City Council
Regular MeetingFitchburg, MA · December 3, 2024
Minutes
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Dec 18 2024 9:10 am
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 December 3, 2024.
The meeting was called to order by President Zarrella at 7:03 P.M. The meeting opened with a
salute to the Flag led by Councilor Green. The City Clerk called the roll 9 Councilors were present
Councilor Schultz via zoom, (Councilor DiNatale and Fleming absent). Board consists of 11
members.
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I. PUBLIC FORUM
No one spoke during Public Forum.
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II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed Support Group will take place on Thursday,
December 5, 2024 from 4 until 5:30 p.m. in Room 205 at the Fitchburg State University
Recreation Center, 130 North Street. Kelley Lynn and Bernie Schultz will co-facilitate the
meeting.
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Winter Solstice Nature Walk to visit historic graves of local notables and veterans on Saturday,
December 21st at 1:00 PM rain or shine, at the Fitchburg Historic Forest Hill Cemetery.
Donations Welcome to benefit Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries.
Email: friendsoffitchburgcemeteries@gmail.com
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Stratton Players Present, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told and Then Some More” Written by:
Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez, Directed by: Chelsey Patriss.
Friday, December 6th at 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 7th, at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, at the
Stratton Players, 569 Main Street.
General Admission: $15 | Seniors & Students: $10
Reserve Tickets: strattonplayers@gmail.com
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Councilor Schultz’s monthly City Council Community Meeting hosted by Councilor Cragin will
be held on Monday, Dec. 9th, at 6:30 P.M. in the Legislative Building at 700 Main Street.
Broadcast on FATV with special guests:
Captain Chris Garcia
Sergeant Liana Teague
Topics include: Parking Ban during snow storms and new legislation regarding gas-powered RVs
Sargent Teague will also be speaking about serving as a police officer for FPD.
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A public reminder to all residents the fines for Winter Parking Ban on City Streets has increased to
$100.00. Please make sure to remove your vehicles during Parking Bans.
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III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
Minutes Joint Convention meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes of the Records Committee meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes Regular City Council meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes Tax Classification meeting November 21, 2024
Report accepted and minutes adopted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members.
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IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Finance Committee
Meeting of November 27, 2024
Finance Committee Minutes
195-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
Department of Justice COPS PACT (Promoting Access to Crisis Teams) CIT Grant
funds in the approximate amount of THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE DOLLARS ($371,223) to
expand upon the Police Department Crisis Intervention program.
(Be Adopted)
196-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
Department of Justice COPS Recruitment & Retention Grant funds in the
approximate amount of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($175,000) for the purpose of implementing a Fitchburg Pathways to
Employment Program and to further support the police department’s professional
development program.
(Be Adopted)
197-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant
funds from the Commonwealth of Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and
Security in the approximate amount of TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND SEVEN
HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO ($28,732) for a Municipal Road Safety Program to
enhance traffic and pedestrian safety through high-visibility police patrols and
occupant protection mobilizations.
(Be Adopted)
198-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant
funds from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in the approximate
amount of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000), awarded to the city
Recreation Program from the DESE After School and Out of School Time Program
Grant to help cover the cost of weekly STEAM (Science Technology Engineering
Arts Math) activities in collaboration with the Fitchburg Public Library.
(Be Adopted)
Report read and accepted. Orders adopted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members.
Orders signed by Mayor December 12, 2024
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Public Safety Committee
Meeting of December 3, 2024
Oral Report
194-24. J Motors Inc., to petition for a Class II Dealer’s License located at 71 John Fitch
Hwy. Fitchburg, MA 01420
Report read and accepted. Petition granted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
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V. ORDERS – FINANCE
Motion and second for suspension of rules by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
201-24. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of ONE HUNDRED
FORTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO AND 23/100
ACCESS for the purpose of remitting to FATV the third quarter 2024 franchise
fees, and its share of annual capital grant proceeds.
(Suspension of Rules)
Order adopted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members present. Board consists of
11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
Order signed by Mayor December 12, 2024
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Motion and second for suspension of rules by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
202-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant
funds by the Board of Health in the amount of TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($20,000) from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts to
support an overnight Winter Warming Center.
Order adopted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members present. Board consists of
11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
Order signed by Mayor December 12, 2024
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Waive Reading. Order 203-24 stand referred to Finance Committee:
203-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and
Security State 911 Department Training Grant in the approximate amount of ONE
HUNDRED SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT and 82/100
DOLLARS ($107,658.82) for the purpose of training Fire Department dispatchers
in Emergency Medical Dispatch procedures, and Police Department dispatchers in
911 Emergency procedures.
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Motion and second for suspension of rules by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members
present. Board consists of 11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
204-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($130,000) from RESERVE
FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Capital Expenses to FIRE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS – Boiler Replacement.
Order adopted by roll call vote of 9 in favor and 0 opposed. 9 members present. Board consists of
11 members. Board consists of 11 members.
Order signed by Mayor December 12, 2024
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Waive Reading. Orders 205-24 – 207-24 stand referred to Finance Committee:
205-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
THREE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,400,000)
from ARPA – Boulder Drive Water Mains, to ARPA – Main Street Water Mains.
206-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
NINETY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($94,500) to
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Health Insurance from the following ARPA Fund
accounts:
Fitchburg Business Loan Pool $ 62,500
Crocker Field Turf Replacement $ 32,000
207-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) from RESERVE FOR OTHER
MUNICIPAL PURPOSES - Expenses to AUDITOR EXPENSES - Contracted
Services.
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VI. ORDINANCE
200-24. AN ORDINANCE: Adjusting downtown zoning to comply with statutory MBTA
Communities mandates, as detailed in the enclosed document.
Ordinance
(Final Reading)
Ordinance was sent to a third and final reading, to be enrolled, ordained by roll call vote of 7 in
favor and 2 opposed (Councilor Couture and Green). 9 members present. Board consists of 11
members.
Ordinance was signed by the Mayor December 12, 2024.
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VII. PETITION
The following petition was referred to the Public Safety Committee:
208-24. Auto Pro Sales and Service, LLC., to petition for a Class II Dealer’s License located
at 672-678 Water St. Fitchburg, MA 01420
(Public Safety)
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VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 P.M.
___________________________________
Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk
Agenda
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Nov 27 2024 12:28 pm
10:46 am, Dec 02, 2024
WELCOME TO THE FITCHBURG CITY COUNCIL
December 3, 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 COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
Minutes Joint Convention meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes of the Report Committee meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes Regular City Council meeting November 19, 2024
Minutes Tax Classification meeting November 21, 2024
IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Finance Committee
Meeting of November 27, 2024
Finance Committee Minutes
195-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
Department of Justice COPS PACT (Promoting Access to Crisis Teams) CIT Grant
funds in the approximate amount of THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE DOLLARS ($371,223) to
expand upon the Police Department Crisis Intervention program.
(Be Adopted)
196-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of
Department of Justice COPS Recruitment & Retention Grant funds in the
approximate amount of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($175,000) for the purpose of implementing a Fitchburg Pathways to
Employment Program and to further support the police department’s professional
development program.
(Be Adopted)
197-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant funds
from the Commonwealth of Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in
the approximate amount of TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED
THIRTY-TWO ($28,732) for a Municipal Road Safety Program to enhance traffic
and pedestrian safety through high-visibility police patrols and occupant protection
mobilizations.
(Be Adopted)
Page 1
198-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant funds
from the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in the approximate amount of
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000), awarded to the city Recreation Program
from the DESE After School and Out of School Time Program Grant to help cover
the cost of weekly STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) activities in
collaboration with the Fitchburg Public Library.
(Be Adopted)
Public Safety Committee
Meeting of December 3, 2024
Oral Report
194-24. J Motors Inc., to petition for a Class II Dealer’s License located at 71 John Fitch
Hwy. Fitchburg, MA 01420
V. ORDERS - FINANCE
201-24. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of ONE HUNDRED
FORTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO AND 23/100
DOLLARS ($141,242.23) from RESERVE FOR APPROPRIATION, PEG ACCESS
for the purpose of remitting to FATV the third quarter 2024 franchise fees, and its
share of annual capital grant proceeds.
(Suspension of Rules)
202-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant funds
by the Board of Health in the amount of TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($20,000) from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts to
support an overnight Winter Warming Center.
203-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
State 911 Department Training Grant in the approximate amount of ONE HUNDRED
SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT and 82/100 DOLLARS
($107,658.82) for the purpose of training Fire Department dispatchers in Emergency
Medical Dispatch procedures, and Police Department dispatchers in 911 Emergency
procedures.
204-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($130,000) from RESERVE
FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Capital Expenses to FIRE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS – Boiler Replacement.
205-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
THREE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,400,000) from
ARPA – Boulder Drive Water Mains, to ARPA – Main Street Water Mains.
Page 2
206-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
NINETY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($94,500) to
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Health Insurance from the following ARPA Fund
accounts:
Fitchburg Business Loan Pool $ 62,500
Crocker Field Turf Replacement $ 32,000
207-24. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) from RESERVE FOR OTHER
MUNICIPAL PURPOSES - Expenses to AUDITOR EXPENSES - Contracted
Services.
VI. ORDINANCE
200-24. AN ORDINANCE: Adjusting downtown zoning to comply with statutory MBTA
Communities mandates, as detailed in the enclosed document.
Ordinance
(Final Reading)
VII. PETITION
208-24. Auto Pro Sales and Service, LLC., to petition for a Class II Dealer’s License located at
672-678 Water St. Fitchburg, MA 01420
(Public Safety)
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Page 3
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