City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Jul 17 2025 10:41 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 July 1, 2025. The meeting was called to order by President Zarrella at 9:00 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 Green absent). Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. PUBLIC FORUM • Jacquelyn Wehtje, Fitchburg resident, spoke in support of 111-25. • Rick North, Wellesley resident, spoke in support of 111-25. • Karen Spencer, Leominster resident, spoke in support of 111-25. • Josiah Richards, Fitchburg resident, spoke in opposition of 111-25 & in support of 139-25. • DJ Tardiff, Fitchburg resident, spoke in support of 139-25 & 140-25. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed Support Group will take place on Thursday, July 10 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. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  III. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE Appointments Committee Oral Report Meeting of July 1, 2025 Re-Appointment letter: Chief Procurement Officer (For a term to expire June 30, 2028) Mary Delaney Report read and accepted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS Regular City Council meeting minutes of June 17, 2025 Report read and minutes adopted by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V. COMMUNICATION Her Honor the Mayor 1. New-Appointment letter: Joseph S. Bowen, Jr., as a member of the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority, for a term to expire on July 15, 2030. 2. New-Appointment letter: Poll workers for the period of September 1st, 2025, through August 31st, 2026. 3. New-Appointment letter: Sarah Beth Wheeler, as a member of the Fitchburg Cultural Council, for a term to expire on July 15, 2028. 4. Re-Appointment letter: Nicholas J. Erickson, PE, as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, for a term to expire July 3, 2028. Appointment stands referred to the Appointments Committee. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VI. COMMUNICATION Planning Board At its June 24, 2025 meeting the Fitchburg Planning Board held a hearing and voted (5-0) in favor of extending the Moratorium on “Large Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Facilities” which ended on May 31st, 2025. The Planning Board on a motion voted to recommend that the duration of the extension should be from the Planning Board’s first publication date for the hearing of 6/3/25 to March 1st of 2026, whereas an end date in March will correspond to the new regulations being prepared by the state of Massachusetts for clean energy siting. Report placed on file in the City Clerk’s Office. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII. REPORT OF COMMITTEES Finance Committee Meeting of June 25, 2025 Oral Report 118-25. ORDER THAT: the sum of ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR DOLLARS ($1,684) be appropriated, same to be credited to the Fitchburg Building Department for Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement and charged against the CDBG Year 51. (Be Adopted) 119-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg approves the expenditure of additional funds from the Massachusetts Collaborative for Action, Leadership, and Learning 3 (MassCall3) Substance Misuse Prevention grant in the approximate amount of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($250,000) for the purpose of said grant, which is to prevent substance use (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis) among youth. (Be Adopted) 120-25. 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 FOURTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($14,500), 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 summer field trips and bringing different educational entertainers to the Coolidge and Parkhill playground sites. (Be Adopted) 121-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated from WATER ENTERPRISE - RETAINED EARNINGS the sum of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($175,000) to the following WATER ENTERPRISE accounts: Personal Services - Overtime $75,000 Expenses - Contracted Services $80,000 Expenses – Electricity $20,000 (Be Adopted) 122-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby transfer the sum of THIRTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($32,000) from WASTEWATER EAST PLANT PERSONAL SERVICES – Operators to WASTEWATER EAST PLANT PERSONAL SERVICES – Overtime. (Be Adopted) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Motion and second to exclude Order 123-25 by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. 123-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby accept the donation of FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($15,000) from Applewild School Inc., for expenditure on engineering consulting services to design a raised crosswalk on View Street. (Be Adopted) Motion and second to adopt Order by 9 in favor and 1 opposed (Councilor Beauchemin). 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Order signed by the Mayor July 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 124-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby accept the donation of ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($115,000) from Unitil for expenditure on repaving roadways impacted by Unitil’s natural gas infrastructure work. (Be Adopted) 125-25. ORDER THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby transfers the sum of ONE HUNDRED EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX DOLLARS ($108,886) to DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS – SNOW & ICE – Overtime from the following DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, SNOW & ICE accounts: EXPENSES – Plow & Blades $70,941 EXPENSES – Salt $37,945 (Be Adopted) 126-25. ORDER THAT: The City of Fitchburg hereby appropriates the sum of TWELVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLARS ($12,180) same to be charged against AVAILABLE FUNDS and credited to DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS – SNOW & ICE - OVERTIME. (Be Adopted) 127-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of SEVENTEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX AND 50/100 DOLLARS ($17,256.50) same to be charged against RESERVED FOR APPROPRIATION - TNC PER RIDE ASSESSMENT and credited to DPW CAPITAL EXPENSES - STREET REPAIR for the purpose of road repaving. (Be Adopted) 128-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($350,000) to DPW CAPITAL – Equipment from the following accounts: DPW ENGINEERING PERSONAL SERVICES – Civil Engineer $35,000 DPW STORMWATER PERSONAL SERVICES – Labor $15,000 DPW STREETS PERSONAL SERVICES – Labor $300,000 (Be Adopted) 129-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($570,000) to DPW CAPITAL – Equipment from the following accounts: AVAILABLE FUNDS - $318,000 RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Capital $252,000 (Be Adopted) 130-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000) from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Health Insurance to the POLICE CAPITAL – Building Renovations. (Be Adopted) 131-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($230,000) from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Health Insurance to TREASURER CAPITAL – Building Improvements. (Be Adopted) 132-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby appropriate and transfer the sum of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000) from RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Capital to COUNCIL ON AGING EXPENSES – Capital Improvements. (Be Adopted) 133-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($550,000) same to be charged against FISCAL 2025 – RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Expenses and credited to FISCAL 2026 – RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES – Expenses. (Be Adopted) Waive reading by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Motion and second to accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt orders with the exclusion of Order 123-25 by unanimous consent 10/0. 10 members present. Orders signed by the Mayor July 2, 2025. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting of July 1, 2025 Oral Report 111-25. Councilor Marcus L. DiNatale and Andrew Couture, on behalf of multiple Fitchburg residents, to abolish the use of fluoride treatments in the city's public water supply. 112-25. Councilor Beauchemin, to PETITION TO ENACT A MORATORIUM ON THE NAMING OF CITY BUILDINGS AFTER INDIVIDUALS WHEREAS, the City Council of Fitchburg recognizes the importance and permanence of naming municipal buildings and facilities; and WHEREAS, the naming of public buildings after individuals is a significant civic gesture that should reflect broad community values and historical context; and WHEREAS, recent discussions and public feedback have indicated the need to review and potentially revise the city’s policies and procedures regarding such dedications; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Fitchburg that: 1. A moratorium is hereby established on the naming or renaming of any city- owned building, facility, or public space after any individual for a period of five (5) years from the date of adoption of this resolution. 2. During this moratorium, no new dedications, plaques, signage, or official designations of any kind shall be approved by any department or board of the city in honor of a specific individual. 3. This moratorium shall not apply to dedications previously authorized by formal vote of the City Council prior to the adoption of this resolution. 4. The City Council reserves the right to review and amend this policy or adopt formal criteria and procedures for naming city properties during the moratorium period. 270-23. Marisa Fleming on behalf of Ward 5 residents to relocate the election polling site either back to Saima Park or any other suitable location where traffic is not so dense. Motion and second to move the question on petition 111-25 by roll call vote 9 in favor and 1 Opposed (Councilor Cruz). 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Motion and second to accept the report of the Committee 7 in favor and 3 opposed (Councilor Couture, DiNatale and Fleming). 10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VIII. ORDERS – FINANCE Waive Reading on Orders 136-25 – 138-25 ~ Orders Stand referred to Finance Committee 136-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is transferred the sum of SIXTY THOUSAND ($60,000) from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Health Insurance to the following HEALTH DEPARTMENT accounts: SANITARY LANDFILL – Contracted Services $ 45,000 RUBBISH REMOVAL – Clean up Funds $ 15,000 137-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is transferred the sum of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000) from LAW – OTHER EXPENSES – Labor Negotiator to the following accounts: LAW EXPENSES – Damages Persons & Property $7,500 LAW EXPENSES – Registry & Other Fees $2,500 138-25 ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is transferred the sum of TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($238,500) from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Health Insurance to the following accounts: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Workers Compensation $ 15,000 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Unemployment Insurance $150,000 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Medicare $ 57,000 MISCELLANEOUS – Medicaid Billing Commissions $ 16,500 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IX. ORDINANCES 134-25. AN ORDINANCE: Chapter 181.85 Floodplain Protection Overlay District (FPOD), of the Code of the City of Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance, be amended by deleting the entire section 181.85 and replacing it in its entirety as enclosed in the Ordinance. (Final Reading) Ordinance was sent to a third and final reading and adopted to enrolled and ordained by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Ordinance signed by the Mayor July 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 110-25. AN ORDINANCE: Chapter 181, § 181.66.A.2 of the Code of the City of Fitchburg be amended as follows: That the General Ordinances of the City of Fitchburg, Chapter 181, § 181.66.A.2, as most recently amended, be further amended by deleting the language denoted with strikethrough and replacing with the language denoted as emboldened: 2. For the reasons set forth above and notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning Ordinance to the contrary, the City hereby adopts a temporary moratorium on the permits for and use of land for large scale ground mounted solar photovoltaic facilities. The moratorium shall be in effect through May 31, 2025 October 15, 2025, unless adoption of new Zoning Ordinance addressing Large Scale Ground- Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Facilities is in effect, whichever is earlier. During the moratorium period, the City shall undertake a planning process to address the potential impacts of large-scale ground mounted solar photovoltaic facilities and related uses, and shall consider adopting new Zoning Ordinances to better address the impact and construction of same in the City. (Final Reading) Ordinance was sent to a third and final reading and adopted to enrolled and ordained by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Ordinance signed by the Mayor July 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- X. PETITIONS The following petitions was referred to Legislative Affairs: 139-25. Josiah Richards, request to raise a Disabilities Pride Flag om front of the Legislative Building from July 21 through July 28. (Legislative Affairs) 140-25. The City Clerk, petitions the City of Fitchburg to relocate the polling places for the following wards to more suitable, accessible, and publicly owned locations: 1. Ward 1 Current Location: Knights of Columbus, 165 Electric Avenue Proposed Location: South Street Elementary School, 376 South Street 2. Ward 2 Current Location: St. Joseph’s Church Hall, 49 Woodland Street Proposed Location: Reingold Elementary School, 70 Reingold Avenue 3. Ward 5 Current Location: Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main Street Proposed Location: Crocker Elementary School, 200 Bigelow Road These relocations are proposed to: • Improve accessibility for voters with disabilities, in compliance with ADA standards  • Utilize public buildings that are already familiar and regularly accessed by the community • Enhance security, parking availability, and site control for city staff and election workers • Reduce reliance on private or religious venues for public electoral functions (Legislative Affairs) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 141-25. Councilor Paul Beauchemin, to request two electronic speed-limit signs to be installed on Clarendon Street heading northbound and southbound, near the intersections with Daniel Street and Franklin Street, in order to improve driver awareness, reduce speeds, and increase safety for motorist, bicyclist, and pedestrians. (Public Safety, Public Works) 142-25. Councilor Marisa Fleming, on behalf of Erica Shorts property manager of the Raymond Hotel 35 Day Street to fix the cracked and damaged sidewalks located on Cherry St. Residents are finding it difficult to navigate the cracks and are worried about falling. (Public Works) 143-25. Community Development & Planning, to accept Project Implementation services for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at no cost to the City of Fitchburg through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's On-Street Charging Solutions Program. (Public Works) XI. OTHER BUSINESS Next Regular Meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2025 7:00 PM The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. ___________________________________ Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk