08-14-17 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated August 14, 2017
The Special Meeting was called to order by Council President Cichetti at 7:00pm in the Community Room at the
Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street, Agawam.
Item A. Roll Call
ROLL CALL – 9 PRESENT, 2 ABSENT
Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: Cecilia Calabrese,
George Bitzas, Paul Cavallo, Council President James Cichetti, Gina Letellier, Donald Rheault, Robert Rossi, Anthony Suffriti and Richard Theroux. Councilors Johnson and Mineo were
absent. With 9 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.
1. TR-2017-49 - A Resolution authorizing the adoption of Orders of Taking for the Morgan Sullivan Bridge Project under the authority of Section 14 of Chapter
40 and Chapter 79 and Chapter 84 of the General Laws for the construction and maintenance of the Morgan Sullivan Bridge Project (Sponsored by Mayor Cohen)
Motion to approve made by
Councilors Rheault, Rossi and Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided his report stating that the committee met
with Town Engineer, Michelle Chase and Solicitor Patrick Toney who provided a very detailed presentation to the committee and Full Council. They reviewed what land was being taken by
the town as well as which land MassDOT was handling. They have worked with the businesses and residents as well. Offer letters went out and there are a few businesses negotiating with
the town. There is a three year appeal process. There are many easements with utilities as well as others. Some citizens and business owners expressed their concerns about police
involvement and the hope that communication will improve. Discussion began with Councilor Bitzas stating he was glad to see this finally happening and thinks the intersection will look
very nice. Councilor Letellier wanted to send a big thank you to Michelle Chase for all of her work. Michelle Chase appreciated that and expressed how difficult and involved the easement
process has been. Councilor Rossi noted that some business owners were not yet on board with this to which Michelle Chase reiterated that there was a three year financial appeal process.
Councilor Cavallo expressed concern about the CSX railroads and the proposed message boards. Michelle responded that the state has some proprietary issues and they are not as on board
as the town is regarding CSX message boards however she will be pushing to get these done. Councilor Letellier also noted that the construction will cause increased traffic issues at
the Rt 57 rotary as traffic will be rerouted. Councilor Suffriti mentioned everyone should reach out to local legislators to get the message boards installed.
The vote was 9 YES, 0
NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Johnson and Mineo) approving the item.
Item D. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved by Councilor Letelllier and seconded all around. Meeting was
adjourned at 7:15pm.