City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large Mark C. Bodanza John Dombrowski Council Vice President Claire M. Freda Gail P. Feckley Susan Chalifoux Zephir 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 – Peter A. Angelini MINUTES CITY OF LEOMINSTER CITY COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS The City Council meeting on July 27, 2020 will be held virtually, by a conference telephone call only. All City Councillors, and members of the public interested in participating in the public forum, or a scheduled public hearing, are requested to call the following number : +1-312-757-3119 and enter the following code : 698-415-645 (Please note: the call in number and code are different than the call in number and code from the last meeting conducted on July 13, 2020). The meeting will begin promptly at 6:50 PM on Monday, July 27, 2020. The conference phone call will be moderated by the City Council President and all discussion will be strictly limited to matters on the agenda. It is expected that the audio phone call will be broadcast on Leominster Access Television. INTERVIEW, 6:50 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Charles Raymond to the Conservation Commission; term to expire 4/15/2023. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) • Has been on conservation committees for other communities. • Works as a consultant for stormwater and wastewater management. • Wants to give back to the community. INTERVIEW, 6:51 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Nicholas Bodanza to the Disability Commission: term to expire 4/15/2023. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) • Has a bachelors degree. • Has worked in hospitality, retail, and library environments that have given him a unique outlook on ways to best help those with disabilities.  • Wants to give back to the community and use his garnered knowledge to do so. PUBLIC HEARING, 6:53 P.M. 67-20 Verizon New England, Inc.: Requests permission to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including the necessary anchors, guys and other such sustaining and protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by your petitioners, along and across the following public way or ways: FRANKLIN STREET: Relocate one (1) solely owned pole numbered T.5-1 to a point on the northerly side of Franklin Street approximately three hundred twenty (320) feet easterly from the center line of Pleasant Street. Reason: Relocate one (I) solely owned pole on Franklin Street at the request of an abutter; and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications. (Public Service; Regular Course 6/22/2020; Public Hearing 7/13/2020 @ 6:54 P.M.; Public Hearing Continued 7/27/2020 @ 6:53 P.M.; Further Time 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The public hearing was continued to August 10, 2020 at 6:45PM. PUBLIC HEARING, 6:54 P.M. 3-21 National Grid and Verizon New England Inc.: Requests permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way: Nelson St - National Grid to install 1 JO Pole, remove 4 JO Poles and relocate 4 JO poles on Nelson St beginning at a point approximately 10 feet west of the centerline of the intersection of North Main St and continuing approximately 400 feet in a westerly direction. Relocate P4 approximately 5ft back, PJ approximately 4ft back. P2 approximately 7ft back and Pl approximately 9ft east and 8ft back. Install new Pl-84 and anchor approximately 50ft from Pl. (Public Service; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Public Hearing 7/27/2020 @ 6:54 P.M.; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:26PM. Jay, a representative from National Grid, spoke in favor of the petition. He explained that this pole requests stems from a Mass DOT project. The pole needs to be moved per the State. Councillor Freda asked three times if anyone wanted to speak for or against the petition. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:30PM. Page 2 PUBLIC FORUM, 6:55 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 time frame. The Council will not be responding or answering any questions; however, at the discretion of the Council President, clarification may be given. The public forum opened at 7:31PM. Council President Bodanza asked three time if anyone from the public wanted to speak regarding any matter listed on the agenda. No one spoke. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 P.M. • The regular meeting of the City Council opened at 7:00PM. Councillor David Cormier made a motion to recess. Councillor Angelini seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the meeting went into recess at 7:03PM. • The regular meeting reconvened at 7:32PM. II. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE City Council President Bodanza, City Council Vice President Feckley, Councillor Freda, Councillor Dombrowki, Councillor Angelini, Councillor Ardinger, Councillor Pauline Cormier, Councillor David Cormier present. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir absent. Others Present: Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk; Titi Siriphan, Assistant City Clerk. III. APPROVAL OF RECORDS PRESENTED BY THE VICE PRESIDENT • June 22, 2020 – These minutes were approved and placed on file. • July 13, 2020 – These minutes were approved and placed on file. IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS C-06 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request to authorize the City of Leominster to pursue $19,606.00 through The United States Department of Justice JAG Page 3  Program (Justice Assistance Grant Program). (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. C-07 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request to authorize the City of Leominster to establish the Frankie Fortuna Donation Account to enable the City to accept grants and donations related to renovation of the Johnson Street skatepark. (Finance; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. APPOINTMENTS C-08 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that the attached list of individuals be appointed as Elections Officers; terms to expire August 1, 2021. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. It was noted that the list is available for public viewing at the office of the City Clerk. C-09 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request the following changes for approval for the Leominster Police Department Building Committee: Mayor Dean Mazzarella Councillor Claire Freda Chief Aaron Kennedy (replacing Lt. Mark Amico Chief Michael Goldman) Sgt. Daniel Proietti Kelly Vallee (replacing Patrolman Daniel Contois) Sgt. James Marois (replacing Kelly Gammell Patrolman Michael Wing) Wendy Wiiks Greg Chapdelaine Officer Brett Thompson (replacing James Whitney William Mitchell) Henry Frye Patrick McCarty James Lanciani Officer Carlos Cintron (replacing Robert Grudziecki) Michelle Richards (neighborhood representative addition) This communication was given regular course. Page 4  ORDERS C-10 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that an appropriation of $25,000.00 be made to the Landfill Capping Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. (Finance; Regular Course 07/27/2020; 2/3 Vote) This communication was given regular course. C-11 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that the attached Loan Order be adopted. (Finance; Regular Course 07/27/2020; Public Hearing August 10,2020 at 6:54PM; Majority Vote) RE: Demolition, Site Surveys, Asbestos Removal for new Police Station ($2,000,000.00). This communication was given regular course. V. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE AGENDA 4-21 Gregory C. Chapdelaine, Purchasing Agent: Request to allow a contract for Energy Consulting Services for the City for a five-year period. This is in preparation for the next services contract that the City will be bidding out this year beginning in August; the current contract will expire in August. (Finance; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. 5-21 Gregory C. Chapdelaine, Purchasing Agent: Request to allow a contract for Payroll Services for a six year period. The current contract will expire this December in anticipation of this expiration. (Finance; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. 6-21 Election Order: An Order Relative to the State Primaries, September 1, 2020. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. Page 5 VI. MATTERS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL VII. CITY OF LEOMINSTER – FINANCIAL REPORT a. The balance of 21,561,316.27. VIII. FINANCE C-01 Emergency Preamble Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that an appropriation of $7,400,164.00 be made to the Stabilization Fund; the same amount to be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account (Undesignated Fund Balance). (Finance; Regular Course 7/13/2020; To be ratified 7/27/2020; 2/3 Vote) RE: To fund emergency needs as they arise and appropriate certified free cash. The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council ratify the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was ratified. C-02 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that an appropriation of $103,000.00 be made to the Sidewalk Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. (Finance; Regular Course 7/13/2020; 2/3 Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council grant the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was ADOPTED. IX. LEGAL AFFAIRS 1-21 David R. Cormier: Request to install a stop sign against southwest bound drivers on Comstock Road at Birchcroft Road. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 7/13/2020; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council give the petition further time and that a public hearing be set for August 24, 2020 at 6:53PM. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the petition was given further time and the public hearing was set. Page 6  2-21 David R. Cormier: Request to amend Chapter 13, Section 13-34 to read the following: No parking on Albert drive, both sides for the entire length. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 7/13/2020; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council give the petition further time and that a public hearing be set for August 24, 2020 at 6:54PM. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the petition was given further time and the public hearing was set. X. PUBLIC SERVICE 3-21 National Grid and Verizon New England Inc.: Requests permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way: Nelson St - National Grid to install 1 JO Pole, remove 4 JO Poles and relocate 4 JO poles on Nelson St beginning at a point approximately 10 feet west of the centerline of the intersection of North Main St and continuing approximately 400 feet in a westerly direction. Relocate P4 approximately 5ft back, PJ approximately 4ft back. P2 approximately 7ft back and Pl approximately 9ft east and 8ft back. Install new Pl-84 and anchor approximately 50ft from Pl. (Public Service; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Public Hearing 7/27/2020 @ 6:54 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Public Service committee recommended that the City Council grant the petition. Roll Call Vote: 7-0-1 (Councillor David Cormier abstained due to a possible conflict of interest.) The petition was GRANTED. PUBLIC SERVICE, CONTINUED 67-20 Verizon New England, Inc.: Requests permission to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including the necessary anchors, guys and other such sustaining and protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by your petitioners, along and across the following public way or ways: FRANKLIN STREET: Relocate one (1) solely owned pole numbered T.5-1 to a point on the northerly side of Franklin Street approximately three hundred twenty (320) feet easterly from the center line of Pleasant Street. Reason: Relocate one (I) solely owned pole on Franklin Street at the request of an abutter; and to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications. (Public Service; Regular Course 6/22/2020; Public Page 7  Hearing 7/13/2020 @ 6:54 P.M.; Public Hearing Continued 7/27/2020 @ 6:53 P.M.; Further Time 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Public Service committee recommended that the City Council give the petition further time. Roll Call Vote: 7-0-1 (Councillor David Cormier abstained due to a possible conflict of interest.) The petition was given further time. XI. WAYS & MEANS APPOINTMENTS A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Charles Raymond to the Conservation Commission; term to expire 4/15/2023. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the appointment of Charles Raymond be CONFIRMED. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the appointment was CONFIRMED. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Louis Massa to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council give the appointment of Louis Massa further time. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the appointment was given further time. A measure confirming the Mayor’s reappointment of the following individuals to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) Jason Regan Marcy Rothenberg Harry Quarles Pamela Sullivan Darlene Quarles Ijaz Ahmed Lisa Delorme The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council give the appointments further time. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the appointments were given further time. A measure confirming the Mayor’s reappointment of John Proietti to the Historical Commission: term to expire 4/15/2023. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) Page 8 The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the appointment of John Proietti be CONFIRMED. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the appointment was CONFIRMED. A measure confirming the Mayor’s reappointment of Paul Weizer to the Planning Board: term to expire 4/15/2025. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the appointment of Paul Weizer be CONFIRMED. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the appointment was CONFIRMED. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Nicholas Bodanza to the Disability Commission: term to expire 4/15/2023. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the appointment of Nicholas Bodanza be CONFIRMED. Roll Call Vote: 7-0-1 (Cocunillor Bodanza abstained due to a conflict of interest) the appointment was CONFIRMED. C-03 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request the council to accept $760,805.00 for the City’s phase I portion of the Cares Act funding. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. C-04 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request the council to accept $272,508.00 through the Community Development Block Grant Covid-19 program. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. C-05 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request the council to accept $81,161.00 through the Corona Virus Emergency Supplemental Funding through the Department of Justice. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. Page 9  69-20 Nellye Molina: Renew the Second Hand Dealers License for J & J Consignment located at 285 Central Street. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. XII. NEW BUSINESS XIII. OLD BUSINESS • Councillor Freda informed the City Council that there were no final costs for the Police Station project yet, but that the new bond was a step in the right direction so that it could cover costs associated with the project. • Councillor Feckley inquired as to why the Planning Board had not sent down its last reappointment for the Planning Board Chair. It was recommended that a discussion with the Mayor occur regarding this matter. XIV. COMMUNITY CALENDAR XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25PM. - Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 10