02-04-19 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated February 4, 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, Paul Cavallo, Council President Christopher Johnson, Robert Magovern, Dino Mercadante, Joseph Mineo, Robert Rossi, Rosemary Sandlin and Anthony
Suffriti. Councilor Gina Letellier 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
None.
Item D. Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting – January 22, 2018
Motion to approve the minutes
was moved and seconded around the house. Voice vote approved.
Item E. Declaration from Council President
1. State of the City Address (Mayor Sapelli)
Council President Johnson introduced
Mayor William Sapelli who provided his first State of the City address. Mayor Sapelli thanked Council President for the opportunity to speak at a meeting and recognized the City Council,
the School Committee who sat up on stage with the Council, and also Senator Humason and Representative Baldyga. He also acknowledged his staff and Department Heads as well as thanking
all the boards and commissions in the town who volunteer their time, energy and expertise. Mayor Sapelli also thanked Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti who has been invaluable throughout
this past year. Mayor Sapelli then detailed a few specific departments.
Planning and Development with Director Marc Strange – Mayor Sapelli noted that there were many new businesses
in town and how exciting that is. This is mainly due to becoming more business friendly with tax incentives (DIFs, TIFs, the PACE program and grants such as the CDBG grant. The Zoning
Review Committee has been very active this past year and will be making recommendations to make extremely overdue adjustments to the current Zoning Laws which will allow the town to
address spot zoning throughout the town. This spring there will also begin construction of an over 55 senior housing development off of South West Street, Wayfinders (HAP) will also
begin their development on Mill Street within the year and there is a potential condo complex also off of South West Street somewhat near the Oak Ridge Country Club.
Public Safety with
APD Chief Gillis and AFD Chief Sirois - Mayor Sapelli noted that the APD added three new police officers and the AFD had four. There is also a new pumper truck and the potential of
a new ambulance. Our officers ‘bedside’ manner is second to none. This past year, we also had a fire emergency where APD Officer Lansky received
the Medal of Valor for saving a woman’s life with the assistance of Officer Dobek as there was not time to wait for the Fire Department. There was also a car accident off of North Street
where Officers Poggi and Pfau were also awarded the Medal of Valor. Michael Moran and Dom Pisano were instrumental in saving the lives of the people in the car and are being honored
at the Red Cross Hometown Hero awards in March. Narcan is also being used to help save lives in our town.
Emergency Management with Director Chet Nicora – Chet and his team help to
provided assistance during times of emergency by supplying information on evacuations, drills, set up shelters during extreme heat as well as prolonged power outages. Chet works closely
with the APD and AFD and we are lucky to have him.
Public Health with Kathy Auer - Mayor Sapelli noted that Kathy and her staff have been doing an outstanding job. She has her hands
full with inspections as well as being quite instrumental in the blighted properties process. This past year, we have had ten demolished homes, one demolished business, ten renovations,
six involved in receivership process and one scheduled for demolition. Kathy has also been instrumental in the passage of a Smoking Ordinance in town where we are ahead of the bar in
the State of Massachusetts changing the smoking age from 18 to 21 and addressing numerous vaping issues.
Infrastructure with Engineering Director Michelle Chase – Michelle developed
the Pavement Management Plan which addresses areas in need of sealing cracks, maintenance and preventative maintenance. They have spent about $1.7million to date which is very aggressive
but needed to be done. We are using some of the Free Cash to continue doing thes streets and sidewalks that are in dire need. This spring we will be addressing the Feeding Hills intersection
by adding an extra lane as you travel from Southwick making three lanes – one for a left hand turn, one going straight and one turning right along with widening the streets and addressing
the sidewalk situation. They will be making a larger walker/biker lane since there are two schools in that area. Mayor Sapelli also stated that O’Brien’s Corner will also be addressed
with sidewalks and signal changes. Through MassDOT, the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge is currently underway and will be a source of stress and inconvenience but needs to be done. This is a
source of great inconvenience and is working diligently with the Police Chief, the Safety Officer, the General Contractor of Mass DOT project to change the traffic flow in that area
to avoid the massive traffic jams that have been occurring. Mayor Sapelli also stated that the South West and Pine Street intersection will also be re-graded as there is a dangerous
knoll there. There is also an excellent video on the town website regarding Stormwater. This video explains what Stormwater is and the need to keep it flowing. Due to the Federal
Clean Air Act, there are new unfunded and mandated regulations that force towns to sweeps the streets and clean the catch basins more often than currently done. There are several areas
of concern as we have over 5,000 catch basins and many miles of underground piping most of which are old and need servicing. Mayor Sapelli noted the town is currently working with West
Springfield’s Mayor Reichelt along with CSX regarding the train crossing. We hope to have electronic signage in several areas informing residents if there is a train crossing. They
have also asked the assistance of Senator Humason and Representative Baldyga and other state legislators.
Parks and Recreation with Chris Sparks – This area is busy with camps and
many youth programs within the town including the newest Pickle Ball which has become so popular that other towns are coming here for their leagues. They have created a Needs Assessment
Plan which focused on the need for recreation in the Feeding Hills area. Tuckahoe will have active (ballfields) and passive (hiking and bike trails) recreation along with the possibility
of farming and a solar farm. Chris also is in charge of the Summer Concert Series at School Street Park which is the jewel of the community. Because of the poor weather last year,
several concerts had to be cancelled but he has already rescheduled them for this summer.
Education with Superintendent Steve Lemanski – Mayor Sapelli stated how fortunate Agawam is
to have such an active School Committee and Superintendent of Schools. Our dropout rate has decreased while our graduation rate has increased. The schools are also focusing on non-college
career bound students. There is also a STEM room at the High School. The West of the River Chamber is also very active in the schools bringing in local businesses to speak to the students
during Career Day. Safety of course is a number one concern in the schools. We have received a grant to form safety teams at the district level as well as at the High School and Junior
High School. These teams are comprised of teachers, parents and School Committee members. John Nettis is also providing ALICE training to the schools and FOB devices are being used
to gain entry to the schools.
Senior Center with Mike Squindo – Mike has been instrumental in increasing awareness at the Senior Center who just celebrated its ten year anniversary with a nice luncheon. Our Senior
Center is the envy of all the surrounding communities. Attendance is up three percent and has the highest membership since 2010. Mike has hired an additional van driver and van coordinator.
These positions are valuable because it is so important for seniors to get to their appointments and/or just get out of the house. He has certainly been addressing the needs of our
seniors which Mayor Sapelli believes is so important. Health Department’s Sherry Petrucci has also been addressing the needs of our seniors with immunization clinics and basic health
awareness.
FY19 Budget – This is our biggest job and Mayor Sapelli thanks his Department Heads for being so organized with their back up information being supplied to the City Council.
He believes his first budget was very transparent and looks forward to the same for this coming budget. Mayor Sapelli said we are a team and attributes success to cooperation and collaboration
with the City Council, himself and all the Department Heads. He intends to present a thoughtful, well-educated budget as he did last year – one that addresses all the true needs of
the town.
Building Maintenance with Doug White – We are so fortunate to have the maintenance department we have who keep our buildings and grounds in such great shape. Mayor Sapelli
has had comments from other towns how ‘spic and span’ our schools are. This Junior High was built in 1973 and Mayor Sapelli noted what great shape it was in. Doug White is very prudent
with energy efficiency along with assistance from Procurement Officer Jennifer Bonfiglio. Doug is on top of the boiler replacement at the schools as well as LED light replacement which
will help lower energy costs in the budget. He is also utilizing keyless entry FOBs at many of the buildings.
Government - Mayor Sapelli is happy to unify city, local and state government.
He noted we may not always agree but we are courteous and respectful. It is how you disagree that is important. It shows class and civility. It has been his pleasure working with
the professionals in town government as well as a pleasure completing his first year as Agawam’s Mayor. Mayor Sapelli thanked the City Council for allowing him to address the town during
the meeting.
Item F. Presentation of Resolutions
1. TR-2019-2 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of AnneMarie LeGrand BSN, MHS, PA-C, 661 Barry Street, Feeding Hills, MA.
01030 to the Board of Health to a term expiring the first Monday in February, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Mercadante
and Sandlin.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) confirming the re-appointment. Council President Johnson thanked Anne Marie for her service.
2. TR-2019-3 -
A Resolution to appropriate and authorize a Lease Purchase Agreement in the amount of Two Hundred, Forty Seven Thousand Dollars ($247,000.00) to pay costs of the purchase of a PL Custom
Ambulance from New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus Corporation (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor
Cavallo. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided the report stating that Chief Sirois answered any questions. Councilor Mercadante asked how we got the price
of $247,000 with no competitive bid and Chief Sirois mentioned there was no tax dollars spent and this is paid for by insurance revenue income. The price was calculated via a competitive
bid system already in place for vendors of these contracts which is vetted by the Commonwealth. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by Councilor Cavallo
and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
Council Vice President Calabrese added that this was funded form the insurance proceeds.
Councilor Bitzas said this is $247,000.00 well spent and is for the safety of the town. Councilor Suffriti supports the Fire Chief noting that he runs a very professional department.
This purchase allows them to have a quicker response time and actually decreases the use of mutual aid. He applauds the AFD for their vision. Councilor Mercadante also said it decreases
the mutual aid of other towns as well.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
3. TR-2019-4 - A Resolution to appropriate $4,222,590.00 from Free Cash for a transfer of $3,000,000.00
to the Stabilization Fund; the funding of additional paving of roads in the amount of $500,000.00 and additional sidewalk improvement in the amount of $400,000.00; unforeseen building
improvement needs for repairs and replacement in the amount of $173,492.00 and for additional capital equipment and budgetary items for the Agawam Municipal Golf Course totaling $149,098.00
(Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilors Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo
provided the report stating that there was quite a bit of discussion regarding this item. Councilor Mercadante asked why the Golf Course wasn’t self-sustaining yet and the Mayor stated
that the previous year’s revenue was less than this year’s and we are limited by what was earned last year. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council was moved by
Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote was 2 Yes (Councilors Cavallo and Mercadante), 2 No (Councilors Calabrese and Mineo), 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier).
Discussion
began with Council Vice President Calabrese stating she will eventually put forth an amendment. She has no issues with most of the items however does not support the golf course appropriations.
Council Vice President knows the new Golf Course Director, Tom DiRico, is doing a great job but as a representative for the taxpayers, she must remember there are three private tax
paying golf courses in Agawam and we are not helping them. She has issues with the following three items -
MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE OTHER EQUIPMENT
65264
52050
$ 56,151.00
MUNICIPAL
GOLF REGULAR PERMANENT
65261
51010
$ 42,376.00
MUNICIPAL GOLF REGULAR TEMPORARY
65261
51020
$ 10,111.00
Council Vice President Calabrese would prefer to strike
those three items and she is still upset about giving the golf course money for the golf carts and not seeing any of that repaid to the town as was promised. Councilor Mercadante also
mentioned the competition and asked how fair it was to ask the taxpayers to continue to subsidize this course. He would like to see a return on the town’s investment. We now have a
great course manager and we need to give him a little latitude to try to make the course successful but we do need to be diligent and keep the pressure on. Councilor Cavallo is in favor
of this item and believes we need to support Tom who inherited this mess. Councilor Magovern noted we are very fortunate to have Mr. DiRico in control now and need to support him as
he inherited this mess and needs our help to move forward. Councilor Rossi appreciates everyone’s opinions however this golf course belongs to the town and it is our responsibility
to see that it succeeds. He’ll be the first to admit it was not a pleasant experience with the prior management at the course and Tom has had extreme hardships to deal with there and
through it all has done a great job. We need to support him to keep it going so his feet can get planted. We cannot look at is like we are in competition with the other golf courses
in town. This money is not a free handout – he needs this opportunity to make the course successful. Council President Johnson stepped from the Chair stating he was the first one to
be alarmed by the General Fund bailing out the golf course however that is the opposite of what is happening here. The money Tom currently has is based on the poor prior earnings.
Despite that, Tom has done quite well but this money is necessary to operate. It is anticipated that the course will succeed. It is not a question of the taxpayers bailing out the
golf course. He added that it is a matter of prior years’ poor revenues and would suggest that the equipment appropriation be repaid so that they can begin the season. Council President
Johnson added that we need to give the current leadership the opportunity to succeed and he has great faith that this will happen – if we only give them this opportunity to succeed.
Councilor Bitzas agreed, is supporting this item and considers it an investment. It will only improve the course and it is time to invest in our town. Councilor Suffriti congratulated
Tom DiRico for turning the course around as he agreed, he inherited a mess. Since getting on the City Council, the Council gave the course the following: 2014 - $252,241 for golf carts
with a promise to repay ($0.00 paid back to date); 2015 - 183,957.00; more in 2016 and more in 2017. Every year he said it’s the same thing and he is not in favor of the municipality
supporting this. There has been a total of more than $700,000 given to that course since 2014 and he just cannot support it. Councilor Suffriti did, however, state he could be persuaded
to go along with Council Vice President’s amendment. Councilor Mineo stated he has advocated for the golf course in the past and there is no question that Tom is doing a great job however
we have never received any pay back as promised. He will support this to allow the course to succeed. The alternative is that the course fails and something else will have to go in
there – like homes and in the end that will cost the town more money in services. Councilor Magovern added that if we don’t give him the money to replace the greens mower then the greens
will deteriorate. We need to do this. Council Vice President Calabrese made
the Motion to Amend by striking the $4,222,590.00 and replace with $4,113,951.00 and in the seventh Whereas clause striking $149,098.00 and replace with $35,460.00 and by also striking
the accounts in the Now Therefore clause as follows:
MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE OTHER EQUIPMENT
65264
52050
$ 56,151.00
MUNICIPAL GOLF REGULAR PERMANENT
65261
51010
$
42,376.00
MUNICIPAL GOLF REGULAR TEMPORARY
65261
51020
$ 10,111.00
The Amendment was seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Councilor Rossi stated that removing these items
will cripple the golf course – why not just get rid of the whole appropriations? By doing this, you are basically doing the same thing and we need to be realistic – this is using some
of the available Free Cash – that’s what it’s for and he is against the amendment. Councilor Sandlin respectfully disagreed with Councilor Rossi. She believed Tom is doing a great
job but she has a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to be more thoughtful and supported the amendment. Councilor Mercadante stated that Council Vice President Calabrese made
some good points but he believes that if we put a legitimate time frame for the golf course to return the funds we give them (if we pass this). The Council needs to make a determination
on paying funds back or decide to no longer fund the golf course. He asked if the Council had the will to give it a certain time period – one year, two years or three years – and stick
to it. He believes the Council should make the difficult choice and then stick to it and live with it. Council Vice President Calabrese doesn’t equate essential public service and
infrastructure with golf course expenditures. She asked why we couldn’t use some of the Free Cash to reduce the burden of the taxes to our homeowners instead. Councilor Bitzas noted
it was counterproductive to make this amendment because it ties Tom’s hands – we need to give him a chance. Councilor Cavallo can’t believe what he was hearing. If we don’t give this
money to Mr. DiRico, how is he going to operative and run the golf course? He would be willing to do what Councilor Mercadante suggested but only after agreeing to give the course this
money. The vote was 3 YES (Councilors Calabrese, Sandlin and Suffriti), 7 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Johnson, Magovern, Mercadante, Mineo and Rossi), 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier)
defeating the amendment.
The vote for the main Motion was 7 YES (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Johnson, Magovern, Mercadante, Mineo and Rossi), 3 NO (Councilors Calabrese, Sandlin and
Suffriti), 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
4. TR-2019-5 - A Resolution to appropriate $24,630.00 from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to pay the Water Fund
Share of the rooftop HVAC system at the Department of Public Works building (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded
by Councilors Cavallo and Rossi. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that there were no issues and the committee sent a Motion to send
a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
The
vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
5. TR-2019-6 - A Resolution to appropriate $24,630.00 from Wastewater Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to
pay the Wastewater Enterprise Share of the rooftop HVAC system at the Department of Public Works building (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor
Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that there were no issues and the committee sent a Motion
to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. The vote was 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier)
The
vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
6. TR-2019-7 - A Resolution authorizing a Statement of Interest for the Accelerated Repair Program for the
Agawam Junior High School (Mayor Sapelli)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Cavallo.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier)
approving the item.
Item G. Report of Council Committees
None.
Item H. Elections
None.
Item I. Public Hearings
1. TR-2018-106 (PH-2019-1) - A Resolution authorizing the application and acceptance
of a Massachusetts Community Development Block Program (Mayor Sapelli)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Council President Johnson declared
the Public Hearing open at 8:36pm. Christopher Dunphy of PVPC of Springfield gave a brief presentation noting that last year, the town was approved for an $800,000 similar grant with
helped improve local housing. For FY19, the town is applying for up to $550,000 and there are two qualifying programs – North Agawam infrastructure feasibility study which will help
Agawam for years to come along with the Brady Village roof replacement which is in dire need. Susan Grossman spoke in support of this item noting the streets in her area are fast deteriorating
and needs this grant. It would also free up town funds for other projects. Corinne Wingard also spoke in favor. No one spoke in favor name only. No one spoke in opposition or in
opposition name only. Council President Johnson declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:42pm.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. Council
President Johnson said hopefully this year’s grant application will be successful as well and thanked Chris Dunphy.
2. TO-2019-4 (PH-2019-2) - An Order granting a LICENSE for gasoline/propane
storage tanks located at OMG, Inc., 153 Bowles Road, Feeding Hills, MA. (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors
Rossi and Sandlin. Council President Johnson declared the Public Hearing open at 8:43pm. There were no speakers in support or in opposition for this item. Council President Johnson
declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:44pm. As Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Rossi provided the report stating that they checked the Fire Department plan and there
were no other issues. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council made by Councilor Mineo and seconded by Councilor Sandlin and the vote was 4
Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Cavallo) Councilor Mercadante inquired if the AFD had a plan in place in case of a disaster or leak. Council President Johnson informed him that the
Fire Department is very diligent in the pre-planning process and there is a pre-plan for virtually every industrial property. Councilor Mercadante didn’t mean to stifle anything but
his main concern is to the town so he had to ask.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
Item J. Old Business
1. 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)
(Tabled 1/22/19)
Council President Johnson noted that the Mayor has requested that this item be withdrawn. Motion to withdraw made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Council Vice President
Calabrese.
The voice vote was unanimous withdrawing the item.
2. TOR-2019-1 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 3, Article III of the Code of the Town of Agawam (1 of 2 Readings) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve
the first reading made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Sandlin. As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern provided the report stating that discussion
was had regarding the qualifications, the mission and the reduction in the energy commission. He stated that there would be a reduction of members from eleven to nine and three councilors
to two councilors. It would also be opened to more citizens. The committee made the Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was made by Councilor Rossi and
seconded by Councilor Calabrese. The vote was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Bitzas).
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the first reading. Council
President Johnson noted the second reading would move to the next Agenda.
3. TO-2019-12 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer’s LICENSE to Paul J. LaPointe d/b/a/ The Car
Connection, 820 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, 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 a report stating that all was in order with this application and the committee send a positive recommendation to the Full
Council by a vote of 5 Yes, 0 No.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
4. TO-2019-13 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement
for El Forestero Mexican Restaurant, 360 North Westfield Street, Feeding Hills, 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 a report stating that all was in order with this application and the committee send a positive
recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 5 Yes, 0 No.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
5. TO-2019-14 - An Order granting or renewing
a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, 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 a report stating that all was in order with this application and the committee send
a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 5 Yes, 0 No.
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
6. TO-2019-15 - Budgetary Transfer
for the Agawam Municipal Golf Course from Property & Liability Insurance (#65262-57500) for $10,000.00; Water Purchase (#65262-56670) for $10,138.00; Pro Shop Supplies (#65263-54200)
for $2,000.00 to Regular Salaries (#65261-51010) for a total transfer of $22,138.00 (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded
by Councilor Cavallo. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that there were no issues with this transfer and the committee sent a positive
recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier).
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the transfer.
7. TO-2019-16 - Budgetary Transfer for Capital Improvements/Building Maintenance from Junior High Roof Air Condition C/O (#16619-58510) to Building Improvements (#11922-58250) for $155,104.10
(see attached) (Mayor) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor
Mineo provided a report stating that there were no issues with this transfer and the committee sent a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor
Letellier).
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the transfer.
8. TO-2019-17 - Budgetary Transfer for Capital Improvements/ Fire Department from Fire
Station Improvements Repairs (#16619-58947) to Equipment, Repair, Maint. Replace (#12202-52030) for $179,220.00 (see attached) (Mayor) (Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve
made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi, Cavallo and Suffriti. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo provided a report stating that there were no
issues with this transfer and the committee sent a positive recommendation to the Full Council by a vote of 4 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Letellier).
The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1
ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the transfer.
Item K. New Business
1. TR-2019-8 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure
of Community Preservation funds for the replacement of bleachers on town owned land (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
2. TR-2019-9 - A Resolution appropriating
from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation funds for the rehabilitation of Borgatti Field Playscape (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations
Committee, next Agenda.
3. TR-2019-10 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation funds for the rehabilitation
of Maynard Street (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
4. TR-2019-11 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the
expenditure of Community Preservation funds for the replacement of benches on town owned land (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
5. TR-2019-12 - A Resolution
appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation funds for the completion of a Master Plan for Tuckahoe Turf Farm (CPA)
Referred
to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
6. TR-2019-13 - A Resolution authorizing the reservation of surplus funds from the Community Preservation Fund (CPA)
Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda.
7. TR-2019-14 -
A Resolution accepting a grant in the amount of Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Dollar and No Cents ($8,640.00) from the David M. and Marjorie J. Sherman Fund for use by the Town
of Agawam Senior Center (Mayor Sapelli)
Next Agenda.
8. TR-2019-15 - A Resolution accepting a donation in the amount of Twelve Thousand and Six Hundred and Eighty Three Dollars and
Twenty Six Cents ($12,683.26) from the Agawam Dog Owners Group (Mayor Sapelli)
Next Agenda.
9. TOR-2019-2 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 49 of the Code of the Town of Agawam by creating
a Cable Access TV Manager (Mayor Sapelli) (Two Readings Required)
Referred to Legislative Committee, next Agenda.
Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council.
Councilor
Suffriti thanked the Mayor for his State of the City address. He also appreciated the great debate on the issues this evening noting everyone has the common interests in mind and like
that the Councilors were professional. Council Vice President agreed and said it is nice to have legitimate disagreement without being disagreeable. Councilor Cavallo also agreed and
said it is too bad our federal government couldn’t do the same. Councilor Rossi stated it was indeed a good balance to agree to disagree. Councilor Bitzas hoped the funds that they
approved this evening would get going quickly for the sidewalks and roads. Councilor Mercadante congratulated the World Champion New England Patriots! Councilor Magovern also thanked
Mayor Sapelli for his information this evening stating he did a great job and was a great leader. He also said this was the best Council he’s ever been on in his many years as a councilor.
Councilor Magovern also thanked our Fire Department and ambulance service saying it is one of the best in Western Massachusetts. Council President Johnson said, as a season ticket
holder, it has been ‘a long 180 days since there was a national championship in Boston’ (laughter).
Item M. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded around the house.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.
Also approved license/permit TO-2019-4 and TO-2019-12 through TO-2019-14