City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday December 17, 2019 at 7:15 pm in the RiverMills Senior Center, 5 West Main Street are as follows: Vieau, John L. Ward 3 Councilor Present Laflamme, Frank N. At-Large Councilor Present Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Absent Tillotson, James K. At-Large Councilor Present Zygarowski, Robert J. At-Large Councilor Present McAuliffe, Joel D. Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present Dobosz, Derek Ward 6 Councilor Present Courchesne, William C. Ward 7 Councilor Present Labrie, Gary R. Ward 8 Councilor Present Walczak, Stan Ward 9 Councilor Present Public Input—None --Motion made by Councilor Zygarowski to accept the minutes of 12/3/19 & 12/9/19. Motion passed. MO-1 Mayors appropriation of Two hundred forty four thousand two hundred five and 85/100 dollars ($244,205.85) to the attached named General Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W., Local 1459 Administration dated November, 2019 from available funds in the fund balance reserved for Employee Salary Review. --Motion made by Councilor McAuliffe to receive and pass. Councilor McAuliffe stated some funds that will go towards the new union contract, 3 year contract. Major victory for UFCW 1459, long process to get to this. Long way to go to get and pay benefits up to scale. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-2 Mayors appropriation of One hundred fifty thousand eight hundred eighty one and 70/100 dollars ($150,881.70) to the attached named General Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W., Local 1459 Chicopee Municipal Laborers dated November, 2019 from available funds in the following named accounts: Human Resources Special Account for Reserve for Employee Salary Review $147,892.21 Fund Balance Res. for Employee Salary Review 2,989.49 Total $150,881.70 --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and pass. Councilor Krampits stated for the employee contracts, different funding source. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-3 Mayors appropriation of Thirty six thousand seven hundred fifty one and 20/100 dollars ($36,751.20) to the attached named D.P.W. Sewer Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with  the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W., Local 1459 Chicopee Municipal Laborers dated November, 2019 from available funds in the Sewer Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated to settle the UFCW component for water and sewer as they are self-sustained. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-4 Mayors appropriation of Thirty six thousand two hundred forty four and 80/100 dollars ($36,244.80) to the attached named D.P.W. Water Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W. Local 1459 Chicopee Municipal Laborers dated November, 2019 from available funds in the Water Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and pass. Councilor Walczak stated continuation of financial agreement, money from water account. Councilor Tillotson stated correction so the employees not be held up, employees will get funds. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-5 Mayors appropriation of Thirty three thousand six hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars ($33,650.00) to the attached named D.P.W. Water Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W., Local 1459 Administration dated November, 2019 from available funds in the Water Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and pass. Councilor Labrie stated money for negotiated contracts with local 1459. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-6 Mayors appropriation of Twenty two thousand two hundred seventy one and 20/100 dollars ($22,271.20) to the attached named D.P.W. Sewer Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the settlement of agreement between the City of Chicopee and the U.F.C.W., Local 1459 Administration dated November, 2019 from available funds in the Sewer Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Tillotson to receive and pass. Councilor Tillotson stated part of the overall laborers get adjusted. Time to move forward and get our salaries forward. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-7 Mayors appropriation of Sixteen thousand seven hundred forty two and 66/100 dollars ($16,742.66) to the attached named General Fund Salary Accounts in accordance with the Non-Union Employee Pay Scale revised December, 2019 from available funds in the Fund Balance Reserved for Employee Salary Review. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and pass. Councilor Balakier stated these are Chapter 7 ordinance, non-union employee pay scale, 2% raise. Councilor Tillotson stated will fund the money, but the ordinance won’t be changed until there is a council meeting. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-8 Mayors appropriation of Four hundred thousand and 00/100 dollars ($400,000.00) to the following named account: Treasurer’s Special Account for OPEB from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance “Free Cash” Account. --Motion made by Councilor Zygarowski to receive and pass. Councilor Zygarowski stated additional funds for partial payment, next 7-8 years for retirement/benefits fund. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-9 Mayors appropriation of Two hundred forty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($240,000.00) to the following named account: Fire Special Account for Purchase of an Ambulance from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance “Free Cash” Account. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and pass. Councilor Courchesne stated to replace an ambulance that needs to be taken out of service. Hoping to see more come down the road. High call volume, over 7000 calls per year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-10 Mayors appropriation of Sixty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($60,000.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Water Special Account for Purchase of Vehicles from available funds in the Water Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Dobosz to receive and pass. Councilor Dobosz stated to replace a vehicle that is used every day to check fire hydrants. Councilor Tillotson stated glad we are keeping hydrants up to date, need pressure, glad we are staying up to date. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-11 Mayors appropriation of Forty five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($45,000.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Land Takings from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance “Free Cash” Account. --Motion made by Councilor Laflamme to receive and pass. Councilor Laflamme stated for the $8 million road improvement on Fuller Road, need design and funding survey. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-12 Mayors appropriation of Twenty one thousand nine hundred forty eight and 72/100 dollars ($21,948.72) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Indemnifications of Police & Fire from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance “Free Cash” Account. --Motion made by Councilor McAuliffe to receive and pass. Councilor McAuliffe stated required by contract. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-13 Ordered that the City Council accept the FY’2020 Traffic Enforcement Grant in the amount of Sixteen thousand and 00/100 dollars ($16,000.00) from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Chicopee Police Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, pass and the grant accepted. Councilor Krampits stated grant for doing traffic enforcement. Lucky to get this grant, happy to see  this, many calls for speeding. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-14 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of Ten thousand and 00/100 dollars ($10,000.00) from the Polish National Credit Union to the Chicopee Police Department. Said donation is to be used for the purchase of a drone and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Brooks stated PNCU heard we were in the market for a drone this is a partial payment toward the cost. Will benefit the entire city. Councilor Balakier stated Polish National is a great asset to the city, thank you should be sent. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-15 Ordered that the City Council accept the Margo Chevers Memorial Fund Grant in the amount of Five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($500.00) to the Chicopee Council on Aging. Said grant which is in the form of two ($250.00) dollar gift cards is to be used to purchase food for the Grandparents as Parents group meetings and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Walczak stated the donation separated in two. Used for grandparents as parents group. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. MO-16 Chapter 7 Ordinance Revisions --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Tillotson stated allocated money, if the Mayor has a special meeting we can take care of it, if not can be filed by the new Mayor. Motion passed, referred. Councilor Roy absent. MO-17 To the City Council: You are hereby notified that I have this day appointed, Mary Ann T. Cierpial, 61 Grape Street, Chicopee, Massachusetts as a member of the Ambulance Commission to serve in such office for the term of 3 years expiring on the 1st of January, 2022. To which appointment I ask the confirmation of your honorable council. New Appointment --Motion made by Councilor Tillotson to received and approved this evening. Councilor Tillotson stated well known, present. Vote her through tonight. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. MO-18 To the City Council: You are hereby notified that I have this day appointed, Katherine Collins-Kalbaugh, 14 Nawrocki Drive, Chicopee, Massachusetts as a member of the Ambulance Commission to serve in such office for the term expiring on the 1st of January, 2022. To which appointment I ask the confirmation of your honorable council.  Re-Appointment --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive & approved this evening. Councilor Balakier stated reappointment, she’s experienced. Is an asset. Councilor Tillotson stated worked with her, asset to the commission. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 19 A favorable Public Works Committee report, ORDERED THAT the Public Works Subcommittee meet to discuss the possibility of a crosswalk on Burnett Road across from the Trading Post. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and placed on file. Councilor Krampits stated look at putting a crosswalk to the trading post. Engineering will look and see if one can be put back. Councilor Dobosz stated probably be refiled, hopefully get crosswalk there. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 20 A favorable Recreation Committee report, ORDERED THAT the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee meet to discuss ongoing security issues at Williams Park. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and placed on file. Councilor Walczak stated the park has had some issues, came up with some solutions. Hopefully remedy the problems. Councilor Dobosz stated appreciate Parks & Rec Department, more patrols, gate closed. Will be putting cameras in the park. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 21 A favorable Recreation Committee report, BE IT ORDERED THAT the DPW Superintendent, Sanitation Foreman, Parks Superintendent, and Parks and Recreation Commission meet with the Public Works Committee to discuss trash removal in parks. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and placed on file. Councilor Walczak stated didn’t have enough input from DPW, truck is primarily used by DPW, they pick up the trash. Packers are on call, some joint use. Councilor Laflamme stated going to do it again next year, more questions, like to revisit this. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 22 A favorable Recreation Committee report, update on City parks. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and place on file. Councilor Walczak stated Superintendent Strepka gave an update, Rivers financial agreements signed, Lincoln Grove new spray park. Councilor Brooks stated Szetela Park was hit hard with the wind storms. Ways to improve, happy with the superintendent’s answers, difficult task, move forward. Councilor Krampits asked what work will be done getting Ike Alpert park, up to date. Complications to have a spray park, pleased with planned repairs at the park. Councilor McAuliffe stated a dog park is on the way. Councilor Dobosz stated very productive meeting, strong manager, long term visions. Councilor Walczak shared information, provided expertise. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 23 A favorable Utilities Committee report, petition from Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) hereby requests that it be granted a location and permission to install and maintain a telemetry cabinet on Carew Street, near the intersection of East Street, with such sense lines and electric conduits as it may now or subsequently find necessary.  Installation of the telemetry cabinet will allow CMA to remotely monitor the gas distribution system and relay abnormal operating conditions to its Gas Control Center. Should an abnormal condition be identified, Gas Control personnel can dispatch technicians to investigate and remediate the situation. Said installation will be installed in accordance with the plans enclosed. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and allow Columbia Gas to proceed as proposed. Councilor Walczak stated distribution to help control. Councilor Krampits stated on Carew Street in someone’s back yard. Worked out, not in front of anyone’s house. In favor. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 24 A favorable Utilities Committee report, ORDERED THAT the Utilities Subcommittee meet to discuss gas leaks in the City. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and placed on file. Councilor Labrie stated had a representative from the gas company. They explained it very well. Councilor Dobosz stated a gas leak in ward, fixed pretty quickly. Wanted gas and Fire Department to work closely. Number of leaks has decreased. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 25 A favorable Ordinance Committee report, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHICOPEE FOR THE YEAR 1991, AS AMENDED, BE AND IS HEREBY FURTHER AMENDED AS FOLLOWS: DELETE 77-1 (A) POLICE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPLACE WITH THE FOLLOWING: 77-1 (A) THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF CHICOPEE SHALL CONSIST OF ONE (1) CHIEF, FIVE (5) CAPTAINS, SEVEN (7) LIEUTENANTS, SEVENTEEN (17) SERGEANTS, NOT MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) PATROLMAN, SUCH NUMBER OF RESERVE PATROLMEN AS PRESCRIBED BY CHAPTER 314 OF THE ACTS OF 1986 (MGL C. 147, SECTION 11 AND 12), AND SPECIAL OFFICERS AS FROM TIME TO TIME BE APPOINTED. --Motion made by Councilor Tillotson to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Tillotson stated unanimously agreed this was a forward movement in the Police Department. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Laflamme out of chair, Councilor Roy absent. 26 A License Committee report, ORDERED THAT Matt’s Auto Mall, LLC, 1840 Memorial Drive, be called before the City of Chicopee License Committee and City Council to discuss the license(s) currently held by Matt’s Auto Mall, LLC, including compliance with restrictions imposed upon any licenses held by Matt’s Auto Mall, LLC. The Council may modify, suspend, fine, or revoke any license held by Matt’s Auto Mall, LLC. Violation – too many vehicles on property. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and placed on file and granted a 90 day extension. Councilor Walczak stated need to make changes. Come back with a new plot plan. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 27 A license Committee report, an application for a Class II License for Graham’s Auto located at 1765 Donohue Road, Ste B. Applicant: David Graham, 517 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and postponed to the call of the of the License Committee chair. Councilor Walczak stated missing details on plot plan, go back to the person who owns the property. Councilor Labrie stated there are outstanding housekeeping issues at home. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 28 A favorable Zoning Committee report, an application for a Special Permit under section 275- 50 C2b for the purpose of an animated scrolling sign. Located at 258 Exchange Street. Applicant: Exchange Street Station, Tyrone Zaitshik, 258 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and the Special Permit granted with restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated illuminated sign outside a bar. Asking for forgiveness, input from committee reports, signs message is consistent with others. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. 29 A favorable Zoning Committee report, an application for Special Permit under section 275- 59 C.11 for the purpose of proposed building addition to the Big Y Store consisting of a warehouse and storage area use within Business B. As outlined in 275-59 C11 located at 650B Memorial Drive. Applicant: Big Y Foods, Inc., Tony Coppola, 2145 Roosevelt Ave., PO Box 7840, Springfield, MA 01102. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and amended. Granted and amended to run with the land. Councilor Brooks stated warehouse facility-a kiosk to pick up items, will not impact physical input of current building. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Roy absent. 30 MOTION TO remove the attached proposed ordinance Chapter 277 Small Wireless Facilities from the Ordinance Committee and place on the floor for discussion and final passage. --Motion made by Councilor Tillotson to receive and placed on the floor. Motion passed. Motion made by Councilor Tillotson to receive 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Tillotson stated interesting, two key players couldn’t be there. Important to pass this, need control over the poles. Only way to pass, put this out tonight. City will have protection the ordinance provides. Councilor Laflamme stated benefits the city in many ways. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Zygarowski out of chair, Councilor Roy absent. 31 A NEW Special Permit application under Section 275-58(C) (5) of the Municipal Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of one apartment in a business building. Location: 104 Lauzier Terrace. Applied for by: Rui + Fatima Mendes, 190 Southwood Dr., Ludlow, MA 01056. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and refer to the Zoning Committee. Councilor Brooks stated will take up in committee. Motion passed, referred. Councilor Roy absent. 32-33 Taxicab Renewals for 2020 Melvin Colon 6 Woodcliff St., Springfield, MA  William G. Montana 14 Dorchester St., Springfield, MA --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 34-36 Class 1 License Renewals for 2020 Curry Automotive, L.L.C. 767 Memorial Drive Rallye Automotive, L.L.C. d/b/a Curry Nissan Chicopee 765 Memorial Drive Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC 295 Burnett Road d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of Springfield --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 37-59 Class 2 License Renewals for 2020 A and J Trust Auto Repair 920 B Meadow Street Absolute Motors Inc. 245 East Street B & L Automotive, Inc. 760 Front Street Car Master 176 Granby Road Chicopee Auto Farm 980 East Main Street D and L Auto Inc. d/b/a Auto Test World 1973 Memorial Drive Export Auto Sales, Inc. 454 Chicopee Street Fairview Service Center, Inc. 1492 Memorial Drive FDAS Corp, D/B/A Car Credit 1st, Inc. 536 East Street Freedom Cycles 25 North Chicopee Street Frontline Motors, Inc. 759 Meadow Street Kaput’s Auto Body, Inc. 226 Granby Road KLM Auto Repair, Inc. 606 Front Street Matt’s Auto Mall, LLC 1840 Memorial Drive MR Auto LLC 578 Springfield Street Reliable Auto Sales 74 Naomi Street Roy Motor’s Inc. 490 Meadow Street Sonny’s Auto Repair, Inc. 1965 Memorial Drive Tony & Sons Auto Service & Sales Leasing & Rentals, Inc. 170 South Street Tony’s Auto Sales 239 Grattan Street Veteran Auto Service 238 Meadow Street Vitaly’s Auto Sales 374 Chicopee Street Westover Auto Repair, LLC 1633 Memorial Drive --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 60-64 Class 3 License Renewals for 2020 Chicopee Auto Farm 980 East Main Street Dowd’s 162 East Meadow St. Krunali, Inc., DBA Chicopee Scrap Metal & Auto Recycling 2 Mill Street Laflamme Trucks & Equipment Sales, Inc. 347 McKinstry Avenue  Meadow Auto Parts, Inc. 5 Mill Street --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 65-67 Auto Body License Renewals for 2020 DMS Auto Body & Collision 393 New Ludlow Road Kaput’s Auto Body, Inc. 226 Granby Road Vitaly’s Auto Body 108 Meadow Street --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 68-73 Auto Detail License Renewals for 2020 Absolute Motors Inc. 245 East Street Center Auto Repair, LLC 184 Center Street Chicopee Auto Farm, Inc. 980 East Main Street Mr. Clean Auto Detailing 904 Meadow Street Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC 295 Burnett Road d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of Springfield Veteran Auto Service 238 Meadow Street --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 74-105 Auto Repair License Renewals for 2020 A and J Trust Auto Repair 920 B Meadow Street Absolute Motors Inc. 245 East Street Atlantic Coast Enterprises d/b/a Jiffy Lube #119 2017 Memorial Drive B & L Automotive, Inc. 760 Front Street Car Master 176 Granby Road Center Auto Repair, LLC 184 Center Street City Tire Company, Inc. 1385 Memorial Drive D and L Auto d/b/a Auto Test World 1973 Memorial Drive Daigle’s Truck Master, Inc. 57 Fuller Road Export Auto Sales, Inc. 454 Chicopee Street Fairview Service Center, Inc. 1492 Memorial Drive Freedom Cycle 25 North Chicopee St. Frontline Motors, Inc. 759 Meadow Street KLM Auto Repair, Inc. 606 Front Street Lloyd’s Transmission, Inc. 955 Meadow Street Mario’s Auto Service 63 Center Street Meadow Auto Parts 5 Mill Street Meyer’s Service Station 176 Granby Road MR Auto LLC 578 Springfield Street Mr. Clean Auto Detailing 904 Meadow Street Porter & Chester Institute, Inc. 1998 Westover Road  Rallye Automotive, LLC d/b/a Curry Nissan Chicopee 765 Memorial Drive Reliable Auto Sales 74 Naomi Street Roy Motors, Inc. 490 Meadow Street Sonny’s Auto Repair, Inc. 1965 Memorial Drive Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC 295 Burnett Road d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of Springfield Sullivan Tire Commercial Truck Repair 60 Haynes Circle Tommcat Performance 680 Prospect Street Tony’s Auto Sales 239 Grattan Street Veteran Auto Service 238 Meadow Street Wal-Mart Store #5278 591 Memorial Drive Westover Auto Repair, LLC 1633 Memorial Drive --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. 106-108 Auto Body/Auto Repair License Renewals for 2020 Chicopee Auto Farm, Inc. 980 East Main Street Curry Automotive, L.L.C. d/b/a Curry Honda 767 Memorial Drive Tony’s Auto Service 164-170 South Street --Motion made by Councilor Walczak to receive and the license granted with existing restrictions. Motion passed. Councilor Roy absent. ATTEST: KEITH W RATTELL CITY CLERK