City Council
Regular MeetingFitchburg, MA · January 4, 2024
Minutes
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Feb 02 2024 2:37 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 Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture
Amy L. Green
Vice President
Andrew J. Van Hazinga Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga
Elizabeth R. Walsh 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 January 4, 2024.
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Van Hazinga at 7:22 P.M. The meeting opened
with a salute to the Flag led by Councilor Van Hazinga. The City Clerk called the roll 10 Councilors
were present. Councilor Fleming and Councilor Schultz via Zoom, President Zarrella was absent.
Board consists of 11 members.
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I. PUBLIC FORUM
• Jacquelyn Wehtje, Fitchburg resident, spoke in opposition of Order 003-24 and 004-24.
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II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Cragin: Our Are Pet Shelters are in CRISIS right now with too many young animals
being born who are not finding homes. Please be a responsible pet owner and FIX your pets.
For Cat owners:
The CATMOBILE is coming to Fitchburg on Thursday, January 18, 2024 starting at 8:30 am. The
Catmobile will be parked at Fitchburg Fire Department, 33 North Street, Fitchburg.
Pre-registration and payment MUST be completed online. Visit: MRFRS.org
The cost will be:
Female Cats: $175.00
Male Cats: $125.00
However, Leominster Fitchburg ACO has vouchers. Visit “Leominster/FitchburgACO” on
Facebook or call: Fitchburg 978-956-4082 Leomnister 978-514-2381.
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III. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE
Appointments Committee
Oral Report
Meeting of January 4, 2024
New Appointment:
Council on Aging
(Term to expire December 5, 2026)
Nancy Donohue
New Appointment:
Fitchburg Disability Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Ellen Corduan
Re-Appointment:
Conservation Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Michael Donnelly
Re-Appointment:
Conservation Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Mark F. Christian
Re-Appointment:
Board of Assessors
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Jerri Maillet
Re-Appointment:
Board of Assessors
(Term to expire January 1, 2026)
Ryan Beauvais
Re-Appointment:
Human Rights Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Barbara Nealon
Re-Appointment:
Zoning Board of Appeals
(Term to expire October 1, 2025)
James Reynolds
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire January 2, 2027)
Matt Bruun
Mary Rice Hurley
James Walsh
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire January 2, 2026)
Cynthia Jones
Joanne Huse
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire July 1, 2026)
Muna Kangsen
Dennis Pierce
Re-Appointment:
Board of Park Commissioners
(Term to expire April 1, 2026)
Mary Whitney
Councilor Walsh recused herself at 7:28 PM
Report accepted. Appointments confirmed by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board
consists of 11 members.
Councilor Walsh joined the meeting at 7:29PM
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IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
The Committee on records reported the minutes of December 19, 2023 City Council meeting and
the minutes of the January 2, 2024 Organizational meeting were correctly recorded. Report
accepted and minutes adopted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of
11 members.
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V. COMMUNICATIONS
His Honor the Mayor
1. New Appointment letter:
Ian B. Wilder, to the position of Firefighter to replace retiring Deputy Fire Chief Roberto
Alicea.
Appointment referred to the Appointments Committee by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members
present. Board consists of 11 members.
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VI. ORDERS – OTHER
The following Orders were referred to a Public Hearing February 6, 2024:
003-24. ORDER OF NOTICE: Setting the date of a public hearing for the Laying out of a
portion of Ethier St. as a public street or way.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
004-24. ORDER THAT: Laying out a portion of Ethier St. as Public Street or way as
outlined in the enclosed Order.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
Motion and second to refer Orders 003-24 & 004-24 to a Public Hearing on February 6, 2024 by
unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members.
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The following Order was referred to the City Property Committee:
005-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg shall, through its Mayor Samantha M.
Squailia, approve and authorize the execution of a Conservation Easement
Agreement in form substantially similar to that attached hereto and authorize all
other acts which will be necessary, helpful or convenient thereto, in order to
effectuate the Zoning Board decision of September 27, 2023 as recorded in the
Worcester North Registry of Deeds at Book 10655, Page 369. 1341 Rindge Road
(Refer to City Property)
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VII. PETITIONS
The following petition was referred to a Public Hearing February 6, 2024:
006-24. Unitil, to petition for a new pole #1-51, approximately 650' South of Drepanos Dr.,
and approximately 1020' North of View St., as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
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The following petition was referred to the Planning Board and Legislative Affairs:
007-24. James C. Pappas and three signatory voters, to amend Order 234-03 in order to
correct errors in the title record as detailed in the enclosed petition.
(Refer to Planning Board and Legislative Affairs)
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Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M.
___________________________________
Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk
Agenda
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Dec 29 2023 1:18 pm
WELCOME TO THE FITCHBURG CITY COUNCIL
January 4, 2024
Fitchburg Legislative Building
700 Main Street
Fitchburg MA 01420
7:00 PM
This meeting can also be viewed live on FATV. Go to www.fatv.org/watch-fatv for more
information on accessing this meeting.
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 city of residence.
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 Councilor 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 by 12:00 PM (noon) on the day of meeting.
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE
Appointments Committee
Oral Report
Meeting of January 4, 2024
New Appointment:
Council on Aging
(Term to expire December 5, 2026)
Nancy Donohue
New Appointment:
Fitchburg Disability Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Ellen Corduan
Re-Appointment:
Conservation Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Michael Donnelly
Re-Appointment:
Conservation Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Mark F. Christian
Re-Appointment:
Board of Assessors
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Jerri Maillet
Re-Appointment:
Board of Assessors
(Term to expire January 1, 2026)
Ryan Beauvais
Re-Appointment:
Human Rights Commission
(Term to expire January 1, 2027)
Barbara Nealon
Page 1
Re-Appointment:
Zoning Board of Appeals
(Term to expire October 1, 2025)
James Reynolds
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire January 2, 2027)
Matt Bruun
Mary Rice Hurley
James Walsh
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire January 2, 2026)
Cynthia Jones
Joanne Huse
Re-Appointment:
Board of Trustees Public Library
(Term to expire July 1, 2026)
Muna Kangsen
Dennis Pierce
Re-Appointment:
Board of Park Commissioners
(Term to expire April 1, 2026)
Mary Whitney
IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
V. COMMUNICATIONS
His Honor the Mayor
1. New Appointment letter:
Ian B. Wilder, to the position of Firefighter to replace retiring Deputy Fire Chief Roberto
Alicea.
VI. ORDERS – OTHER
003-24. ORDER OF NOTICE: Setting the date of a public hearing for the Laying out of a
portion of Ethier St. as a public street or way.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
004-24. ORDER THAT: Laying out a portion of Ethier St. as Public Street or way as outlined
in the enclosed Order.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
005-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg shall, through its Mayor Samantha M. Squailia,
approve and authorize the execution of a Conservation Easement Agreement in form
substantially similar to that attached hereto and authorize all other acts which will be
Page 2
necessary, helpful or convenient thereto, in order to effectuate the Zoning Board
decision of September 27, 2023 as recorded in the Worcester North Registry of Deeds
at Book 10655, Page 369.
(Refer to City Property)
VII. PETITIONS
006-24. Unitil, to petition for a new pole #1-51, approximately 650' South of Drepanos Dr.,
and approximately 1020' North of View St., as outlined in the enclosed Petition.
(Public Hearing February 6, 2024)
007-24. James C. Pappas and three signatory voters, to amend Order 234-03 in order to
correct errors in the title record as detailed in the enclosed petition.
(Refer to Planning Board and Legislative Affairs)
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM
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