City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large Mark C. Bodanza Thomas F. Ardinger Council Vice President Susan Chalifoux-Zephir Pauline M. Cormier Brandon Robbins Claire M. Freda Ward Councillors Ward 1 – Robert M. Tocci 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 NOVEMBER 25, 2024 JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FINANCE COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:00 PM. C-23 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that the Tax classification hearing be held on November 25, 2024. (Finance Committee; Regular Course 11/12/2024; Public Hearing, November 25, 2024; at 6:00 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Public Hearing opened at 6:00 PM. Rena Gagne, Chief Assessor, Rick Dondero, Assistant Assesor, and Jennifer Reddington, Comptroller were present. Rena Gagne explained the proposed tax classification for the year. She explained that the goal tonight is to decide if the City wants to split the tax rate or not. Councillor Bodanza asked three times if anyone wanted to speak. No one spoke. The tax classification hearing was closed at 6:38 PM. LEGAL AFFAIRS, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:15 P.M. 17-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-44 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-Between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: Lancaster Street (north side), from in front of 488 Lancaster Street to and including  the front of 508 Lancaster Street.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024, at 6:15 P.M.; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 6:39 PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton and letters from Sergeant Robichaud into the record. Sergeant Robichaud stated that Howard Street has became a commuters throughway. Councillor Angelini asked if anyone from the public wanted to speak. Robert Cornetta, 488 Lancaster Street, owner of Miranda’s Pub. There are only 17 parking spots per 100 person capacity. He expressed that the 3 spaces in front of the building are very important. The current barriers for the no parking, do not work. There was an accident, not being able to see is not the problem. Councillor Angelini asked if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:04PM. LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:16 P.M. continued 18-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-47 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-At all times except Sunday.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: “No person shall park a vehicle on the east side of Lancaster Street, from Viscoloid Avenue south to Howard Street for any longer than two hours on any day except Sunday.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:16 P.M.;Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 6:39 PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton into the record. Councillor Angelini asked three times if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:06PM. Page 2 LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:17 P.M. 19-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Lancaster Street (north side), from in front of 488 Lancaster Street to and including the front of 516 Lancaster Street.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:17 P.M.;Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:07PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton into the record. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir asked if there is any way that any of the three spots in front of Miranda’s could be saved. Sergeant Robichaud replied that he would have to park a sample vehicle there and see if that could be a solution. Councillor Angelini asked three times if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:11PM. LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:18 P.M. 20-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-62.1 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-Two hours.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at a point fifty-five feet north of Adams Street northerly for a distance of three hundred thirteen feet.” And replacing it with the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at a point ninety feet north of Adams Street northerly for a distance of two hundred seventy eight feet.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:18 P.M.; Majority Vote) Page 3  The public hearing opened at 7:07PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton into the record. Councilor Angelini also read into the record , letters for Petiton 20-25, Petition 21-25 and Petition 22-25 from Sergeant Robichaud. Councillor Angelini asked three times if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:18PM. LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:19 P.M. continued 21-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at the intersection of Adams Street northerly for a distance of ninety feet.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024;Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:19 P.M.; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:17PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton into the record. Councillor Angelini asked three times if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:18PM. LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:20 P.M. 22-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.”Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), from Adams Street to Pleasant Place.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:20 P.M.; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:19PM. Councilor Angelini read the petiton into the record. Councillor Angelini asked three times if anyone else from the public wanted to speak. No one spoke. The public hearing closed at 7:20PM. Page 4 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE, PUBLIC HEARING, 6:21 P.M. continued 11-25 Claire Freda, Councillor At-Large; Request on behalf of Paul and Lisa Gove of Gove Farm. Establish a 25 or 30 MPH Speed Zone on Mechanic St from the Bridge at Johnny Ro Park to the Lancaster Town Line. Speed to be determined by the Leominster Traffic Department within the Police Department. (Public Safety and Traffic Committee; Regular Course; 9/23/2024; Public Hearing October 15, 2024; at 6:45 P.M.; Continued October 28, 2024; at 6:20 P.M.;Continued 11/12/2024; at 6:30 P.M.; Continued 11/25/2024; at 6:21 P.M.; Majority Vote) The public hearing opened at 7:21PM. Councilor Chalifoux-Zephir read the petiton into the record. Sergeant Robichaud stated that with the sign up it is 61% effective in the lowering of the cars speed. Sergeant Robichaud also stated that according to MA Department of Transportation the area by Gove Fram does not qualify to be able to change the speed limit. The MRPC do traffic studies but are booked out til October of 2025. Councilor Chalifoux-Zephir said the data supports the efficacy of the feedback sign 61% of the time. The sign has made a positive change demonstrated by the data. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir stated she feels the city has a serious public health and safety problem in this area and whatever appropriate reasonable resolution can be made should be looked at. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir asked three times if anyone from the public wanted to speak. Paul Gove , 925 Mechanic Street, Owner of Gove Farm. The temporary sign has been spectacular. To have it from May to September would be wonderful. There has a been a noticeable change in cars reducing their speeds. The public hearing closed at 7:48PM. 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. Page 5 The public forum opened at 7:50 PM. Council President Bodanza asked three times if anyone wanted to speak for or against any item listed on the agenda. No one spoke. The public forum closed at 7:52 PM. I. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the City Council opened at 7:00 PM. Councillor Robbins made a motion to recess. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir seconded the motion. By a vote of 9-0 the meeting recessed at 7:01 PM. Council reconvened at PM. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE Council President Mark Bodanza, Councillor David Cormier, Council Vice President Pauline Cormier, Councillor Ardinger, Councillor Angelini, Councillor Tocci, Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir, Councillor Robbins and Councillor Freda, present. Others present: Maribel Perez, Assistant City Clerk. Absent: Elizabeth Doiron, City Clerk IV. APPROVAL OF RECORDS V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR C-25 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that an appropriation of $250,000.00 be made to the Fire Department Overtime Account; the same to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund. (Finance Committee; Regular Course; 11/25/2024; 2/3 Vote) Councilor David Cormier abstained from this petition. He referred the petition to the clerk of Finance, Councillor Pauline Cormier. The communication was given regular course. C-26 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that an appropriation of $68,000.00 be made to the Police department Salary and Wages Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Opiod Stabilization Fund. (Finance Committee; Regular Course; 11/25/2024; Page 6  2/3 Vote) The communication was given regular course. APPOINTMENT C-27 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request the confirmation of the appointment of Lieutenant Vang Lee for the Leominster Police Department. I certify that said person is qualified to perform the duties which will be required, and I this designation solely in the interest of the City of Leominster. (Ways and Means Committee; Regular Course; 11/25/2024; Majority Vote) Councillor Robbins made a motion to amend the language of the petition by striking the word Lieutenant and replacing it with permanent Captain. Councillor Freda seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a vote of 9-0. The communication was given regular course with an invite to Officer Lee for an interview on December 9, 2024 at 5:45PM. VI. PETITIONS FIRST TIME ON THE AGENDA VII. MATTERS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL VIII. FINANCIAL REPORT – BALANCE $22,351, 515.43 IX. FINANCE C-20 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that the following transfer within the Water Department to adjust the Water Debt Service Budget balance: Transfer of $2,000 from the Water Capital Outlay (17000203) to Water Debt Service – Interest (17000207) Transfer of $2,531.26 from Water Capital Outlay (17000203) to Water Debt Service – Interest (17000208) Page 7  Transfer of $7,837.50 from Water Capital Outlay (17000203) to Water Debt Service – Interest (17000208-591804) (Finance Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Majority Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 9-0 the order was ADOPTED. FINANCE, cont’d C-21 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that an appropriation of $15,000.00 be made to the Health Department salaries Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from Stabilization. (Finance Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; 2/3 Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 9-0 the order was ADOPTED. C-23 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that the Tax classification hearing be held on November 25, 2024. (Finance Committee; Regular Course 11/12/2024; Public Hearing, November 25, 2024; at 6:00 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 9-0 the order was ADOPTED. C-24 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request that an appropriation of $6,885.00 be made to the City Clerk Postage Expense Account; the same amount to be transferred from the Stabilization. (Finance Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; 2/3 Vote) The Finance Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. ORDERED: By a vote of 9-0 the order was ADOPTED. X. LEGAL AFFAIRS LEGAL AFFAIRS, PUBLIC HEARING, December 9, 2024, 6:00 P.M. 16-25 Montachusett Regional Planning Commission; Glen Eaton, Executive Director Request to amend the Leominster Zoning Ordinance and Map to create the Multi- Page 8  Family Overlay District in accordance with the MBTA Communities Act. (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing December 9, 2024; at 6:00 p.m.; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council give this petition FURTHER TIME. By a vote of 9-0 the petition was given FURTHER TIME. LEGAL AFFAIRS, PUBLIC HEARING, December 9, 2024, 6:30 P.M. 15-25 Elizabeth Wood, on behalf of the Planning Board; Request to Amend the zoning ordinance pertaining to MU-2 Zoning. (See attached Letter) (Legal Affairs Committee; 10/28/2024; Public Hearing December 9, 2024; at 6:30 P.M.; 2/3 Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council grant this petition FURTHER TIME. By a vote of 9-0 the petition was given FURTHER TIME 17-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-44 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-Between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: Lancaster Street (north side), from in front of 488 Lancaster Street to and including the front of 508 Lancaster Street.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024, at 6:15 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 18-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-47 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-At all times except Sunday.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: “No person shall park a vehicle on the east side of Lancaster Street, from Viscoloid Avenue south to Howard Street for any longer than two hours on any day except Sunday.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:16 P.M.;Majority Vote) Page 9  The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll call vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. LEGAL AFFAIRS, continued 19-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Lancaster Street (north side), from in front of 488 Lancaster Street to and including the front of 516 Lancaster Street.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:17 P.M.;Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 20-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-62.1 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Same-Two hours.” is hereby amended by deleting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at a point fifty-five feet north of Adams Street northerly for a distance of three hundred thirteen feet.” And replacing it with the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at a point ninety feet north of Adams Street northerly for a distance of two hundred seventy eight feet.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:18 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. Page 10 LEGAL AFFAIRS, continued 21-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.” Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), beginning at the intersection of Adams Street northerly for a distance of ninety feet.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024;Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:19 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. 22-25 Greg Robichaud, Sargeant Leominster Police Department; Request to Amend Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic.”Chapter 13, Section 13-34 of the Revised Ordinance entitled “No parking on certain streets.” is hereby amended by inserting the following text: “Pleasant Street (west side), from Adams Street to Pleasant Place.” (Legal Affairs Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Public Hearing 11/25/2024; at 6:20 P.M.; Majority Vote) The Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the City Council GRANT the communication. By a roll vote of 9-0 the communication was GRANTED. Page 11  XI. WAYS AND MEANS APPOINTMENT C-22 Dean J. Mazzarella, Mayor; Request the appointment of the following: Maria Joffrion 37 Richardson Street, Leominster, MA to the Disability Commission: term to expire 4/15/2027 (Ways & Means Committee; Regular Course; 11/12/2024; Majority Vote) Councillor Pauline Cormier made a motion to recess. Councillor ChaLifoux-Zephir seconded the motion. By a vote of 9-0 the meeting went into recess. Ms. Maria Joffrion provided an overview of her background. Ms Joffrion shared that she has experience in navigating the world with different abilities. Mr, Joffrion states she currently works for a pediatric cancer organization. She also shared that helping people is her passion. She is fluent in Spanish as well. Councillor Ardinger stated that with her experience in disabilities , she is the best fit for the commission. Councillor David Cormier stated it is always good to have someone on the board who knows first hand the challenges of having a disability and navigating in a wheelchair. Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir thanked Ms. Joffrion for her time. Councillor Angelini expressed his excitement for her to be on the board. The Ways and Means Committee recommended that the City Council CONFIRM the appointment. By a roll call vote of 9-0 the appointment was CONFIRMED. XII. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTE 11-25 Claire Freda, Councillor At-Large; Request on behalf of Paul and Lisa Gove of Gove Farm. Establish a 25 or 30 MPH Speed Zone on Mechanic St from the Bridge at Johnny Ro Park to the Lancaster Town Line. Speed to be determined by the Leominster Traffic Department within the Police Department. (Public Safety and Traffic Committee; Regular Course; 9/23/2024; Public Hearing October 15, 2024; at 6:45 P.M.; Continued October 28, 2024; at 6:20 P.M.;Continued 11/12/2024; at 6:30 P.M.;Continued 11/25/2024; at 6:21 P.M.; Majority Vote) Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir recommendation would be to give this LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE. By a vote of 9-0 the petiton was given LEAVE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Page 12 XIII. NEW BUSINESS XIV. OLD BUSINESS XV. COMMUNITY CALENDAR XVI. ADJOURNMENT Councillor Chalifoux-Zephir made a motion to adjourn. Councillor David Cormier seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a vote of 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:25PM. - Elizabeth Doiron, City Clerk Page 13