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 OCTOBER 25, 2021 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS PUBLIC HEARING, (CONTINUED) 6:00 PM 09-22 Verizon New England, Inc. requests permission to lay and maintain underground conduits and handholes, with the wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of the following public way or ways: MOUNT PLEASANT AVENUE: Place two (2) four (4) inch conduits on Mount Pleasant Avenue beginning at Manhole 72A, located on the northerly side of Mechanic Street, and running in a southerly direction down Mount Pleasant Avenue a distance of approximately two hundred forty-one (241) feet to a point, and then westerly to the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. MOUNT PLEASANT AVENUE: Place one (1) four (4) inch conduit on Mount Pleasant Avenue beginning at Pole T.3, located on the easterly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue, and running in a northwesterly direction along Mount Pleasant Avenue a distance of approximately one hundred twenty (120) feet to a point on the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. HOWE STREET: Place one (1) four (4) inch conduit on Howe Street beginning at Pole T.2, located on the northerly side of Howe Street, and running in a westerly direction down Howe Street a distance of approximately two hundred nine (209) feet to the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. REASON: Place conduit to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications. (Public Service; Regular Course; 09/27/2021; Public Hearing 10/12/2021 at 6:45 PM; Cont. Public Hearing 10/25/2021 @ 6:00 PM; Majority Vote)  The public hearing was opened at 6:00 PM. Councillor Pauline Cormier read the public hearing notice. There was no public comment and no one from Verizon in attendance. It was recommended that the public hearing be continued until November 8, 2021 at 6:29 PM, with a vote of 5-0 (D. Cormier abstained). The public hearing was closed at 6:05 PM. Councillor Angelini reminded that Verizon needs to contact the DPW and the Council wants to know the results of said meeting in writing. PUBLIC HEARING, (CONTINUED) 6:05 PM 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: Board of Appeals, Building Inspectors; Planning Board; Continued Public Hearing: Board of Health; 08/23/2021 at 6:45 PM, 09/27/2021, 10/12/2021, and 10/25/2021 at 6:05 PM; 2/3 Vote) The public hearing was opened at 6:06 PM. Further time has been requested and a continuation of the public hearing, scheduled for November 8, 2021 at 6:25 PM, with a vote of 6-0. The Council is waiting for suggested penalties for this zoning amendment. The public hearing closed at 6:09 PM. INTERVIEWS, 6:10 PM 6:10 PM Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Cheryl Carlino of 15 Tolman Avenue, to the Office of Emergency Management. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 10/12/2021; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:10 PM; Majority Vote) Cheryl Carlino explained her background as a nurse and her interest in the Office of Emergency Management. She was thanked by Councillors Dombrowski, Bodanza, and David Cormier. Page 2 6:12 PM Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Michael Cichy of 270 Hill St., to the Conservation Commission, term to expire April 15, 2024. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 09/27/2021; Interview 10/12/2021 @ 6:00 PM; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:12 PM. Majority Vote) Mr. Cichy explained his background and his interest in the Conservation Commission. He spoke on his availability for site walks also, as he is retired. Councillors Dombrowski, Angelini, and David Cormier thanked him for his interest. 6:13 PM Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Richard Gullick of 151 Old Farm Rd., to the Conservation Commission, term to expire April 15, 2024. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 09/27/2021; Interview 10/12/2021 @ 6:05 PM; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:13 PM; Majority Vote) Mr. Gullick explained his background and his interest in the Conservation Commission. He spoke on his availability for site walks also, as he is semi-retired. Councillors Dombrowski, Angelini, Bodanza, and David Cormier thanked him for his interest. PUBLIC HEARING, 6:15 PM 10-22 Revolutionary Clinics II, Inc., seeks a Special Permit from the Leominster City Council to operate a recreational marijuana establishment use at 130 Pioneer Drive in Leominster in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Chapter 22, Article 18, Marijuana Facilities, Section 22-105. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course; 09/27/2021; Public Hearing; October 25, 2021 at 6:15PM). The public hearing was opened at 6:27 PM. The public hearing was continued to 11/08/2021 at 6:30 PM with a vote of 6-0. The public hearing was closed at 6:30 PM. RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW, 6:35 PM Pursuant to Charter provision 5.6 There was no one from the Recreation Commission to deliver their presentation. The Council requested a report in writing before rescheduling their review. Page 3 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 was opened at 6:55 PM. Michael Stassen, 893 Main Street, addressed C-26 (Final payment for bussing contract regarding COVID). He explained that this is the balance of negotiations. The public forum was closed at 6:58 PM. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 P.M. II. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE III. APPROVAL OF RECORDS October 12, 2021 - The minutes were approved and placed on file. IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR RESOLUTION C-25 A RESOLUTION vote of support to enter into a Tax Increment Financing agreement (TIF) with Bisousweet Confections located at 554 Willard Street, Leominster, MA. (Ways & Means; Regular Course 10/25/2021; Majority Vote) This was given REGULAR COURSE. The Council required that Amanda Curtis (Economic Development), Willian Connor (Assessor) and a representative of Bisousweet be available at the next meeting for questions. Page 4  C-26 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests an appropriation of $14,000 be made to the prior year school transportation line; same to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. RE: Final Payment for COVID year bussing contract. (Finance; Regular Course 10/25/2021; 2/3 Vote) This was given REGULAR COURSE, C-27 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the acceptance of the Easement between the City of Leominster and the North Central Investment Limited Partnership. RE: Allow pedestrian and vehicular access from Manning Avenue to the Grantee Property. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 10/25/2021; Majority Vote) This was given REGULAR COURSE. Council President Bodanza provided input from the Mayor. V. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE AGENDA 12-22 City Council President Bodanza and Vice-President David Cormier request to Revise Chapter 1, Section 1-11 entitled "Wards and Precincts". RE: Re-precincting updates to map. Ordinance revision to become effective January 1, 2022. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 10/25/2021; Public Hearing 11/08/2021 at 6:45 PM. 2/3 Vote) This was given REGULAR COURSE and a public hearing was set for November 8, 2021 at 6:45 PM with a vote of 6-0. VI. MATTERS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL VII. FINANCIAL REPORT – BALANCE OF $19,012,355.55 IN STAB FUND VIII. FINANCE Page 5 IX. 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 OUT: Board of Appeals, Building Inspectors; Planning Board; Continued Public Hearing: 08/23/2021 at 6:45 PM; 2/3 Vote) This was given FURTHER TIME and a continued public hearing ws scheduled for 11/08/2021 at 6:25 PM. The Council is awaiting penalty provision from the Planning Board. X. WAYS AND MEANS Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Cheryl Carlino of 15 Tolman Avenue, to the Office of Emergency Management. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 10/12/2021; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:10 PM; Majority Vote) With a roll call vote of 6-0, the appointment was CONFIRMED. Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Michael Cichy of 270 Hill St., to the Conservation Commission, term to expire April 15, 2024. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 09/27/2021; Interview 10/12/2021 @ 6:00 PM; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:12 PM. Majority Vote) With a roll call vote of 6-0, the appointment was CONFIRMED. Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Requests the appointment of Richard Gullick of 151 Old Farm Rd., to the Conservation Commission, term to expire April 15, 2024. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 09/27/2021; Interview 10/12/2021 @ 6:05 PM; Interview 10/25/2021 @ 6:13 PM; Majority Vote) With a roll call vote of 6-0, the appointment was CONFIRMED. Page 6 XI. PUBLIC SERVICE 09-22 Verizon New England, Inc. requests permission to lay and maintain underground conduits and handholes, with the wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of the following public way or ways: MOUNT PLEASANT AVENUE: Place two (2) four (4) inch conduits on Mount Pleasant Avenue beginning at Manhole 72A, located on the northerly side of Mechanic Street, and running in a southerly direction down Mount Pleasant Avenue a distance of approximately two hundred forty-one (241) feet to a point, and then westerly to the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. MOUNT PLEASANT AVENUE: Place one (1) four (4) inch conduit on Mount Pleasant Avenue beginning at Pole T.3, located on the easterly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue, and running in a northwesterly direction along Mount Pleasant Avenue a distance of approximately one hundred twenty (120) feet to a point on the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. HOWE STREET: Place one (1) four (4) inch conduit on Howe Street beginning at Pole T.2, located on the northerly side of Howe Street, and running in a westerly direction down Howe Street a distance of approximately two hundred nine (209) feet to the westerly side of Mount Pleasant Avenue. REASON: Place conduit to provide for the distribution of intelligence and telecommunications. (Public Service; Regular Course; 09/27/2021; Public Hearing 10/12/2021 at 6:45 PM; Cont. Public Hearing 10/25/2021 @ 6:00 PM; Majority Vote) This was given FURTHER TIME and a public hearing was set for 11/08/2021 at 6:29 PM with a vote of 5-0-1 (D Cormier abstained) XII. NEW BUSINESS XIII. OLD BUSINESS XIV. COMMUNITY CALENDAR The City Clerk spoke on the status for Early and Absentee Voting and how the election is scheduled for 11/02/2021 from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Page 7 XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Council Vice-President David Cormier, seconded by Pauline Cormier, to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 PM with a vote of 6-0. - Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 8