Framingham City Council Meeting – July 21, 2026

The Framingham City Council met on July 21, 2026, for a regular meeting that included an executive session, approval of minutes, a proclamation, appointments, public hearings on utility poles and a zoning map change, a major public hearing on the mayor's proposed administrative reorganization, and several other agenda items. The meeting lasted from approximately 7:00 PM to after 10:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved executive session minutes from June 30, 2026, and open session minutes from June 22, 2026 (with a friendly amendment correcting the name "John Curran" to "John Conn").
• Adopted a joint proclamation declaring August 9–15, 2026, as Urban Agriculture Week in Framingham.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anton (resident): Raised concerns about two Flock cameras still pointed at streets despite the city's contract ending June 30, 2026; requested verification that cameras are disabled and removal.
• Steve Kiviet (Friends of Callahan, former COA member): Expressed strong support for the library–Callahan Center reorganization, calling it "forward thinking," and noted improved morale under current leadership.
• Carol Locch (resident, Friends of Callahan board member): Supported the reorganization as creative and logical, stating the center has been functioning like a "well-oiled machine" under the assistant director.
• Heather Clisch (Chair, Board of Library Trustees): Read a board statement expressing concern about a single division head overseeing both library and senior center; recommended quarterly meetings with the mayor, appropriate compensation for expanded roles, and consultation before significant library decisions. The board did not take a position on the reorganization itself (vote was 10–1 to present the statement).
• Eliza T. Williamson (District 2 resident): Opposed the reorganization, arguing it asks one person to lead two full-time positions without a comprehensive plan or community engagement; urged the council not to rush.
• Patrick Dunn (Council on Aging board member): Expressed frustration at lack of prior consultation, noted the COA board has only 7 of 11 members; emphasized the need for proper job descriptions and compensation for deputy directors.
• Kathy McCarthy (former COA member, library trustee): Opposed the reorganization, citing risks to specialized services for seniors and the disabled; called the process rushed and noted the veteran services omission as a "red flag."
• Sam Mercurio (resident): Voiced general support for the mayor's efforts and encouraged expanding concert series and entertainment offerings.
• Kathy Hawke (Chair, Parks and Rec Commission): Urged preserving the mission and expertise of Parks and Rec; thanked staff including Allison for holding things together.

Discussion Items

• Appointments:
  • Division heads (retroactive to July 1, 2025): Kathy O'Leary (HR) approved 11–0; Fred Bray (Building Commissioner) approved 11–0; Saki Sarkeesian (Planning & Community Development) approved 10–1 (Councilor Long dissented, citing lack of focus on economic development; others defended his work and noted council's own zoning challenges).
  • Appointments to boards/commissions (items 6–13): Approved en bloc by roll call (all in favor); included Disability Commission, Elderly/Disabled Tax Fund, Historical Commission, Historic District Commission, Women/Children/Families Commission, Registrar of Voters, Constables, Police Advisory Committee.
• Utility Pole Public Hearings:
  • Verizon/Eversource requests for pole installations/relocations on Salem End Road (approved), Heather Drive (approved), and Pearl Street (approved with condition to replace any damaged tree). Councilor Winnett requested better tracking of double poles and removal schedules.
• Eagle Rock Zoning Map Change (33 Densmore Ave & 31 Valentine Road):
  • Extensive discussion; MOU was revised to increase for-sale units from 10% to 20% (councilor Ataviani successfully amended to 25%). Developer agreed to arms-length transactions. Conservation restriction replaced with nominal-cost lease/license for nonprofit serving youth. Motion to approve the zoning map amendment and MOU with amendments passed unanimously (11–0).
• Administrative Reorganization (Mayor's Proposal):
  • Mayor presented plan: Combine Capital Projects/Facilities with Parks & Rec (eliminate Parks Director); merge Callahan Senior Center with Library (eliminate Director of Elder Services) under a single Library & Community Services Division head. Stated no service reductions, no budget commingling, no impact on board/commission roles.
  • Council questions and debate:
    • Councilor Ward asked about staffing impact (9 to 8 at Callahan). Library Director Dawn Delasanta explained tasks were redistributed, and services have increased under Noelia.
    • Councilor Stefanini asked about licensing authority (deputy director), advocacy role (deputy), and need for ordinance details; expressed concern about process but openness.
    • Councilor King noted $600,000+ in accumulated state formula grant for seniors, urging its use.
    • Councilor Ataviani criticized lack of prior spending of that fund.
    • Councilor Bryant expressed need for more detail, cited past experiences with reorgs; called for a slower, more transparent approach.
  • Public testimony on reorganization heard (see Public Comments).
  • After debate, Councilor Stefanini moved to refer the reorganization and draft ordinance to a five-member ad hoc committee. Councilor Linn Bruno moved to amend to a three-member committee. Amendment passed 7–4, then the main motion (referral to ad hoc committee) passed unanimously. The committee will report back at the August 18 meeting.
• Other Items:
  • Hawker's pedal license for Nelson Lopez Garcia and Ingrid Alvarez Rita (approved).
  • Update on 613 Pleasant Street (historic house): Saki Sarkeesian reported CPC funded an appraisal; a contractor found the building saveable; next steps include obtaining appraisal and exploring preservation options.
  • Traffic Commission requests: Parking amendments on Union Ave, Sanger Street, and Buckminster Street (approved).
  • CDBG allocations for FY27: Approved as recommended (motion to remove $49,000 for library archive room failed 3–8).
  • Referral of Winter Street speed limit to Traffic Commission (approved).

Key Outcomes

• Executive session minutes (6/30/26) and open session minutes (6/22/26) corrected and approved.
• Urban Agriculture Week proclaimed for August 9–15, 2026.
• Division head appointments (O'Leary, Bray, Sarkeesian) all confirmed; Sarkeesian received one dissenting vote.
• Eighteen board/commission appointments approved en bloc.
• Three utility pole requests approved, Pearl Street with tree replacement condition.
• Eagle Rock zoning map change approved unanimously (first reading; second vote required at a subsequent meeting). MOU includes 25% ownership units and a youth-focused lease/license agreement.
• Administrative reorganization referred to a three-member ad hoc committee; committee to report by August 18, 2026. Full council must vote yes or no within 60 days.
• CDBG allocation for FY27 approved without change.
• Hawker's license approved.
• Parking regulation amendments (Union Ave, Sanger Street, Buckminster Street) approved.
• Winter Street speed limit study referred to Traffic Commission.
• Meeting adjourned after 10:00 PM.