City Council

HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 Hearing opened at 8:04 P.M. with Councillor Nickel, Chair of the Public Service Committee, presiding. All members were present except Councillor Freda and Salvatelli. The following PETITION was the subject of the hearing. 46-07 National Grid: Install one solely owned pole on Abbott Avenue beginning at a point approximately 20 feet north of the centerline of the intersection of Lindell Avenue. Ken Dobe from National Grid was present. He said the Trustees of Reservation asked them to remove a tree guide from an old stump and they need to put in a support pole in its place so they can put a guide wire to support the lines. Councillor Nickel said this hearing was continued from February 12, 2007, by the request of Mr. Dobe due to conflicts in schedules. No Councillors spoke. HEARING ADJOURNED at 7:06 P.M. Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 Hearing opened at 8:10 P.M. with Councillor Rowlands, Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, presiding. All members were present. The following PETITION was the subject of the hearing. Relative to amending Chapter 12, Section 12-1 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Conditions of issuance of permits and licenses” by adding provisions (f) thru (i) and also amending Section 12-2 entitled “Fees – Schedule” by adding provision 7(b)(1) regarding the issuance of a license to store chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous form. Louis Lorenzen, 37 Elm Hill Avenue, spoke in favor of this petition. He said he lives across the street from where the last chemical explosion was. Mr. Lorenzen said the city has to have something that allows people to operate their businesses in a way that is not detrimental to the people who live in that district. He said when you combine areas, such as Commercial and Residential, than you have to have restrictions against hazardous materials that can explode. Fire Chief, Ronald Pierce, spoke in favor of this petition. He said he wants to applaud Councillor Freda for her time and work on these petitions as they will provide a framework for a comprehensive review of license applications within this city. Chief Pierce said in light of what happened here in Leominster and also in Danvers, MA; an acceptance by the council on this petition tonight will ensure that the citizens of Leominster and their neighborhoods, will have a thorough understanding of the processes that are being used in factories close by them. Chief Piece said with the passage tonight, we will continue to be the leaders in the state. No one in the audience spoke in opposition. Councillor Freda wanted to thank Chief Pierce and Mr. Lorenzen for their support. She read a letter from Joseph O’Keefe, who is a retired State Fire Marshall and now a City Councillor, into the record: Dear Councillor Freda: The Salem News edition of Tuesday, February 20, 2007 reports you have drafted an ordinance for consideration by the Leominster City Council requiring applicants for a license from the City Council to provide a copy of its process safety management analysis and other information as part of the application process. I presume the draft ordinance is framed around provisions of M.G.L. c. 148 ss.9 & 13 and applies to land which must be licensed for the keeping, storage, manufacture or sale of any explosive and inflammable materials. I am very interested in this matter and would appreciate a copy of this draft ordinance. Respectfully, Joseph A. O’Keefe Sr. Salem City Councillor HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued. Councillor Freda said she got a call from a reporter about an article in the Salem News. The article was precipitated by a phone call from Susan Trepeano, a woman who was removed from her home in Danvers. She just recently got back into her home and said there were a lot of other people that were not quite as lucky as she was. She said she has felt an obligation to begin the process of protecting the neighborhood and the area as we have, and is looking to follow the City of Leominster in the process. Councillor Freda said they have met with the Fire Marshall and the Fire Safety Board and everybody is on board with this. She said she is looking to take this to the state level so that other communities can follow. She said she appreciates the Councils support. Councillor Nickel wanted to commend Councillor Freda on the amount of work she has put into this. He said she first put this petition in when the explosion in Leominster happened. After the Danvers explosion she really did a lot of work to get this through. Councillor Nickel wanted to congratulate her on all the work she has done. Councillor Marchand said he agrees that Councillor Freda has done an excellent job. HEARING ADJOURNED at 8:20 P.M. Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 Hearing opened at 8:21 P.M. with Councillor Rowlands, Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, presiding. All members were present. The following PETITION was the subject of the hearing. Relative to amending Chapter 21, Section 21-11.1 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Water User Rate Schedule” by deleting in its entirety and inserting in its place a new schedule effective January 1, 2007 increasing water rates for residential and industrial users within and outside the city. Patrick LaPointe, 39 Carolyn Street, Public Works Director, spoke in favor of the petition. He said he wanted to thank the Council for their help through this process and pledged that with this rate increase, work will continue. No one spoke in opposition No Councillors spoke. HEARING ADJOURNED at 8:23 P.M. Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007 Meeting called to order at 8:02 P.M. Attendance was taken by a roll call vote; all members present. A recess was called at 8:03 P.M. to hold public hearings and the public forum. Meeting reconvened at 8:44 P.M. The following COMMUNICATIONS were received, referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. C-90 Relative to the appropriation of $26,500.00 to the Fire Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-91 Relative to the appropriation of $4,700.00 to the City Clerk Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Election and Registration Expense Account. C-92 Relative to the appropriation of $11,000.00 to the Police Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued. The following COMMUNICATION was received under SUSPENSION OF THE RULES, referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. Vt. 9 “yeas.” C-93 Relative to the appropriation of $20,360.00 to the Gallagher Building Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Gallagher Building Revolving Fund. The following PETITION was received, referred to the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE, and given REGULAR COURSE. A hearing was scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 6:55 P.M. Vt. 9/0. 60-07 National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc.: Pleasant Street: Install one jointly owned pole on Pleasant Street beginning at a point approximately 84 feet west of the centerline of the intersection of Pond Street. The following PETITION was received, referred to the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Planning Board and the Department of Public Works. 61-07 Claire Freda, on behalf of Kenneth Osborn, Jr.: Discontinue Cedar Road for 120 ft. behind the property owned by Kenneth Osborn, Jr. located at 30 Overlook Drive and further described in Book 2996 page 239 in the North Worcester County Registry of Deeds. The following PETITION was received, referred to the CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Mayor and the City Solicitor. 62-07 Paul W. Cote, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association: Request the City of Leominster allow the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association to erect and display a 2 ft. x 8 ft. “Check Twice – Save a Life, Motorcycles are Everywhere” signs at locations within the City of Leominster, as directed by its Public Safety/Traffic Official, at no cost to the City. The following PETITION was received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. 63-07 Paul W. Cote, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association: Adopt a resolution stating that the City of Leominster joins with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in its “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period” March 24, 2007 through April 30, 2007, to help reduce motorcycle accidents and injuries. Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following APPOINTMENT was CONFIRMED. Vt. 9 “yeas.” Leominster Disability Commission – Kim McDonnell – term to expire April 15, 2009. Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT was CONFIRMED. Vt. 9 “yeas.” Leominster Police Department – Acting Sergeant, Scott Bernier Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0. C-79 Relative to the appropriation of $325,000.00 to the Water Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Sale of Real Estate Fund. Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATIONS were GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 9 “yeas.” C-82 Relative to the appropriation of $8,900.00 to the Municipal Building Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED: that the sum of Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($8,900.00) be appropriated to the Municipal Building Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. RE: These funds are needed to pay for engineering specifications for the repair and re-painting of the cupolas at City Hall and Kendall Hall. C-83 Relative to the appropriation of $13,000.00 to the City Comptroller’s Salary and Wages account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED: that the sum of Thirteen Thousand Dollars ($13,000.00) be appropriated to the City Comptroller’s Salary and Wages Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. RE: Retirement buy backs and part time training period for replacement of City Comptroller’s Office head Administrative Clerk. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued. C-84 Relative to the appropriation of $8,200.00 to the Forestry Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED: that the sum of Eight Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($8,200.00) be appropriated to the Forestry Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. RE: These funds are needed to replenish accounts depleted my major repairs to forestry vehicles and equipment. C-85 Relative to the appropriation of $80,000.00 to the Sanitation and Drainage Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. ORDERED: that the sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) be appropriated to the Sanitation and Drainage Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. RE: These funds are needed to address drainage problems in North Leominster. C-86 Relative to the appropriation of $30,000.00 to the Veteran’s Department 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 Veteran’s Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. RE: These funds are needed to ensure services and emergency assistance to eligible veterans through the Chapter 115 program. Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 8 “yeas”; Councillor Tocci abstained due to possible conflict of interest. C-87 Relative to the appropriation of $4,700.00 to the Police Salary and Wages Account; same to be transferred from the Collective Bargaining Expense Account. ORDERED: that the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($4,700.00) be appropriated to the Police Salary and Wages Account; same to be transferred from the Collective Bargaining Expense Account. Upon request of the FINANCE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEES the following PETITION was TABLED for study. Vt. 9/0. A motion was made to invite the City Comptroller, John Richard, the Treasurer, David LaPlante and also Patrick LaPointe and Roger Brooks from the Department of Public Works to the Legal Affairs Subcommittee meeting on March 7, 2007. Vt. 9/0. 53-07 David Rowlands: Establish a Water Enterprise Account and a Sewer Enterprise Account, as authorized by MGL Ch. 44 53Fl/2. Upon recommendation of the CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED. Vt. 7 “yeas” and 2 “nays”; Councillors Rosa and Nickel were opposed. Councilor Marchand was the last vote cast in favor. A recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE for FURTHER TIME was DENIED. Vt. 4 “yeas” and 5 “nays”; Councillors Lanciani, Freda, Rowlands, Tocci and Marchand opposed. C-81 Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella: Request the authority to borrow, if necessary, up to $534,200.00 for the purchase for open space and water supply protection purposes, 50+/- acres of land owned now or formerly by the Norman A. Nutting (Map 512, Lot 3 and Map 362, Lots 15 & 16) as shown on a plan of land to be recorded with the Worcester North Registry of Deeds; said property shall be dedicated in perpetuity to purposes stated in Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the protection of water resources and shall be fully protected by all provisions of Article 97. Furthermore, this property shall be open to the general public for appropriate outdoor/recreational use while consistent with 310 CMR 22.00; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow, up to $534,200.00 the receipt of any state and charitable grants and donations associated with this project will be deposited into the appropriate account; and that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out these projects. Upon request of the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given GRANTED. Vt. 9/0. 46-07 National Grid: Install one solely owned pole on Abbott Avenue beginning at a point approximately 20 feet north of the centerline of the intersection of Lindell Avenue. Upon request of the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0. 54-07 Patrick LaPointe, Department of Public Works: Request that the City Council accept engineering plans and specifications from Whitman & Bingham and funded by Gregg P. Lisciotti, to allow the city to solicit bids for the final paving, installation of granite curbing, concrete sidewalks and landscaping on Orchard Hill Park Drive. Funding for this project will be from a PWED Grant with the MA Highways Department in the amount of $326,450. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued Upon recommendation of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was GRANTED. Vt. 8 “yeas”; Councillor Tocci abstained due to possible conflict of interest. 44-07 The Richmond Company: Grant a Special Permit to construct a new 15,000 square foot Walgreen’s Pharmacy Store with drive-up window and associated site improvements at 35 Central Street, as shown on Assessors Map 15 as lots 9, 9A, 10, 10A, 11, 21, 22 and 25, located within a floodplain. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 8/0; Councillor Tocci abstained due to possible conflict of interest. 47-07 Joy Chiurri: Grant a Special Permit to allow construction of a residential dwelling at 5 Ruth Street, as shown on Assessors Map 441 as lot 61A; a special permit is required for a residential use in an Industrial Zone and will comply with Residential B Zoning Requirements. (A hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.) Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITIONS were given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0. 48-07 James Whitney, on behalf of 557 Lancaster Street Realty Trust: Grant a Special Permit to use an existing building located at 557 Lancaster Street, located in an Industrial zone and shown on Assessor’s Map 443 as lot A3, for a dog grooming business. (A hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 7:15 P.M.) 49-07 James Lanciani, Jr.: Accept Chapter 99 of the Acts of 2005, which amends MGL Chapter 149 by adding Section 33E, Live Organ Donation: Leaves of Absence without loss of pay. 55-07 John Souza, on behalf of the Planning Board: Change the Leominster Zoning Ordinance Section 22-26 “Table of Uses” under General Uses in the Amusement category from “N” under Industrial to “SPPB”. (A hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 7:30 P.M.) Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITIONS were TABLED. Vt. 9/0. 56-07 Robert Szymkowski: Grant a Special Permit to use an existing building at 539 Lancaster Street, located in an Industrial zone and shown on Assessor’s Map 443A as Lot 4, for a retail showroom for Leominster Floor Covering. (A hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.) 57-07 Lucien DiStefano, Bohler Engineering, P.C., on behalf of Amerada Hess Corporation: Request License for the keeping, storing and sale of inflammable liquids at 680-706 Central Street. (A hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2007 at 7:15 P.M.) 58-07 Beth and Frank Novak and ten registered voters: Amend section 22-26, of the Leominster Zoning Ordinances entitled “Table of Uses” to allow Day Spas in a Residential B district, as a use allow by right. (A hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2007 at 7:30 P.M) Upon recommendation of the LEGAL AFFAIRS AND WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEES, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED with AMENDMENTS. Vt. 9 “yeas.” Councillor Freda wanted it to be recorded that she doesn’t like giving up the right to go to court. C-48 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Accept the Intermunicipal Agreement between the City of Leominster and the Town of Lancaster which outlines the terms and conditions of providing wastewater treatment services to the Town of Lancaster. Upon request of the CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE the following PETITION was TABLED. Vt. 9/0. 59-07 William C. (Bud) Taylor II: Request to rename Kingman Drive to “Brandon Martinez Memorial Boulevard” and place an appropriate marker on Leominster High School property to commemorate the life of the late student. Upon recommendation of the SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED as amended. Vt. 9”yeas.” AMENDED to delete “Adams-Cotton Neighborhood Economic Opportunity Area” C-88 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor and Scott Amos, Economic Development Coordinator: Request the approval of the following Economic Opportunity Areas under the Economic Development Incentive Program: Whitney-Spruce Economic Opportunity Area Leominster I-190 Industrial Park Opportunity Area Orchard Hill Park Economic Opportunity Area Borden Chemical Property Economic Opportunity Area Nashua Street Economic Opportunity Area Industrial Road Economic Opportunity Area REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED. Vt. 9/0. C-89 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that Jessica Ojala, employee of the Leominster School Department, be exempt from the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 268A (20B) Conflict of Interest, as she will be performing the duties of Conservation Commission Secretary at the monthly meetings during evening hours. Upon request of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0. 5-07 David Rowlands: Request that all new appointments to Boards and Commissions shall be residence of the City of Leominster. Upon recommendation of a Majority vote of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following 1st Reading LOAN ORDER was ADOPTED. Vt. 8”yeas” and 1 “nay”; Councillor Rosa opposed. A Minority Report for Further Time was Denied. Vt. 1 “yea” and 8 “nays”; Councillors Lanciani, Dombrowski, Freda, Rowlands, Nickel, Tocci, Salvatelli and Marchand were opposed. 1st Reading Loan Order – that the sum $534,200.00 be appropriated, if necessary, for the purchase for open space and water supply protection purposes, 50+/- acres of land owned now or formerly by the Norman A. Nutting (Map 512, Lot 3 and Map 362, Lots 15 & 16) as shown on a plan of land to be recorded with the Worcester North Registry of Deeds; said property shall be dedicated in perpetuity to purposes stated in Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the protection of water resources and shall be fully protected by all provisions of Article 97. Furthermore, this property shall be open to the general public for appropriate outdoor/recreational use while consistent with 310 CMR 22.00; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow, up to $534,200.00 the receipt of any state and charitable grants and donations associated with this project will be deposited into the appropriate account; and that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out these projects. The following ORDINANCE was read a second time, adopted as presented and passed to be ordained. Vt. 9 “yeas.” THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER In the year two thousand seven AN ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 12 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Licenses.” Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Leominster, as follows: Chapter 12, Section 12-2 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Fees – Schedule” is hereby amended by adding the following provision: 7(b)(1) Any license to store chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous form with the intent that these chemicals be used in any type of manufacturing, blending or repackaging, shall require that the process safety management analysis prepared under federal OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.119) be forwarded to the Council for review upon its 5 – year revision required under the Federal Code. And further, Chapter 12, Section 12-1 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Conditions for issuance of permits and licenses,” is amended by adding the following provisions: (f) Any applicant requesting a license to store chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous form to be used in any type of manufacturing, blending or repackaging shall be required to provide a comprehensive scope and process safety management analysis to completely describe the type of work to be done on site; (g) Any business entity requesting a license for storage of any chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous form with the intent that the chemicals will be utilized in any type of manufacturing, blending or repackaging shall not be granted such license until the application is reviewed by a Massachusetts-registered Professional Engineer in the field as determined and selected by the City Council, with such review and report to be made at the applicant’s expense. (h) Any Company deemed to be creating a hazardous environment as determined by the Massachusetts – registered Professional Engineer referenced in Paragraph (g), shall not be allowed to locate in a residential area or proximate to any school or daycare center; (i) Employees Right To Know information for any property licensed by the City Council to store chemicals utilized in any type of manufacturing, blending or repackaging shall be submitted to this city’s Office of Emergency Management. _______________________________________________________________ REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued The following ORDINANCE was read a second time, adopted as presented and passed to be ordained. Vt. 8 “yeas and 1 “nay.” Councillor Rosa opposed. THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER In the year two thousand seven AN ORDINANCE Amending Article 21, Section 21-11.1 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Water User Rate Schedule.” Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Leominster, as follows: Article 21, Section 21-11.1 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Water User Rate Schedule” is hereby amended by deleting said section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following: The water user rate schedule for residential and industrial use shall be as follows: Effective 1/01/07 $2.15 per unit 100 cu. Ft. = 1 unit 1 unit = 750 gallons Minimum water charge per quarter: 5/8” meter $15.00 3/4” meter $15.00 1.0” meter $20.00 1.5” meter $20.00 2.0” meter $20.00 3.0” meter $25.00 4.0” meter $25.00 6.0” meter $35.00 Rates outside the city: $2.88 per unit 100 cu. Ft. = 1 unit 1 unit = 750 gallons Minimum water charge per quarter = $$40.00 ___________________________________________________ The following is a report of the President’s Drinking Water Oversight Committee: Councillor Nickel said he had a successful meeting with the Mayor, Mr. Brooks, Mr. LaPointe, and members of Woodard and Curran. He said they got a good overview of the system. Councillor Nickel said he received a drawing from Mr. Brooks of the water system and what wards are served by what reservoirs. He said the next thing he plans on doing is to set up some time with the committee, and whoever wants to come along, to go visit the reservoir sites and also the water treatment plant. Councillor Nickel said he wants everyone to know the system. He said eventually they will look at, and go through, with the city officials, the list containing 34 recommendations from the state of things that they want to see changed or corrected. Councillor Marchand thanked the committee for all the work they do. Councillor Marchand said he would like to meet with a representative from Violia Water to see how they take the tests and how they are qualified. He would like to find out how they would deal with any contaminents. Councillor Rowlands said he wanted to have a joint subcommittee meeting between Finance and Legal Affairs on March 7, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. The following ORDINANCE was read once, adopted as presented and ordered published. A hearing was scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 6:58 P.M. Vt. 9 “yeas.” 1st Reading Ordinance – Amend Chapter 13, Section 13-77 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Stop Signs” by inserting “Manning Avenue, against northbound drivers at Mechanic Street.” REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 26, 2007, continued The following ORDINANCE was read once, adopted as presented and ordered published. A hearing was scheduled for March 12, 2007 at 7:25 P.M. Vt. 8 “yeas” and 1 “nay”; Councillor Rosa opposed. 1st Reading Ordinance – Amend Chapter 16, Section 16-2 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Salary – City Council” by deleting the second and third sentences and inserting in its place “Such salary shall be increased to eight thousand five hundred dollars effective January 1, 2008, and shall be further increased to ten thousand dollars effective July 1, 2008. Effective January 1, 2009 and on an annual basis thereafter, a percentage increase of the City Councilor salary will be established consistent with the annual consumer price index (CPI-U) of the previous calendar year, with a minimum of no increase and a maximum increase of five per cent (5%). No member of the City Council shall receive any other compensation for any official duty in behalf of the city. Under New Business Councillor Freda asked if the council could take a few minutes at the March 12, 2007 meeting to have a couple representatives from the Leominster High School Band come down. Councillor Marchand said that we have a very busy agenda that night but once we go into session, we can take a two minute recess to give kudos to these kids for doing so much community service for the city. Councillor Nickel said he would like to set up a Pubic Service Subcommittee meeting to discuss the Orchard Hill Park project. Councillor Tocci said she received her first phone call in regards to the Mechanic Street Bridge closing. She said they will probably be getting a lot of phone calls once this bridge closes. Councillor Marchand said he thinks the best way to deal with this is to refer all calls to the Mayor’s office directly so that everybody gets the same information. He said the closing of the bridge is a huge public safety issue. Councillor Nickel said at one point the city was hoping to have a temporary bridge put up but the State came in and said that the bridge had to be closed right away. Councillor Nickel said that it wouldn’t be worth the time and money to put up a temporary bridge, they are just going to go with the permanent bridge. Councillor Marchand said Fall Brook School is having their annual spaghetti dinner on March 29, 2007. Councillor Marchand said the following is the schedule for the upcoming meetings. March 12, 2007 – Dr. Binkley will be here for an informational meeting beginning at 6:30 P.M. March 7, 2007 – Public Service Committee - 6:30 P.M. Finance Committee - 6:45 P.M. Joint meeting with Finance & Legal Affairs Committees – 7:00 P.M. Ways & Means Committee – 7:30 P.M. Legal Affairs Committee – 7:45 P.M. MEETING ADJOURNED: 11:00 P.M. ________________________________________________ Lynn A Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council