The most prominent topic was the council’s unanimous decision to proceed with ranked choice voting for all elected city offices. This decision followed discussions on the complexities and benefits of the voting method, particularly for multi-winner races like the city council and school committee elections. An ad hoc committee will be formed to revise the existing ranked choice voting ordinance. This committee will include the city clerk or a designated representative, a member from the Board of Registrars, two city council members, and three registered voters from Easthampton. The committee will present the proposed revisions to the council, and the final version will be subject to the mayor’s approval.

The council emphasized the importance of public education on ranked choice voting to ensure voters understand the new process. A motion was made to request the state legislature to approve a special act amending the home rule charter, detailing the definition and implementation of ranked choice voting. The motion’s detailed language outlined the mechanics of ranked choice voting, such as vote counting processes, determining winning candidates, and calculating proportional values. The council voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

In another development, the council witnessed the swearing-in of two new firefighters, Danny Ma and Rosanna Lakas, funded through a Federal SAFER grant of $1.5 million. The grant aims to hire four new firefighters due to an increase in call volume. The Mayor highlighted the city’s focus on selecting individuals committed to a long-term career in Easthampton. Both new firefighters bring relevant experience to their roles; Lakas has attended a fire academy and worked as a paramedic, while Ma has participated in a County Fire program and is set to attend paramedic school in the fall. The swearing-in ceremony concluded with applause from the attendees.

The council also addressed public comments on various issues. Resident Miriam and Sarah expressed gratitude to the city for its stance on peace, particularly its membership in the “Mayors for Peace” initiative and the Mayor’s proclamation against nuclear weapons on the anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Margaret Betts, a local teacher and newly-elected vice president of the East Hampton Education Association, advocated for the allocation of additional Chapter 70 funds, amounting to $116,000, from the governor’s new budget. Betts emphasized the unprecedented nature of this funding windfall and argued it could help settle ongoing contract negotiations for teachers while potentially restoring a critical special education position.

The council further discussed the creation of a sustainability coordinator position, aimed at overseeing the city’s climate action plan. The position arose following the departure of the former conservation agent, whose responsibilities will now be designated to the sustainability coordinator. Human Resources Director Emily Russo provided context, emphasizing the city’s growing sustainability efforts. The conservation agent position will be reduced to 30 hours per week, with responsibilities reassigned to align with the sustainability coordinator role. The council voted unanimously to add the sustainability coordinator position at grade E.

In addition, the council tackled amendments related to the staffing structure of the engineering department. They proposed adding a staff engineer position at grade F to address discrepancies in the pay structure. This amendment ensures the staff engineer will report to the city engineer, who in turn will report to the DPW director. The council approved this amendment unanimously.

Mayor Nicole LaChapelle spoke about the completion of the city’s external audit for the last fiscal year, which will soon be posted online. The Mayor requested the finance committee allocate time in a future meeting to discuss the audit findings and any new policies and procedures resulting from it. The Mayor also addressed a proclamation related to nuclear disarmament.

The council also discussed the reappointment of Barbara LaBombard as Clerk of the City Council and the appointment of Maxwell Swisser to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both appointments received unanimous support. Additional appointments included Stephen Coughlin to the Board of Health and Leslie Horn Button to the Council on Aging, both of whom were recommended unanimously by the committee.

A resolution concerning the condition of buildings at Nauk Park was also discussed. The resolution emphasized the importance of parks for community building and recreational programming, highlighting their role in promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Councilor Riley expressed agreement with the resolution but stressed the importance of financial commitment for real change. The resolution passed by unanimous consent.