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02-16-2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated February 16, 2016 Meeting was called to order by Council President Cichetti at 7:00pm at the Auditorium at the Roberta G. Doering School, 68 Main Street, Agawam. Item A. Roll Call ROLL CALL – 9 PRESENT, 2 ABSENT Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council President James Cichetti, Christopher Johnson, Council Vice President Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Anthony Suffriti and Richard Theroux. Councilors Letellier and Rheault were absent. With nine present, there was a quorum. Item B. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Cichetti asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Item C. Citizen’s Speak Time Dan Thibault and Aldo Mancini spoke regarding their interest in the upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals alternate position. Marilyn Curry also spoke asking for the Council’s support of her reappointment to the important Whiting Street and Thomas Pyne Fund Commission. Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – February 1, 2016 Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The voice vote was unanimous of those present with Councilor Theroux abstaining. Item E. Declaration from Council President None. Item F. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials & Remonstrances 1. TR-2016-7 - A Resolution authorizing the reservation of surplus funds from the Community Preservation Fund (CPA) Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. 2. TR-2016-9 - A Resolution authorizing the posting of the warrant for the Presidential Preference Primary on March 1, 2016 (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. 3. TR-2016-10 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Marilyn Curry, 123 Beekman Drive, Agawam, to the Whiting Street and Thomas Pyne Fund for a term expiring December 31, 2017 (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. Councilor Theroux commented how Marilyn Curry is a gem of our community and how lucky the town is to have someone like her. Councilor Rossi also stated there is no finer or more dedicated person than Marilyn Curry. The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving Marilyn Curry’s reappointment. 4. TR-2016-11 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Agency pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A to Agawam Emergency Management ($2,000.00) (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. Councilor Johnson as Chair of the Finance Committee gave his report stating his committee was sending a positive recommendation for approval to the Full Council. The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. Item G. Report of Council Committees None. Item H. Elections 1. TE-2016-3 - Election of a regular member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to an unexpired term expiring January 1, 2017 Councilor Cavallo placed the name of Richard Maggi into nomination. Councilor Bitzas moved to close nominations which was seconded by Councilor Theroux. The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) electing Richard Maggi to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Item I. Public Hearings 1. TOR-2015-9 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance§180 entitled “Non-Conforming Use” (Councilor Cichetti) – Public Hearing date set for March 7, 2016 (Referred to Legislative Committee) The item remains on the table until March 7th. 2. TR-2016-12 - A Resolution endorsing a “Complete Streets Policy” within the Town of Agawam (Mayor, co-sponsored by Councilor Cichetti) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. Council President Cichetti opened the Public Hearing. Michelle Chase spoke in favor and gave a thorough presentation of the item stating this was written and designed for all users. Mass DOT is offering up to $400,000 to towns who adopt this policy (which is similar to Chapter 90 funds). The town will hire a consultant (for which the state pays us up to $50,000) to create a prioritization plan for the town. Councilor Bitzas asked Michelle to elaborate on how this would help our town with the sidewalks. She stated that her department has been very frustrated in not being able to afford repairing sidewalks up to ADA standards. She feels this is an exciting program. Councilor Calabrese asked if the Feeding Hills center intersection was on the radar to be included in this program. Michelle responded saying that MA DOT had numerous layoffs in our district and that the design was in the 25% stage. Councilor Calabrese also wanted to know the criteria to prioritize these projects. Michelle stated that the town would want to get the most for their money which included the heavier traveled and most dangerous areas and would balance it out with other projects. Councilor Rossi wished this had been started years ago. He questioned why the Council is being asked to endorse and not adopt this to which Michelle responded the wording only requires it to be read at a public meeting and approved by the highest official. She felt it looked more favorable if it was endorsed by the City Council as well. Councilor Rossi also wanted to know who would be the point person or would another paid position be created by this policy. Michelle Chase said she’d love to include this as part of her job and is willing to work with the Council and keep the Council updated with any and all progress. Michelle also stated that there is no need to hire additional employees but it would be easier to have a crew specifically designated to sidewalk repair. It would make the money go as far as possible. Councilor Cavallo also stated that the Suffield Street/Silver Street intersection is very dangerous for walkers as there is no sidewalk. Michelle stated that area is already on their radar. The DOT is making a push for having complete streets with pedestrian crossing signals. She is also collaborating with West Springfield and keeping an eye on the bridge to West Springfield. Councilor Johnson strongly supports this but disagrees with the interpretation of the law. He suggests some amendments to ensure this works. He complimented Michelle on her great work with this item. Councilor Theroux agreed it was a great policy and asked if this would also address the unaccepted streets however Michelle responded it had nothing to do with unaccepted streets. He also inquired about having a separate corridor for PVTA. Michelle would love to eventually improve the town’s roads for this to work. Councilor Theroux also asked if new developments would be required to include this in their new developments and Michelle confirmed that they would be required when Engineering sends their recommendations to the Planning Board in that developments approval phase. Council President Cichetti thanked Michelle Chase for her thorough presentation and asked if there were any other people wishing to speak in favor of this item. Corinne Wingard commented how we are fortunate to have a Town Engineer working on this and felt it was very proactive for the town to do this. William Clark also spoke in favor however wanted to ensure it was for the whole town and not just for the Business District. Michelle Chase commented that this was drafted for the entire town not just for businesses. She wants to see well-balanced spending of whatever funds are received and feels very confident in that the way the document is written. She also stated the funds will be allocated in a way that makes sense for the entire town. Council President Cichetti asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor of this item in name only. He then asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to this item as well as in name only in opposition to this item. Council President Cichetti declared the public hearing closed. Councilor Bitzas then provided the report of the Community Relations Committee stating his committee sent a positive recommendation to the Full Council. Councilor Johnson made a Motion to make amendments and Councilor Bitzas seconded it. The amendments changed the Now Therefore clause to read as follows: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Agawam City Council hereby adopts the attached Complete Streets administrative policy for the Town of Agawam to enhance transportation options and to improve quality of life for the residents of Agawam. Also amended is to title the policy on the top of the second page “Agawam Complete Streets Administrative Policy”. The vote to approve the amendments was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault). Motion to approve the item as amended made previously by Councilor Cavallo and Councilor Bitzas. The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. Item J. Old Business 1. TO-2016-2 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s License to Zielinski Brothers II at 218 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee) Motion to take off the table made by Councilor Theroux and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Voice vote approved. Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Theroux. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Cavallo gave his report stating his committee received the required information and sent a positive recommendation to the Full Council. The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. 2. TO-2016-3 - Budgetary Transfer for $4,500.00 From Park Service (#16202-52520) to Temporary Salaries (#16201-51020) to cover School Street Park supervisor salaries (Mayor) Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Johnson gave his report stating after careful review, his committee sends a positive recommendation for passage to the Full Council. Councilor Theroux commented that the issue is that the Council continues to approve these CPA projects however in order to maintain these parks and projects eventually it increases the town‘s costs as well as its budget. He would like to see at some point questions to file legislation to use CPA funds for the maintenance of these projects not just the implementation, for example the beautiful new spray park is now in the town budget to maintain. The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. 3. TO-2016-5 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Richard Conlon Jr. d/b/a Motor City Car Co., 91 Ramah Circle, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) Motion to approve made by Councilor Mineo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Cavallo said his committee sends a positive recommendation to the Full Council. The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Rheault) approving the item. Item K. New Business 1. TR-2016-13 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for the creation of a playground at Wade Park (CPA) ($104,613.00) Referred to the Finance and Community Relations Committees, next Agenda. 2. TR-2016-14 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for the creation of pickle ball courts at Borgatti Field (CPA) ($29,507.00) Referred to the Finance and Community Relations Committees, next Agenda. 3. TR-2016-15 - A Resolution to appropriate funds for Massachusetts Nurses Association (Mayor) Referred to the Finance Committee, next Agenda. 4. TOR-2016-1 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Chapter 49 entitled “Personnel” to update the wages for certain unclassified positions (Mayor) (Two Readings Required) Referred to the Legislative Committee, next Agenda. Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Councilor Calabrese wanted everyone to stay safe during the school vacation week. Councilor Theroux asked through the Council President if he could ask the Mayor if the school nurses had Narcan available to them at this point in time. He realized the Fire Department has it but wanted to make sure schools do as well. Councilor Rossi questioned if the police have Narcan as well. Councilor Bitzas was happy to see complete streets go through and congratulated the Mayor and his administration in tearing down the hotel. He hears there is progress with Games & Lanes and we are about to put a shovel in the ground for the new athletic fields. He also spoke about the drug epidemic. Council President Cichetti and he are putting together another addiction forum for April 13th. Councilor Suffriti thanked the Colvest Group for purchasing the hotel and looks forward to seeing that area redeveloped. Council President Cichetti reiterated that the Addiction Forum is on April 13th at 7:00pm at the Doering School Auditorium and reminded the Council of the workshop on February 22nd also at 7pm. Item M. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded all around the house. The time of adjournment was 8:03pm.