Methuen City Council reorganizes in first 2026 meeting, elects historic Chair.
Methuen City Council holds reorganization meeting with historic first: election of Councilor Patricia Soto as Chair, making her the city's first Hispanic and first Dominican-descent council chair. The Council unanimously passed a winter parking ban ordinance under Option 2, increasing fines from
City Council · Meeting of January 5, 2026
Methuen City Council holds reorganization meeting with historic first: election of Councilor Patricia Soto as Chair, making her the city's first Hispanic and first Dominican-descent council chair. The Council unanimously passed a winter parking ban ordinance under Option 2, increasing fines from $25 to $100 for first offense and $200 for subsequent violations, and requiring enhanced notification systems. Council also approved a $188,477 contract for replacement generators serving Police and Fire departments, an $84,000 softball dugout project, and a transfer from the Edwin J.
Castle Fund to the Senior Center, all unanimously. An ordinance to raise the contract threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 was defeated 7-2 after objections from Councilors citing fiscal oversight and municipal budget strain. Chair Soto announced mandatory decorum statements at all future meetings and new communication procedures requiring copy of the Solicitor and CAFO on all agenda requests.
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Source: the City Council meeting of January 5, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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