The conversation on EMCs was robust, with council members and the public raising concerns about the signs’ visual impact, especially on historic buildings. Despite apprehensions over potential distractions, the council voted to approve the EMCs with the stipulation that they would not be used for off-premise advertising and would require approval from the historic commission for installation. The signs were mandated not to be scrolling but would instead change the full screen to display new information. Additionally, an amendment was proposed to allow for public service announcements on the EMC signs, with strict regulations on brightness standards and a prohibition on unrelated goods advertising.

Another focal point of the meeting was the discussion surrounding parking fines. The council debated whether to raise fines for various parking violations, with some councilors advocating for a tiered system of fines to address safety concerns and deter illegal parking. Arguments were made both in favor of and against increasing handicap parking fines from $50 to $250 to improve accessibility. The council eventually voted to change the fines for various violations to $50 and $25, with the new fines set to start on July 1, 2024. This decision comes amid concerns over the potential deterrent effect on visitors and non-residents, as well as the need for data on parking violations.

The fiscal year 2025 budget presentation by the Mayor was another key feature of the meeting, emphasizing the importance of aggressive funding for stabilization accounts in anticipation of the end of federal COVID recovery funds. The Mayor’s presentation outlined a budget that maintained commitments to residents and employees while funding initiatives for clean energy, climate resiliency, public infrastructure, and community support services. The budget proposal included utilizing various stabilization accounts and increasing water sewer rates. The council moved the budget to the finance committee for a detailed review, with public budget hearings scheduled in the coming weeks.

The council also attended to citizen participation in city affairs. During public speak time, citizens expressed concerns about feeling ignored by the city and called for better communication regarding meeting schedules and locations. Kathy Wizinsky, co-founder of Easthampton Active Citizens, and Carol Broer, among others, voiced the need for the council to listen to citizens’ concerns more attentively.

The council addressed discrepancies between written traffic rules and actual parking availability, recommending changes to parking restrictions on Union Street and Main Street. A site visit was scheduled to further evaluate these issues. The discussion on parking also extended to concerns about the management of funds for signage improvements in the city, particularly for the elevator and van accessible spots, which the council assured had contingency plans to manage potential cost overruns.

During the meeting, the council also addressed the reappointment of the City Auditor and Assistant City Auditor, sending their reappointments to the Appointments Committee for consideration. The council approved a request to refer to the Public Safety Committee and Traffic Rules and Order to the Public Safety Committee.