The appointment of Chad Alexander as the new chief of police took center stage during the meeting. Alexander, a lifelong resident of Easthampton with 22 years of experience on the police force, expressed gratitude for the council’s consideration and outlined his vision for the department. He emphasized the importance of traffic safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, and proposed assigning a full-time officer dedicated to traffic patrol. Alexander highlighted his past initiatives such as “Coffee with a Cop” and “Cookout with a Cop,” aimed at strengthening community relations. He assured the council that the Easthampton Police Department would not cooperate with ICE on civil detainer requests. Following his address, a motion to forward his name for the position received unanimous support, securing his role as chief of police.

The council also addressed several financial matters, including a supplemental appropriation request of $41,916 from capital stabilization funds to cover a shortfall for repairs on the Manhan Rail Trail. The funds were deemed necessary to ensure the trail’s safety and usability, with the economic benefits it brings to the community highlighted. The appropriation was approved unanimously after councilors confirmed that the amount would suffice for all required construction costs.

Another topic was the review of public space regulations concerning sandwich boards. The council discussed the need for reviewing space requirements and the associated $200 fee, considered excessive by some members, particularly for small businesses. The discussion was prompted by measurements taken by the building commissioner, who noted that the current space was “very tight” at 36 inches, requiring potential amendments or clarifications to existing regulations.

Additionally, the finance committee presented three new funding requests from free cash, including $110,518.45 to address a shortfall in the dispatch equipment budget, $144,11.14 for police department expenses, and $2,000 for animal control services. These appropriations were moved to the finance committee for further discussion, with a public hearing for the FY26 budget set for the next meeting.

Public participation was highlighted during the meeting, with several residents advocating for all city meetings to adopt a hybrid format. Kathy Wisinski and Jean Pow Wilson emphasized the importance of accessibility in civic engagement, noting that hybrid meetings ensure inclusivity for those unable to attend in person or lacking internet access.

The mayor addressed the council on various issues, including the need for reviewing sandwich board regulations following a complaint about their placement. The building commissioner’s assessment against ADA standards initiated a discussion on potential regulatory amendments. The mayor also highlighted the upcoming Memorial Day parade, emphasizing the importance of honoring local residents who lost their lives in Vietnam.

In committee reports, the ordinance committee discussed progress on zoning ordinance amendments and the anticipated meetings to address short-term rental ordinances. The rules and government relations committee reported on the mayor’s compensation issue and the establishment of a nine-member rent study committee, emphasizing diverse representation to ensure discussions.