The council’s most significant deliberation centered on the approval of a special permit for FD130 Lazat LLC. The project involves converting an existing office building into a residential complex with 74 condo units and constructing two additional buildings, resulting in a total of 187 units. Designated as the Glenford at Lake Williams, the development is situated in the Lazat Drive overlay district. Attorney Faulk, representing FD130 Lazat LLC, presented an updated draft decision reflecting committee feedback, which included a commitment to donate $50,000 for improvements at the William Street ball fields and contribute $187,000 to the Westside Fire Station before building permits are issued. Adjustments to the proposal were made, such as increasing the ball fields’ contribution to $100,000, which the council adopted. The special permit, as amended, received unanimous approval from the council.

The council then turned its attention to financial matters, addressing several transfer requests. A notable transfer involved $500,000 from free cash to the workers’ compensation fund, approved unanimously following a finance committee recommendation. Another transfer of $612,390.56 aimed to fund the balance of a collective bargaining agreement with the local firefighters’ union. Adjustments were proposed, reducing the total by eliminating specific overtime account transfers, resulting in a revised transfer of $562,643.67. This order also passed with unanimous consent.

In addition to the residential development and financial discussions, the council considered several public permits. A petition from Mass Electric to install poles on Elm Street passed with unanimous support, following a public hearing that revealed no opposition. Lifestyle Fit LLC’s application for a special permit to open a gym on Cedar Hill Street was also discussed. Owner Logan Pho plans for Forever Athletics FRVR, including private training sessions and group fitness classes, estimating class sizes of 8 to 12 customers. With no public opposition, the council moved forward with the proposal.

The council handled various communications and appointments, including the appointment of Michael Oing to the OPED board of trustees. Suggestions for future appointments, such as succession planning, were discussed but not implemented due to the nature of the appointment. The council also accepted grants from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, aimed at supporting recycling costs and programs at the Council on Aging Senior Center, respectively.

Further discussions included a transfer request of $1,31,94 from meals tax revenue to fund bond payments for park improvements. A proposed license to encroach for VMA Electric and communications regarding amendments to site plan approvals for mixed-use developments were referred to respective committees for further review.

The council also deliberated on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to create the Ames Village Overlay District. The planning board’s favorable recommendation was accepted, and the amendment passed with a majority vote.

In closing, the council addressed a petition from Cablevision Light Path LLC for communication conduits installation. The finance committee reported on recent meetings, highlighting discussions on budget reallocations to support collective bargaining agreements.