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05-06-19 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGREGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Minutes dated May 6, 2019 Meeting was called to order by Council President Johnson at 7:01pm in the Auditorium at the Agawam Junior High School, 1305 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills. Item A. Roll Call ROLL CALL – 8 PRESENT, 3 ABSENT Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Council Vice President Cecilia Calabrese, Council President Christopher Johnson, Robert Magovern, Dino Mercadante, Robert Rossi, Rosemary Sandlin and Anthony Suffriti. Councilors Paul Cavallo, Gina Letellier and Joseph Mineo were absent. With eight 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 William Clark spoke thanking the administration for investing in the town – the sidewalks look amazing. He also spoke about a federal infrastructure bill and asked where our state legislators were – Springfield got funds included in the bill, why didn’t Agawam? Item D. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting – April 1, 2019 Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Councilors Mercadante and Magovern and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. Voice vote approved. Item E. Declaration from Council President None. Item F. Presentation of Resolutions 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilors Magovern, Mercadante, Rossi and Sandlin. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked him for his continued service on the Veterans’ Council. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked him for his continued service on the Veterans’ Council. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Magovern. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked him for his interest in serving on the Golf Commission. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Magovern and seconded by Councilors Rossi and Bitzas. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked him for his continued service on the Veterans’ Council. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Magovern. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. Council President Johnson thanked him for his continued service on the Energy Commission. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Mercadante and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern provided a report stating that after some discussion, the Legislative Committee gave a positive recommendation with a vote of 4 Yes, 0 N0, 1 Absent (Councilor Bitzas). Council Vice President Calabrese provided the report on behalf of the Finance Committee stating that the committee also gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council with a vote of 3 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent (Councilors Letellier and Mineo). Discussion began with Councilor Bitzas stating that this is great for the town – a no brainer if you will. He is very proud of the Senior Center which other towns have used as a template for their own senior centers. This will enhance the service to our senior in town. Councilor Sandlin said we are very fortunate to have a the opportunities available with our new Senior Center Director who is very energetic in obtaining grants. Councilor Magovern was surprised to learn that over 26% of Agawam’s residents are over age 65. This van will be extremely useful. Council President Johnson commented on the pamphlet which was handed out by the Senior Center Director (Michael Squindo). The pamphlet shows the fees involved as well as other pertinent information. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilors Mercadante and Suffriti. As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern provided a report stating that after some discussion, the Legislative Committee gave a positive recommendation with a vote of 4 Yes, 0 N0, 1 Absent (Councilor Bitzas). Council Vice President Calabrese provided the report on behalf of the Finance Committee stating that the committee also gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council with a vote of 3 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent (Councilors Letellier and Mineo). Discussion began with Councilor Mercadante saying he liked that it was a grant but had hesitation about what would happen if the grant went away. He was informed that the town can reapply for this grant every year to fund this position so that adding this position wouldn’t be a burden to the taxpayer. Councilor Sandlin noted that this would help make the van more accessible – available for the full week. Councilor Rossi also asked what would happen if the grant went away. Council President Johnson said the short answer is yes if this grant went away, it would either have to be funded by the town or eliminated however Senior Center Director Squindo is confident that the town would continue to apply and receive this grant every year. Councilor Sandlin compared the cost of the bus to riding the van and said the grant is renewable. Other communities have been receiving this grant for years – we are just starting to take advantage of this grant through the efforts of the Senior Center Director. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. 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) Motion to approve made by Councilor Sandlin and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Councilor Sandlin said whenever Mr. Cecchi is involved in something in town, he is one hundred percent committed. This is a great reappointment. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the appointment. Council President Johnson thanked Mr. Cecchi for his continued service to the town. 9. TR-2019-35 - A Resolution endorsing the Agawam Cooler Community Challenge (Sponsored by Mayor Sapelli and Councilors Sandlin and Suffriti) Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Sandlin. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the item. This will be held on May 23rd at the Agawam High School from 5:30pm to 8:00pm Item G. Report of Council Committees None. Item H. Elections None. Item I. Public Hearings 1. TR-2019-34 (PH-2019-3) - A Resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (Mayor Sapelli) – Public Hearing Date set for May 20, 2019 Council President Johnson confirmed that the Public Hearing is set for our next meeting on May 20th. Item J. Old Business 1. TOR-2019-5 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the Code of the Town of Agawam (1 of Two Readings) (Mayor Sapelli) (Referred to Finance and Legislative Committees) Motion to approve the first reading made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Mercadante. As Chair of the Legislative Committee, Councilor Magovern provided a report stating that after a good discussion, the Legislative Committee gave a positive recommendation with a vote of 4 Yes, 0 N0, 1 Absent (Councilor Bitzas). Council Vice President Calabrese provided the report on behalf of the Finance Committee stating that the committee also gave a positive recommendation to the Full Council with a vote of 3 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent (Councilors Letellier and Mineo). Councilor Bitzas began the discussion saying he is not in favor of fees but this is miniscule. If residents cannot afford the fee, the Senior Center will find a way to assist them. Councilor Sandlin reiterated that this was from a grant and we can try to use a token system and the money goes into a Revolving Fund to be used ONLY to benefit our seniors. The vote was 8 YES, 0 NO, 3 ABSENT (Councilors Cavallo, Letellier and Mineo) approving the first reading. Item K. New Business 1. TR-2019-36 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Leston Tingley, 18 Portland Street, Feeding Hills, MA. to the Historical Commission to a term expiring January 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 2. TR-2019-37 - A Resolution accepting a gift in the amount of One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($1,750.00) from the Agawam Lions Club for the purchases of two hearing screening machines (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 3. TR-2019-38 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Michael Mercadante, 1063 Main Street, Agawam to the Energy Commission to a term expiring on April 1, 2022 (Mayor Sapelli) Next Agenda. 4. TR-2019-39 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds to create an accessory dwelling unit ordinance for the Town of Agawam ($7,650.00) (CPA) Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda. 5. TR-2019-40 - A Resolution appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for the replacement of benches on town owner land ($47,000.00) (CPA) Referred to Community Relations Committee, next Agenda. 6. TO-2019-21 - An Order granting or renewing a Junk Dealer’s PERMIT for Block Jewelers, Inc., 299 Walnut Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 7. TO-2019-22 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Six Flags New England, 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 8. TO-2019-23 - An Order granting or renewing a LICENSE for Automatic Amusement Device(s) for Six Flags New England, 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda. 9. TO-2019-24 - A Budgetary Transfer of $160,000.00 from the Reserve Fund #16605-57300 to Building Maintenance Electric & Heat #11922-52110 (Mayor Sapelli) Referred to Finance Committee, next Agenda. Item L. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. Councilor Sandlin stated she was glad to see the Cooler Community Challenge on our Agenda and encouraged everyone to attend. Councilor Suffriti agreed and also encouraged everyone to support this. He thanked the administration stating it was nice to see our tax money being spent on the beautiful sidewalks we are seeing around town. Council Vice President agreed with Councilor Suffriti and noted that she is excited for the Community Challenge. Councilor Bitzas also thanked the Mayor for doing a good job with the sidewalks. He noted that if you have an issue with potholes or sidewalks, just call the Council or the Mayor’s Office so we can try to help you. He also congratulated the Lion’s Club on their 75th anniversary saying they do great things for the community. Councilor Mercadante also thanked the Mayor and his administration on the sidewalks saying he saw so many people out walking on them on the way to this evening’s meeting. So nice to see! Councilor Magovern agreed with everything. He also said it was great to see the work on the sidewalks after there being a hiatus of nothing being done. Council President Johnson reminded all of the fiscal conservative and proposed budget cutters on the Council that we should be receiving our Operating Budget this week and on May 20th and May 21st they will be attending the budget workshop meeting with the Mayor and his Department Heads. The Public Hearing on the budget will be first meeting in June with the adoption set for the second meeting in June Item M. Adjournment. The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded around the house. Meeting was adjourned at 7:32pm.