Loading...
12-15-2014 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated December 15, 2014 Meeting was called to order by President Johnson at 7:00pm at the Auditorium at the Roberta G. Doering School, 68 Main Street, Agawam. Item A. Roll Call ROLL CALL – 11 PRESENT Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, James Cichetti, Council President Christopher Johnson, Gina Letellier, Joseph Mineo, Vice President Dennis Perry, Donald Rheault, Robert Rossi and Anthony Suffriti. With eleven councilors present, there was a quorum. Item B. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. President Johnson asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Item C. Citizen’s Speak Time Doreen Prouty was the only citizen signed up for Citizen’s Speak Time wishing to thank the Council for their past support and ask for their continued support in her re-election to the Agawam Zoning Board of Appeals. Item D. Minutes Motion to approve the December 1, 2014 Regular City Council meeting minutes was made by Councilors Mineo and seconded by Councilor Rheault. The minutes were approved by a vote of: 11 Yes, 0 No. Item E. Declaration from Council President 1. MMA Trade Show information It has come to the attention of the Council President that several councilors expressed an interest in attending the MMA Trade Show in January, 2015. We would need to transfer money to an already existing line item to pay for these expenses. Please contact Barbara if you are interested in attending. Also, Council President placed staff evaluations for Auditor and Council Administrative Assistant to be completed and returned by the January 5th meeting. Item F. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials & Remonstrances 1. TR-2014-47 - Resolution to accept a restriction limiting “Alteration” of “Riverfront Area” (Conservation Commission M.G.L.A. 40§8C) Motion to approve was made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Letellier. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 2. TR-2014-48 - Resolution opposing mid-year cuts to Unrestricted General Government Aid and Chapter 70 Education Aid (Councilor Bitzas) Motion to approve was made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Letellier. Even though it was not referred to the Legislative Committee, Councilor Bitzas asked for a meeting and asked Legislative Committee Chair Cichetti to give a report. Councilor Cichetti stated they met that evening prior to the start of the City Council meeting. There was light discussion on the item and Councilor Bitzas thanked everyone for meeting. The committee voted to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4-0. Councilor Bitzas then thanked the committee and the Full Council for supporting this item and hopes it will send a strong message. We need to be proactive and not reactive. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. Item 7. Report of Council Committees None. Item 8. Elections 1. TE-2014-4 - Election of a member of the Agawam Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring January 1, 2018 The Council President mentioned these positions were duly posted and advertised and declared the floor was open for nominations. Councilor Calabrese nominated Doreen Prouty which was seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Councilor Rheault moved to close nominations which was seconded by Councilor Bitzas. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO for Doreen Prouty. Council President thanked her for her continued service. 2. TE-2014-5 - Election of an alternate member of the Agawam Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring January 1, 2018 Councilor Cavallo nominated Richard Maggi which was seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Councilor Suffriti moved to close nominations which was seconded by Councilor Cichetti. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO for Richard Maggi. Council President mentioned that Richard Maggi sent an email stating he was unable to attend due to a prior commitment and thanked him for his continued service. Item 9. Public Hearings None. Item 10. Old Business 1. TO-2014-44 - Transfer of $150.00 from Clerk Regular Temp (#11611 51020) to Clerk Longevity (#11611 51400) (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Mineo. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 2. TO-2014-45 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Buccaneer Lounge, 84-86 Maple Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Motion to approve made by Councilor Letellier and seconded by Councilor Rossi. The Administrative Committee Chair Rossi provided the committee report stating the committee had no issues with any of the permits and saw no reason not to recommend to the Full Council for passage. The vote was 3-0 in favor. He also made an amended Motion to Consolidate Items #2 through and including #9 which was seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 3. TO-2014-46 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 4. TO-2014-47 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Ray-Mor, Inc. d/b/a The Elbow, 386 Walnut Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 5. TO-2014-48 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Home Plate Sports Bar, 827 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 6. TO-2014-49 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Polish American Club of Agawam, 139 Southwick Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 7. TO-2014-50 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for F.S.F., Inc. d/b/a Riverboat Bar & Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle, Agawam, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 8. TO-2014-51 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Scoreboard Bar & Restaurant, 15 King Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 9. TO-2014-52 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for West Springfield Fish & Game, Inc., 329 Garden Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) See Item #2. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 10. TO-2014-53 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO ACE Auto Body, 1363 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) Motion to consolidate and approve items #10 through and including #14 as well as Item #16 was made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The Administrative Committee Chair Rossi again provided the committee report stating the committee had no issues with any of the Class 2 Dealer Licenses and saw no reason not to recommend to the Full Council for passage. The vote was 3-0 in favor. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 11. TO-2014-54 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO Paul J. LaPointe d/b/a The Car Connection, 820 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA. (Clerk) See Item #10. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 12. TO-2014-55 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO Elmwood – D&J Auto Sales, 521 River Road, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) See Item #10. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 13. TO-2014-56 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO LaFleur Auto Exchange, 374 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) See Item #10. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 14. TO-2014-57 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO RNK Auto Sales, 28 Moylan Lane, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) See Item #10. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 15. TO-2014-58 - An Order granting or renewing a Junk Dealer’s PERMIT for David S. Camp Collectables & Jewelry, 270 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Rheault. The Administrative Committee Chair Rossi again provided the committee report stating the committee had no issues with this Junk Dealer Permit and saw no reason not to recommend to the Full Council for passage. He also stated that the permit needed to specifically state that said permit was in effect ONLY for this address at the Flea Market. He wanted it stipulated for this item as well as the Agawam Coin & Gold that was issued a few weeks ago. If the permit was already mailed out, the Councilor Rossi requests that a letter be sent specifying the stipulation. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. 16. TO-2014-59 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO Balfour Motors, 1801 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) See Item #10. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. Item 11. New Business 1. TO-2014-60 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE TO Zielinski Brothers II, 218 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 2. TO-2014-61 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement PERMIT for Main Street Still, Inc., 858 Suffield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 3. TR-2014-49 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State 911 Department pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A for the Agawam Police Department ($27,063.23) (Mayor) Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda. 4. TR-2014-50 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A to the Town of Agawam ($10,000.00) (Mayor) Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda. Item 12. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Councilor Bitzas began wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Councilor Letellier also wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza or whatever you celebrate – just enjoy spending time with your family. Councilor Cavallo echoed same wishes and reminded everyone that the School Budget timeline has been sent to them in case you wanted to attend a meeting however no numbers have been presented. Councilor Suffriti wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and said to be safe and enjoy your families. Councilor Rheault thanked everyone for the belated birthday wishes and said have a very blessed and happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Councilor Perry wished a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the camera crew, Barbara, all the people in town and his fellow councilors. Councilor Mineo also stated have a good holiday and hoped Santa was good to everyone and looked forward to seeing everyone at the Council Christmas party on Thursday. He thanked everyone for their donations to the Women’s Club to local needy families. Councilor Cichetti echoed everyone’s wishes all around the board. Enjoy your time with your families and friends. Councilor Calabrese reminded everyone to drive safely because it’s dark very early and to be mindful of the school bus lights. She also commended the town on the spectacular holiday light display this year. Councilor Rossi also wished everyone a happy holiday and wanted clarification on the Council President’s Memo regarding TOR-2014-9. He felt the item was important and shouldn’t be withdrawn due to a technicality. Council President stated he too felt it was important however when it was eluded that he did something illegal by neglecting to refer it to the Planning Board, he decided to withdraw it. Councilor Rossi agreed to sponsor it and put it back on the Agenda. Councilor Letellier wished to be a co-sponsor as well. Councilor Rossi reminded everyone not to drink and drive and be safe out there. Council President brought up the inquiry regarding the issue at AHS. With everyone’s permission, he would send a response that it is out of the City Council’s prevue but will most assuredly pass on the inquiry to the Superintendent. He’d be happy to do this on behalf of the City Council. Also he suggested a reminder not to hit “reply all” in emails. Emails are acceptable means of communication however it cannot be used to discuss items of Agenda or potential items of Agenda. By hitting “reply all”, you are including everyone in the cc part of the email thus potentially violating the Open Meeting Laws. Councilor President also wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved all around the house with all in favor of adjourning. The time of adjournment was 7:31pm.