Greg Cross

The work session focused on several administrative and project-related topics including design proposals for an aquatic facility, consultant selection for the parks master plan, and the implementation of a permanent campground moratorium. Additionally, the council discussed the LDA inflow and infiltration study, a change order for the Shelby Street pump station, and the South Fork water contract. Other agenda items included deliberations on board and commission appointments, revisions to city council rules and procedures, and a review concerning the Better Bristol Nonprofit organization.

The council conducted the annual selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor as required by the City Charter. Additionally, a proclamation was presented to designate January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The work session included discussions on several municipal agenda items: the Fire Department budget presentation, an Operational Medical Director agreement, a workforce housing project, an incentive policy amendment, the police strategic plan, and a solar farm donation. Additionally, the council reviewed McDowell Street traffic modifications, a water tank maintenance contract, an aquatic center design contract, the implementation of a diligent community agenda management system, and matters concerning a better Bristol nonprofit organization.

The board conducted an audit presentation for the previous fiscal year, resulting in a clean opinion. Key resolutions were approved, including a payment-in-lieu of tax benefit for Meade Real Estate to facilitate the establishment of a corporate headquarters, and the authorization of special assessment revenue bonds to support sewer infrastructure for the final phase of the Hideaway at Fox Meadows development. The board also viewed a presentation on a regional hiring expo and discussed potential future projects.

The board approved amendments to the FY 2026-2027 Unified Planning Work Program, including additions of new subtasks for long-range planning and funding for transportation planning grants. Members received a presentation on the Multimodal Transportation Plan and moved to adopt it. Discussion on the Complete Streets Policy was deferred to a future meeting to allow for language revisions regarding exceptions and project scope. The board also reviewed informational updates concerning State Fiscal Year 2027 funding allocations, partner planning studies, and local transportation projects.