City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large Richard M. Marchand John Dombrowski Claire M. Freda Council Vice President Susan Chalifoux Zephir Gail P. Feckley Thomas F. Ardinger Ward Councillors Ward 1 – Gail P. Feckley Ward 2 – Pauline M. Cormier Ward 3 – David R. Cormier Ward 4 – Mark C. Bodanza Ward 5 – Richard M. Marchand MINUTES CITY OF LEOMINSTER CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA AMENDED – August 30, 2018 I. HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL, 6:00 P.M. C-06 1) Relative to the acquisition of three parcels of land, 106 Central Street, 112 Central Street, and 124 Central Street. 2) Also relative to the appropriation of $2,000,000.00 for the cost of the foregoing acquisition and development of the property for police station purposes. 3) Relative to any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of project costs approved hereunder, thereby reducing by a like amount the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs. Gary Zimmerman, 47 Lynnhaven Road, Leominster – He believes a lot of burden put on the taxpayers for all these bills.  He supports the police station, but would like to know what his tax money is being spent on.  He believes there are other alternatives to save the city money by having the police station at the transfer station so that they would not have to pay for demolition downtown. Combine the police and fire buildings.  Mr. Zimmerman stated that his taxes have doubled over the years.  A million dollars for a parcel of land seems expensive. Believes the property is assessed too high, compared to properties in the surrounding area.  Councillor Claire M. Freda abstained from discussions and votes regarding 112 Central Street due to a possible conflict of interest. William Mitchell, Chief Assessor, responded that the property is assessed as assembly property for $900,000.00, and that the city is paying One Million dollars for it because of the potential use of the property and assembling lots. He has met with Mr. Zimmerman in the past for over an hour to discuss the other properties he has mentioned. He welcomes Mr. Zimmerman to have another meeting. Public Hearing ADJOURNED 6:15 P.M. II. PUBLIC FORUM, 6:10 P.M The public forum is an opportunity for any member of the audience to speak on a matter specifically listed on the Council Agenda. Speakers will be asked to come to the microphone and state their formal name and address along with identifying the specific item(s) they wish to address. Each speaker is respectfully asked to keep their comments within a two (2) minute timeframe. The Council will not be responding or answering any questions; however, at the discretion of the Council President, clarification may be given. Gary Zimmerman, 47 Lynnhaven Road, Leominster – He questioned land value assessment. Why is the land value higher for Sholan Farm compared to the surrounding properties in the area. III. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 6:15 P.M. IV. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE Council President Richard Marchand, Councillor Pauline Cormier, Councillor Thomas Ardinger, Councillor Mark Bodanza, Councillor Gail P. Feckley, Councillor Sue Chalifoux Zephir, Councillor John Dombrowski, Councillor Claire Freda, and Titi Siriphan, Assistant City Clerk were in attendance. Councillor David R. Cormier was absent. V. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE CALENDAR 10-19 New Vue Liabilities to Assets. 10-19 Was given Regular Course. It will be a joint decision between Finance Committee and Legal Affairs. Council President Marchand stated that this was on the calendar for the first time because it is time sensitive. Due to staffing changes with Planning Board having no director, it was difficult to get all the information needed for the meeting. The City Council will endorse the project as soon as they receive all the information and is working with Mr. Dohan. Page 2 VI. MATTERS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL VII. OLD BUSINESS 2ND Reading: 1.) Relative to the acquisition of three parcels of land, 106 Central Street, 112 Central Street, and 124 Central Street. (Finance C-06; Regular Course 8/13/2018; First Reading to be on 8/27/2018; Public Hearing to be held 9/06/2018, 2/3 Vote to qualify.) 2.) Also relative to the appropriation of $2,000,000.00 for the cost of the foregoing acquisition and development of the property for police station purposes. (Finance C-06; Regular Course 8/13/2018; First Reading to be on 8/27/2018; Public Hearing to be held 9/06/2018, 2/3 Vote to qualify.) 3.) Relative to any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of project costs approved hereunder, thereby reducing by a like amount the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs. (Finance C-06; Regular Course 8/13/2018; First Reading to be on 8/27/2018; Public Hearing to be held 9/06/2018, 2/3 Vote to qualify.) Councillor Claire M. Freda abstained from discussions and votes regarding 112 Central Street due to a possible conflict of interest. Councillor Claire M. Freda abstained from discussions and votes regarding 112 Central Street due to a possible conflict of interest. The City Council voted 8/0 to adopt the second reading of Communication C-06. A vote of 7/0 was also taken regarding communication C-06 due to Councillor Claire Freda abstaining from the vote regarding 112 Central Street, due to a possible Conflict of Interest. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The City Council Meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Titi Siriphan Assistant City Clerk Page 3 Page 4