The council’s discussion of the employee contracts, particularly the one-year agreement known as Unit B, which includes a 3% cost of living adjustment, sparked concerns among the council members about the deviation from the standard three-year contract. The Chief Financial Officer explained that this decision was aimed at addressing immediate concerns and allowing space for further discussions on more issues in the future. Furthermore, the Public Employee Committee (PEC) agreement, which involves negotiating health insurance benefits, was debated as council members emphasized the importance of informing employees about the upcoming changes to contribution rates. The council also approved appropriations for the Unit A and Unit B memoranda of agreement, covering the fiscal period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Public safety was another priority, with motions to increase LED wattage on a specific pole and to install traffic calming measures near the senior center on Winthrop Avenue. Additionally, the council supported a motion to request an executive session with the mayor and city solicitor to discuss eminent domain litigation related to the Wonderland site, which could lead to potential bonding.

The need for proper identification during site visits was also addressed, with a motion to repair or purchase a new employee ID badge printer receiving full support. In response to concerns about the Bennington Street bike lane reconfiguration project and its impact on the emergency evacuation route, the council decided to send a letter of opposition to MassDOT, after considering images of flooding shared by a council member and discussing the effectiveness of such actions.

Moreover, the council addressed the necessity of parking enforcement, particularly on days when parking control officers are not on duty, by amending and approving a motion for the police department to respond to resident calls about parking violations.