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06-15-2015 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated June 15, 2015 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, 0 ABSENT 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 Several citizens spoke in favor of the blight ordinance – Lee Matthews, Tracey Matthews, Brenda Scott, Brian Rudd, Shawn Hammerschmidt and Steve Lubarsky. Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – June 1, 2015 Motion to approve the June 1, 2015 Regular City Council meeting minutes was made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The minutes were approved by a voice vote of: 11 Yes, 0 No. Item E. Declaration from Council President None. Item F. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials & Remonstrances 1. TR-2015-30 - A Resolution requesting the installation of “No Parking” signs along School Street, Corey Street and Alhambra Circle South in designated spots (Councilor Bitzas) Motion to table this item made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The item was tabled by a unanimous voice vote. 2. TR-2015-31 - A Resolution appropriating seventy thousand seven hundred and twelve dollars ($70,712.00) from Free Cash for the purchase of a rough mower for the Agawam Municipal Golf Course (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Cichetti. Councilor Mineo providing a report as Chair of the Finance Committee who gave a 3-0 positive recommendation with Councilor Rheault abstaining from the vote. Discussion began with Councilor Letellier asking when the golf course open checkbook will stop. She questioned why the cost of this mower couldn’t be shared with the DPW. Councilor Rheault stated he had mixed emotions with what is supposed to be a self-sustaining account and cannot support it. Councilor Cavallo said we must evaluate the situation and go back several years to previous golf course management. They were not very proactive and we are paying for it now. He supports the item. Councilor Rossi agreed that there should not be an open checkbook for the golf course but it isn’t the fault of the present administration of the course but warned that this should be the end of the line. He also felt that they deserved this opportunity and supports the item. Councilor Calabrese also supports this item but with a cautious eye on the checkbook and what are our alternatives – selling the course and having homes built in there further draining town services? Councilor Mineo agreed with Councilor Calabrese and said things have to be replaced as needed however they should have been more proactive years ago. Councilor Bitzas stated that it would be doing a disservice to the town if the Council did not approve this. Hopefully the golf course could pay the town back once revenues increase. Councilor Perry provided information from the Ad Hoc Golf Committee who was working with Dan Shay on the mower. Councilor Perry feels that this is helping to move the course in the right direction. This committee is committed for the long term and wants to work with the golf course but will keep a close eye on things. Council President Johnson added that we should amend the Resolution by adding the words “The appropriated funds shall be repaid to the General Fund from any future golf revenue surpluses.” Motion to amend by adding “The appropriated funds shall be repaid to the General Fund from any future golf revenue surpluses.” Immediately after the last sentence of the Now Therefore clause made by Council President Johnson and seconded by Councilor Letellier. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO. Councilor Rheault stated that we are looking at over $400,000 to be paid back from the golf course and he didn’t hear anything mentioned that would change his mind to support the item. Main Motion as amended was made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Cichetti. The vote was 10 YES, 1 NO (Councilor Rheault). Item 7. Report of Council Committees None. Item 8. Elections None. Item 9. Public Hearings 1. TR-2015-26 - A Resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Agawam (Mayor) – Set Public Hearing Date and Suggest June 15, 2015 Motion to take the item off the table made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilor Cichetti - unanimous voice vote. Motion to approve TR-2015-26 was made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Council President declared the Public Hearing open. Superintendent of Schools, William Sapelli, mentioned that there were four different meetings to review the School Budget and felt there was good communication between the City Council and School Committee. Shelley Borgatti-Reed and Wendy Rua, both of the School Committee, urged the City Council to approve the budget and stated this was all done with great transparency and much collaboration with the City Council. Mayor Cohen spoke also stating that this was done in the spirit of cooperation with the Council and that this was a sound budget with no fees, continued weekly trash pickup, fully-funded school system and no lay-offs. He thanked all of his Department Heads as well as the City Council for everyone’s cooperation. There were no other speakers either for or against or in name only for or against. Council President declared the Public Hearing closed. Proposed Amendment #1 Councilor Rossi posed the first amendment to Paragraph #2 of the Resolution. It should now read: “The Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Operating Budget is adopted according to the departmental and line item categories contained herein. Said adoption shall not allow administrative transfer of funds from any line item within any category of any departmental or the line item budget to any other line item within the same category of the same departmental or line item budget, without prior Council approval.” This was seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Councilor Bitzas stated that we had the same Motion last year. He doesn’t oppose the transfers but if the Council remembered correctly a .99ȼ transfer appeared on the Agenda last year. We should let the Mayor and the Department Heads do their job, this amendment delays things, and then at the end of every month, they could provide us with a report of all the transfers done that month. In house transfers are best performed by the Administration. By doing this, we are slowing the wheels of government. Councilor Mineo pointed out that it was a .09ȼ not .99ȼ and agreed that was a waste of the committee’s time. Councilor Calabrese said this wasn’t an issue of winning and losing but felt that you can’t have too many eyes on the town checkbook. She is comfortable supporting both budgets and also supports the amendment. Councilor Rheault said this provided a good check and balance for the town. Councilor Letellier stated she thinks it’s a good thing but maybe we could be a little more judicious on what gets referred to the Finance Committee. Councilor Mineo asked if a reasonable amount could be set while Councilor Bitzas again said we delay the process by having to wait a month for our Council meetings. Councilor Rossi disagreed that this amendment would delay the process and it’s more about transparency that anything else. It seemed to work very well over the last year. Our job is to know where and how the money is spent – it’s all about good government. Council President Johnson strongly supported the amendment and by the Mayor’s positive comments earlier in the evening, it shows we have moved in the right direction. Councilor Bitzas asked if an amount could be placed for limits. Councilor Mineo wanted limits in what was sent to the Finance Committee. Councilor Calabrese reminded everyone that we our fast approaching $100 million in our budget and this is a necessary amendment. Motion to amend (Amendment #1) made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. The vote was 6 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Johnson, Letellier, Perry, Rheault and Rossi), 5 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Cichetti, Mineo and Suffriti) passing Amendment #1. Proposed Amendment #2 Councilor Rossi proposed the second amendment to the Operating Budget cutting Police Regular Permanent Line Item (Tab 12 # 12101-51010) by five officers and thereby reducing the budget from $3,765,725 by $182,425 to $3,583,300. Councilor Rossi felt that the Chief’s explanation of an increase of five officers due to the casino was premature and not necessary. This Motion to amend was seconded by Councilor Rheault. Discussion began Councilor Bitzas stating how ridiculous that would be and would never support it. This was followed by Councilor Letellier reminding everyone of Chief Gillis’ explanation of the one year timeline to train an officer until that officer is prepared for duty. She also stated that Springfield’s crime is now moving into Agawam including prostitution off of Hunt Street in the corporate center and said this was a bad idea on so many levels and would not support the amendment. Councilor Calabrese said that this cut would represent less than 1% of the overall budget and for such a significant cut in personnel, there would not be a lot of savings and would not support it. Councilors Mineo and Cavallo both adamantly voiced their disapproval of this amendment. Councilor Cichetti definitely would not be in favor either and in his opinion, Agawam needs to add five more officers, not cut five! The department is understaffed as it is and can’t even imagine speaking about cutting staff. Councilor Rheault said he seconded it only to allow discussion and hopes that Councilor Rossi, after seeing all the disapproval, would withdraw his proposed amendment. Councilor Rossi responded with saying he felt that running short could possibly be a scheduling issue within the Police Department and maybe adding one or two officers per year would be better – but not five in one year because it creates a tremendous burden. His intent is would never be to undermine public safety. Motion to amend (Amendment #2) made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Rheault. Councilor Rossi withdrew his Motion and Councilor Rheault withdrew his second. Proposed Amendment #3 Council Vice President Perry was looking at some cuts to the budget because as he always says we will pay for this come November with the setting of the tax rate and with the current proposed budget we would be looking at a 2 ½ % tax levy. After looking at the Auditor’s reports, there seems to be a lot of money left on the table. For example in the Police Department, Police Court Time left $100,000 last year unused and this year has $105,000 unused. Discussion began with Council President Johnson supporting it. He stated that through the end of May they spent only $26,000 and it seems that they use it to transfer money out of this line item for other purposes. Come November our taxes will go up! Councilor Bitzas voice is disapproval saying if it isn’t used it would go back into Free Cash and improve our Bond Rating. Why are we making last minute cuts when we had the opportunity during our presentation meetings? He felt certain councilors do this just to look good in the papers. Councilor Letellier said that this cut would only affect the overall budget by .0005 – how important is that? The Police Chief told the Council that there would be some major court cases this coming year and it makes sense to keep the money in there. Councilor Rossi also mentioned that this money is money the taxpayers have paid for and we should pay attention to the numbers we are appropriating so the taxpayer does not become overburdened. Councilor Cavallo also mentioned he was not in favor of this amendment and felt that whatever issues councilors had with the budget should have been brought up before this. Motion to amend (Amendment #3) Police Court Time by reducing it by $50,000 from $105,000 to $55,000 made by Council Vice President Perry and seconded by Councilor Rheault. The vote was 3 YES (Councilors Johnson, Perry and Rheault), 8 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Calabrese, Cavallo, Cichetti, Letellier, Mineo, Rossi and Suffriti). The Motion for Amendment #3 was defeated. Proposed Amendment #4 Council Vice President Perry continued with another proposed amendment to reduce the Reserve Fund by $100.000. Councilor Bitzas stated that this was another example of political games. This money is there for emergencies and we don’t spend it unless necessary as well as it helping the bond rating. Motion to amend (Amendment #4) made by Council Vice President Perry and seconded by Councilor Rheault to reduce the Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) by $100,000 from $400,000 to $300,000. The vote was 6 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Johnson, Letellier, Perry, Rheault and Rossi), 5 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Cichetti, Mineo and Suffriti) passing Amendment #4. Proposed Amendment #5 Stepping from the Chair, Council President Johnson discussed the Employee Benefits Buyback line item and the need to reduce this stating that through May only $50,000 has been used. Councilor Letellier asked if we use this for the teachers’ retirement funds and was told no that this was just for the town side. Motion to amend (Amendment #5) made by Council President Johnson and seconded by Councilors Rheault and Calabrese. The vote was 7 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Johnson, Letellier, Perry, Rheault, Rossi and Suffriti), 4 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Cichetti and Mineo) passing Amendment #5. Proposed Amendment #6 Councilor Rossi proposed another amendment to reduce #602 Environmental Projects Fund for environmental projects and recycling expenses which was on page 4 of 7 in Exhibit A from $220,000 to $25,000. This only places a spending limit on what is coming out of this fund. Councilor Bitzas said it is ridiculous to come at the last hour with cuts and so many don’t have the courage to speak up and cut during the presentation. Councilor Rossi informed Councilor Bitzas that the budget presentations are for the Council to listen to the presentation and gather information. This evening is the time to make the necessary cuts and has nothing at all to do with having courage or not. Councilor Letellier reminded everyone that this account has been used way beyond recycling needs and this was where the police cars and Mayor’s car was taken out of. This just means the Administration would have to come to the Council with any expense over $25,000. Council President Johnson stated that this was not a cut and reiterated what Councilor Letellier said that this was a reduction in the spending limit and anything over $25,000 would have to come before the Council. Motion to amend (Amendment #6) made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Rheault to reduce Line 602 Environmental Projects Fund spending limit from $220,000 to $25,000. The vote was 6 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Johnson, Letellier, Perry, Rheault and Rossi), 5 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Cichetti, Mineo and Suffriti) passing Amendment #6. No further discussion. Main Motion as amended to approve TR-2015-26 had been made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 11 Yes, 0 NO passing TR-2015-26 as amended. Item 10. Old Business 1. TOR-2015-6 - An Ordinance to manage and control blighted properties facing foreclosure or otherwise (Legislative Committee) (Two Readings Required) Motion to approve the second and final reading made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilors Perry, Rheault and Suffriti. There was no further discussion. The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO in favor of passing the second and final reading. 2. TO-2015-23 - A Budgetary Transfer of $100,000.00 from Regular Permanent Salary (#12101-51010) to Police Station Feasibility Study (#16610-58937) (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Councilor Mineo as Chair of the Finance Committee provided a report on TO-2015-23 and TO-2015-24 sending a positive recommendation to the Full Council. Councilor Rossi stated that this was way, way overdue. The vote was 11 YES, 0 N0 passing TO-2015-23. 3. TO-2015-24 - A Budgetary Transfer of $30,000.00 from Court Time (#12101- 51080) to Police Station Feasibility Study (#16610-58937) (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Councilor Mineo as Chair of the Finance Committee provided a report on TO-2015-23 and TO-2015-24 sending a positive recommendation to the Full Council. The vote was 11 YES, 0 N0 passing TO-2015-24. 4. TO-2015-25 - An Order Granting or Renewing a Junk Dealer’s PERMIT to John’s Trucking of Agawam, Inc., 415 Silver Street, Agawam, MA 01001 (Clerk) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Councilor Rossi as Chair of the Administrative Committee provided a report sending a positive recommendation to the Full Council. The vote was 11 YES, 0 N0 passing TO-2015-25. 5. TO-2015-26 - A Budgetary Transfer of $310.00 from Council Office Supplies (#11113-52230) and $281.00 from Council Printing & Copying (#11112-52280) to Council Equipment, Repair & Maintenance (#11112-52030) (Council) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 11 YES, 0 N0 passing TO-2015-26. Item 11. New Business 1. TO-2015-27 - A Budgetary Transfer of $7,000.00 from Regular Permanent Salary (#11921-21010) to Overtime (#11921-51030) (Mayor) Next Agenda, Referred to the Finance Committee. 2. TO-2015-28 - A Budgetary Transfer of $4,000.00 from Municipal Golf Fuel & Oil (#65263 52130) to Municipal Golf Food & Service Supplies (#65263 52220) (Mayor) Next Agenda, Referred to the Finance Committee. 3. TO-2015-29 - A Budgetary Transfer of $5,000.00 from Municipal Golf Equipment, Maintenance & Repair (#65262 52030) to Municipal Golf Food Service Supplies (#65263 52220) (Mayor) Next Agenda, Referred to the Finance Committee. 4. TO-2015-30 - Voucher List $1,188.00 for BoardPaq’s Annual User Fee (Council) Next Agenda. 5. TR-2015-32 - A Resolution requesting the Agawam City Council Petition for the enactment of Special Municipal Legislation concerning Special Police Officers in the Town of Agawam (Mayor) Next Agenda, Referred to the Legislative Committee. 6. TR-2015-33 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for the Purchase and Installation of Dedication Plaque at School Street Park (CPA) Next Agenda, Referred to the Community Relations Committee. 7. TR-2015-34 - A Resolution to proclaim Main Street a Purple Heart Trail (Mayor) Next Agenda, Referred to the Community Relations Committee. Item 12. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Councilor Letellier congratulated the AHS softball and invited everyone to the grand opening of the School Street Park on July 1st. She also thanked everyone for their cooperation on the budget process. Councilor Cavallo stated that the AHS graduation ceremony was amazing. Dan Dobek wrote his own song and sang it and this was wonderful and felt it was the best graduation ever and was a tribute to the school administration. Councilor Suffriti thanked the Department Heads for all of their hard work with the budget process and reminded everyone to drive cautiously now that school will be ending. Councilor Rheault mentioned the softball finals and expressed his disappointment to see TR-2015-32 regarding the Special Police appear on the Agenda again. Councilor Calabrese talked about the significant paving happening from North Street to Westfield line and to be aware of periodic road closures. Council President mentioned sending a memo to ask for more back up regarding TR-2015-32 specifically requesting the nearly two dozen statutes that were cited in the Resolution. It’s as if we need a cheat sheet to figure out what it says. He again reminded everyone that the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting would be on July 13th. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded with all in favor of adjourning. The time of adjournment was 8:35pm.