Committee on Ordinances Meeting – July 14, 2026

The Committee on Ordinances met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:05 PM to consider several ordinance amendments submitted by Mayor Mitchell to consolidate multiple city departments under a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The proposed consolidation would bring together the Health Department, Licensing, Veterans Services, Community Services, Recreation, and the Council on Aging under a single HHS umbrella. Director Stephanie Sloan presented the rationale, citing strategic advantages in funding eligibility, community resilience, and operational efficiencies. Several city councilors expressed concerns about the impact on services, loss of positions, and the process by which the proposal was developed. After extensive discussion, the committee voted to table the items.

Consent Calendar

• Four letters of absence were read into the record from Council President Pereira, Councillor Choquett, and Councillor Abro (three letters read; agenda indicates four, but transcript lists three). The letters cited personal or work commitments.
• The committee received and placed on file the communications and ordinances (items 1 through 6A) related to the HHS reorganization.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Director Stephanie Sloan: She outlined strategic advantages of consolidation, including shared scope across health, licensing, veterans, recreation, and community services; enhanced funding eligibility for HHS systems; improved community resilience; and early successes in supporting departments since the FY27 budget approval. She cited examples of aligning permitting workflows and joint grant applications.
• Questions and Concerns from Councilors:
  • Councillor Gomes expressed skepticism, recalling a previous attempt that did not work. He questioned the relevance of veterans and licensing to health, and asked about the "one-stop" service experience. Director Sloan argued that all departments contribute to well-being and that digitalization and workflow alignment would improve efficiency.
  • Councillor Carney voiced opposition, seeking clarification on the role of the Board of Health and oversight. Director Sloan clarified that the Board of Health would remain under HHS but would not oversee other boards like licensing or veterans.
  • Councillor Royan asked about projected savings: Director Sloan stated $1.2 million total ($1 million from cuts and positions, plus $200,000 from COLAs and freezes).
  • Councillor Gomes (second round) asked about providing leadership for employees without directors, and whether grants would go to specific departments. Director Sloan explained that grant funds would be allocated based on the grant's purpose.
  • Councillor Oliver asked about the timeline of development and whether the administration had discussed the consolidation with councilors during earlier budget meetings. Chief of Staff Connolly (COO) said the idea had been considered for years but was finalized during budget development; they did not discuss it with councilors earlier because it was not yet finalized.
  • Councillor Roy asked about the possibility of adding back positions if gaps are found. Chief Connolly said it would be possible if funding allowed, but he did not foresee major gaps.
• Testimony from Department Heads:
  • Director Gomes (Veterans Services) expressed openness to the model but noted the loss of a clerk with 38 years of experience as a significant challenge. He stated he would ensure continued quality service.
  • Director Amaral (Licensing) expressed confidence that the consolidation would work, citing existing collaboration with the health department.
• Councillor Oliver's closing remarks: She argued for a pause, noting that the consolidation seemed rushed and that there was insufficient data to guarantee success. She moved to table the items.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Table: Councillor Oliver moved to table all items (1 through 6A), seconded by Councillor Carney. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor, no opposed). The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.