City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday December 3, 2024, at 6:30 pmr.iJ:i J, 'tl 1r p1 • I: 1 ( I l'.,_J \ . 0 . 1 ... the Auditorium are as follows: r t TV r•ru 111 r 11 Laflamme, Frank N., President At-Large Councilor Pres.ent n-,..,-1='-F ;-1 K Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Present Wagner, Timothy Joseph At-Large Councilor Present via Zoom Zygarowski, Robert J. At-Large Councilor Present Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present via Zoom Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present Shumsky, Samuel Robert Ward 6 Councilor Present Courchesne, William C. Ward 7 Councilor Present Labrie, Gary R. Ward 8 Councilor Present Pniak-Costello, Mary Elizabeth Ward 9 Councilor Present Mayor Vieau -On MO-1, took money to use for consultant services but can't post job unless it is in the account. Looking at hiring a third party consultant. On MO-2, Brian is retiring, thank Brian for all his years of service. Councilor Pniak-Costello thanked Brian for all his years of service. Always had the city in it's best interest. On MO-3, self-explanatory, want to take care of the homeless. Chief Major stated successful before, primarily handed out by the C-3 unit. Councilor Arriaga asked do they leave in the cars? Councilor Pniak-Costello stated tell Captain Lambert thank you. On MO-4 the next five orders cutting edge in police department, moving the department forward. Update tasers, add body cams & dash cams. Public safety is paramount. Already paying around $219,000 for tasers. Chief Major stated seek and receive a $300,000 grant for funding. Councilor Wagner stat ed looking forward to hearing public input. Chief Major stated w ill be game changing. Councilor Roy asked to explain Al software. Chief Major stated will use only what we put into it. Can help with instant translation. Also will help with reporting. Councilor Pniak-Costel lo stated thank you for the wonderful news. Move the police department into the world of technology. Safety is a main concern. On MO-5, civilians in real time crime-center. Skilled confidential position, would report to the Deputy Chief. Chief Major stated vast amount of technology, lucky to have offices that are tech savvy, but they wou ld like to get back to police work. On MO-6, speaks for itself make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. Wi ll protect our police officers. Power of Al. On MO-7, create two positions, one paid by the Sheriff's Office, one paid by the city. On MO-8 extra Al of the future. Translation software. Councilor Roy asked what's the difference between this and number 4? More advanced. New company, restructuring. Finance Committee meeting will be on December 9t h at 6:30. On MO-9, lifelong resident/longtime golfer. Very interested, excited for him to serve. Mayor stated Santa will be here Friday night. He w ill be coming in here (Auditorium). Santa will be taking letters, kicking off the holiday season. Hope to see everyone there. Events are free gather at the City Hall Plaza. Public Input-Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, was very interested to listen to forward thinking orders. Wish we could be as forward thinking in other aspects of the city. Public safety is important on our streets. Counci l talks to the public in comments li ke the public is unreasonable to talk about traffic. Don't spout to us the taxpayers, if we don't allow whatever business comes to this city. How will you cut the budget? Should ask a lot of questions about everything. AJ Crane, 23 Rich Street, business at 821 East Main Street, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce president of the board of directors. Read the following letter: To Mayor Vieau and the Members of the Chicopee City Council, On behalf of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, thank you for the opportunity to address an issue of critical importance to our business community: the recent increase in the local commercial, industrial, and personal property rate. As these rates climb, they significantly impact the sustainability of our businesses and the affordability for our residents. Over the years, Chicopee's commercial tax rate has seen significant fluctuations, with one consistent factor being the limited commercial and industrial development in our city. This lack of development creates a shrinking tax base, placing greater financial pressure on our existing businesses and residents. We recognize that decisions made in the past-both by this body and other factors beyond its control - have created obstacles for new development, with some opportunities being delayed or ultimately lost. We also know that these decisions are rarely easy and often involve balancing competing priorities. That said, it is vital that we shift focus to creating an environment where commercial and industrial growth can thrive. The solution lies in fostering a proactive approach to development. By prioritizing initiatives that attract new businesses, encouraging industrial expansion, and reinvesting in underutilized properties, we can expand the tax base and reduce the need to burden existing businesses with higher rates. We urge the Council to work collaboratively with the Chamber and other stakeholders to address these challenges head on. Together, we can explore incentives for development, streamline permitting processes, and make strategic investments in infrastructure that will attract commercial opportunities. These efforts will not only stabilize tax rates but also position Chicopee as a vibrant hub for economic activity. Thank you for your time, for your dedication to our city, and for your willingness to listen to the concerns of the business community. We look forward to working with you to build a stronger and more sustainable economic future for our city. Connie Leblanc, 55 Providence Street, sick and tired, lived for 21 years, tired of parking issue by Lucky Strike restaurant. When you call the police they are told if they have a handicap placard they give time. Sometimes they park on the other side of the street by the bar. Ambulance and Fire Trucks can't get down the street. Police are busy. Will take pictures and mail them. Taxes go up and up. Two shootings on the street in two years. Speeding. Will be here every meeting, winter is here and they don't plow the street right. Asking you to please do something about this. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to close public input. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Communications--none Minutes --Motion to accept the minutes of the 10/29/24 Special Meeting. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Sixty one thousand seven hundred eighty one and 97/100 dollars ($61,781.97) to the following named account: Human Resources Salary Account for Chief Human Resource Officer/Director from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated representative of about a half year salary.  •-Motion made by Councilor Goff to refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Goff stated lot of funding not used. Money could be used from other. Councilor Courchesne stated $100,000 will be returned, important to put this back. Councilor Arriaga stated agree with putting in Finance, why did we approve this in the first place. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated person in public input questioned us looking deeper into spending habits. Maybe new beginning. Federal government has a 35 trillion dollar deficit. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow Councilor Laflamme to speak. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 no. Councilor Wagner voting no. Councilor Laflamme abstained. Councilor Laflamme stated we have a Mayor's briefing, why don't you ask while the Mayor is here. All departments wish they could have the staffing. It's a challenge to get people to come to work. Leaving some money for salary account. Can't find someone for our own office. Vote tonight. Why wasn't this asked in the Mayor's briefing. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Twenty six thousand three hundred sixty seven and 64/100 ($26,367.64) to the following named Purchasing Salary Accounts: Purchasing Agent: $11,367.64 Sick Buy Back 15,000.00 Total $26,367.64 From available funds in the Stabilization fund. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated for the purchasing agent retirement. Councilor Shumsky stated express congratulations to Brian, wish him the best. Councilor Krampits stated congratulations, kind of makes me feel old, last department head from when I started. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-3 Ordered that the City Council accept the Home Depot Foundation Grant in the amount of Six thousand eight hundred and 00/100 dollars ($6,800.00) to the Chicopee Police Department. Said grant will be used for kits containing essential winter items for the homeless and those in need in our city and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Courchesne stated many ways Home Depot supports the community, done this for years. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-4 Mayor's appropriation of Four hundred forty seven thousand four hundred sixty one and 00/100 dollars ($447,461.00) to the following named account: Police Expense Account for Computer Software from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and pass.  --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Shumsky stated expense for software for real time information center. Public Safety is paramount. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-5 Mayor's appropriation of Forty three thousand two hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars ($43,250.00) to the following named account: Police Salary Account for Information and Technology Systems Engineer from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Balakier stated implementation of a new system. Lot of money and people. Civilian position. Needed to help man this program. Confidential position. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-6 Mayor's appropriation of Fifty seven thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($57,500.00) to the following named account: Police Salary Account for Real-Time Investigative Crime Analyst Supervisor from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Zygarowski to receive and refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Zygarowski stated person will report to the Deputy Chief, bring us up to date. Like public safety, want public safety. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-7 Mayor's appropriation of Thirty five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($35,000.00) to the following named account: Police Salary Account for Real-Time Investigative Crime Analyst from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Labrie stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-8 Mayor's appropriation of One hundred forty seven thousand and 00/100 dollars ($147,000.00) to the following named account: Police Expense Account for Computer Software from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive and refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Roy stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-9 To the City Council You are hereby notified that I have this day appointed Timothy Foley, 18 Driscoll Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 to the Golf Commission to serve in such office expiring on the first day of November 2028. To which appointment I ask the confirmation of your honorable Council. *New Appointment  --Motion made by Councilor Wagner to receive and refer to the Human Resources committee. Councilor Wagner stated new appointment. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 10 A License Committee report: Application for a Home Occupation License for the purpose of doing frozen desserts located at 34 Riverview Terrace. Applicant: Alexzander Delgado, 34 Riverview Terrace, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approved with restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated would like to create frozen desserts, landlord supports. Enough off street parking to not interfere. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 12 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Roy out of chair. 11 A License Committee report: Application for a Home Occupation License at 21 Emerson Street 2 for the purpose of baking bread and cookies, delivering them to customers. Applicant: Francheska Santana, 21 Emerson Street, 2, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approved with restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated a letter of support from the landlord, parking not an issue. No concerns. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 12 A License Committee report: Application for a Class II License for Jaghory Auto Body located at 922 Front Street. Applicant: Hussain Hussaini, 507B Union Street, West Springfield, MA 01089. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approved with restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated current license holder. Read the restrictions. Need signed copy of lease, new property owner. Councilor Labrie asked is he incorporated? Councilor Brooks stated yes and he has a bond. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 13 A License Committee report: Application to amend license hours to include Sunday for Monro Muffler & Brake, Inc., 451 Memorial Drive. Currently Monday-Saturday 7:30 AM- 8 PM. Add Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM. Applicant: Kristopher Rojas, 1 Belden Ct., Unit R3, Agawam, MA 01001. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and denied. Councilor Brooks stated second meeting the applicant did not attend. Proper notification, received both times. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 14 A License Committee report: Application for a Junk Dealers License located at 40-B Center Street. Applicant: Chicopee Bullion & Coins, David Roman, 60 West Glen Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approved with restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated looking to sell video games, issue with storefront. Will not release until engineering confirms. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 15 A License Committee report: Application for a Junk Dealers License at 1600 Memorial Drive (Inside Price Rite 0361). Applicant - EcoATM, LLC, 10121 Barnes Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and postponed to the call of the chair. Councilor Brooks stated applicant did not come, will give a second chance. Motion to postpone passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 16 A License Committee report: Application for a Junk Dealer/Dealer in 2nd Hand Articles located at 40 Center Street to buy and sell used games and accessories. Applicant: Video Game Giants, Luis Lopez, 17 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approved with restrictions. Councilor Brooks read the restrictions. Will not release the license until the address is resolved. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 12 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Zygarowski out of chair. 17 Be it Ordered that the following nomination for the Former Library Building Commission be submitted to the Mayor: Ray Hoess-Brooks. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and refer to the Human Resources Committee. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to suspend Rule #38. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 12 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Zygarowski out of chair. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to approve the nomination this evening. Councilor Shumsky stated vacancy due to resignation. Want to keep the project moving, on a bunch of boards and commissions. Councilor Labrie thanked him for volunteering his time. Councilor Wagner stated know Ray, served on the historical commission together. He has a real estate business. Motion to approve passed by a roll call vote of 12 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Zygarowski out of chair. 18 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260 Parking Regulations, Murphy Court, South side for a distance of 25 feet from the intersection with Murphy Lane, Parking Prohibited. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky for a 1'' reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Shumsky stated no parking on the hill, emergency exit on Litwin School. Councilor Courchesne stated if this ordinance exists just replace. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 19 An application for a NEW Zone Change from Business A to Residential B for 12,400 +/- acres/square feet of property located at 519 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Parcel ID# 0471-00001 for the purpose of eliminate split zone and create uniform zoning across the entire property. Applicant: Andrew LeMay, 519 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.  --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and refer to the Zoning Committee and Planning Board. Councilor Balakier stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 20 2025 Class 1 License renewals: Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of 295 Burnett Road Springfield --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Councilor Shumsky stated recognize business for all the wonderful work they do. Great neighbors. Many years of success. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 21-28 2025 Class 2 License renewals: Daniel's Truck Center, Inc. 18 Montcalm Street Gary's Auto Sales, Inc. 125-131 Broadway Guilbert's Auto Care, Inc. 1422 Granby Road International Automobile, Inc. 341 Chicopee Street Penske Truck Leasing, Inc. 30 Fuller Road Rockrimmon Auto Parts and Recycling, Inc. 551 Center Street Tellier's Auto Sales, Inc. d/b/a Tellier's Auto Body 386 Meadow Street Vitaly' s Auto Sales 374 Chicopee Street --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 29 2025 Class 3 License renewals: Rockrimmon Auto Parts and Recycling, Inc. 551 Center Street --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 30-31 2025 Auto Body License renewals: Tellier's Auto Body, Inc. 386 Meadow Street Vitaly' s Auto Body 108 Meadow Street --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 32-37 2025 Auto Repair License renewals: Daniel's Truck Center, Inc. 18 Montcalm Street E & G Automotive 159 Granby Road Guilbert's Auto Care, Inc. 1422 Granby Road Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of 295 Burnett Road Springfield Tony's Auto Repair 341 Chicopee Street Town Fair Tire Centers, Inc. 886 Memorial Drive --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 38 2025 Auto Body/Auto Repair License renewals: Gary's Auto Sales, Inc. 125 Broadway --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 39-40 2025 Auto Detail License renewals: Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of 295 Burnett Road Springfield The Tint Shop 455 Memorial Drive --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and approve with current restrictions. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Adjournment: Motion made by Councilor Labrie to adjourn at 7:58. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 12 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Wagner out of chair. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk