06-18-18 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated June 18, 2018
Meeting was called to order by Council Vice President Calabrese at 7:00pm in the Auditorium at the Roberta G.
Doering School, 68 Main Street, Agawam.
Item A. Roll Call
ROLL CALL – 8 PRESENT, 3 ABSENT
Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: Council Vice President Cecilia
Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council President, Robert Magovern, Dino Mercadante, Robert Rossi, Rosemary Sandlin and Anthony Suffriti. Councilors Bitzas and Letellier were absent and Council
President Johnson arrived late. With eight present, there was a quorum.
Item B. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council President Calabrese asked for a moment of
silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item C. Citizen’s Speak Time
Mayor Sapelli – Wanted to thank his Department Heads and especially Laurel Placzek, Cheryl St. John, Coleen, Becky
and Nadine in office and a thank you to the School Committee and Superintendent of Schools Lemanski. This was his first budget and appreciates the City Council’s input with their respectful
questions. It is important to work together. Mayor Sapelli stated it was not his budget but our budget as we work as a team. He looked forward to a positive vote.
Corinne Wingard
– appreciated the Mayor’s open process used for this budget and hoped the City Council would honor it with a positive vote.
Item D. Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting – June 4, 2018
Motion
to approve was moved by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Magovern and Rossi. Voice vote approved.
Item E. Declaration from Council President
None.
Item F. Presentation
of Resolutions
1. TR-2018-35 - A Resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Agawam (Mayor Sapelli) (Tabled 6/4/18)
Motion to remove the item
from the table made by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Voice vote approved. Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Mineo. There
was no discussion.
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the FY19 Operating Budget.
2. TR-2018-38 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for an update to the historic inventory
(CPA) (Referred to Community Relations Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Mineo. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor
Suffriti provided the report stating that the committee had a conversation about the process of updating the historical inventory was answered by Jennifer Bonfiglio and PVPC. A Motion
to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Magovern.
The vote was 3 yes, 0 no, 2 absent (Councilors Letellier and
Bitzas).
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item.
3. TR-2018-39 - A Resolution authorizing the reservation and appropriation
of funds from the Community Preservation Fund (CPA)
Motion to table the item made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Mineo. The item was voice vote tabled. However, later
in the meeting Council Vice President realized that this item did not need to be referred to a committee and was simply the annual reservation and appropriation of CPA funds therefore
a Motion to remove the item from the table was made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. The vote was 6 yes (Councilors Calabrese, Cavallo, Magovern, Mercadante,
Roiss and Suffriti), 2 no (Councilors Mineo and Sandlin) and 3 absent (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) removing the item from the table.
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti.
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item.
4. TR-2018-40 - A Resolution authorizing
the appropriation to fund deficits in Snow and Ice Overtime and Equipment Rentals Snow Accounts ($177,544.09) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made
by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by
a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item.
5. TR-2018-41 - A Resolution
transferring funds to the CATV PEG Access and Cable Related Fund and appropriating funds to support cable related expenditures (Mayor Sapelli)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin
and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0
no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item.
6. TR-2018-42 - A Resolution appropriating Twenty
Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Seven Dollars ($22,647.00) from Free Cash for the Funding of Temporary Salaries and Contractual Services for the Agawam Municipal Golf Course (Mayor
Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Mineo. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating
that there was discussion about whether or not this would be paid back to the town. According to the Auditor, there is no way to force a mandatory repayment. All councilors wanted
to see the golf course succeed and give the new management the opportunity to succeed as well. The committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor
Calabrese). Councilor Mineo noted that we must support this – we have no other option. Councilor Magovern congratulated Mr. DiRico and looked forward to a good year at the course.
Councilor Rossi echoed the congratulations and heard the course was looking great.
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item.
Item I. Public Hearings
1. TOR-2018-6 (PH-2018-4) - An Ordinance amending the Code of the Town of Agawam Chapter 149 entitled “Smoking and Tobacco Products” (Mayor Sapelli) (Two Readings
Required) – Public Hearing Set for June 18, 2018 (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Mineo. Council Vice President
Calabrese declared the Public Hearing open at 7:25pm. Solicitor Buoniconti spoke in favor stating it was procedurally a drastic overhaul to the current smoking ordinance. Gladys Fernandez
spoke as Chair of the Board of Health thanking the Mayor Sapelli, Solicitor Buoniconti and Health Agent Kathy Auer for their help in getting this done. After speaking she concluded
stating that we need to learn from the past to protect our future. Brianna McLaughlin as owner of Uplift and Vaping Smoke Supplies noted her husband’s father passed away from smoking
complications and is in support of preventing youth smoking and keeping it out of schools. Donald Wilson, the MMA Tobacco Control Administrator also spoke in favor noting it has been
a long time since this ordinance was updated. There are more issues now with juuling and candy flavored tobacco products. The changes in the ordinance are raising the legal smoking
age from 18 to 21 with the state providing the proper signage free of charge and restricting flavored products to vape shops or adult-only retailers. These flavored products are considered
‘starter kits’ to smoking. Health Agent Kathy Auer spoke in favor and was shocked to see little to no oversight in the Town of Agawam. Out of towners know Agawam does not have laws
to enforce minor smoking and many come here to purchase their smoking products. We want to be business friendly however tobacco-related diseases increase the health insurance as well.
Agawam scored last in this area and we are 16% higher than the state average and also 28% higher than the state average for pregnant women who smoke and have smoking-related pregnancy
issues. There was also a 900% increase in smoking with students. She thanked the City Council for their consideration. Sarah Moriarty also spoke in favor noting that when regulations
are put into place, the number of smokers definitely decreases. It’s all about keeping this out of the hands of our youth. Corinne Wingard also spoke stating that she was never a smoker
nor was her mother however her mom got lung cancer from secondhand smoke from her mom’s father and grandfather. Secondhand smoke is a real thing but she understands the town wanting
to be business friendly but it is very important to restrict for the health of our children. No one spoke in favor in name only. Northeast Regional Manager for RStreet Institute Nicholas
John spoke in opposition who travels across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stating he is in favor of increasing fines and penalties for violators who sell to minors as well as increasing
the minimum age to 21 however increasing that age limits citizens to make their own choices. He encourages using electronic cigarette products believing they are a safer alternative.
Dennis Lane as Executive Director for the Coalition for Responsible Retailing also spoke in opposition stating that most retailers currently do NOT sell to minors and work hard to keep
smoking products out of the hands of minors. He wants to keep adults’ rights in place and having these restrictions would inhibit retailers from their ability to thrive. Vaping is
huge with young people but these restrictions have not shown reductions in youth smoking/vaping. Retailers should be fined or lose their license if selling to minors. Most minors purchase
products online because there is no ID required. There needs to be consequences for selling to minors similar to alcohol. He stressed not punishing retailers who are currently a firewall
to selling to minors. No one else spoke in opposition or in opposition name only. Council Vice President Calabrese declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:58pm.
As Chair of the
Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern reminded everyone that his committee sent a positive recommendation to the Full Council. Councilor Mineo hoped everyone would support this
ordinance. He had many family members pass away due to smoking cancers destroying an entire family of smokers. Councilor Sandlin proposed an amendment to the ordinance.
Amendment
#1
Councilor Sandlin stated her background is with the kids and prior to this she had never heard of juuling and how big of an issue it is within our schools. We need to set a precedence
by saying no new permits should be issued. Motion to amend made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Mercadante and Magovern. The amendment should insert the following language
into Section 149-10:
A Tobacco Product Sales Permit shall not be issued to any new applicant for a retail location within five hundred (500) feet of a public or private elementary
or secondary school as measured by a straight line from the nearest point
of the property line of the school to the nearest point of the property line of the site of the applicant’s business premises.
The vote on Amendment #1 was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors
Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving Amendment #1.
Amendment #2
Councilor Mercadante proposed a few amendments stating he is not pro-smoking however he IS pro-business and noted
the need for health enforcement. He noted that there are businesses in town – new vape shops and cigar shops – which are following the rules and doing a healthy business and we should
not punish businesses for wanting to conduct a proper business. Motion to amend made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The amendment should deleting sub-paragraph
1 which reads “smoking bars whose operators have newly applied after the date these regulations take effect” and renumbering the remaining paragraphs as paragraphs 1 through 6. There
was some confusion on what exactly Councilor Mercadante wanted with this amendment with Councilor Mercadante reiterating that he thinks new businesses should be allowed and not restricted.
Councilor Mineo said one cigar room is enough. Councilor Mercadante stated that we shouldn’t legislate our businesses and it is not our position as City Councilor to make a social
call. Councilor Rossi said more is not better and this ordinance is trying to be more restrictive. Councilor Magovern stated he too is pro-business but this needs to be controlled
just like liquor licenses. He is not in favor of the amendment. Councilor Mercadante said as a businessman, where does this end? We draw the line on new businesses – this is a strong
ordinance and is all for it but not for limiting our businesses.
The vote on Amendment #2 was 3 YES (Councilors Johnson, Mercadante and Suffrtiti), 6 NO (Councilors Calabrese, Cavallo,
Magovern, Mineo, Rossi and Sandlin), 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) defeating Amendment #2.
Amendment #3
Councilor Mercadante proposed Amendment #3 which would amend Section
149-10 by deleting sub-paragraph 9 entitled “Maximum Number of Tobacco Product Sales Permits”. Councilor Mercadante asked why we need to limit these permits. There is money coming
into the revolving fund for education. Motion to amend made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Councilor Mineo said he had no problem with this.
The vote on
Amendment #3 was 7 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Cavallo, Johnson, Mercadante, Mineo, Sandlin and Suffriti), 3 NO (Councilors Magovern and Rossi), 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier)
defeating Amendment #3.
Councilor Mercadante withdrew his other amendment however Council President Johnson did propose that fourth amendment stating the effective date was incorrect
in the ordinance.
Amendment #4
Motion to amend Section 149-27 by changing the effective date from July 1, 2018 to October 1, 2018 made by Council President Johnson and seconded by
Councilors Sandlin and Magovern.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 N0, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving Amendment #4.
The vote on the main Motion as amended was 9 YES, 0 N0,
2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the first reading of TOR-2018-6 as amended.
2. ZC-2018-2 (PH-2018-6) - Petition for Zone Change by Owners, Thomas F. Reidy II and
Sherry M. Reidy for property located at 466 South Westfield Street from Agricultural to an Age Restricted Housing District (Residence A-5) Referred to Planning Board for their Public
Hearing on June 21, 2018 - City Council Public Hearing set for July 9, 2018
Council Vice President Calabrese noted our Public Hearing is set for July 9th on this item and also referred
it to the Legislative Committee.
Item J. Old Business
1. TOR-2018-8 - An Ordinance to amended Section 49-7(c) of the Code of the Town of Agawam (Mayor Sapelli) (2 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
(Tabled 5/21/18)
Motion to approve the second and final reading made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Rossi.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and
Letellier) approving the second and final reading.
2. TO-2018-13 - Budgetary Transfer of $20,000.00 from the Firearms Qualification (#12101-51130) and $50,000.00 from the Uniform Allowance
(#12101-51070) to Longevity (#12101-51400) for a total transfer of $70,000.00 (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee) (Tabled 5/21/18)
Motion to remove the item from the table
made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Voice vote removes the item from the table. Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Mercadante.
Councilor Cavallo stated we have to vote for this – there’s not much we can do about it. He would like a letter drafter to Attorney Maura Healey asking if it is legal to do this.
Council President Johnson made a Point of Information saying that the Attorney General’s Office would not offer an opinion and would say to defer to your City Solicitor. He noted it
would be more productive to send a letter to PERAC. Councilor Cavallo disagreed and said he has received satisfaction for personal issues he has sent to the AG’s Office. He said let
Attorney General send the letter to PERAC and still requested the letter from the Attorney General Healey. Councilor Rossi noted that Mayor Sapelli is stuck with this and I have faith
that he will fix it in the future. He also suggested that the Mayor and Solicitor could put together questions too. Councilor Magovern agreed with Council President Johnson about sending
a letter to PERAC however we could cc the AG’s Office and agrees that it is extremely outlandish to include this money in longevity. Councilor Sandlin said well be could send one to
each office instead of cc’ing. Council President Johnson said the letter would have to come from us as the City Council – not the Solicitor. Councilor Cavallo proceeded to talk about
an issue with General Motors and the Attorney General’s Office and continued to ask to have the letter come from the AG’s Office. Councilor Sandlin asked to have everyone stay on topic
and moved the question.
Several councilors voted “reluctantly”, “with an asterisk” and “with a question mark” hoping this sends a message to the Mayor for the next negotiations.
The
vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
3. TOR-2018-9 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the Code of the Town of Agawam (Mayor Sapelli)
(1 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the first reading made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Rossi. As Chair of the Legislative
Committee, Councilor Magovern stated that there after some discussion, the committee send a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor
Bitzas).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the first reading.
4. TOR-2018-10 - An Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of General Laws
Chapter 44, Section 53F ¾ which establishes a Special Revenue Fund known as “The PEG Access and Cable Related Fund) (Mayor Sapelli) (1 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
**Motion
to take this item out of order (so it would be voted on prior to voting on TR-2018-41 which is related) was moved and seconded.** As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern
stated this item should be in the form of a resolution not an ordinance and his committee provided a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor
Bitzas).
Motion to amend to a resolution made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Mercadante and Magovern. The vote was 8 yes, 0 no, 3 absent (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson
and Letellier) approving the amendment. Motion to approve the item as amended was moved and seconded.
The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas, Johnson and Letellier) approving the item as amended.
5. TO-2018-16 - Budgetary Transfer of $7,675.00 from Fire - Science College
(#12201-51120) and $10,000.00 from Regular Temporary (#12201-51020) and $5,000.00 from Regular Salary (#12201-51010) to Employee Benefits Buy Back (#16602-51040) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred
to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the
committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the
transfer.
6. TO-2018-17 - Voucher List in the amount of $1,188.00 for BoardPaq annual invoice (City Council)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor
Cavallo.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the item.
7. TO-2018-18 - Budgetary Transfer of $15,000.00 from Law Regular Temporary (#11511-51020)
to Law Department Professional Services (#11512-52190) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Johnson.
Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The
vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
8. TO-2018-19 - Budgetary Transfer of $9,850.00 from Line Item Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) to
Professional Services (#16602-52190) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Councilor Cavallo
provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that there was a discussion about hiring a consultant about a possible DIF for the Feeding Hills sewer area and the committee appreciated
the forward thinking of the Mayor and hoped the consultant had good information to share after the study. The committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent
(Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
9. TO-2018-20 - Budgetary Transfer of $20,000.00 from Highway Grounds
Building Maintenance (#14202-52020) to Highway Electricity & Heat (#14202-52110) for $5,000.00 and MV Maintenance Electricity & Heat (#14902-52110 for $5,000.00 and Wastewater Electricity
& Heat (#22542-52110) for $5,000.00 and Water Electricity & Heat (#60142-52110) for $5,000.00 (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin
and seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no,
1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
10. TO-2018-21 - Budgetary Transfer of $6,000.00 from Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) to Sewer & Water (#16602-52490) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve
made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation
by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
11. TO-2018-22 - Budgetary Transfer
of $12,000.00 from Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) to Medicare Insurance (#16603-57040) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded
by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor
Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
12. TO-2018-23 - Budgetary Transfer of $2,000.00 from Fringe Benefits (#16603-52350)
and $70,000.00 from Unemployment Claims and $106,000.00 from Property & Liability Insurance (#16603-57500) for a total transfer of $178,000.00 to Medical Claims (#16603-57060) and Medicare
Insurance (#16603-57040) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Cavallo provided the
report of the Finance Committee stating that the committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT
(Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the transfer.
13. TO-2018-24 - Budgetary Transfer of $9,604.87 from various Golf Accounts to various Golf Accounts (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred
to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Finance Committee stating that the
committee sent a positive recommendation by a vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent (Councilor Calabrese).
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) approving the
transfer.
14. ZC-2018-1 - Petition for Zone Change by Owner, Salmar Realty, Inc., for property located at 779 and 0 Suffield Street from Residence A-2 and Agricultural to Business A
– Applicant wishes to withdraw – vote to remove from Agenda
Motion to remove the item from the Agenda made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Johnson. Councilor Mineo
noted that this would be a classic case of spot zoning and when does this end?
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) removing the item from the Agenda.
Item
K. New Business
1. TR-2018-43 - A Resolution accepting a gift from the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A to the
Agawam Senior Center (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
2. TR-2018-44 - A Resolution to become a member of the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
3. TR-2018-45 -
A Resolution accepting a grant ($18,500.00)from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section
53A (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
4. TR-2018-46 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Gerald O’Keefe, 27D Castle Hill Road, Agawam, MA 01001 to
the Agawam Municipal Golf Commission for an unexpired term expiring on December 31, 2019 (Mayor Sapelli)
Next Agenda.
5. TOR-2018-11 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of
Agawam Zoning Ordinances to allow site plan review waivers (Planning Board) (Two Readings Required)
Referred to Planning Board for their Public Hearing, also set our Public Hearing
and refer this to Legislative Committee, next Agenda.
6. TO-2018-25 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 3 Dealer’s LICENSE to BBB Auto, Inc., 266 Walnut Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk)
Referred
to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
7. TO-2018-26 - Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Six Flags New England, 1623 Main Street, Agawam (Clerk)
Referred
to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
8. TO-2018-27 - Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Six Flags New England, 1623 Main Street, Agawam
(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
9. TO-2018-28 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Matthew Gibbs – Quest, Inc. d/b/a Catch 1251,
1251 River Road, Agawam, MA. (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council.
Councilor Sandlin
mentioned that on the Zoning Review Committee they are looking into spot zoning. Councilor Suffriti apologized for being on the phone frequently and stepping out – due to the multiple
tornado warnings this evening and told everyone to be careful on way home. Council President Johnson thanked Council Vice President Calabrese for pinch hitting (pun intended) this evening.
Councilor Cavallo wanted clarification as to who is writing the letter he requested. Councilor Rossi asked Barbara for clarification with the Agenda items referred to the Administrative
Committee and for her to schedule a separate evening. Councilor Mercadante thanked everyone for listening to his pro-business standpoint. Councilor Magovern said he was pro-business
as well. He also mentioned seeing a lot of negative comments online regarding School Street Park and wanted a report from the Mayor to control the problems down there.
Item M. Adjournment.
The
Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded all around. Meeting was adjourned at 8:49pm.