City Council

Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Chair Beauregard called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Councilor McCarty, Councilor Saba, Councilor Saffie, Councilor Simard, Councilor Zeigler, Councilor DiZoglio (via Zoom), Councilor Finocchiaro, Councilor Faretra (arrived at 7:04 pm) , and Chair Beauregard Mayor Perry (via Zoom) Acceptance of the Agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to accept the agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor Saffie to amend the agenda to change the amount of Contract C-22-68 to $281,918.6 (to include interest payment) change ordinance TO-22-15 to TO-22-16, and remove Discussion regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Methuen Police Department. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 8 yes 1 (Clr Faretra was not present for the vote) In response to Councilor Finocchiaro, Assistant Solicitor McQuillan confirmed TO-22-16 is appropriately on the agenda as amended. Councilor Finocchiaro referred to resolution that Council would not approve any items that did not have the financial impact statement and all of the accompanying documents 48 hours in advance to give the residents an opportunity to review. It sets a bad precedent for future agendas. She further explained Council did not receive the impact statements until today. Chair Beauregard explained the CAFO was on vacation last week and sent communication she would get the statement to Council today. UPON ROLL VOTE: 7 yes, 2 no (Clr. Simard, Clr. Finocchiaro) Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and remained standing for the Invocation given by Vice-Chair Zeigler Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings: None Proclamations/Correspondence - None Presentations/Projects/Department Updates • A Discussion Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Methuen Police Department Withdrawn Mayor’s Report Mayor Perry spoke of the Methuen High School incident. He got a call at 11:40 a.m. and was told about the incident. He indicated he spoke with the Superintendent and the Chief numerous times today. Someone let the former student into the school, who initiated confrontation. During the course of a confrontation an individual was stabbed twice. He is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The assailant was arrested. The resource officer reached out to the police and the response was swift. The school was locked down with early dismissal. This was an isolated incident. There will be police presence at the high school for the remainder of the week. The individual entered the school through a side door that was locked. There will be continued discussions about security procedure and safety measures. 1 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Finocchiaro asked the Mayor for an update of the patrolmen’s contract. Mayor Perry explained the union made a counteroffer which he is reviewing with Maggie, Ken Rossetti and Peter McQuillan and will try to get it to Council for the May 16th Council meeting. Mayor Perry said he has received a number of calls. He has been working remotely for the last two weeks and this week. He gave a summary of recent health issues. He is working remotely last week, this week and probably next week. He is aware, working, fully cognizant and functional. He has had several conversations and meetings about the budget. He responded to every Councilor who has reached out to him. At no point he would not do anything to jeopardize the City of Methuen. He will be in the office then has another surgery on May 18th and will be back in the office shortly thereafter. He has been on the job and alert. The Superintendent and Police Chief handled the incident professionally and swiftly. Everything was coordinated down to the final details. The Mayor reported “Restaurant Week” will take place May 16th to May 20th. The city has engaged someone for marketing, offering deals on different days. It is a good opportunity to reward small businesses. He urged everyone to join in publicizing the event. Mayor Perry spoke of the ARPA funds, the efforts of Congresswoman Trahan, Senator Markey and Senator Warren regarding some of the infrastructure money, specifically the 9.75 million-dollar Arlington neighborhood sewer and water infrastructure project. He asked for additional money towards that and the use of additional ARPA funds to get other projects done. There will also be a template letter that residents may send to Congresswoman Trahan. Councilor Finocchiaro asked for the status of the fireworks. Mayor Perry indicated, due to the shortage of people that do the fireworks, it will not be the third or fourth. The target date is the Saturday after the 4th of July. The State Fire Marshall will let us know. In response to Councilor Finocchiaro regarding submittal of documents she requested, Mayor asked if she is looking for Cares donations and expenditures. Response yes. Mayor Perry said the CAFO was on vacation and by the next week the Council will have the CARES financial information, donations and expenditures. On the overall 4.3 funding, he has provided information to Council on everything that was spent and will provide it again. On May 16th 2022, they will come to council with a resolution to discuss the hazard pay and the small business. Those are open items which he is mindful of. Mayor Perry explained the DPW financial increase is due to salt/sand and fuel costs increased. DPW provides fuel for all trucks, gas for patrol cares, fire, etc. comes out of DPW. Fuel prices have significantly increased the DPW budget. Councilor DiZoglio commended the School and Methuen Police Department for their swift action today and the staff and student who apprehended the suspect. He is looking forward to seeing any resolution that comes from the issue and gaps in security. As the Chief stated, Methuen is one of the very few who have police officers in the school district. He asked the Mayor if there are any budget concerns/issues Council should be aware of. He offered his help to the Mayor. Mayor Perry said the FY’23 is the normal process that department heads are used to. The CAFO sends out budgets and has department heads submit what they need. He looks at the overall burden on the taxpayer and then pares them down. The re-org Council approved is accounted for. There may be other things he may want to negotiate. On May 23rd he will sit 2 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building down with the Council and provide the draft. It is important to discuss any increases. Department heads have done a very good job. In response to Councilor DiZoglio, the Mayor explained that the CAFO reached out to ANF. Regarding the trash contract, there will be competitive bids presented to Council. Councilor Zeigler thanked the Mayor and administration for being transparent. She noted Council received updates via email from leadership alerting them to what going on. She then asked what the next steps are regarding safety measures at the high school. Mayor Perry indicated metal detectors would not have prevented today’s incident unless you put a metal detector at every door. Someone let this individual into the school. He noted there are cameras at every door. This is a societal problem. There are a number of things to look at. we want to do what is best for our students. Superintendent Quong agreed with the Mayor. She and the Chief spoke this afternoon. They need the next few days working with the families, students, and staff to complete the investigation. There are upgraded cameras at every door, the staff is reviewing the footage and there is an ongoing conversation on what can be done. When they hear of any weapons in the building, there are policies and procedures in place to follow working with their resource officers. This was an isolated incident where the students knew each other. No one wants this to happen in any school. The district’s number one priority are students feeling safe. Counselors and staff are ready to support students and staff. She will be having discussions with the School Committee regarding the school department and safety issues as well. Councilor Saba noted that even if the schools put in metal detectors, there is no discipline. The students do not fear authority. There are no repercussions for what they do. Those involved should never be allowed to walk into Methuen schools again. We are not going to solve this problem until students start doing what is expected of them. He then asked the Mayor for information regarding leaf pickup. Mayor Perry explained DPW began picking up leaves with the packer truck, just the ones that are out on the curb. They put out a press release. Director Bower is aggressively pursuing the lease packer truck. Councilor Saba asked if there will be a solution regarding trash before the budget comes out. Mayor Perry said his intent is to come before Council before the budget. Councilor Saba referred to contractors being able to bring cardboard and contractor debris the transfer station at a profitable price. Mayor Perry noted that DPW will be out doing everything they can picking up leaves until we get a truck. As far as the cardboard, the city needs to be careful with businesses such as Home Depot or Walmart so as not to bury the city with cardboard. We are not ready to take it other than for the residents. The city is taking residential contractors at this time In response to Councilor Saba regarding he school purchase, the Mayor said it got postponed due to the incident. He indicated the appraisal and LOI is done for 9 Branch Street. They are having discussions about the funding sources. Everything is starting to line up that would allow us to use that building by September. Councilor Simard said the Chief and Superintendent handled the incident well. He didn’t ask the Chief if it might have been gang related. If it is the more reason to have gang unit in the city to share intel. We have to explore the possibilities. Whoever let the individual in the school should be prosecuted. 3 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Simard said the Mayor is doing a great job. Over the weekend the Mayor in Lawrence was gone for four days and appointed an Interim Mayor while he was away. He (Mayor of Lawrence) was still running the city, but he couldn’t be there if there was a catastrophic event. His second concern is the Mayor’s health. We have to explore the conversation of having an Acting Mayor. It would help the Mayor to share with someone from this Council. If the situation doesn’t get better and the Mayor is unable to be inhouse, we have to explore that. This is a sensitive subject, but we may have to revisit that conversation and say is the situation more beneficial to have someone in at the helm while you are still in charge. It is the Council’s job to uphold the Charter. If the Mayor doesn’t get better, he should be humble and do what the Charter says. Mayor Perry indicated he is not violating the Charter in any way, shape, or form. He spoke with the solicitors about that. If there was a Columbia Gas disaster or something of that magnitude where he had to go to it, he would. It would be extremely difficult for any Councilor to step in right now from a budget perspective. He hasn’t missed a budget meeting not any meetings. It would be next to impossible for a Councilor to come up to speed in what they are trying to do budget wise and try to do that part of the job. The only part of the job he is not doing is public appearances. If Council feels that is an important part of the job that can’t wait for two weekends, then that is the will of the Council. He is involved and active. He continues to advocate for our citizens. He is laying the foundation for the budget. He was actively involved in this incident today. He didn’t go to the police station because he felt he had two professionals that were handling it. They didn’t need him. If he felt they needed him, he would have gone. This is not about whether you can appoint an Acting Mayor or not. This is about if somebody could step in and do the job. The job is not just being at city hall. That is not what he is paid for. He is paid to advocate for our citizens and Councilors and what is the best thing for the city moving forward. He continues to do that every day, all day, even when he was in the hospital doctors and nurses were amazed at the number of meetings he held. He never put anything ahead of the city nor does he intend to. It would be extremely unfair to anybody to put them in an Acting Mayor position. Councilor Simard said he doesn’t think the Mayor is violating the Charter. There is no doubt he runs the city efficiently and has done his job. He doesn’t doubt the Mayor’s credential. Moving forward, if this becomes an issue, we have to address that. It is not giving in to certain factions or certain narratives. It’s doing the right thing and adhering to the Charter which is what Council is supposed to do as legislators and the executive branch. If we did have an Acting Mayor, it would be just that because the Mayor is running the show and doing a great job. Councilor Finocchiaro referred to the investigation regarding the schools. For future discussions to talk about future or potential safety concerns that need to be implemented, she asked that they not be broadcast. Public safety information could be something that we do via email or an executive session so that nobody else has that information until we rectify the situation. She asked the Mayor about the balance of the $47,000 in the Methuen Cares account per CAFO. Her understanding was the primary purpose of this fund was to feed and assist residents particularly during the pandemic. Those most in need in Methuen their needs are not currently being met. She asked if the remainder of those funds could be used recurring bulk purchases of food or give funds directly to local soup kitchens for them to be able to use as needed or some other solution. People are having issues and the funding is there. She wants to use it. 4 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Mayor Perry explained that the city does bulk purchases and distribution with the $47,000. The food shortage in Methuen has not gone away. Initially this was started due to the pandemic but there is a great need. That number goes up and down every day based on purchases and what is distributed. We have multiple programs in Methuen. There are backpack programs in Methuen schools, the Neighbors in Need Program, the Methuen Y, St. Monica’s and St. Lucy’s and a number of other initiatives doing the same thing, targeting food insecurity. He is trying to get all of those on a common mission. It is his desire for the city not to be the owner of Methuen Cares. He would rather have the nonprofit organization that is focused on food insecurity that does a lot of what these things do. A lot of this is the target audience and donors are relatively the same. Multiple people are donating to multiple organizations doing the same thing. We would be better served if we could come up with a common initiative. The $47,000 is not sitting in a bank account not being used. There is an inflow and an outflow. Councilor Finocchiaro commented there are six donations tonight that total $190. At the rate we’ve been given these donations that does mean that a large chunk of that money has been there for a while. She has seen an increase in the need. It is a lot of money and we do not need savings in that situation. Councilor Faretra noted most of donations Council sees are $25 or $50 but the balance is $47,000. He asked the Mayor what other funding sources keep the account going. Mayor Perry explained the money originally came from CVRL. The original funding instrument came from Cares Act that the city got from the state, the 4.3 million. That was approved. We have done a lot with the funding which was about $200,000. That money was given to them out of the 4.3 million. Money is prorated to buy groceries. The city also does donation drives with the Police and Fire departments. Methuen Cares get calls every day. Councilor Faretra noted that some people who didn’t have insecurity before the pandemic have it now. Councilor Zeigler asked for the status of the Taxi grant. Mayor Perry reported the city is using it. Council extended the grant until the end of June providing free rides to seniors for doctor’s appointment. Councilor Zeigler asked the Mayor about the CVRF funding appeal. Mayor Perry reported something should be coming forward on May 16th with a resolution to resolve the hazard pay ($500,000) and for the restaurants ($140,000). It has not been approved. Councilor Zeigler asked about the status of the Senior Center renovations. Mayor Perry explained the city received the insurance money and has started renovations. They are trying to get it open as soon as possible. The damage was more extensive than originally thought. The flooding damaged office equipment, the lobby, the new floor, etc. He will talk to Linda Sheehan for an update. Councilor Zeigler asked if the Mayor anticipated for marketing and outreach for Restaurant Week, the sixteenth through the twentieth. Mayor Perry said he has called restaurants in the city and is 8 for 8 based on today. He coordinated with Gerry Schiavone who will be working on marketing. He anticipates they will have close to twenty restaurants by the time they are finished. Councilor Saba asked how many people are being paid at Methuen Cares. Mayor Perry indicated three or four and get paid out of the $47,000. 5 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Saba suggested that the city get out of the non-profit business and noted the Senior Center does a lot to help seniors. Instead of paying people, he would rather get help out to people and dispense that money getting help and food out to people that need it. Mayor Perry explained these individuals put boxes together for residents to have people pick up or delivered. Councilor Saba asked for a report regarding the Taxi Company pickups and payments made. Mayor Perry responded he would try. Councilor Saba referred to the ARPA in general. The Mayor is working with the Superintendent. The Mayor is working on ARPA projects, but Council has not heard anything since they had these meetings. He is concerned about the time. We are waiting for ANF. He asked if the Mayor begun the postings for the study at the DPW yard and engineering studies for the Arlington District projects. Mayor explained said the city is starting to write the RFPs that go out to the people who do these projects. Mr. Bower has the information and is moving forward. If Council says they want him to do these projects, it absolves him of any issue if ANF says they are disallowed. The city is doing all the right steps. It is unrealistic to say we can do all of the DPW projects at the same time. We have to have someone in DPW, police and fire to accommodate each project. When the RFPs come back, the contracts will come to Council. Councilor Saba said he is concerned. The city needs to move more diligently on it. We have 47 million dollars plus to spend on these projects. Chair Beauregard joined his colleagues that staff and students did an outstanding job during today’s incident. The individuals involved should be prosecuted to the fullest intent of the law. He suggested presenting a joint citation from the Council and the Mayor to the teacher and the student. Chair Beauregard referred to a letter in the newspaper and comments on social media. The Mayor has been fully transparent about his health issues. He keeps in touch with the Mayor who continuing to work hard for our city. The City Council met remotely for months on end and fulfilled their duties as a legislative branch of government. It didn’t make their work any less effective. He doesn’t have concerns about continuity of government. Residents should have confidence that things are moving forward. He admires the Mayor’s commitment to his job and the city. We wish you all the best. Public Participation Bill Hanneffant, 6 West Ayer Street, spoke of the incident at Methuen High School today. It was a bad incident. It was handled professionally. One student and a school employee that had the courage to get involved. We should be proud to hear that part. It shows the professionalism of the police department and the school. Sometimes at meetings things get negative. We should highlight the positive. They should be recognized for their courage. The Chief of Police and Superintendent assured the public it was an isolated incident. Everything was under control. He was sad to hear what the Mayor has gone through medically. God Bless. Best of health. Regarding Councilor Simard’s comments his concern would be the Mayor is going for major surgery under anesthesia, he would like to see the preparation of someone who the Mayor can count on in case he cannot focus for a few days. 6 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Public Service a. Grants: • None b. Licenses: • None c. Contracts: C-22-67 – Young Developers, LLC, 9 Hamden Park Drive, Hamden, CT 06517 for Low- Slope Roof Replacement at the Comprehensive Grammar School in the Amount of $728,530.00 MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. Discussion with Bruce Stella and the architect Andrew Broderick regarding start date (kick off meeting Wednesday), warranties (none listed), warranty of roof shingles (30 days, completion (August 19th), delivery of products, possible extension of deadline. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes C-22-68 – Apple, Inc. (c/o Apple Financial Services), 5000 Riverside Drive, Suite 300 East, Irving, TX 75039 for the Lease of iPads for the Class of 2026 in the Amount of $21,918.64. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. Discussion with the Superintendent regarding use, training, leasing information, optional procurement, bidding process, email received from a constituent, MHS centered around Google and Apple, I-Pads being the best for students to use for instructional services, life of the chrome books (usually 4 years), potential lease to buy (no program now) (Councilor Finocchiaro noted for the record although the original contract was not signed Council did receive a signed intent) UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes C-22-69 – J. Tropeano, Inc., 185 South Main Street, Suite A, Newton, NH 03858 for the Broadway Barrier Removal Project (Osgood Street to Horne Street) in the Amount of $299,351.50 MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. Discussion with Pat Antoon, Community Development, regarding terms for extension if needed, details of what project entails, permits, and funding. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Other Officers and Committee Reports Councilor DiZoglio reported the Memorials Committee will meet Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 via Zoom. Councilor Finocchiaro Substance Abuse and Mental Health Committee inquired to the administration for Mental Health Counselors for the Methuen Police Department. One of the members of the Veterans Affairs Committee is having a Veterans Band concert Saturday May 14th 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, Plymouth Street, Methuen. There is a request from this committee of funding (couple of thousand) for food ability after the parades for the public. 7 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Unfinished Business Resolutions: TR-22-36 – A Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of $407,375 from DPW Personal Expenses, to Be Transferred to DPW Other Expenses to Fund Necessary Expenditures MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-37 – A Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of $39,140 from the School Department Non-Net School Spending Expenses to the Essex North Shore Agricultural School Budget Line for Unanticipated Expenses MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 8 yes 1 no (Clr. DiZoglio) TR-22-38 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts FY22 ARPA Spending Bill Earmark of $250,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-39 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Monetary Gifts Totaling $190 to Provide for Continuing Operations of the Methuen Cares Initiative o Paul and Mary Ann Pappalardo - $20 o Angela Rizzo - $60 o Loralee Kazanjian (dba Calm Horizon) - $25 o Diane and Robert Dewan - $25 o Marion Trovato and Maria Bonanno - $50 o Barbara and Roland Begin - $10 MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-40 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of the United States Police Canine Association’s Adopt a K-9 Cop Matching Grant in the Amount of $7,500 MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-41 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Monetary Gift of $2,500 Donated by Mueskes Landscaping, LLC, to Provide for the Matching Requirement of the United States Police Canine Association Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes 8 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Ordinances: TO-22-16 – An Ordinance Amending the Wage and Salary Classification Plan, DPW Laborers, to Add the New Position of Assistant Time and Construction Clerk MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Consideration of Appointments Neily Soto – Board of Assessors MOTION BY Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes New Business Resolutions: TR-22-43 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a 2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Massachusetts Campaign Grant from the National Fitness Campaign Grant Committee to Contribute Toward the Installment of an Outdoor Fitness Complex at the Raymond J. Martin Riverside Park in the Amount of $50,000.00 [EPA requested] MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to adopt an EPA Councilor Finocchiaro said meeting a deadline does not constitute an emergency. It is a matter of scheduling. She then read an excerpt from the Charter pertaining to emergency preambles. Her preference would be an additional meeting. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 6 yes, 3 no (Clr. McCarty, Clr. Saba, Clr. Finocchiaro) TR-22-44 – A Resolution Authorizing an Expenditure from the Edwin J. Castle Fund for the American Legion in the Amount of $3,200.00 for Bands for the Memorial Day Parade MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Ordinances: • None Requests of Councilors Councilor Saba requested scheduling of a Public Safety Committee meeting to review the school incident and be a part of the review and solution to what can be done about this. Councilor Simard said he didn’t want to give the impression previously there was gang involvement. Being a police officer, he assumed the worst. There was no mention of gangs. He agreed with scheduling a meeting. He stands by holding these individuals accountable. 9 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, May 2, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community Councilor Zeigler said there is a light show tonight until 9:30 p.m. as part of Light the Falls On May 4, 2022 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. is a child mental health awareness presentation (Light the Falls) On May 5, Cinco De Mayo there will be a light show and presentation at the falls 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On May 7, the Red Cross is teaming up with “Sound the Alarm” to do free fire alarm installs within your home Small busines grant applications are still being accepted. She encouraged small businesses to apply for that if they were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Contact is Pat Antoon through Community Development office Chair Beauregard read the FY’23 Budget Workshop and Meeting Schedule into the record. Adjourn MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to adjourn. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes I do hereby certify that at a meeting of which a quorum was present, the foregoing minutes were approved by the Methuen City Council by a 6 to 1 vote on September 8, 2022. Linda Gagnon COUNCIL CLERK 10