The most notable highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Iris Quapo Mensah, the new economic development and finance manager. Her arrival was met with enthusiasm due to her impressive background, including a master’s degree from Harvard and previous positions at Coastal Enterprise Inc. and the Ministry of Finance in Ghana. Her experience managing small grant funds during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noted. Mensah expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from her colleagues and emphasized her commitment to improving processes and updating manuals to assist local businesses in navigating city hall. The council members expressed optimism about the impact of her leadership, noting the positive changes anticipated within the department. A member observed a noticeable sense of relief on the director’s face.

Attention then turned to the Mackie Park project, which has been an ongoing concern due to issues related to ADA compliance. Director Stevens presented a report, confirming that the city has secured the necessary funds and contacted the contractor to proceed with the project. The budget allocated for Mackie Park expenses is $60,237.90, with a change order totaling $58,863. These costs cover labor, equipment, and materials for key project elements, such as railings, table relocations, and a concrete ramp. Stevens highlighted the anticipated completion date of November 21, 2025, although work might conclude sooner, weather permitting. The project must wait until after the October Fest event, scheduled for September 27, as the park is a critical venue for community gatherings.

The council underscored the importance of timely completion, particularly given the park’s role in community events. The funds, primarily sourced from the downtown phase 3 initiative and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), must be utilized by December 31. The council emphasized the urgency of compliance with ADA requirements, a concern for city officials, citizens, and the disability commission. An engineering firm, Tai and Bond, has been tasked with overseeing the project to ensure it meets ADA specifications. Essential signatures for the change order have been secured from the city solicitor, auditor, and procurement officer, confirming all procedural steps have been taken.

A council member raised a notable reflection on the project’s history, expressing disappointment over the nearly year-long delay to implement necessary changes, particularly regarding the construction of a 10-foot ramp. This lag was especially noted since two October Fest events and two downtown festivals occurred without full accessibility. The council expressed a commitment to maintaining open communication with the disability commission to ensure the project’s compliance and functionality for all community members.

In addressing the Mackie Park project’s delays, a motion was made to formally inquire with the mayor regarding the timing of the funding release. Questions arose about why funding, previously an obstacle due to double poles, was only recently made available. This motion passed without opposition. Another motion requested quarterly reports from departments involved in the park’s work, emphasizing the necessity of oversight. The council expressed a desire to keep the Mackie Park item on the agenda until completion to ensure continuous monitoring and document lessons learned.

Another discussion involved the regional planning commission, which faced challenges due to the resignation of its fiscal representative. Arrangements for training sessions with representatives from the town of Athol have been made to address these challenges. A motion was passed to place the regional planning commission item on file, with council members expressing support and encouraging continued engagement with the planning commissions.