CC MTG MINUTES NOVEMBER 9 2016 REGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
Minutes dated November 9, 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—11 PRESENT,0 ABSENT
Roll Call was taken with the following councilors present: George Bitzas, Cecilia Calabrese, Paul Cavallo, Council
President James Cichetti, Christopher Johnson, Gina Letellier, Council Vice President Joseph Mineo, Donald Rheault,
Robert Rossi, Anthony Suffriti and Richard Theroux. With eleven present,there was a quorum.
Item P. Moment of Silence and the Pledge ofAlleg ance.
Council President Cichetti asked for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item C. Citizen's Speak Time
Brian Halla spoke in favor the Golf Commission's proposed mower purchase.
Item D. Minutes
1. Regular Council Meeting—October 17,2016
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilors. Rossi and Cavallo. Voice vote approved.
Item E. Declaration Lrom Council President
None.
Item F. Presentation of Petitions,Memorials&Remonstrances
1. TR 2016-60 - A Resolution rescinding the adopting the "Stretch Energy Code" for the City of
Agawam(Councilors Rossi and Rheault)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Rheault. Discussion began with Councilor
Rossi stating that he believed the original item was taken improperly and did not allow for public input. He stated it is
suggested by the State to have a Public Hearing. The signed document also takes effect January of 2017 which in his
opinion does not allow for the state required six month waiting period. Councilor Rheault agreed and said the issue is
simply to place this back on the Agenda for a Public Hearing allowing for input from residents. Councilor Theroux
mentioned that the real issue is the Stretch Code in its entirety and yes, maybe there could have been a Public Hearing
and the public should have the opportunity to take a second look—it couldn't hurt.
The vote was 7 YES (Councilors Bitzas, Calabrese, Cavallo, Rheault, Rossi, Suffriti and Theroux), 3 NO (Councilors
Johnson, Letellier and Mineo), 0 ABSENT, 1 ABSTENTION (Council President Cichetti) rescinding the previously
approved item which adopted the"Stretch Energy Code"for the City of Agawam.
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' 2. TR-2016-61 -A Resolution appropriating funds($35,548.91)for the purchase of a mower for the City
of Agawam Municipal Golf Course(Mayor)(Referred to Ad Hoc Golf and Finance Committees)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Bitzas and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Councilor Johnson as Chair of the
' Finance Committee provided the report on behalf of both the Finance and Ad Hoc Golf Committees stating the
committees discussed the purchase versus an outright lease of the mower. All agreed that the mower was necessary.
The Finance Committee gave a positive recommendation with a 3 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent and the Ad Hoc Golf
' Committee also provided a positive recommendation with a vote of 3 Yes, 0 No, and 2 Absent. Councilor Bitzas
stated he was in strong support of this item. The golf course is looking good and we must do what we can to keep it
that way. Councilor Letellier was glad to see there was money in that account to purchase the mower.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
3. TR-2016-62 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Lori Stickles, 85 Anvil Street, Feeding
Hills, MA to the Agawam Housing Authority for an unexpired term expiring the second Monday in
January,2017 (Mayor)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilor Letellier.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the appointment.
Item G. Report of Council Committees
None.
Item H. Elections
None.
Item L Public Hearings
1. PH-2016-9(TR-2016-63) - A Resolution adopting a residential factor of 0.812561 pursuant to
Massachusetts General Laws,Chapter 40,Section 56(Mayor)(Referred to Finance Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Council President Cichetti declared
the Public Hearing open and asked for a presentation from the Assessor Kevin Baldini made a brief presentation
regarding the agenda item. He indicated that the values for single family homes rose slightly over last fiscal year while
values for condominiums and commercial/industrial properties remained relatively unchanged. The value of the
average single family home rose from $212,400 to $218,100. He further indicated that the Mayor has recommended a
1.55 shift. Councilor Johnson asked the Assessor about the historical data showing the shift going towards the
business community. Mr. Baldini stated in FY2000 it was $15.00 residential and $20.77 for commercial and in
FY2017 it was $16.31 for residents and$31.12 for commercial. Councilor Letellier stated that the shift differences are
quite minimal in the resulting figures. Council President Cichetti asked if anyone else wanted to speak in favor or in
favor name only. Council President Cichetti then asked for anyone to speak in opposition. John Weiss who is an
executive member of the Chamber spoke stating that since 2014 the commercial rates have steadily increased and does
not think it is a fair tax shift. The businesses pay more than their fair share. Robin Wozniak, also an executive
members of the West of the River Chamber stated that the businesses are absorbing a lot of additional costs with
minimum wage increases and benefits and asked to think about the Agawam businesses when decided on the shift.
Council President Cichetti then asked if anyone wanted to speak in name only in opposition. He then closed the Public
Hearing.
The Finance Committee report is provided by Chair, Councilor Johnson, who reporters after hearing a great
presentation from Assessor Kevin Baldini, the Motion was made to recommend a 1.50 shift resulting in a residential
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factor of 0.829601. The committee gave a positive recommendation with a vote of 4 YES (Councilor Calabrese,
Johnson,Cichetti(ex-officio)and Mineo(ex-officio), 1 NO(Councilor Cavallo), and 2 ABSENT(Councilors Letellier
and Theroux). He also thanked Kevin Baldini for the outstanding work he does every year. His is the best supporting
documentation that we receive from any part of the administration and it is very much appreciated. Discussion began
' with Councilor Johnson saying in the last 15 years the shift has been more towards the small businesses. Small
businesses are being crunched in all directions and we cannot have it both ways. Commercial owners have to pass on
these increases to the renters who pass it on to residents. We need to be more business friendly. Also please consider
that the larger businesses will incur large increases. He recommends shifting less. Councilor Cavallo stated he was
the only no vote at the Finance Committee meeting and is more concerned with fixed income residents and that
businesses have ways to recup their costs. He supports the Mayor's recommended shift. Councilor Rossi also
supports the Mayor's proposal stating it is fair and if you shift down as Councilor Johnson suggested then it would
create a big increase for residents. Councilor Theroux stated he was extremely business friendly but we need to be a
balanced community and our rate is the lowest rate around. If you are a big business like Six Flags,you can pass that
on to the consumer but smaller businesses cannot. If you are a fixed income senior, your taxes go up significantly.
Councilor Letellier says the numbers aren't a huge difference and is in favor of a 1.55 or maybe 1.52 but not in favor
of 1.50. Councilor Calabrese talked about 1.52 shift being more acceptable and would consider a compromise but
would not support 1.55. Councilor Rheault agreed with Councilors Theroux, Rossi and Cavallo and stated the mix in
Agawam works but seniors have to choose between putting food on the table and heating their homes. Even a $121.00
increase can break them. In the spirit of compromise, Councilor Johnson made the Motion to adopt 0.819377 (1.53
shift) which was seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Councilor Rossi was not in favor. Councilor Cavallo also stated
' he was against this proposal and that the seniors cannot pay much more. Councilor Theroux stated that the town
decided long ago to have the shift and to be a mixed use community. The vote was 4 YES (Councilors Calabrese,
Cichetti, Johnson and Mineo), 7 NO (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Letellier, Rheault, Rossi, Suffriti and Theroux)
defeating the amendment. It went back to the original Motion as proposed.
The vote was 8 YES (Councilors Bitzas, Cavallo, Letellier, Mineo, Rheault, Rossi Suffriti and Theroux), 3 NO
(Councilors Calabrese, Cichetti and Johnson)approving the proposed residential factor of 0.812561.
2. TR-2016-64 - A Resolution adopting the "Stretch Energy Code" for the Town of Agawam
(Councilors Rossi and Rheault)—Set Public Hearing Date suggesting December 5,2016
Public Hearing Date set for December 5, 2016.
Item J. Old Business
1. TOR-2016-3 - Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Chapter 49 to increase the
salary rate of substitute nurses(Mayor) (2nd and Final Reading)(Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the second and final reading made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Rheault.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the second and final reading.
2. TOR-2016-4 - Ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Agawam Section 103-7 Department
Permit Enforcement Fee for Combustible Waste, Refuse and Rubbish Containers > 6 cubic yards
(Mayor)(2°d and Final Reading) (Referred to Legislative Committee)
iMotion to approve the second and final reading made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Johnson.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the second and final reading.
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3. TOR-2016-5 - An Ordinance amending the City of Agawam's Code Chapter 96 "Dogs and Other
Animals)(Councilors Suffriti,Rheault and Rossi)(1 of 2 Readings)(Referred to Legislative Committee)
Motion to approve the first reading made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Suffriti. Councilor Theroux
provided the report of the Legislative Committee stating there was discussion about updating this ordinance and also
spoke with the Animal Control Officer Allison Strong and the committee sent a positive recommendation for approval
to the Full Council.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the first reading
' 4. TO-2016-37 - An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for Polish Club of
Agawam, 139 Springfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA(Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
5. TO-2016-38 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Polish Club of
Agawam, 139 Springfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA(Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Bitzas. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
6. TO-2016-39 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Langonet, Inc., 61
Ramah Circle South,Agawam,MA(Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Theroux and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative
' Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee stating there was further
information needed and they received that information. The question was about current bond information. Councilor
Johnson noted that these bonds are continuous and the surety companies would notify the town if the applicant's bond
lapses however specified that only this particular company seemed to do this.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
7. TO-2016-40 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for A-C-E Auto
Body/Sales, 1363 Main Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
' Motion to approve made by Councilor Theroux and seconded by Councilor Letellier. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
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8. TO-2016-41 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer's LICENSE for G&T Beaver, Inc.
d/b/a Beaver Camper, 721 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative
Committee)
t Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Letellier. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
' The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
9. TO-2016-42 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Ray-Mar, Inc.
d/b/a The Elbow,386 Walnut Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)(Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rheault and seconded by Councilor Cavallo. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
The vote was 11 YES, 0 NO approving the item.
10. TO-2016-43 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for Ferrentino's
Inc. d/b/a Ferrentino's Pizzeria & Pub, 1676 Main Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to
Administrative Committee)
' Motion to approve made by Councilor Suffriti and seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Letellier. As Chair of the
Administrative Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a
positive recommendation for the item.
The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
11. TO-2016-44 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Joseph J.Polys d/b/a
Joe's Truck Repair, 97 Ramah Circle South, Agawam, MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative
Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Johnson and seconded by Councilors Calabrese,Rossi and Suffriti. As Chair of
the Administrative Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee stating that
this item was tabled pending further information
' The vote was 11 YES,0 NO tabling the item.
' 12. TO-2016-45 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for V&F Auto, Inc., 7
Harding Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk) (Referred to Administrative Committee)
Motion to approve made by Councilor Rossi and seconded by Councilor Johnson. As Chair of the Administrative
Committee, Councilor Cavallo provided the report of the Administrative Committee providing a positive
recommendation for the item.
' The vote was 11 YES,0 NO approving the item.
Item K. New Business
1. TO-2016-46 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Auto Kraft, 119
Walnut Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
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2. TO-2016-47 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Bear Auto Sales, 517
Springfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
3. TO-2016-48 An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Garden Auto Sales,
204 Garden Street,Feeding Hills,MA (Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
4. TO-2016-49 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Luigi's Auto Sales,
Inc.,371 South Westfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
5. TO-2016-50 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Malkoon Motor Sales,
Inc.,825 Springfield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
6. TO-2016-51 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for RNK Auto Sales, 28
Moylan Lane,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
7. TO-2016-52 - An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for The Buc, Inc.,
84-86 Maple Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
8. TO-2016-53 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for The Buc,Inc.,
84-86 Maple Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
9. TO-2016-54 - An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for Ray-Mor Inc.
' d/b/a Elbow Lounge,386 Walnut Street Ext.,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
10. TO-2016-55 -An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for Ferrentino's Inc.
dlbla Ferrentino's Pizzeria&Pub, 1676 Main Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
' 11. TO-2016-56 - An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for Scoreboard Bar
& Restaurant, 15 King Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
12. TO-2016-57 - An Order granting or renewing a PERNM for Weekly Amusement for Scoreboard
Bar&Restaurant, 15 King Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
13. TO-2016-58 -An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for The Main Street
Still,Inc. d/b/a The Still,858 Suffield Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
14. TO-2016-59 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for The Main
Street Still,Inc.d/b/a The Still,858 Suffield Street,Agawam,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
1 IS. TO-2016-60 An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for West Springfield
Fish& Game Club,Inc.,329 Garden Street,Feeding Hills,MA(Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
16. TO-2016-61 - An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for West
Springfield Fish& Game Club,Inc.,329 Garden Street,Feeding Hills,MA(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
' 17. TO-2016-62 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for LaFleur Auto
Exchange,374 Main Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
' Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
18. TO-2016-63 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Rayonia Motors,LLC
d/b/a Elmwood D&J Auto Sales,521 River Road,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
19. TO-2016-64 - An Order Amending Automatic Amusement LICENSE for FSF, Inc. d/b/a Riverboat
Bar& Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle,Agawam,MA(Clerk)(for the remainder of 2016)(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
20. TO-2016-65 - An Order granting or renewing Automatic Amusement LICENSE for FSF, Inc. d/b/a
t Riverboat Bar & Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle, Agawam, MA. (for the period commencing on January 1,
2017 and expiring on December 31,2017)(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
21. TO-2016-66 -An Order granting or renewing a PERMIT for Weekly Amusement for FSF,Inc. d/b/a
Riverboat Bar& Grill, 11 South End Bridge Circle,Agawam,MA.(Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
22. TO-2016-67 - An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Auto Point Motors,
Inc., 1039 Springfield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
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' 23. TO-2016-68 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer's LICENSE for Sarat Ford Sales,Inc.,
221 Springfield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
24. TO-2016-69 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer's LICENSE for Sarat Ford Sales,Inc.,
243-249 Springfield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee, next Agenda.
1 25. TO-2016-70 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 1 Dealer's LICENSE for Sarat Ford Sales,Inc.,
2250 Springfield Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
Referred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
26. TO-2016-71 - Order granting a LICENSE for gasoline/propane storage tanks located at 702 South
Westfield Street,Feeding Hills,MA. (Clerk)—Suggest a Public Hearing Date of December 5,2016
Referred to Administrative Committee,Public Hearing set for December 5,2016.
' 28. TO-2016-72 -An Order granting or renewing a Class 2 Dealer's LICENSE for Balfour Motors, 1801
Main Street,Agawam,MA (Clerk)
IReferred to Administrative Committee,next Agenda.
29. TO-2016-73 -An order appropriating$307,638.00 for the Removal and Replacement of
Underground Storage Tanks.(Mayor)
Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
' 30. TO-2016-74 - An order authorizing the borrowing and appropriating in the amount of$836,000.00
for the Purchase of Recycling Carts and Garbage Carts ("Toters") for the Recycling and Trash Collection and
Disposal Program.(Mayor)
Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
' 31. Petition certified by City Clerk on October 24,2016 as submitted by William Clark on October 4,2016
and October 19,2016—Determination of Public Hearing Date
Referred to Legislative Committee,Public Hearing set for December 5,2016
32. TR-2016-65 - A Resolution accepting a grant in the amount of $1,500.00 from Massachusetts
' Department of Environmental Protection(Hereinafter "MassDEP") in support of the Massachusetts Solid
Waste Master Plan for Recycling Purposes. (Mayor)
' Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
33. TR-2016-66 - A Resolution confirming the appointment of Daniel J. Michael, 84 Pineview Circle,
Agawam to the Agawam Municipal Golf Commission for a term expiring on December 31,2019.{Mayor)
Next Agenda.
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34. TR-2016-67 - A Resolution accepting a reimbursement grant in the amount of$96,195.00 from the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to initiate a Waste Reduction Program in the City of
Agawam. (Mayor)
' Referred to Finance Committee,next Agenda.
35. TR-2016-68 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Kenneth Largay, 187 Edgewater Road,
Agawam to the Agawam Liquor Commission to a term expiring the first Monday in June 2019.(Mayor)
Next Agenda.
Item L. Any other matter that may lezally come before the City CounciX
' Councilor Letellier thanked the veterans we honor on Veterans' Day and also requested that Council President
consider consolidating the licenses. Councilor asked about any grand opening for the athletic facility. Councilor Bitzas
wanted all to remember the veterans. Councilor Suffriti thanked veterans and asked if there was any movement on the
Games&Lanes stating we need to make it safe. Council President Cichetti noted that the recent OML training was on
Boardpaq in the library section and asked for a memo to be sent regarding the estimated completion date of the athletic
facility and a potential date of grand opening. He mentioned that bleachers and handicapped ramp was incomplete.
Item M. Adjournment.
The Motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:27P.M.
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