City Council

HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004 Hearing opened at 7:19 P.M. with Councillor Rosa, Chair of the Finance Committee presiding. All members were present; Councillor Freda arrived late. The following COMMUNICATIONS were the subject of the hearing. C-103 Relative to the appropriation of $78,600,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Revenue. C-104 Relative to the appropriation of $3,200.000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Laws. C-105 Relative to the appropriation of $2,500,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Laws. Councillor Rosa said that the balance of free cash a/k/a/ excess and deficiency will be $148,612.00 after tonight if all of the communications on the agenda pass. He said the balance in the Sale of Real Estate Account is $16,126.80 and the balance in the Emergency Reserve Account is $1,712.00. Councillor Rosa said there is approximately $4.8 Million in the Stabilization Account. Councillor Rosa said that the budget busters this year was the $1.2 Million addition in health care cost, the school has had $1.3 Million added to it in the form of Chapter 70 funding, and an increase in trash removal of $200,000.,although we have cut services. He said the majority of the other departments are level funding and we are not hiring any new employees. He said this budget, if passed, will amount to a tax increase of 2 ½ %. Councillor Rosa asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak on C-103. Chief Alfred LeBlanc asked that the Council reconsider reducing the wire department overtime budget. He said he monitors every transaction. Chief LeBlanc said he is turning back $6,000. 00 from this account this year. Councillor Rosa said the Finance Committee will be recommending cutting two accounts. They will be recommending cutting the Wire Department Overtime Account by $15,000.00 and the City Solicitor Account by $55,000.00. No Councillors spoke. Councillor Rosa then asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak on C-104. He said that we have had many discussions, late into the evening during the Finance Committee’s budget hearings. He said that he appreciates the fact that the Mayor presented the budget to the City Council a week in advance of the those hearings. No one spoke in support or opposition. No Councillors spoke. Councillor Rosa asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak on C-105. He said that C-104 and C-105 are level funded and that although we would prefer to practice performance based budgeting these tough financial times do not allow it. He said that many of these budgets are under funded but that is what we must do to keep the tax increase down to 2 ½%. No one spoke in support or opposition. No Councillors spoke. Councillor Robert Salvatelli, Clerk of the Finance Committee said that the public should understand that we will be looking at free cash for busing cost. He said that we are short in the police and fire overtime accounts and several other accounts, which are under-funded, and we will be using free cash to make-up the shortfall. Councillor Rowlands, 3rd Member of the Finance Committee, said that it looks like we will be receiving an additional $1.3 Million in Chapter 70 funds from the state. He said this is a substantial increase and Leominster has done well in comparison with other communities. Councillor Rowlands said that this budget is under-funded and we are relying heavily on free cash. Councillor Lanciani said that the Mayor has the final say on the budget. He said that the funding is distributed pretty evenly. Councillor Lanciani said he will not support any budget cuts as it is only a drop in the bucket. He said that in the past five years the City Solicitors have not gone over their budget. Council President Lanciani said he will not go along with cutting $15,000. from the wire department account because of public safety reasons. Councillor Rosa said that they realize that these two departments will be coming back for funding. He said that the Finance Committee is not trying to penalize anyone or permanently shrink their funding sources but it allows them to monitor where they have had questions in the past. Councillor Freda said that it is a re-occurring theme with the City Solicitors. She said there is no accountability on how the money is spent. She said a few years back the City Council asked for $5,000.00 to be put into an account so they could get their own legal advise if there were conflicting opinions and the Mayor would not do so. HEARING ADJOURNED: 7:40 P.M. Ann B. Mahan, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004 Meeting called to order at 8:01 P.M. Attendance was taken by a roll call vote; all members present. A recess was called at 8:02 P.M. to continue the public forum. Meeting reconvened at 8:14 P.M. The following COMMUNICATION was received with an Emergency Preamble Vt. 9 “yeas”. Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 9 “yeas”(Granted with an emergency preamble; another vote is required) C-121 Relative to the appropriation of $40,000.00 to the Police and Fire Indemnification Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) be appropriated to the Police and Fire Indemnification Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. The following COMMUNICATION was received with an Emergency Preamble Vt. 9 “yeas”. Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 9 “yeas” (Granted with an emergency preamble; another vote is required.) C-122 Relative to the appropriation of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) to the Medicare Insurance Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) be appropriated to the Medicare Insurance Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. The following PETITION was received, referred to the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Department of Public Works, the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Fire Department, the Conservation Commission and the Director of Inspections. A hearing was set for July 26, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. Vt. 9 “yeas”. 150-04 Teresa Marrone: Grant a Special Permit to construct a single family dwelling on Marguerite Avenue, as shown on Assessors’ map 107, lot 13, located in an Industrial Zone. The following PETITION was received, referred to the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Comptroller and the Mayor. 151-04 Maribel Fournier, Human Resources Director: Accept Chapter 32B Section 15 of the Massachusetts General Laws allowing the City of Leominster to legally offer disability insurance to city employees; plan to be offered will be 100% employee paid. The following PETITION was received, referred to the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Environmental Inspector, the Conservation Commission and the Mayor. 152-04 Richard M. Marchand: Request the endorsement of this petition by the Honorable Members of the Leominster City Council to ask the City of Leominster’s Conservation Commission to conduct an assessment identifying the value and the prioritization of privately owned land parcels located in the Watershed Protection District primarily located within the Water Supply Protection District of Haynes, Morse and Distributing Reservoirs; currently, the City of Leominster has a filtration waiver for these reservoirs issued by the Department of Environmental Protection. This effort by our Conservation Commission shall assist the City of Leominster in clearly identifying sensitive parcels of land in said district and will help foster Watershed Management for Source Water Protection for the City of Leominster. The following PETITION was received, referred to the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. 153-04 Richard M. Marchand: Request the endorsement of this petition to request that city inspectors submit a photo copy of any and all permits issued or pending dealing with repair or construction of dwellings, dwelling units, or other buildings within the “Watershed Protection District”. The photo copy of said permit shall be forwarded to the Leominster City Council through the City Clerk. The appropriate issuing agent shall include, but not be limited to, the Building Inspector, the Environmental Inspector, the Gas & Plumbing Inspector, the Electrical Inspector and the Health Inspector within forty-eight hours of the issuance of permit. The following APPOINTMENTS were received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. Director of Veterans Services – Richard Voutour – term to expire April 15, 2005 Conservation Commission – Larry P. Gianakis Jr. – term to expire -April 15, 2007 (to fill the unexpired term of Thomas R. Carignan) Conservation Commission – Amy Stattel – term to expire April 15, 2007 Reserve Firefighters – Jason J. LeBlanc and Andrew P. Dunner Board of Appeals – David Bedard – term to expire April 15, 2007 Board of Appeals – Scott Simpson – term to expire April 15, 2006 (to fill the unexpired term of Donald C. Rivers) REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004, continued Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was AMENDED from $78,600,000.00 to $78,530,000.00 GRANTED AND ORDERED as AMENDED. Vt. 9 “yeas”. The amendments are line item #35 – City Solicitors Expenses – reduced by $55,000; Vt. 8 “yeas” 1 “nay”, councilor Lanciani opposed; line item #107 – Wire Inspectors Salary & Wages, reduced by $15,000. Vt. 7 “yeas”, 2 “nays”, Councillors Lanciani and Freda opposed. Councillors Lanciani and Marchand abstained from line item #115, Parking Clerk Salary & Wages Vt. 7/0 and Councillor Marchand abstained from voting on line item #125, School Department Salary & Wages , both due to a possible conflict of interest. C-103 Relative to the appropriation of $78,530,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Revenue. ORDERED:- that the sum of Seventy Eight Million, Five Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($78,530,000.00) be appropriated to the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Revenue. Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATIONS were GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 9 “yeas” C-104 Relative to the appropriation of $3,200.000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Laws. ORDERED:- that the sum of Three Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,200,000.00) be appropriated to the Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Law. C-105 Relative to the appropriation of $2,500,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Laws. ORDERED:- that the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) be appropriated to the Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Budget; same to be raised by Fiscal Year 2005 Waste Water Department Estimated Receipts as authorized by Chapter 44, Section 53E of the Massachusetts General Laws. C-106 Relative to the appropriation of $4,000.00 to the Recreation Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) be appropriated to the Recreation Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-107 Relative to the appropriation of $3,000.00 to the Highway Sidewalks and Curbing Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Snow and Ice Expense Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) be appropriated to the Highway Sidewalks and Curbing Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Snow and Ice Expense Account. C-108 Relative to the appropriation of $6,892.00 to the Recreation Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Six Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Two Dollars ($6,892.00) be appropriated to the Recreation Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-109 Relative to the appropriation of $30,000.00 to the Economic Development Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollar ($30,000.00) be appropriated to the Economic Development Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-110 Relative to the appropriation of $3,250.00 to the Fire Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Three Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,250.00) be appropriated to the Fire Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-111 Relative to the appropriation of $22,500.00 to the Fire Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Fire Department Salary and Wages Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Twenty Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500.00) be appropriated to the Fire Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Fire Department Salary and Wages Account. C-112 Relative to the appropriation of $10,000.00 to the Treasurer Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) be appropriated to the Treasurer Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004, continued C-113 Relative to the appropriation of $185,000.00 to the FY 2005 Worker’s Compensation Fund; $85,000.00 to be transferred from the FY 2001 Worker’s Compensation Fund and $100,000.00 from the FY 2004 Insurance Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Dollars ($185,000.00) be appropriated to the FY 2005 Workers Compensation Fund; Eighty Five Thousand ($85,000.00) to be transferred from the FY 2001 Worker’s compensation Fund and One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) C-114 Relative to the appropriation of $170,000.00 to the School Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of One Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($170,000.00) be appropriated to the School Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-115 Relative to the appropriation of $125,000.00 to the Sewer Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Sewer Expense Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) be appropriated to the Sewer Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Sewer Expense Account. C-116 Relative to the appropriation of $350,000.00 to the Fire Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Sale of Real Estate Fund. ORDERED:- that the sum of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) be appropriated to the Fire Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Sale of Real Estate Fund. C-117 Relative to the appropriation of $6,000.00 to the Highway Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) be appropriated to the Highway Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess an Deficiency Account. C-120 Relative to the appropriation of $30,000.00 to the I.T.T.F. Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED:- that the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) be appropriated to the I.T.T.F. Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. Upon request the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was TABLED. Vt. 9/0 C-118 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Amend Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “No parking on certain streets” to allow no parking on Pioneer Drive in a southerly direction on both east and west side sections for a distance of one thousand four hundred fifty feet. Upon recommendation of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED. Vt. 9/0 C-119 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of M. G.L. c. 60, Sec. 77C vote to accept a Quitclaim Deed from Wendell P. Bartlett to the City of Leominster conveying Bartlett’s interest in and to the parcel of real estate located off Wachusett Street and shown as Plot 7 on Assessor’s Map 546, as further described in the Quitclaim Deed dated May 24, 2004 executed by Mr. Bartlett, and furthermore, that said parcel of land be held by the City for conservation or watershed protection purposes in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 40, Sec. 8C. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 144-04 Wayne Nickel: Endorse a petition to amend the Leominster Zoning Ordinances by deleting the Special Permit requirement to use a trailer as a residential site after a fire or other similar disaster; permission may be granted by the City Council for a 120- day period followed by a 60 day extension if necessary. Upon recommendation of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED. Vt. 9/0 145-04 Patrick R. LaPointe, Director DPW: Amend Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the revised ordinances to read “no parking” on the westerly side of Central Street from 739 Central Street to 1123 Central Street. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 146-04 Patrick R. LaPointe, Director DPW: Amend Chapter 21, Section 21-22.3 entitled “Sewer User Rate Schedule” by increasing the metered water fee (includes low strength industrial) for residential and out of city users by $.20 beginning 7/1/04, $.10 on 7/1/05 and $.10 on 7/1/06. Upon request the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was TABLED. Vt. 9/0 147-04 Patrick R. LaPointe, Director, DPW: Amend Chapter 21, Section 21.11.4 (a) entitled “Sewer Connection Charges” by changing the first sentence to read “all individual domestic and condominium units will be charge one thousand dollars per connection”. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004, continued Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 148-04 Patrick R. LaPointe, Director DPW: Amend Chapter 21, Section 21-22.4 (b) entitled “Sewer Connection Charges” by increasing the rate and total charges as follows: Proposed Discharge/Day Rate Total Charges 1,000 gpd – 2,000 gpd $1.50 $1,500 - $3,000 2,001 gpd – 10,000 gpd $3,000. plus $1.00/gal $3,000 - $11,000 10,001 gpd – 50,000 gpd $11,000 plus $.50/gal. $11,000 - $20,000 50,001 gpd & over Flat Fee $25,000 Upon request the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was TABLED. Vt. 9/0 149-04.1 Scott Bigelow: Grant a Special permit to divide an existing building at 375 Harvard Street into separate tenant units with different uses e.g. retail, library, wholesale and distribution as shown on Assessor’s Map 370, lot 19, located in an Industrial Zone.(A hearing was scheduled for July 12, 2004 at 7:00 P.M.) Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was GRANTED. Vt. 9/0 132-04 Christopher Nikolow: Renew license for 17 pool tables at Leominster Billards, 7 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following APPOINTMENTS were CONFIRMED. Vt. 9/0 Conservation Commission – Michael Piermarini – term to expire April 15, 2007 Election Officers – 2004 – 2005 Emergency Management – Michael F. Valliere, Michael G. MacDuff Waste Water Treatment Plant Commission – David G. Nault – term to expire April 15, 2007 The following ORDINANCE was read a second time and given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9 “yeas”. A hearing was set for July 12, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. Vt. 9/0 2nd Reading Ordinance: amend Chapter 20 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Streets and Sidewalks” by adding a new Section 20-12.1- Roadside Memorials; allowing roadside memorials on any public street, sidewalk or walkway be left for no more than ninety days from the date of fatal accident or occurrence, a permanent memorial may be applied for by a member of the deceased’s immediate family by submitting a written request to the Department of Public Works. The following ORDINANCE was read once and adopted as presented. Vt. 9 “yeas”. A hearing was set for August 9, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. Vt. 9/0 1st Reading Ordinance: amend Chapter 22 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Zoning” by changing the Leominster Zoning Map so that the following parcels on Pleasant Street, currently designated in the Residential B district, shall be in the Residential A district: Assessors Map 494, Lots 3 and 18; Assessors Map 488, Lots 1 and 6; Assessors Map 340, Lot 2; Map 561, Lots 35A, 36A and 37A.(Legal Affairs) Upon recommendation of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following RESOLUTION was ADOPTED. Vt. 8 “yeas” , 1 “nay”; Councillor Lanciani opposed. Councillor Rosa said spoke with the Ethics Commission twice and has been advised to disclose that “I Dennis Rosa, am a co-owner of property at 623 North Main Street, 627 North Main Street and 631 North Main Street and at this time I do not have a conflict of interest. At some point if eminent domain land taking are put in place I will.” Councillor Rosa said he has filed this disclosure with the City Clerk. Councillor Freda stated at one time the Mayor questioned if she was in conflict of interest because she is employed on Route 12. She said she contacted that Ethics Commission at that time and was told she was not and she believes there is a letter to that effect filed in the City Clerk’s Office. RESOLUTION SUBJECT: “Upgrading of Route 12 (in the city of Leominster only) as the most environmentally sensitive alternate to improve access to Downtown Fitchburg,” as stated in the February 2, 2004 communication by the Massachusetts Highway Department, Environmental Division, Gregory H. Pendergast, Deputy Chief Engineer. PROPOSED BY : Richard M. Marchand, Ward 5 City Councillor Dennis a. Rosa, Councillor at Large 1. The General Assembly of the Leominster City Council, 2. Recognizes the overwhelming majority of residents and business owners living or operating their businesses in the vicinity of the Route 12 corridor, 3. Cognizant that residential neighborhoods abut the Route 12 corridor, 4. Affirm a lack of endorsement of this project and it’s process removed from the legislative body – the representation of our elected officials. 5. Welcoming capital improvements that assure pedestrian safety and safe egress throughout the corridor,  6. Deeply disturbed that the existing plan is a “Financial Placebo” offered and driven by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in lieu of a solid and real financial commitment to our sister city “…to improve access to (their) downtown.” REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, JUNE 28, 2004, continued 7. Bearing in mind, not only eighty percent (80%) of the “Affected Property Owners,” have conveyed “No Support” conveyed in the original petition drive and are against the Four Lane Proposal, 8. Mindful that literally hundreds of residents in personal discussions with their Ward 5 Councillor, Richard M. Marchand, and Councillor at Large, Dennis A. Rosa in the abutting neighborhoods of the Route 12 corridor express and support the efforts to “STOP 4 Lanes,” and to protect the integrity of their residential neighborhoods. 9. Regardless if the Four lane design is not included in the plan of today, 10. Without doubt revisions of tomorrow will become four lanes due to the inevitable “Bottle Neck” engineering plan: Four (4) lanes to two (2) lanes to four (4) lanes is identified and is an approach to screen the real intent to foster “Blinded Support.” 11. Be it Resolved today, that the Honorable Members of the Leominster City Council, convey a message to the Commonwealth and the Mayor of our City, that support for this project be put to a halt and revisited. 12. Whereas, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts return the burden and privilege of process back to the City of Leominster. 13. In an effort of an ultimate resolve to protect our citizens and quality neighborhoods, 14. Be it resolved, We, the Honorable Member of the Leominster City Council wish to exercise our legal and ethical rights, to fairly and properly represent Our Citizens in the City of Leominster. Repectfully Submitted, Richard M. Marchand Dennis A. Rosa Ward 5 City Councillor Councillor at Large Councillor Richard Marchand, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE moved that the following PETITION be removed from the table and placed on the calendar for action. It was so voted. Vt. 9/0. Committees report as follows. 92-04 Richard M. Marchand on behalf of Ten Registered Voters: Amend Chapter 22 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Zoning” by amending Article VI, Section 22.41.5.4 “Water Supply Protection Use Regulations”; Article III, “Dimensional Regulations” Section 22.27.4 and Section 22.27.8 “General Requirements”. GRANTED Vt. 9 “yeas” Councillor Robert Salvatelli, Chair of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE moved that the following PETITION be removed from the table and placed on the calendar for action. It was so voted Vt. 9/0 Committees report as follows. 115-04 OlgaValera: Request a comprehensive study into the area of Rockwell Pond, including Chicken Harbor also that the Council develop a plan to rectify changes that have been made to the shoreline and ultimately restore Chicken harbor the area behind 132 West Street to its original state. FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 Under Old Business Councillor Freda said that she has been attending Harvard University and will for three weeks in the JFK School of Government. She said that tomorrow they will be meeting with representatives from the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. and will be discussing homeland security and the Patriot Act. Councillor Freda was awarded a fellowship grant to attend school. Council President Lanciani said that last Wednesday, the Fire Department, Emergency Management Agency and Leominster Hospital as well as surrounding communities conducted a “dirty bomb drill”. He said it went fairly well and that part of the drill was to have someone try to enter the hospital with radio-active material. Councillor Lanciani said there was someone there making a legitimate delivery who was hand cuffed until a doctor came to identify him. MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:37 P.M. Ann B. Mahan, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council