Councilors used the manager evaluation discussion to press for faster, clearer communication and better contractor enforcement on infrastructure projects, citing recurring problems with streets, sidewalks, stormwater and litter.

Multiple councilors said parks and recreational investments have been significant — Mayor Petty noted about $100 million invested in parks over several years — and welcomed the urban forestry plan and a commitment to plant 2,000 trees by the end of next year. Several members praised the parks department and the new Burncoat Street improvements as visible successes.

But councilors also criticized project communication and contractor accountability. “I can't tell you how many times I take a turn in my own neighborhood and the whole street's under construction,” Councilor Carlson said, asking for an ongoing progress report on construction. Councilor Russell echoed the call for stricter follow-up, urging inspectors to enforce multi-year patch guarantees for trenches and utility work.

Councilors welcomed the city’s trash-bin pilot and clean-neighborhood initiatives but said those are only part of a broader cleanup effort. “We have a dirty city,” Councilor Carlson said, calling for expanded quality-of-life staffing and more receptacles across neighborhoods, not just on main arteries.

Councilors also asked for better monitoring and faster notification when water bodies such as Indian Lake or Quinsigamond face vegetation or sewage issues; Mayor Petty and others asked for more timely alerts to elected officials when these problems arise.

Manager O’Neill said staff are working on improving project reporting, coordination among Transportation and Mobility and DPW, and contractor enforcement measures. Councilors did not adopt any new measures at the meeting but asked for follow-up briefings and an accessible project status dashboard for the public and council.