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04-16-19 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated April 16, 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. Council President Johnson sent continued prayers to Councilor Letellier as she struggles with recovery. 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 Leslie and Rich Joseph spoke about Agawam’s Cooler Community Challenge and the upcoming expo at the High School on May 23rd at 5:30 to 8:00pm. As a member of the Energy Commission, she said the idea for a Cooler Community Challenge was introduced to the commission by representatives from ener-G-save, a program sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. The idea was then proposed by the Energy Commission and received enthusiastic approval from the Mayor, City Council and the School Department. A key part of the community challenge involves the participation of Agawam schools, where students at every grade level are currently working on projects related to climate and energy topics. The students’ efforts will be showcased at the Expo where the Foundation will give out school dollar awards and have pledged up to $5000 per school. The challenge encourages energy efficiency and how to become problem solvers using energy efficient programs. The hope is for Agawam to become the Pilot Program to be spread around the country. At the May 23rd Expo, residents will learn about Agawam being a Green Community, the recycling program in town, water conservation and participating in the Pledge Challenge (which will be available throughout the schools as well as online) We need to celebrate the excellence of our schools and our town and learn about energy efficiency and conservation. Rich thanked Councilors Sandlin and Suffriti for their efforts to get this going as well as thanking the Mayor and Mr. Lemanski and Ms. Hoffman for their support. The path to the future channels right through our classrooms so all these steps in the learning process are important. The City Council took a big step by passing the solar ordinance which is a piece of the puzzle. The Expo hopes to engage homeowners in energy conservation and education. At the Expo, there will be home energy audit companies, residential solar companies as well as two new electric cars on display – the BMW I3 all electric car along with the Ford Fusion Plug in Hybrid car. MassSave and energy-G-save information on low and mid-income incentive programs for renewable energy will be available. He also asked for the Council to support and promote the Expo. Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – April 1, 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 - Michelle Fairman, Nutrition First, 333 Walnut St. Ext, Agawam Michelle introduced herself and her husband Todd and spoke about their healthy smoothie and energizing tea bar. They believe in having a positive atmosphere with a healthy mind, body and soul. People who are having a bad day come to their smoothie bar. She provided several testimonials from faithful patrons. Council President Johnson asked if this was their first business and if so, how would they rate their experience in town regarding the permitting process. Michelle expressed that it was quite eye-opening however everyone in town was extremely helpful along the way. Councilor Suffriti asked if they had a website (yes! http://www.nutrition-1st.com as well as a Facebook page) which shows the full menu and hours of operation. He welcomed them saying they were a great addition to the town. Council Vice President Calabrese asked if the bridge construction was impacting their business to which Michelle replied yes, but in a positive way because the detours bring cars right in front of her store. Michelle noted the impact would be difficult to gauge as this is their first year in town. Council President Johnson also welcomed them to town and thanked them for coming before the Council as well as keeping our youth informed in the schools. On behalf of the City Council, he wished them great success. Item F. Presentation of Resolutions 1. TR-2019-23 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A in relation to the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (Mayor Sapelli) Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Councilor Mercadante asked what happens at the end of the two year period, does this salary fall into the budget. Council President Johnson said it would depend on the success of the program to see if the position would get funded or if the town would seek additional grant money to continue the position. Councilor Sandlin noted it was a good idea and we need to educate the people about recycling. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. 2. TR-2019-24 - A Resolution to name the large conference room located at the Agawam Public Library the “Judith Clini Conference Room” (Mayor Sapelli) Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Councilor Bitzas has known Judy for years and she was a great librarian and good employee of the town. Congratulations and this is well deserved. Councilor Sandlin said it is very fitting to name this room after Judy Clini who has done so much for the library. She sent her a big thank you. Councilor Magovern encouraged everyone to go to our library which is the gem of this town. Naming this room after Judy is fantastic. Council President Johnson serves with Judy on the Captain Leonard House Board and has the privilege of calling her a friend. The town was fortunate to have an absolute first class public library and Judy was there to witness it firsthand. She has kept the library relevant. Councilor Rossi noted this was a very fitting tribute and thanked her for her service. The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) approving the item. Council President Johnson congratulated Judy and said the Mayor will keep the Council abreast of the ribbon cutting. 3. TR-2019-25 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for design and engineering services for the Learning Tree Conservation Park (CPA) (Referred to Community Relations Committee) Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. As Chair of the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided the report stating that Henry Kozloski of CPA Committee explained the application for funds and what it is being used for including the planning for the building of outdoor classes in a conservation curriculum. Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full Council made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Magovern. The vote was 3 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSENT (Councilors Bitzas and Letellier) Councilor Bitzas said this was money well spent and will support it. Councilor Magovern said it will be open to the public as a walking area and is a wonderful project. 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 None. Item K. New Business 1. TR-2019-26 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Aldo Mancini, 482 South West Street, Feeding Hills, MA to the Agawam Veteran’s Council to a term expiring April 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 2. TR-2019-27 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Frank Pignatare, 685 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Veteran’s Council to a term expiring April 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 3. TR-2019-28 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Alan R. Hardina, 124 Anthony Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Municipal Golf Commission for an unexpired term expiring on December 31, 2019 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 4. TR-2019-29 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Frank Mazzei, 476 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Veteran’s Council to a term expiring April 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 5. TR-2019-30 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Ronald Wieners, 122 Leonard Street, Agawam, MA to the Energy Commission to a term expiring April 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 6. TR-2019-31 - A Resolution accepting a gift from the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A in the amount of $59,100.00 for an Agawam Senior Center van (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Finance and Legislative Committees, next Agenda. 7. TR-2019-32 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A up to the amount of $29,322.00 for a transportation coordinator (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Finance and Legislative Committees, next Agenda. 8. TR-2019-33 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of David Cecchi, 29 Albert Street, Agawam, MA. to the Community Preservation Act Committee to a term expiring April 30, 2022 (City Council) Next Agenda. 9. TR-2019-34 - A Resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (Mayor Sapelli) – Suggest a Public Hearing Date of May 20, 2019 Next Agenda and the Public Hearing is set for May 20th. 10. TR-2019-35 - A Resolution endorsing the Agawam Cooler Community Challenge (Sponsored by Mayor Sapelli and Councilors Sandlin and Suffriti) Next Agenda. 11. TOR-2019-5 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the Code of the Town of Agawam (Two Readings Required) (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Finance and Legislative Committees, next Agenda. Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Council Vice President Calabrese expressed happiness at the progression of the new sidewalks. Councilor Rossi asked about pawn shops and requested that the Council look into changing the waiting period from sixty days down to thirty. Council President Johnson noted he will speak to the Mayor and the Solicitor during our next Agenda Review. Councilor Bitzas wished everyone a Happy Easter. Item M. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded around the house. Meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.