The council’s deliberations on appointing a new CFO were marked by urgency, given the need to ensure the timely processing of payroll and city bill payments. The departure of the former CFO left the city scrambling to designate a temporary replacement capable of authorizing financial disbursements. The council discussed appointing an individual to the role on a non-competitive basis, with assurances that the Division of Local Government Services would approve this arrangement if the appointee could sign in the CFO’s stead during absences. This move aims to avert payroll disruptions, especially significant as the holiday season approaches. A council member stressed the importance of having designated personnel to release funds, warning of the potential consequences if employees were not paid on time.

A representative from FMBA Local 41 voiced apprehension about the broader implications for city employees, emphasizing the need for immediate action to resolve hiring and financial management challenges. He underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted payroll operations, particularly during the holiday period, expressing frustration with the ongoing administrative discussions and urging the council to prioritize employee welfare over internal political disagreements.

Simultaneously, the council examined plans for a new public works building, estimated at $11 million. The proposed facility, intended to replace aging structures, is designed to include essential features like garage bays and offices while meeting resilience standards for emergencies. Despite the clear necessity for the new building, residents and council members alike voiced concerns about the project’s cost, transparency, and engagement with the public. One speaker highlighted the importance of public support, advocating for more comprehensive community involvement before proceeding with a vote. The council discussed potential cost-saving measures, such as alternative HVAC systems and architectural adjustments, estimated to save approximately half a million dollars. However, the decision to maintain the building’s designation as an essential facility limits structural cost reductions.

The necessity of the public works facility was underscored by conditions exacerbated since Hurricane Sandy, with the new building expected to consolidate operations and eliminate flood insurance needs. It would also repurpose space for public parking and recreational areas. The project’s urgency was further driven by the deteriorating state of current facilities, which lack adequate amenities and pose risks to equipment and personnel during severe weather events.

Public engagement remained a contentious point, with residents expressing dissatisfaction over communication and transparency regarding ongoing projects. Concerns about the Washington Avenue project were particularly vocal, with residents criticizing the lack of adequate outreach and consultation. Jody Lorenzo, an office building owner, pointed out that changes to one-way traffic flow had not been sufficiently communicated, submitting a petition with 200 signatures opposing the project. Other residents echoed these sentiments, questioning the city’s handling of the project’s communication and its potential safety implications.

The meeting also delved into administrative and financial matters beyond the CFO appointment and public works building. Discussions included handling a $146,000 financial recovery from a lawsuit, ongoing management of payroll responsibilities, and the importance of resolving staffing deficiencies swiftly to maintain city operations. The council also touched on the potential hiring of a private investigator to ensure impartiality in an employee complaint investigation.