City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Feb 24 2025 2:02 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 February 4, 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 Councilor Beauchemin. The City Clerk called the roll 10 Councilors were present, Councilor Van Hazinga via zoom, (Councilor Green absent). Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. PUBLIC FORUM No public comment was provided during public forum. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed Support Group will take place on Thursday, February 13, 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fitchburg City Councilors Derrick Cruz and Bernie Schultz are hosting a City Council Community Meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. right here in the Legislative Building, 700 Main Street. The “Town Hall” meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for residents to hear from expert panelists on a non-binding resolution called Medicare for All in Massachusetts that Councilors Cruz and Schultz are endorsing. Meeting attendees will have the chance to ask questions about the resolution itself as well as the broader impact of adopting single-payer healthcare in the Commonwealth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Development Report – February 4, 2025, Councilor Cragin Tonight's Economic Development Update - If you have a business, are interested in starting a business, expanding a business, hiring folks for your business, having an artist help your business (signs?), please reach out and I'm happy to connect you with community and economic development TEAM! This week Roy Nascimento, President of North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce sent a bulletin expressing grave concern about the proposed tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. I immediately called him up to hear more. He told me the Chamber had spoken to many owners of manufacturing facilities to get a sense of their thoughts as regards the tariffs. The majority of people he spoke to are very, very worried. Just a reminder to everyone: In north central Massachusetts, our manufacturing base is unique in the state. Manufacturers are a significant regional employer and they pay above average wages. The results of tariffs are likely to be inflation, an increased cost to consumers, and potential reduction in staffing. Fitchburg Airport – and Fitchburg – got a substantial amount of publicity Worcester Business Journal did a big feature on the City of Fitchburg, and downtown development. Valentine’s Day. Many local businesses help us celebrate February 14 Most people want to say it with flowers, and we have five excellent locally-owned florists in Fitchburg. You can buy flowers that are pink, red, white – or other hues, if you prefer. Debonis and Davin, and Last-Minute Gifts are downtown, Cauley’s Florist and Romano greenhouse are on South St. and Windmill Florist is on Mechanic Street. Another Valentine gift completely free of fat, sugar and carbohydrates is a card. Now, if your child or grandchild made a beautiful valentine, and you want to share it with others, take a trip to Minuteman Press, on Summer St. which has been in business since 1987. They can make a beautiful color copy for you for just . . . Fifty-nine cents. That is the lowest price in the region, by the way. But if your valentine tradition includes sweet stuff, go to the mall across from Minuteman and stop by Dutch Kitchen, which has been in business since 1968. They’re under new management for the past 5 years, but the buttercream recipe remains the same (it’s a big, big secret). They are now taking orders for cookies, baked goods Parkhill Plaza, Delicious Dips is our most recently opened bakery. Owner Paige has very artistically decorated truffles, cookies, cakes, and unique baked goods, including macarons. No one in our area offers macarons. Paige told me last weekend; it took her 12 separate tries to perfect. She let folks know on Facebook, and the first batch sold within hours. Finally, if you really want to make a statement – go bling or go home. Real bling that is. You can find some gorgeous sparkly adornments for men and women at Fitchburg’s most venerable family-owned store Duvarney Jewelers. They are still at 457 Main Street, thank you! Founded in 1854, you’ll find vintage and heirloom pieces, along with current styles. Further along South Street, at 63 Whalon St. Fitchburg visit Elliott’s Jewelers, which began in the 1930s. Still family-owned, Elliott’s offers a full selection of jewelry for men and women, time- pieces and elegant home décor. Whether you celebrate with rubies, roses, cards, or chocolate we wish everyone a delightful Valentine’s Day and say thank you to all the business owners who spoke to us this week. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! This concludes the Economic Development Report, with contributions from Fitchburg Airport, Community Development, and Economic Development. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS Minutes from the Regular City Council meeting January 21, 2025 Report accepted and minutes adopted by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. COMMUNICATION Her Honor the Mayor 1. New-Appointment letter: Ricardo Barros, as a Member of the Fitchburg Cultural Council, for a term to expire February 18, 2028. 2. New-Appointment letter: Eva Antonucci-Kelly, as a Member of the Fitchburg Cultural Council, for a term to expire February 18, 2028. 3. Re-Appointment letter: Shara Osgood, as a Member of the Fitchburg Cultural Council, for a term to expire January 1, 2028. 4. Re-Appointment letter: Amanda Koeck, as a member of the Fitchburg Planning Board, for a term to expire September 1, 2027. 5. Re-Appointment letter: Brian Gallagher, as a member of the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals, for a term to expire March 1, 2030. Appointments stand referred to the Appointments Committee. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Re-Appointment letter: Lisa Mead and Mead, Talerman & Costa, LLC, to the position of City Solicitor, for a one-year term to expire on January 26, 2026. Appointments and Promotion letters read and filed in the City Clerk’s Office. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V. COMMUNICATION Board of Health Opioid Settlement Funds, Presented by BOH Director Steve Curry. Opioid Settlement Fund presentation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. REPORT OF COMMITTEES Finance Committee Meeting of January 22, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 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. (Be Adopted) 005-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby transfers SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($75,000) from POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES – Patrolmen to the POLICE DETAIL ESCROW fund. (Be Adopted) 003-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of grant funds from the Mass DEP FY25 Sustainable Material Recovery Recycling Program, Recycling Dividends Fund, in the approximate amount of THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($30,000) for the purpose of said grant, which is to implement specific programs and policies to maximize reuse, recycling, and waste reduction of curbside and drop-off disposal in Fitchburg. (Be Adopted) 004-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the approximate amount of NINETEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN DOLLARS ($19,287) for community policing efforts. (Be Adopted) 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. (Be Adopted) 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. (Be Adopted) 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. (Be Adopted) 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. (Be Adopted) Report read and accepted. Orders adopted by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Orders signed by Mayor February 11, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public Works Committee Meeting of January 28, 2025 Oral Report 168-24. Councilor Andrew Couture on behalf of Paulo Fritz, to investigate water runoff from the property of 160 Stickney Rd. An apron and berm should be placed to stop the water intrusion to stop the damage to the property. (Be Held) Report read and accepted. Petition to be held in committee by roll call vote 10 in favor and 0 opposed. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VII. ORDERS – FINANCE The following Orders were referred to the Finance Committee: 013-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby rescinds Council Orders #273-22 and #274-22 returning NINETY-EIGHT THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS ($98,400) to WATER ENTERPRISE FUND BALANCE RESERVED FOR LAND PURCHASES. 014-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Department of Mental Health police-based Jail Diversion Program (JDP) in the approximate amount of FORTY-SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($47,000) for the purpose of maintaining the Police Department Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). 015-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby transfers the sum of THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($35,000) from POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES – Patrolmen to POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES – Dispatch Overtime. 016-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby transfers the sum of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000) from FIRE PERSONAL SERVICES – Incentives to: FIRE EQUIPMENT & REPAIR – Automotive Repair - $50,000 FIRE MAINTENANCE OF BUILDING – Household - $50,000 017-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from Massachusetts Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the approximate amount of FIFTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($15,500) for the purpose of purchasing TFT transformer nozzles, hazmat suits, and several AEDs. 018-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the transfer of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) within CDBG Year 45 COVID-19 funds to COVID Rent and Utility Assistance from the following accounts: Pandemic Legal Assistance - $1,328.27 COVID Grant Administration - $3,671.73 Orders 013-25 through 018-25 referred to the Finance Committee. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VIII. LOAN ORDER Loan Order was referred to the Finance Committee: 019-25. LOAN ORDER: the Loan Order #160-24, which was ordered by this Council on September 17, 2024 and authorized a borrowing of $12,700,000 for various water projects, is hereby amended by replacing it in its entirety to read as follows: ORDERED: That $11,400,000 aggregate amount is appropriated for the following projects, including all costs incidental and related thereto, which amount may be apportioned to such projects as needed to accomplish the projects: (i) rehabilitation and/or upgrade of the Meetinghouse Gatehouse and Mare Meadow Pump Station, at an estimated cost of $4,300,000; (ii) Main Street water main replacement project, at an estimated cost of $4,500,000, which amount is expected to be used in addition to certain American Rescue Plan Act funds available for the project; (iii) Regional Water Treatment Plant roof replacement and/or weatherproofing project, at an estimated cost of $850,000; and (iv) Water Street water main replacement project, at an estimated cost of $1,750,000; and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow $11,400,000 under G.L. c.44, §8 or any other enabling authority; that the Mayor is authorized to contract for and expend any federal or state aid available for the projects; that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects; and that the Treasurer is authorized to file an application with the Municipal Finance Oversight Board to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any or all of the bonds authorized by this order and to provide such information and execute such documents as the Municipal Finance Oversight Board may require for these purposes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IX. ORDINANCE The following Ordinance was referred to the Legislative Affairs Committee: 020-25. AN ORDINANCE: to adopt the provisions of G.L. c.60, §62A as amended by Section 89 through 91 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024. (Legislative Affairs) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- X. RESOLUTION The following Resolution was referred to the Legislative Affairs Committee: 021-25. RESOLUTION: A resolution by Councilor Cruz and Schultz in Support of Massachusetts “Medicare for All”. The resolution states as follows as outlined in the enclosed Resolution. (Legislative Affairs)  XI. OTHER BUSINESS Next Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM The meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. ___________________________________ Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk