City Council
Regular MeetingFitchburg, MA · November 4, 2021
Minutes
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Nov 09 2021 9:15 am
City of Fitchburg
Massachusetts 01420
CITY COUNCIL
Councillors at Large President Ward Councillors
Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 1 – Bernard J. Schultz III
Marcus L. DiNatale Ward 2 – Paul R. Beauchemin
Amy Green Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture
Thomas C. Hughes
Vice President
Elizabeth R. Walsh Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga
Samantha M. Squailia Ward 5 – Marisa R. Fleming
Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 6 – Elizabeth R. Walsh
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fitchburg was held at the Legislative
Building at 700 Main Street and over the Zoom meeting platform and live streamed at FATV
Studios, Fitchburg, on November 4, 2021. The meeting was called to order by President Anthony
Zarrella at 7:00 P.M. The Clerk called the roll and 11 Councilors were present. The meeting
opened with a salute to the Flag led by Councilor Green.
President Zarrella welcomed Fitchburg State University students present who are taking
government classes.
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I. PUBLIC FORUM
This meeting will be open to the public. Persons who wish to participate remotely in the Public
Forum portion of the meeting may request a remote attendance link by contacting the City Clerk at
cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov.
There were no requests for public comment.
II. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE
There is no Appointments Committee report at this time.
III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
The Committee on records reported the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 19, 2021 and
the Special Meeting of October 26, 2021 were correctly recorded. Report accepted and minutes
adopted.
IV. COMMUNICATION
Pension Reserves Investment Management Board
https://ma-fitchburg.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8958/PRIM10252021
Reading waived. Communication placed on file in the City Clerk’s Office by unanimous consent
11/0. 11 members present. Board consists of 11 members.
V. ANNUAL REPORT
188-21. ANNUAL REPORT: Auditors Report, June 30, 2021.
https://ma-fitchburg.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8957/Auditors-Report-June-30-2021
Reading waived. Report placed on file in the City Clerk’s Office by unanimous consent 11/0. 11
members present. Board consists of 11 members.
VI. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Public Works Committee
Meeting of October 26, 2021
The Public Works Committee recommended the following Petitions be granted:
167-21. Councilor Bernard Schultz III, for Tom Caputi, 52 Warren Street, to install a berm
in order to alleviate water erosion on the road and property.
168-21. Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, on behalf of Kristine Schneider, to repair the
sidewalk in front of 99 Pleasant Street.
Report read and accepted. Petitions granted by unanimous consent 11/0. 11 members present.
Board consists of 11 members.
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The Public Works Committee recommended to amend the petition to Co-Name Union Street to
include Adrian Ford Way and grant as amended:
175-21. Councilors Fleming and Hughes, to rename Union Street, located in Ward 5B to
Adrian Ford Way.
Report read and accepted. Awaiting the report of the City Property Committee. 11 members
present. Board consists of 11 members.
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The Public Works Committee recommended the following Petitions be granted:
183-21. Councilors Sam Squailia and Andrew Couture to replace asphalt berm and add
apron to alleviate water erosion occurring at 25 Mayland Street as detailed below
and show in attached diagrams:
1. Replace worn out berm approx. 23 feet from edge of stair walkway.
2. Add new raised apron at existing stair walkway to height of berm to avoid water
washout.
3. Replace washed out berm approx.. 15’ from edge of stair walkway down hill to
driveway.
4. Raise driveway apron approx.. 30’ to direct water down hill.
184-21. Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, on behalf of Laurie Brown, to repair the sidewalk
in front of 11 Nutting Street.
Report read and accepted. Petitions granted by unanimous consent 11/0. 11 members present.
Board consists of 11 members.
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The Public Works Committee recommended the following Petition be held for a traffic study:
089-20. Councillor Bernie Schultz, and resident Alex Freeman of 70 Rainville Avenue, to
remove the “No Turn on Red” sign at the intersection of John T. Cetrino Memorial
Drive and Water Street.
Report read and accepted. Petition held for a traffic study by unanimous consent 11/0. 11
members present. Board consists of 11 members.
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The Public Works Committee recommended the following Petition be amended to add signage and
grant as amended:
135-21. Councillor Marisa Fleming, to install a barrier at 113 Summit Street to mitigate
property damage caused from driver error at this dangerous corner.
Report read and accepted. Petition amended to add signage and grant as amended by unanimous
consent 11/0. 11 members present. Board consists of 11 members.
VII. ORDERS-FINANCE
The following Orders were referred to the Finance Committee:
189-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program grant in the
approximate amount of $71,227.00 (SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND, TWO
HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said
grant, which is to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement.
190-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs grant in the approximate
amount of $24,403.00 (TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED
THREE AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to support
community policing efforts and update equipment needs.
191-21. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of
TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($20,000.00) same to be
transferred from RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, CAPITAL
EXPENSES and credited to POLICE, CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, BUILDING
RENOVATION for the purpose of safeguarding the entrance to the Police Station.
192-21. ORDERED THAT: The sum of TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($28,000.00) be appropriated, same to be credited to
HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH SERVICES and charged against the CDBG Year
47.
193-21. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of ONE
HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($100,000.00) same to be
transferred from RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, CAPITAL
EXPENSES and credited to CAPITAL PROJECTS, LONGSJO SCHOOL
WINDOW REPLACEMENT for the purpose of paying costs for the replacement of
windows at the Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School, including a feasibility study and
all other costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the City of Fitchburg may
be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA),
said amount to be expended under the direction of Fitchburg Public Schools. The
City of Fitchburg acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-
entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and
any costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the
MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Fitchburg.
194-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Green Communities
Division Competitive Grant Program in the approximate amount of $151,283.00
(ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-
THREE AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to
implement a number of energy saving programs across the city.
VIII. PETITIONS
The following Petition was referred to the City Property Committee:
195-21. Tom Skwierawski, Exe. Director of Community Development and Planning, to
Declare 0 Daniels Street (Parcel 77 41 0) surplus property and designate the
property for sale through the Side Yard Sales Program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following Petition was referred to the Public Safety Committee, and the Public Works
Committee:
196-21. Councilor Marcus DiNatale, on behalf of resident Barbara Slattery, to install a
sidewalk apron at the corner of Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue (similar to
the one recently installed on same side at Mount Elam Road and Electric Avenue),
then allowing for the installation of a crosswalk, to enhance the safety of pedestrian
traffic for the residents of Old Deerfield Road who use the adjacent bike path
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following Petitions were referred to the Public Works Committee:
197-21. Councilors Sam Squailia and Elizabeth Walsh, to petition to the city to replace the
broken guardrail boards along Harvard Street between Boutelle and St. Bernard
Street as shown in the attached pictures.
198-21. Councilors Marcus DiNatale and Bernard Schultz, on behalf of resident Carrie
Harris, to install a new fence on the right side of forest Street just right after Maple
Street (and 70 Forest Street) if going down the hill from Pine Street.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following Petition was referred to the Public Safety Committee, and the Public Works
Committee:
199-21. Councilor Marisa Fleming, on behalf of Fisher Road residents Yarisbeth Guzman,
Lloyd Wentzall, and Christine Fagone, to request new signs and public lighting for
Fisher Road as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following Petition was referred to a Public Hearing November 16, 2021:
200-21. Unitil, to petition for approx.. 236’ from Harvard Street, relocating p#3, 22’ north
of existing p#3 on Boylston Street, Fitchburg, as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
https://ma-fitchburg.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8959/Unitil
1X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no Announcements at this time.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 P.M.
______________________________________
Amanda K. Alford, Provisional City Clerk
Agenda
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Oct 29 2021 1:05 pm
WELCOME TO THE FITCHBURG CITY COUNCIL
November 4, 2021
Fitchburg Legislative Building
700 Main Street
Fitchburg MA 01420
7:00 PM
This is intended to help you understand the meeting format and assist you with the rules
of the Council as they pertain to your participation.
All meetings of the Fitchburg City council are open to the public. This does not mean that
the public participates in all aspects of the meeting. It simply means that the meeting
itself, including all discussions and votes, is open for public view.
Executive Session
The only time a Council meeting can be closed to the public is when
the Council votes for Executive Session in order to discuss sensitive
matters in private, such as pending litigation. Any votes taken
however, must be taken in open session.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK DURING A COUNCIL MEETING:
Public Forum
The Public Forum occurs immediately following the Pledge of
Allegiance. The President will ask if anyone in the audience wishes
to speak on any matter appearing on the Agenda. If you wish to
address the Council, you must stand and be recognized and follow
these rules before speaking:
1. State your name and address.
2. Approach the center table and either stand or sit. This allows
you to be seen and heard clearly by everyone in attendance.
3. You may speak only on items appearing on the agenda for
no more than (2) minutes. Copies of the agenda are
available on the center table prior to the meeting.
4. Please state the petition, order, ordinance, or resolution
number to which you refer.
Public Hearings
Public hearings are held on various issues such as Special Permits and
Zoning changes. The same rules apply with the following exceptions:
1. You must stand and be recognized either “in favor” or “in
opposition” when asked by the Council President.
2. You need not refer to the petition number.
If you have any questions or comments either before or after the meeting,
any Councillor would be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your interest!
I. PUBLIC FORUM
This meeting will be open to the public. Persons who wish to participate remotely in the Public
Forum portion of the meeting may request a remote attendance link by contacting the City Clerk
at cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov.
II. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE
There is no Appointments Committee report at this time.
III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
IV. COMMUNICATION
Pension Reserves Investment Management Board
V. ANNUAL REPORT
188-21. ANNUAL REPORT: Auditors Report, June 30, 2021.
VI.. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Public Works Committee
Meeting of October 26, 2021
167-21. Councilor Bernard Schultz III, for Tom Caputi, 52 Warren Street, to install a berm
in order to alleviate water erosion on the road and property.
(Be Granted)
168-21. Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, on behalf of Kristine Schneider, to repair the
sidewalk in front of 99 Pleasant Street.
(Be Granted)
175-21. Councilors Fleming and Hughes, to rename Union Street, located in Ward 5B to
Adrian Ford Way.
(Amend to Co-Name Union Street to include Adrian Ford Way and grant as
amended.)
183-21. Councilors Sam Squailia and Andrew Couture to replace asphalt berm and add
apron to alleviate water erosion occurring at 25 Mayland Street as detailed below
and show in attached diagrams:
1. Replace worn out berm approx. 23 feet from edge of stair walkway.
2. Add new raised apron at existing stair walkway to height of berm to avoid
water washout.
3. Replace washed out berm approx.. 15’ from edge of stair walkway down hill to
driveway.
4. Raise driveway apron approx.. 30’ to direct water down hill.
(Be Granted)
184-21. Councilor Andrew Van Hazinga, on behalf of Laurie Brown, to repair the
sidewalk in front of 11 Nutting Street.
(Be Granted)
089-20. Councillor Bernie Schultz, and resident Alex Freeman of 70 Rainville Avenue, to
remove the “No Turn on Red” sign at the intersection of John T. Cetrino
Memorial Drive and Water Street.
(Hold for traffic study)
135-21. Councillor Marisa Fleming, to install a barrier at 113 Summit Street to mitigate
property damage caused from driver error at this dangerous corner.
(Amend to add signage and grant as amended)
VII. ORDERS-FINANCE
189-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
funds from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program grant in
the approximate amount of $71,227.00 (SEVENTY-ONE THOUSAND, TWO
HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said
grant, which is to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement.
190-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
funds from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs grant in the
approximate amount of $24,403.00 (TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR
HUNDRED THREE AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant,
which is to support community policing efforts and update equipment needs.
191-21. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of
TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($20,000.00) same to be
transferred from RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, CAPITAL
EXPENSES and credited to POLICE, CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, BUILDING
RENOVATION for the purpose of safeguarding the entrance to the Police
Station.
192-21. ORDERED THAT: The sum of TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($28,000.00) be appropriated, same to be credited to
HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH SERVICES and charged against the CDBG
Year 47.
193-21. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($100,000.00) same to
be transferred from RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES,
CAPITAL EXPENSES and credited to CAPITAL PROJECTS, LONGSJO
SCHOOL WINDOW REPLACEMENT for the purpose of paying costs for the
replacement of windows at the Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School, including a
feasibility study and all other costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the
City of Fitchburg may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School
Building Authority (MSBA), said amount to be expended under the direction of
Fitchburg Public Schools. The City of Fitchburg acknowledges that the MSBA’s
grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as
determined by the MSBA, and any costs the City incurs in excess of any grant
approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the
City of Fitchburg.
194-21. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
funds from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Green
Communities Division Competitive Grant Program in the approximate amount of
$151,283.00 (ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED
EIGHTY-THREE AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which
is to implement a number of energy saving programs across the city.
VIII. PETITIONS
195-21. Tom Skwierawski, Exe. Director of Community Development and Planning, to
Declare 0 Daniels Street (Parcel 77 41 0) surplus property and designate the
property for sale through the Side Yard Sales Program.
(City Property Committee)
196-21. Councilor Marcus DiNatale, on behalf of resident Barbara Slattery, to install a
sidewalk apron at the corner of Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue (similar
to the one recently installed on same side at Mount Elam Road and Electric
Avenue), then allowing for the installation of a crosswalk, to enhance the safety
of pedestrian traffic for the residents of Old Deerfield Road who use the adjacent
bike path
(Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee)
197-21. Councilors Sam Squailia and Elizabeth Walsh, to petition to the city to replace the
broken guardrail boards along Harvard Street between Boutelle and St. Bernard
Street as shown in the attached pictures.
(Public Works Committee)
198-21. Councilors Marcus DiNatale and Bernard Schultz, on behalf of resident Carrie
Harris, to install a new fence on the right side of forest Street just right after
Maple Street (and 70 Forest Street) if going down the hill from Pine Street.
(Public Works Committee)
199-21. Councilor Marisa Fleming, on behalf of Fisher Road residents Yarisbeth Guzman,
Lloyd Wentzall, and Christine Fagone, to request new signs and public lighting
for Fisher Road as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
(Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee)
200-21. Unitil, to petition for approx.. 236’ from Harvard Street, relocating p#3, 22’ north
of existing p#3 on Boylston Street, Fitchburg, as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
(Public Hearing November 16, 2021)
1X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
X. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 7:00 PM
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