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CC MTG MINUTES JANUARY 7 2013 REGULAR MEETING OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL i Minutes dated January 7, 20-11 President Johnson — I'd call the meeting to order. Item 1. Moll Call President Johnson — I'd ask Barbara to call the roll please? ROLL CALL — 10 PRESENT, 1 ABSENT {Councilor Letellier} President Johnson — With ten present, we have a quorum. Councilor Letellier is under the weather this evening and sent a text earlier saying she couldn't make it. Item 2. Moment of Silence and the Ple&e of Allegiance. President Johnson — I'd ask everyone to rise for a moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance please? Item 3. Citizen's Speak Time President Johnson — We have two individuals wishing to address the Council. The first ! is Janine lacolo. Janine Iacolo — Good evening. My name is Janine lacolo and I live at 95 Park Edge Drive in heeding Hills. I'm here this evening to personally invite you to the kick-off for the Relay for Life which will take place at the Agawam Public Library on January 30th at • 6:00. Our first year with the Relay for Life of Agawam was a huge success as I reported before we had a great turn out. We had 317 participants. We lit over 400 luminaria and we celebrated 35 survivors with a goal of$30,000. I'm very proud to stand here today to say that we raised over $47,000 for our first year and we did it with five months lead time and a very small group of volunteers dedicated to the fight against cancer. We expect year two to be bigger and better than ever before. Our committee is growing. We're reaching out to more survivors and we have a new goal $60,000. I have a little lump in my throat about that one but I'm sure we'll do fine and we'll need everyone on board to help us reach this goal. So we're asking you to join us for the kick-off again on January 30" at 6:00 at the Agawam Public Library to get ready for our Relay which will take ! place May 17"' and 18`h at the Agawam High School track. You may not be aware but there are an estimated 40,000 new cases of cancer in Massachusetts just last year with approximately 13,000 cancer-related deaths. Cancer knows no boundaries. It does not discriminate against race, color, gender or socio-economic classes. We all know someone who has been affected by this horrible disease. Improved treatment has helped more and more people fight and beat cancer. Relay for Life events like ours help make this possible. Relay for Life raises funds not just for research though, the Hope Lodge which we have two of in the State of Massachusetts provides free lodging for those who 1 ! are in treatment and also for their families to stay — one in Worcester is the closest to us. Road to Recovery provides free rides to and from treatment for those who can't drive themselves or don't have someone to drive them and Reach to Recovery matches volunteers with breast cancer patients to help them through the ups and downs of their experience. These are just a few of the opportunities for cancer patients all around the country but also here in Massachusetts that are offered by the American Cancer Society and someone is always on hand at the American Cancer Society hotline — 24 hours a day to listen, to answer questions or to talk to. I hope none of us ever have to use 1-800-227- 2345 but if you do, there's someone always there and I recommend that you put that number in your phone so that you have it with you at all times. Why do Agawam and surrounding communities relay? We received this amazing opportunity last January. We relay to celebrate the successes of survivors like Kathy Morace and Bob Alves who have waged battles against cancer and won. We remember those we have lost like my brother • Jan Sadowski who fought so valiantly for 17 years against brain cancer and we fight back so that we will hopefully never have a loved one or ourselves hear the words "you have cancer". We fight back for those going through treatment currently like my friend Amy Torrez who is fighting lung cancer. Consider joining us on Wednesday, January 30th, at the Agawam Public Library to help us reflect on the success of the Relay for Life • Agawam 2012 and to help us get ready for 2013. Help us celebrate more birthdays. I hope to see you there. Thank you. President Johnson — Thank you Janine and on behalf of the Council, good luck with the Relay this year and great job with it last. Next is Gary Suffriti, Gary Suffriti -- Hi. I'm Gary Suffriti, 228 Adams Street. I'm'here tonight to ask for your positive vote for reappointment to the Board of Appeals and if when it comes up on the Agenda if you have any questions or concerns you want to ask me, I'd be happy to answer them. Thank you. President Johnson —Thank you Gary. Item 4. Minutes • 1. Regular Council Meeting—December 17, 2012 President Johnson — Is there a Motion to approve? Moved by Councilor Cavallo, seconded by Councilor Rheault. Questions or discussion about the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say Ay? Opposed? It's unanimous. • Item S. Declaration from Council President President Johnson —Just a brief declaration from Council President because I see out in our audience and I want to extend our greetings to a long-time former member of the Council and a long-time Police Officer here in the Town of Agawam, Ed Borgatti, who's sitting in the back so I know the cameras can't pan around to see Ed but I just wanted to wish Ed Happy New Year and thanks for stopping in at the meeting. 2 • • • Item 6. Presentation of Petitions Memorials& Remonstrances 1. TR-2012-57 - A Resolution Confirming the Reappointment of Dean Godek, 24 Cedar Knoll Drive, Feeding Hills, MA to the Agawam Municipal Golf Commission for a Term Expiring on December 31, 2015 (Mayor) • President Johnson — Is there a Motion? Moved by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilor Rheault. Questions or discussion on the item? Seeing none, all those in favor say Ay? Any opposed? Please note my abstention for the record. • VOICE VOTE — 9 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSTENTION (Councilor Johnson) and 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) 2. TR-2012-58 - A Resolution Opposing Legislation Allowing for 9C State Cuts to Local Aid (Referred to Legislative Committee) (Councilor Bitzas) President Johnson — Prior to the report, is there a Motion on TR-2012-58? Moved by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilors Calabrese and Cavallo. At this point, the Chair would turn to Councilor Mineo for a report from the Finance, oh, sorry, to Councilor Cichetti of the Legislative Committee. Councilor Cichetti — We met before the last meeting, the Legislative Committee did, and we all showed positive support for this and we all agreed to be actually co-sponsors with also Councilor Bitzas being the sponsor. Thank you. • President Johnson -- Questions or discussion on TR-2012-58? All those in favor say Ay? Any opposed? It's unanimous. We'll amend the resolution to reflect the entire Legislative Sub-Committee along with Councilor Bitzas as the sponsors of the Legislation. Councilor Bitzas--That's fine. 3. TR-2012-59 - A Resolution Confirming the Reappointment of Anthony Pioggia III, 20 Sharon Lane, Feeding Hills, MA 01030 to the Agawam Municipal Golf Commission for a Term Expiring on • December 31, 2015 (Mayor) President Johnson — Is there a Motion? Motion made by Councilor Cavallo, seconded by Councilor Cichetti. Questions or discussion on the reappointment? Seeing none, all those in favor say Ay? Opposed? It's unanimous. • a • • 4. TR-2012-60 - A Resolution Authorizing the Community Preservation Committee to Spend $23,992.79 for the Borgatti Field Renovations (Referred to Finance Committee) (CPA Committee) President Johnson — Is there a Motion to approve? Moved by Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilor Rossi. This matter was referred to the Finance Sub-Committee — Councilor Mineo? Councilor Mineo — Yes we met tonight and we voted in favor of this 3-0. I do want to mention a couple things about the building that's being, the building. Gary Suffriti is going to be installing the roof and he's going to be donating the materials and I want to thank Gary for that and the Men's Softball League is donating $15,000 and we're appropriating $23,992.79 for Borgatti Field and again we voted 3-0 to pass this. • President Johnson --Are there questions or discussion? Councilor Bitzas? Councilor Bitzas — Yes, Mr. President, I do support that, the grant, the money. The parks need to be taken care of We have so many other parks, this Council should look • into it and spend this money that CPA has already in the bank and it can't be any better used than for that. So I'm glad and I hope the Full Council supports that. Thank you. President Johnson — Councilor Rheault? • Councilor Rheault— Yes, I'd just like to pay a note of thanks to Aldo for sending a very detailed picture and line item detail which is long overdue when we get information it leaves to me actually very little question when you get excellent information like this. President Johnson --Councilor Rossi? Councilor Rossi — Yes, thank you. I just wanted to echo Don's sentiments there and send out my appreciation to Aldo Mancini and his group of people. Without their dedication, things like this would never take place. I just hope that maybe you could find the time, you and your people, to maybe continue on with some other parks. I know it's probably asking a lot Aldo, but great job and I really appreciate it on behalf of everyone ! hereon the Council. Good job! President Johnson — I don't know which light came on first so I'll try Councilor Magovern then Mineo. • Councilor Magovern — Again, just re-echo thank you Gary Suffriti for the donation of your materials and again it's the volunteerism of Agawam which I've said many times makes our town so great and the association which is putting up the extra money and Aldo for all of your hard work and again I think that Borgatti Field is aptly named after an Agawam hero so again thank you for everything that the Borgattis have done. President Johnson —Councilor Mineo? 4 • • Councilor Minco — I'd just like to thank Aldo too. Thank you so much for everything • that you've done for this and Gary, you too. It's very nice. Gary Suffriti—It's all Aldo. Councilor Mineo —I know but you're doing a lot of the work so thank you. President Johnson—Councilor Cavallo? Councilor Cavallo —Does this go all the way back Aldo to the days when we played the over forty softball league? Yeah, that's a long time ago. I can recall when Aldo ran that league and I made an abrupt exit after a few years. I just couldn't keep up with • everybody but you've really done a great job and I really appreciate what you gave me tonight and as other gentlemen have said, there aren't too many people that give up the time that you've given up and now that you've retired you have more on your hands and like Councilor Rossi said, maybe you'll find some other things to do along the way but again congratulations. Gary, also to you accolades for your contribution. • President Johnson — Any others? Seeing none, all those in favor say Ay? Any opposed? It's unanimous. 5. TR-2012-61 - A Resolution Accepting a Grant from the • Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of conservation and Recreation pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A for the Agawam Department of Public 'Works (Referred to Finance Committee) (Mayor) President Johnson — Is there a Motion to approve? Moved by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilor Cavallo. This item was referred to the Finance Committee, Councilor Mineo? Councilor Mineo — This was given a positive recommendation. We voted 3-0 to pass • this tonight. President Johnson —Any other questions or discussion? Councilor Rheault? No? Just for the public's information, it's a $50,000 grant that will be utilized for public tree pruning, trimming and removal of damaged trees and limbs that were damaged during last year's storm. Seeing no further lights, all those in favor of TR-2012-61 say Ay? Any opposed? It's unanimous. 6. TR-2012-62 - A Resolution Amending TR-2008-48 as amended by TR-2010-05 to authorize the Use of Funds for a Septic Improvement Loan Program (Mayor) • 5 • • President Johnson — Given the results of our workshop last month, the Chair would entertain a Motion to table this item indefinitely? Motion made by Councilor Calabrese, seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Perry. No discussion on tabling motions. All in favor of tabling TR-2012-62 indefinitely say Ay? Any opposed? The matter is tabled indefinitely. 7. TR-2012-64 - A Resolution re-authorizing the Application and Acceptance of a Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Construction of School Street Park, School Street/River Road, Agawam, MA (Referred to Finance Committee) (Mayor) President Johnson —Is there a Motion to approve TR-2012-64? Councilor Bitzas —So moved. President Johnson —Is there a second? • Councilor Rheault— Second. Councilor Rossi—Mr. President, I would make a Motion to table this item. President Johnson — I was going to ask to get a Motion and a second and then we'll refer it to Councilor Mineo for his report. So we have a Motion made by Councilor Bitzas, seconded by Councilor Rheault. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee. I would ask Councilor Mineo for his report. Again, your light? Councilor Mineo — We had made a recommendation to table this item 4-0. Normally, no no 3-1 was TR-2012-62, it was 4-0 on TR-2012-64, normally with these types of items, we've got two of them here, that should have been put on the Agenda together and we have one that's gonna be on the next Agenda so we made a Motion to table this to the next meeting so we could tie the two in together. President Johnson — So the Chair will take that as a Motion to table TR-2012-64 until our next meeting. Is there a second to that? Councilor Bitzas—Before we table, can we discuss it before we table? President Johnson --No, there's no discussion on a tabling Motion.. • Councilor Bitzas —But there was no second. President Johnson — We have the Motion made by Councilor Mineo, seconded by Councilors Rossi and Magovern. Since the Chair's in doubt, I'll ask Barbara to call the • roll. The Motion is to table TR-2012-64 until our next meeting. If you're in favor of tabling, vote yes. If you're opposed, vote no. 6 • • ROLL CALL — 10 YES, 0 NO, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) • President Johnson — With a vote of ten yes, we've tabled TR-2012-64 to our next Agenda. Item 7. Re ort of Council Committees • None. Item 8. Elections 1. TE-2013-1 - Election of Auditor (Council) • President Johnson —Are there any nominations? Councilor Rheault—I nominate Cheryl St. John. President Johnson — We have a nomination made by Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilor Mineo or Rossi, was it Rossi, of Cheryl St. John. Any other nominations? Seeing none — Councilor Calabrese —Move to close nominations. President Johnson— We have a Motion to close nominations by Councilor Calabrese. Is there a second? Seconded by Councilor Rossi. All in favor of closing nominations say Ay? Opposed? It's unanimous. Nominations are closed. I'd ask Barbara to call the roll. We have before us the name of Cheryl St. John for the position of Auditor. ROLL CALL— 10 CHERYL ST. JOHN, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) President Johnson — With ten votes, Cheryl St. John has been reappointed or re-elected as Auditor. 2. TE-2013-2 - Election of Administrative Assistant (Council) President Johnson —Are there any nominations? Councilor Mineo—Barbara Bard. • President Johnson — We have the name of Barbara Bard placed in nomination by Councilor Mineo, seconded by Councilor Magovern. Councilor Rheault—Move to close nominations. • 7 • President Johnson — We have a Motion to close nominations by Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilor Cavallo. All in favor of closing nominations say Ay? Any • opposed? ROLL CALL— 10 BARBARA BARD, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) President Johnson — We've re-elected Barbara Bard as Administrative Assistant to the Council. Congratulations to both Barbara and Cheryl who are both here this evening on • their re-election. 3. TE-2013-3 - Election of a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a Term Expiring January 1, 2016 (Council) • Councilor Rheault—Move to nominate Gary Suffriti? President Johnson — We have a Motion made by Councilor Rheault, seconded by Councilor Mineo to place the name of Gary Suffriti in nomination. • Councilor Cavallo—Second. President Johnson — We have a second second by Councilor Cavallo. Councilor Cavallo — Well the lights still on... • President Johnson — That's why I recognized the second second. We have a Motion to close nominations by Councilor Magovern, seconded by Councilor Mineo. All in favor of closing nominations say Ay? Any opposed? We have the name of Gary Suffriti in nomination. I'd ask Barbara to call the roll on the election to the ZBA member? • ROLL CALL — 10 GARY SUFFRITI, 1 ABSENT (Councilor Letellier) President Johnson — With ten votes, congratulations Gary, you've been re-elected to the Board of Appeals. Gary Suffriti—Thank you! Item 9. Public Hearings 1. PH-2013-1 (TR-2012-63) -A Resolution Authorizing the Application • and Acceptance of a Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant - Public Hearing Set for January 22, 2013 (Mayor) President Johnson—I'd ask Barbara to publish that in the newspaper as required. • 8 • • Item 10. Old Business 1. TO-2012-58 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device(s) —The Quest Inc. d/bla Michael Anthony's, 1251 River Road, Agawam, MA (Referred to Administrative Committee) (Clerk) President Johnson — Also TO-2012-59- An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device(s) — Ray-Mor Inc d/b/a The Elbow, those are the two Automatic Amusement Device Licenses. The Chair would entertain a Motion to approve those two items? Moved by Councilor Rossi, seconded by Councilor Bitzas. I would refer now to Councilor Rossi as Chair of the Admin Committee for a report on those two items. Councilor Rossi — Thank you Mr. President. The Committee met this evening prior to this Council meeting and voted unanimously to send a positive recommendation for both items 2012-59 and 2012-59. • President Johnson — Questions or discussion on either the Automatic Amusement Device License renewals? Seeing none, all those in favor of TO-2012-58 and -59 say Ay? Any opposed? It's unanimous. 2. TO-2012-59 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for an Automatic Amusement Device(s) — Ray-Mor Inc d/b/a The Elbow, 386 Walnut Street Ext., Agawam, MA (Referred to Administrative Committee) (Clerk) President Johnson — See Item ##1. 3. TO-2012-60 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for a Class 2 Dealer(s) —ACE Auto Body—Sales, 1363 Main Street, Agawam, MA (Referred to Administrative Committee) (Clerk) • President Johnson — Is there a Motion to approve? Moved by Councilor Rossi, seconded by Councilor Magovern. That was also referred to the Admin Sub-Committee, I'd ask Councilor Rossi for the report. Councilor Rossi — Yes, thank you again, Council President. The committee met this evening and voted unanimously to send a positive recommendation for item 2012-60 and 1 would also make a notation that there was some reference calling into the number of cars that were allowed on this person's application and I researched the files this afternoon with our Administrative Assistant and found the number to be fifteen. So the number of 15 cars will be for purposes of display for the ACE Auto Body license. President Johnson — I'll accept that as a Motion to amend because our current item has it at forty vehicles, to amend it from forty vehicles to fifteen. 9 • • Councilor Rossi—That's correct. • President Johnson — Is there a second on the Motion to amend? Made by Councilor Rossi, seconded by Councilors Cavallo and Rheault. Questions or discussion on the Motion to amend? Councilor Magovern? Councilor Magovern — My only question is why the large discrepancy between what's • on the Motion and what's the actual number? President Johnson —Both Councilor Rossi and 1, with Barbara's assistance, have tried to figure it out and there's a lot of discrepancy when you look back over the course of the records and up until this year, the Clerk has always been typing "blank blank" for the • number on this particular license and through Barbara's work and Bob's work, we were able to figure out that once upon a time it was limited to fifteen. Councilor Rossi — Right, if I may, through the Chair, when this license was originally issued way back when, Mr. Malanson was and still continues to be on the towing list for • the Town of Agawam and he had at one time like forty eight or fifty, the number attached to his license over there at one time and because he has, he takes mechanic and stuff like that and motor vehicles he fixes and sells, he needs a license if he sells more than three unregistered vehicles in a year, he asked and was approved the license years ago and they tagged that number that he hauls in because he said because he's capable of over a two • week period of hauling in maybe close to thirty five/forty cars, sometimes it's fifty or sixty cars. So that's the reason for it but when I went over that with him last week and researched the records again, the towing has nothing to do with the motor vehicles that he has for display and it was determined, there was a question between five and fifteen and the five seemed a little vague but the fifteen seemed to be a bit more accurate amount and • that was what we settled on as the number that's accurate for that license, if that gives you some background Mr. Magovern. Councilor Magovern —Thank you. President Johnson — And just for the boring detail, in 1973 the Council set it at five but • then in 1981, it was amended to fifteen and so that's the latest record we could find, was in 1981 that it was fifteen and like I said if you looked at the prior licenses, they just had for the number of vehicles because no one could figure it out. That was part of the reason why this year we started; I started, creating these so that there would at least be some record because in the past there never was a record of how many actual cars were • approved by the Council. So any further questions regarding the Motion to amend TO- 2012-60 reducing the number of vehicles from forty to fifteen? Seeing none, all those in favor of the amendment say Ay? Any opposed? The amendment passes. Now we're to TO-2012-60 as amended. Questions or discussion on the Order as amended? Seeing none, all those in favor say Ay? Any opposed? We've passed it as amended. • 10 • i 4. TO-2012-62 - Transfer from the Reserve Fund #16605-57300 in the amount of$14,277.70 to the Police Dept Equip Replace, Repair, Maint #12102-52030 (Referred to Finance Committee) (Mayor) President Johnson — Is there a Motion to approve the transfer? Moved by Councilor Magovern, seconded by Councilor Cavallo. This was referred to the Finance Committee. I'd ask Councilor Mineo for the report. Councilor Minco —This was given a positive recommendation 4-0. President Johnson — Questions or discussion on the transfer? For the public's information, it's to update our antennas and radio system to comply with new requirements and to improve service, radio reception to the vehicles around town. Seeing no questions, all in favor of TO-2012-62 say Ay? Any opposed? It's unanimous. Item II. New Business 1. TR-2013-1 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of Karl • Steig, 24 Edgewood Lane, Agawam to the Historical Commission to a term expiring January 1, 2016 (Mayor) President Johnson —That will go on to our next Agenda. i 2, TR-2013-2 - A Resolution accepting a grant from Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A to Agawam Emergency Management (Mayor) i President Johnson —That will be referred to the Finance Sub-Committee, next Agenda. 3. TR-2013-3 - A Resolution accepting a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, • Section 53A for Agawam Fire Department (Mayor) President Johnson — That will also go on to our Finance Sub-Committee, next Agenda. 4. TR-2013-4 - A Resolution confirming the reappointment of David Chase, 2 Colonial Avenue, Agawam to the Planning Board to a term expiring January 1, 2018 (Mayor) President Johnson —That will go on to our next Agenda. • 11 5. TO-2013-1 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for a Class 2 Dealer(s) —Elias Auto, 1123 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA • (Clerk) President Johnson —That will go on to the Admin Sub-Committee, next Agenda. 6. TO-2013-2 -An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for an • Automatic Amusement Device(s) —Alano Club of Springfield, 36 King Street, Agawam, MA (Clerk) President Johnson — That will also be referred to the Admin Sub-Committee, next Agenda. • 7. TO-2013-3 - Budgetary Transfer from Line Items-Reserve Fund (16605-57300) - $35,217.00 to Police Department- Training (12102- 52180) S5,000; Overtime (12101-51030) $17,163.00; and Equipment (12103-52410) $13,054.00 (Mayor) President Johnson — That will be referred to the Finance Sub-Committee for review, next Agenda. 8. TO-2013-4 - An Order Granting or Renewing a LICENSE for a Class 2 Dealer(s)— Paul J. LaPointe d/b/a The Car Connection, 820 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA (Clerk) President Johnson —That will be referred to the Admin Sub-Committee, next Agenda. 9. TR-2013-5 - A Resolution Appropriating from the Community Preservation Fund and Authorizing the Expenditure of Community Preservation Funds for the Creation, Construction and Preservation of Land as a Park for Recreational Use on Property Owned by the City of Agawam and Located on School Street (CPA) President Johnson — That will be referred to the Finance Sub-Committee for their • review, next agenda. Item 12. Any other matter that may legally come before the City Council. President Johnson — Since Councilor Letellier's not here, we'll start with Councilor • Cavallo tonight. Councilor Cavallo — Yeah, I just have two things. The School Facility's Committee that Councilor Rossi and I and President Johnson are on will be meeting the 281h of January in the High School conference room, the Principal's conference room so I just want to • mention this because if you recall there has been of course some talk about evaluating the school, the needs of the school, if since the 1998 renovation if things have to be updated, 12 0 • possibility of looking into maybe building a new school, whatever, but I just wanted to let all of you know in case you're available at 3:00 in the afternoon on that day, I'm sure you're welcome to come in and sit in on the meeting. That's number one. Number two, the other concern which will be coming up very shortly is School Budget Sub-Committee and I'm hoping to speak with Mr. Sapelli and find out from him when there is a time when they're meeting where we at least can come up or some of us as observers and sit and listen to them while they're putting together some of that budget. I know that we, correct me if I'm wrong, I believe some of the members last, when I wasn't on the • Council, told me that they were not allowed to speak at the meeting but you're certainly allowed to be at the meeting and listen to what they have to say. I think it's premature sometimes when we have a meeting and we have just that one meeting with them as we did a couple of, last year, and where as if we meet with them a couple of times prior to our actual meeting,jointly with them, when Mr. Sapelli made a presentation if you recall, • 1 think it puts us in a more beneficial situation to make an intelligent decision on some of the points that they're bringing up in their budget. So again I'll try to find out from him if he can let me know in advance when they'll be having some important budget meetings and I'll certainly pass this on to the Council, that's not just restricted to members of the School Budget Sub-Committee obviously other Council members are also welcome too. ! So I think that's kind of important because it is 5 1% of the town budget and I think it certainly has to be given careful scrutiny. That's all I have. President Johnson —Thank you. Next is Councilor Bitzas? Councilor Bitzas —Yes, Mr. President. I'd like to wish you all and your families and all the people that watching us Happy New Year and I hope this Council work and get together for the benefit of our town. Thank you. President Johnson — Councilor Calabrese? ! Councilor Calabrese — Thank you. I've a couple things. First of all, I wanted to thank Mr. Sapelli and Mr. Lemanski for stopping by the Agawam High School Saturday morning for the Rosic kick-off. If anybody wants to see what is my favorite part of the Rosie season—right now. Those kids are gonna be in the shop every day after school and on the weekend, there's always gonna be somebody there working and this is when you • can really hear the wheels turn when the High School robot takes shape. So this is really an exciting time to stop by. They also have their ziti dinner coming up. The other thing, Council President and I need to connect with the West Springfield City Council with regard to the railroad crossing over in North Agawam so Barbara, I'll be talking with you afterwards to see about coordinating a schedule with West Springfield City Council. • Thank you. President Johnson — Councilor Cichetti? Councilor Cichetti — I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank Gary Suffriti, Cheryl ! St. John and Barbara Bard for their reappointments and congratulations. Thank you. 13 President Johnson —Councilor Perry? • Councilor Perry — Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I'll be brief. I just want to thank our Council President for his leadership and look forward to working with you in this upcoming year. I want to thank my fellow councilors for having the confidence in Chris and I to continue to lead you this year and I look forward to working with you and getting the ship right. Thanks. ! President Johnson —Councilor Rheault? Councilor Rheault — Yeah, I'd like to extend a very cordial Happy New Year to the Council and their families as well as to all the constituents out in TV land and the committees that I serve on work very diligently and congratulations and certainly well- deserved to our Administrative Assistant and Treasurer for their input to the Council and coordination between the two are outstanding in my opinion. Thank you. President Johnson —Councilor Magovern? ! Councilor Magovern -- Not much this evening just a very Happy New Year to everybody and again I want to thank the Town of Agawam for your confidence in the Council and myself for the last year that we were able to serve and I look forward to another year of serving the town on the City Council and again it's been a pleasure and it's a great group up here. We may have a few disagreements at times but I think it's all for the best of Agawam so again thank you very much. President Johnson —Councilor Mineo? Councilor Mineo — I remembered to put my light on! I would like to congratulate ! Cheryl, Barbara and Gary. I'd also like to wish everybody a Happy New Year. Councilor Cavallo — I wish that the School Budget Committee meetings, their Finance Committee meetings, I just wish that they were at a different hour. I know they put these things on at 3:00 in the afternoon. I can't get out of work. I mean I'd like to attend these things but I think it would be more appropriate to at least keep the Council abreast of what they're doing with their budget. I just wish they would hold these meetings later. ! Councilor Cavallo — Well, may I respond? Well, the one that we're attending, the Facility's Committee, you know that has to be, but the others I can recommend or suggest to Superintendent Sapelli that he have them at 6:00 or something because I'm willing to go and I know you would be willing to go too, you're on the committee are you not? Oh yeah I will definitely make sure that the committee, if we meet, we want to have it in the evening. Hopefully they can have theirs in the evening, okay? I'll honor that request. Councilor Mineo—Thank you. President Johnson —Councilor Rossi? 14 i Councilor Rossi — Yes, thank you. Just to clean up a few matters. Barbara, would you schedule some time prior to the next meeting for the Administrative Committee to go • over some of the items that we need to review? And I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy New Year and I'd like to thank my committee and my fellow members of the City Council for all the work we've done last year. Last year was a very heavy year. We had a lot on our plate and we accomplished quite a bit and it wasn't without the cooperation of everybody on this Council that we were able to get that done. And we have some big steps ahead of us for next year and I'm looking forward again to working • with everybody in the new year and making sure that we get everything accomplished that we want to get done. So again thank you all for your help with my committee and my assistance and again have a happy, healthy New Year. President Johnson — I just want to express my thanks to the entire Council for a very • productive 2012, especially the sub-committee redesign, I think worked very well and I echo what Councilor Rossi just said. We had a lot on our plate in 2012 and we were able to work through that load very efficiently. I want to express special, special thanks to Barbara who is tremendous as our Administrative Assistant and also to Dennis, my Vice President, who is a tremendous sounding board so we look forward to 2013 and to all the • residents of Agawam best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. With that, the Chair will entertain a Motion to adjourn. Moved and seconded all over the place, all in favor of adjournment say Ay? Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you. • Adjournment at 7:39pm. • • • 15 •