During a recent council meeting, members discussed the scheduling of a public hearing to address a proposed ordinance change for Casco Road, which would prohibit left-hand turns. The council emphasized the importance of public safety as the primary motivation behind this initiative. Councilor Welton made a motion to set the public hearing, which was met with unanimous support from the council.
The discussion also touched on legal concerns surrounding the ordinance change. Councilor Manning expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the city solicitor regarding potential litigation risks associated with the proposed changes. In response, Councilor Rossignol noted that the recommendation from attorney Khan was to hold a public hearing to ensure community input before any legal strategies were discussed.
Mayor also weighed in, suggesting that an executive session might be necessary to discuss legal strategies privately, emphasizing the need to protect the interests of Peabody's citizens. The council agreed to proceed with the public hearing first, allowing for community feedback before considering an executive session.
Additionally, Councilor Welton proposed scheduling a municipal safety committee meeting to discuss traffic safety measures at the intersection of Lynn and Bartholomew Street, which has been identified as another area of concern. This motion was also approved, highlighting the council's ongoing commitment to addressing traffic safety issues within the community.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's proactive approach to public safety and community engagement, as they navigate legal complexities and seek to implement effective traffic management solutions.