City Council - Ordinance Committee

CHICOPEE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE ACCEPTED MEMBERS James Tillotson, Chairman Gary Labrie, Vice-Chairman Robert J. Zygarowski Frank Laflamme Timothy McLellan MINUTES February 10, 2014 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Members Present: Tillotson, Labrie, Laflamme, Zygarowski, McLellan Also Present: Councilor Brooks, Frank Czepiel (Commission on Disabled) The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. ITEM #1 Parking Regulations Springfield Street In front of 486 Springfield Street TIME LIMIT PARKING – 15 MINUTES 11 AM – 11 PM (2 PARKING SPACES) Councilor Tillotson stated that he has spoken with William Stetson, who owns the business next door to this address, and stated that Mr. Stetson was concerned about losing parking on the street for his customers. Councilor Tillotson stated that Mr. Stetson is willing to compromise would be OK with one parking space for 15 minute parking. Councilor Brooks stated that Mr. Stetson runs a very successful business and his patrons want to park as close as they can. This impacts the small business owner next door who is making pizza. He would like two spots for his customers to be able to run in and get their order. He realizes that the pizza delivery drivers cannot parking there. He does not have a large seating area so it is mostly take out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Councilor Brooks stated that Mr. Stetson has a parking lot in the rear of his property. He further stated that he feels it is reasonable to ask for two. 1 PUBLIC INPUT William Stetson, stated that neither the property owners nor tenants would like 15 minute parking on Springfield Street. He further stated that on the other side of Springfield Street there is a 30 minute parking space which can be utilized by someone coming in to pick up pizza. He also stated that this issue could be revisited in a year if issues arise. Motion made by Councilor McLellan to amend the ordinance to one parking space. Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #2 Handicap Parking 21 Elmer Drive HANDICAP PARKING Councilor Tillotson stated that the Commission on Disabled does not recommend this handicap parking ordinance. He further stated that the requestor does not own a vehicle. Frank Czepiel stated that the application indicated that the requestor wanted his own sign. Handicap parking spaces are not assigned to a particular individual. Anyone with a handicap placard is allowed to park in a handicap spot. Committee vote 5 – 0 unfavorable. ITEM #3 Minutes – December 10, 2013. Motion made to approve. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM. 2