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01-07-19 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated January 7, 2019 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. Item A. Roll Call ROLL CALL – 10 PRESENT, 1 ABSENT Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Council Vice President Cecilia Calabrese, Council President Christopher Johnson, Gina Letellier, Robert Magovern, Dino Mercadante, Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Rosemary Sandlin and Anthony Suffriti. Councilor Cavallo was absent. 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 Corinne Wingard spoke about the senior property tax exemption noting that if you want additional information, please contact the Assessor’s Office. It is a great thing that not many seniors know about. William Clark also spoke agreeing with Corinne Wingard about the advantages of the senior property tax exemption along with exemptions for veterans and widows. He inquired if we could get additional information added to our water bills to increase awareness. Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – December 17, 2018 Motion to approve the minutes made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Voice vote approved. Item E. Declaration from Council President None. Item F. Presentation of Resolutions 1. TR-2018-105 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Nicholas Pandolfi, 16 Corey Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Planning Board to a term expiring January 1, 2024 (Mayor Sapelli) Motion to approve made by Councilor Mineo and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Cavallo) approving the reappointment. Council President Johnson thanked Mr. Pandolfi for his willingness to serve. Item G. Report of Council Committees None. Item H. Elections 1. TE-2019-1 - Election of Council President Council President Johnson opened the floor up for nominations. Councilor Mercadante nominated Christopher Johnson and Councilor Calabrese seconded it. Councilor Bitzas made a Motion to close nominations which was seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Voice vote approved. The vote was 10 for CHRISTOHER JOHNSON, 1 Absent (Councilor Cavallo) reelecting him as Council President for a second term. Council President Johnson thanked everyone for their continued support. He has enjoyed this first year and said he hoped to have a successful second year together. 2. TE-2019-2 - Election of Council Vice President Council President Johnson opened the floor up for nominations. Councilor Sandlin nominated Cecilia Calabrese and Councilor Suffriti seconded it. Councilor Sandlin made a Motion to close nominations which was seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Voice vote approved. The vote was 10 for CECILIA CALABRESE, 1 Absent (Councilor Cavallo) reelecting her as Council Vice President for a second term. Council President Johnson congratulated her and said he has enjoyed working together. Council Vice President Calabrese said it has been her pleasure and looked forward to this next term. 3. TE-2019-3 - Election of City Auditor Councilor Sandlin placed the name of Cheryl St. John into nomination which was seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Motion to close nominations made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Voice vote approved. The vote was 10 for CHERYL ST. JOHN, 1 Absent (Councilor Cavallo) reelecting Cheryl St. John to the City Auditor position. 4. TE-2019-4 - Election of Council Administrative Assistant Councilor Letellier placed the name of Barbara Bard into nomination which was seconded by all around the house. Motion to close nominations made by Councilor Letellier and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Voice vote approved. The vote was 10 for BARBARA BARD, 1 Absent (Councilor Cavallo) reelecting Barbara Bard to the City Council Administrative Assistant. Council President Johnson congratulated her and thanked her for being “Council Mom” noting that she reminds the Council of everywhere they are supposed to be and everything they are supposed to do, keeping the Council on track. He has had the pleasure of serving with her both as a councilor and as Council President. He thanked her for keeping the Council on track and making them look better than they really are (laughter). 5. TE-2019-5 - Election of an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals Councilor Sandlin placed the name of Rachel Osada into nomination which was seconded by Councilor Letellier. Council Vice President Calabrese placed the name of Vin Ronghi which was seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Motion to close nominations made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Rossi. Voice vote approved. Councilor Sandlin spoke in support of Ms. Osada noting she was new to the town and had an extensive resume. We need to encourage people to apply for committees. Councilor Letellier stated that Ms. Osada is an appraiser giving her knowledge about zoning and since she is new to town, she has no ‘baggage’ and doesn’t owe anyone any favors. This would be beneficial on this board. Council Vice President Calabrese nominated Vin Ronghi because he is from town. His commitment to the town is evident and his knowledge of the local zoning ordinances is an asset. He wouldn’t be the type to ‘owe´ anyone anything and she thinks he would be the better candidate. Councilor Rossi was also impressed with her resume. Since Vin Ronghi serves on other boards, he feels Ms. Osada might bring fresh ideas to the table. Councilor Bitzas stated it was great to have two well-qualified candidates to choose from but believe Vin Ronghi stands above both. He attends so many of our meetings so he has a well-rounded knowledge of what’s happening in our town. The vote was 3 for Rachel Osada, 7 for Vin Ronghi, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Cavallo). Vin(cenzo) Ronghi has been elected as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Council President Johnson congratulated Mr. Ronghi and to Ms. Osada he encouraged her to apply to another opening on one of the boards in town. Item I. Public Hearings 1. TR-2018-106 - A Resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of a Massachusetts Community Development Block Program (Mayor Sapelli) –Public Hearing date set for February 4, 2019 (Referred to Community Relations Committee) Next Agenda. Item J. Old Business 1. TO-2018-84 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Elias Auto, 1123 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee) Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilors Sandlin and Suffriti. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided a report stating that all was in order with this application. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Mineo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Cavallo) approving the item. 2. TOR-2018-17 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 49 of the Code of the Town of Agawam regarding camera and audio operations (Mayor Sapelli) (1 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee) Motion to approve the first reading made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Legislative Committee Councilor Magovern provided a report stating that Solicitor Buoniconti made a presentation and referenced the 2017 ordinance change which was passed by the City Council. They are proposing to amend the ordinance to a minimum of three hours @ $40/hour for compensation. The Cable Revolving Fund is to be used to fund this and no other benefits are to be paid. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. The vote was 5 Yes, 0 No. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Cavallo) approving the first reading. 3. TOR-2018-18 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 49 of the Code of the Town of Agawam by creating a Cable Access Television Manager/Technician position (Mayor Sapelli) (1 of 2 Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee) Motion to table the first reading made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Mercadante and Rossi. As Chair of the Legislative Committee Councilor Magovern provided a report stating that the job description and salary are set forth in this ordinance. They envision multi-media access not just for cable TV. This is to begin as a part-time position with 18 hour per week for now. Students would assist this employee. When this position goes to a full time position the benefits would the kick in. Motion to table made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. The vote was 5 Yes, 0 No. Voice vote approved to table the first reading. Item K. New Business 1. TR-2019-1 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Gladys L. Fernandez-Largay, M.D., 187 Edgewater Road, Agawam, MA. to the Board of Health to a term expiring the first Monday in February, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 2. TO-2019-1 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Teresa’s Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Towne Taproom, 378 Walnut Street Ext., Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 3. TO-2019-2 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Teresa’s Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Towne Taproom, 378 Walnut Street Ext., Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 4. TO-2019-3 - 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) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 5. TO-2019-4 - An Order granting a LICENSE for gasoline/propane storage tanks located at OMG, Inc., 153 Bowles Road, Feeding Hills, MA. – Suggest a Public Hearing Date of February 4, 2019 Public Hearing set for February 4, 2019 meeting and referred to Administrative Committee. 6. TO-2019-5 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Wilson Thompson Post 185- The American Legion, 478 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 7. TO-2019-6 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Wilson Thompson Post 185- The American Legion, 478 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 8. TO-2019 -7 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for N. Liquori, Inc., d/b/a The Back Room, 827 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 9. TO-2019-8 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for N. Liquori, Inc., d/b/a The Back Room, 827 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 10. TO-2019-9 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for OMS Hospitality d/b/a Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 11. TO-2019-10 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for FMLB, Inc., d/b/a Casa di Lisa Restaurant, 801 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 12. TO-2019-11 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for FMLB, Inc., d/b/a Casa di Lisa Restaurant, 801 Springfield 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 Mineo thanked Council President for bringing up his twentieth and final year. When he first started on the Council, he did not wear glasses, now he does wear glasses and without them he could not read the agenda. He thanked the voters and appreciated their support. Councilor Sandlin reminded everyone that the St. Patrick’s Day Committee would be selecting a new Coleen on February 11th and hoped everyone would support them since it is not a funded committee. Councilor Letellier wished everyone a happy and health New Year. She thanked the voters and her family for their support. She also thanked the councilors for voting her in as Council President several years ago. Councilor Letellier also thanked Barbara for her help in modernizing the Council Office. The selection of her has helped changed the quality of the service the Council provides to the town. Council Vice President stated “No one herds cats like Barbara Bard!” (laughter). She noted she was proud to serve on the selection committee with Councilors Letellier and Rossi when Barbara was hired. Council Vice President Calabrese remembered there were numerous interviews and she still remembers Barbara’s answer to the question ‘What are you most proud of?’ to which she answered “A job well done”. She said “Barbara you do your job so well and I want thank her for that.” Councilor Rossi also thanked all the voters all these years and appreciated their confidence. He said it was hard to believe it’s been that long and he looked forward to the future of the Council. He can see the cohesiveness with the departments and new administration and is excited for the next few years. He agreed Barbara was a good choice. He was Chair of the selection committees for both Cheryl and Barbara. On a different note, he was disappointed to see how many licenses are still outstanding and wondered how they could still be operating in the New Year without a renewal. He asked Council President what it will take to get this resolved to get these licenses renewed in a timely manner. Council President Johnson responded that he has met with the City Clerk who starts in early September with numerous reminders to renew licenses. His goal is to get renewal payments online within the coming year. Councilor Bitzas wished everyone a Happy New Year and looked forward to working together in the best interests of the residents of Agawam. Councilor Mercadante congratulated Council President, Council Vice President, our Auditor and Administrative Assistant – they were all very well-deserved along with a special thank you to Barbara for helping him get through his first year. Councilor Magovern also wished everyone a Happy New Year and looked forward to this coming year with the leadership which is incredible. He noted he has never had such a great working environment and agreed that Barbara was a great cat herder. Council President Johnson thanked Barbara and Cheryl for keeping the Council informed with what is going on within the town. They truly keep the information at the Council’s fingertips which is tremendous given the amount of information there is to work with. Regarding sub-committee assignments, he’d like to keep them as is but if a councilor wants to change, please see him by the week’s end. Since this meeting was not technically a reorganizational meeting, they won’t be moving seats. The Mayor asked to present his State of the City address at our February 4th meeting so that will be under Declaration of President. There are several councilors on other committees, if you want to change, please also see Council President. Councilor Mineo added a thank you to Barbara and Cheryl for all the hard work they do – he appreciates everything which helps to keep them sane. Council President gave best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019 to all of the residents of Agawam from everyone on the City Council. Item M. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded around the house. Meeting was adjourned at 7:39pm.  Also approved license/permit TO-2018-84