City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday February 18, 2025, at 6:30 pm,in, , the Auditorium are as follows: ' '"J ' ••• '' ,.J i:;, I!: 211 ''' i. ' - Present. 1 , Ul', :(;If ,;.!. I : Laflamme, Frank N., President At-Large Councilor ' c~ _,, ' , - :'i,'\ Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Present Wagner, Timothy Joseph At-Large Councilor Present via Zoom left @7:50 Zygarowski, Robert J. At-Large Councilor Present at 6:32 Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present via Zoom Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Bala kier, 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 Absent Labrie, Gary R. Ward 8 Councilor Present Pniak-Costello, Mary Elizabeth Ward 9 Councilor Present Mayor's Orders briefing and announcements by Mayor Vieau or designee. On MO-1, self-insured. On MO-2, Messages in times of crisis. Chief Major stated get messages across, information officer could be in the crisis situation, providing police services. Concern for public not having instant messages. Chief Stamborski stated horrible tragedies happened, professional company can help. Mayor stated to all departments would be ideal to have readily available. Councilor Shumsky asked did we pick a company yet? Mayor stated we have chosen, will announce when the contract is signed. Councilor Arriaga stated happy as a parent to see this. Councilor Wagner stated not sure how I feel at times, it seems city hall is unresponsive. Seems to me the city only lets people know hours after people from other city and towns do that. We already pay people to do social media, it takes on a life of its own. Up our game before taking this on. Councilor Brooks stated 100% in support of this. Had a student at the high school when there was an active shooter call. Not a whole lot of time to notify. This will inherently help our cause. Councilor Shumsky stated was a student in the building. Hope no child/student/parent/teacher ever has to live through this. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated agree, glad the conversation is taking place. Last first day of school. Not for cell phones in the classroom but daughter had her phone and it helped make it easier. She had the proper message. Helped the teacher and the rest of the students in the cafeteria. Got a message through from working at the court house. Councilor Wagner stated was in the building when the active shooter event was taking place. Can confidently say makes no difference who writes the release to put the public at ease. Only way would be in support of this is if the name of the company is released. Think we could do with a bit of improvement. On MO-3, self-explanatory. Chief Major stated reimbursement grant. Several detectives assigned to state police task forces. On MO-4, very supportive of the C-3 units. Chief Major stated they have given funding the last couple of years. All positive feedback about the C-3 units. On MO-5 & MO-6, hydraulic ram. Chief Stamborski stated happy to receive funds, will enhance our capabilities. Will go to Station 3. Councilor Labrie asked is this the jaws of life? Chief Stamborski answered in the family, spreads the doors open. On MO-7 license agreement. On MO-8, donation. On MO-9, Attorney Kevin Corridan stated settlement memo. Flawed procurement process. Settlement negotiation. Has merit, best interest of the city and it's employees. Advocate for a speedy passage. Don't discuss in an open forum. On MO-10, increase in the cost of chemicals. Liz Batista stated the past fiscal year had to rebid on the chemical contract. Cost was more than double the prior payment. Chemicals are a necessity. To maintain compliance with DEP and EPA. On MO-11, monthly acceptance. Mayor thanked the DPW and contractors for the weekend. Crews were out moving that snow. Rain and temperature created a mess. Secondary roadways, shortage of road salt was unexpected. Been waiting for over three weeks. Seeking alternative sources of salt. Thought outside the box and found some in New York. Ice hasn't melted. Please be patient trying their best to remove. Today received 40 tons of ice melt. Could we do a little better? Be careful if you out there driving, trying to reduce ice. Main thoroughfares are doing well. Public Input-Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, glad to hear the mayor admit how bad the streets are. Parking lot at city hall is down to the bare pavement. Was a problem to get the message out. Would have been better to get the message from the administration. Problems with procurement but if there were problems there would be a closed executive session. Should be risk management how our money is spent. Don't ask questions. Do we have to change procedures. We always just say yes. We'll give you the money. Julie L'Hereux, 58 Carew Street, been canvasing neighborhood for the last couple of months, biggest concern is safety. Cops out monitoring and ticketing. Several suggestions, Carew Street, speed humps would reduce speed by 65%. Can be utilized. Lighting needs to be increased. Abbey Memorial Drive has dark spots. Mary Beth Costello, 66 Voss Avenue, had contacts with numerous residents about road safety. We have to do better about plowing our streets. Agree with Lisa Bienvenue, getting assessments, transparency. Budget process should begin a lot sooner than June. Get the numbers but get the root of how departments function. With the Federal Government making cuts we have to be prepared as a municipality, not a good way to communicate to the residents and taxpayers. Sue Nimchick, 362 James Street, continue from February 4th , agree with public input. Key what people are talking about tonight, being ahead of the curve. DPW did a fantastic job. Long storms, communicating reduces stress. Detail in letter from planning. Public safety is paramount. Bring to the forefront. Limit of $300 on a claim against the city. Speak ahead of the curve. Volunteers for comprehensive plan. How important to get ahead of the curve. Communications -none Minutes -none MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Twenty four thousand one hundred one and 00/100 dollars ($24,101.00} to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Indemnifications of Police & Fire from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive and pass. Councilor Arriaga stated self-insured. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Thirty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($30,000.00} to the following named account: Police Expense Account for Special Services from available funds in the Stablization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and pass. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated request from Police Chief for communication and public relations services.  --Motion made by Councilor Wagner to refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Wagner stated fully prepared to give the Mayor the money for this just hesitant to give without knowing the name of the contractor. Motion to refer defeated by a roll call vote of 4 yes, 8 no. Councilors Wagner, Arriaga, Goff, and Pniak-Costello voting yes. Councilor Courchesne absent. Motion to pass passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 11 yes 1 no. Councilor Wagner voting no. Councilor Courchesne absent. MO-3 Ordered that the City Council accept the FY2023 COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Program Grant in the amount of Ten thousand and 00/100 dollars ($10,000.00) from the Massachusetts State Police to the Chicopee Police Department. Said Grant is to help locate and investigate the illicit activity of the distribution of opioids and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and pass. Councilor Krampits stated accept the grant, detectives work with the Mass State Police, this pays for overtime. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. MO-4 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation of Nine thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($9,500.00) from the New North Citizens Council, Inc. to the Chicopee Police Department. Said donation is to be used for C3 related purchases and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Wagner to receive and pass. Councilor Wagner stated self- explanatory. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. MO-5 Ordered that the City Council accept the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of Fourteen thousand one hundred sixty two and 68/100 dollars ($14,162.68) from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services to the Chicopee Fire Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive, pass and the grant accepted. Councilor Roy stated new hydraulic rescue tool, ram. Important for vehicle crashes. Will be placed on engine number 3. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. MO-6 Mayor's appropriation of Fourteen thousand one hundred sixty two and 68/100 dollars ($14,162.68) to the following named account: Fire Special Account for Purchase of Equipment from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and pass. Councilor Labrie stated agree with everything Councilor Roy said. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. M0-7 Mayor's appropriation of One thousand one hundred sixty eight and 72/100 dollars ($1,168.72) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Employee Assistance Program from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Zygarowski to receive and pass. Councilor Zygarowski stated for employee assistance program. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. M0-8 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of Two hundred and 00/100 dollars ($200.00) from Diane Kowalski to the Chicopee Public Library. Said donation is in memory of Teresa Kowalski and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Bala kier stated donation in memory, letter of thanks should be sent. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. M0-9 Mayor's appropriation of Two hundred sixty six thousand one hundred and 00/100 dollars ($266,100.00) to the following named account: Law Special Account for Settlement in the Case of Gagliarducci Construction, Inc. vs. Scott Chapdelaine, Individually and as Director of Maintenance for Chicopee Public Schools, Chicopee School Department and City of Chicopee from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and pass. Councilor Shumsky stated settlement of case. Councilor Arriaga stated have questions how we can make sure this doesn't happen again. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated suggested maybe we should have this in executive session. Counselor Riley stated can't do executive session tonight. Not on the agenda. Councilor Balakier stated don't want to belabor the point, time is of the essence. Councilor Roy stated did the work, should be paid. Councilor Wagner stated in favor of executive session after the fact. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated been approved. Council should be briefed. Hold school committee to account. Get to the bottom of what. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow Councilor Laflamme to speak. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Laflamme abstained. Councilor Courchesne absent. Councilor Laflamme stated lot to do with the school department. Executive session would be to make sure their process is done correctly. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. M0-10 Mayor's appropriation of Two hundred twenty six thousand and 00/100 dollars ($226,00.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Wastewater Expense Account for Chemicals from available funds in: Wastewater Chief Operator $36,000.00 Wastewater Asst Chief Operator 50.000.00 Wastewater WWTP Attendant 40,000.00 Wastewater WWTP Repairman 30,000.00 Wastewater Intern/Co-Op 10,000.00  Pretreatment Clerk 20,000.00 Collection System Special MEO 40,000.00 TOTAL $226,000.00 --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated chemicals for treatment plant. Contractor is only one company. Price doubled. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. M0-11 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of Six thousand four hundred eight and 00/100 dollars ($6,408.00) to the Chicopee Senior Center. Said donations are for Senior Meals for the month of January, 2025 and they are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass with a 2 nd by Councilor Zygarowski. Councilor Brooks stated self-explanatory. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Laflamme abstained. Councilor Courchesne absent. 12 A favorable Public Works Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Public Works Committee meet to discuss the empty lot near 117 Jacob Street. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and placed on file. Councilor Krampits stated to discuss lot, health said they would reach out to help keep property clean. Councilor Pniak- Costello stated issue has been ongoing for a long time. Owned by McDonalds, looking to make sure property is kept up. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 13 A favorable Public Works Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Public Works Committee meet to discuss the status of signage on James Street from 820 Memorial Drive to the intersection of Johnson Road. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and placed on file. Councilor Krampits stated status of signage on James Street. Engineer will review. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated heavily traveled area. Suggested speed limit sign. Appreciate the help in the area. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 14 A favorable Public Works Committee report: Be it Ordered that the City's obligation in regard to paper streets that have public health issues or safety issues that affect city residents be discussed by the Zoning Committee. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and placed on file. Councilor Krampits stated to avoid confusion was amended on the floor. Paper streets are not city property. Councilor Pniak- Costello stated was an issue due to overgrowth, resident was responsible. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 15 A favorable Public Works Committee report: Be it Ordered that the property on 22 Dorothy Avenue be referred to Public Works Committee for a public hearing. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and placed on file. Councilor Krampits stated the property is being monitored by Building and Health. Councilor Pniak-Costello will monitor. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 16 BE IT ORDERED that CEL install a light on Pole #1 on Litwin Lane. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and sent to CEL for implementation. Councilor Shumsky stated self-explanatory. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Roy out of chair. Councilor Courchesne absent. 17 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 amended as follows: Delete in its entirety Chapter 188-17 Licenses for hawkers, peddlers and transient vendors and Delete in its entirety Chapter 188-17.1 Solicitation of Charitable organizations. And Insert in Place Thereof Chapter 188-17 Licenses for transient vendors, hawkers, peddlers, door-to-door sales, flea markets and charitable events. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Goff stated after concerns from residents people coming door to door after dark. Wear a permit issued by the police department. Door to door, protecting the most vulnerable citizens. Councilor Laflamme stated worked with Councilor Goff and the attorney. Councilor Zygarowski stated we do have an ordinance already. Councilor Shumsky stated question, would the ordinance apply to everyone who is door knocking? Councilor Pniak-Costello asked does it apply to not selling but dropping off packages? Councilor Laflamme stated debate this in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 18 BE IT ORDERED by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the Year 1991, as amended, be and is hereby amended as follows: Chapter 260-68 Schedule IX - Parking for the Handicapped Delete Handicapped And insert in place there of Disabled To read:  Chapter 260-68 Schedule IX - Parking for the Disabled In accordance with 260-27A, the following locations shall be designated as areas for parking for the disabled: --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Labrie stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor Courchesne absent. 19 BE IT ORDERED that the Public Works Committee meet to discuss sidewalks not cleared. Invite - Board of Health, Building, Law Department and DPW. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to the Public Works Committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated would like to have a meeting to get public input. Councilor Balakier stated isn't 24 hours after a snow storm the standard. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated people that can enforce this. Would like to solve the problem if we can. Councilor Arriaga stated was going to do the same thing. Get phone calls from Memorial Drive, hasn't been cleared all year. Calling 4-5 days after the storm. Been a constant thing. Big business shouldn't be on the list. Councilor Zygarowski stated add police and state highway. Cover everybody. Councilor Shumsky stated talking about an issue, having a public hearing on this maybe do a press release. Mail electric bills, talk with the media. Talk with constituents, not opposed to sending to committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated do we publish that subcommittee meetings are televised? People do watch. Public can hear. Television has been a great learning tool. Councilor Zygarowski stated good idea but trouble is not a lot of people watch a subcommittee meeting. Councilor Shumsky stated not saying tv is not a good thing but push notification would hit more people. Councilor Balakier stated we do use robocalls. Could use for cleaning sidewalks. Councilor Arriaga stated works for residents, focus is bigger business. Gas station in 5 years never shoveled. Residents get it, they're held accountable. Experience the business is always an issue. Councilor Laflamme stated find out who can give tickets. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Courchesne absent. 20 BE IT ORDERED that the Public Works Committee meet to discuss light trespass involving residential homes. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to the Public Works Committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated had a discussion about a year ago. Problem in the ward. Large lights people get for their property, situation, it's called light trespass. Residents can't sleep. Want a discussion. What we can or can't do. Councilor Roy asked direct to Councilor Pniak- Costello is this on private land? Yes. Councilor Shumsky asked have you spoken to the residents? Is this a neighborly dispute 7 Have a dialogue privately. Councilor Laflamme stated have to stop thoroughly discussing things on the floor. Councilor Goff stated like to see it go to committee to be discussed. Councilor Laflamme stated will vote no sending to Public Works should work with Law and Building Department to get answers before sending and order to get placed on file. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated already reviewed. No stranger to the Building Department.  Motion to refer defeated by a roll call vote of 4 yes, 7 no. Councilors Roy, Arriaga, Goff, and Pniak-Costello voting yes. Councilors Wagner and Courchesne absent. 21 BE IT ORDERED that the Public Works Committee meet to discuss improved signage on Prospect Street from the intersection of James Street to the intersection of Montcalm Street. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to the Public Works Committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated recognize and thank Councilor Arriaga she brought the issue to attention. Traffic and speeding discussed before. Follow up by two colleagues and State Rep. Arriaga. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Courchesne absent. 22 A proposed Ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Bessette Lane, Traveling south at the intersection of Bessette Lane and Britton Street, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated self-explanatory. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment: Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to adjourn at 8:18. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Courchesne absent. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk