A key agenda item was the resolution, Item 11388, which backed the administration’s request for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to assume full responsibility for Route 140 from Green Street to the Winchendon Town Line. The finance committee reported that part of the route is already under state oversight, and the resolution aims to ensure comprehensive state maintenance, including snow plowing and salting. The legal department and the Department of Public Works supported this measure. A motion to pass the resolution was made, seconded, and received unanimous approval from the councilors present.

In other significant business, the council discussed Item 11392, where the mayor provided an update on the renovations at the Waterford Community Center. Over the past two years, the building has undergone substantial improvements, including upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The mayor highlighted the installation of automatic doors, new LED lighting with motion sensors, and extensive plumbing updates. The kitchen has also been refurbished. Funding for these renovations included $150,000 from the city’s ARPA funds, a loan approved by the city council, and a $400,000 state earmark.

The mayor reported that lease agreements were in draft form, with the first agreement for the Community Action Committee (CAC) expected to be presented at the next meeting. This agreement, categorized as an in-kind grant, allows the CAC to use space at the newly renovated center without undergoing the standard bidding process. The councilors expressed no further discussion on the updates provided, and a motion to place the communication on file was made and passed unanimously.

The council also took up the designation of the property on Waterford Street as the Waterford Community Center. Counselor Judy A. Mack introduced a motion to change the property’s designation from a school to a community center. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with a tally of 11-0. While this was an administrative action, the final naming of the building will require additional approval from the council.

Concerns were raised by Counselor George C. Tyros regarding the newly opened city park at the site of the former Macki Block. He expressed satisfaction with its completion and noted its popularity among residents. However, he highlighted potential issues with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, referencing discrepancies between the mayor’s submission and the council’s prior approval of the project. Counselor Tyros proposed that the council appoint a counselor to investigate the construction process and report back with findings. An objection arose regarding the timing of this item on the agenda, leading to the council deferring further discussion until the next meeting.

Another notable item discussed was the authorization of a five-year contract for school district copier and printer services (Item 11390). A motion to authorize this measure was made, with one councilor abstaining from the vote. The motion passed with a majority vote.

Similarly, Item 11391 addressed the authorization of a five-year contract for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services. The finance committee recommended this approach for cost efficiency. A motion to authorize this measure was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The council also handled an order to authorize payment for previous fiscal year utility bills amounting to $2,139.35. The finance committee recommended removing the item from the calendar due to the need for the auditor to compile additional information. The council unanimously voted to remove this item from the agenda.

Various ordinances were discussed, including amendments to the city code concerning administrative legislation, solid waste collection fees, sewer rates, and personnel compensation schedules. The council agreed to grant more time for the committee to address these amendments, and similar motions were made regarding other ordinances due to insufficient time for review prior to the meeting.

A resolution concerning the future of Coleman Street School was passed without objection, with the finance committee recommending approval. The Public Safety Committee reported on a proposed ordinance to amend parking regulations on Edel Street, which was referred back to the traffic commission for further consideration after public input raised concerns.

Applications for a secondhand articles license from Echo ATM LLC at Walmart and a bowling alley license for Gardner Tenpins Incorporated were approved unanimously. Additional requests for more time were granted regarding a petition from National Grid to relocate a utility pole and another measure granting an easement for transformer installation.

Toward the end of the meeting, Councilor Dana M. Heath recognized Deputy Chief Nicholas for graduating from the FBI National Academy, emphasizing the prestigious nature of the program and congratulating him on his achievement. Councilor George C. Tyros also voiced concerns about the potential for council rules to limit debate on important items.