City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large Mark C. Bodanza John Dombrowski Council Vice President Claire M. Freda David R. Cormier Susan Chalifoux Zephir Thomas F. Ardinger Ward Councillors Ward 1 – Vacant 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 MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CONSERVATION COMMISSION REVIEW, 6:30 PM Pursuant to Charter provision 5.6 Council President Bodanza opened the review and introduced Angela Chebuske and Chuck Raymond, representing the Conservation Commission. Ms. Chebuske opened with the number of conservation issues. She also explained the difficulty in meeting a quorum with a Commission that is short three members (four instead of seven members currently). She recommended a paid internship or a clerk, especially in the summer. She spoke on digitizing the file room and she has been organizing them. Her objectives are the protection of wildlife and water supplies, as well as education and community outreach. Councillor Angelini asked about the fee structure and total revenue. Ms. Chebuske answered that the revenue was around $75,000.00. Councillor Angelini asked Ms. Chebuske how involved she will be when the revised FEMA panels come in. Ms. Chebuske answered that she will be as involved as her skill set allows her to be. Councillor Angelini asked if the wetland bylaws are helpful or create additional burdens. Ms. Chebuske said that they are helpful for wildlife and the environment but it can be time consuming. The goal is not to hold up development. Councillor Pauline Cormier asked what the criteria was to be a member on the Conservation Commission. Ms. Chebuske answered that a positive attitude, willingness to learn all regulations, and the ability to go to trainings. Councillor Pauline Cormier clarified that it is not necessary to have a background in conservation. Also, she asked Ms. Chebuske how to contact her. Ms. Chebuske answered that they can either call the Conservation Department or stop into City Hall. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir asked if there was any way the Council could help get the word out and pointed out the undertaking while the office is short-staffed. Ms. Chebuske said that she does not have any help, at the moment and she has one person helping with minutes. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir thought it seems like a lot of work with a seven- member committee. Ms. Chebuske said that a couple of people have reached out. She did a poster and the Mayor put it on his Facebook page. Her peers at DEP are helping also. Chuck Raymond, Conservation Commission member, said that he found out about the opening on the City’s website. Anything that the City Council and Angela can do to get more members would be greatly appreciated. Councillor Freda stated she has a different viewpoint. She feels this is a very important commission. Stormwater management is very important also. She feels it is important to have people with a background in environment on the Commission. The Wetland Protection Act can be learned. She added that residents now come in with architects and engineers and feels it is not good when meetings get cancelled for a lack of quorum. She asked if any of the members join her on site walks. Ms. Chebuske said that a few members have come with her, but the majority of site walks she does alone. Page 2  Councillor Freda said that we need to pitch in and find qualified people that can show up to meetings. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir stated that she understands finding volunteers is no small task. Anything she can do to help with outreach she would be happy to do. Councillor Dombrowski spoke on the number of amendments to ordinances that have come through the Legal Affairs Subcommittee. Councillor Angelini complimented the qualifications of Chuck Raymond. He added that symposiums are a great place for contacts. He added that one past commission member saw a post at the Sportsmen Club. Chuck Raymond added that most site visits are done during work hours and most Conservation Commission members have full time jobs. The members rely on Angela’s expertise and the paperwork. Council President Bodanza stated that there is a critical need for Conservation Commission members. Hopefully this meeting could prompt someone to come forward. The review ended at 6:56 PM. INTERVIEW, 6:50 PM Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Eileen Ramsden of 110 Cove Rd, Lunenburg, MA, to the Office of Emergency Management. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/26/2021; Interview 08/09/2021 @ 6:50 PM; Majority Vote) The interview opened at 6:56 PM. Councillor Freda introduced Eileen Ramsden and the other members of the Office of Emergency Management that joined her this evening, Valerie and Paul Brennan. Ms. Ramsden explained that she first started with sheltering and saw what was done for the City. She helped with the lunch program as well. She explained that she is coming out of retirement into a business office situation. Councillor Freda said that she appreciates Eileen offering her time and guidance. Page 3  Councillor Dombrowski thanked Ms. Ramsden for volunteering and wished her the best. Councillor David Cormier thanked her for her service. Councillor Freda read the letter from Director LeBlanc to the Mayor. She welcomed Ms. Ramsden and looks forward to voting tonight in her favor. The interview ended at 7:04 PM. 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. Public Forum was opened at 7:05 PM. No one spoke and the Public Forum was closed at 7:06 PM. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE PRESENT: Council President Bodanza; Council Vice-President David Cormier; Councillor Pauline Cormier; Councillor Angelini; Councillor Chalifoux Zephir; Councillor Dombrowski; Councillor Freda; Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk; Dianne Reardon, Assistant City Clerk. ABSENT: Councillor Ardinger III. APPROVAL OF RECORDS • July 26, 2021 Council Vice-President David Cormier stated that the minutes looked in order and he recommended placing them on file. A motion was made by Councillor Chalifoux Zephir, seconded by Councillor Angelini to go into recess. The motion was passed with a vote of 7-0. Page 4 IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR C-05 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $36,000.00 be made to the Collective Bargaining Contract Services Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. RE: Salary Study (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; 2/3 Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. C-06 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $26,000.00 be made to the Building Department Capital Outlay Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. RE: Building Department Truck (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; 2/3 Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. C-07 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $78,000.00 be made to the Gallagher Building Salary & Wages Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Gallagher Building Revolving Fund. RE: Maintenance Salaries (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir asked about Communications 08-12 coming from Current Year Revenues. She asked if there are specific accounts. Councillor David Cormier said he will investigate, as he has never seen “Current Year Revenues” used either. C-08 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $50,000.00 be made to the Assistant Comptroller Salaries and Wages Account; same amount to be transferred from the Current Year Revenues. RE: Position that was excluded from the original budget (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. Page 5 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR (CONTINUED) C-09 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $9,135.00 be made to the Highway Labor On-Call Coverage Account; same amount to be transferred from Current Year Revenues. RE: Position that was excluded from the original budget (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. C-10 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $2,000.00 to be made to the Recording Secretary Stipend; the same amount to be transferred from Current Year Revenues. RE: Position that was excluded from the Planning Board budget. (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. C-11 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $8,200.00 be made to the Planning Board Members Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Current Year Revenues. RE: Position(s) that was excluded from the budget. (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. C-12 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $2,900.00 be made to the Conservation Board Members Account; the same amount to be transferred from Current Year Revenues. RE: Position(s) that was excluded from the budget (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; Majority Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. Page 6  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR (CONTINUED) C-13 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $42,953.13 be made to the Bullet Proof Vest Fund; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. RE: Bullet Proof Vest Program (Finance; Regular Course 08/09/2021; 2/3 Vote) This Communication was given REGULAR COURSE. V. MATTERS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL VI. FINANCIAL REPORT - $19,797,349.67 BALANCE VII. FINANCE C-03 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that an appropriation of $298,455.60 be made to the School Department Expense Account; the same amount to be raised by Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue. RE: Estimate FY 2022 E-Rate Revenue. (Finance; Regular Course 07/26/2021; Majority Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the ORDER. A roll call vote was taken, and it was GRANTED with a vote of 7-0. ORDERED: By a Roll Call Vote of 7-0 the order was ADOPTED. Page 7 VIII. LEGAL AFFAIRS 75-21 Elizabeth Wood (on behalf of the Planning Board) requests to amend the zoning ordinance pertaining to the regulation of dumpster location and screening. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 06/14/2021; Public Hearing; July 12, 2021 @ 6:50PM; REFERRALS IN: Planning Board; REFERRALS OUT: Board of Appeals, Building Inspectors; Continued Public Hearing: 08/23/2021 at 6:45 PM; 2/3 Vote) Councillor Dombrowski asked to follow up on the outstanding referrals. The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council give this petition FURTHER TIME, as the Public Hearing is scheduled for August 23, 2021 at 6:45 PM. A vote was taken, and it was passed with a vote of 7-0. IX. WAYS AND MEANS Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Eileen Ramsden of 110 Cove Rd, Lunenburg, MA, to the Office of Emergency Management. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/26/2021; Interview 08/09/2021 @ 6:50 PM; Majority Vote) A roll call vote was taken to CONFIRM the appointment of Eileen Ramsden to the Office of Emergency Management. This was CONFIRMED with a vote of 7-0. C-04 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests that the list of Election Officers for August 31, 2021 – August 31, 2022, be appointed. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/26/2021; Majority Vote) A roll call vote was taken to CONFIRM the list of Election Officers for August 31, 2021 through August 31, 2022. This was CONFIRMED with a vote of 7-0. Page 8 X. NEW BUSINESS First Reading of an Ordinance: 02-22 Mark C. Bodanza, City Council President: Request to Amend Section 2- 16 of Article III of the Revised Ordinances for the City of Leominster. RE: Replacing “No meeting shall be held during the week of Christmas” with “No meeting shall be held on the fourth Monday of December” (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 07/12/2021; Public Hearing; July 26, 2021 @ 6:50PM; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended ADOPTION of this first reading. A roll call vote was taken and was ADOPTED with a vote of 7-0. 03-22 City Council Vice-President David R. Cormier: Request to Amend Section 2-15 for Election of President, by deleting the current language and inserting a new provision specifically regulating the succession of the Office of President, should a vacancy in the Office occur. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 07/12/2021; Public Hearing; July 26, 2021 @ 6:40 PM; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended ADOPTION of this first reading. A roll call vote was taken and was ADOPTED with a vote of 7-0. 04-22 City Council Vice-President David R. Cormier: Request to Amend Section 2-15-1 for Election of Vice President, by inserting a new provision specifically regulating the succession of the Office of the Vice President, should a vacancy in the Office occur. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 07/12/2021; Public Hearing; July 26, 2021 @ 6:45PM; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended ADOPTION of this first reading. A roll call vote was taken and was ADOPTED with a vote of 7-0. 05-22 City Council Vice-President David R. Cormier: Request to Amend Chapter 13, Article 3, Division 2, Sections 13-34 (no parking on certain streets) and add the following: Grant Street northerly side from 176 to 222 Grant St. & Grant Street southerly side from 179 to 221 Grant St. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 07/12/2021; Public Hearing; July 26, 2021 @ 6:35 PM; 2/3 Vote) Page 9  The Legal Affairs Committee recommended ADOPTION of this first reading. A roll call vote was taken and was ADOPTED with a vote of 7-0. XI. OLD BUSINESS XII. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Councillor Freda spoke on the Celebration of Life for Cello Ciccone at the Eagles on Sunday. The function raised a lot of money for ALS for compassionate care. She mentioned how much she appreciates the Eagles as an organization in the City. Their members went out of their way to make this function happen in a safe environment. Councillor Dombrowski also attended Mr. Ciccone’s celebration on Sunday and agreed that this was a great function. Councillor Freda spoke on the loss of Mae Tabora. She was a member of the Veteran’s community for many years. XIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councillor Chalifoux Zephir, seconded by Councillor David Cormier, to adjourn the meeting at7:26 PM. The vote was 7-0 in favor to ADJOURN. - Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 10