The Ordinance Review Committee. of which I am a member, will hold its organizational meeting virtually at 6 p.m. Monday, March 31.

Here is the Zoom link to participate (passcode 756923):

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81957565275

I will be joined on the committee by at-large Councilor Garrick Perry and Jeremy Dubs of Ward 4, and mayoral appointees Dane Kuttler and Molly Moses.

The city charter requires that in years ending in 5 and 0 a special committee review “some or all of the ordinances of the city to prepare a proposed revision or recodification of them.” The committee’s work is overseen by the city solicitor, Alan Seewald

The committee is expected to file its report by the end of the year.

Water and sewer rates

Water and sewer rates will remain the same in fiscal year 2026 that begins July 1, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra informed the City Council on March 20.

Both the base rate charge and the consumption rate will not change for owners of homes and businesses. This is the second consecutive year with no changes.

The City Council held a public hearing on the rates March 20 and is scheduled to approve them during its meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3, in the City Council chambers, 212 Main St.

Nomination papers

Nomination papers for candidates seeking to run for elected office in the Nov. 4 municipal election will be available beginning Wednesday, April 2, in the city clerk’s office in City Hall, 210 Main St.

These positions will be on the ballot: mayor; seven ward and two at-large city councilors; seven ward and two at-large School Committee members; three trustees of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School; four library trustees under the will of Charles E. Forbes; and one elector under the will of Oliver Smith.

Stan