City Council Meeting

The City Council meeting on April 28, 2026 focused on several mayoral appointments, ordinance fee changes, parking regulation updates, and departmental budget adjustments. The Council confirmed three appointments (Trustees of the War Memorial and an Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee member), approved April licenses and permits, and voted on multiple ordinances and orders: a Clerk’s Office fee schedule change for boat-ramp parking (2026-079), a new fee schedule for recreational kayak/canoe/SUP rentals (2026-080), and a traffic/parking amendment prohibiting parking on Highland (2026-081). The Council also accepted a redlined amendment and approved a transfer to the Building Inspection training account (2026-083) and voted to accept and expend a FY26 DFS grant for firefighter safety equipment (2026-085).

Discussions included concerns from one councilor about raising the boat ramp fee and seeking more neighborhood input and tighter overnight-parking controls related to the Highland restriction. Staff explained that kayak rentals will require waivers and that the city’s self-insurance and existing staffing (beach director) are expected to cover pilot operations. The council requested written information about liability and a maintenance agreement related to a proposed donation of a shed at the town-park ice rink (the donation was continued for further information). No public comments were recorded during the meeting; councilors raised additional items in communications, including support for bus cameras, field improvements, and questions about Community Preservation Act funding timing.