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JOINT
FINANCE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEES
MEETING MINUTES and FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2015
Present: Joseph Mineo
Anthony Suffriti
Cecilia Calabrese
George Bitzas
James Cichetti
Absent: Gina Letellier(Finance)
Donald Rheault (Finance)
Paul Cavallo (Community Relations)
Dennis Perry (Community Relations)
Also in Attendance: Councilors Johnson and Rossi and Councilor-Elect
Theroux, Superintendent Sapelli, Cheryl St. John,
Jennifer Couture
Called to Order: Both meetings were called to order by Chairman
Mineo and Chairman Calabrese at 6:35pm. in the
Children's Conference Room at the Agawam Public
Library
1. TR-2015-50 - Resolution appropriating from the Community
Preservation Fund and authorizing the expenditure of Community
Preservation Funds for the softball and baseball diamond circuitry and
lights located at the Agawam High School (CPA)
After discussion about CPA approval of$500,000 to fund the installation of the
lights for baseball and softball fields, it was noted that the bid for the lights came in
at $388,000. Also discussed were changing the specs of the lighting to solar power
so that the cost of running the lights would not be so high. The question of needing
the lights on the fields was also addressed. It was reported that Dave Stratton said
only between 2-4 games would be scheduled that would be able to make use of the
lights and at most-- 10 baseball games and 10 softball games —each year would be
scheduled for using the lights.
Mr. Sapelli spoke in favor of the lights, pointing out that scheduling games later in
the day would allow for students to get after school academic help without missing
athletic activities. Also, the later games would allow parents to attend as well. Park
SCANNED.. 1-7 & Rec and Travel teams may also make use of the fields. Unlike the main field, the
Fa-seball and softball fields would be metered-in with the tennis courts into the
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school and not be separately metered. Electricity for the lights could be an on-
demand system which is a very expensive way to purchase power. Estimated cost
for each use is $100/game or practice. Controls would be kept in a locked
compartment in the Home dug-out. Councilor Johnson and Councilor-Elect
Theroux both expressed concern about teams from outside Agawam coming to use
the lighted fields because that would increase maintenance and operating costs even
if we charged a fee for use.
From the Community Relations Committee, Councilor Bitzas made a Motion to
send a positive recommendation with an amendment to the amount of$388,000.
There was no second and therefore there was no recommendation from the
Community Relations Committee.
From the Finance Committee, Councilor Calabrese made a Motion to send a
negative recommendation which was seconded by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was
2 YES, 1 NO to send a negative recommendation from the Finance Committee.
2. Any other matter that may legally come before the Community
Relations Committee.
Councilor Cichetti requested a memo go to the Town Engineer, DPW and Police
Chief regarding feasibility of installing a crosswalk across from Mill Street close to
the intersection of Mill and Line Streets along with flashing lights warning drivers of
the school zone. The student that was hit while crossing Mill Street is expected to
recover. Mr. Sapelli pointed out that had the student been dropped off in the
designated drop-off area, the accident would have been avoided. Concern was
expressed that installing a crosswalk closer to the entrance of the high school would
invite more accidents; therefore,the best site for a crosswalk would be closer to Line
Street.
The Community Relations Committee meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm. and the
Finance Committee remained open.
3. TO-2015-88 -A Budgetary Transfer for$249,000.00 from Line
Items—Reserve Fund #16605-57300 to Line Items—Employee Benefit
Buyback#16603-51040 (Mayor)
The Auditor addressed this item and pointed out that this line item was cut based
upon usage but now there are a large amount of demands based upon Collective
Bargaining Agreements. According to Auditor, Colleen verified all of the amounts
and prepared the spread sheet presented to the City Council.
Councilor Calabrese made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full
Council with a second by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 3-0 to send a positive
recommendation.
4. TR-2015-51 -Resolution to increase the bond amount for the new
track,field and school locker facility at the Agawam High School(Mayor
Cohen)
This would result in a 3/4 million dollar increase in FY2017 budget. Mr. Sapelli
reminded everyone that the Early Childhood Center is in a feasibility study and will
expect to cost approximately$9-$1 Omillion but that is not before the Councilor right
now. The athletic facilities project has already been approved and is ready to go.
Agawam has been out of Title IX compliance for seventeen years and this project
would resolve the non-compliance.
Councilor Calabrese made a Motion to send a positive recommendation to the Full
Council with a second by Councilor Suffriti. The vote was 3-0 to send a positive
recommendation.
The Finance Committee meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Councilor Cecilia P. Calabrese
Chair of the Community Relations Committee
Member of the Finance Committee