City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Apr 16 2022 2:12 pm City of Fitchburg Massachusetts 01420 CITY COUNCIL Councillors at Large President Ward Councillors Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 1 – Bernard J. Schultz III Sally H. Cragin Ward 2 – Paul R. Beauchemin Marcus L. DiNatale Vice President Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture Amy Green Andrew J. Van Hazinga Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga Samantha M. Squailia Ward 5 – Marisa R. Fleming Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 6 – Derrick J. Cruz 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 March 15, 2022. The meeting was called to order by President Anthony Zarrella at 7:00 P.M. The meeting opened with a salute to the Flag led by Councilor Fleming. The Clerk called the roll and 10 Councilors were present. Councilor Squailia was present remotely. Councilor DiNatale was absent. Board consists of 11 members. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. PUBLIC FORUM No one spoke at the public forum. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE The Appointments Committee recommended the following Appointments be confirmed: Re-Appointments: Fitchburg Historical Commission (Term to expire February 1, 2025) Ellen DiGeronimo (Term to expire February 1, 2025) Donald Ostrowski New Appointments: Fitchburg Disability Commission (Term to expire March 1, 2025) Ms. Marshal D. Haneisen Full-Time Police Officers Fitchburg Police Department (To be effective April 4, 2022) Esteban Bonilla-Perez Shannon Burke Report accepted. Appointments confirmed by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members.  II. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS The Committee on records reported the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 1, 2022 were correctly recorded. Report accepted and minutes adopted. V. COMMUNICATION His Honor the Mayor Promotion Letter 1. Lieutenant Andrew Doughty to permanent Fire Captain. 2. Private Kyle Forrest to permanent Fire Lieutenant. 3. Private Paul Duquette to permanent Fire Lieutenant. 4. Lieutenant Ryan Cringan to permanent Captain 5. Michael Smith to permanent Lieutenant. Council approval not required. Officers were sworn in to faithfully perform their duties by the Provisional City Clerk. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. ANNUAL REPORT 63-22. ANNUAL REPORT: Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority for Fiscal Year 2021 and the Audited Financials for Fiscal Year 2020. Memo to City Council FRA Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2021 FRA Audited Financials Reading waived. Report placed on file in the City Clerk’s Office. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Finance Committee Meeting of March 8, 2022 Finance Committee Minutes of March-8-2022 The Finance Committee recommended the following Orders be adopted: 030-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts grant in the approximate amount of $30,000.00 (THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to provide outreach services to the homeless population in the city. 031-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditures of funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Housing and Community Development grant in the approximate amount of $100,000.00 (ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to provide outreach services to the homeless population in the city. Report read and accepted. Orders adopted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Orders signed by the Mayor March 16, 2022. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Finance Committee recommended the following Communication be accepted: Community Development Block Grant Year 48 (Be Adopted) CDBG Year 48 Report accepted. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members,. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. ORDERS – FINANCE The following Orders were referred to the Finance Committee: 035-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive office of Public Safety and Security, SAFE grant in the approximate amount of $3,255.00 (THREE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to educate seniors in the community regarding fire and life safety topics. 036-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive office of Public Safety and Security, SAFE grant in the approximate amount of $6,275.00 (SIX THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE AND 00/100 DOLLARS)) for the purpose of said grant, which is to continue to teach fire safety to students. 037-22. ORDERED THAT: There be and hereby is transferred from within the sum of FIFTEEN THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($15,552.00) same to be transferred from VETERANS PERSONAL SERVICES, CLERICAL and credited to VETERANS EXPENSES, TEMPORARY PERSONAL SERVICES. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII. ORDERS – AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT 038-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $137,600.00 (ON HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to pay for a second outreach worker as well as purchase necessary supplies. 039-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $658,000.00 (SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to update playgrounds at Parkhill and Mama Fitz Park. 040-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $275,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to expand the original design for Green Acres to include a medical office and reception area. 041-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $125,000.00 (ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to expand the Wallace Tower Apartments to include more space for community activities and a medical office and reception area. 042-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $413,900.00 (FOUR HUNDRED THIRTEEN THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to complete the buildout of community space, offices and infrastructure in The Center for Change. 043-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $6,500,000.00 (SIX MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND, AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to create a 21st century library and the Fitchburg Public Library. 044-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $250,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to activate vacant store fronts and remove blight by creating a revolving loan pool to provide loan funds to Main St. building owners. 045-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $450,000.00 (FOUR HUNDRED, FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to close the funding gap for the Fitchburg Arts Community housing development. 046-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $250,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to create a rental repair revolving loan fund for landlords of small properties. 047-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $62,500.00 (SIXTY-TWO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to support CDP’s existing loan fund form ARPAQ-eligible investments in local businesses. 048-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $90,000.00 (NINETY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to develop a youth Boxing Activity Center on Broad Street in downtown Fitchburg. 049-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $475,000.00 (FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to revitalize four (4) vacant commercial storefronts located at 689-701 Main St. into small business incubators. 050-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $250,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to provide no- interest and low-interest loans at favorable terms to help developers and businesses with construction, infrastructure and capital costs. 051-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $1,078,000.00 (ONE MILLION, SEVENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is continue the improvements to reduce flooding along Baker Brook to facilitate better vehicular and pedestrian access throughout John Fitch Highway corridor. 052-22. ORDERED THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $3, 750,000.00 (THREE MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to upgrade all water mains on Boulder Dr., as well as those in the intersecting streets between Boulder Dr. and Main St. 053-22. ORDERED THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Funds Available for Projects in the approximate amount of $235,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100) for the purpose of said grant, which is to design water, sewer, and drainage upgrades at the intersection of North St., Pearl Hill Rd., and John Fitch Highway. Orders adopted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Orders signed by the Mayor March 16, 2022. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VIII. ORDERS-OTHER The following Order was referred to the Legislative Affairs Committee: 054-22. WHEREAS, a third amendment is necessary in order to allow the Town of Westminster to transfer discharge from the Route 31 sewer line to the Route 2A sewer line and the Parties entered into the Agreement and wish to continue into good faith negotiations relative to the terms of a new Intermunicipal Agreement after receipt of certain studies that remain outstand and input from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency so as to best accommodate increased flow from Westminster. Third Amendment to Intermunicipal Agreement ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IX. ORDINANCE 055-22. AN ORDINANCE: Amending Section 169-25 of the City Code, re: No Parking, Ellis Street, Kingsbury Street, Drury Street as outlined in the enclosed Ordinance. (Reference Petition 166-21) Ordinance Ordinance was sent to a first and second reading and ordered advertised by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- X. RESOLUTION 056-22. RESOLUTION: Providing for the Amendment to the Fitchburg Downtown Urban Revitalization and Development Plan as outlined in the enclosed Resolution: Resolution (Reference Petition #007-2022) Motion to suspend the rules passed by roll call vote of 10 in favor and 0 opposed. Resolution adopted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 10 members. Resolution signed by the Mayor March 16, 2022. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- XI. PETITIONS The following Petition was referred to the City Property Committee: 057-22. Tom Skwierawski, Executive Director of Community Development & Planning, to request the City Council to declare the following Parcel as surplus property: 491 Main Street, Assessor’s Map 43/8/0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following Petitions were referred to the Public Safety Committee: 058-22. Sgt. Daniel Boudreau, FPD Traffic Unit, to petition for “No Parking at All Times” on Industrial Road and Stevens Road, both sides. 059-22. Sgt. Daniel Boudreau, FPD Traffic Unit, to petition for a “No Parking Tow Zone” on both sides of Roper Road from Industrial Road to Westminster Line. 060-22. Sgt. Daniel Boudreau, FPD Traffic Unit, to petition for “No Parking During Game On Functions Tow Zone” entire length, both sides of Victoria Lane. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following Petitions were referred to the Public Works Committee: 061-22. Councilors Marcus DiNatale and Paul Beauchemin, on behalf of Elmer Eubanks, to repair a damaged berm in front of 427 Oak Hill Road that is now causing water runoff onto the property. 062-22. Councilor Paul Beauchemin, to install a berm from the corner of Stanley Street to 80 Pershing Street on both sides of the road to mitigate water runoff. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS President Zarrella announced that Ward 1 City Councilor Bernie Schultz is hosting a Ward 1 Community Meeting on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. here in the Legislative Building, 700 Main Street. Planning and Community Development Director Tom Skwierawski and Assessor Chris Paquette will make presentations, and answer questions following their presentations. President Zarrella announced that the Highland Baptist Church at 19 Cedar Street is hosting a vaccine clinic on March 17th from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. XIII. OTHER BUSINESS The meeting adjourned at 7:43 P.M. ___________________________________ Amanda K. Alford, Provisional City Clerk