Methuen Council appoints Traci Lavigne Milnes, approves grants and parking ordinance.
Methuen City Council appoints Traci Lavigne Milnes to Board of Health Alternate and approves three resolutions on grants and funding sources. The Council voted unanimously to accept a FY25 Community Development Block Grant and a FY26 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant, and authorized
City Council · Meeting of February 17, 2026
Methuen City Council appoints Traci Lavigne Milnes to Board of Health Alternate and approves three resolutions on grants and funding sources. The Council voted unanimously to accept a FY25 Community Development Block Grant and a FY26 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant, and authorized expenditure from the Edwin J. Castle Fund for the St.
Patrick's Day Parade. Contract C-26-71 with KP Law for legal services passed 8-1, raising the hourly rate from $240 to $295; Councilor Drew opposed, citing an unilateral increase and lack of competitive procurement. The Council voted 7-2 to require the Mayor to analyze Department Head and Non-Union Supervisory Salaries, including hire dates, years of service, and qualifications.
Solicitor O'Neill reported KP Law usage has dropped 82 percent since FY2024 and pledged to conduct an RFP for preferred outside counsel rates.
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Source: the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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