City Council votes to transition to paperless agendas with print options for members

Haverhill City Council is taking a significant step towards modernization by moving to paperless agendas, a decision that promises to save both resources and taxpayer money. During the Administration & Finance Meeting on February 18, 2025, council members discussed the transition to digital agendas, emphasizing the need for efficiency in the face of excessive paper usage.

Councilor Ferrera led the charge, highlighting the environmental and financial benefits of reducing the hundreds of pages printed weekly. “It feels excessive in this day and age,” Ferrera stated, advocating for a shift that aligns with contemporary practices. The council acknowledged that while some materials, particularly plans and renderings, may still require printed copies for clarity, the overall move to digital is long overdue.

Councilor Jordan echoed this sentiment, noting that the current practice of distributing large paper packets is not only wasteful but also impractical. “It just makes sense,” he said, supporting the idea that councilors should be able to request printed materials on an as-needed basis, ensuring that those who prefer hard copies can still access them.

The council's decision to adopt paperless agendas was formalized with a unanimous vote, allowing members to request printed packets if necessary. This approach aims to balance the needs of all councilors while embracing technology that can enhance accessibility and efficiency.

As the council prepares for this transition, discussions about training on the OpenGov platform, which facilitates digital document access, are also on the horizon. This training will help ensure that all members are comfortable with the new system, paving the way for a smoother implementation of paperless operations.

The move to digital agendas marks a progressive shift for Haverhill City Council, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainability and efficiency in local governance.