Minutes of Council Workshop dated Nov 28, 2012
WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
The following are the minutes from the:
Agawam City Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 6:30pm
Dining Room – Agawam
Senior Center
954 Main Street
Agawam, MA. 01001
The meeting was attended by all eleven councilors plus the following invited guests: Mayor, Assessor, Superintendent of Public Works,
Treasurer/Collector, Auditor, Golf Course Manager and representatives from Tighe & Bond.
(1) Appropriations concerning the October 2011 storm
There was discussion regarding the two
agenda items surrounding the storm cleanup costs. The Mayor indicated that the town has received the anticipated funds from FEMA and he asked that TR-2012-52 be removed from the agenda
as the transfer/appropriation from the Stabilization Fund would not be necessary. The Auditor and the Treasurer/Collector indicated that the revised transfer amount from Free Cash as
reflected in TR-2012-51 is $2,680,804.61.
(2) Resolution accepting a Grant for the Agawam Police Department
There was discussion regarding the acceptance of the grant and a review
of the materials presented with TR-2012-54.
(3) Route 57 rotary entrance from Meadow Street in Agawam
Councilor Calabrese informed those present that she has received complaints regarding
visibility at the Route 57 entrance at the end of Meadow Street. The Mayor indicated that he would follow up with Mass Highway regarding the concerns.
(4) Adopting a Tax Factor and
the amendment for the Municipal Golf Course budget
There was discussion with the Mayor, Golf Course Manager and the Treasurer/Collector regarding the need to cut the FY13 Municipal
Golf Budget and the cuts proposed in TR-2012-53. In addition, the Assessor presented written materials regarding the adoption of the residential tax factor and there were questions
regarding the tax levy and the limited available options due to the substantial increase in personal property due to the WMECO expansion work.
(5) Phase II of the Southwest Area Sewer Project and the Septic Repair Loan Program
There was lengthy discussion regarding the proposed loan order (TR-2012-47) for Phase 2, as well
as, regarding the order of notice (TR-2012-55), the mandatory connection ordinance (TOR-2012-4) and the septic loan program (TR-2012-56). The discussion ended with a consensus that
additional information is needed prior to continuing with the project.
Sincerely,
Christopher C. Johnson
President
cc: Full Council, Mayor, Solicitor