City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Oct 08 2025 9:41 am City of Fitchburg Mass achusetts 01420 CITY CO UNCIL Councilors at Large President Ward Councilors 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 Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga Elizabeth R. Walsh Andrew J. Van Hazinga 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 September 17, 2025. The meeting was called to order by President Zarrella at 7:01 P.M. The meeting opened with a salute to the Flag led by Councilor Beauchemin. The Clerk called the roll 9 Councilors were present (Councilor DiNatale and Green absent). Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. PUBLIC FORUM There were no comments from the public. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next two meetings of the Widowed Helping Widowed Support Group will take place on Thursday, September 18 and Thursday, October 2 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 both meetings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend the 9th annual Community Health Resource Fair to be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4pm - 7pm in O’Neil Hall at the Fitchburg Armory located at 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg. The annual Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for residents to visit over 70 different information tables representing a wide variety of local services. Many state, county and city organizations will be represented covering topics as housing, shelter, elder services, veteran’s services, disability issues, cultural offerings and more. City Departments will also be represented. State agencies participating include Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office, Department of Mental Health, Community Legal Aid, Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Children and Families and others. A free raffle will be held at the event, with many participating organizations donating items. The Fitchburg Youth Baseball & Softball League (FYBSL) will be selling pizza & snacks throughout the evening. A Walk-in Flu Clinic will be held by the Fitchburg Health Department and the Montachusett Public Health Network. Flu shots will be provided free of charge, but residents are asked to bring an insurance card if they have one. As an affiliate of the Commonwealth Naloxone Purchasing Program, Health Department Outreach will provide Narcan training and distribution during the event. Questions call Sue at (978) 829-1854. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Friday, September 19th, 2025, the Stratton players celebrate their Centennial year with a rocking comedy: The Nerd, will play for two weekends at Christ Church Guild Hall, located at 569 Main St. You can email Strattonplayers@gmail.com or visit Stratton Players on Facebook. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries announces their Fall History Walk: Revolutionary Patriots at Dean Hill Cemetery on Sunday, September 21 at 2 pm. Attendees will learn about Revolutionary Patriots such as Phineas Brown, Thomas Laws, and Jonathan Page, who participated in the Battles in Bennington, at which General Burgoyne eventually surrendered. While the grand narratives of battles like Bunker Hill and Yorktown fill history books, the Dean Hill graveyard provides a more intimate look at the Revolution, and will highlight the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens from a small town who, through their courage, helped forge a new nation. This event is “Pay What You Can” -- All Welcome. All donations will benefit “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries” at the Community Foundation of North Central Mass, the non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for Forest Hill Abbey (The Mausoleum) at Forest Hill. Email: friendsoffitchburgcemeteries@gmail.com. Visit “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries” on Facebook. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to Fitchburg Fire Department for hosting the Jeffrey P. Stephens Low Cost Pet Vaccine clinic this past weekend. One hundred and fifty nine dogs and cats received rabies and distemper vaccines, and many Fitchburg residents obtained their dog license at the City Clerk. The next low- cost vaccine clinic in Fitchburg sponsored by Second Chance Animal Services will be in April, 2026. Visit Second Chance Animal Services for more information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Fall Tori (Nordic Marketplace) and CLASSIC CAR CRUISE takes place this Sunday, September 21, from 10 am until 2:30 pm at the Finnish Center at Saima Park. Vendors of Nordic wares, arts, crafts, baked goods, and Finnish food will be on sale. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ward 3 Community meeting will be postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing. A future date will be determined. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. REPORT OF THE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE Appointments Committee Oral Report Meeting of September 17, 2025 New Appointments: Permanent Full Time Firefighters Damon M. Suarez Daniel R. Motyka Andras Sevigny Danny Sanchez-Morfin Connor Caisse Peter Selig Sean Donelan Re-Appointment letter: Executive Director of the Council on Aging (For a term to expire August 24, 2028) Amanda Koeck Report read and accepted by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RECORDS Regular City Council meeting minutes of September 2, 2025 Report read and minutes adopted by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  V. COMMUNICATION Her Honor the Mayor Promotion Letters 1. Promotion letter: Lieutenant Ryan C. Keenan to the rank of Permanent Police Captain 2. Promotion letter: Sergeant David M. Gordon to the rank of Permanent Police Lieutenant Promotions read and filed in the City Clerk’s Office. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. REPORT OF COMMITTEES Economic Development Committee Meeting of September 17, 2025 Oral Report 159-25. Mayor Samantha Squailia, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to take all Actions necessary and convenient for the formation of a “Fitchburg Tourism Marketing District” in accordance with Chapter 40X of the Massachusetts General Laws. • Update on Economic Development (Businesses and events) • Other Motion and second to approve the report of the Economic Development Committee by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. A Public Hearing is scheduled for October 7th, at that time petition 159-25 will be voted on. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finance Committee Meeting of September 10, 2025 Oral Report 150-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg approves the expenditure of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($125,000) in Commonwealth of Massachusetts earmark funds to support the design and development of a stage at Riverfront Park. (Be Adopted) 151-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg approves the expenditure of grant funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in the approximate amount of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($750) for the purpose of said grant, which is to promote community engagement under the SAMHSA Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse program. (Be Adopted) 152-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg approves the expenditure of grant funds from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in the approximate amount of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000) for the purpose of said grant, which is to support managed detection and response services to defend against cybersecurity threats. (Be Held) 153-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of TWENTY-SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($26,500) same to be charged against RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES - Expenses and credited to the following accounts: TREASURER - Personal Services $1,000 POLICE - Personal Services $23,500 AIRPORT - Personal Services $2,000 (Be Adopted) 154-25. ORDER THAT: there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of SEVENTY-THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE DOLLARS ($73,973) same to be charged against RESERVE FOR OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES - Expenses and credited to FIRE - Personal Services. (Be Adopted) Report read and accepted. Orders adopted by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Orders signed by the Mayor October 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting of September 17, 2025 Oral Report 176-24. City Councilor Derrick Cruz and cosponsored by Councilor Cragin and Councilor Walsh. The City of Fitchburg shall adopt a fee structure for public records requests, in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, as follows: 1. Copying Costs: The City of Fitchburg will charge up to 5 cents per page for standard black-and-white paper copies or printouts of public records. 2. Electronic Records: For records provided electronically, no per-page fee will be charged, though charges may apply for staff time as outlined below. 3. Personnel Costs: The City will charge for the time required to search for, compile, segregate, and redact public records if the time exceeds two hours. The hourly rate will be based on the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task, not exceeding $25 per hour, unless otherwise approved by the Supervisor of Public Records (City Clerk). 4. Preliminary Cost Estimate: Upon receiving a public records request, the City of Fitchburg shall provide the requester with a written, itemized, good-faith estimate of the expected fees before processing the request, if applicable.  5. Effective Date: These changes shall take effect immediately upon approval by the City Council. (LEAVE TO WITHDRAW) 97-23. Petition to review attached disclosure Municipal Employees pursuant to G.L c268A, §20 (b) to approve the same. (LEAVE TO WITHDRAW) 155-25. ORDER THAT: the City Council of the City of Fitchburg hereby adopts this Order to authorize the Mayor and the Assessor to enter into the AGREEMENT FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES UNDER M.G.L. c. 59, § 5, CLAUSE 45th, with NESG MA 1 Solar LLC, a copy of which is on file with the City Clerk and appended hereto, and to authorize the Mayor for the City of Fitchburg to take all action necessary to effectuate same. (Be Adopted) Report read and accepted. Order adopted by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board Consists of 11 members. Order signed by the Mayor October 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII. PUBLIC HEARING 160-25. Unitil to petition for a new pole, approximately 105' North of existing Pole # 12 on Salem St., 20' North of Birch St., and 17' South of Beekman St. Three proposed new pole locations with anchors are being installed to extend overhead electric lines from existing Pole #9. President Zarrella declared the Public Hearing open at 7:39 PM Mr. From Unitil informed the Council of new pole, approximately 105' North of existing Pole # 12 on Salem St., 20' North of Birch St., and 17' South of Beekman St. Three proposed new poles locations with anchors are being installed to extend overhead electric lines from existing Pole #9. No one spoke in favor to the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition. President Zarrella declared the hearing closed at 7:46 PM Petition granted by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  VIII. ORDERS – FINANCE Orders stand referred to Finance Committee: 165-25. 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 SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($7,500), 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 STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) activities in collaboration with the Fitchburg Public Library. 166-25. ORDER THAT: the City of Fitchburg hereby raise and appropriate the sum of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($200,000), crediting School Department Expenses, for the purpose of funding a shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2025 Net School Spending requirement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IX. ORDINANCES 156-25. AN ORDINANCE: amending Chapter 3, § 3-21 of the Code of the City of Fitchburg as follows: § 3-21 (Reserved) Moratorium on the Naming of City Buildings, Facilities or Public Spaces After Individuals 3-21.1 Purpose. The naming of public buildings after individuals is a permanent, significant civic gesture that should reflect broad community values and context and, public feedback has indicated the need to review and potentially revise the City’s policies and procedures regarding such dedications. As such, the purpose of this section is to place a temporary moratorium on the naming of City of Fitchburg buildings after individuals until such review of City policies and procedures can be completed. 3-21.2 Moratorium. A moratorium is hereby established on the naming and renaming of any City-owned building, facility, or public space after any individual for a period of one (1) year from the date of adoption of this Ordinance. 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. 3-21.3 Exclusions. This moratorium shall not apply to dedications previously authorized by formal vote of the City Council prior to the adoption of this Ordinance. 3-21.4 Amendments. The City Council reserves the right to review and amend this Ordinance or adopt formal criteria and procedures for naming City properties during the moratorium period. (Final Reading) Ordinance was sent to a third and final reading and adopted to be enrolled and ordained by unanimous consent 9/0. 9 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Ordinance signed by the Mayor October 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 157-25. Councilor Zarrella, to amend § 111-2 of the City Code by replacing the words "his or her" with the word "Chair". (Final Reading) Ordinance was sent to a third and final reading and adopted to be enrolled and ordained by unanimous consent 10/0.10 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Ordinance signed by the Mayor October 2, 2025 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- X. OTHER BUSINESS Next Regular Meeting Tuesday, October 7, 2025 7:00 PM The meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M. ___________________________________ Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk