City Council - Human Resources Committee

City of Chicopee City Council Human Resources Committee APPROVED 7-19-2022 Members James Tillotson Gary Labrie Jerry Roy Pniak-Costello Krampits MINUTES May 24, 2022 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Tuesday, May 24, 2022 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Members Present Tillotson, Labrie, Roy, Pniak-Costello, Krampits Not Present Also Present Dan Garvey (Associate City Solicitor) Councilor Laflamme, Councilor Zygarowski, Councilor Dobosz, Councilor Lopez (zoom), Tim Wagner (School Committee) The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM In compliance with the Open Meeting Law the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. Hearing none the meeting continued. ITEM #1 Mayoral appointment of Marie Laflamme as a member of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation to serve in such office for the term of 3 years expiring on the first of February 2025. Marie Laflamme stated that she has been Treasurer for nine years and she was on the WMDC Board for many years before that. She stated she also volunteered to on that board fifteen or twenty years ago. She stated she was interested in it because they dealt with development, the Military and it was helping the City of Chicopee. They have been charged by the city what to do and they do what they’re asked. She stated that they are a professional board with a mix of Lawyers, Bankers and community. She stated that there are three from Chicopee, three from Ludlow, one from Granby and three at large. Public Input Mary Hanor, 145 Slate Road, asked why she would want to be on this board as she already has a demanding job as City Treasurer, your brothers elevation to the City Council has reunited the conversation about the potential and conflict of interest and there’s an ongoing fundamental disagreement between WMDC and the 1 citizens regarding Slate Conservation area at 0 Fuller Road property. What more do you hope to accomplish that is driving your desire to serve on this board versus another service opportunity. Marie Laflamme stated that her job versus her brother being on the City Council has nothing to do with her serving on the WMDC Board. She still continues to have that same passion with helping the city and helping the military. She stated that she has seen over the years what good they have done. They help with taxes, military, State Police, they bring in money from the economic development and they used the hanger for organ transplant services and many more. She stated that she still wants to serve and she is on other boards as well. Marie Laflamme stated she did not call the ethic, she stated she was called upon and asked some questions on it. She stated years ago when she became the Treasurer she inquired with the Law Department that it was still fair to be an elected official and on the WMDC Board and she was approved with no conflict. Mary Hanor asked on the WMDC Board how many times did you have to excuse yourself due to your position as the City Treasurer. Marie Laflamme stated maybe a few times. Mary Hanor stated that the acts of 1974 chapter 672 section 4. Do you have any recollection of this document being presented to the WMDC for approval and submission. She stated that you as a sitting board member make the WMDC Board aware that this is not on file. Marie Laflamme stated she will look into this. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated that many of her constituents came to her about elected officials serving on Boards. Marie Laflamme stated that she still thinks she can do good for the city and she still represents the City of Chicopee entirely as a member of the WMDC Board. She stated that she has all the qualifications and a very diverse background that she still feels is appropriate for that committee. Public Input Dave Boisselle 117 Dejordy Lane stated that what happened in 2008 – 2009 might have been the right thing at that time but it isn’t now. What do you feel compared to now. Marie Laflamme stated that the WMDC Board did what they were asked to do by the city and continue to do so. She stated that she does not speak for the board she is one person but WMDC wants to be a good neighbor. She believes that the city has wonderful process for developers. She thinks there was a lot of misinformation put out there and that’s why we’re here unfortunately. She stated that her vote will be in the best interest of the city no matter what hat she wears. Councilor Dobosz stated he appreciates all the work that Marie Laflamme does. He stated that there is a lot of miscommunication and he wants to encourage transparency. Sharing information will go a long way in building community trust. Motion to approve Marie Laflamme to the WMDC for the term of 3 years. Councilor Labrie motion to approve – Councilor Roy 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote In favor Unfavorable Labrie Pniak-Costello Roy Krampits Tillotson ITEM #2 2 Mayoral appointment of Jim Hosey as a member of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation to serve in such office for the term of 3 years expiring on the first of February 2025. Jim Hosey stated he has been on three other boards and President of one. He stated that he’s aviation minded. He spent his military career right here in Westover flying airplanes and running a lot of the departments as a Commander. He stated he finished his thirty year tour as the Vice Commander at Westover and had responsibility for everything that happened on the base along with the Wing Commander; Maintenance, fuels, operations, safety, security and was a trained safety officer. He stated he has his own aviation business and he’s an Aviation Safety Consultant and Auditor around the world. His wife spent forty years in the air force as a Base Commander. He stated he was approached by the WMDC. He stated he ran Bagdad International in 2003’ as the onsite Airlift Commander. He stated that he knows what’s required of an airport Mary Hanor stated can you tell us about your experience with non-aviation development governments. Jim Hosey stated some of what you’re asking is out of my present purview, he’s not on the board yet and does not know all of the companies that surround the base. He expects to learn more about that if appointed and based on that he will do his best with integrity and professionalism to work on any project that’s put before us. Mary Hanor stated what do you see as your responsibilities to the citizens of Chicopee. Jim Hosey stated to act on anything that is presented to the board, for the benefit of the board, the residents, the City of Chicopee, the Airforce and the FAA. He stated whatever the issue is I’ll give my guidance and vote accordingly. Mary Hanor stated how would you describe your leadership style. Jim Hosey stated that he has had many leadership positions in his career and he tries to take care of the people first. He stated he also considers what’s best for the business, the Airforce and my military career. He stated that he always took the airmen, their best interest at heart and his civilian business the same thing. Councilor Dobosz stated do you perceive WMDC wanting to build a larger efficient airport that civilians and cargo planes can use or do you see it as more of a development for the general area. Jim Hosey sated there’s a lot happening and some great potential not only for WMDC but the City of Chicopee. Councilor Dobosz stated as a new member do you feel there is anything you can do to build a relationship between the residents, City Council and WMDC. Jim Hosey stated yes and he is aware that there is movement underfoot right now to have meetings and the President of WMDC is very much in favor of that. Motion to appoint Jim Hosey to the WMDC to serve for the term of 3 years. Councilor Pniak-Costello motion to approve – Councilor Roy 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable ITEM #3 Mayoral appointment of Doreen E. Naumchick as a member of the Council on Aging to serve in such until the first of April 2025. Doreen Naumchick stated that she is a senior now and has been using the Senior Center for a while now. She likes the programs and how they involve the families. She likes how they provide the services and programs. She would like to see that continue and add her own perspective. She stated she would like to appeal to the younger part of the seniors. She stated that many of the seniors are working now and she would like to see the services available at different times. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated what do you think is the most pressing issue regarding elders at this time. Doreen Naumchick state that safety whether it’s financial and steering people in the right direction to find the correct help. Councilor Pnaik-Costello do you think we are addressing the home care health of the elders. 3 Doreen Naumchick stated that she would definitely look into homecare more seriously. She stated that she took care of her elderly father and it was difficult to seek out help and find the right organization to help. Doreen Naumchick stated that she would like to see later in the afternoon activities for the seniors like the open gym and exercise programs. Motion to approve Doreen Naumchich as a member of the Council of Aging for 3 years. Councilor Pniak-Costello motion to approve – Councilor Roy 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable ITEM #4 Mayoral appointment of Kurt Pressey as a member of the Mobile Home Rent Control Board to serve until the first of May 2024. Councilor Tillotson stated that you will be on a Board that can project and increase on the people who live in the trailer park. Kurt Pressey stated that he understands. He stated that he has been in real-estate for thirty years and has his brokers’ license and he is bonded. He stated he worked for the VA through their foreclosure program. He stated he does have some experience and he was directed towards this. He knows when it comes to money it can be a rough situation but you still have to make the right decision. He stated that he has done a lot of community service and was a Shriners Clown. Councilor Roy motion to approve – Pniak-Costello 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable ITEM # 5 Motion to approve the minutes of April 25, 2022 - 2nd the motion – motion passed Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. 4