[4:31] I call the meeting to order
this meeting of the Haverhill
[4:35] this meeting of the Haverhill
City Council will be held in
[4:36] City Council will be held in
person at the location provided
[4:38] person at the location provided
on this notice, as its official
[4:40] on this notice, as its official
meeting location, pursuant to
[4:42] meeting location, pursuant to
the Open Meeting Law. As the
[4:43] the Open Meeting Law. As the
meeting is held in person at a
[4:45] meeting is held in person at a
physical location that is open
[4:46] physical location that is open
and accessible to the public.
[4:48] and accessible to the public.
The City Council is not
[4:49] The City Council is not
required to provide remote
[4:51] required to provide remote
access to the meeting. Members
[4:52] access to the meeting. Members
of the public are welcome to
[4:53] of the public are welcome to
attend this in-person meeting.
[4:55] attend this in-person meeting.
Please note that a livestream
[4:57] Please note that a livestream
of the meeting is being
[4:58] of the meeting is being
provided only as a courtesy to
[5:00] provided only as a courtesy to
the public, and the meeting
[5:01] the public, and the meeting
will not be suspended or
[5:03] will not be suspended or
terminated if technological
[5:04] terminated if technological
problems interrupt the virtual
[5:06] problems interrupt the virtual
broadcast, unless otherwise
[5:08] broadcast, unless otherwise
required by law. Members of the
[5:10] required by law. Members of the
public with a particular
[5:11] public with a particular
interest in any specific item
[5:12] interest in any specific item
on this agenda should make
[5:14] on this agenda should make
plans for in-person versus
[5:16] plans for in-person versus
virtual attendance accordingly.
[5:18] virtual attendance accordingly.
Those attending tonight's
[5:19] Those attending tonight's
meeting should be aware that
[5:20] meeting should be aware that
the meeting is being audio and
[5:22] the meeting is being audio and
video recorded by ABC media.
[5:24] video recorded by ABC media.
Have the Eagle Tribune and Al
[5:26] Have the Eagle Tribune and Al
Pereira. Any members who wish
[5:29] Pereira. Any members who wish
to record any part of this
[5:30] to record any part of this
meeting must inform the Council
[5:32] meeting must inform the Council
President, who will announce
[5:33] President, who will announce
the recording. This is to
[5:35] the recording. This is to
comply with the Massachusetts
[5:36] comply with the Massachusetts
wiretap statute. Thank you. May
[5:40] wiretap statute. Thank you. May
the Supreme legislator grant
[5:42] the Supreme legislator grant
that we be worthy of our power
[5:43] that we be worthy of our power
and responsibility. That we
[5:46] and responsibility. That we
deliberate and achieve with
[5:47] deliberate and achieve with
wisdom and understanding,
[5:50] wisdom and understanding,
recognizing the rights of all
[5:51] recognizing the rights of all
our citizens with full regard
[5:53] our citizens with full regard
for the dignity and justness of
[5:55] for the dignity and justness of
the individual. For those who
[5:57] the individual. For those who
can, please join me in rising
[5:58] can, please join me in rising
for the Pledge of Allegiance.
[6:01] for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag
[6:03] I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
[6:05] of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which
[6:07] and to the Republic for which
it stands. One nation under
[6:09] it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty
[6:12] God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
[6:16] and justice for all.
Uh, Counselor Lewandowski had
[6:18] Uh, Counselor Lewandowski had
the minutes from last meeting.
[6:19] the minutes from last meeting.
She's absent tonight, so we'll
[6:20] She's absent tonight, so we'll
accept them next week. Uh,
[6:22] accept them next week. Uh,
Counselor Tuohy, would you do
[6:23] Counselor Tuohy, would you do
the honors for tonight's
[6:24] the honors for tonight's
meeting?
[6:24] meeting?
Yes, sir.
[6:25] Yes, sir.
Thank you very much, Madam
[6:26] Thank you very much, Madam
clerk. First item, please.
[6:28] clerk. First item, please.
Mayor Barrett and Councilor
[6:30] Mayor Barrett and Councilor
Sullivan wish to introduce
[6:31] Sullivan wish to introduce
Tammy Jo Brzozowski from the
[6:33] Tammy Jo Brzozowski from the
Hilldale Cemetery Association
[6:34] Hilldale Cemetery Association
to speak about this year's
[6:36] to speak about this year's
Wreaths Across America program
[6:37] Wreaths Across America program
at Hilldale Cemetery, which
[6:39] at Hilldale Cemetery, which
will be held on Saturday,
[6:41] will be held on Saturday,
December 19th.
[6:42] December 19th.
Mayor Barrett.
[6:42] Mayor Barrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
[6:43] Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
you. Councilors. I know many of
[6:45] you. Councilors. I know many of
you have participated in the
[6:47] you have participated in the
Wreaths Across America
[6:48] Wreaths Across America
ceremony, and you have
[6:49] ceremony, and you have
contributed yearly to this
[6:51] contributed yearly to this
great cause and organization.
[6:54] great cause and organization.
Um, I, I've been going to the
[6:58] Um, I, I've been going to the
Hilldale Cemetery for many
[7:00] Hilldale Cemetery for many
moons now. I don't go like I
[7:01] moons now. I don't go like I
did at one time. I used to be a
[7:03] did at one time. I used to be a
prime mower. I tried to mow as
[7:05] prime mower. I tried to mow as
much as, uh, Mr. Herman Ocasio,
[7:09] much as, uh, Mr. Herman Ocasio,
uh, but I couldn't. But, um,
[7:14] uh, but I couldn't. But, um,
uh, the Hilldale Cemetery has
[7:16] uh, the Hilldale Cemetery has
been reclaimed from a forested,
[7:18] been reclaimed from a forested,
uh, piece of property to, uh,
[7:21] uh, piece of property to, uh,
you see, semblance of what it
[7:24] you see, semblance of what it
was when it was a garden, uh,
[7:25] was when it was a garden, uh,
cemetery. And it's thanks to
[7:27] cemetery. And it's thanks to
Tammy. Uh, and the crew there,
[7:30] Tammy. Uh, and the crew there,
um, for doing hard work. Uh,
[7:35] um, for doing hard work. Uh,
all the time to try to reclaim
[7:37] all the time to try to reclaim
it. And, you know, I do want to
[7:39] it. And, you know, I do want to
salute them for their their
[7:40] salute them for their their
efforts. Um, but they're cross.
[7:43] efforts. Um, but they're cross.
America is a great opportunity
[7:45] America is a great opportunity
there. I think over 400, uh,
[7:47] there. I think over 400, uh,
veterans in the cemetery, many
[7:50] veterans in the cemetery, many
of them from the Civil War era,
[7:52] of them from the Civil War era,
who would otherwise be
[7:53] who would otherwise be
forgotten. And as they say, um,
[7:56] forgotten. And as they say, um,
when you participate in the
[7:58] when you participate in the
ceremony, nobody has ever truly
[8:00] ceremony, nobody has ever truly
forgotten. As long as somebody
[8:01] forgotten. As long as somebody
speaks their name. And that's
[8:03] speaks their name. And that's
an important part of of the
[8:05] an important part of of the
ceremony and of of just
[8:07] ceremony and of of just
remembering the sacrifice in
[8:09] remembering the sacrifice in
the time that these folks gave
[8:11] the time that these folks gave
to the nation. But I'll have
[8:14] to the nation. But I'll have
Tammy come up and. And I don't
[8:20] Tammy come up and. And I don't
know if if Tom wants to speak
[8:22] know if if Tom wants to speak
or speak afterwards.
[8:23] or speak afterwards.
I'll speak after. Go ahead.
[8:25] I'll speak after. Go ahead.
So, Tammy, just name an address
[8:26] So, Tammy, just name an address
to the record, please.
[8:27] to the record, please.
Tammy Dover, 66 Shawmut Avenue,
[8:29] Tammy Dover, 66 Shawmut Avenue,
Bradford.
[8:29] Bradford.
Thank you.
[8:32] Thank you.
Good evening. Thank you once
[8:33] Good evening. Thank you once
again. Councillor Sullivan and
[8:34] again. Councillor Sullivan and
Mayor Barrett for having us
[8:35] Mayor Barrett for having us
this evening. The Hilldale
[8:37] this evening. The Hilldale
Cemetery Association is once
[8:39] Cemetery Association is once
again holding the Race Across
[8:41] again holding the Race Across
America annual event at the
[8:42] America annual event at the
cemetery on Saturday, December
[8:44] cemetery on Saturday, December
19th, 2026 at noon. This will
[8:46] 19th, 2026 at noon. This will
be our ninth year hosting this
[8:48] be our ninth year hosting this
event to honor and remember our
[8:50] event to honor and remember our
veterans. Most of you are
[8:51] veterans. Most of you are
familiar with Race Across
[8:52] familiar with Race Across
America from our prior events.
[8:54] America from our prior events.
The Race Across America
[8:55] The Race Across America
organization is a 501 C3
[8:57] organization is a 501 C3
federally recognized nonprofit.
[8:59] federally recognized nonprofit.
Their mission statement is
[9:00] Their mission statement is
comprised of three tenants.
[9:02] comprised of three tenants.
First, remember to remember our
[9:04] First, remember to remember our
fallen veterans. Second, honor
[9:06] fallen veterans. Second, honor
to honor living service members
[9:07] to honor living service members
in all branches of the
[9:08] in all branches of the
military. And third, teach to
[9:11] military. And third, teach to
teach the next generation the
[9:12] teach the next generation the
cost and the value of our
[9:13] cost and the value of our
freedoms. Each December across
[9:15] freedoms. Each December across
this country and at American
[9:17] this country and at American
military cemeteries across the
[9:18] military cemeteries across the
globe, volunteers lay symbolic
[9:20] globe, volunteers lay symbolic
wreaths comprised of ten
[9:21] wreaths comprised of ten
bundles of Maine balsam fir and
[9:23] bundles of Maine balsam fir and
a red velveteen bow on the
[9:24] a red velveteen bow on the
graves of veterans. Each bundle
[9:26] graves of veterans. Each bundle
of balsam has a specific
[9:27] of balsam has a specific
meaning, and the red bow
[9:29] meaning, and the red bow
signifies sacrifice. They are
[9:31] signifies sacrifice. They are
not Christmas wreaths. Service
[9:32] not Christmas wreaths. Service
members come from all walks of
[9:34] members come from all walks of
life and all religions. The
[9:35] life and all religions. The
wreath is designed to honor
[9:36] wreath is designed to honor
their service and sacrifice,
[9:38] their service and sacrifice,
and is not a religious symbol.
[9:41] and is not a religious symbol.
Last year, 3.1 million wreaths
[9:44] Last year, 3.1 million wreaths
related 5598 locations here in
[9:47] related 5598 locations here in
the US and abroad. We are proud
[9:49] the US and abroad. We are proud
to be one of those locations.
[9:50] to be one of those locations.
This year's theme is Remember
[9:51] This year's theme is Remember
Me. Veterans are often viewed
[9:53] Me. Veterans are often viewed
and treated as a collective
[9:54] and treated as a collective
group. Yet within that group
[9:56] group. Yet within that group
are countless individuals with
[9:57] are countless individuals with
their own names, stories, and
[9:59] their own names, stories, and
sacrifices. This year's theme
[10:01] sacrifices. This year's theme
is meant to remember individual
[10:03] is meant to remember individual
veterans and their stories. The
[10:05] veterans and their stories. The
parent who never got to see a
[10:06] parent who never got to see a
child or grandchild. The young
[10:08] child or grandchild. The young
recruit asked to shoulder
[10:09] recruit asked to shoulder
unimaginable responsibility as
[10:10] unimaginable responsibility as
a teenager. The service member
[10:12] a teenager. The service member
who comes home carrying stories
[10:13] who comes home carrying stories
too difficult to tell, stories
[10:15] too difficult to tell, stories
and sacrifices that may
[10:17] and sacrifices that may
unintentionally be overlooked.
[10:19] unintentionally be overlooked.
When we honor our veterans
[10:20] When we honor our veterans
collectively. Hilldale Cemetery
[10:22] collectively. Hilldale Cemetery
is full of those stories. Sons
[10:24] is full of those stories. Sons
who went to war and did not
[10:25] who went to war and did not
return. A young Navy sailor who
[10:27] return. A young Navy sailor who
was lost in a submarine
[10:28] was lost in a submarine
disaster during peacetime. Two
[10:30] disaster during peacetime. Two
Colored Regiment Civil War
[10:32] Colored Regiment Civil War
soldiers who battled for
[10:33] soldiers who battled for
freedom and came home to battle
[10:34] freedom and came home to battle
for equal treatment. A young
[10:36] for equal treatment. A young
woman who followed her brothers
[10:37] woman who followed her brothers
to war disguised as a man. A
[10:39] to war disguised as a man. A
Civil War cavalry member who
[10:40] Civil War cavalry member who
enlisted at the tender age of
[10:42] enlisted at the tender age of
12 and rose through the ranks.
[10:44] 12 and rose through the ranks.
Haverhill itself is also full
[10:45] Haverhill itself is also full
of those individual stories,
[10:47] of those individual stories,
stories that are recognized in
[10:49] stories that are recognized in
the banners hung in town on the
[10:50] the banners hung in town on the
bridge. Many of us drive daily
[10:52] bridge. Many of us drive daily
dedicated to PFC Ralph T
[10:54] dedicated to PFC Ralph T
Basler, the first Vietnam
[10:55] Basler, the first Vietnam
casualty from Haverhill, who
[10:57] casualty from Haverhill, who
lost his life in a jungle far
[10:58] lost his life in a jungle far
away at the age of 19. PFC Evan
[11:02] away at the age of 19. PFC Evan
O'Neill, another 19 year old
[11:03] O'Neill, another 19 year old
who lost his life in
[11:04] who lost his life in
Afghanistan in 2003. Donny
[11:08] Afghanistan in 2003. Donny
Jarvis, a Purple Heart
[11:09] Jarvis, a Purple Heart
recipient and my neighbor and
[11:10] recipient and my neighbor and
friend, rushed to put who was
[11:11] friend, rushed to put who was
instrumental in bringing Korean
[11:13] instrumental in bringing Korean
War memorial to Haverhill. And
[11:14] War memorial to Haverhill. And
there are many more. All of our
[11:16] there are many more. All of our
individual veterans have their
[11:17] individual veterans have their
own names, stories, families
[11:19] own names, stories, families
and for some, their supreme
[11:20] and for some, their supreme
sacrifice in the defense of the
[11:22] sacrifice in the defense of the
freedoms we enjoy today. On
[11:24] freedoms we enjoy today. On
December 19th, at noon, we will
[11:26] December 19th, at noon, we will
hold our wreaths Across America
[11:28] hold our wreaths Across America
ceremony. We will not only
[11:29] ceremony. We will not only
collectively recognize our
[11:31] collectively recognize our
veterans, we will honor them as
[11:32] veterans, we will honor them as
individuals with their own
[11:33] individuals with their own
stories and histories. Each
[11:35] stories and histories. Each
name will be read aloud as a
[11:36] name will be read aloud as a
wreath is laid on a grave. They
[11:38] wreath is laid on a grave. They
will not be forgotten. To
[11:40] will not be forgotten. To
further honor this year's
[11:42] further honor this year's
theme, we invite community
[11:43] theme, we invite community
members to visit our Facebook
[11:44] members to visit our Facebook
page, Hope for Hilldale, and
[11:46] page, Hope for Hilldale, and
share their own stories of the
[11:47] share their own stories of the
veterans and their lives. Post
[11:48] veterans and their lives. Post
pictures and be part of the
[11:49] pictures and be part of the
remembrance and honor, and to
[11:50] remembrance and honor, and to
teach that these are the
[11:52] teach that these are the
sacrifices that maintain our
[11:53] sacrifices that maintain our
freedoms. We further invite
[11:55] freedoms. We further invite
community members, including
[11:56] community members, including
Mayor Barrett and yourselves,
[11:57] Mayor Barrett and yourselves,
counselors, to our and to our
[11:59] counselors, to our and to our
veterans, to join us on
[12:01] veterans, to join us on
December the 19th, in order to
[12:03] December the 19th, in order to
ensure that all graves receive
[12:04] ensure that all graves receive
a wreath and each name is read.
[12:06] a wreath and each name is read.
We need 474 wreaths to be
[12:08] We need 474 wreaths to be
sponsored. We currently stand
[12:10] sponsored. We currently stand
at 169. Wreaths can be
[12:12] at 169. Wreaths can be
sponsored for 17 each, $17 each
[12:14] sponsored for 17 each, $17 each
through our dedicated
[12:15] through our dedicated
sponsorship page at Hilldale
[12:17] sponsorship page at Hilldale
Wreaths. We recognize that
[12:20] Wreaths. We recognize that
times are tough and the economy
[12:21] times are tough and the economy
is not great, and we fear that
[12:22] is not great, and we fear that
we will not be able to meet our
[12:23] we will not be able to meet our
goal this year. We hope that
[12:25] goal this year. We hope that
people will consider donating a
[12:27] people will consider donating a
wreath or two, so that we can
[12:28] wreath or two, so that we can
recognize all of our veterans,
[12:30] recognize all of our veterans,
individuals and businesses, or
[12:32] individuals and businesses, or
service groups may consider
[12:33] service groups may consider
sponsorship of ten wreaths or
[12:34] sponsorship of ten wreaths or
more to be listed in our event
[12:36] more to be listed in our event
program, which is generously
[12:37] program, which is generously
prepared, printed and donated
[12:39] prepared, printed and donated
by Pat Driscoll of Driscoll
[12:40] by Pat Driscoll of Driscoll
Funeral Homes in Bradford each
[12:41] Funeral Homes in Bradford each
year. Pat has been with us
[12:43] year. Pat has been with us
since the beginning in 2017,
[12:44] since the beginning in 2017,
and we so appreciate his
[12:45] and we so appreciate his
longtime support. In order to
[12:48] longtime support. In order to
hold this event, it takes the
[12:49] hold this event, it takes the
effort of all of our all
[12:51] effort of all of our all
volunteer board of directors
[12:53] volunteer board of directors
and local volunteers to keep
[12:54] and local volunteers to keep
the cemetery looking good as we
[12:56] the cemetery looking good as we
can, as good as we can, and to
[12:57] can, as good as we can, and to
continue the recovery efforts
[12:58] continue the recovery efforts
of portions of the cemetery
[13:00] of portions of the cemetery
that remain overgrown from
[13:01] that remain overgrown from
decades of past neglect. We
[13:03] decades of past neglect. We
need in military boots on the
[13:05] need in military boots on the
ground to continue those
[13:07] ground to continue those
efforts and ensure that the
[13:08] efforts and ensure that the
cemetery is shipshape for
[13:10] cemetery is shipshape for
December 19th. We currently
[13:11] December 19th. We currently
have three more cleanups
[13:12] have three more cleanups
formerly scheduled for October
[13:14] formerly scheduled for October
the 10th, at one 30, October,
[13:15] the 10th, at one 30, October,
24th at 130, and November 1st
[13:17] 24th at 130, and November 1st
at 130. More will likely be
[13:19] at 130. More will likely be
added as long as the weather
[13:20] added as long as the weather
holds. For more information,
[13:22] holds. For more information,
please see our Facebook page.
[13:23] please see our Facebook page.
Hope for Hilldale local service
[13:25] Hope for Hilldale local service
groups who might wish to assist
[13:26] groups who might wish to assist
can contact us directly through
[13:27] can contact us directly through
the Facebook page or via any of
[13:29] the Facebook page or via any of
the city councilors or Mayor
[13:30] the city councilors or Mayor
Barrett, who have our contact
[13:32] Barrett, who have our contact
information. For those of you
[13:33] information. For those of you
who have been to event in the
[13:34] who have been to event in the
past. You will know and
[13:36] past. You will know and
understand the feeling of
[13:37] understand the feeling of
standing surrounded by the
[13:38] standing surrounded by the
aroma of balsam fir in the
[13:40] aroma of balsam fir in the
crisp winter air before a
[13:42] crisp winter air before a
marble or granite marker,
[13:43] marble or granite marker,
wreath in hand, and reading the
[13:45] wreath in hand, and reading the
name of veteran out loud,
[13:46] name of veteran out loud,
thanking them for their
[13:47] thanking them for their
service. It can't be adequately
[13:49] service. It can't be adequately
described. It must be
[13:50] described. It must be
experienced. On each wreath is
[13:52] experienced. On each wreath is
a small tag that reads. Today I
[13:54] a small tag that reads. Today I
laid a wreath on the grave of
[13:55] laid a wreath on the grave of
an American hero, which each
[13:57] an American hero, which each
participant is welcome to take
[13:58] participant is welcome to take
as a memento. We hope to have a
[14:00] as a memento. We hope to have a
great turnout of community
[14:01] great turnout of community
members on December 19th, and
[14:03] members on December 19th, and
once again to sponsor a wreath.
[14:05] once again to sponsor a wreath.
Please go to Hilldale Wreaths,
[14:07] Please go to Hilldale Wreaths,
which is our dedicated
[14:08] which is our dedicated
sponsorship page. You will be
[14:10] sponsorship page. You will be
ensuring that your sponsorship
[14:11] ensuring that your sponsorship
is properly credited to
[14:12] is properly credited to
Hilldale Cemetery. The cutoff
[14:14] Hilldale Cemetery. The cutoff
date for sponsorship for our
[14:15] date for sponsorship for our
region is December the 1st.
[14:17] region is December the 1st.
Thank you all for your time and
[14:18] Thank you all for your time and
opportunity to speak here this
[14:20] opportunity to speak here this
evening.
[14:20] evening.
Thank you. Tammy. Uh, go to
[14:22] Thank you. Tammy. Uh, go to
Counselor Sullivan.
[14:23] Counselor Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
[14:24] Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
you, Tammy and Kim, for coming
[14:25] you, Tammy and Kim, for coming
tonight. Um, it's been a
[14:27] tonight. Um, it's been a
pleasure to work with you all
[14:28] pleasure to work with you all
these years. Um, I help them
[14:30] these years. Um, I help them
raise the money for the
[14:31] raise the money for the
wreaths. We do seriously need a
[14:33] wreaths. We do seriously need a
boost this year. We're behind
[14:35] boost this year. We're behind
where we should be at this
[14:36] where we should be at this
point. Um, I always do the ten
[14:38] point. Um, I always do the ten
wreaths myself. I would urge
[14:40] wreaths myself. I would urge
everyone who can to try to do
[14:42] everyone who can to try to do
ten wreaths. They do add up.
[14:44] ten wreaths. They do add up.
And this is probably one of the
[14:45] And this is probably one of the
most meaningful and significant
[14:46] most meaningful and significant
events we can do for veterans
[14:48] events we can do for veterans
here in the city. Um, like you
[14:49] here in the city. Um, like you
said, remembering and honoring
[14:51] said, remembering and honoring
and teaching. The most
[14:53] and teaching. The most
important part of that is
[14:54] important part of that is
teaching the children, um, the
[14:56] teaching the children, um, the
young adults, how important
[14:57] young adults, how important
traditions are and how
[14:58] traditions are and how
important it is that they
[15:00] important it is that they
continue to honor the veterans,
[15:01] continue to honor the veterans,
because without the veterans,
[15:02] because without the veterans,
we wouldn't be here today. So
[15:04] we wouldn't be here today. So
thank you for coming. We'll
[15:05] thank you for coming. We'll
step up our efforts over the
[15:06] step up our efforts over the
next month and a half, and
[15:08] next month and a half, and
we'll try to get you over the
[15:10] we'll try to get you over the
goalpost.
[15:10] goalpost.
Appreciate your help.
[15:11] Appreciate your help.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
[15:12] Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
President.
[15:13] President.
Thank you, Councillor Sullivan.
[15:14] Thank you, Councillor Sullivan.
Vice president Richardson.
[15:15] Vice president Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[15:16] Thank you, Mr. President.
Tammy, I love your dedication.
[15:19] Tammy, I love your dedication.
That's all I want to say. Thank
[15:21] That's all I want to say. Thank
you, Mr. President.
[15:21] you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
[15:23] Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
And thank you, Tammy, again for
[15:24] And thank you, Tammy, again for
all your efforts and for coming
[15:26] all your efforts and for coming
before us tonight. And I again,
[15:28] before us tonight. And I again,
having participated in the past
[15:29] having participated in the past
again, you do a tremendous job.
[15:30] again, you do a tremendous job.
It really is a powerful
[15:32] It really is a powerful
experience. So I wish you all
[15:34] experience. So I wish you all
the best with this year's
[15:34] the best with this year's
event. Thank you. Thank you,
[15:37] event. Thank you. Thank you,
Madam Clerk. Next item.
[15:38] Madam Clerk. Next item.
Uh, Caitlin M Wright. Esposito.
[15:40] Uh, Caitlin M Wright. Esposito.
City clerk request to announce
[15:42] City clerk request to announce
early voting schedule and
[15:43] early voting schedule and
pertinent election related
[15:44] pertinent election related
deadlines for the upcoming
[15:46] deadlines for the upcoming
state election to be held on
[15:47] state election to be held on
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026,
[15:50] Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026,
from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m..
[15:52] from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m..
Madam clerk.
[15:53] Madam clerk.
Um.
[15:53] Um.
So election season is in full
[15:55] So election season is in full
swing, if you can believe that.
[15:57] swing, if you can believe that.
Uh, over the last week, our
[15:58] Uh, over the last week, our
office has been very busy
[16:00] office has been very busy
getting out our vote by mail
[16:01] getting out our vote by mail
ballots. Uh, we got our
[16:02] ballots. Uh, we got our
delivery of ballots last week.
[16:04] delivery of ballots last week.
And as of today, our first
[16:06] And as of today, our first
round of ballots, which for
[16:08] round of ballots, which for
requests right now are about
[16:09] requests right now are about
8000, have been mailed out to
[16:11] 8000, have been mailed out to
voters daily. We continue to
[16:13] voters daily. We continue to
receive applications. So as
[16:14] receive applications. So as
those applications are come in
[16:16] those applications are come in
and are processed, we will
[16:17] and are processed, we will
continue to mail those out to
[16:19] continue to mail those out to
voters. Um, the deadline to
[16:20] voters. Um, the deadline to
request a vote by mail ballot
[16:22] request a vote by mail ballot
is October, October 27th at 5
[16:26] is October, October 27th at 5
p.m., and voters are encouraged
[16:28] p.m., and voters are encouraged
to, once they receive their
[16:29] to, once they receive their
ballot, be sure to return that
[16:31] ballot, be sure to return that
via the Dropbox. That is a
[16:33] via the Dropbox. That is a
surefire way that it gets to us
[16:35] surefire way that it gets to us
or hand deliver in our office.
[16:36] or hand deliver in our office.
The Dropbox is located on the
[16:38] The Dropbox is located on the
Main Street side of the
[16:39] Main Street side of the
building of City Hall. Um, this
[16:41] building of City Hall. Um, this
year our ballot is unique. Uh,
[16:43] year our ballot is unique. Uh,
it's unprecedented. We have ten
[16:45] it's unprecedented. We have ten
ballot questions, which, per
[16:46] ballot questions, which, per
the Secretary of State's
[16:47] the Secretary of State's
office, hasn't happened since
[16:49] office, hasn't happened since
1918. So whether you're voting
[16:51] 1918. So whether you're voting
by mail or voting in person on
[16:53] by mail or voting in person on
Election Day, your ballot here
[16:55] Election Day, your ballot here
in Haverhill is going to have
[16:56] in Haverhill is going to have
two cards. So that means if if
[16:58] two cards. So that means if if
this was a ballot, it's going
[16:59] this was a ballot, it's going
to be front one page with
[17:01] to be front one page with
questions, candidates and
[17:03] questions, candidates and
questions, a back side with
[17:04] questions, a back side with
candidates and then a whole
[17:06] candidates and then a whole
other page. Uh, and that must
[17:08] other page. Uh, and that must
be returned to our office.
[17:09] be returned to our office.
Whether you're voting by mail
[17:10] Whether you're voting by mail
or at the precinct on Election
[17:12] or at the precinct on Election
day or early voting. So just be
[17:14] day or early voting. So just be
mindful of that on our vote by
[17:16] mindful of that on our vote by
mail envelopes, we've left
[17:18] mail envelopes, we've left
little reminders for people
[17:19] little reminders for people
that says, please return both
[17:20] that says, please return both
cards. But it's very important
[17:22] cards. But it's very important
that both of those get back to
[17:24] that both of those get back to
us. So if you're voting by
[17:25] us. So if you're voting by
mail, a ballot must be returned
[17:27] mail, a ballot must be returned
to our office. If it's
[17:28] to our office. If it's
hand-delivered by 8 p.m. on
[17:30] hand-delivered by 8 p.m. on
election night, that's Tuesday,
[17:32] election night, that's Tuesday,
November 3rd, or if it's going
[17:34] November 3rd, or if it's going
in the mail, it must be
[17:35] in the mail, it must be
postmarked by November 3rd and
[17:37] postmarked by November 3rd and
received in our office no later
[17:38] received in our office no later
than November 6th. We will be
[17:40] than November 6th. We will be
offering two weeks of in-person
[17:41] offering two weeks of in-person
early voting here at City Hall.
[17:43] early voting here at City Hall.
That's going to begin on
[17:45] That's going to begin on
Saturday, October 17th, and run
[17:48] Saturday, October 17th, and run
through October 30th, which is
[17:50] through October 30th, which is
a Friday. Um, all dates and
[17:52] a Friday. Um, all dates and
times are posted on our
[17:53] times are posted on our
website, but it will be every
[17:54] website, but it will be every
day. So 14 days straight, the
[17:56] day. So 14 days straight, the
weekends 9 to 3 and Monday
[17:58] weekends 9 to 3 and Monday
through Friday 8 to 4. The last
[18:00] through Friday 8 to 4. The last
day to register to vote is
[18:01] day to register to vote is
going to be Tuesday, October
[18:04] going to be Tuesday, October
24th at I'm sorry, not Tuesday,
[18:06] 24th at I'm sorry, not Tuesday,
Saturday, October 24th at 5
[18:08] Saturday, October 24th at 5
p.m. and our office will be
[18:10] p.m. and our office will be
open that Saturday to
[18:11] open that Saturday to
accommodate that registration
[18:12] accommodate that registration
deadline. So if you're
[18:13] deadline. So if you're
concerned about your
[18:14] concerned about your
registration, you can go online
[18:16] registration, you can go online
directly and check the status
[18:17] directly and check the status
of that, or come to our office
[18:19] of that, or come to our office
or call us for inquiries on
[18:21] or call us for inquiries on
that. And then my final, uh,
[18:24] that. And then my final, uh,
plea to all of you here today,
[18:25] plea to all of you here today,
or anybody that's watching
[18:27] or anybody that's watching
online, is that we're always in
[18:28] online, is that we're always in
need of election workers. Um,
[18:30] need of election workers. Um,
specifically this election
[18:32] specifically this election
cycle, just with how lengthy
[18:34] cycle, just with how lengthy
the ballot is and the turnout
[18:35] the ballot is and the turnout
that we think are going to be
[18:36] that we think are going to be
getting. Um, so to have more
[18:38] getting. Um, so to have more
people at the polls will really
[18:39] people at the polls will really
help us move lines along
[18:41] help us move lines along
quickly. Um, so if you are
[18:43] quickly. Um, so if you are
somebody that's passionate
[18:44] somebody that's passionate
about your community,
[18:45] about your community,
interested in meeting new
[18:46] interested in meeting new
people, passionate about
[18:47] people, passionate about
elections, maybe good at math,
[18:49] elections, maybe good at math,
we'd love to have you as part
[18:51] we'd love to have you as part
of our team. Um, it is a
[18:53] of our team. Um, it is a
volunteer opportunity, but you
[18:54] volunteer opportunity, but you
are paid for the day, so. 245
[18:57] are paid for the day, so. 245
if you work the full day as an
[18:58] if you work the full day as an
inspector, if you're interested
[19:00] inspector, if you're interested
in joining as a warden or
[19:01] in joining as a warden or
clerk, that is 275 for the day.
[19:04] clerk, that is 275 for the day.
Um, we have trainings that are
[19:05] Um, we have trainings that are
coming up. So I would ask that
[19:06] coming up. So I would ask that
if you're interested, we would
[19:08] if you're interested, we would
really need you to sign up no
[19:09] really need you to sign up no
later than the end of next week
[19:11] later than the end of next week
to ensure that you can be
[19:12] to ensure that you can be
trained adequately before our
[19:14] trained adequately before our
election. And if you're
[19:15] election. And if you're
interested, you can call the
[19:16] interested, you can call the
clerk's office at
[19:19] clerk's office at
(978) 374-2312 or email me
[19:23] (978) 374-2312 or email me
directly at City Clerk at
[19:25] directly at City Clerk at
Haverhill, Ma. Gov. Thank you.
[19:27] Haverhill, Ma. Gov. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next
[19:29] Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next
item, please.
[19:30] item, please.
Me again. Yeah.
[19:32] Me again. Yeah.
Caitlin. Emery Esposito, city
[19:34] Caitlin. Emery Esposito, city
clerk submits election warrant
[19:36] clerk submits election warrant
for the 2026 state election to
[19:38] for the 2026 state election to
be held on Tuesday, November
[19:39] be held on Tuesday, November
3rd, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8
[19:42] 3rd, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8
p.m..
[19:42] p.m..
Madam clerk, do you want to say
[19:44] Madam clerk, do you want to say
more about that?
[19:45] more about that?
Uh, no.
[19:46] Uh, no.
Just pretty well, actually.
[19:48] Just pretty well, actually.
Yes. Sorry. Um, on the note,
[19:50] Yes. Sorry. Um, on the note,
the election warrant. Um, so if
[19:52] the election warrant. Um, so if
you look in the agenda packets,
[19:53] you look in the agenda packets,
it does contain all of the ten
[19:55] it does contain all of the ten
questions. And I just want to
[19:57] questions. And I just want to
go back to you talking about
[19:58] go back to you talking about
how large the ballot is.
[19:59] how large the ballot is.
Because of that, every voter in
[20:01] Because of that, every voter in
Massachusetts was email, um,
[20:03] Massachusetts was email, um,
not emailed, I'm sorry, mailed
[20:05] not emailed, I'm sorry, mailed
a red information booklet. And
[20:08] a red information booklet. And
if you did not get that, it's
[20:09] if you did not get that, it's
available online. We have extra
[20:10] available online. We have extra
supplies in our office as well.
[20:12] supplies in our office as well.
If you're looking for copies of
[20:13] If you're looking for copies of
that, I would highly encourage
[20:15] that, I would highly encourage
everybody to look at that.
[20:16] everybody to look at that.
Review it carefully ahead of
[20:18] Review it carefully ahead of
time. The final page of this
[20:20] time. The final page of this
information booklet has a
[20:21] information booklet has a
checklist that you can rip out
[20:23] checklist that you can rip out
and bring with you to the
[20:24] and bring with you to the
polls, so you can mark ahead of
[20:25] polls, so you can mark ahead of
time how you're planning on
[20:27] time how you're planning on
voting on these questions. And
[20:28] voting on these questions. And
this will help us move the
[20:29] this will help us move the
lines along quicker. As I said,
[20:31] lines along quicker. As I said,
this is a very long ballot and
[20:33] this is a very long ballot and
we want people to be able to go
[20:34] we want people to be able to go
vote in person, but keep the
[20:35] vote in person, but keep the
lines moving as quick as
[20:36] lines moving as quick as
possible. So please do review
[20:38] possible. So please do review
that booklet to get all your
[20:40] that booklet to get all your
information. Uh, if you need an
[20:42] information. Uh, if you need an
extra one. We have extras
[20:43] extra one. We have extras
available in our office and
[20:45] available in our office and
they are available a PDF
[20:46] they are available a PDF
version and an audio version
[20:48] version and an audio version
online on the Secretary of
[20:49] online on the Secretary of
State's website, as well as our
[20:50] State's website, as well as our
website. Um, but aside from
[20:52] website. Um, but aside from
that, that's that's all I have
[20:53] that, that's that's all I have
to say about the warrant.
[20:55] to say about the warrant.
Thank you. Thank you. And do we
[20:56] Thank you. Thank you. And do we
need a motion to in favor of
[20:58] need a motion to in favor of
the.
[20:59] the.
Yes. So moved.
[21:01] Yes. So moved.
Second motion from Councillor
[21:02] Second motion from Councillor
Sullivan, second from Councilor
[21:04] Sullivan, second from Councilor
Ferreira. Uh, Madam Clerk,
[21:05] Ferreira. Uh, Madam Clerk,
please call the roll.
[21:06] please call the roll.
Vice president. Richardson.
[21:08] Vice president. Richardson.
Yes. Councillor. Basler.
[21:09] Yes. Councillor. Basler.
Yes.
[21:09] Yes.
Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
[21:10] Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
[21:12] Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
[21:13] Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
[21:14] Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
Councillor McGonigle. Yes.
[21:15] Councillor McGonigle. Yes.
Councillor LePage. Yes.
[21:16] Councillor LePage. Yes.
Councillor Rogers and President
[21:18] Councillor Rogers and President
Jordan. Yes.
[21:18] Jordan. Yes.
Ten years.
[21:19] Ten years.
Zero. Nays one.
[21:20] Zero. Nays one.
Absent that passes. Next item
[21:22] Absent that passes. Next item
please.
[21:26] please.
This is a hearing document. 21
[21:28] This is a hearing document. 21
J city Council special permit
[21:31] J city Council special permit
267 Matt Silver for Sterling.
[21:34] 267 Matt Silver for Sterling.
Commonwealth builders request
[21:35] Commonwealth builders request
approval to demolish existing
[21:37] approval to demolish existing
single family residence and
[21:39] single family residence and
construct three attached
[21:40] construct three attached
townhouse condominium units on
[21:41] townhouse condominium units on
a single parcel at 27 Marshland
[21:44] a single parcel at 27 Marshland
Street in the residential High
[21:45] Street in the residential High
Zone. Each unit is proposed to
[21:47] Zone. Each unit is proposed to
contain three bedrooms, two one
[21:50] contain three bedrooms, two one
and a half bathrooms, and one
[21:51] and a half bathrooms, and one
and an attached two car garage.
[21:53] and an attached two car garage.
This has been continued from
[21:54] This has been continued from
September 15th of 2026. Um.
[21:57] September 15th of 2026. Um.
Earlier this afternoon we did
[21:58] Earlier this afternoon we did
receive a communication from
[21:59] receive a communication from
the applicant's attorney
[22:01] the applicant's attorney
requesting to continue this
[22:02] requesting to continue this
hearing due to, uh, late
[22:04] hearing due to, uh, late
comments that were received by
[22:05] comments that were received by
the Conservation Department
[22:07] the Conservation Department
over the weekend. And in order
[22:08] over the weekend. And in order
for them to respond to them,
[22:10] for them to respond to them,
they'd like a little bit of
[22:11] they'd like a little bit of
extra time. They're asking for
[22:12] extra time. They're asking for
a continuance until October
[22:14] a continuance until October
20th.
[22:14] 20th.
So moved.
[22:15] So moved.
Second.
[22:16] Second.
Motion for Vice President.
[22:17] Motion for Vice President.
Richardson. Second from was
[22:18] Richardson. Second from was
Sullivan. Yes, from Councillor
[22:20] Sullivan. Yes, from Councillor
Sullivan. Uh, all in favor?
[22:22] Sullivan. Uh, all in favor?
Aye, aye.
[22:23] Aye, aye.
That's continued until October
[22:25] That's continued until October
20th. Madam clerk, next item,
[22:27] 20th. Madam clerk, next item,
please.
[22:29] please.
Mayor Barrett submits an
[22:30] Mayor Barrett submits an
ordinance relating to amending
[22:31] ordinance relating to amending
chapter 222, article 11,
[22:34] chapter 222, article 11,
recreational motorized vehicles
[22:36] recreational motorized vehicles
of the Haverhill City Ordinance
[22:37] of the Haverhill City Ordinance
restricting the use of
[22:38] restricting the use of
motorized bicycles and
[22:39] motorized bicycles and
scooters, filed September 23rd
[22:41] scooters, filed September 23rd
of 2026.
[22:42] of 2026.
Madam mayor, Mr. president,
[22:44] Madam mayor, Mr. president,
councilors. Thank you. Uh,
[22:46] councilors. Thank you. Uh,
obviously, uh, there has been a
[22:49] obviously, uh, there has been a
huge influx of e-bikes in the
[22:51] huge influx of e-bikes in the
community and, uh, huge issues
[22:54] community and, uh, huge issues
with them. Um, we have had a
[22:57] with them. Um, we have had a
tragedy and we've had a bunch
[22:59] tragedy and we've had a bunch
of near tragedies and injuries
[23:02] of near tragedies and injuries
and, um, just it's it seems
[23:05] and, um, just it's it seems
like it's a it blew up out of
[23:07] like it's a it blew up out of
control. So you asked us to,
[23:12] control. So you asked us to,
um, see what we could do. I
[23:14] um, see what we could do. I
presented, uh, what the
[23:16] presented, uh, what the
governor had proposed to the
[23:17] governor had proposed to the
legislature that is still in
[23:18] legislature that is still in
the legislature. That would
[23:20] the legislature. That would
create different tiers on
[23:22] create different tiers on
speed. That is still in the
[23:24] speed. That is still in the
legislature. So we are not
[23:26] legislature. So we are not
going to wait for that. We are
[23:27] going to wait for that. We are
going to do, um, all the things
[23:29] going to do, um, all the things
we can do within the current
[23:31] we can do within the current
law. And if if that does see
[23:33] law. And if if that does see
the light of day from the
[23:34] the light of day from the
legislature, we can make
[23:36] legislature, we can make
amendments to our ordinance
[23:38] amendments to our ordinance
here. Um, this ordinance be sup
[23:42] here. Um, this ordinance be sup
um, where these vehicles can be
[23:44] um, where these vehicles can be
driven, how they can be driven
[23:46] driven, how they can be driven
by whom they can be driven. Uh,
[23:48] by whom they can be driven. Uh,
and uh, it prohibits them from
[23:52] and uh, it prohibits them from
public spaces. Uh, it prohibits
[23:55] public spaces. Uh, it prohibits
them from sidewalks. Um, you
[23:58] them from sidewalks. Um, you
know, we, uh, on the school
[24:00] know, we, uh, on the school
committee side, we have
[24:03] committee side, we have
already, um, prohibited e-bikes
[24:07] already, um, prohibited e-bikes
in school grounds. Um, and I
[24:09] in school grounds. Um, and I
think that has made a slight
[24:11] think that has made a slight
difference. Although people are
[24:13] difference. Although people are
driving them and, you know,
[24:15] driving them and, you know,
tying them to trees or posts
[24:17] tying them to trees or posts
or, you know, it's still an
[24:19] or, you know, it's still an
issue. Um, I don't think
[24:21] issue. Um, I don't think
everybody has the message that
[24:22] everybody has the message that
they are a danger, uh,
[24:24] they are a danger, uh,
especially when they're driven
[24:26] especially when they're driven
by, uh, people that do not
[24:27] by, uh, people that do not
understand the rules of the
[24:29] understand the rules of the
road. So, we have Lieutenant
[24:32] road. So, we have Lieutenant
Lynch here from the police
[24:34] Lynch here from the police
department. If you have any
[24:35] department. If you have any
questions, as we also have, uh,
[24:38] questions, as we also have, uh,
city Solicitor Mead here for
[24:39] city Solicitor Mead here for
you, for you.
[24:41] you, for you.
Thank you. Councillor Diodati.
[24:43] Thank you. Councillor Diodati.
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh,
[24:44] Thank you, Mr. President. Uh,
my questions are for Madam
[24:45] my questions are for Madam
Solicitor. Um, so first
[24:55] Solicitor. Um, so first
question is the, uh. And you're
[24:58] question is the, uh. And you're
right up, it says driving under
[24:59] right up, it says driving under
the influence and empowerment
[25:00] the influence and empowerment
of vehicles cannot be addressed
[25:01] of vehicles cannot be addressed
by this ordinance. But in the
[25:04] by this ordinance. But in the
ordinance, uh, for the children
[25:06] ordinance, uh, for the children
under 16 and it says there will
[25:07] under 16 and it says there will
be immediately seized. Impound
[25:09] be immediately seized. Impound
the recreational motor vehicle.
[25:11] the recreational motor vehicle.
Is that in compliance with the
[25:12] Is that in compliance with the
law?
[25:13] law?
Right.
[25:13] Right.
So so yes and no. It's on the
[25:16] So so yes and no. It's on the
edge. Right. So, um, the law
[25:19] edge. Right. So, um, the law
pertains to the statute,
[25:21] pertains to the statute,
pertains to adults. And so the
[25:23] pertains to adults. And so the
section in the ordinance that
[25:25] section in the ordinance that
we provided pertains to people
[25:27] we provided pertains to people
under 16.
[25:29] under 16.
Okay. All right. And then, uh,
[25:31] Okay. All right. And then, uh,
the my second question was in
[25:34] the my second question was in
your right up, it says, uh, $50
[25:36] your right up, it says, uh, $50
for the first offense, but it
[25:37] for the first offense, but it
looks like it's $250 in the
[25:39] looks like it's $250 in the
actual ordinance.
[25:40] actual ordinance.
Is that. No.
[25:40] Is that. No.
That's a strikeout. You just
[25:41] That's a strikeout. You just
it's it's 25 and then 50, 20.
[25:44] it's it's 25 and then 50, 20.
Okay. Yeah.
[25:45] Okay. Yeah.
All right. I'm just at that
[25:46] All right. I'm just at that
paragraph. The 222665.
[25:50] paragraph. The 222665.
Yeah. So, um, it's 25 and then
[25:53] Yeah. So, um, it's 25 and then
50 in the in the strike out.
[25:55] 50 in the in the strike out.
Um, I don't have do you have
[25:56] Um, I don't have do you have
are you looking at the final
[25:57] are you looking at the final
ordinance?
[25:58] ordinance?
Uh, yes.
[25:58] Uh, yes.
So it should be 25 and 50. So I
[26:01] So it should be 25 and 50. So I
think maybe the strike out got
[26:02] think maybe the strike out got
messed up.
[26:02] messed up.
Okay.
[26:03] Okay.
That's it. That's all I got.
[26:04] That's it. That's all I got.
Thank you. Thank you.
[26:05] Thank you. Thank you.
Councillor Diodati. Councillor
[26:07] Councillor Diodati. Councillor
Ferreira.
[26:07] Ferreira.
Thank you. Um, could you
[26:10] Thank you. Um, could you
please, just for the record and
[26:12] please, just for the record and
everyone watching at home, give
[26:14] everyone watching at home, give
us an overview of what is
[26:15] us an overview of what is
included in this version.
[26:17] included in this version.
That's before us tonight.
[26:19] That's before us tonight.
Yeah. I think the, the the
[26:20] Yeah. I think the, the the
major, uh, the major part of
[26:22] major, uh, the major part of
this is essentially the
[26:24] this is essentially the
prohibitions of writing, you
[26:26] prohibitions of writing, you
know, not writing on things
[26:27] know, not writing on things
that you shouldn't write on. It
[26:28] that you shouldn't write on. It
doesn't it does not address
[26:30] doesn't it does not address
writing on a street because
[26:32] writing on a street because
you're allowed to do that in
[26:33] you're allowed to do that in
certain instances. So on public
[26:35] certain instances. So on public
sidewalks, on public bike
[26:37] sidewalks, on public bike
paths, bikeways, natural
[26:38] paths, bikeways, natural
surface trails, public parks,
[26:40] surface trails, public parks,
public conservation and
[26:42] public conservation and
recreation areas, playgrounds,
[26:45] recreation areas, playgrounds,
uh, private property without
[26:46] uh, private property without
written permission to do so,
[26:48] written permission to do so,
um, and um, up on away any time
[26:51] um, and um, up on away any time
after sunset or before sunrise.
[26:54] after sunset or before sunrise.
So those are the major issues.
[26:57] So those are the major issues.
Um, and then in addition, as
[26:59] Um, and then in addition, as
noted by the councillor before,
[27:01] noted by the councillor before,
if you are under 16, you are
[27:03] if you are under 16, you are
found to violate this
[27:04] found to violate this
ordinance. Um, you can have
[27:06] ordinance. Um, you can have
your the e-bike, um,
[27:10] your the e-bike, um,
confiscated, but you can get it
[27:12] confiscated, but you can get it
back in. There are certain
[27:13] back in. There are certain
penalties depending on what it
[27:15] penalties depending on what it
is, um, for how long it's held.
[27:17] is, um, for how long it's held.
And then you have to show proof
[27:18] And then you have to show proof
of ownership in order to get it
[27:19] of ownership in order to get it
back. So that's in there as
[27:21] back. So that's in there as
well.
[27:22] well.
Great. And to clarify for the,
[27:25] Great. And to clarify for the,
um, after dusk evening, our
[27:28] um, after dusk evening, our
riding, is it just scooters or
[27:30] riding, is it just scooters or
would this also cover e-bikes
[27:32] would this also cover e-bikes
themselves.
[27:33] themselves.
So it is. Uh, no person shall
[27:36] So it is. Uh, no person shall
operate in a scooter upon any
[27:38] operate in a scooter upon any
way at any time after sunset.
[27:40] way at any time after sunset.
And my guess is because those
[27:41] And my guess is because those
lack lights and fixtures that
[27:44] lack lights and fixtures that
would make it safer to ride in
[27:45] would make it safer to ride in
the evening. That's correct.
[27:46] the evening. That's correct.
Okay. And then, um, one thing
[27:49] Okay. And then, um, one thing
that jumped out at me, which I
[27:51] that jumped out at me, which I
100% agree, this is overdue and
[27:55] 100% agree, this is overdue and
needed for sure. Um, is I have
[27:58] needed for sure. Um, is I have
a concern about class one
[28:01] a concern about class one
e-bikes not being allowed on
[28:04] e-bikes not being allowed on
paved bike paths. Um, and I
[28:07] paved bike paths. Um, and I
guess for me, using some blue
[28:10] guess for me, using some blue
bikes, for example, in Boston
[28:12] bikes, for example, in Boston
also has e-bikes. Those are
[28:13] also has e-bikes. Those are
class one. They go to 18mph.
[28:16] class one. They go to 18mph.
Those are allowed on bike
[28:17] Those are allowed on bike
paths. I think just for me,
[28:19] paths. I think just for me,
considering our urban setting
[28:22] considering our urban setting
in the cheaper, more affordable
[28:25] in the cheaper, more affordable
transportation route that these
[28:27] transportation route that these
e-bikes, the class one version
[28:28] e-bikes, the class one version
provides. Um, I, I would like
[28:32] provides. Um, I, I would like
to see the class one e-bikes
[28:35] to see the class one e-bikes
allowed on our paved bike
[28:37] allowed on our paved bike
paths, not the natural
[28:39] paths, not the natural
surfaces, which is what is
[28:41] surfaces, which is what is
included in there already. And
[28:43] included in there already. And
of course, no sidewalks, which
[28:44] of course, no sidewalks, which
was also included in this
[28:45] was also included in this
proposed ordinance. And I
[28:46] proposed ordinance. And I
wanted to, um, present that to
[28:48] wanted to, um, present that to
my fellow councilors as a
[28:50] my fellow councilors as a
potential, um, change. If
[28:53] potential, um, change. If
anyone would like to consider.
[28:57] anyone would like to consider.
Uh, my only, uh, hesitation on
[29:01] Uh, my only, uh, hesitation on
that is we have gotten
[29:03] that is we have gotten
complaints from people on rail
[29:04] complaints from people on rail
trails that are paved that
[29:07] trails that are paved that
were, um, either hit or near
[29:10] were, um, either hit or near
hits. Um, on those paths.
[29:13] hits. Um, on those paths.
Um.
[29:14] Um.
Yeah. I think, um,
[29:17] Yeah. I think, um,
realistically speaking, whether
[29:19] realistically speaking, whether
you're pedal assist or not,
[29:20] you're pedal assist or not,
18mph is very feasible to do on
[29:23] 18mph is very feasible to do on
a regular bike on those paved
[29:25] a regular bike on those paved
paths to. So I would hate to
[29:27] paths to. So I would hate to
see us have to go back and
[29:29] see us have to go back and
adjust an ordinance if we were
[29:30] adjust an ordinance if we were
so lucky to have a bike share
[29:32] so lucky to have a bike share
program in the city in the
[29:33] program in the city in the
future, which is expanding to
[29:36] future, which is expanding to
our area to, um, which would be
[29:38] our area to, um, which would be
awesome. I think to have that
[29:40] awesome. I think to have that
kind of program, um, here in
[29:42] kind of program, um, here in
Haverhill. So, I mean, I think
[29:45] Haverhill. So, I mean, I think
with signage and education,
[29:48] with signage and education,
what's expected on a bike path,
[29:49] what's expected on a bike path,
a paved bike path, I would
[29:50] a paved bike path, I would
assume would go along with this
[29:52] assume would go along with this
kind of ordinance change also
[29:54] kind of ordinance change also
in the natural areas and in the
[29:55] in the natural areas and in the
conservation area. So, um, I
[29:58] conservation area. So, um, I
guess that would be my motion,
[30:00] guess that would be my motion,
if that's a proper way to
[30:01] if that's a proper way to
handle it.
[30:06] handle it.
Anything else? Councilor? Thank
[30:08] Anything else? Councilor? Thank
you. Thank you. Uh, Vice
[30:11] you. Thank you. Uh, Vice
President Richardson.
[30:13] President Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Um,
[30:15] Thank you, Mr. President. Um,
this is based on the Ride Safe
[30:18] this is based on the Ride Safe
Act, which hasn't been proposed
[30:22] Act, which hasn't been proposed
yet. It's not law, but I do
[30:25] yet. It's not law, but I do
think this is consistent with
[30:27] think this is consistent with
what my colleague was saying
[30:29] what my colleague was saying
about class one and class two
[30:32] about class one and class two
e-bikes. Maybe being in a
[30:34] e-bikes. Maybe being in a
different category. Uh, for
[30:37] different category. Uh, for
some things, uh, such as she
[30:41] some things, uh, such as she
mentioned, um, the T zero in
[30:45] mentioned, um, the T zero in
the ride Safe act, that tier
[30:47] the ride Safe act, that tier
zero includes class one and
[30:49] zero includes class one and
class two e-bikes up to 20mph.
[30:55] class two e-bikes up to 20mph.
So there's just a little more,
[30:57] So there's just a little more,
um, opportunity for the, um,
[31:03] um, opportunity for the, um,
the e-bikes. Then by grouping
[31:05] the e-bikes. Then by grouping
everything together. And, yeah.
[31:15] everything together. And, yeah.
So this is a policy issue for
[31:18] So this is a policy issue for
the council and the mayor,
[31:19] the council and the mayor,
right?
[31:20] right?
Yeah. That's why we're bringing
[31:22] Yeah. That's why we're bringing
it up. Right? Yeah. Oh, I'm
[31:27] it up. Right? Yeah. Oh, I'm
sorry. Um, I can't really see
[31:29] sorry. Um, I can't really see
you that good.
[31:30] you that good.
Though. Let's wait for that.
[31:33] Though. Let's wait for that.
Mic drop.
[31:38] Mic drop.
Councilors. Um, as far as the
[31:40] Councilors. Um, as far as the
different tiers, um, that is
[31:42] different tiers, um, that is
why the school committee banned
[31:45] why the school committee banned
all e-bikes from school
[31:47] all e-bikes from school
grounds. Because, uh, otherwise,
[31:49] grounds. Because, uh, otherwise,
you're putting a in the schools
[31:53] you're putting a in the schools
in particular, you are putting
[31:54] in particular, you are putting
a burden on either the SRO or
[31:56] a burden on either the SRO or
the principal to make a
[31:58] the principal to make a
determination how fast an
[32:00] determination how fast an
e-bike goes. And you can't it's
[32:02] e-bike goes. And you can't it's
not emblazoned on the side of a
[32:04] not emblazoned on the side of a
bike. So I think that's why we
[32:06] bike. So I think that's why we
included it. Uh, they are at 18
[32:09] included it. Uh, they are at 18
miles an hour. If a five a
[32:11] miles an hour. If a five a
fifth grader is driving it, it
[32:13] fifth grader is driving it, it
is still 18 miles an hour. It
[32:15] is still 18 miles an hour. It
is still a dangerous vehicle
[32:17] is still a dangerous vehicle
ridden by somebody that does
[32:18] ridden by somebody that does
not understand the rules of the
[32:19] not understand the rules of the
road.
[32:23] road.
Uh, thank you very much on
[32:25] Uh, thank you very much on
that. And I do have another
[32:28] that. And I do have another
policy type. Um, question, but
[32:31] policy type. Um, question, but
it's not, um, you know, it's
[32:33] it's not, um, you know, it's
it's not a big hitter, but, uh,
[32:36] it's not a big hitter, but, uh,
should the 30 to 90 day
[32:40] should the 30 to 90 day
impoundment apply to every
[32:42] impoundment apply to every
listed repeat offense or only
[32:45] listed repeat offense or only
repeated serious and dangerous
[32:48] repeated serious and dangerous
conduct?
[32:57] conduct?
Amenable to a different number
[32:59] Amenable to a different number
or different? You know, if you
[33:03] or different? You know, if you
want to suggest something.
[33:05] want to suggest something.
Okay, what do you think? Well,
[33:09] Okay, what do you think? Well,
maybe some of my colleagues
[33:10] maybe some of my colleagues
will respond to that. Thank
[33:13] will respond to that. Thank
you, Mr. President.
[33:13] you, Mr. President.
You're welcome. Vice President
[33:15] You're welcome. Vice President
Richardson, just to be clear,
[33:17] Richardson, just to be clear,
so Councilor Ferreira made a
[33:19] so Councilor Ferreira made a
motion. And if I understood
[33:20] motion. And if I understood
correctly, your motion was to
[33:22] correctly, your motion was to
allow, uh, scooters or.
[33:25] allow, uh, scooters or.
To allow.
[33:27] To allow.
Class one.
[33:28] Class one.
To allow class.
[33:28] To allow class.
One on paved bike paths within
[33:31] One on paved bike paths within
the city. And I just wanted to
[33:33] the city. And I just wanted to
clarify that in the ordinance,
[33:35] clarify that in the ordinance,
as before, us under operating
[33:37] as before, us under operating
restrictions. So that's section
[33:41] restrictions. So that's section
222-63 letter I recreational
[33:45] 222-63 letter I recreational
motorized vehicles, excluding
[33:47] motorized vehicles, excluding
e-bikes, shall not be operated
[33:48] e-bikes, shall not be operated
on any way by a person under 16
[33:50] on any way by a person under 16
years of age. So that's already
[33:51] years of age. So that's already
in the ordinance. The age
[33:52] in the ordinance. The age
restrictions are already there.
[33:54] restrictions are already there.
This would be for adult riders
[33:56] This would be for adult riders
over the age of 16. Young
[33:58] over the age of 16. Young
writers, however you say it,
[34:00] writers, however you say it,
um, to be allowed to operate
[34:02] um, to be allowed to operate
e-bikes, which are class one,
[34:04] e-bikes, which are class one,
which can go up to 20 miles an
[34:06] which can go up to 20 miles an
hour on our paved, um, bike
[34:08] hour on our paved, um, bike
paths. So that would be my.
[34:10] paths. So that would be my.
motion to make that change.
[34:12] motion to make that change.
Thank you. Are you seconding
[34:13] Thank you. Are you seconding
it? Yes.
[34:14] it? Yes.
Yes.
[34:17] Yes.
Okay. We have other councilors
[34:18] Okay. We have other councilors
that want to weigh in.
[34:19] that want to weigh in.
Councilor Sullivan.
[34:20] Councilor Sullivan.
Yes.
[34:20] Yes.
Um.
[34:21] Um.
On that subject, I would say I
[34:23] On that subject, I would say I
would leave it alone and let's
[34:24] would leave it alone and let's
see how it works. But I'm more
[34:26] see how it works. But I'm more
concerned about how we're going
[34:27] concerned about how we're going
to enforce this new ordinance.
[34:28] to enforce this new ordinance.
Lieutenant Lynch, could you
[34:29] Lieutenant Lynch, could you
come up, just tell us if the
[34:31] come up, just tell us if the
department is prepared to
[34:33] department is prepared to
launch any kind of an effort to
[34:35] launch any kind of an effort to
not only, uh, enforce, but and
[34:38] not only, uh, enforce, but and
others educate, educate the
[34:39] others educate, educate the
public? I know we've done a lot
[34:40] public? I know we've done a lot
of educating in the schools,
[34:42] of educating in the schools,
uh, you know, getting that
[34:43] uh, you know, getting that
straight straightened out. But
[34:44] straight straightened out. But
now, how are we going to
[34:45] now, how are we going to
educate the community and how
[34:46] educate the community and how
are we going to enforce this?
[34:47] are we going to enforce this?
Lieutenant Lynch well.
[34:48] Lieutenant Lynch well.
We're going to use social
[34:49] We're going to use social
media. We're going to partner
[34:50] media. We're going to partner
with the schools to teach the
[34:52] with the schools to teach the
children, you know, that they
[34:55] children, you know, that they
have to follow this. You know,
[34:57] have to follow this. You know,
additionally, an issue that's
[34:58] additionally, an issue that's
come up recently is kids are
[35:01] come up recently is kids are
riding these bikes, chaining
[35:02] riding these bikes, chaining
them to trees, poles, signs. So
[35:06] them to trees, poles, signs. So
what's going to happen now is
[35:08] what's going to happen now is
if they continue to do this,
[35:09] if they continue to do this,
we're going to cut the locks.
[35:12] we're going to cut the locks.
We're going to keep them for
[35:13] We're going to keep them for
safe. Keep. If it's on a city
[35:16] safe. Keep. If it's on a city
tree, a city sign, a city pole,
[35:18] tree, a city sign, a city pole,
anything on city property,
[35:20] anything on city property,
we're going to let the schools
[35:22] we're going to let the schools
know so they can educate the
[35:23] know so they can educate the
kids and the parents to say, if
[35:25] kids and the parents to say, if
this happens, this is what's
[35:26] this happens, this is what's
going to happen. It's going to
[35:28] going to happen. It's going to
be taken by us for safekeeping,
[35:31] be taken by us for safekeeping,
and they can show proof of
[35:32] and they can show proof of
ownership and it'll be
[35:33] ownership and it'll be
returned. But we see them all
[35:35] returned. But we see them all
around the school grounds, all
[35:37] around the school grounds, all
around neighborhoods change the
[35:39] around neighborhoods change the
trees, and we're just not going
[35:41] trees, and we're just not going
to allow it.
[35:42] to allow it.
And what can we do to increase
[35:44] And what can we do to increase
awareness and and control the
[35:46] awareness and and control the
situation in the inner city
[35:47] situation in the inner city
streets, Winter Street and
[35:49] streets, Winter Street and
Primrose Street and all the
[35:50] Primrose Street and all the
tight streets in the inner
[35:51] tight streets in the inner
city? The way we've all heard
[35:53] city? The way we've all heard
or seen potential horror shows
[35:55] or seen potential horror shows
or tragedies when kids are
[35:57] or tragedies when kids are
whipping through the
[35:57] whipping through the
intersections, not stopping at
[35:59] intersections, not stopping at
red lights and such.
[36:00] red lights and such.
And that goes back to
[36:02] And that goes back to
education. And a big component
[36:04] education. And a big component
is we're going to have to
[36:05] is we're going to have to
educate parents. Parents need
[36:06] educate parents. Parents need
to take responsibility for
[36:08] to take responsibility for
their children and not buy the
[36:10] their children and not buy the
three $400 scooters and let
[36:13] three $400 scooters and let
them go out on the street. And
[36:15] them go out on the street. And
if they're we do confiscate it.
[36:18] if they're we do confiscate it.
We educate the parents and
[36:21] We educate the parents and
we'll just continue to do that.
[36:22] we'll just continue to do that.
That's that's all we can do. We
[36:24] That's that's all we can do. We
don't need another tragedy.
[36:26] don't need another tragedy.
Right.
[36:27] Right.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
[36:28] Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
President.
[36:28] President.
Thank you, Councillor Sullivan.
[36:30] Thank you, Councillor Sullivan.
Councilor Ferreira, did you
[36:31] Councilor Ferreira, did you
have more? Thank you. Okay. Um,
[36:34] have more? Thank you. Okay. Um,
yeah, I have a couple of
[36:35] yeah, I have a couple of
questions. Follow up, I think,
[36:36] questions. Follow up, I think,
for you, Lieutenant Lynch. So,
[36:38] for you, Lieutenant Lynch. So,
um, do you feel like with these
[36:41] um, do you feel like with these
changes, you have what you
[36:43] changes, you have what you
need? I know this came up at
[36:44] need? I know this came up at
the subcommittee meeting I
[36:45] the subcommittee meeting I
attended was at that time, you
[36:46] attended was at that time, you
guys felt somewhat powerless. I
[36:49] guys felt somewhat powerless. I
don't wanna put words in your
[36:49] don't wanna put words in your
mouth, but, like, as far as
[36:50] mouth, but, like, as far as
being able to. When enforce.
[36:52] being able to. When enforce.
Now, what if this passes
[36:53] Now, what if this passes
tonight? Do you feel like you
[36:55] tonight? Do you feel like you
have the tools you need? I know
[36:56] have the tools you need? I know
one of the things you mentioned
[36:57] one of the things you mentioned
was then was the, which is a
[36:59] was then was the, which is a
question mark about being able
[37:00] question mark about being able
to confiscate the bikes. Now,
[37:02] to confiscate the bikes. Now,
if we approve this, you'll have
[37:03] if we approve this, you'll have
that authority. Does this give
[37:05] that authority. Does this give
you what you feel like you need
[37:06] you what you feel like you need
to make a meaningful
[37:07] to make a meaningful
difference?
[37:08] difference?
Yes. It's definitely a stock.
[37:10] Yes. It's definitely a stock.
We have to start somewhere.
[37:11] We have to start somewhere.
Yeah.
[37:11] Yeah.
So.
[37:13] So.
And, um, just for the public
[37:15] And, um, just for the public
and everybody watching, paying
[37:16] and everybody watching, paying
attention. Among the complaints
[37:18] attention. Among the complaints
I hear a lot and just see is
[37:20] I hear a lot and just see is
people riding these without
[37:21] people riding these without
helmets on. Is that reason
[37:23] helmets on. Is that reason
enough? Whether they're over
[37:25] enough? Whether they're over
the age of 16 under the age of
[37:26] the age of 16 under the age of
16, can you stop them for
[37:28] 16, can you stop them for
riding without a helmet.
[37:31] riding without a helmet.
Under 16? It's a law. You're
[37:32] Under 16? It's a law. You're
supposed to wear a helmet.
[37:33] supposed to wear a helmet.
Okay.
[37:34] Okay.
So it's under 16.
[37:35] So it's under 16.
Okay.
[37:36] Okay.
Thank you, Councillor Diodati.
[37:38] Thank you, Councillor Diodati.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[37:40] Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm just curious to know, like
[37:41] I'm just curious to know, like
the levels of these bikes, how
[37:43] the levels of these bikes, how
do you actually tell which
[37:44] do you actually tell which
one's a level one or a level
[37:45] one's a level one or a level
two?
[37:46] two?
Like do.
[37:47] Like do.
A lot of it goes by the voltage
[37:50] A lot of it goes by the voltage
of motors, which does create a
[37:53] of motors, which does create a
problem because there's you can
[37:56] problem because there's you can
take a motor out, open it up,
[37:58] take a motor out, open it up,
put a semiconductor in, do
[38:00] put a semiconductor in, do
things, put it back together
[38:02] things, put it back together
and it can go 40 miles an hour.
[38:03] and it can go 40 miles an hour.
But it's going to say it's
[38:04] But it's going to say it's
going to go 20.
[38:05] going to go 20.
So that the tier one could
[38:07] So that the tier one could
ultimately be manipulated to be
[38:09] ultimately be manipulated to be
faster than 20 miles an hour.
[38:11] faster than 20 miles an hour.
Yes.
[38:12] Yes.
And then I guess my other
[38:13] And then I guess my other
concern with, uh, Councilor
[38:14] concern with, uh, Councilor
Ferreira's motion is it's like
[38:16] Ferreira's motion is it's like
from a policing perspective,
[38:19] from a policing perspective,
it's someone's on one of these
[38:20] it's someone's on one of these
things. Maybe they don't even
[38:21] things. Maybe they don't even
know what they have. Um, and if
[38:23] know what they have. Um, and if
something were to whiz by me at
[38:24] something were to whiz by me at
20 miles an hour, I'm just
[38:25] 20 miles an hour, I'm just
going to assume it's the
[38:26] going to assume it's the
fastest one on the market,
[38:27] fastest one on the market,
because that's pretty fast for
[38:28] because that's pretty fast for
someone to be coming by you at
[38:30] someone to be coming by you at
a standstill. I think it would
[38:31] a standstill. I think it would
be. Would you agree it would be
[38:33] be. Would you agree it would be
hard to police? Um, if we did
[38:35] hard to police? Um, if we did
decide to kind of tear how
[38:37] decide to kind of tear how
these things went on the
[38:38] these things went on the
public.
[38:38] public.
Trails.
[38:39] Trails.
It'll be difficult.
[38:41] It'll be difficult.
Okay. All right. That's all I
[38:43] Okay. All right. That's all I
got.
[38:43] got.
Thank you.
[38:44] Thank you.
Thank you, councillor Diodati.
[38:45] Thank you, councillor Diodati.
Councillor McGonigle.
[38:46] Councillor McGonigle.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[38:47] Thank you, Mr. President.
And just following up on
[38:49] And just following up on
Councillor Dodds, I think it
[38:50] Councillor Dodds, I think it
would be very hard to police by
[38:53] would be very hard to police by
seeing it or there's no labels
[38:55] seeing it or there's no labels
on them. As the mayor pointed
[38:56] on them. As the mayor pointed
out saying I'm this or I'm
[38:58] out saying I'm this or I'm
that. The model number. So I
[39:00] that. The model number. So I
would rather err on the side of
[39:02] would rather err on the side of
caution so I won't support that
[39:05] caution so I won't support that
motion because I think it's too
[39:07] motion because I think it's too
hard to regulate that. It'd be
[39:10] hard to regulate that. It'd be
easy to just say, hey, get on a
[39:11] easy to just say, hey, get on a
bike, or find another way of
[39:13] bike, or find another way of
transportation, not something
[39:15] transportation, not something
that's electric. So thank you,
[39:17] that's electric. So thank you,
Mr. President.
[39:17] Mr. President.
Thank you. Councillor
[39:18] Thank you. Councillor
McGonigle. Councillor Rogers.
[39:19] McGonigle. Councillor Rogers.
A quick, quick question. The
[39:21] A quick, quick question. The
rail trails, are they bike
[39:22] rail trails, are they bike
paths called bike paths two. Is
[39:24] paths called bike paths two. Is
that what we're when we're
[39:25] that what we're when we're
talking about a bike path. What
[39:26] talking about a bike path. What
are we, a paved bike. Are you.
[39:28] are we, a paved bike. Are you.
Talking about.
[39:28] Talking about.
Just a real I would say the
[39:29] Just a real I would say the
rail trail would be considered.
[39:30] rail trail would be considered.
That. But not the wooden bridge
[39:32] That. But not the wooden bridge
or the wooden rail trail. So, I
[39:34] or the wooden rail trail. So, I
mean, I think it's I'm
[39:35] mean, I think it's I'm
struggling with that one the
[39:37] struggling with that one the
other day because I don't think
[39:39] other day because I don't think
we have set bike paths in
[39:40] we have set bike paths in
Haverhill, do we? Other than
[39:41] Haverhill, do we? Other than
the street. And then the other
[39:43] the street. And then the other
day I was going down the main
[39:45] day I was going down the main
street and there was a bike
[39:47] street and there was a bike
coming. Bikes was supposed to
[39:48] coming. Bikes was supposed to
go with traffic. Is that
[39:49] go with traffic. Is that
correct?
[39:50] correct?
Bikes are supposed to follow
[39:51] Bikes are supposed to follow
all rules of the road and
[39:52] all rules of the road and
supposed to stop at red lights,
[39:54] supposed to stop at red lights,
stop signs, just like just like
[39:56] stop signs, just like just like
a car does.
[39:57] a car does.
Well. So this e-bike was
[39:58] Well. So this e-bike was
driving against was on our
[39:59] driving against was on our
side. I'm going this way. It's
[40:00] side. I'm going this way. It's
coming back this way.
[40:01] coming back this way.
Completely opposite of what
[40:02] Completely opposite of what
you're supposed to be doing.
[40:03] you're supposed to be doing.
And then it swerves off to the
[40:05] And then it swerves off to the
sidewalk, in and out. I didn't
[40:06] sidewalk, in and out. I didn't
have a helmet. I don't know if
[40:07] have a helmet. I don't know if
she was 16 or not, but, um, I'd
[40:10] she was 16 or not, but, um, I'd
struggle with the bike path one
[40:12] struggle with the bike path one
or the, you know. So. Okay, so
[40:13] or the, you know. So. Okay, so
I'm not sure I support the
[40:15] I'm not sure I support the
motion. Thank you.
[40:16] motion. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Rogers. I
[40:18] Thank you, Councillor Rogers. I
don't see any of the lights on,
[40:19] don't see any of the lights on,
so, um, we have the motion.
[40:21] so, um, we have the motion.
Well, the initial motion, uh,
[40:24] Well, the initial motion, uh,
to by Councillor Ferreira to
[40:26] to by Councillor Ferreira to
allow the class one e-bikes on
[40:28] allow the class one e-bikes on
paved rail trails, seconded by
[40:30] paved rail trails, seconded by
Vice President Mitchinson.
[40:31] Vice President Mitchinson.
Madam clerk, would you please
[40:32] Madam clerk, would you please
call the roll on that?
[40:33] call the roll on that?
Vice President Richardson? Yes,
[40:35] Vice President Richardson? Yes,
councillor. Brasilia. Yes.
[40:37] councillor. Brasilia. Yes.
Councillor. Diodati?
[40:38] Councillor. Diodati?
No. Councillor.
[40:39] No. Councillor.
Sullivan. No. Councillor.
[40:40] Sullivan. No. Councillor.
Ferreira.
[40:41] Ferreira.
Yes.
[40:41] Yes.
Councillor. Toohey. No.
[40:43] Councillor. Toohey. No.
Councillor McGonigle.
[40:44] Councillor McGonigle.
No.
[40:45] No.
Councillor LePage.
[40:46] Councillor LePage.
No.
[40:47] No.
Councillor. Rogers. No. And
[40:49] Councillor. Rogers. No. And
President Jordan.
[40:49] President Jordan.
No.
[40:52] No.
Threes nine. I don't like.
[40:54] Threes nine. I don't like.
Math.
[40:55] Math.
Seven.
[40:55] Seven.
Seven. Seven. Nays one. Absent.
[40:58] Seven. Seven. Nays one. Absent.
That fails. Uh, do we have a
[41:01] That fails. Uh, do we have a
motion for the ordinance?
[41:03] motion for the ordinance?
So moved. Second.
[41:04] So moved. Second.
I missed. Who did the first
[41:06] I missed. Who did the first
one? Sorry.
[41:06] one? Sorry.
Uh, Councillor Sullivan.
[41:08] Uh, Councillor Sullivan.
Sullivan.
[41:09] Sullivan.
And the second was Joey Toohey.
[41:12] And the second was Joey Toohey.
Madam clerk, please call the
[41:13] Madam clerk, please call the
roll.
[41:14] roll.
Vice president. Mitchinson.
[41:15] Vice president. Mitchinson.
Yes. Councillor. Basler. Yes.
[41:17] Yes. Councillor. Basler. Yes.
Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
[41:18] Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
[41:19] Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
[41:20] Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
[41:21] Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
Councillor McGonagall. Yes.
[41:22] Councillor McGonagall. Yes.
Councillor LePage. Yes.
[41:23] Councillor LePage. Yes.
Councillor Rogers and President
[41:25] Councillor Rogers and President
Jordan. Yes. And yeas and nays.
[41:27] Jordan. Yes. And yeas and nays.
One.
[41:28] One.
Absent that passes. Uh, Madam
[41:30] Absent that passes. Uh, Madam
Clerk, next item.
[41:31] Clerk, next item.
Mayor Barrett submits an order
[41:33] Mayor Barrett submits an order
relating to the water Use
[41:34] relating to the water Use
Restriction Ordinance, chapter
[41:36] Restriction Ordinance, chapter
250, article six of the code of
[41:38] 250, article six of the code of
the City of Haverhill. Order
[41:39] the City of Haverhill. Order
that the City Council hereby
[41:41] that the City Council hereby
votes to repeal and replace
[41:42] votes to repeal and replace
chapter 250, article six of the
[41:44] chapter 250, article six of the
code of the City of Haverhill,
[41:45] code of the City of Haverhill,
entitled Water Restriction in
[41:47] entitled Water Restriction in
its entirety with the following
[41:48] its entirety with the following
arrives. Revised ordinance
[41:50] arrives. Revised ordinance
filed on September 23rd of
[41:52] filed on September 23rd of
2026.
[41:53] 2026.
Mayor Barrett.
[41:53] Mayor Barrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
[41:55] Thank you, Mr. President. Thank
you. Councillors. Uh, obviously
[41:56] you. Councillors. Uh, obviously
we are in a critical drought
[41:59] we are in a critical drought
situation right now. And, um,
[42:01] situation right now. And, um,
this, uh, change in the
[42:03] this, uh, change in the
ordinance has been through, um,
[42:05] ordinance has been through, um,
I think two committees, maybe
[42:07] I think two committees, maybe
three committee meetings. Um,
[42:10] three committee meetings. Um,
and, uh, the planning and
[42:12] and, uh, the planning and
development, I believe, might
[42:13] development, I believe, might
have had it last. And these are
[42:16] have had it last. And these are
based, uh, this ordinance is
[42:17] based, uh, this ordinance is
based on the suggestions of the
[42:19] based on the suggestions of the
Planning and Development
[42:20] Planning and Development
Committee. Uh, no, it wasn't
[42:22] Committee. Uh, no, it wasn't
planning.
[42:23] planning.
Development that was given to
[42:24] Development that was given to
you, but we didn't agree on it.
[42:25] you, but we didn't agree on it.
Oh.
[42:25] Oh.
It was.
[42:26] It was.
A split vote. I'm sorry. I know
[42:28] A split vote. I'm sorry. I know
you're correct. Um, there was
[42:30] you're correct. Um, there was
some disagreement on a few of
[42:33] some disagreement on a few of
the issues before you. Uh, we
[42:35] the issues before you. Uh, we
we present this to you, and,
[42:38] we present this to you, and,
you know, you can hash out
[42:39] you know, you can hash out
exactly how you want to proceed
[42:42] exactly how you want to proceed
here. Um, you know, there are
[42:44] here. Um, you know, there are
aspects of this that are are,
[42:46] aspects of this that are are,
you know, are clean up, you
[42:49] you know, are clean up, you
know, what we call critical,
[42:50] know, what we call critical,
what we call warnings. It gives
[42:53] what we call warnings. It gives
some, um, color colorization to
[42:57] some, um, color colorization to
the warnings, which I think are
[42:59] the warnings, which I think are
good. Um, there are some things
[43:00] good. Um, there are some things
that I don't know if it's
[43:02] that I don't know if it's
necessary, um, to pursue. Um,
[43:05] necessary, um, to pursue. Um,
you know, the, the, the
[43:07] you know, the, the, the
private. Well, I think would be
[43:09] private. Well, I think would be
a little hard to enforce, but,
[43:11] a little hard to enforce, but,
uh, uh, we can acquiesce to
[43:16] uh, uh, we can acquiesce to
your, uh, judgment there. Um,
[43:18] your, uh, judgment there. Um,
but Bob Ward is here. Uh, if
[43:21] but Bob Ward is here. Uh, if
you have any technical
[43:22] you have any technical
questions regarding this, um,
[43:26] questions regarding this, um,
and, um, I leave the final
[43:30] and, um, I leave the final
decisions to you on this, and
[43:32] decisions to you on this, and
I'm here to weigh in. Also, if
[43:33] I'm here to weigh in. Also, if
you need me.
[43:34] you need me.
Thank you. Bob, you have things
[43:36] Thank you. Bob, you have things
you want to say before
[43:37] you want to say before
councillors start asking
[43:38] councillors start asking
questions or..
[43:41] questions or..
Sure. Um, for the record,
[43:43] Sure. Um, for the record,
Robert Ward, DPW director,
[43:45] Robert Ward, DPW director,
water Wastewater City,
[43:46] water Wastewater City,
Haverhill. Um, I can kind of
[43:50] Haverhill. Um, I can kind of
quickly summarize the the major
[43:53] quickly summarize the the major
changes. I'll try to do it
[43:55] changes. I'll try to do it
quickly.
[43:55] quickly.
Thank you.
[43:56] Thank you.
I can't promise anything on
[43:58] I can't promise anything on
that.
[43:58] that.
One.
[44:00] One.
So as the mayor said, some of
[44:02] So as the mayor said, some of
these, uh, or at least a couple
[44:03] these, uh, or at least a couple
of them are recommendations
[44:05] of them are recommendations
that came out of the Planning
[44:07] that came out of the Planning
and Development Committee
[44:08] and Development Committee
meeting that we had some time
[44:10] meeting that we had some time
back. Um, so just going through
[44:13] back. Um, so just going through
quickly, um, there's a couple
[44:15] quickly, um, there's a couple
of those recommendations.
[44:17] of those recommendations.
There's also the mayor
[44:18] There's also the mayor
mentioned some things, sort of
[44:20] mentioned some things, sort of
like clean up items, and those
[44:22] like clean up items, and those
are, um, items that we work
[44:26] are, um, items that we work
with. The City Solicitor's
[44:27] with. The City Solicitor's
office to. Some of it is to
[44:29] office to. Some of it is to
more closely align our
[44:31] more closely align our
ordinance with the state
[44:34] ordinance with the state
regulations as well as our
[44:36] regulations as well as our
Water Management Act permit. So,
[44:38] Water Management Act permit. So,
um, in particular, the, uh, the
[44:43] um, in particular, the, uh, the
drought triggers and the, uh,
[44:46] drought triggers and the, uh,
action levels, they're actually
[44:48] action levels, they're actually
a little bit tightened up. Um,
[44:51] a little bit tightened up. Um,
they align more with the
[44:53] they align more with the
state's level one, two, three,
[44:56] state's level one, two, three,
four. We changed our names a
[44:57] four. We changed our names a
little bit. Um, but it's still
[44:59] little bit. Um, but it's still
the same number of levels. The
[45:02] the same number of levels. The
10%, 35%, and so on are the
[45:05] 10%, 35%, and so on are the
same actual lake levels. We
[45:08] same actual lake levels. We
just changed the names to align
[45:10] just changed the names to align
with the state. Um, a few, some
[45:12] with the state. Um, a few, some
of the trigger levels. We, we
[45:14] of the trigger levels. We, we
tighten them up a little bit.
[45:17] tighten them up a little bit.
They're a little more defined.
[45:20] They're a little more defined.
Um, and one in particular, I
[45:22] Um, and one in particular, I
want to say it's the I don't
[45:26] want to say it's the I don't
want us to tell you
[45:27] want us to tell you
incorrectly. So I'll take a
[45:29] incorrectly. So I'll take a
look. I think it's level two.
[45:33] look. I think it's level two.
Uh, for example, level two, I
[45:35] Uh, for example, level two, I
think in the current ordinance,
[45:37] think in the current ordinance,
might is a little looser. It's
[45:39] might is a little looser. It's
it might even be voluntary type
[45:42] it might even be voluntary type
conservation, whereas the new
[45:44] conservation, whereas the new
one, uh, it's it's a little bit
[45:47] one, uh, it's it's a little bit
more restrictive. And that's at
[45:49] more restrictive. And that's at
the 20% reduction in the lake
[45:50] the 20% reduction in the lake
level. So some things like
[45:53] level. So some things like
that, it's a little better.
[45:55] that, it's a little better.
It's a little better defined
[45:57] It's a little better defined
too. And like I said, that
[46:00] too. And like I said, that
comes out of matching up with
[46:02] comes out of matching up with
the state regulations.
[46:09] the state regulations.
Clarified authority and
[46:12] Clarified authority and
applicability. This is where
[46:15] applicability. This is where
the mayor mentioned private
[46:19] the mayor mentioned private
wells. So this if you look in
[46:21] wells. So this if you look in
the applicability section, this
[46:24] the applicability section, this
ordinance would apply to
[46:27] ordinance would apply to
private wells as well as, uh,
[46:31] private wells as well as, uh,
public water system customers.
[46:33] public water system customers.
So that covers all of them. It
[46:36] So that covers all of them. It
wasn't my recommendation, but
[46:39] wasn't my recommendation, but
um, so that's what that's all.
[46:42] um, so that's what that's all.
About. That's what.
[46:43] About. That's what.
You said. You said that's not.
[46:44] You said. You said that's not.
Your recommendation.
[46:45] Your recommendation.
Yeah.
[46:46] Yeah.
That came from that was a
[46:48] That came from that was a
recommendation with the
[46:49] recommendation with the
Planning and Development
[46:50] Planning and Development
Committee, not the committee,
[46:51] Committee, not the committee,
but some individuals.
[46:53] but some individuals.
Not me.
[46:53] Not me.
It was mine.
[46:54] It was mine.
I think.
[46:54] I think.
It was one of.
[46:55] It was one of.
Those districts. Certainly
[46:56] Those districts. Certainly
won't be made.
[46:56] won't be made.
It was one of those.
[46:57] It was one of those.
District council.
[46:58] District council.
Agreed upon items.
[47:00] Agreed upon items.
So go back. to Mr..
[47:02] So go back. to Mr..
Ward, back to this. So there's
[47:06] Ward, back to this. So there's
a definition or two that we're
[47:08] a definition or two that we're
updated. Uh, it says expanded
[47:11] updated. Uh, it says expanded
exemptions. That's a little
[47:12] exemptions. That's a little
misleading. So we already had
[47:15] misleading. So we already had
exemptions in the current ah
[47:17] exemptions in the current ah
have exemptions. And the
[47:19] have exemptions. And the
current ordinance, the
[47:22] current ordinance, the
exemptions listed here are I
[47:26] exemptions listed here are I
think it's a little better
[47:27] think it's a little better
defined. It's very similar.
[47:29] defined. It's very similar.
It's pretty much the same as
[47:30] It's pretty much the same as
what we had. But it's a little
[47:32] what we had. But it's a little
better spelled out here in this
[47:34] better spelled out here in this
ordinance. Uh, for example, you
[47:37] ordinance. Uh, for example, you
have the businesses where the
[47:39] have the businesses where the
water outdoor water use is
[47:41] water outdoor water use is
really core to their business.
[47:42] really core to their business.
So that's still an exemption.
[47:44] So that's still an exemption.
Those types of things, uh,
[47:46] Those types of things, uh,
livestock, agriculture, things
[47:49] livestock, agriculture, things
like that. So those are all
[47:50] like that. So those are all
still there? I think it's a
[47:53] still there? I think it's a
little better defined and that
[47:55] little better defined and that
it's modeled after the the
[47:57] it's modeled after the the
state regulation language. It's
[48:02] state regulation language. It's
a little bit on the automatic
[48:04] a little bit on the automatic
irrigation systems, a little
[48:05] irrigation systems, a little
bit of cleanup. There. We
[48:10] bit of cleanup. There. We
added, uh, there is an add
[48:12] added, uh, there is an add
regarding irrigation system
[48:14] regarding irrigation system
requirements and it's to it
[48:18] requirements and it's to it
requires on lawn, automatic
[48:21] requires on lawn, automatic
lawn irrigation systems. It
[48:23] lawn irrigation systems. It
requires soil moisture sensors,
[48:25] requires soil moisture sensors,
rain sensors and flow sensors.
[48:28] rain sensors and flow sensors.
And that's on newly installed
[48:32] And that's on newly installed
systems, as well as systems
[48:34] systems, as well as systems
that are being going to be
[48:36] that are being going to be
repaired. We actually do get
[48:38] repaired. We actually do get
applications for abatements at
[48:40] applications for abatements at
the water wastewater abatement
[48:42] the water wastewater abatement
board for leaks and irrigation
[48:44] board for leaks and irrigation
systems. So I think. To have a
[48:48] systems. So I think. To have a
flow sensor on those systems, I
[48:50] flow sensor on those systems, I
think is very important because
[48:52] think is very important because
when they leak to a lot of
[48:53] when they leak to a lot of
water. So the other thing we
[48:56] water. So the other thing we
would probably end up doing is
[48:57] would probably end up doing is
we would we would make an
[49:00] we would we would make an
abatement if the abatement
[49:02] abatement if the abatement
board was going to abate.
[49:03] board was going to abate.
Somebody that had a leak in the
[49:04] Somebody that had a leak in the
irrigation system to make the
[49:06] irrigation system to make the
abatement contingent upon
[49:08] abatement contingent upon
installing all this stuff. So
[49:11] installing all this stuff. So
I, I kind of like that new
[49:15] I, I kind of like that new
section. New baseline, seasonal
[49:20] section. New baseline, seasonal
conservation standards. So that
[49:23] conservation standards. So that
establishes a seasonal outdoor
[49:25] establishes a seasonal outdoor
water use limitations
[49:29] water use limitations
From.
[49:30] From.
May 15th.
[49:30] May 15th.
Through September 30th, and
[49:35] Through September 30th, and
that's section 2250 25. And it
[49:40] that's section 2250 25. And it
says from May 15th through
[49:43] says from May 15th through
September 30th. Non-essential
[49:45] September 30th. Non-essential
outdoor water use shall be
[49:46] outdoor water use shall be
limited to before 9 a.m. and
[49:48] limited to before 9 a.m. and
after 5 p.m., unless otherwise
[49:50] after 5 p.m., unless otherwise
modified by the city. And a
[49:53] modified by the city. And a
further says the city may
[49:55] further says the city may
further restrict such use in
[49:57] further restrict such use in
accordance with 250, 25.1 and
[50:00] accordance with 250, 25.1 and
250 25.2, which those are just
[50:04] 250 25.2, which those are just
those typical action and
[50:06] those typical action and
trigger levels that I just
[50:07] trigger levels that I just
talked about a minute ago. So
[50:10] talked about a minute ago. So
that's a new one. A revised
[50:16] that's a new one. A revised
drought trigger levels and
[50:19] drought trigger levels and
response actions. We we talked
[50:20] response actions. We we talked
about that already. Suspension
[50:25] about that already. Suspension
of deduct meter credits. So
[50:28] of deduct meter credits. So
right now the people with
[50:31] right now the people with
irrigation systems can have a
[50:33] irrigation systems can have a
deduct meter. And basically any
[50:37] deduct meter. And basically any
water goes through the water
[50:39] water goes through the water
meter goes out to the lawn,
[50:41] meter goes out to the lawn,
goes through the deduct meter.
[50:43] goes through the deduct meter.
And whatever water goes through
[50:44] And whatever water goes through
that deduct meter, they get a
[50:45] that deduct meter, they get a
credit off their wastewater
[50:47] credit off their wastewater
bill. So this says under a
[50:51] bill. So this says under a
level three or a level four
[50:53] level three or a level four
drought condition, which you're
[50:56] drought condition, which you're
not supposed to be using your
[50:57] not supposed to be using your
irrigation systems anyway. It
[51:00] irrigation systems anyway. It
says that they will not. Their
[51:04] says that they will not. Their
deduct credits will be
[51:05] deduct credits will be
suspended during that the
[51:07] suspended during that the
period when during a level
[51:09] period when during a level
three and a level four drought
[51:11] three and a level four drought
condition. So it sort of I
[51:14] condition. So it sort of I
think gets a bad word, but it
[51:17] think gets a bad word, but it
we do have people this summer
[51:19] we do have people this summer
that we're running the
[51:20] that we're running the
irrigation systems and those
[51:22] irrigation systems and those
credits are on the deduct
[51:24] credits are on the deduct
meters. And this will allow us
[51:25] meters. And this will allow us
a mechanism to not give them a
[51:28] a mechanism to not give them a
deduct on, on that water used
[51:31] deduct on, on that water used
on their lawns. So and then
[51:35] on their lawns. So and then
this is strengthened
[51:36] this is strengthened
enforcement provisions. That's
[51:38] enforcement provisions. That's
basically um increasing the
[51:41] basically um increasing the
fines. So the fines are now
[51:44] fines. So the fines are now
there are 5100. And I don't
[51:49] there are 5100. And I don't
know if it's 150 or 200. The
[51:52] know if it's 150 or 200. The
new ones are 100, 203 hundred.
[51:56] new ones are 100, 203 hundred.
Uh, there's also a warning. And
[51:58] Uh, there's also a warning. And
what we did this year, we we.
[52:04] what we did this year, we we.
We worked into this outdoor
[52:07] We worked into this outdoor
water use restriction very
[52:09] water use restriction very
slowly. We we tried to get word
[52:12] slowly. We we tried to get word
out through a lot of different
[52:14] out through a lot of different
means media, all that stuff. So
[52:17] means media, all that stuff. So
we tried to get the word out.
[52:18] we tried to get the word out.
We tried to ease people into
[52:20] We tried to ease people into
it. We gave a lot of warnings.
[52:23] it. We gave a lot of warnings.
Um, and then we started to find
[52:27] Um, and then we started to find
so I think people this was one
[52:32] so I think people this was one
of the disagreement items at
[52:35] of the disagreement items at
one of the committee meetings.
[52:36] one of the committee meetings.
Um. I guess I'll leave it at
[52:43] Um. I guess I'll leave it at
that, that we, we we do we do
[52:46] that, that we, we we do we do
give out a lot of warnings. We
[52:48] give out a lot of warnings. We
do try very hard to get the
[52:50] do try very hard to get the
word out to people. We send
[52:53] word out to people. We send
letters, we send emails. A lot
[52:56] letters, we send emails. A lot
of notifications, a lot of
[52:57] of notifications, a lot of
travel called public education,
[52:59] travel called public education,
social media, all that stuff.
[53:01] social media, all that stuff.
So, uh, when you think about
[53:03] So, uh, when you think about
fines, you know, that that also
[53:05] fines, you know, that that also
factors into that fining and
[53:08] factors into that fining and
penalty process as well.
[53:10] penalty process as well.
So.
[53:12] So.
And I think that about sums it
[53:14] And I think that about sums it
up.
[53:14] up.
Thank you very much, Councillor
[53:16] Thank you very much, Councillor
Sullivan.
[53:16] Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. I
[53:17] Thank you, Mr. President. I
want to get right to it. I
[53:18] want to get right to it. I
would like to make a motion
[53:20] would like to make a motion
that we exclude private wells
[53:21] that we exclude private wells
from within the city limits.
[53:23] from within the city limits.
And here's why. Um, mayor
[53:26] And here's why. Um, mayor
mentioned it. Bob mentioned it.
[53:27] mentioned it. Bob mentioned it.
We we have no power to enforce
[53:28] We we have no power to enforce
that. There are no meters at
[53:30] that. There are no meters at
these homes. How are we really
[53:32] these homes. How are we really
going to regulate that? Winter
[53:33] going to regulate that? Winter
is coming. I don't think any
[53:35] is coming. I don't think any
private well, users are going
[53:36] private well, users are going
to be doing any irrigation over
[53:37] to be doing any irrigation over
the winter. Hopefully by spring
[53:39] the winter. Hopefully by spring
we'll be in a better spot
[53:40] we'll be in a better spot
where, you know, we won't have
[53:42] where, you know, we won't have
to do this. But I just think,
[53:45] to do this. But I just think,
quite frankly, it's government
[53:47] quite frankly, it's government
overreach. Uh, we have no
[53:48] overreach. Uh, we have no
authority to do this if they're
[53:50] authority to do this if they're
not paying for this service
[53:51] not paying for this service
from us, then it's none of our
[53:53] from us, then it's none of our
business. Like, uh, Adam, a
[53:55] business. Like, uh, Adam, a
constituent, wrote today. Is he
[53:57] constituent, wrote today. Is he
here?
[53:57] here?
Satara is.
[53:58] Satara is.
In the room.
[53:58] In the room.
Right there. Smart man. Said it
[54:01] Right there. Smart man. Said it
all. He said, don't you think
[54:02] all. He said, don't you think
we're already concerned that
[54:04] we're already concerned that
our wells could run dry? Uh,
[54:06] our wells could run dry? Uh,
we're, you know, we have the
[54:07] we're, you know, we have the
same. They have the same
[54:08] same. They have the same
problem we do. Except they
[54:10] problem we do. Except they
don't have the city to back
[54:11] don't have the city to back
them up. So if they have a
[54:13] them up. So if they have a
problem, they have to dig
[54:15] problem, they have to dig
deeper. So it's going to cost
[54:16] deeper. So it's going to cost
you money. So I mean, smart
[54:19] you money. So I mean, smart
homeowners are going to do as
[54:22] homeowners are going to do as
much conservation on their own
[54:23] much conservation on their own
as they can because they don't
[54:26] as they can because they don't
want to make the problem worse
[54:27] want to make the problem worse
for themselves or for the city
[54:29] for themselves or for the city
as a whole. So for those
[54:30] as a whole. So for those
reasons, government overreach
[54:32] reasons, government overreach
can't really enforce it. I
[54:34] can't really enforce it. I
think it's, um, it's not a good
[54:35] think it's, um, it's not a good
idea to keep them included. I
[54:37] idea to keep them included. I
made a motion and.
[54:38] made a motion and.
A second did it.
[54:40] A second did it.
Okay.
[54:41] Okay.
Lots of people want to jump in
[54:42] Lots of people want to jump in
on that one, but I had Diodati
[54:43] on that one, but I had Diodati
first, so there.
[54:44] first, so there.
We go.
[54:45] We go.
Thank you. I'll set Councillor
[54:46] Thank you. I'll set Councillor
Sullivan.
[54:46] Sullivan.
Yes.
[54:47] Yes.
Thank you, councillor basileus.
[54:48] Thank you, councillor basileus.
Next. Um, Mr..
[54:51] Next. Um, Mr..
Ward, am I correct to
[54:53] Ward, am I correct to
understand that, um, a
[54:55] understand that, um, a
residence, a home that is on a
[54:58] residence, a home that is on a
lot, that requires their own.
[54:59] lot, that requires their own.
Well, in their own septic, that
[55:02] Well, in their own septic, that
that person is in fact the
[55:04] that person is in fact the
water they're using is in fact
[55:06] water they're using is in fact
being recharged to the
[55:08] being recharged to the
groundwater. Is that correct?
[55:10] groundwater. Is that correct?
If they have. Yeah. Private.
[55:12] If they have. Yeah. Private.
Well.
[55:12] Well.
They have a private well and
[55:13] They have a private well and
septic combination. Okay. And
[55:16] septic combination. Okay. And
that wouldn't be the case that
[55:17] that wouldn't be the case that
they were on, um, a private.
[55:19] they were on, um, a private.
Wells or a and had sewer. Then
[55:22] Wells or a and had sewer. Then
it's, it goes to the for the
[55:24] it's, it goes to the for the
people who have that
[55:25] people who have that
circumstance. Correct. They're
[55:27] circumstance. Correct. They're
paying for sewage service.
[55:28] paying for sewage service.
From us. That's right.
[55:29] From us. That's right.
Okay. All right. Um, that
[55:31] Okay. All right. Um, that
that's that's the technical
[55:33] that's that's the technical
question that I had. Thank you
[55:34] question that I had. Thank you
sir.
[55:34] sir.
Thank you. Councillor
[55:35] Thank you. Councillor
Batchelor. Councillor Rogers.
[55:37] Batchelor. Councillor Rogers.
Uh.
[55:38] Uh.
I have a few things. Uh, one of
[55:39] I have a few things. Uh, one of
them is the private wells. I'm
[55:40] them is the private wells. I'm
not interested in putting that
[55:42] not interested in putting that
in. Um, the other one. I have a
[55:43] in. Um, the other one. I have a
couple here. Um, it says on,
[55:46] couple here. Um, it says on,
um, uh, 252 for the, um, all
[55:51] um, uh, 252 for the, um, all
ground. Your irrigation systems
[55:53] ground. Your irrigation systems
should be plumbed. So that shut
[55:54] should be plumbed. So that shut
off valve is located outside
[55:56] off valve is located outside
the building and situated, so
[55:57] the building and situated, so
it may be shut off if found to
[55:59] it may be shut off if found to
be in violation of ordinance.
[56:00] be in violation of ordinance.
For this purpose of this
[56:02] For this purpose of this
section, police officers, city
[56:04] section, police officers, city
or agents of the Board of Water
[56:05] or agents of the Board of Water
Commissioners may enter a
[56:06] Commissioners may enter a
property to just go on a
[56:07] property to just go on a
property and just shut it off.
[56:09] property and just shut it off.
Well, I mean, I don't agree
[56:10] Well, I mean, I don't agree
with that. I mean, I just don't
[56:11] with that. I mean, I just don't
even know if we have the right
[56:12] even know if we have the right
to go on and just shut
[56:13] to go on and just shut
somebody's water off at their
[56:14] somebody's water off at their
house. That's that's one the
[56:17] house. That's that's one the
other thing I have is baseline
[56:19] other thing I have is baseline
seasonal conservation. That's
[56:21] seasonal conservation. That's
when we have no problems. Is
[56:22] when we have no problems. Is
that correct? When they.
[56:24] that correct? When they.
When that would be any May 15th
[56:26] When that would be any May 15th
through September 30th.
[56:27] through September 30th.
So let's say we have rain every
[56:29] So let's say we have rain every
day. They're still going to be
[56:31] day. They're still going to be
in like I don't I don't like
[56:33] in like I don't I don't like
this baseline here. Why why why
[56:35] this baseline here. Why why why
do we need a baseline from May
[56:39] do we need a baseline from May
15th through September 30th for
[56:41] 15th through September 30th for
non-essential outdoor watering?
[56:43] non-essential outdoor watering?
Why should we worry about that?
[56:44] Why should we worry about that?
Because you're not going to
[56:45] Because you're not going to
oversee it anyways. If we have
[56:46] oversee it anyways. If we have
a lot of rain, if we have
[56:46] a lot of rain, if we have
plenty of water right.
[56:48] plenty of water right.
Uh, that's not one of my
[56:50] Uh, that's not one of my
recommendations here. This was
[56:52] recommendations here. This was
one of the that came out of the
[56:53] one of the that came out of the
planning and development.
[56:54] planning and development.
It didn't come. Yeah. I did.
[56:56] It didn't come. Yeah. I did.
One of the people, the members
[56:58] One of the people, the members
of that committee. Okay. Let me
[56:59] of that committee. Okay. Let me
just make that. Yeah, I'll make
[57:00] just make that. Yeah, I'll make
that distinction.
[57:01] that distinction.
So I don't agree with that
[57:02] So I don't agree with that
because I if we have plenty of
[57:03] because I if we have plenty of
I mean, if we're not going to
[57:05] I mean, if we're not going to
enforce this, why have it in
[57:06] enforce this, why have it in
here? That's what I, it's I
[57:07] here? That's what I, it's I
don't agree with that. And then
[57:09] don't agree with that. And then
who who would and who do you
[57:11] who who would and who do you
have a separate person that's
[57:13] have a separate person that's
going to I understand I got a
[57:15] going to I understand I got a
letter. We just shut our
[57:17] letter. We just shut our
irrigation on just for a second
[57:19] irrigation on just for a second
to fill the hose for the for
[57:21] to fill the hose for the for
the vegetables. But we got a
[57:22] the vegetables. But we got a
letter stating we had turned it
[57:23] letter stating we had turned it
on. So it's like you guys know
[57:24] on. So it's like you guys know
that right away. By the by, um,
[57:28] that right away. By the by, um,
the you must have a reader or
[57:30] the you must have a reader or
something that tells you I got
[57:31] something that tells you I got
a letter in the mail probably a
[57:32] a letter in the mail probably a
week later saying we weren't
[57:34] week later saying we weren't
even using our irrigation.
[57:35] even using our irrigation.
But we're trying to keep an eye
[57:37] But we're trying to keep an eye
on things.
[57:37] on things.
Yeah, yeah.
[57:38] Yeah, yeah.
So you have ways to to collect
[57:40] So you have ways to to collect
it, but you're not going to. So
[57:42] it, but you're not going to. So
and the other thing is who put
[57:44] and the other thing is who put
the who is on the committee to
[57:46] the who is on the committee to
put this final draft together.
[57:47] put this final draft together.
Oh my gosh.
[57:49] Oh my gosh.
We're going to get to.
[57:50] We're going to get to.
You know it's okay. Yep. You
[57:52] You know it's okay. Yep. You
were on that committee.
[57:53] were on that committee.
No it doesn't come from the
[57:54] No it doesn't come from the
planning board. So who put this
[57:55] planning board. So who put this
final draft together? I wasn't
[57:56] final draft together? I wasn't
on this.
[57:57] on this.
We worked with the city
[57:59] We worked with the city
solicitor's office to put the
[58:00] solicitor's office to put the
the draft city ordinance
[58:03] the draft city ordinance
together.
[58:03] together.
Because you don't agree with a.
[58:04] Because you don't agree with a.
Lot of questions from from
[58:06] Lot of questions from from
people that were on that
[58:07] people that were on that
planning and development
[58:08] planning and development
committee. We did take we did
[58:10] committee. We did take we did
put suggestions from that
[58:12] put suggestions from that
meeting into this draft.
[58:14] meeting into this draft.
, because what we.
[58:14] , because what we.
Said is.
[58:15] Said is.
We we gave you the list that
[58:18] We we gave you the list that
majority of us voted against to
[58:19] majority of us voted against to
say, if what if you guys think
[58:20] say, if what if you guys think
any of this should be added,
[58:21] any of this should be added,
you should add it. That was the
[58:23] you should add it. That was the
line you can.
[58:25] line you can.
This is the opportunity to make
[58:27] This is the opportunity to make
these corrections. It's it's
[58:29] these corrections. It's it's
you have to start somewhere
[58:30] you have to start somewhere
counselor. So feel free to
[58:32] counselor. So feel free to
strike.
[58:33] strike.
You know those are the only
[58:34] You know those are the only
things right now I have it.
[58:35] things right now I have it.
It was just to get this moving,
[58:37] It was just to get this moving,
you know, it had languished. So
[58:40] you know, it had languished. So
we wanted to just move on. This
[58:42] we wanted to just move on. This
strike. Whatever you're not
[58:44] strike. Whatever you're not
comfortable with.
[58:45] comfortable with.
Well, those three items I'm not
[58:46] Well, those three items I'm not
comfortable.
[58:46] comfortable.
With, uh, and and, you know,
[58:48] With, uh, and and, you know,
this is what this body is for,
[58:49] this is what this body is for,
to make these decisions, um,
[58:52] to make these decisions, um,
based on. But at least you have
[58:54] based on. But at least you have
a template to start from, and
[58:55] a template to start from, and
you can strike what doesn't
[58:57] you can strike what doesn't
work.
[58:57] work.
Thank you. I'm all set.
[58:59] Thank you. I'm all set.
You're all set. Thank you,
[59:00] You're all set. Thank you,
Councillor Diodati.
[59:01] Councillor Diodati.
Thank you, Mr. President. And
[59:02] Thank you, Mr. President. And
I'd like to just. Yeah. Further
[59:03] I'd like to just. Yeah. Further
clarify the mayor's statement.
[59:05] clarify the mayor's statement.
Like the planning and
[59:05] Like the planning and
development Committee, we had a
[59:06] development Committee, we had a
list of ideas. Not all of us
[59:08] list of ideas. Not all of us
agreed on set ideas. We sent
[59:10] agreed on set ideas. We sent
them to the administration to
[59:12] them to the administration to
come up with this. And this is
[59:13] come up with this. And this is
the debate time. This is why
[59:14] the debate time. This is why
we're here. So that's what
[59:16] we're here. So that's what
we're doing now. Um, I do have
[59:17] we're doing now. Um, I do have
a question about the, uh, the
[59:19] a question about the, uh, the
basically the exemptions for
[59:20] basically the exemptions for
non-essential use. Why is
[59:22] non-essential use. Why is
irrigation of public parks
[59:23] irrigation of public parks
before 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. still
[59:26] before 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. still
allowed?
[59:30] allowed?
I that would be a policy
[59:32] I that would be a policy
question for you. If you wanted
[59:33] question for you. If you wanted
to take it out of there, you
[59:34] to take it out of there, you
could do that. I mean, it's.
[59:38] could do that. I mean, it's.
Um, councilor, I, I think it is
[59:42] Um, councilor, I, I think it is
allowed because in some
[59:44] allowed because in some
instances, like I think at
[59:46] instances, like I think at
Silver Hill, they put in sod
[59:48] Silver Hill, they put in sod
and to make the sod catch, you
[59:50] and to make the sod catch, you
have to water it. So, um, you
[59:52] have to water it. So, um, you
know, I don't think all the
[59:55] know, I don't think all the
sprinklers are on everywhere,
[59:56] sprinklers are on everywhere,
but in certain circumstance,
[59:58] but in certain circumstance,
um, I think that also happened
[1:00:00] um, I think that also happened
at the common this year. They
[1:00:01] at the common this year. They
they did a lot of work at the
[1:00:04] they did a lot of work at the
common, not the city so much.
[1:00:06] common, not the city so much.
Team Haverhill paid for a
[1:00:07] Team Haverhill paid for a
specialist to come in because
[1:00:09] specialist to come in because
of the the extreme use over the
[1:00:13] of the the extreme use over the
last few years and the drought.
[1:00:15] last few years and the drought.
Uh, the, the grass at the
[1:00:17] Uh, the, the grass at the
common was, was suffering. Um,
[1:00:19] common was, was suffering. Um,
so they were allowed to water.
[1:00:21] so they were allowed to water.
They wanted really early and it
[1:00:24] They wanted really early and it
was over. Um, but just to, to
[1:00:26] was over. Um, but just to, to
give that seed a chance.
[1:00:29] give that seed a chance.
Okay.
[1:00:29] Okay.
I guess it's just kind of a,
[1:00:30] I guess it's just kind of a,
it's a debate I'm having with
[1:00:32] it's a debate I'm having with
myself right now for. So I'm
[1:00:33] myself right now for. So I'm
talking about section two 5026.
[1:00:37] talking about section two 5026.
Um, G is for irrigation of
[1:00:38] Um, G is for irrigation of
public parks before 9 a.m. and
[1:00:40] public parks before 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., H is for irrigation of
[1:00:42] 5 p.m., H is for irrigation of
public and public and private
[1:00:44] public and public and private
recreational fields, which I
[1:00:46] recreational fields, which I
would, and those operated by
[1:00:47] would, and those operated by
schools. So I think that would
[1:00:48] schools. So I think that would
be where the Silver Hill would,
[1:00:49] be where the Silver Hill would,
you know, more or less fall
[1:00:50] you know, more or less fall
under. But for irrigation of
[1:00:52] under. But for irrigation of
public parks before and after
[1:00:54] public parks before and after
five, you know, if we're
[1:00:55] five, you know, if we're
worried about the damage and
[1:00:56] worried about the damage and
the and the cost of repairing
[1:00:58] the and the cost of repairing
it, like we're putting
[1:00:58] it, like we're putting
homeowners through the same
[1:00:59] homeowners through the same
exact thing, you know, so we we
[1:01:01] exact thing, you know, so we we
have lawns that are dying and
[1:01:03] have lawns that are dying and
people that don't want their
[1:01:04] people that don't want their
grass to die. Um, you know, I'm
[1:01:06] grass to die. Um, you know, I'm
just I guess I'm having a hard
[1:01:07] just I guess I'm having a hard
time actually having that on
[1:01:09] time actually having that on
this list. And then at, uh,
[1:01:11] this list. And then at, uh,
Councilor Rogers Point, uh, for
[1:01:14] Councilor Rogers Point, uh, for
the purpose of this, I'm
[1:01:15] the purpose of this, I'm
skipping along here and going
[1:01:17] skipping along here and going
back to, um, section that we
[1:01:20] back to, um, section that we
add here. This is the, uh, the
[1:01:22] add here. This is the, uh, the
irrigation system requirements.
[1:01:24] irrigation system requirements.
Um, I don't necessarily feel
[1:01:25] Um, I don't necessarily feel
comfortable with police
[1:01:26] comfortable with police
officers and or city agents. So
[1:01:28] officers and or city agents. So
the Board of Water
[1:01:28] the Board of Water
Commissioners being able to
[1:01:29] Commissioners being able to
enter a property to enforce
[1:01:31] enter a property to enforce
that section for turning off
[1:01:32] that section for turning off
sprinklers. I think if there's
[1:01:34] sprinklers. I think if there's
an issue with permitting,
[1:01:35] an issue with permitting,
there's an appointment that
[1:01:35] there's an appointment that
should be made and every
[1:01:36] should be made and every
attempt should be made to work
[1:01:38] attempt should be made to work
diligently with a homeowner to
[1:01:40] diligently with a homeowner to
to have a discussion with them,
[1:01:41] to have a discussion with them,
or if they are using the water,
[1:01:43] or if they are using the water,
then we already have a fining
[1:01:44] then we already have a fining
schedule in place for that. So,
[1:01:47] schedule in place for that. So,
um, I would like to see that at
[1:01:49] um, I would like to see that at
least stricken from this. And
[1:01:50] least stricken from this. And
then as far as the private
[1:01:52] then as far as the private
wells are concerned, we've
[1:01:53] wells are concerned, we've
talked about that are probably
[1:01:55] talked about that are probably
too much already tonight, but I
[1:01:56] too much already tonight, but I
do not agree with it. If you
[1:01:58] do not agree with it. If you
own your property, you should
[1:01:58] own your property, you should
own everything right down to
[1:01:59] own everything right down to
the earth. And if you're paying
[1:02:00] the earth. And if you're paying
for your own infrastructure to
[1:02:01] for your own infrastructure to
put water into your house, and
[1:02:03] put water into your house, and
you're also putting it back in
[1:02:04] you're also putting it back in
with a septic system, it just
[1:02:05] with a septic system, it just
seems seems pointless. Um, and
[1:02:08] seems seems pointless. Um, and
I know that this needed to be
[1:02:09] I know that this needed to be
revised, and I'm happy that it
[1:02:11] revised, and I'm happy that it
is being revised, but I also
[1:02:12] is being revised, but I also
want to remind everyone to. We
[1:02:13] want to remind everyone to. We
have a solution to the water on
[1:02:15] have a solution to the water on
the way. It's just going to
[1:02:16] the way. It's just going to
take some time to do it, and
[1:02:18] take some time to do it, and
we're doing everything we can.
[1:02:19] we're doing everything we can.
And I appreciate everybody's
[1:02:20] And I appreciate everybody's
efforts to, uh, do better with
[1:02:22] efforts to, uh, do better with
water conservation. Those that
[1:02:23] water conservation. Those that
are using our city water,
[1:02:25] are using our city water,
because those efforts are
[1:02:26] because those efforts are
definitely paying off and they
[1:02:27] definitely paying off and they
are buying us time. And I do
[1:02:29] are buying us time. And I do
have one more question for Mr.
[1:02:30] have one more question for Mr.
Ward. You know, if we continue
[1:02:32] Ward. You know, if we continue
to do what we are doing as far
[1:02:33] to do what we are doing as far
as water conservation is
[1:02:34] as water conservation is
concerned and the city does
[1:02:37] concerned and the city does
continue to have an effort
[1:02:38] continue to have an effort
there, do we have a fear of
[1:02:40] there, do we have a fear of
running out of water?
[1:02:43] running out of water?
The drought continues long
[1:02:45] The drought continues long
term? Yeah, absolutely.
[1:02:48] term? Yeah, absolutely.
Okay.
[1:02:53] Okay.
Thank you. Thank you. Councilor
[1:02:55] Thank you. Thank you. Councilor
Diodati. Councilor Ferreira.
[1:02:57] Diodati. Councilor Ferreira.
Thank you. Um, just to remind
[1:03:00] Thank you. Um, just to remind
everybody back in March is when
[1:03:02] everybody back in March is when
we asked for an update for this
[1:03:04] we asked for an update for this
as we had drought conditions
[1:03:06] as we had drought conditions
changing at that time. And we
[1:03:07] changing at that time. And we
are changing to more serious
[1:03:09] are changing to more serious
levels. So it went to planning
[1:03:10] levels. So it went to planning
and development twice. Um, and
[1:03:13] and development twice. Um, and
the draft that our committee
[1:03:15] the draft that our committee
moved to your administration
[1:03:17] moved to your administration
office was to bring this back
[1:03:19] office was to bring this back
to us. The overview of this
[1:03:22] to us. The overview of this
section is based on
[1:03:24] section is based on
conservation primarily. So
[1:03:26] conservation primarily. So
we're looking at all of these
[1:03:28] we're looking at all of these
items as ways to help move
[1:03:31] items as ways to help move
conservation in a positive
[1:03:33] conservation in a positive
manner to protect our overall
[1:03:34] manner to protect our overall
water supply. So for me, when
[1:03:38] water supply. So for me, when
we talk about water users, this
[1:03:40] we talk about water users, this
was something that was unclear
[1:03:42] was something that was unclear
and what I heard quite often,
[1:03:43] and what I heard quite often,
and I'm sure many of you have
[1:03:44] and I'm sure many of you have
heard the same thing. They have
[1:03:46] heard the same thing. They have
wells, they're watering their
[1:03:47] wells, they're watering their
lawns. This person has their
[1:03:49] lawns. This person has their
irrigation going all day. This
[1:03:50] irrigation going all day. This
business has their lawn
[1:03:52] business has their lawn
sprinklers going all day. The
[1:03:53] sprinklers going all day. The
number of times I have heard
[1:03:55] number of times I have heard
about Market Basket Plaza at
[1:03:58] about Market Basket Plaza at
Westgate, watering their lawn
[1:03:59] Westgate, watering their lawn
all day long. I'm sure you have
[1:04:01] all day long. I'm sure you have
all heard it. And if you
[1:04:01] all heard it. And if you
haven't, I don't know how
[1:04:03] haven't, I don't know how
people are getting in touch
[1:04:04] people are getting in touch
with you, but they they're on a
[1:04:06] with you, but they they're on a
well, they're right. So right
[1:04:09] well, they're right. So right
now, commercial properties with
[1:04:12] now, commercial properties with
wells are allowed to use those
[1:04:15] wells are allowed to use those
wells however they want as
[1:04:16] wells however they want as
well. And those larger
[1:04:18] well. And those larger
properties are more than likely
[1:04:19] properties are more than likely
using more water to cover their
[1:04:21] using more water to cover their
grass than you. Well owner near
[1:04:24] grass than you. Well owner near
Crystal Lake are using to water
[1:04:26] Crystal Lake are using to water
your lawn. That's my guess,
[1:04:27] your lawn. That's my guess,
right? So when we're talking
[1:04:30] right? So when we're talking
about where this water is
[1:04:31] about where this water is
coming from, we also talked
[1:04:33] coming from, we also talked
about at our subcommittee
[1:04:34] about at our subcommittee
meeting that if you have a
[1:04:37] meeting that if you have a
well, you're not just dipping a
[1:04:38] well, you're not just dipping a
straw into an unending pool
[1:04:40] straw into an unending pool
that's only below your house.
[1:04:41] that's only below your house.
It is tied in and connected and
[1:04:44] It is tied in and connected and
recharges and flows up and down
[1:04:46] recharges and flows up and down
with everybody else's water. In
[1:04:48] with everybody else's water. In
our watershed area, you have a
[1:04:50] our watershed area, you have a
well, because you had a flow
[1:04:51] well, because you had a flow
rate that made it valuable for
[1:04:53] rate that made it valuable for
you to dig a well at your
[1:04:54] you to dig a well at your
house. That means you're in a
[1:04:56] house. That means you're in a
watershed area where there's
[1:04:57] watershed area where there's
water to tap into my house. I'm
[1:05:00] water to tap into my house. I'm
not digging a well, I probably
[1:05:02] not digging a well, I probably
maybe could, but I live up the
[1:05:03] maybe could, but I live up the
hill here. We don't do that
[1:05:04] hill here. We don't do that
here. However, we're asking
[1:05:07] here. However, we're asking
everyone to conserve no matter
[1:05:09] everyone to conserve no matter
where your water is coming
[1:05:11] where your water is coming
from, because from a
[1:05:12] from, because from a
sustainability and a
[1:05:13] sustainability and a
conservation practice, it is
[1:05:15] conservation practice, it is
all connected. And if we have
[1:05:17] all connected. And if we have
to make changes to our
[1:05:20] to make changes to our
practices as a community to
[1:05:22] practices as a community to
take care of each other and to
[1:05:24] take care of each other and to
take care of our community,
[1:05:25] take care of our community,
this is a way to make sure that
[1:05:27] this is a way to make sure that
community wide, we're all being
[1:05:29] community wide, we're all being
held to the same standards.
[1:05:30] held to the same standards.
Water is not an infinite
[1:05:31] Water is not an infinite
resource, and I think we've
[1:05:32] resource, and I think we've
witnessed this with Kenosha
[1:05:34] witnessed this with Kenosha
Lake drying down to what looks
[1:05:36] Lake drying down to what looks
like a mud puddle. Right? So
[1:05:38] like a mud puddle. Right? So
it's going to take a long time
[1:05:39] it's going to take a long time
for that to recharge. Maybe
[1:05:41] for that to recharge. Maybe
it'll take two years when the
[1:05:43] it'll take two years when the
radial collector comes on. My
[1:05:45] radial collector comes on. My
guess is it's still going to be
[1:05:47] guess is it's still going to be
low at that point. It takes a
[1:05:48] low at that point. It takes a
long, long time to get that
[1:05:50] long, long time to get that
back. And in the meantime, if
[1:05:52] back. And in the meantime, if
we can adjust our conservation
[1:05:55] we can adjust our conservation
measures by asking everybody
[1:05:58] measures by asking everybody
who uses water at all to abide
[1:06:01] who uses water at all to abide
by the same rules, in the same
[1:06:04] by the same rules, in the same
enforcement, I don't really
[1:06:06] enforcement, I don't really
think that's too much to ask of
[1:06:07] think that's too much to ask of
us as a community. No matter
[1:06:09] us as a community. No matter
where your water comes from. So
[1:06:10] where your water comes from. So
we're not talking about taxing
[1:06:13] we're not talking about taxing
or metering wells. We're not
[1:06:15] or metering wells. We're not
talking about charging a fee
[1:06:17] talking about charging a fee
because you have a well to the
[1:06:19] because you have a well to the
water department or it's not
[1:06:21] water department or it's not
that we're asking you to
[1:06:23] that we're asking you to
conserve the same way. And the
[1:06:25] conserve the same way. And the
enforcement is the same, as I
[1:06:27] enforcement is the same, as I
would assume it is for everyone
[1:06:28] would assume it is for everyone
else. You can drive by and see
[1:06:29] else. You can drive by and see
your lawn sprinklers going, or
[1:06:31] your lawn sprinklers going, or
somebody calls and says they're
[1:06:33] somebody calls and says they're
watering their lawn 24 hours a
[1:06:35] watering their lawn 24 hours a
day in my street or whatever it
[1:06:36] day in my street or whatever it
is. The enforcement is the same
[1:06:37] is. The enforcement is the same
as everybody else. The water
[1:06:39] as everybody else. The water
department knows if you have a
[1:06:41] department knows if you have a
well or if you have city water,
[1:06:42] well or if you have city water,
it's not a secret. Right? So I
[1:06:45] it's not a secret. Right? So I
guess my other so that's I feel
[1:06:48] guess my other so that's I feel
okay with Wells being included
[1:06:50] okay with Wells being included
as all water users. Another
[1:06:52] as all water users. Another
reason I think I feel okay
[1:06:53] reason I think I feel okay
about it, which Bob, maybe you
[1:06:55] about it, which Bob, maybe you
can give us some help here. Do
[1:06:58] can give us some help here. Do
we have any idea of how many
[1:06:59] we have any idea of how many
wells are in use in the city of
[1:07:00] wells are in use in the city of
Haverhill, and how many
[1:07:02] Haverhill, and how many
residents would be on Wells?
[1:07:07] residents would be on Wells?
We generally it's about 90% of
[1:07:11] We generally it's about 90% of
people are on on city water,
[1:07:13] people are on on city water,
right? Yeah. I don't know the
[1:07:15] right? Yeah. I don't know the
number of wells right out
[1:07:17] number of wells right out
there. So.
[1:07:18] there. So.
And so when we talk about
[1:07:21] And so when we talk about
conservation measures, it's
[1:07:25] conservation measures, it's
still makes an impact to
[1:07:27] still makes an impact to
conserve even at your own house
[1:07:29] conserve even at your own house
with a well as it does as a
[1:07:32] with a well as it does as a
resident to preserve our
[1:07:34] resident to preserve our
general water supply. It's a
[1:07:35] general water supply. It's a
generalized system. It's a
[1:07:37] generalized system. It's a
community wide issue. I think I
[1:07:41] community wide issue. I think I
understand a concern that it
[1:07:42] understand a concern that it
feels like overstretch, and it
[1:07:44] feels like overstretch, and it
feels like government
[1:07:45] feels like government
overreach. But in all honesty,
[1:07:47] overreach. But in all honesty,
when we looked at wording from
[1:07:49] when we looked at wording from
lots of other communities and
[1:07:51] lots of other communities and
municipalities around us, all
[1:07:53] municipalities around us, all
water users, this definition
[1:07:54] water users, this definition
has included wells for a long,
[1:07:56] has included wells for a long,
long time. For a lot of
[1:07:57] long time. For a lot of
municipalities around here
[1:07:59] municipalities around here
myself, Councilor Lewandowski
[1:08:01] myself, Councilor Lewandowski
and Councilor Richardson met
[1:08:02] and Councilor Richardson met
with Merrimack Valley Planning
[1:08:03] with Merrimack Valley Planning
Commission about this with some
[1:08:05] Commission about this with some
of their water folks over
[1:08:06] of their water folks over
there, about how other
[1:08:07] there, about how other
municipalities address
[1:08:09] municipalities address
conservation. And some of these
[1:08:11] conservation. And some of these
suggestions came from our
[1:08:12] suggestions came from our
meetings there that we then
[1:08:13] meetings there that we then
brought to our subcommittee
[1:08:14] brought to our subcommittee
meetings, where we spoke for a
[1:08:15] meetings, where we spoke for a
really long time about how our
[1:08:17] really long time about how our
watershed works and how our
[1:08:19] watershed works and how our
water system works. And the
[1:08:21] water system works. And the
bigger questions, what are our
[1:08:23] bigger questions, what are our
responsibilities to each other
[1:08:24] responsibilities to each other
in this community? So for me,
[1:08:28] in this community? So for me,
thank you for being patient. Is
[1:08:32] thank you for being patient. Is
I think this ordinance looks
[1:08:33] I think this ordinance looks
like a great starting point.
[1:08:35] like a great starting point.
And I don't think we're taking
[1:08:38] And I don't think we're taking
crazy jumps by any means to get
[1:08:40] crazy jumps by any means to get
to this point. I think it's
[1:08:41] to this point. I think it's
long overdue and it's baby
[1:08:43] long overdue and it's baby
steps, and I think we've done a
[1:08:44] steps, and I think we've done a
good job with the amount of
[1:08:46] good job with the amount of
gallons saved so far. It was a
[1:08:49] gallons saved so far. It was a
lot at our last water update
[1:08:50] lot at our last water update
that you mentioned had been
[1:08:52] that you mentioned had been
conserved so far this summer,
[1:08:54] conserved so far this summer,
so in the world of climate
[1:08:57] so in the world of climate
change and in the trends we're
[1:08:58] change and in the trends we're
seeing of longer periods of
[1:08:59] seeing of longer periods of
drought and longer periods of
[1:09:01] drought and longer periods of
dry weather, we have to make
[1:09:02] dry weather, we have to make
some changes as a community.
[1:09:04] some changes as a community.
And I think we as elected
[1:09:08] And I think we as elected
leaders need to take a lead and
[1:09:10] leaders need to take a lead and
set an example for doing so. So
[1:09:12] set an example for doing so. So
I support the ordinance as is.
[1:09:15] I support the ordinance as is.
Thank you.
[1:09:15] Thank you.
Thank you. Councillor, uh, Vice
[1:09:17] Thank you. Councillor, uh, Vice
President Mitchinson.
[1:09:18] President Mitchinson.
Thank you very much, Mr.
[1:09:21] Thank you very much, Mr.
President. Um, well, before I
[1:09:24] President. Um, well, before I
ask my questions, I want to
[1:09:26] ask my questions, I want to
offer Bob, um, that I'm willing
[1:09:29] offer Bob, um, that I'm willing
to be your tutor for
[1:09:32] to be your tutor for
conciseness.
[1:09:36] conciseness.
Thank you.
[1:09:37] Thank you.
I may take you up on that.
[1:09:40] I may take you up on that.
First question. Um, and this is
[1:09:43] First question. Um, and this is
a little bit technical, but
[1:09:46] a little bit technical, but
hopefully you can answer it in
[1:09:47] hopefully you can answer it in
a short moment. Um, is Canosa
[1:09:51] a short moment. Um, is Canosa
Lake alone the best trigger for
[1:09:58] Lake alone the best trigger for
demand or. Other measures, such
[1:10:05] demand or. Other measures, such
as, um, rate of decline,
[1:10:08] as, um, rate of decline,
rainfall and other supplies
[1:10:11] rainfall and other supplies
should supplement it. I mean,
[1:10:13] should supplement it. I mean,
have you done much thinking
[1:10:14] have you done much thinking
about that? We're banking all
[1:10:17] about that? We're banking all
on Canosa.
[1:10:18] on Canosa.
We do a lot of thinking about
[1:10:19] We do a lot of thinking about
that stuff. Um, we do look at
[1:10:22] that stuff. Um, we do look at
all that stuff. We we look at
[1:10:23] all that stuff. We we look at
the rate of decline of Canosa.
[1:10:26] the rate of decline of Canosa.
We know exactly how much water
[1:10:28] We know exactly how much water
is at Crystal Lake. There's no
[1:10:30] is at Crystal Lake. There's no
water to pump in Millvale. We
[1:10:31] water to pump in Millvale. We
know that. Um, but we know how
[1:10:34] know that. Um, but we know how
many days of pumping we have at
[1:10:37] many days of pumping we have at
at Crystal at Millville. When
[1:10:39] at Crystal at Millville. When
we are pumping them, we know
[1:10:40] we are pumping them, we know
how much volume we had there.
[1:10:43] how much volume we had there.
We know how much we pumped from
[1:10:44] We know how much we pumped from
Crystal last year. We have all
[1:10:46] Crystal last year. We have all
those numbers. And when we're
[1:10:49] those numbers. And when we're
looking at that stuff where
[1:10:50] looking at that stuff where
we're looking at all that
[1:10:52] we're looking at all that
information, so, um, as a
[1:10:55] information, so, um, as a
trigger level, Canosa seems to
[1:10:58] trigger level, Canosa seems to
make the level seems to make
[1:11:00] make the level seems to make
the most sense.
[1:11:02] the most sense.
Okay. Um, that's a good
[1:11:04] Okay. Um, that's a good
explanation. And I believe you.
[1:11:06] explanation. And I believe you.
Was that concise.
[1:11:07] Was that concise.
On that?
[1:11:08] On that?
Yes.
[1:11:08] Yes.
Very, very good. Um, uh, going
[1:11:12] Very, very good. Um, uh, going
back to, uh, what council
[1:11:14] back to, uh, what council
Sullivan was saying with
[1:11:15] Sullivan was saying with
regards to, um, the last
[1:11:19] regards to, um, the last
ordinance that we looked at in
[1:11:21] ordinance that we looked at in
terms of education and
[1:11:24] terms of education and
notification of people. Um, I
[1:11:28] notification of people. Um, I
believe that whenever the
[1:11:29] believe that whenever the
drought level changes, the
[1:11:31] drought level changes, the
water division should publicly
[1:11:34] water division should publicly
post the current Canosa supply
[1:11:37] post the current Canosa supply
capacity percentage, drought
[1:11:40] capacity percentage, drought
stage. And the basis for that
[1:11:42] stage. And the basis for that
change so people can understand
[1:11:45] change so people can understand
what it means. Does that sound
[1:11:48] what it means. Does that sound
like something that.
[1:11:49] like something that.
As a percentage, we can yeah,
[1:11:52] As a percentage, we can yeah,
we can do that.
[1:11:53] we can do that.
Okay. It's just a suggestion.
[1:11:57] Okay. It's just a suggestion.
Um.
[1:11:57] Um.
And I did also want to ask the
[1:11:59] And I did also want to ask the
question about how many
[1:12:02] question about how many
residences, what percentage,
[1:12:04] residences, what percentage,
um, actually have Wells. And
[1:12:07] um, actually have Wells. And
that's a relatively small
[1:12:09] that's a relatively small
percentage. 10%.
[1:12:11] percentage. 10%.
Yes.
[1:12:11] Yes.
It is. As far as the impact
[1:12:13] It is. As far as the impact
that it actually has. Yes. On
[1:12:16] that it actually has. Yes. On
the on the drought conditions,
[1:12:19] the on the drought conditions,
um, I think that's it. Thank
[1:12:23] um, I think that's it. Thank
you very much.
[1:12:24] you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
[1:12:26] Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Councilor LePage.
[1:12:27] Councilor LePage.
Uh, thank you, Mr. President.
[1:12:30] Uh, thank you, Mr. President.
I'm not going to go over
[1:12:31] I'm not going to go over
everything. I was just going to
[1:12:32] everything. I was just going to
basically ask to we had a
[1:12:34] basically ask to we had a
motion and various seconds on
[1:12:37] motion and various seconds on
it. Uh, my question is city
[1:12:39] it. Uh, my question is city
solicitor, should we? As a
[1:12:42] solicitor, should we? As a
former council would say, make
[1:12:44] former council would say, make
the sausage here and strike and
[1:12:47] the sausage here and strike and
and update this as we are right
[1:12:48] and update this as we are right
here, right now? Can we go
[1:12:50] here, right now? Can we go
through that? Because I have a
[1:12:51] through that? Because I have a
couple suggestions. I don't
[1:12:52] couple suggestions. I don't
know if others have. And we can
[1:12:54] know if others have. And we can
just do that here versus going
[1:12:56] just do that here versus going
back for.
[1:12:56] back for.
The I would suggest, given how
[1:12:57] The I would suggest, given how
long this has gone on, maybe we
[1:12:59] long this has gone on, maybe we
should do that. But let's hear
[1:13:00] should do that. But let's hear
from.
[1:13:01] from.
The I think that you can do it.
[1:13:03] The I think that you can do it.
So let's take this initial
[1:13:04] So let's take this initial
motion. And they would each
[1:13:05] motion. And they would each
have to be a motion. Right. So
[1:13:07] have to be a motion. Right. So
we only have one motion.
[1:13:08] we only have one motion.
So far.
[1:13:09] So far.
On the table right now. And
[1:13:10] On the table right now. And
that is to remove the private
[1:13:13] that is to remove the private
wells. And so the the way to do
[1:13:14] wells. And so the the way to do
that is in the definition of
[1:13:16] that is in the definition of
water user, we would eliminate
[1:13:19] water user, we would eliminate
um the or using privately owned
[1:13:22] um the or using privately owned
wells. And so if you eliminated
[1:13:23] wells. And so if you eliminated
that it just takes care of it.
[1:13:25] that it just takes care of it.
So there are depending what the
[1:13:27] So there are depending what the
motion is, I think it's
[1:13:28] motion is, I think it's
succinct enough that we can
[1:13:29] succinct enough that we can
make that we can.
[1:13:29] make that we can.
Make I'm not.
[1:13:30] Make I'm not.
A lawyer, but that's what I
[1:13:31] A lawyer, but that's what I
highlighted.
[1:13:32] highlighted.
How about that?
[1:13:32] How about that?
Look at that. There you go.
[1:13:33] Look at that. There you go.
Send an application to her
[1:13:35] Send an application to her
firm, maybe see new.
[1:13:36] firm, maybe see new.
Career, maybe.
[1:13:38] Career, maybe.
Do something else.
[1:13:39] Do something else.
But okay.
[1:13:40] But okay.
So so yes, I would, uh, you
[1:13:42] So so yes, I would, uh, you
know, council made the order if
[1:13:44] know, council made the order if
that's what the city solicitor
[1:13:47] that's what the city solicitor
says, we could just strike that
[1:13:49] says, we could just strike that
pot of water uses and keep
[1:13:50] pot of water uses and keep
water uses. I don't know if we
[1:13:51] water uses. I don't know if we
even needed to keep it, but,
[1:13:53] even needed to keep it, but,
um, I would make that motion
[1:13:56] um, I would make that motion
again on top of Councillor
[1:13:58] again on top of Councillor
Sullivan's motion.
[1:13:59] Sullivan's motion.
Can never get enough.
[1:13:59] Can never get enough.
Motion to double the motion.
[1:14:02] Motion to double the motion.
Uh, are you all set, counselor?
[1:14:04] Uh, are you all set, counselor?
At the moment. I'll have
[1:14:05] At the moment. I'll have
another one.
[1:14:06] another one.
Okay, I. Counselor, counselor
[1:14:08] Okay, I. Counselor, counselor
Toohey.
[1:14:09] Toohey.
You are? Well.
[1:14:09] You are? Well.
I.
[1:14:09] I.
Just wanted to voice my opinion
[1:14:11] Just wanted to voice my opinion
because I, um. And it's based
[1:14:13] because I, um. And it's based
on the. I really want to beat a
[1:14:15] on the. I really want to beat a
dead horse because I don't know
[1:14:16] dead horse because I don't know
if I'm the only member up here
[1:14:17] if I'm the only member up here
that actually is on septic and,
[1:14:18] that actually is on septic and,
well, um. And, Bob. What? Going
[1:14:21] well, um. And, Bob. What? Going
back to the effect that Wells
[1:14:23] back to the effect that Wells
have, um, what measurable
[1:14:26] have, um, what measurable
benefit is achieved by having a
[1:14:28] benefit is achieved by having a
restriction, a measurable,
[1:14:30] restriction, a measurable,
definitive data that's
[1:14:32] definitive data that's
measurable, uh, to put a
[1:14:33] measurable, uh, to put a
restriction? I know it's I'm
[1:14:34] restriction? I know it's I'm
assuming it's going to pass
[1:14:35] assuming it's going to pass
anyway, but I, I have to speak
[1:14:37] anyway, but I, I have to speak
tonight. Ask that question. Um,
[1:14:39] tonight. Ask that question. Um,
because in my opinion, I think
[1:14:41] because in my opinion, I think
if the city is going to
[1:14:42] if the city is going to
restrict, um, use of my
[1:14:45] restrict, um, use of my
groundwater, um, it should
[1:14:47] groundwater, um, it should
identify the groundwater water
[1:14:50] identify the groundwater water
resource that's actually
[1:14:51] resource that's actually
affected. I'm not quite sure
[1:14:52] affected. I'm not quite sure
you can actually do that, but
[1:14:54] you can actually do that, but
in the future, if that, this
[1:14:56] in the future, if that, this
comes back, then that really
[1:14:58] comes back, then that really
should happen. I want to
[1:15:00] should happen. I want to
commend Councillor Rogers and
[1:15:02] commend Councillor Rogers and
certainly Councillor Sullivan,
[1:15:03] certainly Councillor Sullivan,
because this without a doubt
[1:15:05] because this without a doubt
for me personally is an
[1:15:07] for me personally is an
overreach, no question about
[1:15:08] overreach, no question about
it. Um, so if you can answer
[1:15:10] it. Um, so if you can answer
that question for me tonight,
[1:15:12] that question for me tonight,
if you can't, then you can
[1:15:13] if you can't, then you can
certainly give it to me in
[1:15:14] certainly give it to me in
another day. But what
[1:15:15] another day. But what
measurable benefit is achieved
[1:15:17] measurable benefit is achieved
if, in fact, this was, uh, if
[1:15:20] if, in fact, this was, uh, if
this was to stay in..
[1:15:22] this was to stay in..
So I'm we don't have any data
[1:15:25] So I'm we don't have any data
or any numbers for you for
[1:15:27] or any numbers for you for
that. So that was something
[1:15:29] that. So that was something
that was, was.
[1:15:31] that was, was.
Brought up.
[1:15:32] Brought up.
Yeah. And, and I certainly and
[1:15:34] Yeah. And, and I certainly and
I, and I commend, I want to
[1:15:35] I, and I commend, I want to
commend the, the subcommittee
[1:15:36] commend the, the subcommittee
but at the same time what I
[1:15:37] but at the same time what I
don't like what's could happen
[1:15:39] don't like what's could happen
here tonight is pitting pitting
[1:15:42] here tonight is pitting pitting
citizens against each other.
[1:15:43] citizens against each other.
That's not what heroes all
[1:15:45] That's not what heroes all
about. So I'm not in favor of
[1:15:46] about. So I'm not in favor of
that. But I want to commend all
[1:15:48] that. But I want to commend all
of my colleagues that will
[1:15:50] of my colleagues that will
support the motion, uh, this
[1:15:52] support the motion, uh, this
evening, because that should
[1:15:53] evening, because that should
happen if you're going to do
[1:15:54] happen if you're going to do
that on private wells now or in
[1:15:56] that on private wells now or in
the future. You should they
[1:15:57] the future. You should they
should be data to support that
[1:15:58] should be data to support that
that information, without a
[1:15:59] that information, without a
doubt. Thank you, Mr.
[1:16:00] doubt. Thank you, Mr.
President.
[1:16:01] President.
Thank you. Councillor Toohey.
[1:16:02] Thank you. Councillor Toohey.
Um, so I'll just add my quick
[1:16:04] Um, so I'll just add my quick
$0.02 on this one. I appreciate
[1:16:05] $0.02 on this one. I appreciate
the comments from all my
[1:16:06] the comments from all my
colleagues, and I do appreciate
[1:16:09] colleagues, and I do appreciate
the efforts from the
[1:16:10] the efforts from the
subcommittee to look at
[1:16:12] subcommittee to look at
conservation efforts. I think
[1:16:13] conservation efforts. I think
we need to we've talked about
[1:16:14] we need to we've talked about
this at previous meetings and
[1:16:16] this at previous meetings and
do what we can. That said, to
[1:16:17] do what we can. That said, to
the points that a few people
[1:16:18] the points that a few people
have made, I did get the email
[1:16:20] have made, I did get the email
from Mr. Cetera as well. I
[1:16:21] from Mr. Cetera as well. I
actually forwarded it to Mr.
[1:16:23] actually forwarded it to Mr.
Ward. Um, I thought some good
[1:16:25] Ward. Um, I thought some good
points were made, and then I
[1:16:26] points were made, and then I
had the conversation obviously
[1:16:28] had the conversation obviously
with you earlier today, Bob,
[1:16:29] with you earlier today, Bob,
asking basically that same
[1:16:30] asking basically that same
question, does would this have
[1:16:32] question, does would this have
a measurable impact? And that
[1:16:33] a measurable impact? And that
was the answer I got that we
[1:16:34] was the answer I got that we
don't believe it would have a
[1:16:35] don't believe it would have a
measurable impact. So for that
[1:16:37] measurable impact. So for that
reason I'm going to vote to
[1:16:38] reason I'm going to vote to
exclude Wells. Um, so the
[1:16:40] exclude Wells. Um, so the
motion to exclude Wells was
[1:16:42] motion to exclude Wells was
made by Councillor Sullivan,
[1:16:44] made by Councillor Sullivan,
seconded by Councillor Diodati.
[1:16:46] seconded by Councillor Diodati.
Madam clerk, please call the
[1:16:47] Madam clerk, please call the
roll on that one item.
[1:16:49] roll on that one item.
Vice President Mitchinson.
[1:16:50] Vice President Mitchinson.
Yes.
[1:16:50] Yes.
Councillor. Batchelor.
[1:16:52] Councillor. Batchelor.
Yes.
[1:16:53] Yes.
Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
[1:16:54] Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
[1:16:56] Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
Councillor. Ferreira.
[1:16:57] Councillor. Ferreira.
No.
[1:16:57] No.
Councillor. Toohey.
[1:16:58] Councillor. Toohey.
Yes.
[1:16:59] Yes.
Councillor McGonagle. Yes.
[1:17:00] Councillor McGonagle. Yes.
Councillor LePage. Yes.
[1:17:02] Councillor LePage. Yes.
Councillor Rogers. Yes. And
[1:17:04] Councillor Rogers. Yes. And
President. Jordan.
[1:17:05] President. Jordan.
Yes.
[1:17:06] Yes.
Uh. Nine years. 009 years. One
[1:17:10] Uh. Nine years. 009 years. One
nay one absent.
[1:17:11] nay one absent.
Okay.
[1:17:11] Okay.
So Wells are excluded. Uh,
[1:17:13] So Wells are excluded. Uh,
Councillor Rogers, do you.
[1:17:13] Councillor Rogers, do you.
Have a.
[1:17:14] Have a.
I want to make another motion.
[1:17:15] I want to make another motion.
Okay.
[1:17:15] Okay.
Because if we're going to make
[1:17:16] Because if we're going to make
changes in here, we have to
[1:17:17] changes in here, we have to
make a motion to correct. So
[1:17:19] make a motion to correct. So
yeah, I'd like to make two. One
[1:17:20] yeah, I'd like to make two. One
of them is 25 200 and 50-25
[1:17:25] of them is 25 200 and 50-25
baseline seasonal conservation.
[1:17:26] baseline seasonal conservation.
I don't think we need that in
[1:17:27] I don't think we need that in
there because I don't think we
[1:17:28] there because I don't think we
should be telling people if
[1:17:30] should be telling people if
it's raining all the time, that
[1:17:32] it's raining all the time, that
they can only water between a
[1:17:33] they can only water between a
certain time frame, I don't
[1:17:34] certain time frame, I don't
think that should be part of
[1:17:35] think that should be part of
what we're doing, because
[1:17:36] what we're doing, because
nobody's going to oversee that.
[1:17:37] nobody's going to oversee that.
If you want to read that. And
[1:17:38] If you want to read that. And
the other one, I want.
[1:17:39] the other one, I want.
To. Sorry.
[1:17:40] To. Sorry.
Let's.
[1:17:41] Let's.
Let's I want to be clear.
[1:17:42] Let's I want to be clear.
Do you want to comment on this.
[1:17:44] Do you want to comment on this.
or one motion.
[1:17:45] or one motion.
At a time.
[1:17:45] At a time.
Yeah. Sorry. So 200 and 50-25
[1:17:48] Yeah. Sorry. So 200 and 50-25
baseline seasonal conservation.
[1:17:50] baseline seasonal conservation.
I don't know if we need any of
[1:17:51] I don't know if we need any of
that there. We need a baseline.
[1:17:52] that there. We need a baseline.
There. I'm going to ask Bob do
[1:17:55] There. I'm going to ask Bob do
you need have you had one
[1:17:56] you need have you had one
before.
[1:17:58] before.
So the triggers if you go down
[1:18:00] So the triggers if you go down
it does allow us uh flexibility
[1:18:04] it does allow us uh flexibility
that if we get in the drought
[1:18:06] that if we get in the drought
watch zone, um, it does allow
[1:18:09] watch zone, um, it does allow
us the flexibility to do that
[1:18:13] us the flexibility to do that
very thing. If we get into this
[1:18:15] very thing. If we get into this
so we don't. Down in 250-25.2.
[1:18:21] so we don't. Down in 250-25.2.
Um, if you look at the action,
[1:18:23] Um, if you look at the action,
it's very similar. If we start
[1:18:24] it's very similar. If we start
to drop down and we get into
[1:18:26] to drop down and we get into
that drop drought watch zone,
[1:18:28] that drop drought watch zone,
which is going down.
[1:18:29] which is going down.
Yeah.
[1:18:29] Yeah.
We can we have the. you read in
[1:18:32] We can we have the. you read in
there that we can implement uh,
[1:18:34] there that we can implement uh,
May 15th through September
[1:18:37] May 15th through September
30th.
[1:18:37] 30th.
The first drought.
[1:18:38] The first drought.
Yeah.
[1:18:39] Yeah.
Same thing.
[1:18:39] Same thing.
First drought out is the same
[1:18:40] First drought out is the same
thing. It doesn't need to
[1:18:41] thing. It doesn't need to
happen when we have no drought.
[1:18:43] happen when we have no drought.
That's what I'm saying. That's
[1:18:44] That's what I'm saying. That's
what I'm saying. So I'm
[1:18:44] what I'm saying. So I'm
thinking that paragraph doesn't
[1:18:45] thinking that paragraph doesn't
need I legally I'm not a legal
[1:18:47] need I legally I'm not a legal
person, but it doesn't need to
[1:18:48] person, but it doesn't need to
be in there.
[1:18:49] be in there.
But.
[1:18:50] But.
I think you if you want to make
[1:18:51] I think you if you want to make
that motion.
[1:18:52] that motion.
Yeah, I'll make that motion.
[1:18:54] Yeah, I'll make that motion.
Second.
[1:18:55] Second.
So your motion, just so I
[1:18:57] So your motion, just so I
understand it, is to remove.
[1:19:00] understand it, is to remove.
The to.
[1:19:00] The to.
The baseline.
[1:19:01] The baseline.
CFD division.
[1:19:03] CFD division.
250-25.
[1:19:05] 250-25.
But just so I understand it the
[1:19:07] But just so I understand it the
way it is here right now, it
[1:19:09] way it is here right now, it
only takes effect if we are if
[1:19:11] only takes effect if we are if
we are in even a drought watch
[1:19:12] we are in even a drought watch
or. Now. No, this would be
[1:19:14] or. Now. No, this would be
just.
[1:19:14] just.
To this year.
[1:19:15] To this year.
All year round, all the time.
[1:19:16] All year round, all the time.
All the time. It's all the
[1:19:17] All the time. It's all the
time.
[1:19:17] time.
And and I would just say as
[1:19:18] And and I would just say as
part of that motion, um, give
[1:19:20] part of that motion, um, give
us the authority to renumber
[1:19:22] us the authority to renumber
accordingly. If it passes.
[1:19:25] accordingly. If it passes.
This is when it's not a
[1:19:26] This is when it's not a
drought.
[1:19:27] drought.
Right.
[1:19:28] Right.
We have plenty of rain there.
[1:19:30] We have plenty of rain there.
That's what this that that.
[1:19:31] That's what this that that.
Is there.
[1:19:32] Is there.
It's basically deleting.
[1:19:35] It's basically deleting.
250-25 gotcha.
[1:19:37] 250-25 gotcha.
Uh, motion was made by
[1:19:38] Uh, motion was made by
Councillor Rogers, second from
[1:19:40] Councillor Rogers, second from
Councillor Toohey. Councillor
[1:19:41] Councillor Toohey. Councillor
Ferreira.
[1:19:42] Ferreira.
Um, so the thought process
[1:19:44] Um, so the thought process
behind that piece of it was to
[1:19:47] behind that piece of it was to
delay the need to get to the
[1:19:49] delay the need to get to the
drought status warnings by
[1:19:50] drought status warnings by
practicing conservation between
[1:19:53] practicing conservation between
May and September, when people
[1:19:54] May and September, when people
water. If we're getting plenty
[1:19:56] water. If we're getting plenty
of rain, you generally don't
[1:19:57] of rain, you generally don't
water. And that was the data
[1:19:58] water. And that was the data
that Bob has shown us many
[1:20:00] that Bob has shown us many
times wet years versus dry
[1:20:01] times wet years versus dry
years, and our water
[1:20:02] years, and our water
consumption. So the thought to
[1:20:04] consumption. So the thought to
include that was to have it be
[1:20:06] include that was to have it be
a general conservation
[1:20:07] a general conservation
practice, may to September of
[1:20:10] practice, may to September of
watering at the most efficient
[1:20:11] watering at the most efficient
times of the day to water
[1:20:12] times of the day to water
before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.,
[1:20:15] before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.,
so that we could delay further
[1:20:17] so that we could delay further
more stringent drought measures
[1:20:20] more stringent drought measures
by hopefully conserving earlier
[1:20:21] by hopefully conserving earlier
on.
[1:20:22] on.
Thank you. Thank you,
[1:20:23] Thank you. Thank you,
Councillor Ferreira. I don't
[1:20:25] Councillor Ferreira. I don't
see any of the lights on, but
[1:20:26] see any of the lights on, but
I'm just going to say I agree
[1:20:27] I'm just going to say I agree
with her on that one. That's I
[1:20:29] with her on that one. That's I
will be voting against removing
[1:20:30] will be voting against removing
this personally. Uh, no, the
[1:20:33] this personally. Uh, no, the
lights are on. So the motion to
[1:20:35] lights are on. So the motion to
remove 250 .25 was made by
[1:20:38] remove 250 .25 was made by
Councillor Rogers, second by
[1:20:39] Councillor Rogers, second by
Councillor Tsui. Madam clerk,
[1:20:41] Councillor Tsui. Madam clerk,
please call the roll.
[1:20:42] please call the roll.
Uh, should the motion include
[1:20:44] Uh, should the motion include
the portion about the
[1:20:44] the portion about the
renumbering of the ordinance?
[1:20:45] renumbering of the ordinance?
Yes. Okay. All right. Vice
[1:20:54] Yes. Okay. All right. Vice
President. Mitchinson.
[1:20:55] President. Mitchinson.
No.
[1:20:56] No.
Councillor. Basilar?
[1:20:57] Councillor. Basilar?
No.
[1:20:58] No.
Councillor. Diodati. No.
[1:21:00] Councillor. Diodati. No.
Councillor. Sullivan. No.
[1:21:01] Councillor. Sullivan. No.
Councillor. Ferreira. No.
[1:21:04] Councillor. Ferreira. No.
Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
[1:21:06] Councillor. Toohey. Yes.
Councillor McGonigle. No.
[1:21:08] Councillor McGonigle. No.
Councillor LePage.
[1:21:09] Councillor LePage.
No.
[1:21:10] No.
Councillor. Rogers. Yes. And
[1:21:12] Councillor. Rogers. Yes. And
President. Jordan. No. Uh nine.
[1:21:16] President. Jordan. No. Uh nine.
No. Eight. Sorry. Two yeas.
[1:21:20] No. Eight. Sorry. Two yeas.
Eight nays. One absent.
[1:21:22] Eight nays. One absent.
All right. So that fails. Do we
[1:21:24] All right. So that fails. Do we
have other?
[1:21:25] have other?
Yeah. One more.
[1:21:26] Yeah. One more.
Go ahead, councillor Rogers.
[1:21:27] Go ahead, councillor Rogers.
I'm uncomfortable with letting
[1:21:28] I'm uncomfortable with letting
people go on people's private.
[1:21:30] people go on people's private.
I don't know if we still going
[1:21:31] I don't know if we still going
to do that. Go on. People's
[1:21:32] to do that. Go on. People's
private. Uh, that's the. I'll
[1:21:34] private. Uh, that's the. I'll
tell you which one. I'm. I'm
[1:21:35] tell you which one. I'm. I'm
comfortable with is, uh, two
[1:21:40] comfortable with is, uh, two
5250 24. C one c.
[1:21:45] 5250 24. C one c.
What is it?
[1:21:52] What is it?
And I don't know if that that
[1:21:53] And I don't know if that that
would have to be rewritten.
[1:21:56] would have to be rewritten.
Sorry.
[1:21:57] Sorry.
You want me.
[1:21:58] You want me.
To..
[1:21:58] To..
I can. Like you. Can I talk
[1:22:03] I can. Like you. Can I talk
like to make the motion to
[1:22:04] like to make the motion to
strike the line in 250-24.1C.
[1:22:14] strike the line in 250-24.1C.
Uh, for the purposes of the
[1:22:15] Uh, for the purposes of the
section, only police officers
[1:22:17] section, only police officers
and of the city and or agents
[1:22:19] and of the city and or agents
of the Board of Water
[1:22:19] of the Board of Water
commissioners may enter upon
[1:22:21] commissioners may enter upon
any property to enforce this
[1:22:22] any property to enforce this
section.
[1:22:23] section.
So just removing that one line,
[1:22:25] So just removing that one line,
is.
[1:22:25] is.
That correct? Yes. And the
[1:22:27] That correct? Yes. And the
reason behind it for me, really
[1:22:28] reason behind it for me, really
is, is the ambiguity of the
[1:22:29] is, is the ambiguity of the
line. It's like, you know, what
[1:22:30] line. It's like, you know, what
are we looking at for property?
[1:22:31] are we looking at for property?
Are we going into the basement
[1:22:33] Are we going into the basement
or like what police can just
[1:22:34] or like what police can just
the city people can just show
[1:22:36] the city people can just show
up and shut things off? I
[1:22:37] up and shut things off? I
really don't like that. I
[1:22:38] really don't like that. I
believe that we can work with
[1:22:39] believe that we can work with
our homeowners here. Um, if
[1:22:41] our homeowners here. Um, if
there are issues and we can
[1:22:42] there are issues and we can
correct any thing that we have
[1:22:44] correct any thing that we have
going on. So.
[1:22:46] going on. So.
That second that. But Bob, does
[1:22:47] That second that. But Bob, does
that sound okay? I mean, does
[1:22:49] that sound okay? I mean, does
that sound I mean, not I mean,
[1:22:50] that sound I mean, not I mean,
okay, in terms of the even the
[1:22:52] okay, in terms of the even the
first part of the sentence,
[1:22:54] first part of the sentence,
leaving that in.
[1:22:57] leaving that in.
I think so, yeah. I think, you
[1:22:59] I think so, yeah. I think, you
know, if you have a shut off.
[1:23:01] know, if you have a shut off.
So it leaves, uh, shut off
[1:23:02] So it leaves, uh, shut off
valve outside the building.
[1:23:04] valve outside the building.
aren't they situated? So it
[1:23:06] aren't they situated? So it
could be shut off if found in
[1:23:07] could be shut off if found in
violation of the audience.
[1:23:09] violation of the audience.
But are shut off valves outside
[1:23:10] But are shut off valves outside
the building right now?
[1:23:11] the building right now?
Anyways, I'm trying to.
[1:23:12] Anyways, I'm trying to.
Think some of them very well
[1:23:13] Think some of them very well
may have. Yeah, some may not. I
[1:23:15] may have. Yeah, some may not. I
don't know.
[1:23:16] don't know.
Okay.
[1:23:17] Okay.
This would be, you know, for
[1:23:19] This would be, you know, for
irrigation systems in
[1:23:20] irrigation systems in
particular, but they may, they
[1:23:22] particular, but they may, they
may or may not.
[1:23:25] may or may not.
Okay. Thank you.
[1:23:26] Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. Councillor Ferreira.
[1:23:29] Thank you. Councillor Ferreira.
Um, do we ever go and shut
[1:23:31] Um, do we ever go and shut
people's water off on
[1:23:32] people's water off on
properties?
[1:23:36] properties?
Shut offs are out in the street
[1:23:38] Shut offs are out in the street
right of way. So if we do a
[1:23:39] right of way. So if we do a
shut off for non-payment, we
[1:23:41] shut off for non-payment, we
don't go on the property.
[1:23:42] don't go on the property.
You do it in the right of way.
[1:23:43] You do it in the right of way.
Yeah, there's. There's a shut
[1:23:46] Yeah, there's. There's a shut
off in the right of way or on
[1:23:48] off in the right of way or on
the sidewalk, which is, that's
[1:23:49] the sidewalk, which is, that's
in the right of way.
[1:23:50] in the right of way.
And then generally speaking, if
[1:23:52] And then generally speaking, if
there is a complaint or a
[1:23:56] there is a complaint or a
potential violation of any
[1:23:59] potential violation of any
sort. Board of health, um,
[1:24:01] sort. Board of health, um,
safety, other things like that.
[1:24:03] safety, other things like that.
Do city officials have the
[1:24:05] Do city officials have the
right to go on to private
[1:24:06] right to go on to private
property to inspect that?
[1:24:11] property to inspect that?
It depends on what the
[1:24:13] It depends on what the
violation is. And typically
[1:24:14] violation is. And typically
what we would do is get an
[1:24:15] what we would do is get an
order from the court allowing
[1:24:18] order from the court allowing
the entry into the private
[1:24:19] the entry into the private
property. If it's an emergency
[1:24:21] property. If it's an emergency
situation, obviously fire or
[1:24:23] situation, obviously fire or
something like that, you don't
[1:24:24] something like that, you don't
need a court order, but it's a
[1:24:26] need a court order, but it's a
board of health. They can go
[1:24:27] board of health. They can go
and see if there's a violation,
[1:24:28] and see if there's a violation,
if there's a violation before
[1:24:29] if there's a violation before
they enter, then we would get a
[1:24:31] they enter, then we would get a
court order, an administrative
[1:24:32] court order, an administrative
order allowing the entry. So in
[1:24:35] order allowing the entry. So in
this instance, you could if
[1:24:37] this instance, you could if
there's a violation, you could
[1:24:40] there's a violation, you could
get an administrative order as
[1:24:41] get an administrative order as
well.
[1:24:41] well.
Right. Because it would be
[1:24:43] Right. Because it would be
documented at that point.
[1:24:44] documented at that point.
Violations would be documented
[1:24:46] Violations would be documented
because that's in the ordinance
[1:24:48] because that's in the ordinance
existing right of using it when
[1:24:50] existing right of using it when
we're not supposed to.
[1:24:51] we're not supposed to.
So they're actually so if the
[1:24:54] So they're actually so if the
in at the end, it's section
[1:24:58] in at the end, it's section
250-29, um, violations and
[1:25:01] 250-29, um, violations and
penalties, section B uh,
[1:25:03] penalties, section B uh,
actually not sections. Um
[1:25:05] actually not sections. Um
section eight part section
[1:25:07] section eight part section
four. Um, fourth violation.
[1:25:11] four. Um, fourth violation.
Subsequent violations 300 all
[1:25:13] Subsequent violations 300 all
of fine and may be subject to
[1:25:15] of fine and may be subject to
termination of water service.
[1:25:16] termination of water service.
So that's in there as well.
[1:25:18] So that's in there as well.
Could I that's termination of
[1:25:20] Could I that's termination of
service though. The other one
[1:25:21] service though. The other one
is specific to irrigation.
[1:25:23] is specific to irrigation.
Right. Could I also ask you,
[1:25:26] Right. Could I also ask you,
since we did start finding
[1:25:28] since we did start finding
people this past summer for
[1:25:30] people this past summer for
using water, when we said the
[1:25:33] using water, when we said the
proper levels were in place to
[1:25:34] proper levels were in place to
not use water? Um, did you have
[1:25:36] not use water? Um, did you have
many repeat offenders?
[1:25:38] many repeat offenders?
We had quite a few repeat
[1:25:40] We had quite a few repeat
offenders. Um.
[1:25:41] offenders. Um.
And do you have an idea of the
[1:25:45] And do you have an idea of the
amount of money and fines that
[1:25:47] amount of money and fines that
were sent out?
[1:25:49] were sent out?
I do know that, but I don't
[1:25:51] I do know that, but I don't
have the numbers committed to
[1:25:53] have the numbers committed to
memory. I just, um, the mayor
[1:25:55] memory. I just, um, the mayor
and I talked about that just
[1:25:56] and I talked about that just
within the last few weeks, but
[1:25:58] within the last few weeks, but
I don't remember the numbers
[1:25:59] I don't remember the numbers
off the top of my head. If you
[1:26:00] off the top of my head. If you
want them, I can get them to
[1:26:01] want them, I can get them to
you.
[1:26:02] you.
I think that would be great.
[1:26:03] I think that would be great.
I can say, though, that, um,
[1:26:06] I can say, though, that, um,
one of the recent weekends may
[1:26:08] one of the recent weekends may
be Labor Day weekend. We it
[1:26:10] be Labor Day weekend. We it
was. I think we gave out like
[1:26:13] was. I think we gave out like
$700 in fines. And then another
[1:26:16] $700 in fines. And then another
recent weekend, another 500. So
[1:26:19] recent weekend, another 500. So
it's it's still happening. Um.
[1:26:22] it's it's still happening. Um.
Thank you.
[1:26:23] Thank you.
Oh, counselor. Yes. Okay. So
[1:26:27] Oh, counselor. Yes. Okay. So
correct me if I'm wrong. The
[1:26:28] correct me if I'm wrong. The
motion now is from Councillor
[1:26:29] motion now is from Councillor
Diodati, seconded by Councillor
[1:26:31] Diodati, seconded by Councillor
Rogers to strike 250 .241 C,
[1:26:39] Rogers to strike 250 .241 C,
specifically the line for the
[1:26:42] specifically the line for the
purposes of this section, only
[1:26:44] purposes of this section, only
police officers of the city and
[1:26:46] police officers of the city and
or agents of the Board of Water
[1:26:48] or agents of the Board of Water
Commissioners may enter upon
[1:26:50] Commissioners may enter upon
any property to enforce the
[1:26:51] any property to enforce the
section. That's the motion.
[1:26:53] section. That's the motion.
Just to remove that one line.
[1:26:54] Just to remove that one line.
Correct? Correct. And and
[1:26:55] Correct? Correct. And and
that's the second. Madam clerk,
[1:26:56] that's the second. Madam clerk,
please call the roll.
[1:26:57] please call the roll.
Vice president. Mitchinson.
[1:26:59] Vice president. Mitchinson.
Yes.
[1:26:59] Yes.
Councillor. Bachelier. Yes.
[1:27:01] Councillor. Bachelier. Yes.
Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
[1:27:03] Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
Councillor. Sullivan. No.
[1:27:04] Councillor. Sullivan. No.
Councillor. Ferreira. No.
[1:27:06] Councillor. Ferreira. No.
Councillor. Tui.
[1:27:07] Councillor. Tui.
Yes.
[1:27:09] Yes.
Councillor McGonigle.
[1:27:10] Councillor McGonigle.
Yes.
[1:27:13] Yes.
Councillor LePage.
[1:27:16] Councillor LePage.
Yes.
[1:27:16] Yes.
Councillor Rogers and President
[1:27:19] Councillor Rogers and President
Jordan. Yes. Eight. Two nays.
[1:27:21] Jordan. Yes. Eight. Two nays.
One absent.
[1:27:22] One absent.
So that one line is stricken
[1:27:24] So that one line is stricken
from the ordinance. Do we have
[1:27:26] from the ordinance. Do we have
any other suggestions?
[1:27:28] any other suggestions?
Councillor LePage?
[1:27:29] Councillor LePage?
Uh, just a quick. I believe
[1:27:31] Uh, just a quick. I believe
it's a script, as ever. On
[1:27:35] it's a script, as ever. On
250-25.1. And the third line
[1:27:40] 250-25.1. And the third line
says adequate supply of water
[1:27:42] says adequate supply of water
to all water consumers. I think
[1:27:44] to all water consumers. I think
the definition is actually
[1:27:45] the definition is actually
customers. I think it's left
[1:27:47] customers. I think it's left
over from the past ordinance.
[1:27:50] over from the past ordinance.
So just to make them line up.
[1:27:52] So just to make them line up.
I'll second that motion.
[1:27:55] I'll second that motion.
A motion from Councillor
[1:27:57] A motion from Councillor
Sullivan. Excuse me, LePage,
[1:27:59] Sullivan. Excuse me, LePage,
second from Councillor Sullivan.
[1:28:03] second from Councillor Sullivan.
Madam clerk, please call the
[1:28:05] Madam clerk, please call the
roll.
[1:28:05] roll.
Just give me.
[1:28:06] Just give me.
One more. Sorry.
[1:28:06] One more. Sorry.
Take your time. Uh. Rather.
[1:28:15] Take your time. Uh. Rather.
Can I ask what that motion was?
[1:28:17] Can I ask what that motion was?
Was it?
[1:28:20] Was it?
It's consumer to customer?
[1:28:22] It's consumer to customer?
You said yes.
[1:28:23] You said yes.
Oh, yes.
[1:28:24] Oh, yes.
I want to make it customer.
[1:28:26] I want to make it customer.
Because that's.
[1:28:27] Because that's.
What the. definition is. Yeah,
[1:28:28] What the. definition is. Yeah,
yeah.
[1:28:28] yeah.
And that's in line three. Okay.
[1:28:31] And that's in line three. Okay.
Third line. Okay. Vice
[1:28:33] Third line. Okay. Vice
president. Mitchinson. Yes.
[1:28:35] president. Mitchinson. Yes.
Councillor. Bachelier. Yes.
[1:28:37] Councillor. Bachelier. Yes.
Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
[1:28:38] Councillor. Diodati. Yes.
Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
[1:28:39] Councillor. Sullivan. Yes.
Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
[1:28:40] Councillor. Ferreira. Yes.
Councillor. Tuohy. Yes.
[1:28:42] Councillor. Tuohy. Yes.
Councillor McGonigle. Yes.
[1:28:43] Councillor McGonigle. Yes.
Councillor LePage. Yes.
[1:28:44] Councillor LePage. Yes.
Councillor. Rogers. Yes. And
[1:28:46] Councillor. Rogers. Yes. And
President. Jordan. Yes. Ten
[1:28:47] President. Jordan. Yes. Ten
years. Zero. Nays one.
[1:28:49] years. Zero. Nays one.
Absent that passes.
[1:28:51] Absent that passes.
Are we voting the entire page?
[1:28:54] Are we voting the entire page?
We vote on the entire.
[1:28:56] We vote on the entire.
Ready to make a motion to vote
[1:28:57] Ready to make a motion to vote
for the. Yep.
[1:28:58] for the. Yep.
With all the amendments.
[1:29:00] With all the amendments.
Okay. Second motion for
[1:29:02] Okay. Second motion for
councillor page. Second from
[1:29:03] councillor page. Second from
Councillor Sullivan to vote for
[1:29:06] Councillor Sullivan to vote for
the ordinance with the edits
[1:29:08] the ordinance with the edits
that we just made. Madam clerk,
[1:29:10] that we just made. Madam clerk,
please call the roll.
[1:29:12] please call the roll.
You said that was councillor
[1:29:13] You said that was councillor
LePage.
[1:29:13] LePage.
And then page second from
[1:29:15] And then page second from
Councillor Sullivan.
[1:29:15] Councillor Sullivan.
Okay. Uh, Vice president
[1:29:17] Okay. Uh, Vice president
Mitchinson. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:18] Mitchinson. Yes. Councillor.
Bachelier. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:20] Bachelier. Yes. Councillor.
Diodati. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:21] Diodati. Yes. Councillor.
Sullivan. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:22] Sullivan. Yes. Councillor.
Ferreira. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:24] Ferreira. Yes. Councillor.
Tuohy. Yes. Councillor
[1:29:25] Tuohy. Yes. Councillor
McGonigle. Yes. Councillor
[1:29:26] McGonigle. Yes. Councillor
LePage. Yes. Councillor.
[1:29:28] LePage. Yes. Councillor.
Rogers. Yes. And President.
[1:29:30] Rogers. Yes. And President.
Jordan. Yes. Ten years. Zero.
[1:29:32] Jordan. Yes. Ten years. Zero.
Nays one.
[1:29:32] Nays one.
Absent that passes, I'd just
[1:29:34] Absent that passes, I'd just
like to say thanks to everybody
[1:29:35] like to say thanks to everybody
who's worked on it. Obviously a
[1:29:36] who's worked on it. Obviously a
lot of effort has gone into it.
[1:29:38] lot of effort has gone into it.
Meetings with outside groups
[1:29:39] Meetings with outside groups
and meetings by the
[1:29:40] and meetings by the
subcommittee, and I'm glad that
[1:29:42] subcommittee, and I'm glad that
we vetted it here. And now we
[1:29:44] we vetted it here. And now we
have an ordinance. Thank you.
[1:29:45] have an ordinance. Thank you.
Thank you.
[1:29:46] Thank you.
Thank you. Um.
[1:29:47] Thank you. Um.
Get up here for a second. No.
[1:29:50] Get up here for a second. No.
We closed it out. But go ahead.
[1:29:52] We closed it out. But go ahead.
You have two minutes.
[1:29:56] You have two minutes.
To enjoy. Thank you for giving
[1:29:58] To enjoy. Thank you for giving
me the opportunity. Uh, I'm
[1:30:01] me the opportunity. Uh, I'm
going to be brief.
[1:30:02] going to be brief.
Yes. Thank you.
[1:30:03] Yes. Thank you.
I'd like to ask about a
[1:30:05] I'd like to ask about a
watershed in the amount of
[1:30:06] watershed in the amount of
water actually moving through
[1:30:08] water actually moving through
it. I personally seen beaver
[1:30:10] it. I personally seen beaver
dams throughout Hazel that
[1:30:11] dams throughout Hazel that
appear to significantly
[1:30:14] appear to significantly
restrict in some cases, stop
[1:30:16] restrict in some cases, stop
the movement of water through
[1:30:17] the movement of water through
streams. Could these
[1:30:19] streams. Could these
obstructions be affecting our
[1:30:21] obstructions be affecting our
watershed and the amount of
[1:30:23] watershed and the amount of
water eventually reaching our
[1:30:24] water eventually reaching our
reservoirs? I have some photos
[1:30:26] reservoirs? I have some photos
that I took at the these beaver
[1:30:28] that I took at the these beaver
dams all over our water supply
[1:30:31] dams all over our water supply
system. Streams that have
[1:30:33] system. Streams that have
narrowed down to nothing, are
[1:30:35] narrowed down to nothing, are
water. Standing still without
[1:30:37] water. Standing still without
any types of movement. I know
[1:30:39] any types of movement. I know
that there's restrictions on
[1:30:41] that there's restrictions on
beaver dams being taken down,
[1:30:43] beaver dams being taken down,
but I think maybe this is a
[1:30:45] but I think maybe this is a
little bit of a problem that
[1:30:47] little bit of a problem that
we're having with water being
[1:30:49] we're having with water being
restricted going into Melville,
[1:30:50] restricted going into Melville,
and eventually going into
[1:30:52] and eventually going into
Canada. So, you know, this one
[1:30:54] Canada. So, you know, this one
in particular here on the right
[1:30:56] in particular here on the right
hand side, you've got about
[1:30:59] hand side, you've got about
15ft from the left hand side of
[1:31:01] 15ft from the left hand side of
that photo. So there's two
[1:31:02] that photo. So there's two
different there's a one pond
[1:31:04] different there's a one pond
going into a ravine and there's
[1:31:06] going into a ravine and there's
no water going by there. And
[1:31:08] no water going by there. And
next please. Uh, and that's
[1:31:15] next please. Uh, and that's
another, uh, beaver dam. That's
[1:31:17] another, uh, beaver dam. That's
that water is not moving, not
[1:31:19] that water is not moving, not
even an inch.
[1:31:20] even an inch.
Where are you? Here. I just
[1:31:22] Where are you? Here. I just
didn't hear what you said. You
[1:31:23] didn't hear what you said. You
were right. Where's this dam? I
[1:31:24] were right. Where's this dam? I
didn't hear.
[1:31:25] didn't hear.
Uh, you know, I went all over
[1:31:27] Uh, you know, I went all over
the place. I didn't get a
[1:31:28] the place. I didn't get a
chance to. And I could take you
[1:31:30] chance to. And I could take you
to them if you like, but India
[1:31:32] to them if you like, but India
is a prime example. This
[1:31:34] is a prime example. This
particular, you know, area,
[1:31:36] particular, you know, area,
there's very little water going
[1:31:37] there's very little water going
through. The water is higher
[1:31:39] through. The water is higher
than it is lower. So very
[1:31:41] than it is lower. So very
little going through it. Next,
[1:31:43] little going through it. Next,
please. There's another one.
[1:31:51] please. There's another one.
Absolutely no water going from
[1:31:53] Absolutely no water going from
one side to the other. Very
[1:31:55] one side to the other. Very
little. So all this water is
[1:31:57] little. So all this water is
actually going into the ground.
[1:31:58] actually going into the ground.
It's not going into Melville at
[1:32:00] It's not going into Melville at
all. And these streams go all
[1:32:02] all. And these streams go all
over the place and they kind of
[1:32:03] over the place and they kind of
meet into Melville. And he has
[1:32:06] meet into Melville. And he has
one. This is about three feet
[1:32:10] one. This is about three feet
high that we measured. It's
[1:32:12] high that we measured. It's
probably even lower because,
[1:32:13] probably even lower because,
you know, we couldn't get, you
[1:32:14] you know, we couldn't get, you
know, low enough. But that's
[1:32:16] know, low enough. But that's
you know, the water was up high
[1:32:17] you know, the water was up high
and nothing's coming through
[1:32:19] and nothing's coming through
it. So I just want to kind of
[1:32:20] it. So I just want to kind of
like wonder, are we doing
[1:32:21] like wonder, are we doing
anything about it? I think that
[1:32:23] anything about it? I think that
there's special permits that we
[1:32:24] there's special permits that we
can get from the state to work
[1:32:27] can get from the state to work
on this to, you know, maybe not
[1:32:29] on this to, you know, maybe not
eliminate, uh, you know, the
[1:32:30] eliminate, uh, you know, the
whole beaver dam, but portions
[1:32:32] whole beaver dam, but portions
of it that the water can flow.
[1:32:33] of it that the water can flow.
Okay.
[1:32:34] Okay.
Thank you, thank you.
[1:32:35] Thank you, thank you.
Appreciate your time.
[1:32:36] Appreciate your time.
Yeah. Bob, do you want to speak
[1:32:38] Yeah. Bob, do you want to speak
to that or do you want to just
[1:32:39] to that or do you want to just
get back to him after you
[1:32:40] get back to him after you
research it? You know, there's
[1:32:42] research it? You know, there's
no pressure. If you want to
[1:32:43] no pressure. If you want to
take time to research it,
[1:32:44] take time to research it,
that's fine.
[1:32:45] that's fine.
It's up to you. If you want me
[1:32:46] It's up to you. If you want me
to get up and respond.
[1:32:47] to get up and respond.
If you have a if you have
[1:32:48] If you have a if you have
response and you're ready for
[1:32:49] response and you're ready for
it, go ahead. Yeah. And then
[1:32:54] it, go ahead. Yeah. And then
we're going to move on.
[1:32:56] we're going to move on.
To my question.
[1:32:57] To my question.
Right. I'll let you have a
[1:32:58] Right. I'll let you have a
question. Yep.
[1:33:02] question. Yep.
Well beaver dams are pretty
[1:33:03] Well beaver dams are pretty
well protected. And as as al
[1:33:06] well protected. And as as al
mentioned you have to have a
[1:33:07] mentioned you have to have a
permit for them. Typically when
[1:33:09] permit for them. Typically when
we've gotten permits in the
[1:33:10] we've gotten permits in the
past for other various reasons,
[1:33:13] past for other various reasons,
they'll let us remove section
[1:33:15] they'll let us remove section
typically four feet wide by a
[1:33:17] typically four feet wide by a
foot deep. And then, you know,
[1:33:20] foot deep. And then, you know,
the next day the beavers have
[1:33:21] the next day the beavers have
it all built back up. But if
[1:33:23] it all built back up. But if
that's something the council
[1:33:25] that's something the council
and the mayor want us to look
[1:33:26] and the mayor want us to look
into, we can certainly look
[1:33:27] into, we can certainly look
into that and call mass
[1:33:28] into that and call mass
wildlife and work with Rob
[1:33:30] wildlife and work with Rob
Moore to see if we can, uh,
[1:33:32] Moore to see if we can, uh,
pull down some beaver dams.
[1:33:34] pull down some beaver dams.
From your experience, have you
[1:33:35] From your experience, have you
done it in the past? And has it
[1:33:36] done it in the past? And has it
made any real difference?
[1:33:38] made any real difference?
It's not going to make a real
[1:33:40] It's not going to make a real
difference as far as quantity
[1:33:41] difference as far as quantity
or volume of water. Okay. No.
[1:33:44] or volume of water. Okay. No.
All right. Thank you. Sir. If
[1:33:46] All right. Thank you. Sir. If
you want to come on up and ask
[1:33:47] you want to come on up and ask
your question, just. Yep. Keep
[1:33:49] your question, just. Yep. Keep
it at two minutes and.
[1:33:51] it at two minutes and.
Michael Jacobs. name is very.
[1:33:53] Michael Jacobs. name is very.
Rude.
[1:33:54] Rude.
And just on that real.
[1:33:55] And just on that real.
Quick note, um.
[1:33:56] Quick note, um.
Even whether it's a big
[1:33:57] Even whether it's a big
difference, every little bit
[1:33:59] difference, every little bit
helps, right?
[1:34:00] helps, right?
I guess we're trying to do
[1:34:01] I guess we're trying to do
because he said earlier.
[1:34:02] because he said earlier.
Nothing's coming out.
[1:34:03] Nothing's coming out.
Of.
[1:34:03] Of.
Millville because just so if
[1:34:05] Millville because just so if
what this gentleman saying
[1:34:07] what this gentleman saying
every little bit helps.
[1:34:09] every little bit helps.
Right?
[1:34:09] Right?
That's your question.
[1:34:09] That's your question.
What is that? No, no, I'm just
[1:34:11] What is that? No, no, I'm just
making that statement too,
[1:34:12] making that statement too,
though, because if.
[1:34:12] though, because if.
We're watching how.
[1:34:13] We're watching how.
A washing our hands every
[1:34:15] A washing our hands every
little bit helps. Yeah. Okay.
[1:34:17] little bit helps. Yeah. Okay.
So real.
[1:34:19] So real.
Quick, um. The first thing is,
[1:34:22] Quick, um. The first thing is,
uh, what are we doing? Because
[1:34:24] uh, what are we doing? Because
I know on September 15th, we
[1:34:25] I know on September 15th, we
had mentioned we were going to
[1:34:27] had mentioned we were going to
heat the two of them. The mayor
[1:34:29] heat the two of them. The mayor
and Bob didn't have an issue
[1:34:30] and Bob didn't have an issue
with getting a second pair of
[1:34:31] with getting a second pair of
eyes to start to look at
[1:34:32] eyes to start to look at
things. He was just. Maybe they
[1:34:34] things. He was just. Maybe they
were overseeing something. Just
[1:34:35] were overseeing something. Just
wanted to bring that back up to
[1:34:36] wanted to bring that back up to
the forefront. Okay. And then
[1:34:40] the forefront. Okay. And then
also, uh, I read a news story
[1:34:43] also, uh, I read a news story
somewhere and anybody here that
[1:34:45] somewhere and anybody here that
can help me, uh, and New and
[1:34:46] can help me, uh, and New and
New Hampshire, I think they
[1:34:48] New Hampshire, I think they
have, uh, water that they're
[1:34:49] have, uh, water that they're
going to be dumping. Has
[1:34:50] going to be dumping. Has
anybody heard of this? And I
[1:34:51] anybody heard of this? And I
just wondered if I just wanted
[1:34:52] just wondered if I just wanted
to bring to someone's attention
[1:34:53] to bring to someone's attention
if they if these guys haven't
[1:34:55] if they if these guys haven't
heard of it, because maybe we
[1:34:55] heard of it, because maybe we
can buy some of those gallons.
[1:34:58] can buy some of those gallons.
Okay. Um, I don't know if
[1:35:00] Okay. Um, I don't know if
anybody else heard that. Seen
[1:35:00] anybody else heard that. Seen
that story, then, uh, the other
[1:35:03] that story, then, uh, the other
thing I'd like to say is with
[1:35:06] thing I'd like to say is with
the I think we've had two rate
[1:35:08] the I think we've had two rate
increases, water rate
[1:35:09] increases, water rate
increases, um, under her
[1:35:11] increases, um, under her
administration. So hoping that
[1:35:14] administration. So hoping that
in two years or so. Right, all
[1:35:15] in two years or so. Right, all
this stuff that we're working
[1:35:17] this stuff that we're working
on gets us back in a better
[1:35:19] on gets us back in a better
space. Would we stop to think
[1:35:21] space. Would we stop to think
and say, okay, maybe we don't
[1:35:22] and say, okay, maybe we don't
need the rate increases, right?
[1:35:24] need the rate increases, right?
When we go backwards on a rate
[1:35:25] When we go backwards on a rate
increase, if we get ourselves
[1:35:26] increase, if we get ourselves
to where we need to be. So I
[1:35:28] to where we need to be. So I
just like to get these things
[1:35:29] just like to get these things
on record and get our minds
[1:35:30] on record and get our minds
flowing that way. Um, and then
[1:35:33] flowing that way. Um, and then
I'll just say real quick as
[1:35:34] I'll just say real quick as
well, not that I'm somebody had
[1:35:36] well, not that I'm somebody had
an issue last time about people
[1:35:38] an issue last time about people
reading faces and all that kind
[1:35:40] reading faces and all that kind
of stuff. 90% of our
[1:35:41] of stuff. 90% of our
communication is body language,
[1:35:42] communication is body language,
so let's keep that in mind. So
[1:35:44] so let's keep that in mind. So
that's why people get that. Uh,
[1:35:47] that's why people get that. Uh,
anyways, uh, what was my next
[1:35:49] anyways, uh, what was my next
one was, um. The rate
[1:35:54] one was, um. The rate
increases.
[1:35:55] increases.
Again.
[1:35:57] Again.
That's I think that's pretty
[1:35:59] That's I think that's pretty
much it. Yeah. Thank you.
[1:36:00] much it. Yeah. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
[1:36:02] Thank you very much.
But do you understand what I'm
[1:36:03] But do you understand what I'm
trying to say is I want us to
[1:36:05] trying to say is I want us to
start. I'll come here and I'll
[1:36:06] start. I'll come here and I'll
bring up questions that I feel
[1:36:07] bring up questions that I feel
you guys are maybe looking at.
[1:36:08] you guys are maybe looking at.
And then that'll get the wheels
[1:36:09] And then that'll get the wheels
turning right. Sure. Because
[1:36:11] turning right. Sure. Because
that was my main issue last
[1:36:12] that was my main issue last
time. We've got to change
[1:36:13] time. We've got to change
attitudes and things like that.
[1:36:14] attitudes and things like that.
So that's all. So I hope you'll
[1:36:15] So that's all. So I hope you'll
take these things serious that
[1:36:16] take these things serious that
I'm bringing up.
[1:36:17] I'm bringing up.
Yeah, but we heard you. I think
[1:36:19] Yeah, but we heard you. I think
everybody here at you, I know I
[1:36:20] everybody here at you, I know I
did..
[1:36:20] did..
Has anybody else heard the
[1:36:22] Has anybody else heard the
story about Newton?
[1:36:23] story about Newton?
I had. not one.
[1:36:24] I had. not one.
But.
[1:36:24] But.
What? It's your business. Have
[1:36:25] What? It's your business. Have
you heard that, sir?
[1:36:27] you heard that, sir?
That's your time. He can speak
[1:36:28] That's your time. He can speak
to it later or get back to you.
[1:36:29] to it later or get back to you.
Thank you, thank you. Yes,
[1:36:31] Thank you, thank you. Yes,
madam. Clerk. Next item.
[1:36:34] madam. Clerk. Next item.
Mayor Barrett, request to
[1:36:35] Mayor Barrett, request to
present a proclamation
[1:36:36] present a proclamation
recognizing October 15th, 2026
[1:36:39] recognizing October 15th, 2026
as White Cane Awareness Day in
[1:36:41] as White Cane Awareness Day in
the city of Haverhill.
[1:36:42] the city of Haverhill.
Councilor page, you're going to
[1:36:43] Councilor page, you're going to
read the proclamation.
[1:36:45] read the proclamation.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[1:36:47] Thank you, Mr. President.
Proclamation. Whereas the white
[1:36:49] Proclamation. Whereas the white
cane, which every blind citizen
[1:36:51] cane, which every blind citizen
of Haverhill in the
[1:36:52] of Haverhill in the
Commonwealth has the right to
[1:36:53] Commonwealth has the right to
carry, demonstrates and
[1:36:54] carry, demonstrates and
symbolizes the ability to
[1:36:56] symbolizes the ability to
achieve a full and independent
[1:36:57] achieve a full and independent
life and the capacity to work
[1:36:59] life and the capacity to work
productively in competitive
[1:37:00] productively in competitive
employment. And whereas the
[1:37:02] employment. And whereas the
white cane allows every blind
[1:37:04] white cane allows every blind
person to move freely and
[1:37:05] person to move freely and
safely from place to place,
[1:37:06] safely from place to place,
making it possible for the
[1:37:08] making it possible for the
blind to fully participate and
[1:37:10] blind to fully participate and
contribute to our society and
[1:37:11] contribute to our society and
to live the lives they want.
[1:37:12] to live the lives they want.
And whereas every citizen
[1:37:15] And whereas every citizen
should be aware that the law
[1:37:16] should be aware that the law
requires that motorists and
[1:37:17] requires that motorists and
cyclists exercise appropriate
[1:37:19] cyclists exercise appropriate
caution when approaching a
[1:37:20] caution when approaching a
blind person carrying a white
[1:37:22] blind person carrying a white
cane, and whereas Massachusetts
[1:37:24] cane, and whereas Massachusetts
law also calls upon employers,
[1:37:26] law also calls upon employers,
both public and private, to be
[1:37:28] both public and private, to be
aware of and utilize the
[1:37:29] aware of and utilize the
employment skills of our blind
[1:37:30] employment skills of our blind
citizens by recognizing their
[1:37:32] citizens by recognizing their
worth as individuals and their
[1:37:33] worth as individuals and their
productive capacities. And now,
[1:37:35] productive capacities. And now,
therefore, I, Melinda E
[1:37:37] therefore, I, Melinda E
Barrett, mayor of the City of
[1:37:38] Barrett, mayor of the City of
Haverhill, do hereby proclaim
[1:37:39] Haverhill, do hereby proclaim
October 15th, 2026 as White
[1:37:42] October 15th, 2026 as White
Cane Awareness Day. I call upon
[1:37:44] Cane Awareness Day. I call upon
our schools, colleges and
[1:37:45] our schools, colleges and
universities to offer
[1:37:46] universities to offer
opportunities for learning and
[1:37:48] opportunities for learning and
training to blind persons upon
[1:37:50] training to blind persons upon
employees in the public, to
[1:37:51] employees in the public, to
utilize the available skills of
[1:37:53] utilize the available skills of
competent blind persons, and to
[1:37:55] competent blind persons, and to
be open to offering new
[1:37:56] be open to offering new
opportunities to the blind and
[1:37:58] opportunities to the blind and
our rapidly changing society,
[1:38:00] our rapidly changing society,
and upon all citizens. To
[1:38:02] and upon all citizens. To
recognize the white cane as a
[1:38:03] recognize the white cane as a
tool of independence from blind
[1:38:04] tool of independence from blind
pedestrians on our streets and
[1:38:06] pedestrians on our streets and
highways. And witness whereof I
[1:38:08] highways. And witness whereof I
have here on to set my hand and
[1:38:10] have here on to set my hand and
caused the seal the city of
[1:38:11] caused the seal the city of
Haverhill to be affixed. The
[1:38:12] Haverhill to be affixed. The
sixth day of October, in the
[1:38:14] sixth day of October, in the
year of our Lord, 2026. Mayor
[1:38:17] year of our Lord, 2026. Mayor
Melinda Barrett. I make a
[1:38:19] Melinda Barrett. I make a
motion to put places on file.
[1:38:22] motion to put places on file.
Second Motion Counselor page
[1:38:24] Second Motion Counselor page
second from councilor
[1:38:25] second from councilor
McGonagle. All in favor?
[1:38:26] McGonagle. All in favor?
Aye, aye.
[1:38:27] Aye, aye.
That's accepted and placed on
[1:38:28] That's accepted and placed on
file. Thank you, councillor
[1:38:29] file. Thank you, councillor
LePage. Madam clerk, next item.
[1:38:31] LePage. Madam clerk, next item.
Vice President Richardson
[1:38:33] Vice President Richardson
wishes to announce a Planning
[1:38:34] wishes to announce a Planning
and Development Committee
[1:38:35] and Development Committee
meeting on Monday, October
[1:38:37] meeting on Monday, October
19th, 2026 at 6 p.m. in room
[1:38:39] 19th, 2026 at 6 p.m. in room
202. The City Council Chambers.
[1:38:41] 202. The City Council Chambers.
Vice President Richardson.
[1:38:42] Vice President Richardson.
Thank you very much. Uh, this
[1:38:44] Thank you very much. Uh, this
meeting follows two major
[1:38:47] meeting follows two major
challenges facing Haverhill the
[1:38:49] challenges facing Haverhill the
waste water infrastructure
[1:38:51] waste water infrastructure
failure. Um, this summer, um,
[1:38:54] failure. Um, this summer, um,
as well as our current drought.
[1:38:58] as well as our current drought.
Um, and working with the
[1:39:01] Um, and working with the
mayor's administration and
[1:39:03] mayor's administration and
appropriate departments will
[1:39:05] appropriate departments will
begin a risk based assessment
[1:39:08] begin a risk based assessment
of the city's critical
[1:39:10] of the city's critical
infrastructure, starting with
[1:39:12] infrastructure, starting with
wastewater and drinking water.
[1:39:14] wastewater and drinking water.
Citizen input will be an
[1:39:16] Citizen input will be an
important part of this effort.
[1:39:18] important part of this effort.
Residents often see problems
[1:39:20] Residents often see problems
and impacts firsthand, and
[1:39:22] and impacts firsthand, and
their experience can help us
[1:39:24] their experience can help us
identify risks, priorities, and
[1:39:26] identify risks, priorities, and
concerns. A first meeting will
[1:39:29] concerns. A first meeting will
focus on defining the scope,
[1:39:31] focus on defining the scope,
expected outcomes, and
[1:39:33] expected outcomes, and
organization of the study, with
[1:39:35] organization of the study, with
the goal of identifying our
[1:39:38] the goal of identifying our
highest risks and reducing them
[1:39:40] highest risks and reducing them
before another crisis occurs.
[1:39:43] before another crisis occurs.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[1:39:44] Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
[1:39:47] Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
And do we have any other
[1:39:50] And do we have any other
announcements, reports?
[1:39:52] announcements, reports?
Move. We adjourn.
[1:39:53] Move. We adjourn.
Second motion from Councillor
[1:39:55] Second motion from Councillor
Sullivan to adjourn. Second
[1:39:56] Sullivan to adjourn. Second
from Councilor Diodati. All in
[1:39:58] from Councilor Diodati. All in
favor?
[1:39:58] favor?
Aye, aye.