Members explored a single-use-bag policy and a package of historic-preservation incentives, giving research direction rather than adopting new rules.
What was discussed
Staff sought feedback on exploring fees on single-use checkout bags, including both plastic and paper. They outlined further retailer and resident engagement before bringing back a formal recommendation.
The committee’s discussion covered business impacts, incentives and how to encourage reusable bags. Staff summarized a consensus to keep exploring a pilot, including revenue sharing and broader business participation.
The committee revisited recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission: financial support, regulatory flexibility and measures discouraging demolition. Staff emphasized that the discussion was informal and needed further research.
Members supported exploring zoning flexibility for preserved properties and a possible additional demolition charge to support preservation. They also debated whether to lengthen demolition delays, with a majority favoring the existing one-year approach.
Meeting outline
Single-use-bag policy framework
Exploratory policy discussionStaff sought feedback on exploring fees on single-use checkout bags, including both plastic and paper. They outlined further retailer and resident engagement before bringing back a formal recommendation.
Watch from 6:50 ↗Bag-policy direction
Further explorationThe committee’s discussion covered business impacts, incentives and how to encourage reusable bags. Staff summarized a consensus to keep exploring a pilot, including revenue sharing and broader business participation.
Watch from 37:38 ↗Historic-preservation tools
Policy developmentThe committee revisited recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission: financial support, regulatory flexibility and measures discouraging demolition. Staff emphasized that the discussion was informal and needed further research.
Watch from 40:14 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 40:31 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 40:40 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 41:50 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 42:33 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 42:59 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 43:17 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 45:05 ↗Zoning and demolition policy
Research directionMembers supported exploring zoning flexibility for preserved properties and a possible additional demolition charge to support preservation. They also debated whether to lengthen demolition delays, with a majority favoring the existing one-year approach.
Watch from 80:16 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 80:33 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 80:56 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 81:11 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 91:08 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 91:39 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 91:58 ↗2026-04-27 Committee of the Whole · 95:28 ↗
Decisions and direction
The committee directed further exploration of bag-policy and preservation options. These exchanges were not final enactments of a bag fee, tax or zoning amendment.
What comes next
Staff planned additional engagement on bags and further development of preservation options with the Historic Preservation Commission.