City Council

HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016 Hearing opened at 7:17 P.M. with Councillor Dombrowski, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, presiding. All members were present. Present at the hearing was Attorney Peter Campobasso, representing Alternative Therapies Group, Inc. The following PETITION was the subject of the hearing. 23-16 Attorney Peter Campobasso for Alternative Therapies Group, Inc.: Grant a Special Permit to locate and operate a registered marijuana dispensary at 57 Nashua Street, as shown on Assessors Map 464, Lot 5, for retail sale or distribution of marijuana for medical use to qualifying patients. Attorney Campobasso said it is his understanding that there will be a ruling from Kopelman & Paige on some questions that they had asked regarding the petition and anticipates the response is going to be that because this is not in an industrial zone, but in a mixed use zone, the Special Permit cannot go forward. He said he does not have the benefit of seeing the opinion and is not sure if it went to the Mayor’s office or to the City Clerk’s office but if that is the case I am going to request that the petition be given leave to withdraw without prejudice. Councillor Dombrowski asked Attorney Campobasso if that was his recommendation he was making tonight. Attorney Campobasso said yes. He said he has a letter but he was hoping that he would have the opportunity to see the actual opinion to understand what it is but it is his understanding is that the opinion will be because this is not in an industrial zone. Councillor Dombrowski read a recommendation from the Planning Director dated March 17, 2016 stating at their regularly scheduled meeting on March 7, 2016 a motion was made to not recommend approval for the issuance of the Special Permit. The reason for not approving the petition is because under Article XVIII, Amendment 22-105 to the City of Leominster Zoning Ordinance the City Council is authorized to issue a Special Permit for registered marijuana dispensary in an industrial zone and 57 Nashua Street is zoned MU1. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Joshua Sanderski, 218 Central Street, spoke in support of this petition. Nicole Snow of Salem, MA and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance spoke in favor. Cynthia Gedick spoke in favor of the petition. Lucas Thayer, a resident of Harvard, MA, spoke in favor of the petition. Michael Hazzard, 86 Mountain View Road, spoke in favor of the petition. John Glowick, CEO of Prime Wellness Centers spoke on his interest of bringing his center to Leominster. Councillor Marchand asked if Attorney Campobasso is withdrawing tonight. Councillor Dombrowski asked Attorney Campobasso if it was his understanding that the City Solicitor will be weighing in on all the outstanding issue or just on the zoning? Attorney Campobasso says I think just the zoning issue. Councillor Bodanza said at the informational meeting upstairs indicated there was a provisional certificate requirement before we issue a Special Permit. He said he thinks it’s time to move on. Attorney Campobasso said based on the discussion we are having tonight he will submit the letter requesting the petition to be withdrawn without prejudice. He said there is definitely a need and they have been trying for the last month and a half to understand the proper process that the City wants his client to follow in order to properly come before the City Council and ask for a Special Permit. We are hoping that we can continue to work with the Council, the Mayor’s office and the City Solicitor to understand the correct process to make sure when they come back with an alternate sight the petition is procedurally correct and the Council can move forward. Councillor Bodanza said even later on tonight on our agenda we will have a discussion on who generates the letter of non opposition. We are trying to find our way too. The public should not presume this discussion is being against the sighting of a dispensary there are just rules we have to follow based on state and local law. Attorney Campobasso said that is important and appreciates that point. Councillor Dombrowski asked the Clerk if we received the opinion from Kopelman & Paige. The Clerk said the Council did not request an opinion and is not sure if it was requested by the Mayor or Planning. Attorney Campobasso said he thinks the opinion was authorized by the Mayor’s office. Councillor Freda said for her, one of the crucial elements is going to be the provisional application. We went through an issue a few years back with an application that was so filled with non-truth that until we saw that application we realized how bad it was. It was a rush, everyone was trying to get onboard with Massachusetts. This has to be done correctly. She said she wants to see a preliminary application (provisional) and wants to see what the intents are and who the applicants are. Attorney Campobasso submitted a letter giving the petition leave to withdraw without prejudice.  2 HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued Councillor Freda said it is important , especially to the supporters here tonight, to know we are not denying it that we are giving it leave to withdraw without prejudice means that there are some problems with the petition so it will give the applicant an opportunity to go back with his attorney and get all the things ironed out. Councillor Marchand said he agrees with the comments Councillor Freda made on this matter. He said at tonight’s hearing, there was a gentleman that came from another organization who made reference to zoning. That is a whole different world all together. If someone wanted to challenge the zoning or amend zoning that has to come in on a separate petition. He said he didn’t think that gentleman knew that. He said if there was a suggestion for an amendment to the zoning to allow for dispensaries that will have to come to the Council in a formal way. the Petitioner requested this be given LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE. HEARING ADJOURNED AT 7:52 P.M. ______________________________________ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016 Hearing opened at 7:57 P.M. with Councillor Dombrowski, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, presiding. All members were present. The Following ORDINANCE was the subject of the hearing. Relative to amending Chapter 13, Section 13-77 or the Revised Ordinances entitled “Stop Signs” by inserting “Eden Glen, against southbound drivers at Graham Street” and “Eden Glen, against northbound drivers at Graham Street”. No one in the audience spoke in favor or against this ordinance. No Councillors spoke. HEARING ADJOURNED AT 8:00 P.M. ______________________________________ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016 Hearing opened at 8:00 P.M. with Councillor Dombrowski, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, presiding. All members were present. The Following ORDINANCE was the subject of the hearing. Relative to amending Chapter 13, Section 13-77 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Stop Signs” by inserting “Holman Avenue, against westbound drivers at Princeton Street.” No one in the audience spoke in favor or against this ordinance. No Councillors spoke. HEARING ADJOURNED AT 8:01 P.M. ______________________________________ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016 Hearing opened at 8:02 P.M. with Councillor Dombrowski, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, presiding. All members were present except Councillor Marchand who recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest. Present at the hearing was Attorney Thomas Bovenzi representing the petitioner. The following PETITION was the subject of the hearing.  3 HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued 28-16 Peter E. Bovenzi, Trustee, Neighborhood Development Trust: Rezone a portion of Assessor’s Map 317, Parcel 7A from Commercial District to Residence C District and change the maximum height for principal buildings in Residence C District as set forth in Subsection 22-40.3 from 35 feet to 40 feet. Attorney Bovenzi said this proposal pertains to the Brooks Pond apartment complex located on Central Street. He said the applicant is the owner of the entire site and seeks an amendment to the zoning that would rezone a portion of the Residence C District located on a small portion of the site to Commercial. To rezone this portion will make more uniform the strip of land that abuts Central Street to make it harmonious and continuous and have a 300 foot setback all the way throughout. There was a period of time that was thought by the landowner that the Commercial District could extend further back but through uses of various commercial endeavors it seems to be uniformity would make more sense in that small area that is asked to be rezoned. The small piece is about a quarter of an acre and abuts the commercial district now but is surrounded by the rest of the residential. It would change that over to residential to back to the way it was years ago. He said there is also a portion of the petition that seeks to raise the height in that district from 35 feet to 40 feet for buildings. The height is measured by a certain elevation from the ground to a mid-section to where the roof section is. The previous zoning allowed up to 5 stories so those buildings are about 38 ½ feet so this would allow the next phase to be built to look identical to the first six phases that are already constructed. He said they conferred with the Fire Department and they have the ability to go up to 100 feet with their ladders so it won’t present any problems. This is more of an esthetic change but would allow the continuation of construction to be similar. No one in the audience spoke in favor or against this ordinance. Councillor Dombrowski read the recommendations from the Inspector of Buildings, the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief and the Planning Director. The Planning Director said the Planning Board took no action on this matter and requests the applicant submit their request as two separate petitions to be considered separately. No one in the audience spoke in favor or in opposition of the petition. Councillor Freda said she has been on board with this project since day one and she supports part of it but one of the questions she has is part of the MEPA review and part of the agreements early on were to provide sewerage for part of the Debbie Drive area on the side abuts the project. Almost all of it has been done but there are still five people that need to have the opportunity to connect. She said Frank is talking about getting it done this year. It is her understanding that is part of the MEPA review so to change zoning on a portion of that big picture she thinks that needs to be completed before that. Attorney Bovenzi said the part that is being requested for rezoning doesn’t pertain to that section of the sewer. It is his understanding that the last section where it is going to be constructed is near the final sewer connection will be done. He said it is in compliance with MEPA and that is just a construction item that still remains and agreed to be completed. Councillor Freda said in respect to the MEPA review, which is on the entire site, which also includes the site you are talking about. The rezoning on the entire areas are placed at the same time. Attorney Bovenzi said the MEPA pertains to what was then Lot 4A and 4B which were large parcels as well as the roadway system going into the back so it didn’t apply to the commercial property in the front. The old commercial property got rezoned to small residential which was not part of the MEPA. The MEPA was the road systems, infrastructure and apartment buildings as well as the pond area surrounding it. Councillor Freda said she respectfully disagrees with him. Councillor Dombrowski said in respect to the building height, the initial buildings were built pursuant to the former zoning that had different wording. Attorney Bovenzi said the old zoning for that district was 5 stories so it allows up to 60 feet. The rezoning in that district limited it to 35 feet but the average elevation of the yard to the average elevation to the ceiling of the roof over the third floor. The actual average height is 37.2 feet due to elevators, a cupola and other architectural features to the building. He said this is to harmonize this site but everything in the Residence C district because that district allows three stories and it is common they may have an elevator in them. There are no safety implications with the two feet. Councillor Dombrowski said the only concern he has is that this change would affect the entire district. Is there any opportunity to get a variance? Attorney Bovenzi said it seemed like an appropriate approach for the rezoning of this Residence C. Councillor Dombrowski said he is not bothered by five feet but it would affect the entire zoning district. Councillor Bodanza said Chapter 40A, Section 5 requires that the Planning Board have a hearing before we can proceed. They haven’t had a hearing and they are not going to have a hearing until the two items are separated. He said there are some procedural issues. Councillor Bodanza asked Attorney Bovenzi if he is willing to go with their request. Attorney Bovenzi said yes and he asks for the petition to be given leave to withdraw. HEARING ADJOURNED AT 8:17 P.M. ______________________________________ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council  4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 7:53 P.M. Attendance was taken by a roll call vote; all members were present. The Committee on Records reported that the records through March 14, 2016 were examined and found to be in order. The records were accepted. A recess was called at 7:54 P.M. to continue the public hearing and to hold a public forum. Meeting reconvened at 8:33 P.M. The following COMMUNICATIONS were received, referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE, and given REGULAR COURSE. C-61 Relative to the appropriation of $2,000.00 to the Cemetery Overtime Account; same to be transferred from the Cemetery Salary & Wages Account. C-62 Relative to the appropriation $10,000.00 to the Highway Overtime Account; same to be transferred from the Snow and Ice Overtime Account. C-63 Relative to the appropriation of $1,300.00 to the Police Department Overtime Account; same to be transferred from the Disability Fines Receipts Reserved for Appropriations Account. C-64 Relative to the appropriation of $8,300.00 to the Police Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Police Salary & Wages Account. C-65 Relative to the appropriation of $50,000.00 to the Snow & Ice Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Snow & Ice Overtime Account. C-66 Relative to the appropriation of $250,000.00 to the Fire Department Overtime Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-67 Relative to the appropriation of $15,000.00 to the Forestry Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-68 Relative to the appropriation of $50,000.00 to the Highway Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-69 Relative to the appropriation of $15,000.00 to the Municipal Buildings Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-70 Relative to the appropriation of $8,500.00 to the Parks Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-71 Relative to the appropriation of $2,000.00 to the Parks Department Salary & Wages Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-72 Relative to the appropriation of $103,118.00 to the School Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-73 Relative to the appropriation of $821,814.00 to the School Transportation Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-74 Relative to the appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Sewer Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-75 Relative to the appropriation of $1,230,534.00 to the Sewer Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-76 Relative to the appropriation of $1,935,026.00 to the Stabilization Fund; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. C-77 Relative to the appropriation of $631,037.00 to the Water Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account C-78 Relative to the appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Water Department Expense Account; same to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. The following PETITIONS were received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Treasurer and the Police Department. 37-16 Scott and Joanne Atwood: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for the Repair Place at Sears located at The Mall at Whitney Field. 38-16 George Deglaoui: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Deghan Inc., d/b/a Hannoush Jewelers located at 100 Commercial Road.  5 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued 39-16 Mark Gordon: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Gordon Lasalle Music, Inc. located at Twin City Plaza. 40-16 Matthew K. Zvacek: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Gold Buyers of America located at the Mall at Whitney Field, 100 Commercial Road, Unit 15. 41-16 Game Stop Store #1485: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for the premises located at 100 Commercial Road. 42-16 Game Stop Store #3594: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for the premises located at 26 Orchard Hill Drive. 43-16 Kevin Donahue: Renew the License for one pool table at Scoreboards Sports Bar and Grill located at 137 Lancaster Street. 44-16 Carol & David Shields: Renew the License for three pool tables at South Leominster Lounge d/b/a Forte’s Lounge, located at 1030 Central Street. 45-16 Michael Fusco: Renew the License for two pool tables at Jake’s Pub Inc., d/b/a Hot Shotz. 46-16 Albert Mason: Renew the License for seven pool tables and twenty four bowling alleys at Mason’s Bowling Center, 640 R. North Main Street. The following PETITION was received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, given REGULAR COURSE and referred to the Police Department. 47-16 Christopher Rivard: Grant a Transient Vendors License for the sale of flowers and plants for 2016. The following RE-APPOINTMENTS were received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. Emergency Management-Auxiliary Officers – John J. Caron Paul Topolski, Elympse Octavius, Alex Scipione, Tim Flaxington, Charlie Williams, Daniel Johnson Board of Appeals – Alternate Member - Robert Fitzpatrick - term to expire 4/15/17 Council on Aging - John Diggins - term to expire 4/15/2019 Cultural Commission - Bonnie Hathaway - term to expire 4/15/19 Library Board of Trustees- Gilbert Tremblay and Carol Ann Millette - terms to expire 4/15/19 Recreation Commission - Maureen Donatelli and Jeffrey O’Neill - terms to expire 4/15/19 Registrars of Voters - Ann B. Mahan - term to expire 4/15/19 Trust Fund Committee - Richard Bergman - term to expire 4/15/19 Veterans Burial Agent - Richard Voutour - term to expire 4/15/19 Veterans Care of Graves - Bruce Lambert - term to expire 4/15/19 Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following PETITIONS were GRANTED. Vt. 9/0 30-16 Roger Cormier: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Crowne Jewelers located at 12 Lindell Avenue. 31-16 Jon Zajon: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for George’s Fine Jewelers located at 255 North Street. 32-16 Virginia A. Tocci: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Joseph’s Jewelers located at 28 Central Street. 33-16 Fred R. Tousignant: Renew the Second Hand Dealer License for Fred’s Auction located at 38 Spruce Street. Upon request of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 34-16 Andrew Rome: Renew the License for one pool table at the Columbia Tavern located at 16 Central Street Rear. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Vt. 9/0 23-16 Attorney Peter Campobasso for Alternative Therapies Group, Inc.: Grant a Special Permit to locate and operate a registered marijuana dispensary at 57 Nashua Street, as shown on Assessors Map 464, Lot 5, for retail sale or distribution of marijuana for medical use to qualifying patients.  6 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 27-16 Richard Marchand: Amend Chapter 10, Section 10-7 of the Leominster City Charter entitled “Solicitation Hours,” by deleting it in its entirety and inserting the following: A properly licensed solicitor or peddler qualified through the Leominster Police Department, may solicit between the hours: A. Monday through Friday: 10:00 A.M. through 6:00 P.M. B. Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 12:00 P.M. through 5:00 P.M. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITION was given LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Vt. 8/0, Councillor Marchand recused himself due to possible conflict of interest. 28-16 Peter E. Bovenzi, Trustee, Neighborhood Development Trust: Rezone a portion of Assessor’s Map 317, Parcel 7A from Commercial District to Residence C District and change the maximum height for principal buildings in Residence C District as set forth in Subsection 22-40.3 from 35 feet to 40 feet. Upon request of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, the following PETITIONS were given FURTHER TIME. Vt. 9/0 35-16 Kathleen Sousa for Cumberland Farms, Inc.: Grant a license to store two 20,000 gallon dual-compartment underground storage tanks, with a total of 32,000 gallons of gasoline and 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel at 454-466 Mechanic Street. (Hearing set for April 25, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.) 36-16 Mackie Barch for Do Health Massachusetts: Grant a Special Permit to open a medical marijuana cultivation and dispensary facility at 30 Patriots Circle, as shown on Assessors Map 499, Lot 50. (Hearing set for April 25, 2016 at 6:45 P.M.) Councillor Bodanza, Chair of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, read the Financial Report for the City into the record. Account balances are as follows: Stabilization Account $13,613,545.00 Emergency Reserve $ 100,000.00 Free Cash $ 7,668,829.00 Upon recommendation of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, the following COMMUNICATION was GRANTED and ORDERED. Vt. 9 “yeas” C-60 Relative to the appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Police Department Overtime Account; same to be transferred from the Police Salary & Wages Account. ORDERED: that the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be appropriated to the Police Department Overtime account; same to be transferred from the Police Salary & Wages Account. The following ORDINANCES were read a second time, ADOPTED as presented and passed to be ordained. Vt. 9 “yeas” THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER In the year two thousand and sixteen AN ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Leominster, as follows: Section 13-77 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Stop Signs” is hereby amended by inserting the Following: Holman Avenue, against westbound drivers at Princeton Street __________________________________________  7 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER In the year two thousand and sixteen AN ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Leominster, as follows: Section 13-77 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Stop Signs” is hereby amended by inserting the Following: Eden Glen, against southbound drivers at Graham Street. Eden Glen, against northbound drivers at Graham Street. __________________________________________ Upon recommendation of the PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMITTEE the following RESOLUTION was ADOPTED. Vt. 9 “yeas” Resolution Calling for Full Funding of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s Recommendations in Support of Urban Districts in Massachusetts Whereas the Massachusetts Foundation Budget Review Commission identified two areas (employee health insurance and special education) where the Massachusetts Foundation Budget significantly understates the true cost of educating students in the Commonwealth and has failed to keep pace with rising costs especially in urban districts; Whereas this underfunding means the cost of providing a quality education has increasingly been borne by local communities, most often at the expense of other vital municipal operations; Whereas investing in education today leads to higher incomes, and thus less investment in police, prisons, subsidized health care, low income housing, welfare, etc. in the future; Whereas state and local economies are most effectively strengthened “by investing in education and increasing the number of well-educated workers.” Therefore Be It Resolved that the City of Leominster calls on the Massachusetts legislature and the Governor of Massachusetts to fully fund and adopt the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission in the immediate future Adopted April 11, 2015 by the Approved – April 12, 2016 Leominster City Council /s/ Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor /s/ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council _______________________________________ Upon recommendation of the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, the following ELECTION ORDER was ADOPTED. Vt. 9/0 CITY OF LEOMINSTER SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ORDER APRIL 21, 2016 ORDERED:-that the City Clerk be and she hereby is authorized and directed to notify and warn the voters of the City of Leominster to assemble in their respective polling places in the several wards and precincts of the City, designated by the City Council as follows: WARD 1A SKY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, 500 KENNEDY WAY WARD 1B SKY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, 500 KENNEDY WAY WARD 1C SKY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, 500 KENNEDY WAY WARD 2A FRANCES DRAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 95 VISCOLOID AVENUE ( FORMALLY SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) WARD 2B FRANCES DRAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 95 VISCOLOID AVENUE (FORMALLY SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) WARD 2C FRANCES DRAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 95 VISCOLOID AVENUE ( FORMALLY SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) WARD 3A FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES HALL, 456 LITCHFIELD STREET WARD 3B FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES HALL, 456 LITCHFIELD STREET WARD 3C FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES HALL, 456 LITCHFIELD STREET  8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, APRIL 11, 2016, continued WARD 4A SENIOR CITIZEN DROP-IN CENTER, 5 POND STREET WARD 4B LEOMINSTER VETERANS’ QUARTERS, 100 WEST STREET WARD 4C LEOMINSTERVETERANS’ QUARTERS, 100 WEST STREET WARD 5A AUDITORIUM, CITY HALL, 25 WEST STREET WARD 5B AUDITORIUM, CITY HALL, 25 WEST STREET WARD 5C FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEOMINSTER, 23 WEST STREET On Thursday, April 21, 2016 then and there for the purpose of giving in their votes for the election of candidates for the following office: One School Committee Member-at-Large; for a term beginning April 22, 2016 and ending on the first Monday in January 2018. And it is further ORDERED:- that the polls shall be opened at 7:00 A.M. and closed at 8:00 P.M. and that notice shall be given by publication of this order in a conspicuous place in the office of the City Clerk. Per Order Leominster City Council True Copy Attest: Lynn A. Bouchard City Clerk ______________________________________ The following Communication was received, referred to the WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE and given REGULAR COURSE. April 7, 2016 Dear Members of the City Council, I would ask that you place the medical marijuana letter or non-opposition on the agenda for the next meeting, specifically whether or not it is the intention of the Leominster City Council to issue the letter or non-opposition for the medical marijuana licenses. Thank you. Sincerely, /s/Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor ___________________________________ Councillor Dombrowski, Chair of the LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, moved that the following COMMUNICATION be removed from the table and placed on the calendar for action. It was so voted 9/0. Committee reports as follows: C-33 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that the City Council submit a request, pursuant to Article II, Section 8, Paragraph 1, Clause (1) of the Amendments of the Constitution, as amended by Article LXXXIX, that State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan and State Representative Dennis A. Rosa file special legislation with the General Court, on behalf of the City, seeking to exempt the positions of Police Chief and Police Captain from the Civil Service Law, G. L. c 31, as follows: AN ACT EXEMPTING THE POSITIONS OF POLICE CHIEF AND POLICE CAPTAIN IN THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. The positions of police chief and police captain in the city of Leominster shall be exempt from Chapter 31 of the General Laws. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. This COMMUNICATION was given FURTHER TIME. The following Committee meetings were established: President’s Committee on City Ordinance Review was scheduled for April 27, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Legal Affairs Committee was scheduled for April 20, 2016 at 5:30 P.M. Finance Committee was scheduled for April 25, 2016 at 5:30 P.M. Ways & Means Committee was scheduled for April 20, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:22 P.M. ________________________________ Lynn A. Bouchard, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council