Peabody council rejects AI plan for city app, approves snow-removal investment, food-shelter expansion and pothole prioritization

The Peabody City Council considered several neighborhood-focused motions during a meeting following Student Government Day, ultimately rejecting a plan to introduce AI for the Peabody Connect app and approving measures on snow removal, food-shelter access and pothole prioritization.

Council debate on whether to use AI to analyze user interactions on the city’s Peabody Connect app highlighted privacy, cost and control concerns. Councilor Saenz argued the city should try in-house solutions first and cited unknown risks. "I think we should try doing it in house first because AI is still very new and we don't really know the side effects," Saenz said. The director of IT described potential efficiencies from AI, saying the system could learn from user interactions and provide seamless responses, but the finance director told the council the current budget has ‘‘not much room’’ and a specific cost was not yet identified. The motion was defeated by roll call 7–2.

Councilors then voted to invest more in snow-removal operations following questions about vehicle and staffing needs. The director of public services said the city currently runs nine trucks for snow operations, supplemented by outside contractors, and that some equipment dates from the 1980s. The director described seasonal spending well above prior estimates: "It's currently over the estimated 300,000 ... This year, we are looking at almost $3,000,000," the director said. Councilors voted 7–2 to carry the snow-removal investment motion.

A motion to create and maintain additional food-shelter access passed unanimously, 9–0, after councilors and staff described rising demand and existing programs, including a downtown library pantry and partnerships with charities. Health staff said many families rely on food providers even if they do not qualify for SNAP benefits.

Separately, the council voted to prioritize pothole repairs and to explore ways to speed repairs in high-priority locations; the director of public services explained the city uses multiple reporting channels and two crews for pothole filling. Councilors approved that motion 7–2.

Councilors tasked staff with follow-up work on costs, procurement options, and implementation plans for the approved measures. Where the motions require budget adjustments, the council indicated they will return to the council to request funding.