Staff updates: tentative fire agreement, police bargaining, mall redevelopment progress noted

Municipal staff summarized strategic items including a near-term tentative fire-service agreement, the start of police bargaining-unit negotiations, and anticipated public information about mall redevelopment.

Councilmember Mr. Graziani said staff hoped to deliver a final council draft of the fire-service agreement to fire chiefs by Friday and to present a tentative agreement for council action on May 12, with final execution contingent on chiefs' signatures. He also noted police contract negotiations are beginning as the bargaining unit's contract year ends and that mall redevelopment information and potential tenant leases could surface in May or June.

Staff characterized the Route 22 improvements as a longer-term, multi-project effort and highlighted economic development goals for underutilized properties such as the old Westinghouse and U.S. Steel parcels. No formal action was taken during the workshop; the items were reported for information and future legislative consideration.

Next steps: staff will continue negotiations, finalize the fire agreement draft, and bring legislative items for formal action at the scheduled May 12 meeting.