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CC MTG AGENDA JUNE 18 2007 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGAWAM MIDDLE SCHOOL 68 Main Street June 18, 2007 AGENDA 1. Citizen's Speak time 2. Roll Call 3. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance 4. Minutes—Regular Council Meeting of 5/21/07 5. Declaration from Council President 6. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials & Remonstrances (a) Resolutions 1. TR-2007-24-A Resolution Confirming the Reappointment of Mary A. Hunter, 74 Senator Ave., Aga., MA to the Board of Registrars to a Term Expiring April 1, 2011 (Mayor). 2. TR-2007-25-A Resolution Authorizing the Posting of the Warrant for the Primary Election on October 9, 2007 and the General Election on November 6, 2007 by the Board of Registrars (Mayor). 7. Report of Council Committees None 8. Elections None 9. Public Hearings O� (a) 1. PH-2007-7-(TR-2007-16)-A Resolution Adopting the FY 2008—2012 Capital Improvement Program ou�i (Conduct Public Hearing). 2. PH-2007-8-(TR-2007-17)- A Resolution Adopting the FY 2008 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Agawam (Conduct Public Hearing). � � 1 . 0,7 (�-D, ACZi. =M - cc CTIP-- C-5- A a c-p 4eke MCS MU 3$ Al TM 3 AS Bf t= Vie. ,✓ Calabrese, Cecilia ✓ Carr Bitzas, Ruth Letellier, Gina M. �✓ Magovern, Robert ✓ Mineo, Joseph Perry, Dennis Rheault, Donald Rossi , Robert ✓ Simpson , Jill ' p, Ycung, Robert L s _ qz �i. � 2-OS - �- G - o2CO`I- t 1 es . Ine O$ Avw, O c . 9 YE5 at ABI ICE? A3 A8 Calabrese, Cecilia Carr Bitzas,. Ruth Letellier, Gina M. Magovern, Robert Mineo, Joseph Ohs Perry, Dennis Rheault, Donald Rossi , Robert ✓ Simpson , dill P. TCUhq, Robert ?L I�SS3L3 r I � Tease note: ` `he Minutes of June 18, 2007 are incomplete. Apparently, the tape recorder was intermittently working and large prtions of the meeting were not recorded. I have searched the office for the video tape for that evening and to date, have not found it. I am including what minutes I was able to transcribe and accordingly marked those minutes "Draft". Thank you. REGULAR MEETING OF THE A GA WAM CITY COUNCIL JUNE 18, 2007 Item 1. Citizen's Speak Time Larry Litton- ...if you look at the picture, the car is not too far from the uh, person that he is trying to stop the traffic for. Uh, I don't know how I can convince this group, the Town of Agawam that safety is our number one concern,uh, but it truly is. Uh,the safety record that was constantly quoted I saw on TV, in the new. papers, I was here last..., Mr. Palazzi,the best analogy 1 can make to that is uh,the guy who stops home, on the way home every night from work and has six or eight drink sand tells you he's never got a ticket for DUI or he's never killed anybody. It's just:a matter of time. Uh, maybe that's not a fair analogy but that's what keeps running,through my head,, The fact that it hasn't happened yet certainly doesn't diminish the possibility of it happening. In fact, my guess would say, would be if I uh, was better with numbers that it'd prob6lyjust increases the possibility that it's gonna happen Uh,,.as a business person Mein town and I would think you, as Town Officials, uh, certainly' the poI ice,the Mayor,uh, and clearly there's a strong contingency of citizens, I'm almi'l st dumbfounded that you're not outraged that after the hearing two weeks ago,these folks>have continued to uh, operate illegal, unlicensed businesses in your town andquite frankly,jeopardizing the reputation of the town and again, God forbid, someone getting killed Uh,I'll just say one more time that uh, it's not about money. Two or three hundred,cars a day are not gonna make or break us. You've seen what we pay in taxes. You know what we generate in revenue. But someone getting killed on Main Street, it's not gonna be about Mr. Cirillo or uh, Palazzi,or uh,the folks.at TS's,it's gonna be all about Six Flags and the person going at Six Flags, and that would kill us That would cost us millions and millions of dollars. And certainly that concerns me and it:should concern you as well. Thank you for listening. President R.heault—Thank you. Our'final speaker is Ed Czelazewicz. It's better but it's not there yet,right? Ed Czelazewiez-,Edward Czelazewicz, 1720 Main Street. I hope the transient parking ordinance passes w there can be some regulation. Anybody who wants to legally park in the area, if uh, there is`no ordinance and it's not regulated,then I'd be free to park cars in my backyard. I live across the street from Six Flags and I can fit about two hundred cars in my backyard. So if you want to see an increase in people crossing the street, uh, I would not suggest that this gets defeated.. Thank you. President Rheault—Thank you. Clerk,please call the roll. Item 2. Roll Call ROLL CALL— I I Present President Rheault—Eleven present. You have a full quorum. Item 3. Moment of Silence and the Piedw of Aile-ziance President Rheault—Please rise for a moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance. Item 4. Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting dated May 21, 2007 President Rheault—Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by Councilor Bitzas. Any discussion or corrections? If not, voice vote is sufficient. All those in favor? Opposed? VOICE VOTE—Unanimous. Item S Declaration Lrom Council President President Rheault—It's just to inform the Council that I signed for a Special Meeting this evening for next Monday evening, here, at 7:30. It's regarding the uh, proposal and uh,tax proposal for the Food Mart property. So we'll have.a forum meeting on that. Secondly, um, I'll read this for you. The latest on the Agawam, 's Early 4th of July Celebration at McGrath in which there will be free admission. June 28t" 7-9 P.M., public in all invited. Free concert and entertainment featuring Richard and Kathryn Metnick, David Coluti, Brad Shepard, Jessi Riverson Franklin. The;Agawam Lions' Club will provide free refreshments and popcorn for all. Come join us for an evening of fun and entertainment,bring your lawn chairs and blankets, or blankets. Hopefully, you won't need there, uh, family and friends In case or rain, the event will be at the Middle School. There's a raffle,proceeds to the new,senior center construction fund and it' a chair donated by Stickley, suggested value of$1514.00 and the raffle tickets are available at the senior center at $1.00 each. Second item of agenda that I have to report is that I'm sure the Council is fully aware by now, but there's been many calls at my office and house regarding a recent event that took place regarding our Council Clerk and I received a letter dated June 15a' addressed to myself at my home address stating, Dear Mr. Rheault, please accept this letter as my resignation due to retirement from a position Council Clerk as well as Senior Clerk/typist, effective date will be midnight June 15, 2007. I was made aware of this uh, I met actually that morning to sign payroll with the council clerk and not one single word was mentioned to me. It was after I left the office, matter of fact, I said to her, have a good vacation, I'll see you when you get back. When I uh, left my car to go out of the town hall, I was phone called by the Mayor saying did you hear the Personnel Director just received a letter of resignation and, which I just read, and I was totally shocked because we had just uh, within five minutes I had just left there. So I replied, Dear Mrs. Retzler, dated June 141h, cuz I didn't get it in my packet until that afternoon,please be advised that I am in receipt of your letter of resignation dated June 15, 2007 as submitted to the Personnel Director. I hereby accept that resignation and the City Council will be seeking a replacement for Council Clerk forthwith. Final disbursements will not be made until we have received the keys and any and all properties that may be in your possession belonging to the Town of Agawam. Best regards, myself or my name. I have received the keys. I have reviewed the uh, final disbursements...and uh,...the second part of this announcements is to formulate a committee to seek a replacement. And I have discussed with Bob Rossi, that being chair which he has graciously accepted, Councilor Letellier and also Councilor Calabrese. I think three is sufficient. If the Council sees differently, I'd be more than happy to appoint a couple more. But uh, that's where it stands as of now. So, forthwith, Councilor Rossi?... Item 6. Presentation of Petitions.Memorials c& Remonstrances (a) Resolutions 1. TR 2007-24 -A Resolution Confirming theReappointment of Mary A. Hunter, 74 Senator Ave.,Agawam, MA to the board.of Registrars to a Term Expiring April 1,2011 (Mayor) - President Rheault—Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded Councilor Letell-ier. Any discussion? If not, voice vote should be sufficient on hat. All those in favor? Opposed? VOICE VOTE— Unanimous President Rheault- Betty, if you would; send confirmation to Mary Hunter of her reappointment. Thank you. 2. TR-2007-25:' -A Resolution_Authorizing the Posting of the Warrant for the Primary Election on October 9,2007 and the General Election on November 6 2007 by the Board of Registrars (Mayor)G President Rheault-So moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Any discussion on that? If not,voice vote is sufficient on that. All those in favor? Opposed? VOICE VOTE—Unanimous. Item 7. Report of:Council Committees Item 8. Elections Item 9. Public Hearin s 1. PH-2007-7„(TR-2007-16) -A Resolution_Adopting the FY 2008- 2012 Capital Improvement Prouram President Rheault— I now declare the public hearing open and would you, are you prepared to make any opening remarks?.......No. Didn't know if you wanted to enter any comment. Public hearing is open. If there was any comment from the Administrative staff regarding the Capital...If you would, could you just speak into that microphone or bring it over? Cuz you'll be needing it. Mayor Cohen— I'd just like to say that the Capital Improvement Budget was a well- thought out and uh, thank the people, Alexis,uh, Laurel and uh, the department heads and Colleen and everybody, it is a arduous task to put together that program as you can see. It gets smaller and smaller every year and get harder and harder to see. But it's a very well thought out, laid out five year plan. It is a wish list as to the bonding and appropriation schedules and um, you can see, we have the Phase I of the Feeding Hills sewer system. We also have the uh, athletic field and track, the Senior Center, and um other various items that we hope to uh, bring to you individually,to`be funded. This is utilized and done um, in the best of our uh, estimates and uh,under the law we have to do our five year plan. And we submit it to you and hope that-you will adopt it or amend it with adoptions—adopt it with amendments. President Rheault—Thank you. Any one else who'd like to speak in Favor of Capital Improvement? Any one who'd like to be recorded in favor of—by name only? Anybody who'd like to speak in opposition? Anyone who'd like to be recorded in opposition? Any comments from the Council before I close the public hearing and read the uh, resolution? No? I now declare the public hearing closed. President Rheault—ResoIution in front of the Council reads; WHEREAS the Capital Improvement program for fiscal year 2008-2012 will submit to the city Council on April-12 2007. In accordance with Art. V, Sec. 5-3A of the Charter and WHEREAS the Capital ;Improvement Program contains a prioritized plan of proposed capital improvements over the next five fiscal years in accordance with Art.V, Sec. 5-3B of the Charter and WHEREAS the Capital Improvement Program is designed to utilize town funds far capital impro ments on a basis of the community priorities and coordination with the availability of grants and/or other state, federal or private reimbursements and WHEREAS in: developing the Capital Improvement Program each year, the; planning process includes consideration of the growth of the Town, the improvement of efficient service delivery, reducing the need for staff increases, maintenance of new and existing facilities and consideration of existing commitments and WHEREAS each year the Capital Improvement Program is revised and updated in light of changing needs, requirements and funding ability and WHEREAS in accordance with Art. V, Sec. 5-3 C and D, the Council must conduct a public hearing and on or before the 20`h day of the last month of the last month of the current fiscal year adopting the Capital Improvement Program. NOW THEREFORE the Agawam City Council hereby resolves to adopt the fiscal year 2008 — 2012 Capital Improvement Program as submitted by the Mayor on April 12, 2007. Council's pleasure? Moved and seconded by Councilors Carr Bitzas and Magovern. Any comments? If not, Clerk please call the roll. Six votes are required. ROLL CALL— 11 Yes. President Rheault—Eleven yes. You have adopted the Capital Improvement. 2. PH 2O07-8 (TR-2007-17) -A Resolution Adopting the FY 2008 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Agawam President Rheault—I now declare the public hearing open. And I would expect that Mr. Mayor you have a... Mayor Cohen—We do. If the Clerk could pass the uh, they all should have a booklet in front of you, something I was trying this year, something new to``me'. We are getting, I am going to do a very short um, budget review of the highlights and things in the budget that we feel are important and um,but I first want to thank Ian'flynn and Laurel and uh, Linda and Betty in my office for their help in putting this power point presentation together because without their help, I wouldn't have been able to put it together to get it to come from here to up there so nicely and so well. So I'm gonna ask if you'd like to, you're welcome to follow along with us and um, as we do this presentation, l-also want to thank the Council for their budget workshops uh, some of them as late as today. But we were able to get through all three of them and I appreciate that all of them were approved by the Sub-Committees unanimously within their.um, budget sub-committees. It is a budget that we've spent a lot of time on and we feel it's an excellent budget if not the best in all of the communities. Why do we feel that way` ell, this is what I'm gonna present to you. First thing I want to do if you can go back one to Special Recognition, I think it's the best budget because the Town Council, the School Committee, the Superintendent, the Mayor, the Treasurer/Collector, the Auditor, we all worked together to make the end product and the end result. And it's all of us working together that can produce a document that I think.is probably um, without a doubt, the best. I really do. I truly, and this was a difficult budget, and I think that other communities you've heard about Iayoffs,cuts, um, increases of 6% or more, our entire budget is only increasing by 3 98%. And as we go through this, I see, I think you will gather with me why we are excited about the budget and um, what we are presenting. The fiscal 2008 Budget highlights is a school committee budget is the increased um, approved budget, unanimous by the city coun, uh, school committee of$1,273,115.00, 4.1% increase. Benefits and insurance increased $722,591.00 over last year. That's an 8.01% increase. We've added sixteen school department positions, we have extracurricular and athletic programs continued without any user fees. We've retained every current town and school employee. We've retained all current town and school services, nothing has been cut. And we have added an additional $114,306.00 throughout the budget has been appropriated for increased energy costs, as we all know and feel just in our own daily lives. Soto look at just these things right here and to know that the entire budget only went up 3.98%, I think is uh, quite a feat. Next slide. If you look at the next page, it's a budget chart showing 100% of the budget has gone. Public safety, 10.29% of the budget,benefits and insurance, one of the largest next to the schools, is 13.23%, self-sustaining departments 9.2%, public works 5.82%, general government 4.29%, principle and interest 3.87%, culture and recreation 1.88%, human services .91%, the reserve fund 1.15°l0, capital improvement budget .94%, and education 48.42%of the total budget. Again the slide shows you FY2007 and FY2008 requested the difference in that increase of 4.1%. Building Maintenance, you'll see went up 93.037. That's a 2.8% increase. That includes six new positions in the school department and one new electrician helper added to Building&Maintenance. And Building &Maintenance also saw an increase in their fuel and electricity...Public safety, we see again, the FY07, the FY08, it's a difference of$36,580.00. It's only a 0.49% increase. We are continuing the ambulance service in both Feeding Hills and on Main Street at the Fire Station 1. Replacement of two marked police cruisers with all the equipment, continuation of one police officer's school resource officer with funding offset by the school department. Two new fire pumper trucks which are to be delivered in June 2007. And our emergency management budget has been created to meet all the homeland,security needs. Our ..., our homeland security meeting NIMS and all of the requirements set forth. Our public works facility, you'll see the FY07,the incr, actually it's a difference, it went down $83,870.00. The reason it's gone down is when you think about capital projects out of operational budget and we have moved the highway equivalent fund into our capital improvement budget. The weekly trash pickup is,continued and we are, household hazardous waste day funding has been included,many communities have cut that out but has been such a source of success here in the City and uh, Tracy, our recycling coordinator probably would not have been happy if I did'cut it out and uh, the citizens wouldn't either. So that has been included. Culture and.Recreation you see the FY07 compared to the FY08, it's a $2,548.00 increase which is a'0.18%increase. The library meets all state certification requirements for reimbursement anti'grant funding. The Park &Recreation services are all maintained and our Council on Aging and Senior Services are all maintained. Under Human Services, um, under our health department, you'll see that was one of the larger increases, 6.67% and the reason for that is we no longer are going to have permanent part time nurses at our schools. We will have full time school nurses at each one of our schools which is, I think, something we need to do with the increased dependency and children in need of services and the difficulty in getting substitute nurses. I think this. is a, uh, a smart move and I think it's a safe move and I think it's important to meet the needs of our students. Under general government, you'll see it went up 2.13%, it's a difference of$66,023,00. There is a personnel assistant position that's been added to the Personnel Department and that would be funded by the Medicare part B reimbursements and the funding for the uh, presidential primary is included in the Clerk's office thus causing an increase there. One of the largest increases as all communities are seeing, many communities are seeing double digits. We are very fortunate because of our control, our education, and the job that the personnel office has been doing in educating everybody on using mail-in prescriptions. On getting referrals, and on only utilizing the services when they're needed. In the open enrollment, and uh, medical insurance has increased $545,182.00 with coverage continued for all of our retired and active employees. And our pension costs have increased $142,409.00. Our reserve fund was $650,000.00 in 2007 um it's $850,000.00 this year but one, that's a difference of$200,000.00 and the reason for that is, our reserve fund balance is going to be $500,000.00. That is set as a Department of Revenue demands and mandates that you have a reserve fund for any foreseen or unnecessary expenses that may occur. Last year, we had it at $650,000.00 but this year we have added a salary reserve as we're beginning all of our contracts will be ending and we're going to be negotiating all contracts. We've increased, we've added a salary reserve to fund the negotiation at $350,000.00. Otherwise the reserve fund would only be$500,000.00 this year. Self-sustaining departments, you'll see the waste water budget increase, frequent cross are up $214,000.00, water spending is up and uh, water purchase costs were up $56,500.00 but there was a slight decrease in our golf course as far as the budget. Ron is like a hawk. He watches that very carefully and uh,he wants to make sure that we continue to have a profit and not show any losses. Our line items and capital improvements, you'll see highlights, street and sidewalk improvement programs continue at $170,000.00. School system computers, it's an additional $200,000.00 for the schools in an effort to buy more computer supplies, computers needs and more computer terminals to keep up with the ever changing technological society that we live in. Department,of Public Works equipment, that's $200,000.00 that we took out of their budget since it's a capital item, we didn't want it in operational. Real estate reevaluation,;is'99 500. That's something that was mandated under Governor Mitt Romney and uh,we have to::continue to make sure that we have done a complete reevaluation. I believe we're in one third or fourth year of that right now. And then the fire alarms at the police station are nio longer working adequately and we felt it was important to make sure that we had adequate safety in our safety buildings. So that's the $15,000:00. Um potential 200$ and Capital Improvement Programs that we are hoping and each one of these will come to the Council, uh,the new senior center. That we hope to have apresentation to you very soon to give you an update as to where we are. Uh, we've negotiated with the state, we've done, the Housing Authority, the state and:I think.we'll be at a point to come to you very soon with an update and presentation as to where we're at. And uh, town wide voice over/intemet protocol telephone system. Our telephone,system was antiquated um, I don't know if anybody tried calling but it didn't pick up;last week and we had a switch board answering all the calls and um, sometimes people will call and they get dropped. The system is old. We're looking at putting a new system in very soon and uh,that's the entire citywide and hopefully we can have voice override if that's what comes back from all of our research. Perry Lane pool'renovations, we are temporarily fixing the pool but the pool needs to be repaired. The bottom is chipping,the bottom is very poor and we want t.o bring that up to,speed. We hope that it can be fixed. Chris assures me it will be opened to our campers in June. Veiy'soon within the next couple of months, we hope to come to the;uh, Council with the first phase of the Feeding Hills, South West sewer extension project. We are working on the betterment, the legal language, and putting that package together;and we're waiting for the final approvals from uh, Tighe & Bonde with the changes. Mass Highway has agreed to allow us to utilize along Route 57 with um, certain width from the road and from the embankments and things like that. And then the other thing is the water main improvements at Main and Suffield Streets, we want to make sure that the water flow and everything continues and we want to be uh, proactive in maintaining our system. Um, with all of those highlights and uh, you see no service is cut, the increase in.budget, in benefits and all of the things that have been put in there, it's a budget we are very proud of and again, I thank you all for you time in going through the budget with all of us and for approving it,um, in each of your sub-committees unanimously, and I want to thank Laurel and uh, Cheryl and um, everybody. All of the department heads, this is a process that starts in September. It just comes to culmination tonight or when we send it to you, forty-five days prior to the end of the fiscal year by statute. So, we are proud of it. I think if you've read the papers, Holyoke is looking at a $5 million shortfall and laying off 53 permanent full time teachers, closing two schools. Westfield looking at paying off last year's debt for the schools in this budget. West Springfield City Council cutting, but their budget still remains at 6%. Our budget as I said is a number I like. It's under 4%. That was my target. It's only a little but it's only 3.98%with all services, fully funded school, no lay offs, no fees, health care increases, and a salary reserve for negotiating contracts. So I thank all of you. I thank the school committee and I thank all of the people who spent the time in helping put this together. President Rheault—Thank you Mr. Mayor. Any one else who would like to speak on behalf of what was presented this evening? Paul Cavallo—My name is Paul Cavallo. I live at 16 Castle Hill Road and I'm a member of the School Committee. I'm here to hopefully ask your indulgence to approve of course the uh,budget, the entire budget. In particular; I'd like to speak about the school portion of the budget. You know our Superintendent has been a very proactive participant in the budget process which began back in December. I just wanted to mention to you that our administrators along with the Superintendent Czajkowski and Mr. Kane and Mr. Sapelli, in my meetings with therm,.have worked tirelessly coming up with what I think is a very good budget. A budget that's been scrutinized very very carefully by the School Committee. We have been involved over the course of the last five months, meeting with department heads,meeting four or f ve times with them and then eventually culminating with a meeting with sub-committee from the City Council, who at that time, endorsed our budget. At that meeting, if they do remember, every principal as you see them here in the audience tonight who was a part in the budget was present. They were present at many of the other meetings. I'd like to commend them and I think that shows the interest that they had, many of whom don't even live in the town of Agawam, the interest they.have in the children of Agawam, to ensure that their budget is passed. So again, I implore you that when you pass the entire budget, of course, I hope you look very carefully at the school budget. There is NO fat in that budget... You have my word on that. And I do hope that it does meet with your approval tonight. Again, and thank you very,much for your time. President Rheault—Thank you Paul. Anyone else? Anthony Bonavita--Anthony Bonavita, 683 Cooper Street, Agawam, speaking as Vice Chairman of the School Committee. I also would urge you to adopt the budget. The School Committee held many meetings. The budget finance committee held many many meetings concerning the budget, worked with Dr. Cjakowski and her administration to put this budget together. We think it's a good budget and it ensures the uh, the good educational values and for the academic values for the children of Agawam for the future. We ask you to support the budget. Thank you. President Rheault Thank you Anthony. Any one else? Anyone else like to be recorded in name only but not speak? Anyone that would like to speak in opposition to the budget? Anyone like to be recorded in opposition? statute. So, we are proud of it. I think if you've read the papers, Holyoke is looking at a $5 million shortfall and laying off 53 permanent full time teachers, closing two schools. Westfield looking at paying off last year's debt for the schools in this budget. West Springfield City Council cutting,but their budget still remains at 6%. Our budget as I said is a number I like. It's under 4%. That was my target. It's only a little but it's only 3.98%with all services, fully funded school, no lay offs, no fees, health care increases, and a salary reserve for negotiating contracts. So I thank all of you. I thank the school committee and I thank all of the people who spent the time in helping put this together. President Rheault—Thank you Mr. Mayor. Any one else who would like to speak on behalf of what was presented this evening? Paul Cavallo—My name is Paul Cavallo. I live at 16 Castle Hill Road and I'm a member of the School Committee. I'm here to hopefully ask your indulgence to approve of course the uh, budget, the entire budget. In particular, F.d like to speak about the school portion of the budget. You know our Superintendent has been a very proactive participant in the budget process which began back in December. I just wanted to mention to you that our administrators along with the Superintendent Czajkowski and Mr. Kane and Mr. Sapelli, in my meetings with them,:have worked tirelessly coming up with what I think is a very good budget. A budget that's been scrutinized very very carefully by the School Committee. We have been involved over the course of the last five months, meeting with department heads,meeting four or"five times with them and then eventually culminating with a meeting with sub-committee from the City Council, who at that time, endorsed our budget. At that meeting,_if they do remember, every principal as you see them here in the audience tonight who was a part in the budget was present. They were present at many of the other meetings. I'd like to commend them and I think that shows the interest that they had,many of whom don't even live in the town of Agawam, the interest they have in the children of Agawam, to ensure that their budget is passed. So again, I implore you that when you pass the entire budget, of course, I hope you look very carefully at the school budget. There is NO fat in that budget. You have my word on that. And I do hope that it does meet with your approval tonight. ;Again, and thank you very much for your time. President Rheault—Thank you Paul. Anyone else? Anthony Bonavita-Anthony Bonavita, 683 Cooper Street, Agawam, speaking as Vice Chairman of the School Committee. I also would urge you to adopt the budget. The School Committee held many meetings. The budget finance committee held many many meetings concerning the budget, worked with Dr. Cjakowski and her administration to put this budget together. We think it's a good budget and it ensures the uh, the good educational values and for the academic values for the children of Agawam for the future. We ask you to support the budget. Thank you. President Rheault—Thank you Anthony. Any one else? Anyone else like to be recorded in name only but not speak? Anyone that would like to speak in opposition to the budget? Anyone like to be recorded in opposition? -------INAUDIBLE------ o Town olf Agawam 36 Ma.a.a Street Aga-wa.m, Manaehusetts 0100 .-1.837 FO Mi Tel. 41.3-786-0400 Fax 413-786-9927 FAX COVER SHEET Fax Number (4I3) 786-9927 Date: a Originating Dept. TO: &ALL FROM: I 12AIA Number of Pages Including Cover Sheet. COMMENTS: Fax transmissions are solely for miunicipal pur poses. Any personal or political use prohibited bylaw.