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Council refers Whittenton Mills questions to Committee of the Whole; law department asked to assess executive‑session need
Summary
Councilors voted to send a briefing on the Whittenton Mills project to the Committee of the Whole with CFO and economic development present; council also approved a separate referral for the law department to advise whether executive‑session discussion on potential litigation is appropriate.
The Municipal Council voted March 11 to refer additional discussion of the proposed Whittenton Mills development to the Committee of the Whole and requested participation by the city CFO and the Office of Economic and Community Development to present project details, infrastructure mitigation, and tie‑agreement terms.
Councilor Pottier said many residents have questions and there was perceived misinformation following a recent planning board meeting and a widely attended community meeting. He moved to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole for a public briefing so the council can further convey accurate project information to the community. The motion passed by voice vote.
Separately, Councilor Coit moved that the law department determine whether the council should meet in executive session to discuss potential litigation exposure arising from comments at the planning board meeting. The council approved the motion on roll call; the law department will research whether confidential attorney‑client discussion in executive session is warranted.
Councilors suggested the Office of Economic and Community Development prepare a frequently asked questions document about the tie agreement and project financing for public distribution. The Committee of the Whole referral will include an invitation to the CFO and OECD director and other staff the departments deem appropriate. The law department’s assessment of the need for executive session is to be scheduled as determined by council leadership and the solicitor’s office.
