What: a proposed repeal of the city's Responsible Employer Ordinance.
Where it stands: after first reading (2026-08-12) and a second-reading hearing (2026-08-26), the Council voted to keep implementation of the ordinance paused until a new policy or ordinance is enacted, and to hold a third reading of the repeal with the public hearing held open until the first Council meeting in November 2026.
Next: third reading and continued public hearing at the first November 2026 meeting (the 2026-11-11 meeting was discussed as the date).
Details
2026-07-22 (item 2026-294): the ordinance was reviewed with Kurt Motyka taking part; Dave Bellini, Peter Kelman and Stephen Whitaker spoke. Councilor Jim Sheridan moved to repeal the ordinance, as an expression of the direction the Council wished to proceed; Councilor Sal Alfano seconded; carried 5-1 with Councilor Cary Brown voting nay. Seven members were present, so one member did not vote; the minutes do not say who.
2026-08-12 (item 2026-312): Kurt Motyka took part in the discussion. First-reading hearing 6:49 to 7:07 PM; speakers Conor Casey, Dave Bellini, Stephen Whitaker, Larry Moquin, Peter Kelman and J.P. Isabelle. Councilor Sheridan moved to advance the repeal to a second hearing; Councilor Pelin Kohn seconded; carried 4-1, Councilor Brown nay. Councilor Alfano then moved to set the second reading for August 26; Sheridan seconded; carried unanimously.
2026-08-26 (item 2026-332): second-reading hearing 7:01 to 7:09 PM; speakers Whitaker, Kelman and Motyka. Councilor Ben Doyle moved a third reading on November 11 with the hearing continued; Councilor Brown seconded; withdrawn by unanimous consent. Councilor Sheridan then moved to continue the pause; Doyle offered a clarifying amendment (accepted by unanimous consent) so the motion reads "that we continue the pause on implementing the ordinance until such time as a new policy or ordinance is enacted"; Councilor Paul Costello seconded; the amended motion carried unanimously. Doyle next moved a third reading to repeal and to hold the hearing open; Sheridan seconded; Doyle amended it by unanimous consent to "the first city council meeting in November of 2026"; carried unanimously.