11-19-18 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated November 19, 2018
Meeting was called to order by Council President Johnson at 7:00pm in the Auditorium at the Agawam Junior
High School, 1305 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills. Council President Johnson welcomed everyone to the new location and thanked everyone for their hard work in the move. He pointed
out all of the exits in case of emergency as well as noting where the bathrooms were located.
Item A. Roll Call
ROLL CALL – 9 PRESENT, 2 ABSENT
Roll Call was taken with the following
councilors present: George Bitzas, Council Vice President Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council President Christopher Johnson, Dino Mercadante, Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Rosemary
Sandlin and Anthony Suffriti. Councilors Letellier and Magovern were absent. With nine 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
The following citizens spoke in opposition of ZC-2018-3: Ruth Cossimini,
Stu Kibbe and Jim Consolini
1. Regular Council Meeting – November 7, 2018
Motion to approve the minutes made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Voice vote approved.
Item
E. Declaration from Council President
None.
Item F. Presentation of Resolutions
1. TR-2018-92 - A Resolution accepting a grant ($33,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office for Administration and Finance pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, §53A (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Council
Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Mercadante. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that all was in order with
this grant. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor
Letellier)
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the grant.
2. TR-2018-93 - A Resolution accepting a grant ($32,662.50) from the United States
Department of Justice pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, §53A for the Agawam Police Department (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made
by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Suffriti. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that all was in order with this
grant. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor
Letellier)
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the grant.
3. TR-2018-94 - A Resolution accepting a grant in the amount of $1,400.00 from Massachusetts
Emergency Management Agency through the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for the Town of Agawam Emergency Management Program (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion
to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilors Sandlin and Mercadante. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating
that all was in order with this grant. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. The vote was
4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the grant.
4. TR-2018-95 - A Resolution accepting a grant
in the amount of $6,100.00 from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency through the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for the Town of Agawam Emergency Management Program
(Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilors Suffriti, Sandlin and Mercadante. As Vice Chair of the Finance
Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that all was in order with this grant. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Mercadante
and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the grant.
Item
G. Report of Council Committees
None.
Item H. Elections
None.
Item I. Public Hearings
Council President Johnson asked for a Motion to take the Agenda out of order to get rid of
all of the Old Business prior to the Public Hearing. Motion made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Voice vote approved.
1. TR-2018-91 (PH-2018-12) -
Resolution adopting a Residential Factor of 0.8187 pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40 §56 (Mayor Sapelli)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by
Councilors Mercadante and Suffriti. Council President Johnson declared the Public Hearing open at 8:02pm. Mayor Sapelli and Assessor Sam Konieczny spoke in support of the recommended
factor and gave their presentation.
Mayor Sapelli spoke about the two new TV screens installed that day hoping it will help with the visual presentation. He noted that they made their
recommended factor based on the data that the Assessor will show you. He thanked everyone involved for helping with the preparation of the tax factor especially Sam the Assessor. Mayor
Sapelli spoke about Certified Free Cash of $3,500,000 and that it would be prudent to use some of this to offset the tax rate as well as for capital projects. With the Council’s cooperation,
we have accomplished quite a lot this year. There are four new firefighters, three new police officers, they have addressed a great deal of the blight in town and are working on the
streets and sidewalks along with preventative maintenance. We were very aggressive this year as things have been neglected in past years. But now we have to raise the tax rate to pay
for a lot of these improvements. Because we were aggressive, we spent what was budgeted as well as Chapter 90 funds and Mayor would like to use another million of
Free Cash for sidewalks. As we know, the unexpected always comes up and since the budget was approved we have had a few emergencies that needed to be addressed. . Sam Konieczny gave
his presentation.
The Assessor thanked everyone for their help in getting the tax factor done this year. He noted that Agawam has the lowest tax rate in the area along with the lowest split
rate. The average home value increased five percent (5%) this year. We want to continue to have a business friendly environment which includes DIF, TIF and PACE. After much consideration,
he and the Mayor feel that the 1.57 is the most equitable factor for everyone. Without moving this shift, the residents would bear a greater and more disproportionate rate. Sam thanked
everyone for the time and stated it is always and honor to come and present to the City Council. Mayor Sapelli said he went back and forth on what the best factor would be noting that
the assessments are so important but the mill rate was important as well. It really comes down to out of pocket money. He hopes the presentation would be helpful to the Council in
their decision making process and whatever decision is made, in the end, we are a team.
Council President Johnson asked if there were any one else wishing to speak in favor? Corinne
Wingard spoke saying she is so impressed with the work and thoughtfulness that went into this presentation and thanked everyone for their work. Even though she is on a fixed income,
seeing what is happening in town is exciting and we have to pay to have these improvements. No one else spoke in favor or in favor name only. No one spoke in opposition or in opposition
name only. Council President Johnson declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:43pm.
Discussion began with Councilor Mercadante stating he appreciated the thoughtful presentation noting that he is both a business owned and resident in town. He is pro-business and is
concerned about the rate of escalation with the tax factor. You can only raise the taxes so much and then businesses will go out of business. We need to continue to promote businesses
in town – they use the least amount of services. If we have more businesses in town then taxes for residents will decrease. We need to keep this in check. Councilor Bitzas thanked
the Mayor and the Assessor for the presentation. He said we need to continue to help the residents. He did not vote on this last year wishing we could reduce taxes. He wants the shift
to be 1/59 or as a compromise 1.58. He noted he is pro-business but this tax factor would not mean the commercial/industrial would pay that much more. Councilor Sandlin reminded everyone
that there will soon be a Stormwater fee and we need to take that into consideration as well. Councilor Cavallo said last year he voiced his opinion to help residents – there will be
a storm water fee and an increase in sewer/water bill. He noted there were no business owners present that were concerned with their taxes. With all due respect to businesses, they
can always go up on their product or service to get more money. Residents cannot with many being on a fixed income. He agreed with Councilor Bitzas at a 1.58 factor. Council President
Johnson asked to step from the Chair to speak. He said he found it comical that these same councilors complaining now about the residents were the same councilors who never said a word
at budget time. They offered no cuts at that time and now voice their concerns when it comes time to pay for that budget that they approved back in June. In the last five years, we
have raised the taxes for businesses 14.3% while residents were raised 7.1% or less than half of that of the businesses. He noted that he too owns small businesses and you can’t just
raise prices because then you are not competitive. He emphatically stated with all due respect, do your job at budget time and cut the damn budget. There was absolutely no discussion
in June – not a single councilor voted against it. He noted if councilors were concerned with lessening the burden on the residents with fixed incomes, then they should cut the budget.
He apologized for being so passionate but he said this goes on year after year. There are only a small number of residents in town on a fixed income. He would recommend shifting less
however the Mayor’s recommendation is fair. Businesses are also facing increased minimum wage and employee benefit costs mandated by the government. He wished he could see consistency
from those councilors who complain. It is wonderful to be working with a mayor who wants to get something done for our town. He is so happy with the new administration. Point of Information
from Councilor Bitzas who stated that Council Vice President Calabrese should run the meeting if Council President wanted to step from the Chair to speak. Council President Johnson
told Councilor Bitzas if he felt that way then challenge the Chair. Councilor Rossi stated he agreed that no one said anything at budget time and the proposed factor is fair. He was
very impressed with the Assessor’s presentation and agrees with the proposal. Councilor Mineo agreed that every year former Councilor Perry would say you have to pay the piper and remember
at budget time that this will come back in the fall when we set the tax rate. He also agreed there were no comments or cuts at that time. He stated most of the budget is salaries and
the only way to stop that is with contract negotiations - 0% increases aren’t unheard of. We need to make cuts in June. Councilor Sandlin agreed and supports the proposed shift. She
had a long conversation with the Assessor who explained everything to her. There has been much deferred maintenance in town and now we are playing catch up. When the Mayor took office,
the roads and sidewalks were atrocious. Maybe the answer to help the seniors on fixed incomes is to be more proactive at getting information out to them for assistance. Councilor Bitzas
said he respected Council President Johnson’s passion but felt his comments were directed to Councilor Cavallo and himself. He has no problem with the Mayor’s proposed rate but still
believes the higher shift would help the residents. Businesses wouldn’t get hurt but the residents will big time – there needs to be a balance. Councilor Mercadante said the only way
to support residents is to support businesses. It will eventually reduce their burden – it plain old economics. Councilor Bitzas said it is not fair to the residents of Agawam. Councilor
Bitzas made a Motion to change the shift from 1.57 to 1.58. There wasn’t a second to his Motion.
The vote was 8 YES, 1 NO (Councilor Bitzas), 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern)
approving the tax factor of 0.8187.
Item J. Old Business
1. 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) (2 of Two Readings)
(Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the second and final reading as amended made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilors Sandlin and Cavallo.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the second and final reading as amended.
2. TOR-2018-14 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the
Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance to delete building material terms (Mayor Sapelli) (2 of Two Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the second and final reading
as amended made by Council Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Rossi.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the second and final reading as
amended.
3. TOR-2018-15 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance to delete special use permit exceptions (Mayor Sapelli) (2 of Two Readings) (Referred
to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the second and final reading as amended made by Council Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Mercadante.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT
(Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the second and final reading as amended.
4. TOR-2018-16 - An Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Zoning Ordinance regarding
mobile homes (Mayor Sapelli) (2 of Two Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the second and final reading as amended made by Council Sandlin and seconded by
Councilor Bitzas.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the second and final reading as amended.
5. ZC-2018-3 - Petition for Zone Change
by owners Blue Sky Builders, LLC d/b/a Burns Builders and Gustin Caruso, Sarah Whitman and Cynthia Rimek for property located at 0 Silver Street and 0 Doane Avenue from Industrial B
and Residence A-1 to Residence A-1 (Referred to Legislative Committee) (Tabled 11/7/18)
Motion to take the item off the table made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Mercadante.
Voice vote approved. Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Cavallo. Council President Johnson reminded everyone that this item will require
nine votes for passage. Discussion began with Councilor Bitzas making the Motion to amend the title from Blue Sky Builders LLC to Aspenwoods Associates, LLC. This was seconded by Councilor
Suffriti.
Councilor Bitzas went on to say after studying the plan, listening to the residents and noting that councilors were elected to help the people of this town that he would
be voting against the zone change. It costs the town $15,900 per child and with the proposed 19 houses that would cost the town over $200,000 and does not make sense for the town to
approve this zone change. Councilor Rossi stated this was a difficult decision and was hard to say what was right. Councilor Mercadante listened to all three of the speakers this evening
during Citizen Speak Time with three varying
opinions of why this should be defeated. Council Vice President Calabrese stated she had voted against this in 2009 and would be sticking with that vote again this evening. Councilor
Suffriti also noted it was a tough decision especially as a first responder if the zone change was denied and the developer put factories in the industrial portion of the parcel, then
it would create a safety issue for Doane Avenue with more trucks going up and down their street. Councilor Mineo said his opinion was no different than what it was nine years ago even
though the situation is a little different. Councilor Cavallo attended all the Planning Board meetings and Legislative Committee meeting and listened to both sides. He also voted
against this nine years ago and will be voting the same.
The vote for the amendment was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the amendment.
The vote
for the main Motion as amended was 0 YES, 9 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) defeating the zone change.
6. TO-2018-51 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s
LICENSE to Parrotta’s Auto Service, Inc., 357 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilors
Rossi and Mercadante. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation
to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
7. TO-2018-52 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement
for Kaptain Jimmy’s Restaurant & Distillery, 916 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by
Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation
to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
8. TO-2018-53 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement
for The Main Street Still, Inc. d/b/a The Still, 858 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded
by Councilors Suffriti and Mercadante. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive
recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
9. TO-2018-54 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE
for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for The Main Street Still, Inc. d/b/a The Still, 858 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made
by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee
gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
10. TO-2018-55 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Luigi’s Auto Sales, Inc., 371 South Westfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative
Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating
that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the
item.
11. TO-2018-56 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer’s LICENSE to G&T Beaver, Inc. d/b/a Beaver Camper Service, 721 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA. (Clerk)
(Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided
the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern)
approving the item.
12. TO-2018-57 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Polish American Club of Agawam, Inc., 139 Southwick Street, Feeding
Hills, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Sandlin. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT
(Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
13. TO-2018-58 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Polish American Club of Agawam, Inc., 139 Southwick
Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Rossi, Suffriti and Mercadante. As Chair
of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote
was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
14. TO-2018-59 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer’s LICENSE to Sarat Ford Sales, Inc.,
221 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that there was
a question and the committee needed additional information. Motion to table made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor
Rossi) tabling the item until Dec 3, 2018.
Motion to table made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Suffriti tabling the item until the December 3, 2018 meeting.
15. TO-2018-60 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer’s LICENSE to Sarat Ford Sales, Inc., 243-249 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
As
Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that there was a question and the committee needed additional information. Motion to table made by
Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Rossi) tabling the item until Dec 3, 2018.
Motion to table made by Councilor Sandlin
and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Suffriti tabling the item until the December 3, 2018 meeting.
16. TO-2018-61 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer’s LICENSE to Sarat
Ford Sales, Inc., 250 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating
that there was a question and the committee needed additional information. Motion to table made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1
Absent (Councilor Rossi) tabling the item until Dec 3, 2018.
Motion to table made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Suffriti tabling the item until the December
3, 2018 meeting.
17. TO-2018-62 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for The Buc, Inc., 84-86 Maple Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion
to approve made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in
order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
18. TO-2018-63 -
An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for The Buc, Inc., 84-86 Maple Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to
approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order
and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
19. TO-2018-64 - An
Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to V&F Auto, Inc., 7 Harding Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a
positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
20. TO-2018-65 - An Order granting or renewing
a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Rayonia Motors, LLC d/b/a Elmwood D&J Auto Sales, 521 River Road, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by
Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee
gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
21. TO-2018-66 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for F.S.F.,
Inc. d/b/a Riverboat Bar & Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor
Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full
Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
22. TO-2018-67 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement
Device(s) for F.S.F., Inc. d/b/a Riverboat Bar & Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante
and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive
recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
23. TO-2018-68 - Budgetary Transfer of $10,756.00 from
Inspection Services Regular Permanent (#12501-51010) to Health Regular Permanent (#15101-51010 for $7,638.00) and Community Development Regular Permanent (#11801-51010 for $3,118.00)
(Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee,
Councilor Mineo provided the report stating that the Auditor assured the committee that the gap in time to rehire for a vacant position will make sure to not short change that account
to hire the replacement. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No,
1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the transfer.
24. TO-2018-69 - An Order granting or renewing a Class
2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Falcor Auto Sales, Inc., 373 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded
by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation
to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
25. TO-2018-70 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE
to Bear Auto Sales, 517 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo.
As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The
vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
26. TO-2018-71 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to RNK Auto Sales, 28 Moylan Lane, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve
made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order
and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
27. TO-2018-72 -
An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Garden Auto Sales, 204 Garden Street, Feeding Hills, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve
made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order
and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
28. TO-2018-73 - An
Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Balfour Motors, 1801 Main Street, Agawam, MA. (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a
positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
29. TO-2018-74 - An Order granting or renewing
a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Scoreboard Bar & Restaurant, 15 King Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante
and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Sandlin. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave
a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
30. TO-2018-75 - An Order granting or renewing
a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Scoreboard Bar & Restaurant, 15 King Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a
positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
31. TO-2018-76 - An Order granting or renewing
a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Ray-Mor Inc. d/b/a The Elbow, 386 Walnut Street Ext., Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive
recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving the item.
32. TO-2018-77 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Ray-Mor Inc. d/b/a The Elbow, 386 Walnut Street Ext., Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative
Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Bitzas. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report
stating that the item was in order and the committee gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council.
The vote was 9 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Letellier and Magovern) approving
the item.
Item K. New Business
1. TR-2018-96 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for
the preservation and rehabilitations of a pair of 1855 Hampden County wall maps (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
2. TR-2018-97 - A Resolution accepting
a grant in the amount of $1,800.00 pursuant Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office to the Town of Agawam
(Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
3. TR-2018-98 - A Resolution accepting a grant ($91,410.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State 911 Department
pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A for the Agawam Police Department (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
4. TR-2018-99 - A Resolution
accepting a grant in the amount of Twenty One Thousand Five Hundred and Twelve Dollars and Thirty One Cents ($21,512.31) from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for use by
the Town of Agawam Public Library (Mayor Sapelli)
Request to withdraw the item on the next Agenda.
5. TR-2018-100 - A Resolution accepting a grant in the amount of Five Thousand and
Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($5,500.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (Mayor Sapelli)
Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda.
6. TO-2018-78 -
An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Joseph J. Polys d/b/a Joe’s Truck Repair, 97 Ramah Circle South, Agawam, MA. (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,
next Agenda.
7. TO-2018-79 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for K&P Welker, LLC d/b/a Club One, 60 North Westfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk)
Referred
to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
8. TO-2018-80 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for K&P Welker, LLC d/b/a Club One, 60 North Westfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk)
Referred
to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council.
Councilor Mercadante wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving
and bundle up as it sounds like it will be really cold. Councilor Bitzas also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and wished the football team luck in the big game. All of the councilors
sent along their Happy Thanksgiving wishes. Councilor Sandlin added “GO BROWNIES”. Council President Johnson wished the same to everyone.
Item M. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn
was moved by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Meeting was adjourned at 8:59pm.
Alo approved licenses/permits TO-2018-51 through and including TO-2018-77