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 AUGUST 10, 2020 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS The City Council meeting on August 10, 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 (571) 317-3122 and enter the following code 769-408-997: (Please note: the call in number and code are different than the call in number and code from the last meeting conducted on July 27, 2020). The meeting will begin promptly at 6:45 PM on Monday, August 10, 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. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED, 6:45 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.; 8/10/2020 @ 6:45 P.M.; Further Time 7/13/2020; 8/10/2020; Majority Vote)  The public hearing opened at 6:45PM. Don Voner, a representative from Verizon, spoke regarding the petition. He informed the City Council that the purpose of this petition is to move a pole to improve its use on a property for a customer. Councillor Freda asked three times whether anyone wanted to speak for or against the petition. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 6:50PM. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. 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) Mr. Massa’s interview was postponed to the next meeting. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Jason Regan to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Mr. Regan informed the Council that he wanted to give back to the community and was adept in helping with manual labor. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Harry Quarles to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Mr. Quarles informed the City Council that he was retired and has helped deliver and give out meals to the children in Leominster who are impacted by COVID. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Darlene Quarles to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Mrs. Quarles informed the City Council that she was retired and has helped deliver and give out meals to the children in Leominster who are impacted by COVID. Page 2 INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Lisa Delorme to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Ms. Delorme informed the Council that she was eager to give back to the Community and has had years of experience in helping others and providing customer service. INTER VIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Marcy Rothenberg to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Ms. Rothenberg informed the Council that she was eager to give back to the Community and has had years of experience in helping others and providing customer service. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Pamela Sullivan to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Ms. Sullivan informed the Council that she had previously worked for the Postal Service. She explained that this would be beneficial for the position due to her in depth knowledge of the streets in the City. INTERVIEW, 6:46 P.M. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Ijaz Ahmed to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) Mr. Ahmed’s interview was postponed to the next meeting. PUBLIC HEARING, 6:54 P.M. 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; 2/3 Vote) RE: Demolition, Site Surveys, Asbestos Removal for new Police Station ($2,000,000.00). Page 3 The public hearing opened at 7:08 PM. Councillor David Cormier read the loan order out loud. Councillor Cormier asked three times whether anyone wanted to speak for or against the loan order. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:14PM. 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 7:15PM. Council President Bodanza asked three times whether anyone wanted to speak for or against any matter on the agenda. No one spoke. The public forum closed at 7:16PM. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the city council opened at 7:02PM. Councillor David Cormier made a motion to recess. Councillor Angelini seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the meeting went into recess at 7:04PM. The regular meeting convened at 7:15PM. 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, Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir present. Others Present: Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk; Titi Siriphan, Assistant City Clerk. III. APPROVAL OF RECORDS PRESENTED BY THE VICE PRESIDENT • July 27, 2020 – These meeting minutes were approved and placed on file. IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR APPOINTMENTS A measure confirming the Mayor’s reappointment of Yanneth Bermudez-Camp to the Housing Authority; term to expire 4/15/2025. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 8/10/2020; Majority Vote) Page 4  This appointment was given regular course. An interview will be held at the next meeting. ORDERS C-12 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an appropriation of $17,350.00 be made to the Election & Registration Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. (Finance; Regular Course 8/10/2020; 2/3 Vote) RE: Schools are requiring a deep clean if used for Election Day. School related Cares Act reimbursement is undetermined at this time. This communication was given regular course. V. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE AGENDA 7-21 John Dombrowski, Councillor at Large: Request to amend Chapter 13, Section 13-77 to read the following: Install a stop sign against East bound drivers on Birchcroft Road at Comstock Road. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 8/10/2020; Public Hearing TBD; 2/3 Vote) This communication was given regular course a public hearing was set by a Roll Call Vote of 9-0 for August 24, 2020 at 6:52PM. 8-21 Thomas F. Ardinger, Councillor at Large: Request that a MassDOT approved “Slow Dangerous Curve” sign be placed on the westerly side of Grant Street 100 ft +/- from the northerly intersection of Imperial Avenue and Grant Street. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 8/10/2020; Public Hearing TBD; 2/3 Vote) This communication was given regular course a public hearing was set by a Roll Call Vote of 9-0 for August 24, 2020 at 6:53PM. VI. MATTERS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL VII. CITY OF LEOMINSTER – FINANCIAL REPORT a. The balance of the stabilization account was: $21,443,966.27. VIII. FINANCE 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) Page 5  The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 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) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was ADOPTED. 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; 2/3 Vote) RE: Demolition, Site Surveys, Asbestos Removal for new Police Station ($2,000,000.00). The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was ADOPTED. 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) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 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) Page 6  The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 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; Further Time 7/27/2020; Public Hearing 8/24/2020 @ 6:53 PM; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council give the communication FURTHER TIME. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was given FURTHER TIME and the public hearing was set of August 24, 2020 at 6:51PM. 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; Further Time 7/27/2020; Public Hearing 8/24/2020 @ 6:54 PM; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council give the communication FURTHER TIME. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was given FURTHER TIME. X. PUBLIC SERVICE 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; 8/10/2020; Majority Vote) The Public Service Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the petition. Councillor David Cormier recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Roll Call Vote: 8-0-1 (Councillor David Cormier abstained) the petition was GRANTED. Page 7 XI. WAYS & MEANS 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 Program (Justice Assistance Grant Program). (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the communication was granted. APPOINTMENTS 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 for Louis Massa FURTHER TIME. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the appointment was given further time. A measure confirming the Mayor’s appointment of the following individuals to the Office of Emergency Management: Operations Unit; volunteer. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/13/2020; Further Time 7/27/2020; 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 CONFIRM the appointments of Jason Regan, Harry Quarles, Darlene Quarles, Lisa Delorme, Marcy Rothenberg and Pamela Sullivan. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the appointments were CONFIRMED. The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council give the appointment for Ijaz Ahmend FURTHER TIME. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the appointment was given further time. Page 8 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) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council CONFIRM the appointments of Election Workers. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the appointments were CONFIRMED. C-09 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request the following changes for approval for the Leominster Police Department Building Committee: (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) 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) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the appointments of Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Chief Aaron Kennedy, Sgt. Daniel Prioietti, Sgt. James Marois, Wendy Wiiks, Officer Brett Thompson, James Lanciani, Henry Frye, Michelle Richards, Councillor Claire Freda, Lt. Mark Amico, Kelly Vallee, Kelly Gammell, Greg Chapdelaine, James Whitney, Patrick McCarty, and Officer Carlos Cintron be CONFIRMED. Councillor Freda recused herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Roll Call Vote: 8-0-1 (Councillor Freda Abstained) the appointments were CONFIRMED. 6-21 Election Order: An Order Relative to the State Primaries, September 1, 2020. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 7/27/2020; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the Election Order. Roll Call Vote: 9-0 the Election Order was GRANTED. Page 9 XII. NEW BUSINESS XIII. OLD BUSINESS XIV. COMMUNITY CALENDAR XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:03PM. - Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 10