor Hardern.
City Council Holds Meeting with 7 of 11 Councilors Present
Alek Dernalowicz was elected City Council President Pro-Tem to lead the meeting in the absence of City Council President George Tyros. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
Key actions included the unanimous approval of an order to reappropriate over $1 million in unexpended bond proceeds to cover budget shortfalls in several capital projects, most notably the Gardner Middle School roof. The Council also advanced a modified ordinance to increase water rates by 15% for Fiscal Year 2027—a reduction from the Mayor’s proposed 20% increase. This move was characterized as a necessary “catch-up” measure to prevent the water enterprise fund from reaching a deficit by FY27. Additionally, the Council officially closed the investigation into the Maki Park project following notification of full compliance from the Architectural Access Board.