During the management update the council addressed several governance items and set follow-up actions.

Sam reviewed the code of conduct requirements in the onboarding packet and told councilors that the charter requires nominations at a management update and a vote on four code-of-conduct committee members in open session prior to the end of the third cycle after an election. Sam asked councilors to self-nominate or discuss nominations with colleagues ahead of the next management update so staff can design an appropriate voting process; he noted nominees must accept service and councilors can use a ballot or voice vote depending on circumstances.

Alderwoman Newton raised concerns about election costs and whether the reported amounts included primary costs. Staff checked available figures during the meeting and reported the primary cost was $70,000 while the general election cost was $27,000; Newton argued the primary cost is high compared with nearby jurisdictions and said council should consider researching options to reduce that expense.

Newton also urged proactive budget planning in light of potential property-tax changes that could reduce general-fund revenue. The council set budget sessions in January and February to review options and asked staff to prepare analyses that would allow quick assessment if state-level changes occur. Newton requested an executive session to brief new council members on pending litigation; Sam said he planned to schedule one for the second cycle in January.

Councilors also asked for an update on the Concord Street railroad bridge project; staff agreed to follow up.

Next steps: council members were asked to prepare nominations for the code of conduct committee, staff will provide a clearer breakdown of election-related costs and include litigation briefings for new members in a forthcoming executive-session schedule.