CC MTG MINUTES DECEMBER 19 2016 ' REGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
' Minutes dated December 19, 2016
Meeting was called to order by Council President Cichetti at 7:00pm in the Auditorium of the Roberta G. Doering
' School,68 Main Street,Agawam.
Item A. Roll Call
ROLL CALL—10 PRESENT, I ABSENT
' Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council
President James Cichetti, Christopher Johnson, Council Vice President Joseph Mineo, Donald Rheault, Robert Rossi,
Anthony Suffriti and Richard Theroux. Councilor Gina Letellier was absent.With ten present, there was a quorum.
' Item B. Moment of Silence and the Pledge ofAllesiance.
' Council President Cichetti asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item C. Citizen's Speak Time
' Deputy Fire Chief Calvi spoke in support of the contracts as written.
Item D. Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting—December 5,2016
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilor Cavallo.Voice vote approved.
Item E. Declaration from Council President
' None.
' Item F. Presentation of Petitions,Memorials&Remonstrances
1. TR-2016-75 - A Resolution to appropriate $77,303.00 from the General, Unreserved, Undesignated
Fund Balance (Free Cash) to the Salary Reserve Fund for Agawam Police Supervisor's Association,
' Agawam Clerical Employee's Association, Agawam Department of Public Works Employee's
Association, Agawam Patrolman's Association, Agawam Building Maintenance Association, Agawam
Administrative Union, AFL-CIO, Local 1973, Firefighters Association. (Mayor) (Referred to Finance
Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Councilor Theroux excused himself
' from the meeting floor and the vote as he has an immediate family member involved. Councilor Theroux left the
room. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Johnson provided the report stating that after a brief discussion
regarding the fact that the Mayor has exceeded the funding provided in the FY17 annual operating budget by almost
' $80,000 in negotiating with the unions and given the financial impact of over$400,000 per year(not including school
department raises) for the next three fiscal years of these raises on the taxpayers, there was a motion to send no
recommendation to the Council made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Vote: 3 Yes, 1 No
' (Johnson)and 1 Absent(Theroux)
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Discussion began with Councilor Rossi stating that the negotiations were done incorrectly and benefits shouldn't have
been included. Councilor Johnson stated that there are more than the 2% Cost of Living increases and the public
should be aware of the extras negotiated with the AFD, Building Maintenance Dept and APD. He noted that this was
the most important vote that the Council takes every three years and binds the town for the current fiscal year as well
' as the next two AND it didn't include the School Department raises. He also said he didn't say that employees didn't
deserve but wanted it on the record. Councilor Cavallo wanted it clarified that it wasn't a negative recommendation
from the Finance Committee but a vote to not make any recommendation to allow the Council to make their own
' decisions. He also noted he was not against the two percent increases. Councilor Johnson again noted that this item is
just the excess and that the Mayor overshot the budget by$77,303,00.
The vote was 6 YES(Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Cichetti,Johnson,Mineo and Suffriti),3 NO(Councilors Calabrese,
Rheauit and Rossi), 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier),and 1 ABSTENTION(Councilor Theroux)approving the item.
(Please note that Councilor Theroux returned)
2. TR-2016-69 - 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 Association, AFL-CIO, Local 1973, Firefighters Association. (Mayor)
(Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Finance
Committee, Councilor Johnson provided his report stating that after brief discussion regarding the contents of the
"Settlement Agreements" between the town and the unions, there was a motion to send a positive recommendation to
the Council made by Councilor Cavallo. and seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Vote 3 Yes (Calabrese, Cavallo &
Johnson) 0 No and 2 Abstention (Letellier and Theroux) Councilor Johnson also noted that for the public's
information the appropriation was for current fiscal year raises of almost$400,000.00.
The vote was 9 YES, 1 NO(Councilor Rheault), 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
' 3. TR-2016-70 - A Resolution to appropriate $4,185.00 from the Agawam Municipal Golf Course
Retained Earnings account to fund the Agawam Municipal Golf Course Regular and Permanent and
i Golf Overtime Accounts. (Mayor)(Referred to Finance Committee)
From Golf Retained Eamin s:
65261 51010 Golf RegularPermanen $3,965.00
' 65261 51030 Golf overtime $ 220.00
$4,195.00
' Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Theroux. As Chair of the Finance
Committee, Councilor Johnson provided his report stating that after a brief discussion regarding whether it is a better
practice to have a line item in self-sustaining departments for salary reserve rather than appropriate it from retained
earnings, there was a motion to send a positive recommendation to the Council made by Councilor Calabrese and
seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Vote: 4 Yes, 0 No and l Abstention(Letellier)
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
4, TR-2016-71 - A Resolution to appropriate $7,394.00 from the Agawam Wastewater Department's
' Retained Earnings account to fund the Wastewater Department Regular Permanent, Regular
Temporary and Wastewater Overtime accounts. (Mayor) (Referred to Finance Committee)
From Wastewater Retained Earnings_
22541 51010 Wastewater RegularPermaner $6,569.00
22541 51020 Wastewater Regular Temporar $ 125.00
22541 51030 Wastewater Overtime $ 700.00
$7,394.00
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the Finance Committee,
Councilor Johnson provided his report stating that after a brief discussion regarding the impact of this item on sewer
rates given the Mayor's desire to raise sewer rates by over 60% in the next five years, there was a motion to send a
positive recommendation to the Council made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Vote: 4
' Yes, 0 No and 1 Abstention(Letellier)
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
5. TR-2016-72 - A Resolution to appropriate S14,592.00 from the Agawam Water Department's
Retained Earnings account to fund the Water Department Regular Permanent,Regular Temporary and
Water Overtime accounts. (Mayor)(Referred to Finance Committee)
From Water Retained Earnings:
60141 51010 Water Regular Permanen $92,937.00
60141 51020 Water Regular Temporar $ 440.00
60141 51030 Water Overtime $ 1,215.00
$14,592.00
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilors Suffriti and Cavallo. . As Chair of the
Finance Committee, Councilor Johnson provided his report stating that after a brief discussion there was a motion to
send a positive recommendation to the Council made by Councilor Calabrese and seconded by Councilor Cavallo.
' Vote: 4 Yes, 0 No and 1 Abstention(Letellier)
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
1 6. TR-2016-76 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Vincenzo Ronghi, 55 Avalon Place,
Feeding Hills,MA to the Community Preservation Act Committee to an unexpired term expiring April
' 30,2018 (Council)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Suffhti.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
Item G. Report of Council Committees
' None.
Item H. Elections
1. TE-2016-6 -Election of a permanent member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term ending
' January 1,2020
Councilor Cavallo placed the name of Richard Maggi into nomination. Councilor Johnson seconded and moved to
close nominations.
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The vote was 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) electing Richard Maggi. Council President
congratulated him and thanked him for his service.
2. TE-2016-7 -Election of an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term ending
' January 1,2020
Councilor Johnson placed the name of Gary Geiger into nomination. Councilor Mineo seconded and Councilor
Rheault moved to close nominations.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)electing Gary Geiger. Council President congratulated
him and thanked him for his service.
Item I. Public Hearing
' 1. Petition certified by City Clerk on October 24,2016 as submitted by William Clark on October 4,2016
and October 19,2016(Referred to Legislative Committee)
1 Councilor Theroux as Chair of the Legislative Committee provided his report stating that the Council could urge the
Mayor to do his best to use excise and Chapter 90 funds towards paving of the roads.
Council President Cichetti opened the Public Hearing and asked William Clark to make his presentation. Mr. Clark
spoke about the Council approving the funds for raises for the town employees and that all other towns gave raises but
still not much money spent on paving of roads. Only .3% of the budget is currently spent on the roads —why not do
what the other towns do and spend more on the roads? Every year the percentage should increase. The Town is
paving less roads today than in 2009. He urged the town to invest in the roads. Sell the failing golf course. Mr. Clark
said that Councilor Theroux mentioned that the town should turn the golf course into a private enterprise fund —why
' spend funds on the purchase of golf carts for a golf course that is failing? It didn't make sense to spend money on the
course and not pave the roads. He stated that he thinks the Council has the power to amend the Capital Improvement
Plan. Corinne Wingard, Gil Fortunato, William Duncan, Dede Yasgar and Steve Roth also spoke in favor of spending
' more money on paving of the roads. No one else spoke in favor in name only or in opposition. Council President
Cichetti closed the Public Hearing.
Councilor Theroux moved to again ask the Mayor to look at the Chapter 90 funds and Excise Tax funds received from
the state and increase the funding spent on paving the roads. Councilor Cavallo stated the Mayor should look more
closely at this and would like a report back from the Mayor's Office. Councilor Rossi said he felt the Council was
getting ahead of themselves. The Excise Tax goes back directly to the residents. It was not designed to do what Mr.
' Clark wanted and only the Mayor himself can do it. He can do what he sees fit with that money. There used to be a
time when there was a rotating basis for fixing roads in town. We all agree more needs to be done and maybe putting
pressure on the Mayor is the only way to do this. The Council does NOT make the budget. We cannot add to it
however we can cut the budget but the Mayor doesn't have to cut it where the Council suggests. The person to see is
the MAYOR. Maybe the Council should create a sub-committee to put a little more pressure on the Mayor to do
something with the roads. Councilor Mineo also encouraged the Mayor to spend more funds on the roads and noted
maybe the Council should vote no on the Operating Budget this year until he does what he needs to do. Again, the
Mayor is the only one that can do this and if we don't like it,then we should vote no on his budget. Councilor Johnson
stated that the local receipts are appropriated by Council approval as part of the budgetary process and they are not tied
together. To take more means more cuts elsewhere. In reality, the Council is powerless to do anything however he
applauded Mx. Clark's efforts. In the last decade petroleum costs have increases and asphalt is a petroleum-based
product so with the same money being spent, less work can be done as costs increase. There is no item before the
Council to vote on other than hearing this petition. If someone wanted to sponsor a Resolution and put it before the
Council, I'm sure everyone would be in favor of it. Councilor Theroux said we need to do this in good faith and look
forward to citizens bringing forward items. He asked about a program within the DPW containing a list of streets to be
repaired systematically. He urged residents to contact the DPW with their issues (and/or the City Council) and also
applauded Mr. Clark for his efforts. Councilor Theroux stated we have a good program in place currently. Could the
town do better? Sure however individuals should contact the Mayor's Office and/or DPW with their issues. Councilor
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Johnson said it would be worthwhile to contact the DPW. He also suggested that the City Council have a workshop in
January to have the DPW go through the paving program currently in place with us where the public could also attend.
It would behoove us to learn more about it. Councilor Bitzas supported increasing funds and also agreed with having a
workshop. Councilor Theroux agreed totally but thinks it should be an agenda item instead of a workshop.
Item J. Old Business
1. TO-2016-77 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Chris Auto South,207
Main Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)(Referred to Administrative Committee)(Tabled 12/5116)
' Motion to remove the item from the table made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. The item
was removed from the table. Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As
Vice Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that the necessary
information was received and the committee gave a positive recommendation for passage.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
2. TO-2016-78 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Elias Auto, 1123,
Suffield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)(Referred to Administrative Committee)(Tabled 12/5/16)
Motion to remove the item from the table made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilor Johnson. The item
was removed from the table. Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. As
Vice Chair of the Administrative Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided a report stating that the necessary
information was received and the committee gave a positive recommendation for passage.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier) approving the item.
' 3. TO-2016-79 - An Order appropriating funds from Wastewater Retained Earnings Account to the
General Fund(Mayor) (Referred to Finance Committee) (Tabled 12/5/16)
' Motion to remove the item from the table made by Councilor Theroux and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The item
was removed from the table. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Councilor Johnson provided the report stating that
the item was left on the table pending information from the Administration. The Administration decided to withdraw
' this item and replace it with two revised items. Motion to withdraw made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by
Councilors Suffriti and Cavallo.
' The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)withdrawing the item.
4. TOR 2016-6 - An Ordinance to amend Section 49-7(A)(2) of the Code of the Town of Agawam to
increase the salary of the Mayor (Councilor Christopher Johnson) (1 of Two Readings) (Referred to
Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the first reading made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. As Chair of the
Legislative Committee, Councilor Theroux provided his report stating his committee sent a negative recommendation.
Councilor Johnson stated that it seems inconsistent to vote for raises for employees but not for the Mayor. He had
' requested a print out of the top fifty highest paid employees in the town and the Mayor isn't even on that list. With an
election coming up next year, it would be smart to increase the mayor's salary to encourage more qualified applicants.
You get what you pay for and when the town's mayor isn't even in the top 50, bow can you attract qualified
candidates? All other towns pay their mayor more money. We should be setting the salary at a range to attract
experienced candidates.
The vote was 3 YES(Councilors Johnson, Mineo and Suffriti), 7 NO(Councilors Bitzas, Calabrese, Cavallo, Cichetti,
Rheault,Rossi and Theroux), 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier) defeating the item.
5. TOR-2016-7 - An Ordinance to amend Section 49-7(B)(4) of the Code of the Town of Agawam to
' increase the salary for School Committee members (Councilor Christopher Johnson) (1 of Two
Readings) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
' Motion to approve the first reading made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Council Vice
President Mineo excused himself from the meeting floor and the vote as he has an immediate family member involved
and left the room. Councilor Theroux as Chair of the Legislative Committee stated his committee met and gave a
negative recommendation for passage to the Full Council. Councilor Theroux stated the issue is a question of public
service and would be voting no. Councilor Suffriti spoke to several School Committee members. One said they
should make more money and equal the City Council's salary and another said they'd still do it if it were free. He
noted he believes they should equal the City Council's salary.
The vote was 2 YES (Councilors Johnson and Suffriti), 7 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Calabrese, Cavallo, Cichetti,
Rheault, Rossi and Theroux), 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier), 1 ABSTENTION (Councilor Mineo) defeating the
item.
Council Vice President Mineo returned.
6. TO-2016-82 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for K&P Welker,
LLC d/b/a Club One, 60 North Westfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA. 01030 (Clerk) (Referred to
Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilors Johnson and Cavallo. As Vice Chair of the
Administrative Committee, Councilor Suffriti provided his committee report sending a positive recommendation for
approval.
The vote was 10 YES,0 NO, 1 ABSENT(Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
7. TO-2016-83 - Budgetary Transfer of S397,303.00 from Salary Reserve Fund #16605-57350 to
(Mayor)as follows: (Referred to Finance Committee)
Org 06iect Account Name Amount
t 11111 51010 Council Regular Permanent $ 901.00
11211 51010 Mayor Regular Permanent $ 5,706.00
11221 51020 Admin Regular Permanent $ 1,458.00
12341 51010 Auditor Regular Permanent $ 3,4640
11611 51020 Clerk Regular Permanent $ 3,379.00
11371 SWU Assessor Regular Permanent $ 3,676.00
11541 51010 IT Regular Permanent $ 3,380.00
12381 51010 Treasurer Collector Regular Permanent $ 7,754.00
12101 51020 Police Regular Permanent $ 133,2D&W
12101 51020 Police RegularTemporary 5 620.00
121M MM Polio Overtime $ 14,600.00
SIGN 510 Police Court Time $ 4,200.00
12201 51020 Fire Regular Permanem $ 60,701.00
12201 51020 Fire Regular Temporary $ 1,040.00
12201 51030 Fire Overtime $ 7,900.00
12201 $1050 Fire Holiday $ 3,344.00
12501 51030 Inspection Services Regular Permanent $ 5,577.00
15101 51010 Health Regular Permanent $ 2,594Ao
138M 51010 Community Development Regular Perm—$ 3,267.00
16101 51010 Library Regular Permanent $ 18,067.00
16201 5101D Park&Rec Regular Permanent $ Z561.00
15411 51010 Council on Aging Regular Permanent $ 5,054,00
' 14001 510" Public Works Admin Regular Pemlanent S 8.093.00
14201 51010 High way Regular Permanent $ 25,465.DD
14201 51020 Highway RegularTemporary $ 1,19400
14201 51030 Highway Overtime $ I,58g00
14201 51031 Highway Snow and ire $ 1,90 Overtime 0.00
14"1 51010 MotorVehide Reguiar Permanent $ 3,245.00
' 14601 5]030 Motor-hid eve ortime $ 134.00
14101 51010 Engineenng Regular Permanent $ 6,688.00
14101 51030 Engineenng0vertime $ 40.00
11921 51010 Building Maintenance Regular Permanent S 42,090.00
11921 51020 Building Mairrtenan0 RegalarTemperary $ 50D.DD
11921 51030 Building Maintenance Overtime $ 1,6000D
' 16603 571140 Medlrare Insurance $ 14,300.00
S 397,303,00
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Motion to approve made by Councilor Cavallo and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. As Chair of the Finance
' Committee, Councilor Johnson provided his report stating that after a brief discussion regarding the fact that the Mayor
has exceeded the funding provided in the FYI annual operation budget by almost $80,000 in negotiating with the
unions and given the financial impact of over $400,000 per year(not including school department raises) for the next
three fiscal years of these raises on the taxpayers, there was a motion to send no recommendation to the Council made
by Councilor Letellier and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Vote: 3 Yes, 1 No(Johnson)and 1 Absent(Theroux)
The vote was 9 YES, 1 NO(Councilor Calabrese), 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier)approving the item.
Item K New Business
1. TR-2016-78 - A Resolution appropriating funds from the Wastewater Retained Earnings account to
the General Fund. (Mayor)
Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
2. TR-2016-79 - A Resolution appropriating funds from Free Cash to the Reserve Fund Account
#16605-57300(Mayor)
Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
1 3. TO-2016-84 - 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(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
Item L. Any other matter that may lcgally come before the City Council.
Councilor Johnson wished everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and prosperous New Year followed by
the remaining councilors. Councilor Suffriti also again mentioned Games & Lanes issue stating we all saw the letter
that the Mayor sent. It is nonsense to think that that place is secured. Mr. Roth who spoke here earlier called Mr.
Peters who agreed it was not secure. I would like to see that area secured and once again ask that Mr. Peters secure
that building. Also he mentioned that several months ago,the Council passed funds for a sidewalk crew and requested
an update on how many sidewalks were completed in 2016. Councilor Rossi stated that maybe the Building Inspector,
Code Enforcement Officer or Health Agent should be the one looking into Games & Lanes area and possible try to
force this issue with the Mayor. He also mentioned he had requested the tractor trailers to be removed from Main
Street area. Bolduc removed that trucks that were on his land however they still remain at the Main Street Grille
location. No response yet. Councilor Theroux mentioned an ordinance about marijuana facilities and asked for
thoughts/direction from the Council. There was a moratorium in zoning of one year but something else needs to be on
the books and is working with the Law Department on this.
Item M. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved by Councilor Rossi and seconded all around. Meeting was adjourned at 8:21pm.
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