The council’s approval of Eversource Energy’s proposals marked a focal point of the meeting, as the utility company aimed to upgrade gas mains in multiple locations, including Jefferson Street, Neil and Zedi Street, Pleasant Street, and Brimme Street. The councilors unanimously supported the installation of new gas mains, contingent upon several conditions recommended by the city engineer, Thomas Depersio. These conditions emphasized the need for Eversource to complete ongoing projects on Pleasant, Bolton, and Porier Drive before initiating new work on Jefferson Street and other specified areas.

Bonnie Cordmash from Eversource presented the necessity of these projects, highlighting the need to upgrade from low-pressure to intermediate pressure lines to ensure improved gas supply and infrastructure safety. The city’s engineer underscored the importance of restoring roads to satisfactory conditions after utility work, a sentiment echoed by several councilors who expressed appreciation for the engineer’s oversight. The discussions focused on ensuring that Eversource adhered to the stipulated conditions and that communication regarding project timelines was maintained, especially given pandemic-related disruptions.

The council’s attention then shifted to a proposed amendment to the city’s livestock ordinance, specifically addressing minimum lot sizes for keeping chickens. This topic drew debate among council members. A councilor suggested an amendment to increase the minimum lot size for chicken keeping to 8,000 square feet, a proposal met with both support and opposition. Some councilors questioned the rationale behind the 8,000 square feet requirement, labeling it arbitrary and potentially discriminatory against residents with smaller lots who could responsibly keep chickens.

The planning board had recommended the 8,000 square feet minimum, and some councilors expressed a desire to follow this guidance to avoid delays. However, others argued for flexibility. The proposed amendment ultimately failed, with only three councilors in favor and eight opposed.

In the end, the council approved the broader livestock ordinance with amendments, including stipulations like prohibiting egg sales and setting guidelines for chicken coop placement. This decision aimed to balance residents’ rights to keep chickens with concerns about neighborhood impacts, while ensuring regulatory measures were in place.

The meeting also addressed various financial matters, including the approval of spending limits for revolving funds related to parks, public safety, and the Council on Aging. These motions received unanimous support. Additionally, the council accepted donations for the fire department, expressing gratitude for contributions from local businesses like Digital Federal Credit Union and Cummings Properties, which supported training and equipment purchases.

Other agenda items covered included a continued public hearing on a zoning amendment related to contract yards on Farm Road and a transfer request from the meals tax revenue account. The council approved the transfer of funds to cover bond payments for parks and recreation improvements, maintaining fiscal responsibility while supporting community development projects.