CC MTG MINUTES FEBRUARY 5 2015 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AGAW"CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated February 5, 2015
Meeting was called to order by President Johnson at 7:00pm at the Auditorium at the Roberta G.
Doering School,68 Main Street,Agawam.
Item A.Roll Call
ROLL CALL—10 PRESENT,1 ABSENT(Councilor Rossi)
Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas,Cecilia Calabrese,Paul
Cavallo, James Cichetti, Council President Christopher Johnson, Gina Letellier, Joseph Mineo,
1 Vice .President Dennis Perry, Donald Rheault and Anthony Suffliti. Robert Rossi was absent.
With ten councilors present,there was a quorum.
' Item B. Moment o Sllence and the P d e o Alle lance.
President Johnson asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item C. Citizen's Sneak TYme
Louis Russo was the only citizen signed up to speak. He spoke in support of TR 2015-5 and the
' need for charter change in our town. This resolution would keep a check and balance. He stated
he was in favor of a mayor recommending department heads but felt the Council should have the
ability to confirm such appointments.
' Item D. Minutes
Motion to approve the January 20, 2015 Regular City Council meeting minutes was made by
Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Cichetti and Letellier. The minutes were
approved by a voice vote of: 9 Yes,0 No, 1 Absent and 1 Abstention(Councilor Calabrese).
Item E. Declaration from Council President
None.
Item F. Presentation of Petitions,Memorials&Remonstrances
1. TR-2015-3 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Nicholas Pandolf, 16
Wisteria Lane,Agawam,MA 01001 to the Planning Board to a term expiring
January 1,2018(Mayor)
' Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilors Cichetti and Perry.
' The vote was 10 YES,0 NO,1 ABSENT(Councilor Rossi)
Council President expressed gratitude for his continued service to the town.
' 2. TR 2015-4 - A Resolution approving the revised job description for the Council
appointed Auditor position(Council)
' Motion to table made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Mineo.
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The voice vote was unanimous.
3. TR-2015-6 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of David Cecchi, 29
Albert Street,Agawam,MA to the Historical Commission to a term expiring
January 1,2018(Mayor)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilors Cichetti and Letellier.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, I ABSENT(Councilor Rossi)
Council President expressed gratitude for his continued service to the town.
4. TR 2015-7 -A Resolution authorizing the Town of Agawam to expend funds
in excess of available appropriation for snow and ice removal(Mayor)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Mineo. Council
President noted that this only authorizes the Administration to exceed the available appropriation
for snow and ice removal. This will be followed up at the end of the season with actual transfers
for the funds. Councilor Letellier commended them on the most detail we've ever received. She
said it was nice to see and was grateful to the Mayor for this information.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Rossi)
Item 7. R_port of Council Committees
None.
Item S. Elections
None.
Item 9. Public Heari s
1. PH-2015-1 (TOR-2015-1) -Public Hearing set for March 2,2015-An Ordinance
to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam to add section 180-95A to assist the Council
in Zone Change requests involving the Wireless Telecommunications Overlay District
(Councilors Rossi, Letellier and Perry) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to table made by Councilor Cichetti and seconded by Councilor Perry. Approved by
' voice vote.
Item 10. Old Business
' 1. TO-2015-5 - 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.
01001 (Clerk)
Motion to approve by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilor Cichetti.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Rossi)
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Item IL New Basin s
i1. TR 2015-5 - A Resolution petitioning the General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts for the enactment of Special Legislation amending Section 3-3 of
the Agawam Home Rule Charter,subject to voter approval,to require City Council
confirmation of Mayoral appointment of Department Read Positions (Councilor
Suffriti)
Next Agenda, referred Legislative Committee. Anthony Suffriti made a point of information and
read a letter into record to withdraw this item. Motion made to withdraw made by Councilor
Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Mineo. Councilor Letellier suggested waiting to Old
1 Business to vote. She would like to hear his reasons for withdrawing. She didn't think it was an
emergency to vote at that time and should wait. Others may want to sponsor it themselves or
make amendments. Council President suggested referring it to the Legislative Committee.
Councilor Bitzas stated that if sponsor wanted to withdraw, he has the right. Council President
said that is not been done in past practice which was confirmed by Councilor Rheault. Councilor
Mineo asked to see that in the Rules and said it should be in our Rules and goes on record as
being opposed to this and feels Councilor Suffhti should be able to remove the item. The Council
President as Chair made the ruling to refer the item to the Legislative Committee. Councilor
Rheault stated the every item has a docket number and it takes a vote yes or no to remove it and
since it's under New Business a vote cannot be taken. Councilor Cavallo agreed with Councilor
Mineo and until he sees something in writing, then Councilor Suffriti should have the right to
withdraw the item. Councilor Bitzas asked to continue the discussion. Council President stated
the ruling had been made and if anyone wished to challenge the Chair please do so otherwise we
will move on. Councilor Bitzas stated that it didn't make sense to refer to a committee if the
sponsor was withdrawing the item and this hadn't happened in any of the years he was on
Council. Council President does not deny his right to withdraw but since Councilor Letellier
' ;Wade her suggestion, he ruled that the best way was to refer it to the Legislative Committee and
questions can be asked and it can then be withdrawn in writing.
2. TO-2015-6 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic
Amusement Device and Weekly Amusement Permit for Springfield Turnverein
located at 60 North Westfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA 01030(Clerk)
Next Agenda, referred Administrative Committee.
3. TO-2015-7 -Transfer of$900.00 from Council Professional Services (#11112-
52190)to Council Equipment, Maintenance &Repair(#11112-52030) in the amount
of$400.00 and to Council Travel In-State (#11112-52090) in the amount of$500.00
(Council)
Next Agenda,referred to Finance Committee.
4. TO-2015-5 - Transfer of $460.00 from Uniform Allowance (#12201-51070) to
Science College(#12201-51120)(Mayor)
Next Agenda,referred to Finance Committee.
5. TO-2015-9 - Transfer of $300.00 from Longevity (#12201-51400) to Science
College(#12201-51120)(Mayor)
Next Agenda,referred to Finance Committee.
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6. TR-2015-8 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Richard Bennett,29
Willowbrook Drive, Agawam, MA to the Historical Commission to a term expiring
January 1,2018(Mayor)
' Next Agenda.
7. TR-2015-9 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Sandra Hottin, 12
Rowley Street,Agawam,MA. to the Agawam Housing Authority to a term expiring
the second Monday in January,2018(Mayor)
Next Agenda.
' 8. TR-2015-10 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Mary Jo Safford, 92
Juniper Ridge Drive, Feeding Hills, MA to the Board of Health to a term expiring
the first Monday in February,2018 (Mayor)
Next Agenda.
9. TOR-2015-2 - An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Town of Agawam to Add
Section 49-9 entitled Marking of Municipal Vehicles(Councilors Rheault and
Rossi)(Two Readings Required)
' Next Agenda,referred to Legislative Committee.
Item 12. Any other matter that may legally come before Lite City Council
Councilor Letellier reminded everyone about the Agawam Rotary's Winter Warm Up fundraiser
on February 18'h. Also wanted some research done on other towns with mayoral form of
' government — do they have City Council approval for department heads? Councilor Suffriti
reminded people to check on elderly neighbors during this intense cold. Councilor Perry spoke
regarding withdrawal of the item earlier. In most cases, he stated, it is submitted in writing
however no action is taken under New Business and agreed with Council President's ruling to
refer the item to the sub-committee and put the withdrawal in writing. Councilor Mineo agreed
with Dennis but as Gina asked, it should be okay to re-sponsor the item and stated if Councilor
' Suffriti wanted to withdraw it,he should be allowed to. Councilor Cichetti reminded everyone of
the upcoming Legislative Committee and asked to add to the Agenda the review of the Rules(and
again asked for comments from Council), the vehicle ordinance and TR-2015-5 as well. Barbara
' will switch the Ad Hoc Golf Committee meeting with the Legislative Committee meeting.
Councilor Calabrese thanked the Emergency Management team for their great job during all these
storms. They have kept the town well-informed.
' Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded all around the house with all in favor of
adjourning. The time of adjournment was 7:25pm.
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6. TR-2015-8 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Richard Bennett,29
Willowbrook Drive, Agawam, MA to the Historical Commission to a term expiring
January 1,2018(Mayor)
' Next Agenda.
7. TR-2015-9 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Sandra Hottin, 12
Rowley Street,Agawam,MA.to the Agawam Housing Authority to a term expiring
the second Monday in January,2018(Mayor)
Next Agenda.
8. TR-2015-10 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Mary Jo Safford, 92
Juniper Ridge Drive,Feeding Hills, MA to the Board of Health to a term expiring
the first Monday in February,2018 (Mayor)
Next Agenda.
i9. TOR 2015-2 - An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Town of Agawam to Add
Section 49-9 entitled Marking of Municipal Vehicles(Councilors Rheault and
Rossi)(Two Readings Required)
Next Agenda,referred to Legislative Committee.
Item I2. Any other martter that may terally come before the City CounciX
Councilor Letellier reminded everyone about the Agawam Rotary's Winter Warm Up fundraiser
on February I e. Also wanted some research done on other towns with mayoral form of
government — do they have City Council approval for department heads? Councilor Suffriti
reminded people to check on elderly neighbors during this intense cold. Councilor Perry spoke
' regarding withdrawal of the item earlier. In most cases, he stated, it is submitted in writing
however no action is taken under New Business and agreed with Council President's ruling to
refer the item to the sub-committee and put the withdrawal in writing. Councilor Mineo agreed
with Dennis but as Gina asked, it should be okay to re-sponsor the item and stated if Councilor
Suffriti wanted to withdraw it, he should be allowed to. Councilor Cichetti reminded everyone of
the upcoming Legislative Committee and asked to add to the Agenda the review of the Rules(and
' again asked for comments from Council),the vehicle ordinance and TR-2015-5 as well. Barbara
will switch the Ad Hoc Golf Committee meeting with the Legislative Committee meeting.
Councilor Calabrese thanked the Emergency Management team for their great job during all these
storms. They have kept the town well-informed.
Adiournment.
' The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded all around the house with all in favor of
adjourning. The time of adjournment was 7:25pm.
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TO-2014-4
BUDGETARY TRANSFER FORM
Depw meat: Mayor
Amount: 1*332,164.00 Date: 1130t2414
From Reserved Fimd&Salary Reserve 16605-57300& 16605-57350 'of-Account Account Nwnbera �3r
To: See Attachod ?
Title-OT Account Account um
c:►
Reason far Transf
armacnt Head
I hereby certify that finds are available to malm the above-stated transfer.
/I J, . .,-d)41,1
Date: -• - Lq■
■ I hereby approve placement of the above-stated transfer an the Counjil agenda
Richard A. Cohen, or
Apgroved as to footm and legality.
Vincent G ficitor
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL-APPROVED ON _,0 3/03 201V
' Date:
- — -- Chaste ]=xo President
' :lhirsu W to Section 3-6 of the Agawam Home Rule Charter,I
hereby approve the Council passage of the above-stated transfer.
Date-
di&2"
Richard A. CohM Mayor
' Djs VAL OF N:Pursuant to Section 3.6 of the Agawam Home Rule
Chatter,I hereby disapprove the Council passage of the above-stated transfer.
' Date:
Richard A. Cohen,Mayor
C �c f rLAJ ag{h. Ai 1')'r et LJOA COU net
42 - !
T'R2 45
A RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE AGAWAM POLICE
SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION,AGAWAM CLERICAL EMPLOYEE'S
ASSOCIATION,AGAWAM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
EMPLOYEE'S ASSOCIATION,AGAWAM POLICE PATROLMAN'S
ASSOCIATION, AGAWAM BUILDING MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION,
AGAWAM ADMINISTRATIVE UNION,AFL-CIO,LOCAL 1973,
FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
' Sponsored By Mayor Richard A Cohen
' Whereas, the Town of Agawam has negotiated Collective Bargaining
Agreements with the following bargaining units("Unions")within the Town of Agawfn: �
AGAWAM POLICE SUPERVISOR'S ASSOCIATION, AGAWAM CLERICAL r�?
EMPLOYEE'S ASSOCIATION, AGAWAM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORD fir'
EMPLOYEE'S ASSOCIATION, AGAWAM POLICE PATROLMAN 7,�
ASSOCIATION, AGAWAM BUILDING MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION;
AGAWAM ADMINISTRATIVE UNION, AFL-CIO, LOCAL 1973, FIREFIGHTERS'o �
ASSOCIATION; and r
' N
Whereas,the Town and Unions have executed Settlement Agreements;and
Whereas, the Settlement Agreements have been ratified and executed by the
Unions; and
Whereas, the Settlement Agreements provide for the following increases:
a. Effective July 1,2013 -2.0%,FY 2014
b. Effective July 1,2014- 1.5%, FY 2015
C. Effective July 1,2015 - 1.5%, FY 2016, and
' Whereas, pursuant to G. L. c. 150E, § 7, the Agawam City Council must
appropriate the necessary funds; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the Town of Agawam to appropriate the
necessary funding.
' NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AGAWAM CITY
COUNCIL that the necessary funds for the first year of said Settlement Agreements,
amounting to Three hundred thirty two thousand one hundred sixty four dollars
' ($332,164.00), is approved.
■ 0( 71)
rPage 1 of 2 TrWur4P,K
CL f I aw ve-
i C�C� � u A ibn,5
TO-2014-13
j1M9ETAM!MNSFER FORM
Department: Department of Public Works _ .._ �---._. ......
_.
Amount: $ 169,345.09 Date: May 28,2014
From: Line Items-Reserve Fund 16605 57300 $169,345.09
1 e of ccount Account N5ffiFx7r Amount
To; Snow&Ice Overtime 14201 51031 $55,247.11
Equipment Rental 14202 52071 $69,1 12.80 y
Hwy Ice Control Material 14203 52210 $44,995.1 STitle of Account Account Number Amount
Reason for-Transfer: Snow and Ice Deficit
Department Head �
l hereby certify that}funds are available to make the above-stated transfer.
Date: !
_ _ .�-..._..� ( � Lwljj�l �JA
! . Joi&Auditor
I hereby approve placement of the above-stated transferr on the Council agenda.
Date: 0z"�Lilt y
r Richard A. Cohen,Mayor
Approved as to form and legality. _
Date: I # 1# Vj rvAA 6 o
Vince Gioscia,Solicitor
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL—APPROVED ON -z 3 ,2014
Date: �
Christopher Ja n,Council President
1 APPROVAL OF L N: Pursuant to Section 3-6 of the Agawam Home Rule Charter, !
hereby approve the Council passage of the above-stated transfer.
Date: or 4
dzl-
Richard A.Cohen,Mayor
DISA ROVAL OF 1 L i :Pursuant to Section 3-6 of the Agawam Home Rule
Charter,I hereby disapprove the Council passage of the above-stated transfer.
Date:
Richard A. Cohen,Mayor
_ .. i
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