City Council

~AD HOC REPORT~ Amendment to Ordinance Sec. 14-104 Wednesday, May 22, 2024 Chair Peter Buzaid called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Present was Committee Member Barry Rickert; Absent was Committee Member Emile Buzaid. From the City were; Les Pinter, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Richard Thode, Fire Chief. Also present; Ex Officio Members William McAllister, Frank Salvatore, Mike Coelho, Ben Chianese, Ryan Hawley, Diane LaPine; also from the City were; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; Elisa Etcheto, Legislative Assistant; Rick Gottschalk, Outside Corporation Counsel; Jorge Sousa, Economic Development Director; and Terrence Duffy, Assistant Tax Assessor. From the public were Don Taylor and one unidentified individual. Chair P. Buzaid noted the reason for the ad hoc and asked Committee Member Rickert for his comments on the amendment. Member Rickert noted his support of the merger of the two volunteer fire houses and agreed to the required amendment to the ordinance. Mr. Thode and Ms. O’Brien both spoke on their support of the merger and of the amendment to the ordinance. Mr. Pinter clarified the process of amending an ordinance and confirmed that this amendment has undergone the proper steps. Mr. Salvatore expressed his support for the merger as a Council member, and provided an overview of the merger as President of Battalion 31. He explained that the merger was finalized in March and that this amendment will ratify that merger. Mr. McAllister also spoke in favor of the merger and amendment. A motion was made by Member Rickert, and seconded by Chair P. Buzaid, to recommend the adoption of the ordinance as amended subject to a Public Hearing. The motion carried. A motion was made by Member Rickert, and seconded by Chair P. Buzaid, to adjourn. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peter Buzaid, Chair Barry Rickert