City Council

Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Chair Beauregard called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Clr. DiZoglio, Clr. Faretra, Clr. Finocchiaro, Clr. McCarty, Clr. Saba, Clr. Saffie, Clr. Simard, Clr. Zeigler, and Chair Beauregard. Acceptance of Agenda MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to accept the agenda. MOTION BY: Councilor Saba, seconded by Councilor Faretra to move TR-22-108, Resolution Ordering the Rededication of the Patriots Bridge, out of order following the Mayor’s Report. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. MOTION BY: Councilor Simard, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to accept 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 and a Moment of Silence/Prayer for Frank McKinney (Clr. Finocchiaro’s grandfather) Acceptance of Minutes Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings: November 21, 2022 regular meeting MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: 8 yes, 1 present (Clr. Finocchiaro) Proclamations: None Consideration of Appointments: Felix Garcia – Deputy Director DPW MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor Saffie noted this individual has an outstanding resume. Councilor Simard noted this individual is a Veteran (Captain in the Army) with all the certifications needed for this position. Councilor Zeigler commented this is a step in the right direction. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 8 yes, 1 out of the room (Clr. Saba) Councilor Saba returned to the meeting room. Gratia Gosselin- Cultural Council MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes 1 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Christine Metzemaekers – Council on Aging MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Presentations/Projects/Department Updates – None Public Participation John Saba, 471 Prospect Street, asked how the fuel assistance program works and why would the city use funds when there is already a program in place. He asked who would manage that. Mayor’s Report Mayor Perry reported the grant administrator position is posted. The Mayor commended everyone for their involvement in the tree lighting at the Loop. He announced that the tree next to the Nevins Library will be lit on Tuesday. The lights at the bottom will be removed after the season to prevent damage, removal or cutting. Mayor Perry reported there was an event earlier today hosted at the senior center. There were ten different teams from the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council to assist seniors with the low-income heating plan. Over seventy-five seniors attended. There will be another event in January. The costs are just starting to increase. Councilor Saffie asked if the transfer station could stay open later. Mayor Perry explained the transfer station is open until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays except for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Mayor explained the trash trucks have cameras on them. there is a small percentage of residents who refuse to use the bins. The city sends the code enforcement officer to talk to the residents. The city is clearer. If any resident has an issue, they can use seeclickfix or call Jordan in the Mayor’s office to help them out. The additional bag sales have been significant. Market Basket and Walmart are not selling them until they reorder through the vendor. Mayor Perry reported that twenty-three families at Day’s Inn had COVID. The city continues to work with DHCD specifically around funding. Any child must be put in Methuen schools is not at the cost of the taxpayers. The cost is borne by the state or the community the children were transported from. He has a meeting with CTI, a state funded agency out of Lowell. Week to week they count how many residents have been placed. There was an apartment fire at the apartment building at the falls. People in the community need temporary housing. He is very frustrated with DCHD on the problem of housing. There is both a homeless issue and housing issue. Councilor DiZoglio referred to the email received from a family member who has family living at Day’s Inn. Mayor Perry said he received the same email from Councilor Simard and found the family was refusing maid service. He sent inspectional services to address the issue and they were there on Tuesday. They have not seen an increase in police and fire that was seen during 2 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building COVID. In response to Councilor DiZoglio, Mayor Perry explained that he spoke with DHCD. The transportation/student costs from Boston to Methuen is borne by Boston. Councilor DiZoglio spoke about the homeless and the hotel being used as a shelter and where we are looking at homelessness. He also spoke about a lot panhandling and tents becoming a concern. Mayor Perry explained there is nothing the police can do to get them off a public space. Individuals go from Haverhill Street to Pleasant Valley Street Market. Chief McNamara said if there are walking out into moving traffic in a dangerous way the police can speak with them. It makes residents uncomfortable. Many people are in need. These individuals have been approached and told. there are resources available. The ACLU is on top of these issues. Mayor Perry indicated Methuen residents are very giving people. Some of the individuals have been offered a job and don’t want it. They keep going back to a good source of funding. Councilor Faretra asked for an updated list of boards and commissions. Mayor Perry explained there are debates over expiration dates. Some have three or six- year appointments. Councilor Faretra asked that the Mayor to investigate the microphone system and address that problem. He asked how the city is looking for plow drivers. Pat Bower, DPW Director, said the city raised the rates and got a good response this year. Councilor Faretra asked about the trash program, how residents are learning and if the city is tagging residents not using city bins or bags or bulk. Pat Bower said if they do not comply the city is leaving the trash there. Residents will call. For the most part it is going well. Councilor Faretra said 90% of calls come back that trash was not curbside in time. He noted residents need to understand that boxes need to go into the barrel. Mayor Perry indicated there are eleven open seeclickfix complaints. Harvey has missed few pickups. That happens. People from the city are being sent out if a resident does not follow guidelines. The city ran out of extra recycling trash/recycling barrels. Most often issues are reported by neighbors and code enforcement goes out. Public cameras are being used. Residents sent pictures of Route 110 near Sons of Italy and Haverhill Street that included pallets and TVs. Clean River team was putting it near the road for pick up. In response to Councilor Finocchiaro, the Mayor explained families larger than two are usually approved. The city has said no to families of two. The city has not gone into income. A handful of requests have come in for hardship, low income. Some have asked for two additional bins. The city distributes one. Otherwise there will be excessive tipping fees. He further explained no family of four has been declined one extra. Mayor Perry said his preference would be to give residents blue bags. When the request comes in, it is reviewed by Jordan who is in the process of communicating with residents. 3 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Finocchiaro asked about the lighting of the tree at Nevins Library. Mayor Perry indicated the installation of lights will be finished in the morning. The tree will be lit Tuesday between 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. Councilor Zeigler thanked the Mayor for the update on Robocalls. There should be education on how to sign up. Mayor Perry said he went to training at the Methuen Police Department. Citizens will be able to sign up not to receive Robocalls. If there is a water lead, the city can notify specific neighborhoods or the entire city. Robocalls will not be sent after 8:00 p.m. unless there is an emergency. If a resident sells house there would be a new number. Messages go to cellphones, text messages, landlines, and SMS messaging. . Councilor Zeigler asked how people will be notified. Mayor Perry explained the city is going to get the message out and it will be put on the website. TR-22-108 A Resolution Ordering the Rededication of the Patriots Bridge (Requested by the Memorials Committee) MOTION BY: Councilor Saffie, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor DiZoglio said the plaques are in a state of decay and rust. The city is going to need state assistance. We want to make sure we preserve history and that the plaques are well kept as well as rededication of the bridge. Councilor Faretra commended the individuals who put this forward. It was about the people who lost their lives. Councilor McCarty said Veterans’ Director, Paul Jenson, participated in discussions of getting new plaques with a sketch of the person who was lost and maybe a short write up. He is getting estimates on enhancing the memorial. The twentieth anniversary is coming up in September. He is looking for Council partnership. September will be a special moment. It is the first of many projects to identify. Councilor DiZoglio said he wants to include families, get their input and involvement. Councilor Zeigler said there are some creative ideas and worthy projects. She would be willing to help with fundraising if that poses a barrier Solicitor Rossetti explained Mass DOT will have to be part of the project. Legislation was passed in 2003. State Highway and bridge, Mass DOT will have to be part of the process. Councilor Saba noted the September 11th Memorial bridge will bring families in the community to remember people we lost. He knew a few of the people on the plaques. Councilor McCarty asked what the process is dealing with DOT. He hopes it would not be a special act and hopes there could be something less formal that another Home Rule Petition. Councilor Saba said the city asking DOT to update, no change in name. He hopes the state DOT agrees and approves this request. Solicitor Rossetti said this should be a non-controversial item. Due to the wear and tear over the years, it should be fresh and updated. In response to Councilor Saba, the Solicitor agreed to keep Council apprised. 4 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Finocchiaro said the city is not backing off the existing provision that the state pays for maintenance. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. Public Service: Grants: None Licenses: None Contracts: C-23-52 Eastern Mineral, Inc. for Rock Salt for plowing in the Amount of $70.47 per ton (FY’23) MOTION BY Councilor Zeigler seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. Councilor Faretra asked what the purpose is of two one-year renewals. CAFO, Maggie Duprey, said it gives the city the ability to stay with them if we need to. Each year the city goes out to bid. Mayor Perry reported the city paid just under a half million dollars for rock salt. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. C-23-53 Woodard & Curran for Site Investigation & Conceptual design of Arlington Neighborhood Infrastructure and Improvements in the Amount of $1,250,000.00 MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. U PON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes C-23-54 United Construction Forestry, LLC for 2022 John Deere 324L in the Amount of $143,800.00 MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. Councilor Zeigler asked if there is projected completion date Director Pat Bower said this is a tremendous project looking at the entire Arlington neighborhood. The project is funded just over nine million dollars in ARPA funds. The surveyors are lined up. He will come back with a better description. He would like to come back for a presentation on it. Councilor Zeigler commented she would like to see at least ten meetings, including public meetings. Pat Bower explained that any project such as this the city likes to have a couple of meetings to inform residents in the neighborhood so they are aware of it and explain what we will have to do. Once they get through the survey for the pipe installation, they will have meetings when they are ready. Councilor Zeigler suggested bilingual because of the diversity of the neighborhood. Pat Bowe said he made it clear to the contractor that it should be bi-lingual, in English and Spanish. He doesn’t see a better use for ARPA funds. There are new lead copper rules coming out from DEP. Without ARPA the city would struggle to meet needs. 5 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor McCarty said he and Councilor Faretra have been to Mann, Inc. he agrees with having public meetings in the neighborhood. They are excited to look at the results after the fact. Councilor Finocchiaro said this project on infrastructure is important. She asked if Mr. Bower and the Mayor could provide at least one-month notice. Pat Bower stated he will give regular updates. The one month prior to getting into ARPA 30B projects, the city must select a contractor. One-month notice is not a problem. CAFO, Maggie Duprey, explained prior to getting into the ARPA 39B permits the city must select a contractor. Pat Bower went out for an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) and selected Woodard & Curran. Councilor Faretra commented he can see Mr. Garcia being very useful in this project. There should be no parking overnight once it comes to digging up streets. Councilor McCarty said there are businesses and should be included in the neighborhood meetings, so they are aware of the impact of this project. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes C-23-55 Clean River Project for Cleanup of floatable debris in water along west end of Methuen in the Amount of $35,000.00 MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. Councilor McCarty thanked Councilor Finocchiaro for arranging a tour of the Clean River Project. You can see the difference between Methuen and Andover border. Councilor Saba said he took the tour in what the Clean River Project does. There is a difference with Methuen (which is clean) and Andover side. Councilor Finocchiaro referenced Item 9. The dates for the season are April 15, 2023 to October 30, 2023. Council approved the funding for this fiscal year. She asked how much the cost is for one year. CAFO, Maggie Duprey, said it crosses over fiscal year. The city can take Free Cash and put in the Capital Funds without asking for additional funds. Councilor Finocchiaro asked if the date already occurred and questioned the end date. The CAFO said she will provide that information. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. C-23-56 Woodard & Curran for West End Methuen/Burnham Rd. water waste pump station sewer system infiltration/inflow (I/I) Analysis Program-Phase II in Amount of $560000.00 MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. Councilor Finocchiaro questioned the RFQ. Maggie Duprey explained this would have been included in the RFQ. They did all projects. Pat Bower said without specifically knowing what project went out if whatever we were doing for water and sewer projects. 6 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Councilor Finocchiaro asked if payment of lump sum costs is just for services. Pat Bower explained the city will not be paying for hotels, just the contract with deliverables. All is managed by Woodard and Curran. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Property Tax Classifications: (The City Council will consider the following policy decisions for FY 23): CAFO, Maggie Duprey, explained each category to be voted upon A residential exemption of up to 20% of the average assessed valuation of residential property MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS no An exemption of up to 25% for all property that may be classified as Class II – Open Space MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 8 no, 1 yes (Clr. McCarty) A determination of the percentage of the tax levy to be borne by each class of property in FY 23. MOTION BY: Councilor Faretra, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve the full shift for real property. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes Other Committee Reports Councilor Zeigler reported the Economic Development Committee scheduled a meeting for Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to provide additional information regarding small business grant. Businesses have until the end of the year to submit their application. This would be an open forum on grant program. The Unaccepted Ways committee established a schedule to meet on the third Monday to discuss unaccepted ways in the city. Councilor Faretra said he had a conversation with Phil Lahey who is going to start connecting with parents about the warning signs of substance abuse There was discussion with Steve Angelo regarding field improvements and maintenance. The biggest issues in conversations with DPW is who is going to take care of what between the city and the school grounds. 7 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building Unfinished Business Resolutions: TR-22-97 Resolution Authorizing Transfer from Free Cash of $25,000 for the funding of purchase and installation of a new ADA accessible door at the Senior Center MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes. TR-22-98 Resolution Authorizing Transfer from Free Cash of $35,000 for funding the Clean River Project contract MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-99 Resolution by the City Council Providing for the Approval Revised Activity and Use Limitation at 54 Osgood Street MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-100 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Road Safety Grant MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Faretra to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-101 Resolution Authorizing Expenditure of $1,127.50 from the Edwin J. Castle Fund MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: 7 yes 2 no (Clr. Faretra, Clr. Saba) Ordinances: None New Business Resolutions: TR-22-105 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Gift of $200 from AJ 401 Main LLC to Provide for Continuing Operations of the Methuen Cares Initiative MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Simard to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes TR-22-106 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Sustainable Materials Recovery Program- Recycling Dividends Program Municipal Grant: MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS yes 8 Methuen City Council – Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. Great Hall, Searles Building TR-22-107 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Fiscal Year 2023 Local Cultural Council Program MOTION BY: Councilor Zeigler, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. TR-22-108 A Resolution Ordering the Rededication of the Patriots Bridge (Requested by the Memorials Committee: Councilors DiZoglio, McCarty, Saba, Simard, and Chair Beauregard) (Taken out of order at beginning of meeting) Ordinances: None Request of Councilors - None Commented [GLM1]: Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community Mayor Perry reported on Thursday night, December 8th at 5:30 p.m. there will be a holiday party for the Veterans in the community at the Merrimack Valley Golf Course. Anyone interested in participating may call the Veterans’ Office. Adjourn MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Zeigler to adjourn. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. I do hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council by an 8 to 1 vote on December 19, 2022. Linda Gagnon COUNCIL CLERK 9