Framingham City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Framingham City Council met on August 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC. The meeting included a proclamation, public participation, the mayor's report addressing a condo trash crisis, a contentious reorganization vote, an amended zoning map for Eagle Rock, multiple utility grants, and a lengthy debate on an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) ordinance that was ultimately withdrawn and referred for a ban. The meeting adjourned after 10 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from June 16 and June 30 were approved.
• A proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sudbury River Tennis Club was presented. Speakers included club members who highlighted the club's history and recent addition of lights.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Larry Stewitt (District 3) urged the council to weigh in on state energy affordability legislation, noting that Framingham received over $21 million in Mass Save incentives (2022-2024) and $7.3 million in weatherization support (last year).
• Andrew Mockos (District 2) requested a temporary park-and-ride service during the McGrath Square intersection construction to alleviate traffic congestion in Saxonville.
• Lisa Story (District 1) reported witnessing ICE agents using the police department's fenced lot on August 8, expressing concern that this undermines trust in local police. She asked the council to consider prohibiting federal use of city property.
• Leonard (District 5) questioned the police department's request for five additional drones, noting they already have five, and asked about drone usage and data retention.

Discussion Items

• Condo Trash Pickup (Mayor's Report): Mayor Charlie Sizitski explained that the city eliminated $500,000 in trash/recycling collection for about 20 condo complexes during budget cuts, leaving only $200,000 to cover service through September 29. After outcry, he proposed finding funding to continue the service through the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2027) and promised further study with input from a new public works director. Councilors thanked the mayor for being responsive and acknowledged the difference between condos (individual taxpayers) and apartments (businesses).
• Reorganization of City Government: An ad hoc committee (Councillors Liam Bruno, Alexander, Long) voted 3-0 to recommend approval of the mayor's plan to merge Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs with Capital Projects and Facilities Management, and to merge the Callahan Center with the Library Division. After debate on whether the ordinance required two votes (Charter read by city solicitor), the council split the items: the reorganization was approved 6-5 (Mr. Stefanini, Ms. Malik, Ms. Bryant, Mr. Ward, Ms. Feeney opposed; Mr. Chair, Ms. Liam Bruno, Ms. Long, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Viani in favor). The ordinance (first reading) also passed 6-5 with the same opposed members. Public testimony included support from Mary McGill (Friends of Callahan), Steve Kiviet, and opposition from Heather Clish (Library Trustees), Cynthia Cobb (Council on Aging), Audrey Hall, Bob Pryne, Jeff Epstein, and others citing lack of details, missing job descriptions, and the need for senior advocacy.
• ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) Ordinance: The Rules, Laws, and Ethics Subcommittee presented an ordinance regulating ALPRs, based on months of work with the ACLU. Subcommittee chair Stefanini noted the ordinance would ban facial recognition, require 14-day data retention, and mandate audits. Several councilors (Ms. Malik, Ms. Bryant, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Viani) expressed concerns about mass surveillance, privacy, and the lack of a comprehensive approach. After extensive public comment (including speakers who called for a ban and cited constitutional concerns), Councilor Stefanini withdrew his motion. A substitute motion to refer the matter to the subcommittee to develop an ordinance banning surveillance technology was made by Councilor Ward, seconded, and passed unanimously.
• Zoning Amendment – Eagle Rock: The council unanimously approved a zoning map amendment for 33 Densmore Avenue and 31 Valentine Road to expand the Business B District. The final Memorandum of Understanding incorporated council requests, including 25% ownership and provisions for a conservation nonprofit.
• Grant of Location – Eversource: Three utility projects (conduit on Lexington Street, new pole on Bishop Street, new pole on Checkerberry Lane) were approved unanimously to serve the new courthouse, an EV charging station, and to reduce overhead strain.
• Conservation Acquisition – 103 Guild Road: The council approved an order authorizing the Conservation Commission to acquire the property using CPA funds, MVP grant, and a donation from the Solomon Foundation. The property will connect the upper Charles River Trail to downtown and other trails.
• Finance Subcommittee Items:
  • Chris Walsh Memorial Trail Design: $409,600 appropriated from CPA funds (300,000 from fund balance, 109,600 from open space reserve) – approved 10-0 (Ms. Liam Bruno absent).
  • Auditing Services: Three-year contract with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) for $315,000 to cover FY2026-2028, including comprehensive financial report preparation – approved 9-0-1 (Ms. Bryant abstained).

Key Outcomes

• The reorganization plan passed (6-5) and the related ordinance passed first reading (6-5). The ordinance will require a second vote at a later meeting.
• The ALPR ordinance was withdrawn; the council voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Rules subcommittee to develop a ban on surveillance technology.
• The condo trash issue will be revisited with a plan to fund through June 30, 2027, and further study.
• All utility grants and the conservation acquisition were approved unanimously.
• The Chris Walsh Trail design and auditing contract were approved.