09-17-18 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated September 17, 2018
Meeting was called to order by Council President Johnson at 7:00pm in 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, Council Vice President
Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council President Christopher Johnson, Gina Letellier, Robert Magovern, Dino Mercadante, Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Rosemary Sandlin and Anthony Suffriti.
With ten present, there was a quorum.
Item B. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council President Johnson asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item C. Citizen’s Speak Time
Marc DelNegro spoke about obtaining an entertainment license for a Haunted House business he is proposing at 1187 Springfield Street in Feeding Hills.
Marc Navone spoke about the need for fixing the Stormwater issues in town. His business on Ramah Circle has been experiencing flooding for years and it takes its toll on businesses.
He is concerned at night or on weekends with ways to fight the rainwater. Corinne Wingard also spoke in support of Stormwater tax stating it is past time for residents to pay for the
services we need in town. We have coasted for years – maintenance needs to be done and the longer you wait, the more it will cost in the end. People need to keep an open mind as years
of neglect is finally causing issues. Our Mayor is truly stepping up to the plate.
Item D. Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting – September 5, 2018
Item E. Declaration from Council
President
1. Presentation to Laura Cincotta for her over forty years of service
Item F. Presentation of Resolutions
1. TR-2018-53 - A Resolution adopting the order that Abbey Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative
Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
2. TR-2018-54 -
A Resolution adopting the order that Alice Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until
the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
3. TR-2018-55 - A Resolution adopting the order that Avalon Place
be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public
Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
4. TR-2018-56 - A Resolution adopting the order that Barden Street be laid out and accepted as a Public Way
(Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation
to the Full Council.
5. TR-2018-57 - A Resolution adopting the order that Blair’s Hill Road be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The
item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
6. TR-2018-58 - A Resolution
adopting the order that Burlington Drive be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the
Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
7. TR-2018-59 - A Resolution adopting the order that Connor’s Cove
be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public
Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
8 TR-2018-60 - A Resolution adopting the order that Coventry Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor
Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Moti The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation
to the Full Council.
9. TR-2018-61 - A Resolution adopting the order that Coyote Circle be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The
item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
10. TR-2018-62 - A Resolution adopting the order that Elizabeth Street be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will
remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
11. TR-2018-63 - A Resolution adopting
the order that Farmington Circle be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative
Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
12. TR-2018-64 - A Resolution adopting the order that Forest Ridge Lane be laid out
and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and
reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
13. TR-2018-65 - A Resolution adopting the order that Hemlock Ridge be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli)
(Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the
Full Council.
14. TR-2018-66 - A Resolution adopting the order that Jasmine Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The
item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
15. TR-2018-67 - A Resolution
adopting the order that Lakeview Circle be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative
Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
16. TR-2018-68 - A Resolution adopting the order that Lango Lane be laid out and
accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports
its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
17. TR-2018-69 - A Resolution adopting the order that Logan Place be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred
to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
18. TR-20
18-70 - A Resolution adopting the order that Maple Meadows Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain
on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
19. TR-2018-71 - A Resolution adopting the order that Mark Drive be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain
on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
20. TR-2018-72 - A Resolution adopting the
order that Michele Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee
holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
21. TR-2018-73 - A Resolution adopting the order that Plumtree Way be laid out and accepted
as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its
findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
22. TR-2018-74 - A Resolution adopting the order that Spruce Circle be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred
to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
23. TR-20
18-75 - A Resolution adopting the order that Stevenson Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the
table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
24. TR-2018-76 - A Resolution adopting the order that
Washington Avenue be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee
holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
25. TR-2018-77 - A Resolution adopting the order that West View Lane be laid out and accepted
as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its
findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
26. TR-2018-78 - A Resolution adopting the order that Windemere Drive be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred
to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
27. TR-20
18-79 - A Resolution adopting the order that Wisteria Lane be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the
table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
28. TR-2018-80 - A Resolution adopting the order that Woodside Drive be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain
on the table until the Administrative Committee holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
29. TR-2018-81 - A Resolution adopting the
order that Zack’s Way be laid out and accepted as a Public Way (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
The item will remain on the table until the Administrative Committee
holds the Public Hearing and reports its findings and recommendation to the Full Council.
30. TR-2018-82 - A Resolution accepting a grant ($5,000.00) from Westfield Bank pursuant to
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilors Rossi, Cavallo and Council Vice President Calabrese
and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Letellier stated that the committee sends a positive recommendation for passage to the Full Council (with
a 5 yes, 0 no vote) and also a big thank you went out to Westfield Savings Bank.
The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO approving the item.
31. TR-2018-83 - A Resolution to appropriate and authorize
borrowing in the amount of One Million and Thirty Thousand and Three Hundred and Twenty Six Dollar ($1,030,326.00) to pay costs of the Doering School Wastewater and Stormwater Project
(Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Letellier and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Letellier
stated that Doug White and Mr. Casella spoke about the underground system is failing and the need to separate storm water from waste water. Some of these pipes have been there since
1921 and are falling apart. The gravity fed outfalls need to be redirected as well. The problem at hand started about six years ago where water was backing up in the basement. Roots
were invading the pipes and pipes were collapsing. Sometimes pressure builds up so much that it explodes out of the sinks at the Doering School. Phase 1 has already started and after
the close of the Big E, the second phase of the repair will begin hopefully around October 1st and hopes to have it completed before the spring thaw/floods. Apparently parts of Main
Street are ticking time bomb with threats of eroding. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo
by a vote of 5 Yes, 0 No.
The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO approving the item.
Item G. Report of Council Committees
None.
Item H. Elections
None.
Item I. Public Hearings
None.
Item J. Old Business
1. TOR-2018-12 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 of the Code of the Town of Agawam (Mayor Sapelli) (2 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion
to approve the second and final reading was made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Mercadante and Council Vice President Calabrese.
The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO approving
the second and final reading.
Item K. New Business
1. TR-2018-84 - A Resolution to authorize the Town of Agawam to enter into a Seven Year Agreement with Goosetown Communications
for the lease and option to purchase a Selex Simulcast Radio System (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
2. TR-2018-85 - A Resolution to exercise
the Right of First Refusal option to meet a bona fide offer to purchase land classified under M.G.L. Chapter 61A located at 0 James Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred
to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
3. TOR-2018-13 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance to include a table of uses and dimensions (Mayor
Sapelli) (Two Readings Required) – Refer to Planning Board and Set a Public Hearing Date
Officially referred to the Planning Board and Legislative Committee, next Agenda. Barbara
will coordinate with Planning to set the Public Hearing dates.
4. TOR-2018-14 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance to delete building material terms
(Mayor Sapelli) (Two Readings Required) – Refer to Planning Board and Set a Public Hearing Date
Officially referred to the Planning Board and Legislative Committee, next Agenda. Barbara
will coordinate with Planning to set the Public Hearing dates.
5. TOR-2018-15 - An Ordinance An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance to delete special
use permit exceptions (Mayor Sapelli) (Two Readings Required) – Refer to Planning Board and Set a Public Hearing Date
Officially referred to the Planning Board and Legislative Committee,
next Agenda. Barbara will coordinate with Planning to set the Public Hearing dates.
6. TOR-2018-16 - An Ordinance An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance
regarding mobile homes (Mayor Sapelli) (Two Readings Required) – Refer to Planning Board and Set a Public Hearing Date
Officially referred to the Planning Board and Legislative Committee,
next Agenda. Barbara will coordinate with Planning to set the Public Hearing dates.
7. TO-2018-32 - Budgetary Transfer of $36,414.50 from Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) to Professional Services (#16602-52190) (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
8. TO-2018-33 - Budgetary Transfer of $52,110.30 from Reserve Fund (#16605-57300) to Professional Services (#16602-52190) (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
Item L. Stormwater Utility Task Force Study Presentation (Rich Niles)
Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council.
Councilor Letellier noticed Reverend Donaldson from the Feeding Hills United Congregational Church in the
audience and noted that the banner had been ripped down and acknowledged receipt of an invitation to attend the new LGBTQ pride banner dedication this weekend. The message this shows
is that hate does not win – love wins and shows we are a town that loves and supports each other. She thanked him for doing that. Council Vice President Calabrese wished everyone a
Happy Yom Kippur and also thanked the Reverend. Councilor Cavallo asked the Mayor to look into redoing or repainting the crosswalks at corner of Silver and Suffield Streets. It gets
very congested there and is not safe for pedestrians. Councilor Letellier agreed and says she works in the building across the street from Geissler’s and it is quite dangerous crossing.
Councilor Rossi stated several years ago, he offered a suggestion of a time study to get a pedestrian light in that intersection however it was never done. Maybe now is the time?
Councilor Bitzas was glad to hear the presentation of Stormwater tax and wants to continue to educate the people about this issue. Councilor Magovern thanked Mayor Sapelli and Council
President Johnson for making the presentation to Mrs. Cincotta. She has put countless hours in and it was great to recognize her. Council President Johnson reminded everyone of the
Tenaska tour on Wednesday from 3-5.
Item M. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded all around. Meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm.