The council’s attention was initially captured by a presentation on traffic improvements near Barnes International Base. Aaron Keegan, a project manager from FA O’Neill, outlined the proposed installation of a peanut roundabout at the intersection of Service Star Industrial Way and Southampton Road. This design was chosen after a year-long study revealed that a signal solution was unfeasible. Keegan emphasized the roundabout’s potential to enhance traffic flow while accommodating pedestrians and cyclists. Utilities in the area will be replaced to prevent construction-related damage, with work scheduled to begin in spring 2027. The project will be funded 80% by federal and 20% by state contributions. A public hearing is set for February 25th to gather further input.

Following Keegan’s presentation, the council discussed several financial appropriations. A notable allocation of $2 million from free cash was proposed for constructing athletic fields. This led to a discussion about the merits of using natural grass instead of artificial turf, with implications for stormwater management and overall health benefits. The council also considered funding for additional amenities, such as bathrooms and concessions, with city officials suggesting that borrowing less money could help reduce future financial obligations.

The meeting also addressed a $637,791 appropriation from free cash for restroom renovations at Westfield Technical Academy. The need for this project was underscored by recent accreditation reviews that highlighted deficiencies in the facilities, necessitating compliance with building codes and ADA requirements. The council acknowledged the urgency of these renovations, with discussions noting that such public projects often incur higher costs than private sector work due to regulatory standards. Concerns were raised about the timing of the funding request, as these issues had been previously identified but not prioritized until now.

In a separate item, the council approved $49,918 from free cash to digitize payroll documents, a move driven by a state mandate to retain records for 50 years post-employment. Annie Larcom, the personnel director, explained that existing documents stored at AB Gibbs Elementary School could not be relocated due to space constraints, making digitization necessary. The council approved the motion unanimously, recognizing it as a one-time expenditure.

Another financial decision involved the transfer of $20,000 from the Westfield Barnes Regional Airport’s employee account to fund HVAC maintenance. This was possible due to an unfilled position at the airport, allowing funds to be reallocated to resolve ongoing air handling issues within the terminal.

Discussions also touched on appropriations for the animal shelter, with the council expressing gratitude for a donation from Mr. Bill Laurie to the shelter’s gift account. The appropriation related to this donation was amended to $18,000 and passed unanimously.

The council also advanced several ordinances, including a proposal to eliminate the special permit requirement for keeping backyard chickens in rural residential areas. The current permit costs between $470 to $500, deemed excessive by some council members. The proposal aimed to alleviate bureaucratic hurdles, proposing that residents with one-acre lots should be allowed to keep chickens without a permit. However, the motion failed to advance, with six members voting against it and five in support.

Another ordinance related to Battery Energy Storage Systems received unanimous support after addressing questions about the implications of a proposed moratorium. The council also discussed traffic regulations, including stop sign designations and prohibited left turns at school exits, which were approved without opposition.

In other matters, the council unanimously approved renaming Reader Lot Three to the School Street Lot to reduce confusion about parking regulations. This change was favorably recommended by the city properties committee, and the council decided to refer the matter to the legislative and ordinances committee for further ordinance updates.