CC MTG MINUTES JUNE 16 2008 •
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 14, 2008
President Letellier—Welcome to the Agawam City Council Meeting of Monday, June
16, 2008.
Item 1. Citizen's Speak Time
President Letellier—Just as a reminder when you come to the microphone, you'll have
five minutes to speak. Barbara Bard, our Council Clerk, will keep the time and we ask
that you list your name and your address when you first come to speak. Our first speaker
is Joan Linnehan from the Senior Center.
Joan Linnehan—Good evening. Joan Linnehan, Director of the Senior Center, 68
Meadowbrook Manor. I'm using my Agawam address. I spend more time there than I
do at my own home. I want to go on public record to thank everyone who has made the
• new center possible. It's come a long way. I especially want to thank Richard Theroux,
the Chairman of the Committee and Councilor George Bitzas, the Vice-Chair of the
Committee and all of those that were involved in making this come to fruition. I feel I'm
living out somebody else's dream—that of Richard Mundo,the past director and many of
our seniors that have gone before us. The building is about six months to completion and
will be a wonderful addition to the community and provide many needed services for our
seniors and for generations to come. And I'd like to thank you all for being part of that.
President Letellier—Thanks Joan. Next we have Louis Russo.
• Louis Russo—Good evening. Louis Russo, Highland Street, Feeding Hills. As Vice-
Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, I'm here to speak on behalf of CPA
members regarding funding of the Phelps School Playscape. As most of you know, we
have unanimously voted to recommend that this Council approve the full amount of
funding for the Playscape. Included in the funding is not only the cost of completely
refurbishing ...the vandalized structure but also the cost of insuring that construction not
only meets but also exceeds state and federal handicap requirements. The cost also
includes as safe a surface available as well security and safety lighting. Therefore it is
our hope that you will accept our recommendation and approve the appropriation.
Additionally,the CPA has been offered $10,000.00 donation to be used towards the cost
of the Playscape. Annette and Nick Liquori whom you know recently lost their son
• Franco asked me if they could make the donation in Franco's memory and memorialize
the Playscape in Franco's name. I brought the request before our committee and the CPA
members unanimously voted to accept the $10,000.00 donation and support
memorializing the Playscape in Franco's name especially since Franco attended Phelps
School. I consulted with School Superintendent Mary Czajkowski who agreed with the
memorialization. We also had a meeting that included the Liquori's, Superintendent
Czajkowski, Mayor Susan Dawson, CPA Chair Henry Kozloski and myself. Mayor
Dawson readily agreed with the proposal and tentative plans have been made to have a
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proper town wide dedication some time in the fall after the Playscape is completed.
Following I also spoke before the members of the School Committee who must approve
• the memorialization and they say it will be a unanimous agreement. So then the only
action left to see this Playscape come to completion for the use and enjoyment of
Agawam's children is for you to agree with the CPA's appropriation and approve our
recommendation. Thank you.
! President Letellier—Thank you Mr. Russo. That's our last speaker for the evening.
Item 2. Roll Call
President Letellier—Barbara, could you please call the roll?
ROLL CALL— l 1 Present
President Letellier—With eleven present, we have a full council.
Item 3. Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance
President Letellier—Could you all please rise for a moment of silence and the Pledge of
Allegiance?
Item 4. Minutes
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(a) Regular Council Meeting—June 2, 2008
President Letellier—Moved by Councilor Perry, seconded by Councilor Young. Any
discussion? No? Seeing none,voice vote is sufficient. All those in favor please say Ay?
Opposed? Abstentions?
Councilor Simpson—Abstain.
President Letellier—One abstention by Councilor Simpson otherwise passed.
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Item 5. Declaration from Council President
President Letellier— l want to give those folks that have been calling us a little bit of an
update with regard to the Six Flags parking issue. We had a meeting two weeks ago with
the Mayor, the acting Police Chief, the Solicitor and various Council members and the
police have been documenting every weekend the existence of parking where it is not
allowed and the Town will be prosecuting those persons who are parking against the
Town's Zoning Ordinance and so I hope that answers some of the questions. If not,you
can obviously feel free if you need to call us.
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Item 6. Presentation of Petitions.Memorials &Remonstrances
• (a) Resolutions
1. TR-2008-20 -A Resolution Requesting the Mayor to Apprognate Funds
for the Board of Appeals to Empl2l Outside Counsel for the Appeal of the
Special Permit Granted to Six Flaes New England. (Council) (Tabled 6/2/08)
• (Maiority of those present and votiniz)
President Letellier—I spoke to the Mayor today. That case has not been dismissed. It
still exists. What does the Council wish to do? Motion to leave on the table by
Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilors Perry and Cavallo. Barbara, could you
• please call the roll? A yes vote is to leave the item on the table.
ROLL CALL—7 Yes, 4 No. (Councilors Bitzas, Calabrese, Simpson and Young)
President Letellier—With a vote of seven yes, four no, the item remains on the table. I
• notice we're getting some feedback. Is that affecting the audience too much? Maybe
Tony—I just want to make sure the people at home,can hear us. Thank you.
2. TR-2008-29 -A Resolution ARprovingy Sewer Use Rates Fixed by the
Department of Public Works (Mayor) (Tabled 6/2/08)(Referred to the
• Public Safety Committee and the Finance Committee)(MAiority o those
present and votin
President Letellier—And I know we have a report on that? Do we have a motion first?
Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by Councilor Perry. Councilor Perry, do you
wish to give the Public Safety Report? Or who is going to give the report?
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Councilor Perry—I'll yield to Councilor Young.
President Letellier— Okay, Councilor Young?
• Councilor Young—Yes,thank you. We had a combined meeting of the Public Safety
Committee as well as the Finance Committee and they're all on the same report here.
Those present were the entire committee—Councilors Rossi, Perry, Mineo, Calabrese
along with myself. Also the reporter Dave from the Union News was also there. Again,
the short of it after discussion with the Director of Public Works, Jack Stone, the
Committee voted 5-0 to send a positive recommendation to recommend passage of the
new rates to cover our costs. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any further discussion from any other councilor? Any
discussion? Councilor Calabrese?
Councilor Calabrese—Yes. I just wanted to highlight one reason why I actually
supported the increase in these rates. The last rate that we had had was approximately
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five years ago and that was a rate increase that was only supposed to have been good for
three years and that was able to be stretched out for another two years. So,this was a rate
• increase that I deemed necessary and appropriate and that is why I voted in favor of this.
Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Are there any further details perhaps that we can show
the public as to the need for the increase? Councilor Perry or Councilor Young? Do you
• have any notes from your meeting? Councilor Calabrese is a heck of a note taker! Do
you mind? Thank you.
Councilor Calabrese—I don't mind. An ... fund that was established but that really
didn't affect the substance of this meeting. As I previously stated previous rate increase
• should have been good for three years. The last rate increase was done in 2002 and that
was projected to last three years and it was stretched out over the next five years. Let's
see. We also would have some money with regard to the bondings either from Waste
Water Treatment for this fiscal year. Going to 2.30 would make us break even going to
2.40 would give us a bit of a cushion. So projected use of the future and forgive me I'm
. reading my own handwriting which can be a challenge. And that basically is really the
some and substance of my notes at that particular meeting. Like I say just to point out
that our last rate increase was 2002 and we actually were able to stretch that out for a
longer period.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Perry, and then Councilor Rossi.
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Councilor Perry—Yes, thank you Madam President. Through the chair, you know
we've held it for five years. One of the main factors in the increase is what we have to
pay to Bondi's Island as a community for the amount of waste that's being generated and
processed by them. So that's one of the main reasons. That, energy costs obviously, are
affecting everything,that's a big factor. We have thirteen pumping stations that have to
be maintained on a regular basis and there are upgrades there that have to be taken care
of, the general cost of doing business. Any time there a break, road repair, road costs,
things of that nature; those are the things that we discussed during our meeting. So
everything everyone knows is rising in cost, the labor cost, the material costs,things of
• that nature, but just the general overall maintenance of the sewers in town is the main
reason for the increase.
President Letellier—Thank you. I just think the public needed a little more information.
Councilor Rossi?
i Councilor Rossi—Yes, thank you. All that being said, as it was said earlier,the last
raise that we had was in 2002 I believe it was and the increases are gonna go up from
2002 to present to $0.40 which will make the water rate—that was previously 52.00 will
go to $2.40. Right now the sewer rate is running at a deficit and this year here - $2.33 —
would be where we are right now and$2.40 will take us into next year and right now
we're some $244,000.00 I believe in the whole right now and that money will be used to
pick up the slack on that deficit which is gonna bring us back into 2009 or 2010 I believe,
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we're gonna have to come back for more money, that's what we discussed. This in no
way affects that sewer project up in South West section of Town to relieve anybody's
• mind about that. This is strictly to increase the cost of providing the sewer services that
we have presently and it will be born solely by those users of that system. Anyone who
does not have the systems,there rate will not be increased. I believe it's some 8900
people that will be affected through the increase. So that's one of the reasons aside from
the fact that we're running at a deficit. The reason, if we didn't do it this way, an
increase, and go into our Enterprise Fund, it would have to come out of our tax base and I
believe it'd be much more fair if that money was spread out as a user fee,those using the
service would actually be ones paying for it, and not the entire community as a whole.
And so that was the reason for my vote and I believe everyone else there had pretty much
the same consensus.
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President Letellier— Thank you Councilor Rossi. Councilor Mineo?
Councilor Mineo—Yea. I just wanted to say that we did get a breakdown from Jack
Stone. And if you look at some of the surrounding communities like Chicopee,they're
• paying $376.00 compared to the $259.00 that Agawam would be paying. East
Longmeadow $279.00, Holyoke $419.00,Northampton $461.00, Southwick $446.00,
Westfield $262.00, I mean that's pretty low, our rates are low. I just wanted to point that
out.
President Letellier—Thank you Councilor Mineo. Any other discussion? Councilor
• Perry?
Councilor Perry—Yea. Just real quick to point out in Jack's presentation to us,based
on the water usage of t2,000 cubic feet, a residential annual sewer bill will rise to $259
from the current $216 so it's about a$40 - $43 increase just to let the public know that's
• what they'll be looking at with this rate increase that we're proposing. So it's—per year,
yes—so it's billed twice a year so it's like $20 more per billing period for the average
household. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any other discussion? No? Barbara, could you please
• call the roll? A yes vote is to approve the sewer use rates. Six votes are needed.
ROLL CALL— 10 Yes, 0 No, 1 Abstain(Councilor Rheault)
President Letellier—With ten yes and one abstention, we've approved the new sewer
rates.
3. TR-2008-30 -A Resolution Authorizing the Declaration of Robinson Park
Day(Councilor RossijfNalorky of those present and voting)
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilors Rossi and Cavallo,
seconded by Councilors Perry, Bitzas and Messick. Any discussion? Councilor Rossi?
Councilor Rossi— Yes, thank you. It is with great pleasure that I bring this Resolution
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forward to the City Council and to the citizens of this community. I bring it, this
Robinson State Park, I don't have to tell anybody who's lived in Agawam for any length
• of time but it's probably one of our greatest assets, nature assets in the community. I've
been enjoying Robinson State Park since I was a young boy right up and through my
adulthood and I've never quite honestly had a deeper appreciation for Robinson State
Park than I did when I met the Friends of Robinson Park, some of which are sitting right
over here in our audience tonight. With their presentations and their commitment to
bring Robinson State Park to a greater understanding and to the community is just it's
beyond belief, that dedication and commitment that they have. So I would like to present
and I have to mention this in all fairness, Richard Morassi, I think we'll all remember
Richie, a former councilor and Agawam member who's now at the Cape enjoying his
retirement and still comes into town quite often was really the spear behind this thing.
• He's the one that keeps all of us going. We have a tendency sometimes to say yes, yes,
yes, and Richie says when, when, when. So I would like to thank Richie for his efforts in
bringing this forward. And just briefly I wanted to say that this Resolution:
WHEREAS, it is commonly understood throughout the community that Robinson State Park is a
significant asset and a great benefit to the quality of life of the community known as the Town of
Agawam;and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Robinson State Park hold their annual community environmental event on
the third Saturday in June to assist in the effort to preserve and protect said Park;and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Robinson State Park deserve said community's appreciation, support and
• encouragement for their efforts on behalf of said Park;and
WHEREAS,the time of the summer solstice and the beginning of summer is commonly recognized as an
appropriate time to focus on the significance and beauty of said Park;and
NOW THEREFORE,be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Agawam that the third Saturday in
June is hereby declared"Robinson State Park Day"in the City known as the Town of Agawam in order
• to assist in the preserving and protecting of said Park,said Resolution to run in perpetuity to underscore
our concern over the welfare of said special and valuable Park.
...And I would greatly appreciate this board of fellow Councilors and with that if it
should gain support here, Representative Sandlin and Senator Buoniconti also stated that
they would be on board to do their efforts at their levels. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you Councilor Rossi. Just a reminder that it is THIS
Saturday that is Robinson State Park Day and I have the schedule to give to Barbara and
if it's not already on the Town website, I'll make sure that we get the schedule on the
Town website.
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Councilor Rossi—Correct. The flyers that are going out right now I believe say
Environmental Day for Robinson State Park because this Resolution is going through
tonight so it was publicized as Environmental Day. But that is correct and I would
appreciate that. Thank you.
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President Letellier—No problem. Thank you. Any other discussion? No? Seeing
none, Barbara, could you please call the roll?
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ROLL CALL— 11 Yes, 0 No.
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President Letellier—With eleven yes, we've unanimously approved Robinson State
Park Day. Congratulations to the Friends of Robinson State Park. (APPLAUSE)
4. TR-2008-31 -A Resolution Anpropriatiug from the Community
Preservation Fund and Authorizing the Expenditure of Community
Preservation Funds for the Preservation of Land for Recreational use for
Property owned by the Town of Agawam which is located at Benjamin
Phelps School. (CPA) Referred to the Ad Hoc CPA Committee) W grq of
those present and votinzl
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by
Councilor Perry. Councilor Simpson, do we have a report from your committee? Thank
you.
Councilor Simpson—Yes we do. The committee met this past Wednesday at 6:30 at the
library. Present were committee members Councilor Bitzas, Councilor Mineo, Councilor
Messick and myself as chair. We voted 4 Yes, 1 Absent to send a positive
recommendation for the allocation of the funds for the Playscape at Phelps School. Also,
I believe there were some questions brought up about the fact that there had been the
vandalism and that there would be some type of restitution made back to the Town in
regards to that and I believe everybody did have a memo in their packet from our City
Solicitor saying that the juveniles have a court date at some point and once that happens
if the judge deems that there should be any type of restitution, it would come back and I
spoke to Chris Sparks regarding this and if we were to receive any type of monies from
the court that would go back to pay our insurance company because they have already
given money towards the replacement of this. So that would be what happened and we
i have no idea when and if that would happen,when the restitution would take place. I
believe that's it so by a 4 Yes, 1 Absent, a positive recommendation for approval.
President Letellier—Thank you Councilor Simpson. Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas —Yes, Madam President. I vote in favor of the amount but not the
total amount and I was the only one that recommended to the committee and to bring
forth to you tonight to reduce the amount because the Liquori family—we're very, very
thankful for doing such a beautiful gesture to give this Town for the playground
$10,000.00. Those monies can offset the taxpayers' money so it's common sense, if the
Liquori family gives this money and start now with a writing confirmation that they
would give this money or if there's some delays until the School Committee and the
Town accepts it, this amount of money, which is crazy for the Town not to accept the
beautiful gift,the $10,000.00, and I'm very happy to see that the CPA Committee already
approved the $10,000.00. So it doesn't make any sense for this money to have the total
i amount that was requested by CPA which is $92,820.00 but to reduce it by the
$10,000.00 to $82,820.00. And this money will go back to CPA that was designated to
recreation. If we pass it and give them all the money, who would tell me a guarantee this
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money cannot be used for that playground to do something extra? We are the body of
control,the buck stops here and that way it's possible for the taxpayers to spend as Iittle
• as possible for their money. And these Liquori conditions, $10,000.00, should stay in the
same account and not be appropriated for something that CAN be used legally if they
decide to add something more. So again I would like to thank the Liquori family for
donating the $10,000.00 and I hope this Council will support the $10,000.00 reduction.
For that, I make a motion to allot $82,820.00 toward Phelps' playgrounds.
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Councilor Calabrese— Second.
President Letellier—Are you making a motion to amend the amount? Correct. Okay.
So I have a motion made by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Oh,
I'm sorry what? And also seconded by Councilor Rheault. I do have a point of
information that the Council may want to know before we vote on this. I spoke to the
Mayor about this very item today. The key for the Town is to have this Playscape up and
running by the time the school year starts and in order to that contracts have to be signed
and things have to be put in place before the Liquori funds will actually be available.
And so I spoke to the Mayor and the thought was pass the amount tonight, the money
from the Liquori's will then go into a CPA or Park& Rec revolving fund to be used for
the playgrounds but it's not possible to amend the amount tonight and have the Playscape
ready for the school year.
Councilor Bitzas—Yes it is. Point of Information, through the Chair.
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President Letellier—Certainly.
Councilor Bitzas—If we have a written confirmation by the Liquori family that they are
going to give us $10,000.00, it's legally and can be done.
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President Letellier—We have a motion on the floor. Any other discussion? Yes.
Councilor Mineo? Yes, who had the light Councilor Mineo or Councilor Simpson?
Councilor Simpson -He's got it then I'll have it after. We're sharing tonight.
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Councilor Mineo—Yes. I have to say I respectfully disagree with Councilor Bitzas. If
you noticed the other night, that there were time constraints for this project. What's
happening here is the Liquori family which I thank for the ten thousand dollar donation
is, all we want to do here is pass this tonight to get this project going okay. We need to
pay for this project. Whenever the donation comes in, it comes in. It's gonna be put
right back into the CPA fund. It's a wash! That's all it is. It is a wash. There's nothing
wrong here. There's nothing illegal. There's nothing wrong. And the donation will
come in and that's it. It's just a wash. And I would hope that everybody would support
this.
• President Letellier--Thank you. Councilor Simpson.
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Councilor Simpson—Thank you. Yes Councilor Mineo pretty much said it all but
basically and also speaking to the CPA members and also speaking to Chris Sparks who
• was not at our meeting due to a family emergency but I spoke to him on the phone prior
to this, we need to get this passed and started. The goal is to have the Playscape ready for
as Councilor Letellier said, ready for the start of school in September. At this point and
also once again, I too, would like to say thank you to the family, the Liquori family, for
the their very generous donation, but we do not have the funds in hand yet so basically
we need to appropriate this money tonight so that as of start of business tomorrow the
contracts can be signed, everything can get, everything needs to be ordered. It takes six
to seven weeks to get everything in and then you know start the process. As Councilor
Mineo had said that when the very generous donation comes in to the Town, it will go
back into the CPA funds. It will be used, the Liquori family wanted it specifically for
• something in the playscapes or recreation, and that's exactly what part of the CPA funds
does, so it will go into that. It just happens to be very nice and coincidental that we're
working on the Playscape at Phelps which is the one that will be dedicated towards their
son. So, but tonight we need to appropriate the full amount in order to get the contracts
signed and to get everything going so that Playscape will be up and running for the
children when they get back to school in September. Any delay in that can cause us an
issue and the donation whenever that is able to come in will definitely be put back. We
asked two CPA members who were there, Mr. Kozloski and Mr. Russo, and they told us
that it would go back in and be used for future recreation or a Playscape because there in
hopes that more playscapes will be re-done as time goes on. So I urge this Council
tonight to please vote for the appropriation of the entire amount. Thank you.
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President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Mineo and then Councilor Bitzas.
Councilor Mineo—One quick thing. One quick thing. I want to go on record as stating
I don't need anything in writing, absolutely nothing, from the Liquori family, in writing.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas--Thank you. If there was a reason to delay that after September I'd
vote for the whole amount. But this isn't a valid reason. The $10,000.00 that's coming,
it is a technicality that they had to have the letter. I talked to Mr. Sparks today and he
said vote for the whole amount but then ...came out only he say we can ask for the order
at Goodman's only if we have the written confirmation by the Liquori family, the truly
they'll give the $10,000.00 and for one moment I do not doubt that the Liquori family
will give the money. If Mr. Sparks as he told me, needs a letter of confirmation, the
. $10,000.00.that would be valid, they give it to use, there'd be no delay at all. $10,000.00
of the taxpayer's money, it's a lot of money and I think you don't do any favors to
taxpayers and I strongly urge the Council if you want to vote against the money but not
for the reason that was stated, there'd be delays, no be no delays with a letter of
confirmation,the questions can be voted, tomorrow we can order the Playscape. Thank
you.
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President Letellier—Any other discussion on the motion to amend? Councilor Perry?
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Councilor Perry—Yes. Thank you Madam President. Through the chair to Councilor
• Simpson, would this project be before the Council right now if the Liquori family didn't
recommend or volunteer to give $10,000.00, would it be before us this evening?
Councilor Simpson Through the chair, yes, it would be because this was planned,
done, and like I had said, it just so happened that the family decided that they would like
to make a donation and I said it was also coincidental that we're doing the Phelps one
right now and he happened to go to school at Phelps, that that would be the eventual
dedication spot but this was already in the works, it was already set and ready to go to be
presented to us for quite a while now, you know, it's been in the works getting ready to
go, especially since the vandalism happened at it. So yes this would be before us no
matter if there was any donations or not.
Councilor Perry—So it's a bonus then and I thank the Liquori family. Thank you.
President Letellier—Any further discussion on the motion to amend? We have a
motion to amend TR-2008-31 from the amount of$92,820.00 to $82,820.00. Barbara,
could you please call the roll? Six votes are needed to amend the amount.
Councilor Cavallo—Can I have clarification on this one?
President Letellier— Yes. The request is to fund the amount of$92,820.00 that's what
• was requested and approved by the Community Preservation Committee. Councilor
Bitzas has made a motion and correct me if I'm wrong, Councilor Bitzas, to amend the
amount downward by $10,000.00 to $82,820.00 in anticipation of the Liquori family's
generous gift.
Councilor Cavallo— So a yes vote would be—
President Letellier—A yes vote would be to approve the amendment down to
$82,820.00,
Councilor Bitzas—and the clarify...
President Letellier—No. Councilor Bitzas. Thank you. Councilor Cavallo?
Councilor Cavallo—No.
President Letellier—Thank you.
ROLL CALL—2 Yes (Councilors Bitzas and Calabrese), 9 No.
President Letellier—With two yes and nine no, you've defeated the motion to amend.
Is there any discussion on the underlying request which is $92,820.00? No? Seeing
none, Barbara, could you call the roll? Again, six votes are needed, we are requesting
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$92,820.00 from the CPA fund.
• ROLL CALL— 11 Yes.
President Letellier—With eleven yes, you've unanimously approved the CPA
authorization.
• Councilor Cavallo—Madam President? I'd like to make a comment kind of directly
related to this in a way.
President Letellier—A comment? You can wait until the end of the meeting. The
item's been voted on.
Councilor Cavallo—When the other CPA issues comes up too, I can piggyback on one
of those, can I not?
President Letellier—You can if it's about the other CPA issues that are coming up.
• 5. TR-2008-32 -A Resolution Confi_rmine the Appointment of Joan Caney,
886 Main Street,Apt.#37,Aeawam,MA,to the Agawam Housing Authority
for an Unexpired Term Expiring the Second_Monday in January,2010.
(Mayor) (Maiority of those present and votingf
President Letellier—Is Miss Caney here and does she wish to say anything if she is?
No, I don't see anything. All right. Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilor Perry,
seconded by Councilor Rheault. Any discussion? Six votes are needed, Barbara, could
you please call the roll? If you would like Miss Caney to be appointed to the Housing
Authority, please state Caney.
ROLL CALL— I I Joan Caney.
President Letellier—With eleven for Joan Caney, we congratulate her. Barbara, could
you inform her? Thank you.
6. TR-2008-33 -A Resolution Authorizing the Posting of the Warrant for
the State Primary Election of September 16,2008 and the State and
Presidential Election of November 4 2008. Ma or) (Malothty o those
resent and votin
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilor Rheault, seconded by
Councilor Rossi. Do we have any discussion? Six votes are needed, Barbara, could you
call the roll?
ROLL CALL— I I Yes.
President Letellier—With eleven yes, you've approved the posting of the warrants.
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7. TR-2008-34 -A Resolution Appropriating from the Communi
Preservation Fund and Authorizing the Expenditure of Community
Preservation Funds in the Amount of$5,000 for the Preservation,
Rehabilitation and Restoration of Historic Resources,Namely the School
Street Barn as Provided for Under the Historic Resources Section of the
Community Preservation Act. (CPA) (Referred to the Ad Hoc CPA
Committee) Qky'orl
A of those present and volln
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilors Simpson and
Cavallo, seconded by Councilors Rossi and Perry. Councilor Simpson, do we have a
report?
Councilor Simpson—Yes, thank you. At the same meeting this past Wednesday, this
item of agenda was also discussed and by a vote a 3 Yes,2 absent, we voted to send a
positive recommendation to the Council for passage of the $5,000.00 for the School
Street Barn preservation. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any discussion? I'm sorry. Councilor Cavallo and
then Councilor Rheault.
Councilor Cavallo—Yes. I was unable to attend but I talked to David Ceechi on the
phone a couple of times and I'm thoroughly impressed with the work he's been doing.
We did all receive a letter from Bonnie Parsons, the principle planner and manager of the
Historic Preservation programs and it's a very detailed letter and certainly indicates
justification for keeping this barn intact and keeping the historic quality with it. David
told me that somewhere along the line it could be a possibility of having a 200 seat
auditorium so to speak not auditorium but a place where people could have small
meetings, gatherings, workshops, etc. and still maintain the historic quality of the
building. So I certainly endorse and approve this $5,000.00 expenditure by the CPA
group.
President Letellier—Thank you Councilor Cavallo. Next we have Councilor Rossi?
Councilor Rossi— Yes, thank you. That's all pretty much news to me. The last time I
i heard with the building it's gonna be nine month—a year thing. It's not even gonna have
heat or anything in it. And the appropriations that are gonna be needed to restore that
building are going to be in the neighborhood of$450,000.00 and counting. Now, I'm
fully in favor of having something cultural. I've talked to several members of the
Cultural Council and I think we desperately need something in Agawam along those
lines. I don't know if this is the building that we necessarily need or we can do
something a little bit less expensive and maybe get something a little bit bigger and
better. But we're pouring money into this place and I don't know that we have a clear
direction on where we're gonna go. Now I don't know has anybody lost sight of the fact
that the last time this building came before us with these little appropriations here that the
last figure that we had here sometime ago was like $450,000.00 and that didn't even
include any kind of heat or anything like that. And I just think that we need to be getting
some kind of clear direction of where we're headed with this building in the future before
i
we continue to pile money in it. It seems to me that every time this building comes up,
it's like getting pecked to death by a duck. I don't see anything here with this building
A and I wish somebody would give me some clarification. It's not that I don't think we
should restore the building and get this so it gets free from vandalism. I don't know how
we're gonna stop the vandalism from occurring. I don't know if this $5,000.00 is going
to do that, I tend to doubt it but I don't even know what it's for, I know it's for because
they've experienced some vandalism problems because it said so here but I don't even
know what$5,000.00 is going to do but my point of it is is I don't think that anybody has
a very clear direction on where we're going and how much it's gonna cost for this
building and we're continually pouring money into this thing and I'd like to get that
before I go further.
• President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Messick? And then Councilor Bitzas.
Councilor Messick—The School Street Barn is an icon. When you go into School
Street, you see a barn and that says something about Agawam. So in my mind there's
absolutely no way we can let that barn fall down and this$5,000.00 is a very,very,very
small step that absolutely needs to be taken so we preserve that barn. I have been inside
r the barn numerous times, there's a post in the basement that needs to be shored up and
replaced, the siding on the barn is loose in places, kids can get in and they have gotten in,
there has been vandalism,there has been an attempt to steal some antique items that are
being stored there from the old farm house that was there. There needs to be protection
from the weather, plexi-glass needs to be put on the windows and my take on the subject
• is that if we don't take these steps to preserve this barn, we won't have an option of
having a year round Cultural Council area. We won't have the option of having a
meeting place; we won't have any options because it will be falling down. I can't tell
you when, all I can say is that these are fairly minimal steps that need to be taken to give
us that option and I think it would be a terrible tragedy to see that thing sink from a whole
in the roof like so many barns in the area. You drive around and you see them,they cave
in from the middle. And we can stop it by, with $5,000.00 I don't think we have been
continually pouring money in. I think we have been trying to find ways to preserve it for
the minimal amount of money we need to spend. As far as the $450,000.00 that was
talked about before, that plan obviously was not popular with anybody. That was talked
about before I came on board. We had a meeting recently with Dave Cecchi with the
barn historical study group and what we're looking at now is ways that other
communities have preserved their barns, how they've gotten money to do that, what
purposes they use the barns for, to come up with some options that maybe aren't as
expensive. There certainly are other options out there and certainly a discussion needs to
be taking place about what the future use of that barn is but right now it's absolutely
necessary that we preserve that barn,that we do these things so that it is an option for us
in the future. Thank you.
President Letellier—Councilor Bitzas, you had your light on?
•; Councilor Bitzas—Yes. I will support the $5,000.00 but I will have a difficult time to
support any more appropriations for the barn. $450,000.00 to preserve a barn, it is not a
realistic number. I heard it would be close to a quarter of a million dollars and for what?
What can you use it for that far away? And how much money more you have to spend
for the barn? I think the barn is beautiful to have as esthetics, it's for the looks there,
maintain,put nice landscape in the front,put some lighting there to maintain,to protect
what is under, it just happened a few months ago, and that--keep it that way. We spent
enough money. The taxpayers' pocketbooks will be empty soon. Now this is 1% of the
CPA money and most of it goes down to the project and I fully support that but we spent
enough money for the barn and I hope this is the last one to keep this barn standing up,
maintained the way it should be maintained to look beautiful. If we can use something
inside to use for the maintenance people, it's fine but otherwise, if we were to throw
municipal dollars for something that others think it's an icon. I think it's a good looking
barn, it's historic, but there are other more things important for this Town to do than to
• have this barn. For the money you can spend to renovate the barn, we can spend it to
renovate any other building and make a better use for it. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Is it Councilor Simpson or Mineo? I'm sorry. You
guys are sharing a microphone, whichever has the light on, go ahead.
Councilor Mineo—Actually it's me and it's through the chair to either Councilor Rossi
or Councilor Bitzas. I certainly haven't been keeping track of the funding. How much
funding have we put into the School Street Barn at this point? I mean I hear we've
been...how much? Did you say $25,000.00?
• President Letellier—According to -just so I can say Joe for the record—according to
Chris Sparks, Park& Rec Director and Deb Dachos, Community &Planning, they're
telling us $9,000.00 and it's all been CPA money- $9,300.00. Thank you.
Councilor Mineo—To me that doesn't seem like a lot of money, $9,300.00, at this point.
1 mean I don't know what type of plans are gonna come before this Council but again,
$9,300.00 isn't a lot and I hope everybody would support this tonight. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. I'm sorry. Anybody else for the first time before we
get to the second time? No? Councilor Cavallo and then Councilor Rossi.
•
Councilor Cavallo-- Yea. I think the concern that Mr. Bitzas is raising and one that I am
concerned with, I am for the $5,000.00 appropriation but I think since I've been on the
Council since January, we have appropriated a lot of money from the CPA and I don't
know if the public knew what they were voting for when they voted quite a few years ago
for the Community Preservation Act probably a lot of them didn't know, this is their
money. This is our tax bill, okay? A significant part of the CPA money is OUR money;
part of it comes from the state. There's a certain reimbursement or additional amount of
money. I think what we're probably looking at and what we're looking at from the CPA
is this: are you going to evaluate these projects down the road? In other words, we're
doing a Playscape here, we're doing a park on School Street, we had suggestions for one
on Meadowbrook Road and up off Clover Hill and all of these things are being done and
they're all wonderful, don't get me wrong, but what about the evaluation, the assessment
after? Did we do the right thing? Did we put in the proper mechanisms to keep this the
way we wanted to? One is on River Road,okay, and River Road is a heavily traveled
+. street and of course during the summer we have Six Flags' traffic. That park is open to
anybody, okay? Are we going to have the necessary security and protection after hours
to make sure that this is maintained. well? I mean this is a big undertaking folks, a very
big undertaking and a very costly one, and I'm not in any way degrading it, okay?
Please don't get me wrong, okay? But I think somewhere down the road, there has to be
some follow up in evaluating these projects that we have approved here as a Council,
okay, to make sure we're getting the best band for our buck here and that we are
providing for the needs of the community that this particular program has been
authorized to do. I think that's a lot of the apprehension that a lot of the Council
members, I feel when I talk to them, it's fine to do these things but it's like anything else,
let's look at it. How'd we do? Was it the right thing to do? Did we make a mistake?
And again, the CPA people do a wonderful job. Again,just an objective perspective on
my part. Thank you.
President Letellier— ...Thank you. Councilor Rossi?
•. Councilor Rossi—Yea and I think that's what it is and just to reiterate it's not the
$9,300.00 or the additional $5,000.00 that bothers me. It's just that we don't have a clear
direction on that barn as to where we want to go. And all I'm suggesting is if that barn is
something that's gonna fit the needs of the community of Agawam, I see nothing wrong
with spending the money to do it. But I don't see anything here before us and I don't see
i anything coming in the near future here, so that's all I'm saying is and if you need the
$5,000.00 to get this thing back up where it needs to be because of vandalism or
deterioration or whatever it is, that's okay with me but why don't we all get together and
come up with something if we're gonna use this thing,just come up with a clear plan on
how it's gonna be used if at all it can be used. I don't know whether it can be.
i
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Mineo? Then Councilor Messick.
Councilor Mineo—Could I just say one thing? Community Preservation Funds are used
for projects for the Town and the CPA meets all the time. We have a sub-committee.
I'm on the sub-committee. We do have meetings. I guess my suggestion would be is
start attending the meetings and then we can all, and that's for everybody, then you'll
know what projects are coming before us.
President Letellier—Councilor Messick?
Councilor Messick—Through the chair to Councilor Rossi, we do have a committee
that's recently been formed that's studying the very problem of what to do with the barn.
There has been a lot of discussion. People hear things—the $450,000.00, a million, I
mean people hear a lot of things but none of it is true at this point in time. The only thing
we need money for right now is to make sure the barn doesn't fall down and then there's
a committee that David Cecchi is the head of and we are starting to study exactly what
needs to be done with the barn, exactly what the plans would be, what the cost would be,
0
we're gonna come up with three or four different options that can be discussed.
Obviously the previous option was not an option. So that one is no longer on the table
♦ but what we need to do now is preserve it and I hope that we have enough votes to do that
tonight. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any other discussion? Councilor Bitzas?
0 Councilor Bitzas—Yes. We're getting off the subject lately. I think we're voting for
$5,000.00 which I support and other on the Council supports and we have people that are
waiting, it'll be a long night, so I move the question.
President Letellier—Any further discussion? Second on moving the question. Voice
vote on moving the question. Ay? Opposed? Abstentions? Barbara, could you call the
roll on the motion which is to approve $5,000.00 for the preservation,rehabilitation,
restoration of the School Street Barn, six votes are needed?
ROLL CALL— I I Yes.
8. TR-2008-36 -A Resolution Amending the Agawam City Council Rules
and Regulations to Change the Title of"Council Clerk"to"Administrative
Assistant to the City Council"(Council) (Maiorfty of those present and
Voting)
President Letellier—Moved by Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilor Messick.
Councilor Rheault—Yes. I'd like to speak.
President Letellier—I'm sorry, Councilor Rheault?
Councilor Rheault—With no disrespect to any of the other city employees, Barbara
works for the City Council and when we first were seeking a replacement for our
previous City Clerk, I thought we did a very good job of setting up a committee
evaluating several resumes and we found Barbara. I had the opportunity and pleasure to
train her for the first three days and at no time did I ever have to repeat one single thing
for understanding. I think she's a bright gal and I don't mean to embarrass you Barbara
but publicly I do want to acknowledge is very fortunate to have someone of your talent.
You have a lot of vision, a great personality and I think that the title is well deserved.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Calabrese?
Councilor Calabrese— Yes. I just further want to point out that Barbara is in charge of
keeping track of eleven us up here which at times must be like herding cats but she's
been doing a wonderful job and I think that the name change is more in line with the
duties that she performs for us on a daily basis. And the Town of Agawam should be
! very proud to have an employee such as Barbara Bard. Thank you.
President Letellier— Councilor Rossi?
i
Councilor Rossi—I couldn't agree more. I think Barbara has moved the Clerk's position
! to a much higher level and I think to a much more fitting position as Administrative
Assistant to the City Council. I don't think there's anybody up here who will disagree
with the fact that she's just been remarkable, a self-started,motivated and we get all of
our information on time and I just can't say enough to her administrative duties. And as
Councilor Calabrese said, keeping track of eleven people, it's not the easiest thing in the
world. I know some of aren't a day at the beach. So I couldn't be more happy for
Barbara in her new title.
President Letellier—Any other discussion? I know as Council President I'm not
supposed to be involved in the discussion but I just want to say that this is not out of
f disrespect to our prior City Council Clerk, but rather we have a new generation City
Council Clerk whose skill level is right in keeping with what this century needs. She
does an excellent job. She takes a lot of initiative. You know some people questioned
could we really use a thirty hour position, yes! We can definitely use the whole thirty
hours and I think there's some weeks where she probably could use a little more time. So
I think the Committee, the whole Council, last Council,made an excellent choice. I
know we're gonna pass this 11-0 but I wanted to get my two cents in. Thank you.
Barbara, could you please call the roll?
ROLL CALL— 11 Yes, 0 No
• President Letellier—With eleven yes, we've unanimously approved the change in the
Rules & Regs.
9. TR-2008-37 -A Resolution Authorizing the Reservation of Funds from
the Community Preservation Fund (CPA)(Referred to the Ad Hoc CPA
• Committee) (Maiority of those present and voting)
President Letellier—Each of these next three Resolutions has to do with the State
mandatory minimums that we have to put aside in each account. Councilor Simpson, do
we have, I'm sorry, let's have a motion first and then we'll get a report. Moved by
Councilor Simpson, seconded by Councilor Perry and Councilor Mineo. Councilor
Simpson can we have a report?
Councilor Simpson—Yes, thank you. At the same meeting last Wednesday,these items
of agenda-37, -38 and-39 were discussed and by a vote of 3 Yes, 2 Absent voted to send
a positive recommendation for approval of all three agenda items.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any further discussion? No? Seeing none,Barbara,
could you call the roll?
ROLL CALL— 11 Yes, 0 No.
President Letellier—With eleven yes, you've approved TR-2008-37.
•
10. TR-2008-38 -A Resolution Authorizing the Appropriations of Funds from
the Community Preservation Fund (CPA)(Referred to the Ad Hoc CPA___
Committee) (Maiority of those present and votiniz)
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilor Perry, seconded by
Councilor Messick. Any discussion? No? Seeing none, Barbara, could you please call
the roll?
i ROLL CALL— I I Yes, 0 No,
President Letellier—Thank you.
11. TR-2008-39 -A Resolution Authorizing the_Appropriation of Funds from
f the Community Preservation Fund (CPA)(Referred to the Ad Hoc CPA
Committee) (Ma,Lority of those present and voting)
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by
Councilor Perry. Any discussion? No? Barbara, could you please call the roll?
ROLL CALL— 11 Yes, 0 No.
President Letellier—With eleven yes, you've passed all three CPA Resolutions.
i Item 7. Report of Council Committees
(a) Finance—Councilor Young
President Letellier—Do you wish to give a report or do you want to wait until the
budget or the Capital Improvement?
Councilor Young—I'll,this is really just the administration,the first and second quarter
reporting so given the fact that, so what I will say I mean I have it in writing and Barbara may
have even sent it out in the packets but I will and for the sake of time and all the folks here
waiting for the big event on the budget, I will forego my time tonight and maybe Barbara could
you put it for the next time and I can run through it real quick. Thank you.
President Letellier—We can move it to next agenda. That's fine.
(b) Ad Hoc CPA—Councilor Simpson
President Letellier—Councilor Simpson anything to add on the CPA Committee?
Councilor Simpson--Thank you yes we've met a few times during the quarter
discussing CPA funds mainly the Playscape at School Street was one of our big items of
discussion and just recently the items that were just covered this evening. It seems like
. it's a great committee working well and getting great information from the CPA
members. Thank you.
i
President Letellier—Thank you.
• Item 8. Elections
I. TE-2008-4 -Election of a member of the Community Preservation Act
Committee,also being a representative from the Housing Authority,to
complete an Unexpired Term Expiring April 30,2010. (Council) (Majority of
• those present and votine)
President Letellier—The name of Joan Caney has been put into nomination by the
Housing Authority and by the Mayor's office. Are there any other nominations? No?
Seeing none, move to close nominations, moved by Councilors Calabrese and Bitzas,
seconded by Councilor Perry. Barbara, could you call the roll? Again, if you wish to
have Ms. Caney on the CPA,please signify Joan Caney.
ROLL CALL— 11 Joan Caney.
President Letellier—With eleven votes, you've approved Joan Caney for the CPA
• Committee. I'm going to call a five minutes recess. I realize all the department heads
have been waiting but it's very warm and uncomfortable up here. In case any of the
audience does need to ...we'll call a five minutes recess. Thank you.
Item 9. Public Hearings
1. PH-2008-5(TR-2008-27) -A Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2009
—20I3 Capital Improvement Program (Mayor) (Referred to the Finance
Committee) (Majority of those present and Mine)
President Letellier—As a reminder we'll have a presentation if the Mayor wishes to do
so, if not then the members of the public have ten minutes to speak in favor and if anyone
wishes to speak in opposition. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to
register in name only, and those who wish to register in opposition. Then we will have a
report from the Finance Committee and discussion from the Council. Does the Mayor
wish to make a presentation on the Capital Improvement Program?
•
Mayor Dawson—I will not be making a presentation...
President Letellier— Thank you. Any one else? Any department heads wish to speak
on the Capital Improvement Program? No? Let me call the public hearing to order first.
Okay. Any one from the public wishing to speak in support of the Capital Improvement
Budget? Any one from the public wishing to speak in apposition to the Capital
Improvement Budget? Any one wishing to register in name only their support for the
Capital Improvement Program Budget? Any one wishing to register their name in
opposition to the Capital Improvement Budget? Seeing none, I call the public hearing
closed. Do we have a report from the Finance Committee? Councilor Young?
Councilor Young - I do. The Finance Committee met on June 5t'. Present were myself,
•
Councilors Rossi, Perry, Mineo and Calabrese. After much discussion the Committee 5-
0 not to give a formal recommendation and we decided instead since each member of the
• Committee had various questions on some of the issues such as more funding on
sidewalk improvement fund and lack of status on the progress, questions about the delay
in the band room at the Middle School, timing of the sewer funding, and some questions
on the ...some of the golf course equipment funding in there, each,the group decided that
they would not give a positive or negative recommendation, instead they would ask their
i questions or give their oral comments separately this evening. Thank you.
President Leteliier-- Thank you. Do we have a motion on the underlying Resolution?
Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by Councilor Perry. Any discussion on the
Capital Improvement Budget Resolution? Councilor Bitzas?
• Councilor Bitzas—Yes. I know that the sub-committee didn't make clear one way or
the other but what I see personally—the only problem I have with this, I know, I know
this is a wish list but I want to make sure that myself, I'm not ready to vote for that, I'm
not in support of this Capital Improvement Budget for two reasons. First of all, I do not
agree for Town Hall Public Safety Complex Phase I $450,000.00 for a study of City Hall
and Police Station. I also at this time the Town isn't ready to do anything. We have a
beautiful Town Hall. We have a beautiful DPW complex down there. I am totally
against the project for the City Hall. Also, the people who spoke three hundred people a
few months ago about the sewers. They want them to be funded by federal and state
money. I see here $7,800,000.00 in here for sewers Phase I. At this moment and this
time this year, I'm against it. I don't mind the items from the Capital Improvement
Budget. So I will make a motion to decrease the Capital Improvement Budget by
$8,250,000.00 if we subtract the $7,800,000.00 for sewers and $450,000.00 for the Town
Hall Public Safety Complex. So if you support the motion, somebody second it and we'll
discuss it but this is my motion. I support the budget all we need is to reduce by
• $8,250,000.00.
President Letellier--I'm sorry. Could you repeat that figure?
Councilor Bitzas - $8,250,000.00.
• Councilor Calabrese—I'll second that.
President Letellier— Okay. Seconded by Councilor Calabrese. Any discussion on the
motion to amend? No discussion on the motion to amend? Barbara could you please call
the roll on the motion to amend. There's been a motion made to decrease the Capital
Improvement—I'm sorry. We're gonna need some more clarification because it's year
by year by year by year. Why don't we have the overall discussion? You can rescind
you motion, let's have some overall discussion and then if we need to, we can deal with
cuz it would have to be made year by year not in lump sum. Pm sorry, the more I
thought about it the less sense it made. Okay? So with Councilor Bitzas' has withdrawn
his motion, is the second withdrawn? Yes,the second is withdrawn as well. Back to
discussion on the Capital Improvement Program as before us. Councilor Rossi?
•
i
Councilor Rossi—`bank you. I will not be voting for the Capital Improvement Budget
i for several reasons. There are a lot of items in here that I don't think are necessary at this
point. Second of all I don't appropriate any money without having any authorization or
justification for, I need to know what that money is going to be used for and how it's
going to be spent, etc. I don't doubt that there are projects in here that are worthwhile,
I'm gonna take it on a case by case basis as they come. I'm a little disappointed that I see
sidewalk rehabilitation at $60,000.00. I think that's grossly inadequate for the sidewalks,
the conditions that they are for this community. I think we should have our priorities a
little bit different so I won't be supporting this in its entirety. I will take it on a case by
case basis.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Calabrese?
Councilor Calabrese—Yea. Likewise the questions that I have with this were the
equipment, the capital expenditures for equipment up at the Golf Course. I was always
under the impression that that was a self sustaining account and I am just curious as to
why we're not using revenues from the golf course to do just that to self-sustaining
equipment. Also I agree with Councilor Rossi that I would like to see more money
actually put into the rehabilitation of the sidewalks in particular the sidewalks within the
walking radii of our schools. I'm personally familiar with the sidewalks along North
Westfield Street. They are atrocious? And I'd like to see something done with those. So
I likewise will not be voting in favor of the Capital Improvement Plan tonight.
•
President Letellier— Thank you. Any further discussion? No? Did you want to renew
your motion Councilor Bitzas or make it more clear?
Councilor Bitzas—Yes. I'lI make it more clear. To make it very simple to subtract
$8,250,000.00 which is...
President Letellier--You have to do it year by year Councilor Bitzas because every year
has its own appropriation schedule. So we have to decide which years and which
amounts to decrease it by.
•
Councilor Bitzas—This one here 2009 Budget Schedule on Page 7
President Letellier—I'm sorry. Can you say it a little slower so I can follow you?
. Councilor Bitzas—Page seven. So we can see the Funding Projects Town Hall Public
Safety Complex Phase I $450,000.00 for the first...
President Letellier—So for fiscal year 2009 Town Hall Public Safety Complex Phase 1
$450,000.00 part of your motion is to eliminate that?
Councilor Bitzas - Correct.
•
•
President Letellier— Okay.
• Councilor Bitzas -And the other one, the second line Feeding Hills South West Sewer
Extension Phase the same year $7,800,000.00. So total $8,250,000.00.
President Letellier—That's not the math I get.
S Councilor Mineo -Point of Information. That project, I know what George is saying,
but that project is $7,800,000.00 for fiscal year '09, I believe there's another
appropriation for $7,800,000.00 for I believe fiscal year 2010.
President Letellier— That's Phase II.
Councilor Mineo -Yup. And I believe there's two more.
President Letellier—Yup each year is a different phase. 'I I is Phase III,just in '09,'10
and '11.
+ Councilor Mineo—Is George taking all of that out? That's probably about$30 close to
$32 million it's not just the $7.8 million.
President Letellier—Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas--In which I can change the motion and take all these years total
amount.
President Letellier—All what years?
• Councilor Bitzas--All those years. Yes. Plus the $450,000.00 in...
President Letellier— So your motion is to remove all the sewer phases from the Capital
Improvement Budget as well as the Town Hall Public Safety Complex, is that your
motion?
•
Councilor Bitzas - Correct.
President Letellier—Okay, do we have a second to that motion? I do not see a second to
the motion. Any further discussion on the underlying Capital Improvement Budget
• Resolution? Councilor Simpson or Mineo,I can't tell, sorry.
Councilor Mineo—Yes. I wasn't going to support this but I changed my mind. The
reason I wasn't going to support it was because of the sewers because the permitting
process is gonna be up in April but I said I thought to myself why not wait one more
year? Maybe from now to April maybe $31 million will drop from heaven and we can
• get this project going.
•
President Letellier—Thank you. Any other discussion on the Capital Improvement
Budget as presented? Barbara could you call the roll? Six votes are needed. A yes vote
• is to approve it as printed, a no vote would be to deny it as printed.
ROLL CALL—9 No, 2 Yes (Councilors Mineo and Simpson)
President Letellier—With a vote of two yes and nine no, the Capital Improvement
Program has been defeated.
2. P_H-2008-6(TR 20W2n -A Resolution AdoRtinpthe Fiscal Year 2009
Annual Operatine Budget for the Town of Agawam Ma or 6KqjLortL o
those present and votin
President Letellier—Again I'll just indicate the order that we're gonna do things. First
we'll call the public hearing to order. The public hearing is now open. We will have the
Mayor and the Department Heads go first, then we'll have the opportunity for the public
who wish to speak in favor, public who wishes to speak against,public who wishes to
register in name only for, public who wishes to register in name only against. Then each
of the City Council department budget sub-committees will give their reports and then
we'll have discussion on the item. I know the Mayor is here and they have a power point.
Mayor Dawson?
Mayor Dawson— Good evening Council. It is my pleasure to be here in front of you this
evening and present to you a balanced annual operating budget as it has been presented.
So let me present this to you pretty simply. For fiscal 2009 our budgeted revenues keep
property taxes low, the tax levy is estimated to increase only 2% rather than the standard
2 '/2%. The tax levy is estimated $42,620,883.00. Under new growth we have
$350,000.00, The negotiated salary increases have been fully funded in this budget. The
town personnel services as shown here and increases reflect a two year raise. The salary
increases are included in department budgets instead of Salary Reserves. The Town
contracts have been funded at 3% for fiscal year 2008 and fiscal year 2009 and the
teachers' fiscal year 2009 contract is funded at the 3 %2% increase. Fiscal year 2009
highlights. Let me try this so I can bring this up a little closer. The School Committee
Budget was increased by $1,757,636.00 which is a 5.45% increase to last year's budget.
! The school capital improvements were to the tune of$544,000.00 which is 172%
increase. They have added five new school department positions, the extra-curricular and
athletic programs continue to be without any user fees which of course as parents, that's a
pretty important for us. We have retained all current town and school employees. We
have retained all current town and school services and there is an additional $72,000.00
• which will be appropriated by you at your next meeting for text books from the
Stabilization Fund. You now see the graph up here, this is reflected, I need to put my
glasses on, pretty small! All right in education it's 49.25%, public safety 10%, I'm sorry,
I'm echoing back I'm sorry. Public Safety 10.3%, Benefits and Insurance 13.4%, Self-
sustaining department 9.19%, Public works 5.85%, General Government 4.23%,
• Principle and Interest 1.66%, Cultural and Recreational 1.91%, Human Services a little
under a full percent at .98%, the Reserve Fund at .59%, and the Capital Improvement
Budget at .64%. In education I really would like you to just look at the differences in
what we have; this is easier if you just look at in just in the difference. We've increased
the budget between '08 and '09 by$1,757,636.00 for the schools and on the capital
M $344,000.00. We added five positions in the school department and the capital
improvements include the Middle School classrooms,the High School autism classroom
and Clark School parking lot repairs. Under public safety,we've increased this budget
by 6.53%to the tune of$254,324.00. We have ambulance service is continued in
Feeding Hills. The replacement of one marked cruiser and one unmarked cruiser with the
related equipment, we have the continuation of one officer/school resource officer which
is offset by the School Department and a new pump for the fire department's brush truck.
I'm sorry and at the bottom would be the Jaws of Life. My apologies. Under public
works, we have an increase of 5.86%this is a difference of$251,044.00. We've added
two positions to the Highway& Grounds for the School Street Park. The highway
equipment fund I included in the Capital Improvement Budget. Household Hazardous
Waste Day funds included and the weekly trash pick up has continued. Culture&
Recreation—this is an increase of 6.95% and the difference between last year and this
year being $96,470,00, The library meets all state certifications required in order to
receive state aid. Our Parks & Rec services have been maintained. Professional
management and supervision is included in the skate park, and all Council on Aging and
Senior Services have been maintained. Under Human Services, we've increased this
budget by 13.69% and the difference is$91,445.00. We have the Veteran's Benefits
account was increased thanks to all of you this year that was certainly needed for our
vets,thank you for doing that. We added a full time school nurse has continued in all the
schools, not added I apologize, we have a full time nurse in each of our schools and we
• have an additional part time nurse included in excuse me,to maintain coverage at all of
our schools. General government increased by 4% for $126,267.00 as a difference.
Property& Liability Insurance account increased by 19.88% and the funding for the
presidential election was included in the Clerk's office. Benefits & Insurance, these
support an increase of 6.78%the difference was $660,066.00. This was medical
insurance increased by $724,500.00 with coverage continued for retired and active
employees and pension costs have decreased by $72,260.00. The reserve funds—this is a
difference, it certainly went down from last year, of$350,000.00 of reserve funds funded
at $500,000.00 and negotiated salary increases included for the department budgets.
Self-sustaining departments, there's an increase of 6.56%, it was $438,943.00 more than
last year. The highlights on this are waste water budget increased and those were
negotiated salaries, waste water treatment, materials, and equipment increased. Water
spending is up, water purchased costs up $110,500.00 and the golf course budget
increased and those were negotiated salaries and utility costs increased. Line items and
capital improvements—street and sidewalk improvement programs continued
$180,000.00 was spent there. The Department of Public Works' equipment was
$202,030.00, the Jaws of Life was $7,257.00, School Street Park the utility cart was
$8,000.00 and the school department improvements were $540,000.00. And that's it and
we would be happy to entertain any questions that you might have.
President Letellier— Thank you Mayor Dawson. Does the Council have any questions
• for the Mayor or any of the Department Heads? No? Okay. We'll now move on to the
citizen's portion. Does anyone in the public wish to say anything in favor of the budget
•
as proposed? School Committee member Bonavita? Please state your name for the
record. Each speaker will have ten minutes. Yes, thank you. Do you need the
• microphone back?
School Committee member Bonavita—Thank you. Anthony Bonavita, 683 Cooper
Street, Agawam, I'm the Vice Chair of the School Committee and I'm here basically
speaking on behalf of the school portion of the budget. I'm not here to analyze the
town's portion of the budget. Obviously as you know we went through a process, the
School Committee always does -
President Letellier—Put your light on.
Clerk—It is on. The light doesn't work.
President Letellier— Oh, I'm sorry.
School Committee member Bonavita—Obviously we went through a process where the
' Superintendent met with all the administration to look over our budget, pared that budget
down by $150,000.00 to $200,000.00. We had several meeting with the School
Committee and School Budget Finance Committee, our sub-committee,we then met with
the Mayor, and we also had meetings with the City Council School Budget Sub-
Committee. So I believe it's a very fiscally responsible budget. I appreciate all the
collaboration between the school budget sub-committee, the Mayor's office; we went
! through a very healthy discussion on the budget which I think is positive for the town and
I think our school budget is very sound. On a positive note in my travels around the state,
I hear from people talking about Agawam for a lot of different reasons, some are because
of some businesses we have in town but a lot of times and something that goes unnoticed,
I hear from people talking about our educational system. I think we really should be
proud of it. It meets very high standards. It's well known throughout the state. If you
look at the EQE evaluation which evaluated our school system recently,we received
extremely high marks for our educational system and that's all facets of our educational
system. So I think we should be proud of that and I ask you to please support the school
portion of the budget. Thank you.
•
President Letellier—Thank you School Committee member Bonavita. Any one else
from the public wishing to address the Council on the Budget? Corinne Wingard?
Please state your name and address.
• Corinne Wingard—Corinne Wingard. 194 Elm Street. I like to say what I said before
that I'm retired and I live on a fixed income. Our children are our future. I urge you to
fully fund the school department budget.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any one else wishing to speak in favor of the budget?
Anyone else wishing to speak in favor of the budget? Anyone wishing to speak in
opposition to the budget? Anyone wishing to register their name as being in favor of the
budget? Go ahead step up.
•
Diane.luzba—Hi. Diane Juzba, 189 South Westfield Street, Feeding Hills.
President Letellier--Thank you. Any one else wishing to register their name as being in
favor of the budget? Anyone wishing to register their name in opposition to the budget?
I call the public hearing closed. As I indicated we will begin with each of the different
budget sub-committees and their reports. So we'll have Budget Sub-Committee#1,who
will be giving that report? Councilor Young? Just for the public, let us know which
departments you covered.
Councilor Young—Thank you. Budget Sub-Committee#1 is chaired by myself and the
members are George Bitzas and Cecilia Calabrese who were all in attendance on May
• 27`' and reviewed it. Also in attendance were the department heads, the Mayor, the
Solicitor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, City Assessor,president of the Council on Aging
and also Data Processing/IT as well. Sorry if I missed anyone. The departments that this
sub-committee reviews are the City Council, our department budget, Mayor's budget,
Auditor's budget, City Clerk's budget, Treasurer's/Collector's budget, Assessor, law
department, elections and registrations, Registrar's, Council on Aging, Data Processing,
we reviewed the line items and I also believe we reviewed it, a department set aside for
the Town Hall budget, the Town Hall building facility as well. Again this was a quick
meeting and again we appreciate the Mayor and the Department Heads and folks and
everyone attending and giving their full attention and within short order again the vote
was unanimously 3-0 by the sub-committee to approve to give a positive
• recommendation on those department things. Again, I will note again department salaries
are negotiated separately by their collective bargaining group so that does not factor into
any of our recommendation here. Thank you.
President Letellier— Thank you. Budget Sub-Committee#2, who's gonna present?
Councilor Rossi?
Councilor Rossi—Thank you. My Budget#2 would be the public safety, police, fire,
health, Community Planning, I can't remember, I don't have the list in front of me here
but we met with all of the department heads and we make no formal recommendation to
the Council as a sub-committee. My members were Councilor Rheault and Councilor
Mineo and we instead would direct any questions that we have at the time of the budget
process begins in our deliberations. There were some questions and concerns that were
brought up however I think the questions and concerns that we had I don't think there's
anything we can do in terms of cutting them and making recommendations. We made
one recommendation and that is take the unmarked police cruiser be earmarked
specifically for the detective division and that it would be a vehicle appropriate to that
division and not some big, the cars that they have been getting you can see coming from
14 miles away. So we thought that would be a more appropriate appropriation but again
we don't want to scratch that, except make a recommendation on behalf of the sub-
committee. So that's about it. Again we make no formal recommendation to to the
whole body as a committee.
President Letellier—Thank you. Budget Sub-Committee#3, Councilor Perry?
• Councilor Perry— Yes. Thank you Madam President. My budget sub-committee- I as
the chair, my members were Councilor Mineo, Councilor Messick. We met twice on our
section of the budget. Our first meeting we held on May 21 st at the library in the Peirce
Room,present were Mayor Dawson,and all the department heads that we were covering
along with Treasurer Laurel Placzek and Auditor Cheryl St. John, Councilor Messick was
present and unfortunately Councilor Mineo was ill that evening and could not attend.
The departments that we covered were Tab 17 which is the Library,Tab 18 which is Park
& Rec, Tab 21 —DPW Administration, Tab 22—Highway& Grounds, Tab 23 —Motor
Vehicle Maintenance, Tab 24—Engineering, Tab 25 —The Water Department, Tab 26
which is the Waste Water and Tab 27—the Building Maintenance. In the course of that
meeting there was a good exchange and questions answered from all the department
heads and I wish to thank all of them for attending that evening and the participation is
greatly appreciated. We did not vote that evening, I felt it incumbent that we as a
committee meet again so we'd have time to digest the information that was given to us
and the questions that were asked and the answers that we received. We met again on
• June 12t"at 7:00pm again at the Iibrary, present were myself, as Chairman, Councilor
Minco and Councilor Messick, also present were Councilor Calabrese and Councilor
Rossi. After much discussion amongst ourselves and our committee, we voted to
recommend it to the full council the following departments: the library we voted to send
a positive recommendation with a 3-0 vote; the Park &Rec. positive recommendation 3-
0; DPW Administration 3-0 vote positive recommendation; Highway& Grounds again
S positive 3-0; Motor Vehicle Maintenance a positive with a 2-1 vote; Engineering 3-0;
Water Department and Waste Water both 3-0; and Building Maintenance a positive
recommendation with a 3-0 vote. And that concludes my report at this point in time and
I'll answer any questions that any of the Councilors may have. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you Councilor Perry. Next we have our School Budget
Sub-Committee, the School Budget as everybody knows is about 50%of the overall town
budget and that's why for the past number of years we've had co-chairs who are equally
responsible in dealing with this. The most recent memo was written by Co-Chair Cavallo
so I'll have him give the most recent report from the School Budget Sub-Committee.
Councilor Cavallo—Thank you Madam President. We did meet as a group five people
were present at the beginning of the meeting, Co-Chair Jill Simpson, myself, Robert
Young, George Bitzas and Joe Mineo, about halfway through the meeting a couple of the
members had to leave and our discussion was had. Other members present were by the
way were four members of the School Committee, staff of the school department as well
and basically the discussion revolved the budgetary cut that was made by the Mayor to
the School Committee budget. That amount was $181,000.00 plus so we decided after
much discussion that maybe it would be in order that maybe we make a compromise with
the Mayor and instead of deleting $181,000.00 plus that we felt in that case would simply
delete $109,000.00 plus and save $72,000.00 to buy the needed text books for the school
system. They seemed to have justified their case as to why the text books were needed,
they were over twelve years,they were torn and tattered and the committee felt that this
•
i
was not really the kind of educational tool that we wanted our children to be using. So
with that having taken place with three members remaining, a motion was made by Mr.
Bitzas to have a letter drafted to the Mayor and to include in that letter the compromise
that she would kindly cut the $108,000.00 and retain the $72,000.00 for the text books. I
later that night drafted the letter,we got it into the hands of the Mayor and the Council
and the Mayor graciously we later found out that she did go along obviously and the
supplemental budget that's coming up two weeks from now, she's going to give the
• $72,000.00 for the textbooks that were cut. So all in all we found that to be a very
favorable meeting, a very favorable outcome for us, it did work. The other meeting,the
first meeting, Jill, I'll turn that to Co-Chair Simpson we met at the Jr. High School public
library - Our first meeting with the School Committee.
Councilor Simpson—We met back in March and I think that's really a mute discussion
because that budget at that time that we had gave tentative approval for tentative
recommendation has now switched over and changed. I think everyone's aware of, as
was just discussed what the changes were, the cuts and now what has been added back
into the budget, hopefully added back into the budget when we approve that or go for
approval of it at our next Council meeting. I'd like to add,just to say that this time
around as always we have good cooperation between the Council and the School
Committee, this time around we had a little bit more intense just being with the fact that
there were some changes after the initial meeting that we had back in March so there was
some good open dialogue and discussion between I know myself and School Committee
members on how to approach this and with their different feelings on it and I welcome
i the fact that hopefully there'll be a positive approval at the next meeting that the text
book items and the video equipment for the High School will be re-instated back in
because out of the additional cuts of$180,000.00 plus those were the three items that I
felt directly had an impact upon the students right within the classroom. I mean naturally
everything was done in the schools and the school budget impacts our children but this is
directly hitting them right in the classroom with the textbooks and equipment that they
need for a specific class up at the high school. So I appreciate the give and take that went
back and forth and the many conversations and time involved in it and like I said
hopefully there'll be the passage of that $72,000.00 at our July meeting. Thank you.
! President Letellier—Thank you. We've heard from all of our sub-committees, do we
have a motion on the budget? Moved by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilors Perry
and Cavallo. Any discussion now within the Council? Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas—Thank you Madam President. In contrast to the Capital Improvement
Budget, I'm very strong in support of the budget as presented. I'm very happy that we
reached compromise with the almost$80,000.00, $82,000.00, for the school books,text
books and the technology equipment for the production and I hope that the majority of
the Council will support the budget. I think it's a good budget in difficult times. Most of
the increases, they were for the raises, there's nothing else to cut and nothing we can do.
We cannot increase the budget; the only power of the Council is to cut. But I don't think
• there's any way we can cut it and if some other Councilors would have an increase, they
have no choice because that's illegal. So I hope the full Council will support. I'm very
•
•
happy that my committee and the other sub-committees, they've sent positive
recommendations. I'm a little bit, a question to Councilor Rossi to explain and tell us the
• reasons they didn't give recommendation and see the minus and plusses because the
committee believed you not send us any recommendations. Is that correct Councilor
Rossi?
Councilor Rossi—That's correct. We did not send any formal recommendation. It's up
to you as a councilor to use your own judgment.
Councilor Bitzas—And you're not going to and you don't have to say a reason...
President Letellier—Councilor Bitzas,this is not a question and answer session among
the Council.
Councilor Bitzas —I hope that committee also will support the full budget. I feel we are
lucky we have very low taxes compared to other towns, we have great services and I will
fully support the budget and I wish the other councilors at least the majority will support
• it. Thank you.
President Letcllier—Thank you. Any other Councilors? Mineo/Simpson?
Councilor Mineo—I want to say that I will be supporting the entire budget. Thank you.
• President Letcllier—Thank you. Councilor Rossi?
Councilor Rossi—Thank you. Yes,there's a great deal of the budget I'm agreeable with
but there are certain portions of the budget that I find a little troubling. First of all I'm
going to address this $72,000.00 that was slashed originally for these text books. Now I
• wasn't privy to all those conversations, I wasn't privy to all of the meetings that were
held between the Council, but I heard that there was some money that was supposed to be
cut in anticipation of fiends and if that funding didn't come through you would have to
present another budget. So I guess two budgets were presented now that's my
understanding. In the second budget, the cuts were $181,000.00 plus as Councilor
Cavallo has said and included in that $181,000.00 was $72,000.00 for textbooks and for
the video equipment for the high school. Now I don't know very much as I said I wasn't
privy to all of the conversations but I would be willing to bet everything that I'd make in
my lifetime that Mayor Dawson did not tell the Superintendent of Schools to cut
$72,000.00 out of the textbooks. I'm sure that she said come back with another budget
that you feel is realistic and one you can live with. Now I think it was up to the
Superintendent of Schools along with the School Committee to decide if in fact at that
time our text books were needed and if they were needed that they should have gone back
into their budget and found another area to cut this $72,000.00 and restore the text books
that was originally cut from them. Now we're faced with coming back and making an
addendum here and adding the $72,000.00 from our stabilization fund. I don't think that
was proper. I don't think that was appropriate. I think the handling of this thing was all
wrong. Letters were sent to the Mayor that amounted to nothing more than extortion in
•
my view. The Mayor was told and I was told by Councilor Bitzas, the one who did it, he
said that there would be Councilors who would vote not in favor of this budget if the
• $72,000.00 was not restored which is not true at least speaking for myself. I don't know
of six councilors who came to me at least and expressed a view that they would not vote
for this budget in anticipation of the $72,000.00 not being restored. I find that very
troubling and I think the School Committee should go back with the Superintendent of
Schools and find some area in the school department budget to cut the $72,000.00 to
make up for the text books if in fact those text books are needed. That's just my opinion.
The other portion that I find troubling is back in February of this year, this Council was
presented with a Resolution to increase contractual obligations that was set up by the
former mayor and submitted to this Council by the present mayor. In February, we did
not get the documentation that this Council deserved to make an intelligent decision
based on the votes that were taken, at least I didn't. I was not aware of the fact the step
tiers and all these other increases were to be provided in that contract. We were told and
even tonight we were told that there was a 3% increase in raises and that's not true, at
least for department heads they got considerably more when you include these tier steps.
I don't think that that was fair. I don't think that was appropriate. So those are the areas
that I have trouble with the budget over here and I think some adjustments should be
made.
President Letellier— Thank you, Councilor Calabrese had the next light.
Councilor Calabrese—Thank you. I think it's important that everyone at home realize
• that we're looking at anywhere from $10,000.00 to close to $40,000.00 in raises for some
of these department heads. And these are salaries which will be factored into pensions
which our children will be paying down the line. I want everyone to be aware of that. I
think it's sad that this budget is top heavy in salaries but as City Councilors we lack the
authority to negotiate these salaries. That authority is vested with the Mayor and if we
approve this budget tonight we are effectively giving our stamp of approval on this
budget and I just want all of the Councilors up here to be aware of that. Thank you.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any other councilor wishing to speak? Last call?
Councilor Rheault?
Councilor Rheault—Yes. I echo most of the sentiments of Councilor Rossi. He and I
have discussed quite a bit of what he stated and to me if those, on the $72,000.00 that's
been a thorn in my side. If in fact those books were so critical to the education of our
children I think it was the responsibility on the school side, when the $181,000.00 was
• presented to be cut, I think it was incumbent on them to go back and find a priority that
was suitable for restoration of that funding. Taking it from the Stabilization Fund is like
taking it out of your savings account and putting it in your check book. Stabilization
Fund years ago was created for construction and emergency situations. I have some
difficulty taking, to me that's the easiest way out—just take it out of your savings account
and put it into your checking account and pay the bill. I'm not so sure that's the most
0 prudent way to do it. The other thing is I've been around as you well know for a long
time and I guess I just quite totally never understood the negotiating process on raises on
i
the department head side and I realize that they are a union and that the Council has some
say,very little say,but when you look in the paper and you see a 3%negotiated raise for
i town employees you're also looking at if in fact these step raises are actual you're
looking at another 3%on top of that. So if some one is making$90,000.00 you're
looking at a 6% raise not a 3%raise which is significant and the poor guy at the bottom is
certainly not inheriting that same increase. The other thing is that I until this year believe
it or not was not aware that the Council once they adopt that salary reserve transfer,they
i are in fact approving the contract for a three year period. Now I'm not so sure that as I
analyze that if in fact on the first year say the raises were given and then we were
approving that contract for a three year period, what happened if on the second or third
year that you added four more steps or four more tiers, I don't see where the Council
would be bound, we wouldn't have any input in that. So there's some things that I'm not
i too comfortable with and I think I need some further clarification on before I can support
it. Thank you.
President Letellier—Councilor Cavallo?
Councilor Cavallo— Yea. I certainly again looked at the budget carefully and I looked
at the notes that were sent to us by our City Solicitor Chris Johnson regarding the pay for
the department heads and the tier structure and so forth and of course I came in in
February this was approved and certainly I think of the way that we or I negotiated with
other School Committee the raises and so forth and the benefits for School Department
employees so I was taken askance and had to realize that on the town side it's a different
• format entirely that the Mayor because of the strong mayor form of charter that we have,
has tremendous and does negotiate with all of the unions. I thought about this quite a bit
then I said to myself you know where would I go with this? I think there isn't much we
can do anymore. I respect Councilor Rheault's thoughts about that issue but really when
you come down to it really it's a done deal based on the legalities and the information
i that we received and I think I'd just rather move ahead. I think I respect the reports from
the other members of the Council, regarding surveying your budgets very carefully and
taking their word for it that they're coming back with a good budget from you. One
comment I'd like to make that Mr. Sparks apparently did take our intake, the committee's
intake, Council rather, and that was to provide a couple maintenance workers for the new
park and I saw that of course in the highlights and I also saw it in your budget and I
commend for having done that cuz that was one of my biggest concerns and you've heard
me speak tonight. I'm very concerned about the parks, that's not the only thing but I kind
of look at that a little bit more closely. So I think at this particular point, having thought
about it carefully, I will support the entire budget.
0 President Letellier—Thank you. Any other Councilor wishing to address the budget?
Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas—Yes. I hope the majority of the Council will support the budget as
presented. It would be irresponsible in my opinion, if any councilor votes down a budget
and shuts down a government for$72,000.00, the disagreement on how we got to the
budget. I think it happens, we have a budget shown to us, the salaries were negotiated
i
before this council,before the new mayor, we've voted for that increases ourselves,
council, if we cut it as a protest because of the increased salaries, do you think any of you
that the department heads are gonna cut their salaries? They will lay off an employee
maybe a single mother maybe...and that's what will happen. So we have no choice. It's
easy to say no to a budget to find some way, some reasons, but should they really be
valid. I think we have a solid budget and I hope the majority of the Council will support
it and let's move our town forward to the right directions. Thank you.
•
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Rheault?
Councilor Rheault—Yea. Just to clarify a point, the government will NOT shut down if
this council rejects the budget. That's a scare tactic. General Law provides that the
budget goes on by 1/12 per month basis.
President Letellier—Thank you. Any other discussion? Just as a point of information,
we did ask the City Solicitor for clarification with regard to various collective bargaining
units and it is very clear from the memo from the City Solicitor and from the Auditor and
we already knew that the Mayor has the sole authority to enter into contracts, has the sole
authority for collective bargaining and that once the Mayor and the Collective Bargaining
Agent have signed those contracts, we must fund them. We have no choice, whether we
agree or not, we don't have any authority in that regard. With regard to budget itself, we
can make cuts,we cannot add, we cannot transfer. So with that in mind, any further
discussion? I'm going to read the budget Resolution into the record.
•
WHEREAS, Under the provisions of Chapter 44,Section 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws
and Section 5-1 of Article 5 of the Agawam Home Rule Charter, the proposed FY2009 Annual Operating
Budget was submitted on May 13, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Under the provisions of Section 5-2(a) of Article 5 of the Charter, a public hearing on
the proposed annual operating budget and the capital improvement program was held on June 16, 2008,
notice thereof having been published in one issue of the Agawam Advertiser/News, a newspaper published
and of general circulation in the Town of Agawam more than fourteen(14) days before such hearing; and
WHEREAS, It is in the best interests ofthe Town of Agawam to adopt the attached Fiscal Year
2009 Annual Operating Budget; and
NOW THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS.
1. That pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws and Article 5 of
the Agawam Home Rule Charter, the Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 which begins July 1,
2008, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, is hereby adopted, and the
S several sums therein set forth to be raised by the levy of a tax upon all taxable property within the
corporate limits of the Town of Agawam, Massachusetts, all other funds and receipts are hereby
appropriated for the several purposes therein stated.
2. The Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Operating Budget is adopted according to the departmental and line
item categories contained therein. Said adoption allowing administrative transfer of funds from any line
item within any category of any departmental or the line item budget to any other line item within the same
category
of the same departmental or line item budget.
3. There is hereby appropriated in the Line Item-Contributory Retirement an appropriation to the
• credit of the Hampden County Retirement Board to satisfy the Town of Agawam's share of the Pension and
Expense Credit Funds.
4. Consideration has been given for anticipated receipt of funds from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts for street reconstruction purposes as set forth in the Highway portion of the budget which is
attached hereto.
5. In addition to any specific appropriation, revolving,gift andgrani funds are hereby established
under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, S 3 and Chapter 44 S 53A,S 53D and S 53 E112 for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, with the specific receipts credited to each fund, the purposes for which
each fund may be spent and the maximum amount that may be spent from each fund for the fiscal year, as
described in Exhibit A.
40 6. There is hereby appropriated all money from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United
States of America, as well as,from any grants or donations received for public purposes.
7. There is hereby appropriated all money received from the interest income on short term
investments including the interest earned on funds in interest bearing bank accounts.
8. That the Assessor use not more than$2,000,000 of"Certified Free Cash"to reduce the Fiscal
2009 Tax Rate.
9. The Agawam City Council hereby resolves, authorizes and appropriates$276,914 from the
Agawam Water Fund Balance, account 60100-31510, to Fund Balance Appropriations, account 60110-
48500.
# 10. The Agawam City Council hereby resolves, authorizes and appropriates$141,000 fiom the
Agawam Municipal Golf Course Retained Earnings, account 65200-31510 to Fund Balance
Appropriations, account 65210-48500.
11. The Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Operating Budget for the Town of Agawam is hereby adopted as
follows:
i
GENERAL OPERA TING B UDGET
Council $ 166,688
Mayor $ 293,505
Administration Building $ 460,222
• Law Department $ 126,600
Auditor $ 139,085
ClerkJElections $ 238,501
Assessor $ 246,263
Data Processing $ 215,437
Treasurer/Collector $ 318,682
• Police Department $ 4,148,276
Fire Department $ 3,286,785
Inspection Services $ 262,987
Health Department $ 552,092
Community Development $ 138,366
Library $ 975,157
Parks&Recreation $ 167,001
• Council on Aging $ 341,937
DPW Administration $ 78,121
Highway&Grounds $ 1,850,751
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Motor Vehicle Maintenance $ 632,586
Engineering $ 233,022
Building Maintenance $ 3,694,813
Agawam Public Schools $ 33,989,637
Emergency Management $ 33,550
Line Items $ 16,897,247
TOTAL-GEN. OPERATING BUDGET $ 69,487,311
SELF SUSTAINING DEPARTMENTS
Wastewater Department $ 2,929,074
Wastewater Capital Improvement Budget 47,174
TOTAL- WASTEWATER $ 2,976,248
• Water Department $ 3,185,368
Water Capital Improvement Budget 31,530
TOTAL- WATER $ 3,216,898
Golf Course 5 904.,873
Golf Course Equipment $ 31,100
TOTAL-GOLF $ 935,973
•
TOTAL-SELF SUSTAINING DEPTS $ 7,129,119
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET $ 998,887
TOTAL-ALL DEPARTMENTS $ 77,615,317
12. There is hereby levied upon all taxable property within the corporate limits of the Town of
Agawam, Massachusetts upon each dollar of assessed value thereof, taxes in an amount to be determined.
13. The following available funds are transferredlappropriated for use in the Fiscal Year 2009 Annual
Operating Budget to help reduce the tax burden:
• Ambulance Fees $ 50,000
14. Authorize the Western Hampden District Veteran's Service to exceed its assessment limitation by
$3,762.28(Agawam's share)pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 59, Section 20B.
• President Letellier—Do we have any final discussion? Barbara, could you call the roll?
A yes vote is to approve the budget as printed, six votes are needed.
ROLL CALL—7 Yes, 4 No(Councilors Calabrese, Rheault,Rossi, and Young)
President Letellier—With a vote of seven yes, four no, you've approved the 2009 Fiscal
• Year Budget. We thank the department heads for coming and the Mayor for her
presentation. Thank you. The Council still has some Old Business remaining but we'll
give the room a moment to clear out.
Item 10. Old Business
•
1, TOR_2008-1 - Ordinance Amending Section 49-7 of the Code of the Town
of Agawam to change the Title of"Council^Clerk"to"Administrative
•
Assistant to the C►ty Council"(Councils(1{3) (Maiorify of those present and
vofing2
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President Letellier—We've already changed it in the Rules in a prior vote this evening.
Now we're changing it in the Ordinances. Moved by Councilor Simpson, seconded by a
whole bunch of people, Councilors Cavallo, Rossi,Rheault, Calabrese,Messick, etc.
Any discussion? No? Seeing none, Barbara, could you call the roll?
ROLL CALL— l l Yes, 0 No.
President Letellier— With eleven yes, you've passed the first of three readings of the
Ordinance change.
• 2. TO-2008-22 - Transfer-$53,680.42 from Reserve Fund (16605-57300)to
Court Judgments 11512-52194 Ma or Ma or' of-Full Council—6 votes
President Letellier—Do we have a motion? Moved by Councilors Rossi and Simpson,
seconded by Councilor Cavallo. Any discussion? Yes, Councilor Rossi?
•
Councilor Rossi--Thank you. I would like to say that this $53,680.00 does not
represent in total what we owe. And I would like to personally thank Mayor Cohen for
getting us here because this $53,000.00 added to the $644,000.00 already sent to the
DOR for approval goes up to something like $688,000.00 which could have probably
been settled for next to nothing. So to Mayor Cohen wherever you are here's
$688,000.00 credited to you.
President Letellier—Any other discussion? Hard to follow that. Barbara, could you
please call the roll? Six votes are needed.
ROLL CALL— 11 Yes, 0 No.
President Letellier—With eleven yes, we've approved the transfer. All of the remaining
items are New Business.
• Item 11.New Business
1. TO-2008-23 - Order Grantine or Renewing a LICENSE for Automatic
Amusement Device s —Six Fla s New En land 1623 Main Street Agawam,
MA. (Clerk) (Majority of those present and voting)
President Letellier—That's to go to the Licensing Committee. Next agenda.
2. TR-2008-40 -A Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation of Seventy-
Two Thousand $72 000.00 Dollars from the Stabilization Fund to the Fiscal
Year 2009 Textbooks and Equipment Account. (Mayor) (Maiority ofthose
• present and votinz)
President Letellier--Next agenda.
•
3. TO-2008-25 -Transfer of$2 804.50 from Line Items Reserve Fund
(16605-57300)to Council Professional Services (11112-52190)(Council)
(Majofq of full council or six votes
President Letellier—Next agenda.
4. TO-2008-26 -Voucher List($540.00) (Majority of those present and voting)
President Letellier—Next agenda.
5. TO-2008-27 -Transfer-$56 236.76 from Line Items—Salary Reserve
16605-57350 Ma or Q!LaLority o those present and votingl
President Letellier—I'm going to have the Finance Committee look at that transfer.
6. TO-2008-28 -Transfer-_$59,756.40 from Line Items—Salary Reserve
16605-57350 (Mayor) Maori o those Present and votin
President Letellier—Again,next agenda and have the Finance Committee look at that.
7. TO-2008-29 -Transfer-$63,310.37 from Line Items -Reserve Fund
(16605-57300) (Mayor) (Ma'ority of those present and voting)
President Letellier---Next agenda. Finance Committee.
8. TO-2008-30 -Transfer-$25 11.22 from Line Items—SaIaEy Reserve
(16605-57350)Mayor) (Malodi E of those present and votingl
President Letellier—Finance Committee. Next agenda.
Councilor Young—President Letellier?
President Letellier—Yes?
Councilor Young—Point of Information? Could I request for the Finance Committee
copies of all of the Collective Bargaining Agreements that pertain to the TO-2008-27
through 31 that we will be reviewing?
President Letellier—Why don't you send a memo to the Clerk and I'll have her collect
whatever you need?
Clerk—We just, I did talk to the Solicitor and he was going to put together a Memo with
any changes or amendments that were made in those but I guess the actual agreement
isn't available yet, for a while?
Councilor Young—Well, I would respectfully say since now that we've learned that
when we vote on these we ratify these agreements I think it would be highly
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inappropriate and certainly I would be unwilling to vote on anything that I couldn't see
every word of and I so I don't know how we could possibly move forward without that
given the severity of what we're agreeing to.
Clerk- Do you want to talk? (to Cheryl St. John, City Auditor) (off microphone)
Councilor Young-Well, I think we need to see those before we can agree on anything
• or approve those so...
President Letellier—And I would remind the Solicitor and the Auditor and the Mayor
that these need to be approved by July 15'h so if you want us to approve them on July 7a'
it would behoove you to get us the agreements.
•
President Letellier——Madam President? Would that be just for the Finance Committee? I
think all of us should have a copy. Each should have individual copies.
President Letellier—We should all have the copies. Yes, absolutely. Absolutely.
9. TO-2008-31 -Transfer-$25,625.95 from Line Items—Reserve Fund
16605-57300 and$20 248.50 from Line Items—Salary Reserve 16605-
57350) {Mayor} (Majority of yresent and votin
President Letellier—Finance Committee. Next agenda.
• 10. T_O-2008-32 -Transfer-$31,250.00_from Line Items—Reserve Fund
(16605-57300)to Capital Improvements—School Street Park(16610-58930).
(Mayor)WaLority o those Present and votin
President Letellier—I'm gonna send that to the Finance Committee and also the Park&
Rec Sub-Committee. Councilor Bitzas I believe that's your committee. Next agenda.
I 1 TR-2008-41 -A_Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation and Loan
Order in the Amount of$300 000.00 for the Repair,Reconstruction or
Replacement of the Sanitary Sewer Force Main Crossing of the Westfield
• River in the Town of Agawam. (Mayor)O! aiority of those present and
votin
President Letellier— That's next agenda. I understand that there was a recent sewer
leak. I'm sure we'll be getting more information about that as well.
• Item 12.Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council
President Letellier— We'll start with Councilor Perry. I believe you're first this
meeting.
Councilor Perry—The only thing I have this evening is I failed to thank my Committee
members on the budget, Joe and Jill, thank you very much for all your efforts. I
appreciate it. Thank you.
0
s
President Letellier— Thank you. Councilor Messick?
Councilor Messick--One thing that wasn't really spoken about and I, being new to this
whole process I wasn't sure whether it was appropriate to speak about it earlier, but I'm
gonna say something now. One of the things that is in every department of this budget
and especially in the ones that we were talking about—highways and DPW and Building
Maintenance—is the cost of our fuel and our energy—heating, electricity, lighting. This
is something that the Town, every department head and the Council and the Schools,
everybody needs to get on board starting to look at reducing the costs for our energy use
because I don't know about you guys but I have driven by so many of our public
buildings and the lights are blazing because there are two guys in there cleaning. That's
! not what we need to be doing. Also, we need to be looking at the fuel use, the trips out
and trips in, I'll be taking a really hard look at that because there was money put into this
budget I know by some of the department heads that we spoke with and we're guessing
as far as how much of a cushion we need for this and I suspect by the end, by the time
we're sitting here next year, we're gonna find out that that wasn't enough money. So this
« is an initiative that actually I'm working on with some of the other groups in town and
we're gonna be starting to take a look at that. And I'd like the Council to become
involved and I'll let you know more details about it as the whole concept becomes more
clear but I think that's something we should seriously be taking a look at as far as
budgeting. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Bitzas?
Councilor Bitzas —Nothing this evening.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Young?
•
Councilor Young—Thank you. I guess similar to Councilor Perry, I'd like to thank my
committee members but a special thanks to our City Auditor, Cheryl St. John, for all of
her help and our Administrative Assistant, Barbara Bard, for all her great work in support
of the Finance Committee and all the other committees and wouldn't get out all those
memos and minutes without them and all the background information has been helpful.
Also a special note of commendation to the Agawam Middle School Music Teacher, Mr.
Scherpa, whether you know it or not, they've been working it seems like years on this
band room here. You know we always sit around the equipment here so every time and
sometimes several times a day, to have band practice here in the auditorium, Mr. Scherpa
* all by himself, moves the equipment in and then when they have a formal meeting like
this or if one of our State Senators like they did recently in the Spring decides to come
and do an event here, he's gotta move all the equipment out and then back in to teach. So
you could imagine what kind of work effort that calls for and I'm sure that's not in his
contract, you know, it wasn't built into any of his raises that he got. But also again, think
about the time that takes away from preparing for your children's education or
conducting classrooms so I'm sure that story goes on and on but I would like to thank
him. He's done an exceptional job with the kids here and I would like to thank him.
Thank you.
President LeteIlier-- Thank you. Councilor Simpson?
Councilor Simpson—Thank you. One brief thing I'd like to say congratulations to the
graduation Class of 2008. The ceremony was wonderful. I'm a little prejudice because
my son graduated but they did a great job. The class was really full of life and full of
spirit during the graduation ceremony and it was a great thing to see. So congratulations
to all of them and I wish them all the best of luck in their upcoming endeavors starting
this summer or the fall. Thank you.
President LetelIier—Thank you. Councilor Mineo?
Councilor Mineo—Nothing tonight.
President LetelIier—Thank you. Councilor Cavallo?
Councilor Cavallo—Yea. I'd just like to say I attended the graduation ceremony as well
and it was well done. That they did finish in a couple of hours which is great but it was
nice and cool in there. The air conditioner was on and it was very, very comfortable. So
again, congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2008.
! President Letellier--Thank you. Councilor Rossi?
Councilor Rossi—Yes, thank you. I would like to say thank you to Councilor Mineo
and Councilor Rheault for their participation in helping us out and all the Councilors who
attend these meetings because they are very long hours. It takes a lot out of your personal
time, your family time, to go to these meetings and sit there and try to make some sound
judgments on such things as important as the budget. The other thing I'd like to thank
my colleagues for finding the wisdom and the value of this Resolution for supporting the
Friends of Robinson State Park. I think that Robinson State Park is a godsend to the
community and I just think that this would be a basis for bigger and better things and
hopefully we can expand this into some real family participation where we can get some
education not only for the preservation, protection but to educate our younger people as
to what great natural resources we have done there. So again, I want to thank you people
for supporting that endeavor and also just to touch on what Councilor Messick said
earlier about the energy savings that we could have. Maybe we should start looking at
the vehicle usage and leaving some of those vehicles in the Town yard. I know there's a
lot of people that take these vehicles back and forth and a lot of our department heads and
other employees who use these vehicles don't even live in Agawam anymore. And I
don't know about other members on the Committee here but I see vehicles all of this
region not just in the area but I mean I've seen them all over the place and it's kind of
disturbing. And I thought that these people took them home for some reason but I see no
! emergency purposes for some of these department heads to even take them home so I
think maybe that's something we probably could look at and save hundreds of thousands
of dollars a year especially at $4.00 a gallon!
President Letellier— and counting!
Councilor Rossi—and counting!
President Letellier—Councilor Rheault?
Councilor Rheault—And let's stop counting! I would like to because of I think that
learning process that we all learned regarding the ratification of contracts by virtue of
transfers, I would think that and I don't want to impose any more work than you already
have Cheryl, but 1 would think that as our Auditor that it would be incumbent or very
nice of you to alert us when a contract is being funded if there are tiers being added or
any knowledge that you may have to share with us which makes our job a little easier to
either support or reject it because from my discussion with the attorney we can not ratify
a contract and they have to go back to negotiations and the time to do it is at the time of
the transfer. And the last thing I do want to do is,today is my wife's birthday and I want
to wish her a Happy Birthday!
Councilor Rossi—Happy Birthday Joan!
President Letellier—I have nothing to add. A couple of points in terms of what's been
said around the table. I have spoken to prior mayors about this car use and once again I
was told that it was contractual and the Council has no say when it's in the contract when
somebody gets to bring a car home so again, I will again look into that. And I will ask
the MMA for further clarification in regard to does the Council have the option of
ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreement or not? I thought that the Solicitor made it
clear that once the Mayor signs it it's done but I will get some clarification from the
MMA if I can before the July 7 h meeting. Cheryl?
Cheryl St. John, City Auditor—It's my understanding...
Councilor Rossi—Do you want to use the microphone please Cheryl?
President Letellier—Yes, our Auditor is still here. Thank you Cheryl.
City Auditor—My interpretation of the law if you don't fund the initial first year of the
contract,the first transfer to fund the first year that it has to go back to collective
bargaining so you do have the final say.
President Letellier—Can you send something out to us with a copy of the statute that
would support that?
City Auditor—Yes. I mentioned it in my memo that I gave to you.
President Letellier—Yea. But I'd like...
City Auditor—But I can. Okay.
President Letellier—Okay, thank you.
City Auditor—You're welcome.
Councilor Cavallo—Madam President? I know what you're saying it's contractual and
all that but Bob just mentioned about this poor guy over here trying to run a band
program and you know it's not in his contract that he has to move all this. I think
sometimes we need to bite the bullet here, contractual or not, I mean we're looking at
some costly ventures and I think they are getting a decent pay and does everybody have
to bring a car-- I mean I can see the Fire Chief and the Police Chief but you know after
that I mean, we have emergency personnel but I mean where do you go after that? I
mean should it be a sharing thing?
• President Letellier—I will re-inquire. I haven't inquired of this mayor yet but I will re-
inquire.
Councilor Rossi—Going after the contracts it's what I tried to say earlier in I agree that
that portion of the negotiations and that's what I was trying to say to the Mayor earlier. I
know the Cohen entered into those contract negotiations and we allowed him as a
Council to enter into those agreements and that's okay. But when he sent that or it was
Mayor Dawson who sent that to this Council for review, we should have had all the
information necessary for us to understand that those raises included tier changes and that
those things no longer were in our Ordinances as they once were as you all know that our
department heads formed a bargaining union and they were authorized through the state
• because it was mutually agreed upon between the Town and the State that they could
collectively bargain, once they did that they pulled it out of our Ordinances so they
removed all of that stuff from our Code books so we don't have privy to any of that
information and that's all I said earlier. Contract negotiate if you will but send to this
Council so we can intelligently digest that information and let the decision that they're
funded or send them back to contract negotiations. We did not have that opportunity to
do that back in February and that's my point. And that's what disturbs me here.
President Letellier— So Cheryl you'll get us all the existing Collective Bargaining
Agreements that you can find and also the pending ones as well?
# City Auditor—Yes.
President Letellier—Thank you. Councilor Calabrese?
Councilor Calabrese—Most of you have returned evaluations and I want to thank you
for that. If you do have an evaluation that you still need to complete and give them to
me, feel free, you still have time to do that. So I just wanted to put that out there. And
w
also, Barbara, I had a call from a constituent that has a question for the department for the
DPW and involves the end of the sewer line on Liberty Street. Every year this person has
• a sewer back up into their basement and it's right at the end where it goes from sewer to
septic and I guess the question is is there a pump there or is there some sort of other piece
of equipment that can be used at that particular location to prevent this from happening in
the future because apparently it's a chronic problem and she wasn't quite sure where to
turn so, I told her I'd pass it along and see if we could get a resolution.
•
Councilor Mineo—Do you want me to look into that?
Councilor Calabrese—That would be great Joe, yes, if you would, thank you.
Councilor Mineo—Where was it?
Councilor Calabrese—It's on Liberty Street, right before the end of Liberty Street, so I
can give you more details about that. And that's all I have for tonight.
Councilor Mineo--Please.
President Letellier—I just want to thank everyone for working so hard on the budget
sub-committees. Thanks Barbara for setting up the meetings and taking the initiative to
save the days and the nights at some places. I think this was a good meeting and I think
we've got a lot more work to be done and like Don said we're constantly learning,
constantly learning. With that, do we have a motion to adjourn? Moved by Councilor
Rossi and Calabrese, seconded, all in favor say Ay? Opposed? Thank you for a good
evening.
Adjournment
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