City Council
Regular MeetingFitchburg, MA · January 21, 2025
Minutes
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Feb 05 2025 4:15 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 21, 2025.
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 President Zarrella. The City Clerk called the roll 10 Councilors were present
Councilor Beauchemin via zoom, (Councilor DiNatale absent). Board consists of 11 members.
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I. PUBLIC FORUM
No public comment was provided during public forum.
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II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed Support Group will take place on Thursday,
January 30, 2025 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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Members of the public are welcome to participate in a citizen-lead group researching the history of
Black residents in Fitchburg and the region. The group meets at Fitchburg Historical Society every
Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
We are preparing for Black History Trivia Night at the Society on Saturday, February 8, 7 pm, but
we are also researching Black individuals, businesses, and associations to add to the archives.
There is no cost, and we welcome students, adults and seniors. Again, this meets every
WEDNESDAY from 3 to 6 pm at the Society. Call 978-345-1157 to learn more, or just join us.
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Economic Development Report – January 21, 2025, Councilor Cragin
This report provides updates on ongoing economic initiatives in Fitchburg, including key
development projects led by the city.
Fitchburg Airport
Last week, Airport Manager Peter Kettle and I had a fascinating discussion about recent and
upcoming developments at Fitchburg Airport. A few years ago, Fitchburg extended the airport
runway to 5,001 feet, enabling jets to arrive and depart.
In 2024, 56 corporate jets landed at Fitchburg Airport. Upon arrival, rental cars—arranged by the
Airport Manager—were ready for their use. These individuals conducted business in the region
before refueling their planes and departing to their next destinations. Some of these jets boasted
wingspans as large as 106 feet. This activity not only brings visitors to our region but also
generates revenue from fuel sales.
Looking ahead, the airport plans to introduce new amenities, including airplane hangars, some of
which will be large enough to accommodate jets with a wingspan of up to 48 feet.
Fitchburg Airport is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a developer to create a restaurant
adjacent to the administration building. The proposed site is approximately 20,000 square feet,
which will include space for both the restaurant and parking. The RFP will go live to the public in
late January and remain open through May 1, 2025, to provide developers ample time for
thoughtful proposal submissions.
Members of the public: If you or someone you know may be interested in this opportunity, please
contact Economic Development Director Mary-Jo Bohart at 978-829-1896 for further details.
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Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP)
Outside of City Hall, we have great news about the Housing Development Tax Incentive Program
(HDIP), a state program offering tax credits to developers creating market-rate multi-family
housing. Out of 12 awards granted statewide, Fitchburg received two, which speaks to our
leadership in development.
The Iver Mills project on River Street, a 96-unit housing development, was awarded $2.5 million
in tax credits.
347-355 Main Street, developed by Paul Tocci, received $480,000 for an 8-unit project.
These awards reflect Fitchburg’s ongoing commitment to fostering new housing opportunities and
innovation.
Local Business Updates
Boot Barn Grand Opening: Mark your calendars! The Grand Opening of Boot Barn, the fifth
location in New England, will take place on Saturday, February 8th, from 12 to 3 PM, featuring
music and festivities.
Marcello’s Restaurant: A new family-owned restaurant, Marcello’s, opened in December on
Airport Road. They serve delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine—be sure to check
them out!
Conclusion
This concludes the Economic Development Report, with contributions from Fitchburg Airport,
Community Development, and Economic Development.
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III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS
Minutes from the Organizational City Council meeting January 6, 2025
Minutes from the Regular City Council meeting January 7, 2025
Minutes from the Council as a Whole Committee meeting January 7, 2025
Report accepted and minutes adopted by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10 members
present. Board consists of 11 members.
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IV. COMMUNICATION
Her Honor the Mayor
1. K-9 Atlas as a member of the Fitchburg Police Department.
2. New-Appointment letter:
Brittney Fish, to the position of Human Resources Director for the City of Fitchburg, to fill the
vacancy of Ms. Susan A. Davis. This temporary appointment is valid until a qualified permanent
appointment is submitted and confirmed by your honorable body or in six (6) months, whichever
occurs first.
Promotion Letters
1. Promotion letter:
Lieutenant Jeffrey J. Howe to the rank of Police Captain
2. Promotion letter:
Sergeant Christopher Bellofatto to the rank of Police Lieutenant
3. Promotion letter:
Police Officer Michael Faucher to the rank of Police Sergeant
4. Promotion letter:
Police Officer Daniella Lopez to the rank of Police Sergeant
Appointments and Promotion letters read and filed in the City Clerk’s Office.
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V. COMMUNICATION
City Clerk
Amend the dates of the regular meetings of City Council for the Year 2025.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 to Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Motion and second to reschedule the Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 meeting of the City Council
to Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 for this year by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10
members present. Board consists of 11 members.
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VI. REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Public Safety Committee
Meeting of January 21, 2025
Oral Report
006-25. ORDER THAT: Authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement
between The City of Fitchburg and The Fitchburg Police Union as outlined in the
attached Order.
Motion and second to approve pending the approval of Finance by roll call vote 10 in favor and
0 opposed. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members.
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VII. ORDERS – FINANCE
The following Orders were referred to the Finance Committee:
008-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the approximate amount of
FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50,000) for the installation of a
concrete slab for the Outdoor Fitness Park and Fitness Studio in Coolidge Park.
009-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds
from the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the approximate amount of
FORTY THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($40,000) for the installation of a
new digital scoreboard at Nikitas Field.
010-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds in the approximate amount of
SEVENTY-THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE AND 70/100
DOLLARS ($73,951.70) for the purpose of continuing the Police Department
Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate program.
011-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the transfer of SEVEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($7,000) from the CDBG Year 49 Crocker Field Broad
Street Entry project, to Year 50 Crocker Field Restoration project.
Orders 008-25 through 011-25 referred to the Finance Committee.
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VIII. ORDER – OTHER
012-25. ORDER THAT: This instrument is an indenture of lease (“Lease”) by and between
the CITY OF FITCHBURG by and through the FITCHBURG MUNICIPAL
AIRPORT COMMISSION, a public agency duly created by the City of Fitchburg,
acting pursuant to the statutory powers set forth under Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 90, Sections 51D through 51N, and having its usual place of business at
the Fitchburg Municipal Airport, Fitchburg, Massachusetts (“Landlord”) and
Rockin Horse Enterprises LLC, a Massachusetts Foreign Limited Liability
Company (LLC) with a business address of 43 Vaine Street, Winchendon, Ma.
01475 (“Tenant”).
Motion and second for suspension of rules by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10
members present. Board consists of 11 members.
Motion and second to approve Order 012-25 by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10
members present. Board consists of 11 members.
Order signed by the Mayor February 5, 2025
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IX. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM
The meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M.
___________________________________
Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk
Agenda
FITCHBURG CITY CLERK
Jan 16 2025 2:02 pm
WELCOME TO THE FITCHBURG CITY COUNCIL
January 21, 2025
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 from the Organizational City Council meeting January 6, 2025
Minutes from the Regular City Council meeting January 7, 2025
Minutes from the Council as a Whole Committee meeting January 7, 2025
IV. COMMUNICATION
Her Honor the Mayor
1. K-9 Atlas as a member of the Fitchburg Police Department.
2. New-Appointment letter:
Brittney Fish, to the position of Human Resources Director for the City of Fitchburg, to fill the
vacancy of Ms. Susan A. Davis. This temporary appointment is valid until a qualified permanent
appointment is submitted and confirmed by your honorable body or in six (6) months, whichever
occurs first.
Promotion Letters
1. Promotion letter:
Lieutenant Jeffrey J. Howe to the rank of Police Captain
2. Promotion letter:
Sergeant Christopher Bellofatto to the rank of Police Lieutenant
3. Promotion letter:
Police Officer Michael Faucher to the rank of Police Sergeant
4. Promotion letter:
Police Officer Daniella Lopez to the rank of Police Sergeant
V. COMMUNICATION
City Clerk
Amend the dates of the regular meetings of City Council for the Year 2025.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 to Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Page 1
VI. REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Public Safety Committee
Meeting of January 21, 2025
Oral Report
006-25. ORDER THAT: Authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement
between The City of Fitchburg and The Fitchburg Police Union as outlined in the
attached Order.
VII. ORDERS – FINANCE
008-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from
the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the approximate amount of FIFTY
THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50,000) for the installation of a concrete slab
for the Outdoor Fitness Park and Fitness Studio in Coolidge Park.
009-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from
the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the approximate amount of
FORTY THOUSAND and 00/100 DOLLARS ($40,000) for the installation of a new
digital scoreboard at Nikitas Field.
010-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds in the approximate amount of SEVENTY-
THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE AND 70/100 DOLLARS
($73,951.70) for the purpose of continuing the Police Department Civilian Domestic
Violence Advocate program.
011-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the transfer of SEVEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($7,000) from the CDBG Year 49 Crocker Field Broad
Street Entry project, to Year 50 Crocker Field Restoration project.
VIII. ORDER – OTHER
012-25. ORDER THAT: This instrument is an indenture of lease (“Lease”) by and between
the CITY OF FITCHBURG by and through the FITCHBURG MUNICIPAL
AIRPORT COMMISSION, a public agency duly created by the City of Fitchburg,
acting pursuant to the statutory powers set forth under Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 90, Sections 51D through 51N, and having its usual place of business at the
Fitchburg Municipal Airport, Fitchburg, Massachusetts (“Landlord”) and Rockin
Horse Enterprises LLC, a Massachusetts Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC)
with a business address of 43 Vaine Street, Winchendon, Ma. 01475 (“Tenant”).
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM
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