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City Council

Regular Meeting

Methuen, MA · October 17, 2022

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Chair Beauregard called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Councilor Faretra, Councilor Finocchiaro, Councilor McCarty, Councilor Saba, Councilor Saffie, Councilor Simard, Councilor Zeigler, Councilor DiZoglio, and Chair Beauregard. Acceptance of the Agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to accept MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to amend and take TO-22- 28 and the Order Calling for the State Election out of order after Public Participation. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to adopt as amended. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and remained standing for the Invocation given by Councilor Zeigler. Councilor observed a Moment of Silence for Gregory L’Heureux and Joseph Beshara, Jr. Acceptance of Minutes MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Saffie to waive the reading and approve Minutes from Previous Meetings: July 5th 2022 regular meeting. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 present (Clr. Finocchiaro) Proclamations/Correspondence - None Presentations/Projects/Department Updates - None Consideration of Appointments: Tony Sciacca - Constable MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Public Participation Tim Lannan, 54 Oak Street, spoke in favor of the school bus ordinance. He also explained the reason for a complaint which was one resident allowed another bus driver to park on her property. This issue has been resolved and only one bus is parked there not two. Frank Dunlevy, 34 Westwind Drive, spoke about a situation at Day’s Inn and his concerns regarding illegal immigrants that came into Methuen (approximately 40 to 70 people). He has safety concerns, especially for third and fourth graders in the area, economic impact, excess use of police services, and where the families came from. He requested that someone look into how they got here. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Elie Aboukater, 132 Coachman Lane, spoke in support of the surplus equipment resolution. He explained his company covers all of New England. The equipment will be posted for the general public to see and the city will retain 100% of sales. Susan Riccio, 35 East Street, spoke in support of the resolution the Mayor put forward to help fund home heating fuel assistance program for qualifying Methuen residents. The senior citizens in Methuen need help with food, electric, gas, and housing. Elders are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Seniors are being displaced and there is a long waiting list for housing and Section 8. The senior community is very proud and do not want to ask for help but times are difficult and going to get worse. Kelly Townsend, Jasmine and Linda Soucy have been a tremendous help assisting them. She explained how she had to learn fuel assistance and SNAP program assisting 100 plus residents during the pandemic. They are asking for help for seniors to keep a roof over their head and food on their tables. Linda Soucy, 10 Kirk Street, echoed what Susan Riccio stated. She explained the increase of oil per gallon (5.337/gallon) and how this impacts the residents’ annual increase in costs for fuel. She doesn’t understand how DPU can allow an increase of 64% in electricity and 25% in gas, but it would take a municipality 24 to 36 months to implement a program to save residents money. Methuen’s program was suspended, not eliminated and what should take thirty to sixty days is going to take two and half to three years. There are people who will have no electricity or gas. She mentioned that the rents near the Loop are $3600 per month. Agenda Items taken out of order: TO-22-28 An Ordinance to Amend Section 9-63 of Methuen’s Ordinances to Allow School Buses that Weight Five Tons or More to Park on Residential Driveways (Sponsored by Vice-Chair Zeigler and Chair Beauregard) MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to adopt. Councilor Zeigler explained it is not fair that the legislation is only enacted if someone complains. It should not be that way. This is not talking about a waiver for trucks. There is a shortage of bus drivers. This does not have an economic impact to the city. There are only seven individuals that this will impact. There are rigorous guidelines to help regulate this ordinance. Councilor Saba expressed many concerns. The law hasn’t been enforced as long as all the neighbors approve. Residents have complained about trucks parking in residential neighborhoods. There are seven buses now but that could increase to fifty or one hundred. He wants to be part of a solution, not allow people to park buses overnight. “What about 18- wheeler trucks with plows?” This is a mistake. We have to protect the residents. Rigs could be privately owned, RVs, tour buses, commercial companies allow buses. Some buses cannot maneuver in some city streets and it is dangerous backing out of driveways. Councilor Faretra said the neighbors can complain to make a change and it should not be in the hands of one anonymous complainer. He noted the bus company is okay with it. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Simard said he has an appreciation and respect for bus drivers but allowing to park in residential areas is setting a precedent. There cannot be any grey areas. He is a “no” on this. Councilor Finocchiaro said she has received complaints about commercial vehicles, diesel and loud noise, four or five on a lawn. A commercial vehicle that weighs less could be problematic and the owner gets in trouble. She would support a table of this item, changing the ordinance to accommodate everybody’s needs. She has seen buses parked on lawns or ground areas in residential neighborhoods. There are individuals with PTSD hearing these loud noises from the vehicles. MOTION BY: Councilor Finocchiaro, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to amend the fourth paragraph “to prevent idling of vehicles at any time” and “particularly during the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.” UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 no (Clr. Saba) MOTION BY: Councilor Finocchiaro, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to amend “Section (2) the bus must be parked in a driveway” by adding language “in a paved driveway and that no part of the vehicle shall be on a public way”. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 no (Clr. Saba) MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to adopt as amended. Councilor McCarty said he is in favor of the ordinance as it makes life easier not more difficult for the bus drivers. The current law is not applied evenly and is applied arbitrarily. Councilor Saba disagreed and said there could be four or five trucks. There could be sewer septic tank pickup trucks. Neighborhood driveways are not designed for these vehicles to be backing out onto the street. This is not what Council is supposed to be doing. He would rather see Trombly Bus open a sub-station in Methuen. Changing this in a very bad way is not in the best interest of the residents. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: (as amended) 5 yes, 4 no (Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. Saba, Clr. Simard, and Clr. DiZoglio) Mayor’s Report Mayor Perry thanked Susan Riccio and Linda Soucy for their comments. He requested that the Council amend TR-22-87 to include language “individuals must be a Methuen resident for one year”. Mayor Perry reported that on Friday at 4:45 p.m. he found out fifty individuals moved into Day’s Inn. This is the second time the state has done this. There was no phone call to Methuen. Fifty-five families are from Haiti. Kelly Townsend and Jasmin Nunez confirmed fifty- five families were starving. He contacted John at Bada Bing who brought them pizza and pasta. $750 from Methuen Cares Fund gave give certificates to buy food and snacks for these individuals. The city was asked how they are going to accommodate the children in schools. This was DHCD and poor planning. He, the Chair and Vice-Chair will meet with DHCD with 48- hour notice. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Mayor Perry reported on the number of additional trash barrels and requests for swaps. He mentioned some residents refuse to swap when they see the smaller carts. If returning a cart and the resident does not leave it at the curb, the city cannot go on private property. As of October 21st trash will not be accepted in the old carts. He thanked citizens who are following the rules. Residents understand why we need to do this and why it is for the benefit of Methuen. Mayor Perry announced the Fall Festival on Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. (October 29 ). November 19 is the Santa Parade. December 3rd is the Tree Lighting at the Loop. th Councilor Zeigler referred to Friday’s email regarding what transpired at Day’s Inn. There was no information given to the Mayor. She was told there were five families each week for the past month. What the city was told from the state doesn’t match up. They were in Boston and brought to the Day’s Inn. Councilor Saffie commented they passed by several housing facilities and hotels. Linda Soucy is stretched thin. Councilor Saffie questioned if this is a safe situation. Walking in that area can be scary. She asked if they intend to do a winter/COVID shelter. Mayor Perry explained this is the same organization that placed people in Methuen during the height of the pandemic. “Where are they going?” Homeless people migrate to the parks. DHCD sent people around noon, unfed. It is a disgrace to treat people like this. He was told by the Lt. Governor there would be no out-of-pocket expense. Councilor Saffie requested an audit from the state, keeping a running tab of what has been spent. Councilor Faretra commented the individuals are not being treated as human beings. He then asked the Mayor what the city is going to do with the houses that put furniture, etc. out and leave it for weeks. Mayor Perry said that now becomes illegal dumping. There are mattresses on the curb for over two weeks. The city doesn’t have to handle mattresses. People will be getting fined. He noted some are missed trash, some recycling bins have trash. Harvey said they will get to them. seeclickfix allows him to see the numbers. Councilor DiZoglio expressed concern about families mixing with the COVID homeless. Mayor Perry indicated he doesn’t believe there are homeless individuals. Councilor Zeigler noted there are sixty rooms full of immigrant families. Councilor DiZoglio said if they were in Boston Public schools, kids should be bused to Boston as they are responsible for services. If they are homeless, it should be Boston. Boston should be called and asked what the next step is. There is concern for the sixty families in Methuen. Councilor Simard shared the frustration regarding Day’s Inn. He spoke with the owner and was told the state is paying full rate. The state needs to have a plan. That amount of people will be a huge burden to our schools. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Finocchiaro noted the state did not communicate. There is a need to do this better moving forward. She was not informed via email. Emails should be sent to the full Council. This is a tough situation for Methuen and the individuals. Councilor Finocchiaro asked if there is a deadline for the purchase of additional trash carts. Mayor Perry said Council gave direction that all communications go through the Chair and Vice-Chair. That is the discretion of the Council. He could send to all Councilors as long as no one “replies all”. Doing so could violate the open meeting law. The Mayor explained if a family of two requests an additional trash cart, the city will ask them to work with the system, recycle more, and protect the tax base. Councilor Saba referred to Day’s Inn and said the state will have to do certain things. It is inhumane to families, not being fed, no explanation of what is going on. Regarding the trash, social media isn’t the best way to answer questions. He suggested banners in several parts of the city. Solicitor Rossetti cautioned Council to make sure the emails are informational based only, accounts receivable, finances, and only informational purposes. Chair Beauregard indicated it would be best for the Mayor to send informational communication to the full Council. Other Officers and Committee Reports Councilor Zeigler reported the Economic Development committee met with the steering committee for the Master Plan. The document should be read for October of next year. They had a full discussion of small business grant programs. She noted small businesses are defined as one to five employees who had a hardship during the pandemic. Councilor DiZoglio reported there is a Memorials Committee meeting on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Councilor Finocchiaro reported that the Youth Action committee had a procedural meeting with Councilor Saba, Councilor Faretra, and there are twelve students as part of this group. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health committee is meeting on Monday, October th 24 at noon via Zoom. The Veterans Affairs Committee will meet on Thursday, October 27th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Unfinished Business Resolutions: TR-22-45 A Resolution Authorizing the City of Methuen’s Participation in Municipal Power Supply Aggregation and the Adoption of the City’s Updated Community Choice Power Supply Program Aggregation Plan (remove from the table) Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Faretra to remove from the table. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to adopt. In response to Councilor Finocchiaro’s request to elaborate on the process, Mark Cappadona, President, said this is a city run aggregation plan and there is a 1-800 # for residents to call. There is a third-party supplier. He does not have the names. Councilor Finocchiaro asked what happens months after the program begins and during that time rates dramatically decrease, would it be one person at a time to opt out or emergency evacuation from the program. Representative Mark Cappadona said they cannot just end the program. People would have to opt out individually. Councilor Finocchiaro mentioned needing to send notices if rates are reduced, basic rate and the aggregation rate. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-81 A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Home Rule Petition to Amend the Methuen Home Rule Charter to Require Methuen City Councilors and Methuen School Committee Members to Complete an Annual Municipal Finance Training Program (Sponsored by Chairman Beauregard, Vice-Chairwoman Zeigler, Councilor Faretra, and Councilor Saffie) MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to remove from the table. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. Councilor Saba said the Chair would call for training. He explained that quite a while ago, he set a meeting with the new Council and Tom Kelly. He would prefer a policy by the CAFO to offer this instead of mandating training. Council cannot require members to do this. It creates more bureaucracy. He would rather not do this. Councilor Simard commented this is promoting efficient government to better ourselves but it should be voluntary. Councilor Zeigler said 90% of the Council’s role is to manage finances. We need to ensure all city Councils are on a strong foundation. Previously she called DLS for training workshop for all Councilors and board members so they would have access to that information. There were a lot of questions. She encouraged Councilors to vote in favor. Councilor Finocchiaro said there should be not financial impact as a result of hiring a consultant. This is something that should be freely available and has always been free from the state. MOTION BY: Councilor Finocchiaro, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to add language after finance training program that “no city of Methuen taxpayer funds will be expended as a result of this resolution”. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Saba disagreed with changing the Charter to require this. Council has passed too many things that have been forgotten. He reiterated the request to the CAFO to offer every elected official training. To mandate them to come in is not enforceable. Mayor Perry said over the last three years they have done a lot. People in the Councilors’ seat could change. He does not want to go back where we were. If Council feels it is necessary, it would be a major part of the CAFO’s day. Maybe Council could look at the Fiscal Analyst position. He wants to protect where we are. He suggested tabling. The Mayor noted DLS has great classes. Chair Beauregard said the reason he brought this forward is future proofing the city. The Council is only part-time as opposed to those who work in the city. There are different professions, different walks of life. They would be voting on millions of dollars for a budget It would be safe guarding the treasury. Councilor Finocchiaro commented that people have talked about enforcement and not being a Home Rule Petition. MOTION BY: Councilor Finocchiaro, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to amend to change this item to a resolution instead of a Home Rule Petition, delete language in the title, “delete great and general court”, delete “attached petition” on second page. Councilor McCarty commented there is a lot included in that amendment. Council should vote down what is in front of them and then come back with the new alteration, a fresh copy of what he is voting on, a totally new resolution. It is best to vote this down and provide new backup. Councilor Saba said he would be more than willing to do something like that. He suggested the CAFO could schedule and offer education. He would like to see it written properly. Councilor Finocchiaro asked the solicitor if Council voted this down instead of tabling could they put something similar to another vote. Solicitor Rossetti referred to the Council rule that if an ordinance or resolution is defeated it cannot be brough back for one year. The rules could be suspended if there is a substantial change. A Resolution vs. changing the Charter is a substantial enough that it would not require a vote. UPON VOTE: 6 no, 3 yes (Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. Saffie, Clr. DiZoglio) UPON VOTE: (as amended) 5 no, 4 yes (Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. Saffie, Clr. Zeigler, and Clr. Beauregard) TR-22-83 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2022 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Award $15,984 MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building TR-22-84 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2023 Walmart Community Grant in the Amount of $2,500 MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-85 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a $40,000 Fiscal Year 2023 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Compact Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 out of room (Clr. Simard) TR-22-86 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a $20,000 Fiscal Year 2023 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Compact Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 out of room (Clr. Simard) TR-22-87 Resolution to Allocate up to $400,000 from the City of Methuen’s Apportionment of American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) monies to Fund a Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program to Qualifying Methuen Residents to Offset Anticipated Massive Utility Rate Increases during the Winter of 2022-2023 MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to remove from the table. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve the proposed amendment brought forward by the Mayor. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to amend to “restricted to people who have been a resident of Methuen for a minimum of twelve months.” Councilor Finocchiaro asked the Solicitor if there is discrimination with the time period. Solicitor Rossetti responded there is no issue. Councilor Zeigler explained the small business application says “one-year”. Councilor Faretra said the funds that come from Methuen residents should go back to Methuen residents. MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to use Free Cash as the funding source. Chair Beauregard said that would alter the financial impact to the city. Councilor Faretra stated that Free Cash came from the taxpayers. Councilor Saba said the CAFO and Sean Cronin could send an updated impact statement. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Solicitor Rossetti explained the Council could authorize a transfer if the Mayor would agree. Chair Beauregard said it would alter the financial impact to the city. Councilor Finocchiaro commented she doesn’t like wither of the funding sources. She asked if the city knows if the amount is $400,000 or less. The Mayor said everyone who is eligible will get $1500. Councilor Finocchiaro said there may be thousands of people and asked if there is a total number of people. Kelly Townsend said this is uncharted territory, no data to look at. There are 80-year old people who are saying they have to get a job. Post COVID is affecting people. Councilor DiZoglio said that is 267 families and asked if that is enough. The local level is doing this because the state level is not. This is something we are doing for our community. Councilor Saba expressed concern with the state not doing their job and Methuen having to come up with a way to help. Residents are going to struggle. The city is not a social agency. He asked who would administer this grant. He would like to help those desperately in need. Mayor Perry said this could help with rent, food, and heat. Do not let this opportunity go by. People are experiencing homelessness daily and cannot pay rent, food, etc. Councilor Saba said he would like to see it streamlined Councilor Faretra withdrew his motion to use Free Cash. UPON VOTE: (as amended restricted to people who have been a resident of Methuen for a minimum of twelve months) UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-88 A Resolution Proclaiming Community Day in the City of Methuen (authored by Methuen Community Studios and sponsored by Vice-Chair Zeigler and Chair Beauregard MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to adopt. UPON VOTE: UNANNIMOUS Ordinances: TO-22-26 An Ordinance Amending the Wage & Salary Classification Plan, AFSCME B, Local Building Inspector MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building New Business Resolutions: TR-22-12 A Resolution to File a Complaint Against Attorney Gary. G. Nolan to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (Sponsored by Councilors McCarty, Saba, Simard, and Chairman Beauregard. MOTION BY Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to table and refer to the Solicitor for a report. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-89 Resolution Declaring Surplus Equipment and Authorizing Auction Surplus Equipment MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-90 Resolution Authorizing Expenditures of $41,800 from the Edwin J. Castle Fund TR-22-91 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2023 Commonwealth of Massachusetts State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-91 A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY’23 Commonwealth of Massachusetts State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant in the Amount of $180,964. Captain Haggar requested an Emergency Preamble for this item. Solicitor Rossetti advised against It. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Ordinances: None Public Service: Grants: None Licenses: None Contracts: C-23-34 McGovern Municipal 1200 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01702 for One 2022 Ford Explorer, XLT, 4WD (Assessor’s Office) in the Amount of $36,462.00 MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. C-23-35 Woodard and Curran, 40 Shattuck Road, Suite 100, Andover, MA 01810 for Conceptual Design of the Lowell Street Drainage improvement in the amount of $40,000 Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Chair Beauregard read the Executive Session Notice: “The Methuen City Council will vote to enter into Executive Session with the Mayor, Methuen’s Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, Methuen’s Chief Information Officer, and legal counsel for the City of Methuen, in accordance with Exemption 4 (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(4)) in order to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices, or strategies with respect thereto, and inn particular to review and approve one contract in the amount of $49,627.47 (C-23-36) for the provision of cybersecurity services to the City of Methuen – public discussion of which may be reasonably likely to harm the security of the City’s information systems. Following the Executive Session, the Methuen City Council will reconvene in open session, and the Council Chair will publicly announce the result of the vote. no further information or documentation will be furnished given the sensitivity surrounding cybersecurity, consistent with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(4) and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 26(n)” MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to enter into Executive Session. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Council reconvened upon adjournment of Executive Session. Chair Beauregard announced Contract C-23-36 was approved by a unanimous vote. C-23-36 Advizex Technologies, LLC, Independence OH 44131 for Backup and Recovery Solution in the Amount of $49,627.47 Request of Councilors: None Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community: None Adjourn MOTION BY: Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor Saba to adjourn. UPON 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 an 8 to 1 (present vote Clr. Finocchiaro) on November 7, 2022. Linda Gagnon COUNCIL CLERK Methuen City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building COUNCIL CLERK

Agenda

Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building 1. Roll Call 2. Acceptance of the Agenda 3. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation 4. Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings  None 5. Proclamations/Correspondence  None 6. Consideration of Appointments  Torry Sciacca – Constable 7. Presentations/Projects/Department Updates  None 8. Public Participation 9. Mayor’s Report 10. Other Officers and Committee Reports 11. Unfinished Business Resolutions:  TR-22-45 – A Resolution Authorizing the City of Methuen’s Participation in Municipal Power Supply Aggregation and the Adoption of the City’s Updated Community Choice Power Supply Program Aggregation Plan [Remove from the table]  TR-22-81 – A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Home Rule Petition to Amend the Methuen Home Rule Charter to Require Methuen City Councilors and Methuen School Committee Members to Complete an Annual Municipal Finance Training Program (Sponsored by Chairman Beauregard, Vice-Chairwoman Zeigler, Councilor Faretra, and Councilor Saffie) [Remove from the table]  TR-22-83 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY22 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Award in the Amount of $15,984  TR-22-84 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY23 Walmart Foundation Community Grant in the Amount of $2,500  TR-22-85 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY23 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Compact Grant in the Amount of $40,000  TR-22-86 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY23 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Compact Grant in the Amount of $20,000 1 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building  TR-22-87 – A Resolution to Allocate up to $400,000 from the City of Methuen’s Apportionment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Monies to Fund a Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program for Qualifying Methuen Residents to Offset Anticipated Massive Utility Rate Increases During the Winter of 2022-2023 (Authored by Mayor Perry and sponsored by Chairman Beauregard) [Remove from the table] o Motion to Amend TR-22-87 (Authored by Mayor Perry and sponsored by Chairman Beauregard): “A Resolution to Allocate up to $400,000 from the City of Methuen’s Apportionment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Monies to Fund a Home Heating Fuel, Utility, and Rental Assistance Program for Qualifying Methuen Residents to Offset Anticipated Significant Utility Rate Increases and Homelessness During the Winter of 2022-2023”  TR-22-88 – A Resolution Proclaiming Community Media Day in the City of Methuen (Authored by Methuen Community Studios and sponsored by Vice-Chairwoman Zeigler and Chairman Beauregard) Ordinances:  TO-22-27 – An Ordinance Amending the Wage and Salary Classification Plan, AFSCME B, Local Building Inspector  TO-22-28 – An Ordinance to Amend Section 9-63 of Methuen’s Ordinances to Allow School Buses That Weigh Five Tons or More to Park on Residential Driveways (Sponsored by Vice-Chairwoman Zeigler and Chairman Beauregard) [Remove from the table] 12. New Business Resolutions:  TR-22-12 – A Resolution to File a Complaint Against Attorney Gary G. Nolan to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (Sponsored by Councilors McCarty, Saba, Simard, and Chairman Beauregard)  TR-22-89 – A Resolution Declaring Surplus Equipment and Authorizing Auctioning of Surplus Equipment  TR-22-90 – A Resolution Authorizing Expenditures Amounting to $41,800 from the Edwin J. Castle Fund  TR-22-91 – A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a FY23 Commonwealth of Massachusetts State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant in the Amount of $180,964 Ordinances:  None 13. Public Service a. Grants: 2 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building  None b. Licenses:  None c. An Order Calling for the State Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 d. Contracts:  C-23-34 – McGovern Municipal Headquarters, 1200 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01702 for One (1) 2022 Ford Explorer for the Assessor’s Office in the Amount of $36,462  C-23-35 – Woodard & Curran, Inc., 40 Shattuck Road, Suite 110, Andover, MA 01810 for Conceptual Design of the Lowell Street Drainage Improvements in the Amount of $49,000  C-23-36 – Advizex Technologies, LLC, 6480 Rockside Woods Boulevard South, Suite 190, Independence, OH 44131 for Cybersecurity Services in the Amount of $49,627.47** (See the Executive Session notice below) **Executive Session: The Methuen City Council will vote to enter into Executive Session with the Mayor, Methuen’s Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, Methuen’s Chief Information Officer, and legal counsel for the City of Methuen, in accordance with Exemption 4 (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(4)), in order to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices, or strategies with respect thereto; and in particular, to review and approve one contract in the amount of $49,627.47 (C-23-36) for the provision of cybersecurity services to the City of Methuen – public discussion of which may be reasonably likely to harm the security of the City’s information systems. Following the Executive Session, the Methuen City Council will reconvene in open session, and the Council Chair will publicly announce the result of the vote; no further information or documentation will be furnished given the sensitivity surrounding cybersecurity, consistent with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(4), and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 26(n). 14. Requests of Councilors 15. Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community 16. Adjourn David P. Beauregard, Jr. 3 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 – 7:00 pm Great Hall, Searles Building Chair of the City Council For residents wishing to view the meeting, please: - Tune in to Channel 8 (Comcast) or Channel 32 (Verizon) - Watch the livestream at https://methuentv.org/methuen-government-tv-live-stream/ This meeting will be archived and viewable on demand within one to three business days at https://methuen-ma.viebit.com/index.php?folder=ALL. Anyone needing an access accommodation to participate in City of Methuen programs or services, please contact Sandy Almonte, ADA/DEI Coordinator at 978-382-2123 or salmonte@ci.methuen.ma.us at least two weeks in advance, or two business days before any board or commission meeting. This notice is available in alternative formats upon request. 4

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