The high school construction project emerged as a primary focus, with Project Manager Brian Dacon updating the council on the favorable financial trajectory. According to Dacon, the project’s primary construction cost estimates are currently under budget by $8.6 million to $10.9 million, a rare positive development in large-scale construction. Despite these preliminary savings, council members, including Michelle Kelley, expressed concerns over the long-term financial implications. Kelley highlighted the importance of ensuring any surplus funds are saved for future use in the project rather than reallocated elsewhere. She voiced the need for city councilors to stay engaged in cost mitigation discussions, emphasizing their duty to oversee a budget approaching $500 million.

Further concerns regarding project amenities arose, with Kelley questioning the absence of an indoor track despite the budget. She proposed re-evaluating site amenity costs and scrutinized rationales behind certain expenditures. Dacon responded by clarifying that site costs are a factor, driven by soil conditions, and assured that efficiencies in building design and phased landscaping could help manage costs effectively.

The council’s attention later turned to the regulation of motorized scooters, a pressing safety issue. A motion was introduced to request that the Chief of Police enforce existing Massachusetts General Laws concerning scooter use, rather than establishing a new city ordinance. This motion, accompanied by a suggestion for an educational campaign in collaboration with schools, was intended to increase public awareness about scooter laws and safety. Discussions revealed a division among councilors over whether local or state enforcement would be more effective, especially considering the age of potential offenders. A dual approach was suggested, treating first offenses under city ordinances while escalating repeat violations to state enforcement, thus ensuring accountability.

Another item was the proposed 145-foot radio tower at the McKinley site, intended to support a 911 call center. Councilor Joanne McKenna raised health concerns, referencing past issues with 5G technology and advocating for comprehensive studies on radiation effects before proceeding. The council expressed unanimous concern over the lack of prior communication about the tower’s height and its potential impact on the neighborhood. Discussions emphasized the need for more information, with calls for the Zoning Board of Appeals to delay decisions until stakeholders could clarify the necessity and implications of the tower.

The council also addressed a petition by National Grid regarding the installation of underground conduits near Campbell Avenue, which was ultimately withdrawn due to neighborhood opposition. This decision followed a discussion involving both proponents and opponents of the project, highlighting tensions between development needs and community concerns.

Additionally, urban tree planting emerged as a noteworthy topic. Councilor McKenna criticized the city’s policy allowing residents to opt out of tree planting, stressing the environmental and practical benefits of urban trees. He called for a plan and suggested pursuing grant funding for increased tree planting initiatives. Councilor Novoselsky supported this viewpoint, citing financial implications and emphasizing the need for improved collaboration between departments and ward councilors to enhance urban greenery.

Traffic safety was another area of focus, with Councilor Garino highlighting hazardous conditions at the intersection of Northshore Road and Vera Street due to frequent vehicle collisions with a residential property. He urged for the installation of barriers or guardrails to prevent future incidents, noting a longstanding request for assistance from the affected homeowner.