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02-19-19 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated February 19, 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 Susan Grossberg spoke in favor of the ADOG donation to the Town. The Dog Park is one of the reasons she moved to Agawam however during winter months, the park is closed and locked. With the ADOG donation, she hoped the town would consider unlocking and plowing the area or at the very least, leave shovels. She also stated that there is a drainage issue in the large dog side of the park creating a huge puddle every time it rains. Nancy Siegel introduced herself as the new Library Director noting she was extremely proud to follow Judy Clini. She worked for twenty years as the Assistant Librarian in West Springfield and began her career in South Hadley. Ms. Siegel intends on fostering the mission of the library and also creating a five year strategic plan which will include community input. On behalf of the City Council, Council President Johnson welcomed and congratulated her. Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – February 4, 2019 Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Voice vote approved. Item E. Declaration from Council President 1. MEET OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES - Robin Wozniak, Executive Director of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Council President introduced this monthly Agenda item where local businesses can come before the Council to introduce themselves and familiarize the Council with what they do. To kick off this new program, Robin Wozniak, Executive Director of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce spoke about the Chamber and herself. Robin Wozniak thanked the City Council for the opportunity to speak and expressed excitement for the collaboration with local businesses, the Chamber and the City Council. She has been the Executive Director of the WRC for four years and has lived in Agawam for twenty years where she is raising her daughter. It is important to her that local businesses thrive so that her daughter and others do not have to move to Boston or Hartford just to get a good job. She believes in Agawam and the importance of educating our youth about the opportunities right here in town. Some of the ways WRC is involved with young people is through mentoring, Career Days, Apprenticeships and 501(c)(3) contributions to important local programs. With this new collaboration, it might be possible to also have our young people come before the City Council to see the legislative branch of our town. Council President Johnson stated that as a longtime member of city government, he believes it will be beneficial for the Council to get input from area businesses on our specific agenda items. He also noted that there is a shortage of manufacturing workers in our area. As a longtime member of the STCC Board of Trustees, Council President Johnson encouraged WRC to make a connection to STCC as well as the state with respect to manufacturing programs available. Ms Wozniak agreed that there was a huge skills gap with our younger generation and since not everyone is meant to go to a four year college, it is important to WRC to open up these opportunities. Councilors Sandlin and Cavallo agreed with Council President Johnson regarding extending a connection to STCC. Robin stated she would add this information to the WRC’s Education Committee’s upcoming agenda. Councilor Sandlin added a “PSA” that on February 28th the mayors of Agawam and West Springfield will be speaking at a WRC breakfast at 7am at Crestview Country Club. Councilor Suffriti shared a personal story of how these programs work: Two years ago, an Agawam High School student asked to shadow the EMT program. After graduation, this young man went on to college and became a Certified EMT. After graduation, he asked if he could get hired where he shadowed which Councilor Suffriti absolutely agreed to. This young man just completed his certification for a paramedic. Councilor Suffriti said this program absolutely works and encouraged others to look into this. Ms. Wozniak expressed satisfaction at hearing success stories. Councilor Magovern noted how lucky we are to have Robin Wozniak as a resident of Agawam and Director of the WRC. She is doing a great job. He noted that Westfield State University also reaches out to local high schools. He thanked her for coming this evening and thanked Council President Johnson for adding this item to our agenda. It will be very beneficial. Council President Johnson thanked Ms. Wozniak for taking the time to attend this meeting and her enthusiasm for this new collaboration with the City Council. Ms. Wozniak thanked the Council as well. Item F. Presentation of Resolutions 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) Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that there was a small discussion with Parks and Recreation Director, Chris Sparks, who explained the need to replace the bleachers noting the replacements would be portable. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Magovern. The vote of the committee was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier). The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating this was to be ADA compliant with poured playscape and rubber in the playground. The CPA originally appropriated $20,000 for the playscape years ago. Chris Sparks stated he was able to supplement the CPA appropriation with donations and unused money in other accounts. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote of the committee was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier). The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that this is to make it ADA compliant. Chris Sparks also supplemented CPA funds with money from the gift account. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote of the committee was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier). The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that the benches at School Street Park are in need of replacement due to the deterioration of the original ones which were made of wood. Chris again found funds to help offset the money CPA was appropriating. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote of the committee 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-2019-12 - 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) Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that Jen Bonfiglio explained the process of how they choose the company for making the Master Plan and in the end chose the cheapest company. The request is for $36,000 and $21,000 is needed for the chosen company. They may find issues but if there is money left over, it will be returned to CPA. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. The vote of the committee was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier). Discussion began with Councilor Sandlin stating that this was a long time coming. She thanked the Mayor for having a game plan and this appropriation will be a great first step in the process. Councilor Bitzas is happy to support all of these appropriations from CPA however after the most recent town study; it was shown that the people want to update Valley Brook Park in Feeding Hills. Council President Johnson reminded the Council that this item was about Tuckahoe Turf Farm – not other parks or areas. Councilor Magovern stated he was also in favor of this as Tuckahoe is the single largest undeveloped property in Agawam and will be a jewel for the town. Councilor Mineo also thought it was a great idea and is happy to support this. Councilor Bitzas again stated it was a great idea, a great investment but reminded everyone of the need to do something at Valley Brook. Council President Johnson felt compelled to say that this was again another example of the excellent communication between Mayor Sapelli and the Council. During the Agenda Reviews, there were many conversations between the Mayor and Council President and Vice President regarding the future of Tuckahoe. He thanked the Mayor for pushing to get it this far. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 6. TR-2019-13 - A Resolution authorizing the reservation of surplus funds from the Community Preservation Fund (CPA) (Referred to Community Relations Committee) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Sandlin. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that this was done on an annual basis. Jen Bonfiglio explained the reason for the increase into the accounts. It was requested that Jen Bonfiglio send updates related to the current CPA Fund balance breakdown. The committee made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council which was moved by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. The vote of the committee was 4 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier). The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Mercadante. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked the Sherman family for their generous donation. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Council Vice President Calabrese. Councilor Rossi asked what happens now that ADOG will no longer be involved and who would be maintaining the park. Council President Johnson noted his understanding is that the town has always been taking care of the park once it was opened. Councilor Rossi asked if it was part of our budget. Council President Johnson reminded him it has always been a part of the budget. Council President Johnson thanked the Agawam Dog Owners Group for creating a first class dog park and commended their dedication to making it happen. 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 None. Item J. Old Business 1. TOR-2019-1 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 3, Article III of the Code of the Town of Agawam (2 of 2 Readings) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Legislative Committee) Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Bitzas. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the second and final reading. 2. TOR-2019-2 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 49 of the Code of the Town of Agawam by creating a Cable Access TV Manager (1 of 2 Readings) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Legislative Committee) Motion to table this item made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Voice vote approved. Item K. New Business 1. TR-2019-16 - A Resolution to appropriate Five Hundred Twenty Thousand ($520,000.00) Dollars from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to pay for the Morgan Sullivan Project water main replacement (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda. 2. TR-2019-17 - A Resolution adopting Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 Section 110A (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Legislative Committee, next Agenda. 3. TO-2019-18 - Voucher List for MMA Reimbursements ($1,103.96) Referred to next Agenda. Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Councilor Suffriti thanked the Mayor for the tax video online. He said it was quite informative. He also appreciated the West of the River Chamber coming to the meeting and to Chris Sparks for being aggressive with extra funding for the CPA appropriations. Councilor Cavallo also watched the tax video and said it was well done. Councilor Rossi gave a shout out to the CPA on all the CPA projects on the agenda. It is refreshing to see these items come before the Council. Great job to all involved. Councilor Mercadante also praised the CPA Committee. It is so wonderful to see all of the people we have working together on behalf of the citizens of this town. This money is being well spent and he appreciates the work involved. Councilor Magovern echoed all of these comments. He noted that when the Council has sub-committee meetings prior to our Council meetings, there is healthy discussion about the agenda items – these items do not just pass without information and discussion. He also praised the volunteer efforts of everyone that helped to raise some of the money for the CPA projects. Item M. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded around the house. Meeting was adjourned at 7:58pm.