The council began by revisiting proposed revisions to the city charter, with Reena Brown, chairperson of the special charter review committee, and Tim Campo, the charter clerk, presenting their findings. Key proposed changes included a two-step recall process for elected officials and adjustments to the “Hetsler clause,” affecting city employees’ eligibility to run for office. The committee’s recommendations were to be reviewed by the Attorney General’s office before potentially being placed on the ballot for the November 2027 municipal election. Throughout the discussion, Campo emphasized the committee’s aim to make the charter more user-friendly, including adding indexes and cross-references to Massachusetts General Laws.

A council member raised questions about the charter’s alignment with state laws, particularly the one-year waiting period for elected officials to take city jobs, which contrasts with the state’s six-month requirement. Concerns were also expressed about the implications of this rule for former school committee members seeking city administrative positions. The conversation highlighted the need for transparency and clarity in the appointment process and the importance of aligning local governance with state regulations.

The council then shifted focus to the ongoing labor practices and collective bargaining for dispatchers, with a particular emphasis on pay disparities between different departments. A council member noted that police dispatchers handle more calls per day than Medical Intervention Healthcare (MIH) dispatchers, yet the latter receive higher wages. This prompted a discussion about the need for possible adjustments to police dispatchers’ pay to ensure equity. Despite budget constraints, a council member suggested that anticipated budget turnbacks could fund this adjustment, highlighting the need for competitive salaries to retain qualified personnel.

The council also examined the appointment process for key city positions, particularly focusing on the promotion of Christopher Pino to the DCM director. Concerns were raised about the internal culture of city departments and the oversight of the selection process. A council member questioned the decision to seek external candidates rather than promoting from within. The discussion revealed a divide among council members regarding the qualifications of appointees and the overall performance of the administration, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective leadership within departments.

In a separate matter, the council addressed a resolution concerning traffic safety at the intersection of Broadway and William Street. Council members expressed concerns about pedestrian safety and the history of accidents at the intersection, which is near Lafayette Park. A motion to expand the scope of a proposed traffic study to include the broader area around the intersection passed unanimously. The council also discussed the cost implications of changing traffic light operations and the need for immediate safety improvements, such as the installation of solar lights.

Additionally, the council addressed declining voter participation following changes in polling locations. A resolution called for a meeting involving various stakeholders to evaluate the impact of these changes on voter turnout, particularly focusing on public dissatisfaction with the Bristol Community College polling site.