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Haverhill committee votes to move to paperless agenda packets with printed copies on request
Summary
The Haverhill City Administration & Finance Committee voted to adopt paperless agendas, allowing councilors to request printed packets as needed. Supporters cited cost and environmental savings; some members said accommodations should be retained for those who need paper.
The Haverhill City Administration & Finance Committee voted 5-0 to adopt a paperless agenda protocol while allowing councilors to request printed packets as needed.
Committee members said the change aims to cut printing costs and reduce paper waste. Councilor Ferrer proposed the motion, saying the city now has 11 councilors and weekly packets “a couple hundred pages” long that typically end up recycled. “I am interested in proposing a move to paperless agenda packets,” Ferrer said during the committee discussion.
The motion allows digital distribution as the default and preserves the right of any councilor to request a printed copy for particular items. Councilor Jordan, who seconded the motion, said he “completely agree[s] with Council Ferrer” and called the change “long overdue,” while asking that plans and renderings still be provided in a readable format for those who need them.
The committee’s discussion noted practical considerations: some supporting materials arrive as large plans or maps that are easier to view in paper or on specialized online viewers. Councilor Tewig said he keeps a printed packet for reference at home and asked that the policy permit individual councilors to request full printed packets when needed. Other speakers suggested a short OpenGov refresher for members who are less comfortable with the software.
The committee did not change other parts of the city’s rules at that time. The vote was limited to adopting paperless agendas with the clerk retaining the ability to print packets on request for individual councilors.
Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt paperless agendas with printed packets available on request — moved by Councilor Ferrer; seconded by Councilor Jordan; committee vote 5–0; outcome: approved.
Why it matters: The change sets digital distribution as the default for council materials, which committee members said will reduce recurring printing costs and paper waste while preserving access for members who prefer or require printed materials.
What’s next: Committee members suggested a separate training or refresher on OpenGov and a follow-up to clarify how large plans and site drawings will be handled under the paperless protocol.
