City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large David R. Cormier Thomas F. Ardinger Council Vice President Susan Chalifoux-Zephir Pauline M. Cormier Todd M. Deacon Claire M. Freda Ward Councillors Ward 1 – William A. Brady 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 25, 2022 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS INTERVIEWS OF CANDIDATES REFERRED BY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, 6:00 PM. The interviews opened at 6:00PM. Councillor Pauline Cormier explained how the Ways and Means committee went through the resume screening process. She explained that there were over 30 candidates. Six semifinalists were selected, and of that, 6, 3 were presented to the City Council. One applicant withdrew, and two were left remaining. Ms. Maribel Perez was the first finalist invited into Council Chambers. Councillor Pauline Cormier asked Ms. Perez to introduce herself and provide a summary of her experience. She explained that she has worked in the City Clerk’s office for 18 years. She became a Head Clerk in 2016. Each Councillor took turns asking Ms. Perez questions where she expanded on her skills and experience. Ms. Vicki Jackson was the second finalist to be invited into Council Chambers. Councillor Pauline Cormier asked Ms. Jackson to introduce herself and provide a summary of her experience. She explained that she has worked as a paralegal for over twenty years. She has strong communication, organization, and research skills. She also informed the council that she is loyal and has lasting relationships with previous employers. Each Councillor took turns asking Ms. Jackson questions where she expanded on her skills and experience. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING 6:50 PM. 62-22 Pauline Cormier, Ward 2 Councillor, requests stop signs to be placed at the junction of Eighth Street and Spruce Streets, both Northbound and Southbound. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 06/27/2022; Public Hearing 07/11/2022 at 6:45 PM; Further Time; 07/11/2022; Continued Public Hearing 07/25/2022 at 6:50 PM; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:01 PM. Councillor Angelini informed the Council that the traffic division was not in favor of this ordinance. Councillor Pauline Cormier, the petitioner, requested that the Legal Affairs committee grant the petition further time so that she can meet with Sgt. Robichaud regarding the petition and discuss possible alternatives. She felt that something needed to happen in this area due to safety concerns. Councillor Angelini opened the public hearing for public comment. He asked three times if anyone wanted to speak for or against the petition. No one spoke. The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the petition be granted further time and that the public hearing be continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting. PUBLIC FORUM, 6:55 PM. 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. Council President David Cormier opened the public forum at 7:15 PM. Ms. Wendy Wiiks, of 142 Blossom Street, and Grant Administrator for the City, spoke in favor of communications C-04 and C-05. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 PM. The regular meeting of the City Council opened at 7:00 PM. Councillor Bodanza made a motion to recess. Councillor Ardinger seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a vote of 8-0. The meeting went into recess at 7:01 PM. The regular meeting went back into session at 7:16 PM. Page 2 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE Council President David Cormier, Council Vice President Pauline Cormier, Councillor Bodanza, Councillor Ardinger, Councillor Angelini, Councillor Brady, Councillor Deacon, and Councillor Freda present. Councillor Chalifoux- Zephir, Absent. Others present: Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk IV. APPROVAL OF RECORDS - July 11, 2022 – The meeting minutes were approved as amended and placed on file. V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR Money Orders C-06 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an appropriation of $227,236 be made to the following expense accounts; the same amount to be from additional state funds released. This is to balance the current year budget. ● Landfill Expense $15,600 (additional maintenance on the property and law care) ● Landfill Expense $7,600 (increase in contract price for the current year) ● Plumbing inspector $445 (Key error in budget process) ● Police drug unit $5,250 (excluded from original departmental budget) ● Police PT Dispatchers $13,500 (excluded from original departmental budget) ● Planning Clerk $1,000 (change in current year rates) ● OPEB health insurance $100,000 (increases due to additional retirements) ● Health insurance $83,841 (increase in costs) (Finance; Regular Course 07/25/2022; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. C-07 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an appropriation of $40,000.00 be made to the I.T.T.F Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from Stabilization. (Finance; Regular Course 7/25/2022; ⅔ Vote) Page 3  RE: This is to continue the necessary upgrades to the city wide WIFI network. This communication was given regular course. C-08 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request an appropriation of $42,000.00 be made to the Fire Equipment Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from Stabilization. (Finance; Regular Course 7/25/2022; ⅔ Vote) This communication was given regular course. C-09 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request an appropriation of an estimated $175,000.00 be made to the Police & Dispatch Department Salary & Wages Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Collective Bargaining Expense Account. (Finance; Regular Course 07/25/2022; Majority Vote) This communication was given regular course. C-10 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request an appropriation of$464,000.00 be made to the Communication Project Fund; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. (Finance; Regular Course 7/25/2022; ⅔ Vote) This communication was given regular course. Appointments Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that the attached list of individuals be appointed as Election Officers. Term to expire August 1, 2023. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/25/2022; Majority Vote) This appointment was given regular course. VI. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE AGENDA VII. MATTERS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL Page 4 VIII. FINANCIAL REPORT – STABILIZATION FUND BALANCE: $19,982,488 IX. FINANCE C-01 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an FY23 appropriation of $11,000 be transferred from the Doyle Field Salaries Account; the same amount to be transferred to the Doyle Field Expense Account. (Finance; Regular Course 07/11/2022; Majority Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 8-0 the communication was ADOPTED. C-02 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an FY22 appropriation of $125,000 be transferred from the unfunded liability account; with $100,000 to the OPEB insurance account and $25,000 to the group insurance account. (Finance; Regular Course 07/11/2022; Majority Vote) RE: This is to cover the additional cost for the fourth quarter bill, due to an increased health care cost and the number of people retiring in the current year. The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 8-0 the communication was ADOPTED. C-03 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request an FY23 appropriation of $146,878 be transferred from the Stabilization Fund; with $60,594 to the CDBG Coordinator Salary Account and $86,284 to the Code Enforcement Officer Salary Account in the health department. (Finance; Regular Course 07/11/2022; 2/3 Vote) RE: The CDBG Grant structure has changed, and these positions are no longer going to be allowed to be supported with grant funds. These funds will be budgeted in the annual budget going forward. The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 8-0 the communication was ADOPTED. Page 5 X. LEGAL AFFAIRS C-05 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that the City of Leominster take by eminent domain permanent and temporary easements on certain properties abutting or near Viscoloid Avenue for the purposes of the Safe Routes to Schools Grant. (Legal Affairs; Suspension of the Rules 07/11/2022; Regular Course 07/11/2022; 2/3 Vote) Councillor Bodanza, made a motion to amend the communication to include new language as provided by the City Solicitor. Councillor Pauline Cormier seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a roll call vote of 8-0. The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council grant the amended communication. By a roll call vote of 8-0 the communication was GRANTED. 62-22 Pauline Cormier, Ward 2 Councillor, requests stop signs to be placed at the junction of Eighth Street and Spruce Streets both Northbound and Southbound. (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 06/27/2022; Public Hearing 07/11/2022 at 6:45 PM; Further Time; 07/11/2022; Continued Public Hearing 07/25/2022 at 6:50 PM; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council grant the petition FURTHER TIME and continue the public hearing to August 8, 2022, at 6:50 PM. By a vote of 8-0 the petition was given FURTHER TIME and the public hearing was continued to August 8, 2022, at 6:50 PM. XI. WAYS AND MEANS C-04 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Authorize the City of Leominster to pursue $22,356.00 through the United States Department of Justice – Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/11/2022; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the authorization to pursue the JAG Grant. By a vote of 8-0 the JAG grant was GRANTED. Page 6  1-23 Request to sign the Election Order for the September 6, 2022, State Primary Election. (Ways and Means; Regular Course 07/11/2022; Majority Vote) The Ways and Means committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the Election Order. By a vote of 8-0 the election order was GRANTED. XII. NEW BUSINESS XIII. OLD BUSINESS SELECTION OF A NEW ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Confirm the appointment of the finalist for the Assistant City Clerk Position. (Ways and Means; Regular Course and Interviews 07/25/2022; Majority Vote) Councillor Bodanza made a motion to elect Maribel Perez as the new Assistant City Clerk for a term to expire on 04/15/2027. Councillor Ardinger seconded the motion. Councillor Freda informed the Council that she did not object to the candidate getting the job, but she did object to the process. She felt more time was needed to select a candidate. Councillor Brady felt that the process was too short. Councillor Bodanza felt that the process was followed, good candidates were presented, and that the nominated candidate would make a good fit in the office. Councillor Pauline Cormier reiterated the process to the Council and stated that she felt it was thorough, thoughtful, and appropriate. By a roll call vote of 7-1 (Councillor Freda Nay) Maribel Perez was elected as the new Assistant City Clerk, term to expire 04/15/2027. Page 7  Second Reading of an Ordinance: C-84 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor: Request that the following ordinance change be adopted: Amend Chapter 16. Personnel. Section 16-30. Compensation grades. By inserting therein, the following sections: for FY2022 through FY2024: as follows: 6/30/2022 FY22 MIN 2 3 MID 4 5 6 MAX S-1 32,263 33,556 34,898 36,292 37,743 39,260 40,822 41,642 S-2 36,137 37,580 39,084 40,650 42,271 43,965 45,723 46,643 S-3 40,471 42,091 43,772 45,528 47,346 49,245 51,211 52,235 S-4 45,331 47,144 49,030 50,986 53,027 55,148 57,353 58,499 S-5 50,771 52,801 54,909 57,108 59,388 61,765 64,235 65,522 S-6 56,860 59,133 61,504 63,958 66,517 69,178 71,947 73,388 S-7 63,679 66,206 68,881 71,637 74,502 77,477 80,573 82,187 S-8 71,325 74,180 77,144 80,233 83,441 86,774 90,250 92,051 S-9 79,882 83,079 86,402 89,855 93,455 97,192 101,077 103,097 S-10 89,298 93,047 96,769 100,640 104,668 108,851 113,207 115,470 6/30/2023 FY23 MIN 2 3 MID 4 5 6 MAX S-1 33,400 34,739 36,128 37,571 39,074 40,644 42,261 43,109 S-2 37,410 38,905 40,462 42,083 43,761 45,515 47,334 48,287 S-3 41,897 43,575 45,315 47,133 49,015 50,980 53,016 54,077 S-4 46,929 48,806 50,759 52,783 54,896 57,092 59,374 60,561 S-5 52,560 54,663 56,844 59,121 61,482 63,942 66,499 67,831 S-6 58,864 61,218 63,672 66,213 68,862 71,617 74,483 75,975 S-7 65,923 68,540 71,309 74,162 77,128 80,208 83,413 85,084 S-8 73,839 76,794 79,863 83,061 86,382 89,833 93,431 95,296 S-9 82,698 86,008 89,448 93,022 96,750 100,618 104,640 106,731 S-10 92,446 96,327 100,181 104,188 108,358 112,688 117,197 119,540 6/30/2024 FY24 MIN 2 3 MID 4 5 6 MAX S-1 34,235 35,607 37,032 38,510 40,050 41,660 43,318 44,187 Page 8  S-2 38,346 39,877 41,474 43,135 44,855 46,653 48,518 49,494 S-3 42,945 44,664 46,448 48,311 50,241 52,255 54,342 55,428 S-4 48,102 50,026 52,028 54,103 56,268 58,520 60,859 62,075 S-5 53,874 56,029 58,265 60,599 63,019 65,541 68,161 69,527 S-6 60,336 62,748 65,264 67,868 70,584 73,407 76,345 77,874 S-7 67,571 70,253 73,091 76,016 79,056 82,213 85,498 87,211 S-8 75,685 78,714 81,860 85,138 88,542 92,079 95,767 97,678 S-9 84,766 88,158 91,684 95,348 99,169 103,133 107,256 109,399 S-10 94,757 98,736 102,685 106,793 111,067 115,506 120,127 122,529 (Legal Affairs; Regular Course 5/23/2022; Public Hearing 06/13/2022 at 6:45 PM; First Reading of the Ordinance Further Time 06/27/2022; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council ADOPT the second reading of the ordinance. By a vote of 8-0 the second reading of the ordinance was adopted. 48-22 Peter Angelini, Ward 5 Councillor: Requests to amend the City of Leominster Revised Ordinances Section 12-2 as attached. This amendment is proposed to take effect July 1, 2022. RE: To revise the fee schedule in the City of Leominster to begin July 1, 2022 (FY2023) (Legal Affairs: Regular Course 03/28/2022; Public Hearing 04/11/2022 at 6:45 PM; Public Hearing Continued to 05/09/2022 at 6:30 PM; Public Hearing Continued to 06/13/2022 at 6:50 PM; First Reading of the Ordinance Further Time 06/27/2022; 2/3 Vote) The Legal Affairs committee recommended that the City Council ADOPT the second reading of the ordinance. By a vote of 7-1 (Councillor Freda NAY) the second reading of the ordinance was adopted. Councillor Freda stated that she did not feel it was the right time to increase the fees due to the state of the economy. XIV. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Councillor Freda stated that although it was quite warm over the weekend, it was a great game at Leominster Day at Polar Park, it was great to see the little league that unfortunately were unsuccessful in their bid for the title on Saturday, but it was a great opportunity for them to throw out the first pitch yesterday with the Mayor. It was a good day although it was hot. Page 9 XV. ADJOURNMENT Councillor Bodanza made a motion to adjourn. Councillor Pauline Cormier seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. By a vote of 8-0 the meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM. Minutes respectfully submitted by, Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 10