City Council

METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Chair Faretra called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Clr. Pesce, Clr. Saffie, Clr. Soto, Clr. Valley, Clr. Beauregard, Clr. Campagnone, Clr. DiZoglio, Clr. Marsan, and Chair Faretra. Acceptance of the Agenda MOTION BY: Vice-Chair Soto, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to accept. MOTION BY: Councilor Beauregard, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to move TR- 24-8 after Consideration of Appointments. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to accept as amended. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Pledge of Allegiance/Words of Wisdom//Moment of Silence Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, Words of Wisdom, and Moment of Silence for Elizabeth M. (Clarke) Marsan. Public Participation Phil Lahey, 9 Cochrane Street, said Methuen has always shown a sensitivity the way they handle people who suffer from substance use. Cole Welch, who is extremely involved, is at his support group “Circle of Hope”. He thanked the Mayor and Council for the MPASAP funds tonight. The MPASAP has been doing this for ten years. There is so much they do: provide resources, looking for a bed, call and get answers. Education is very important to help so individuals do not get addicted. Addiction does not discriminate. The city will be opening a sub-station. The grant pilot program is a positive thing happening in Methuen. Linda Soucy, 7 Kirk Street, spoke in favor of the Shannon grant. C/D ran a meeting in November and were asked to have another meeting so residents can provide input. She congratulated Jack MacLeod on his award as well as Officer Torrissi. Mike Welch, 8 Nelson Way, spoke of the unaccepted ways audit results sent out. In January, Steve Gagnon was chartered with the task of listing unaccepted and accepted ways. Steve Gagnon informed him he would like a special meeting with the Mayor and Council to bring this to the attention of Council. Nelson Avenue with the potholes cannot be plowed properly. Saturday at 5:00 a.m. they were plowing. At 10:00 a.m. they came in to scrape it. The scrapings were dumped into his neighbor’s yard. There was hot top all over the road. Ed Latender, 254 Pelham Street, agreed with Mike Welch. He asked if the road is unaccepted how can the city keep maintaining it. He did a survey and brought pictures. The problem is ongoing. He called DPW and highway regarding the hot top dumping in his yard. He noted no one has a record of the original Nelson land. It is time Nelson Avenue gets paved. 1 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Ellen Baronowski, 37 Christopher Drive, 37 Christopher Drive, spoke of the Methuen Cultural Association, grant support, promoting exhibitions and performance programs at CGS, Marsh and Timony. Anyone wishing to contact them may do so at MethuenCulturalCouncil@gmail.com. Lisa Yarid Ferry invited Councilors and the Mayor to the 142nd George Washington Birthday Dinner on February 24, 2024, at the First Church Congregational Church, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen MA. Buffet served 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Mercedes Abreau, 26 Myona Street, said she is not allowed to park a medium size bus in her driveway. It is not running. Everyone else can but her neighbors do not like and call the police. There is no peace at her house, which she has lived in for three years. She asked Councilors to please give her support. She needs support from city hall and police. Bill Haneffant, 6 West Ayer Street, spoke about the meeting on ADA compliance. He questioned how a project that big gets done and is not ADA compliant. The same thing happened at Chic-fil A. the city has a person in place. He asked if there is a place to sign off for ADA compliance. ADA must be taken more seriously. Mr. Haneffant spoke in support of Officer Torrissi who deserves this promotion. Organizational Business Proposed City Council Subcommittees MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve subcommittees. Vice-Chair Soto questioned the use of the word “crisis” for the housing subcommittee. Chair Faretra noted it would stay on for at least two years. Councilor Vally commented it will take a long time to get resolved. Councilor DiZoglio noted there is a lot of housing coming out of Community Development. Former Councilor Zeigler is working with the Economic Community Development Committee. Councilor Valley spoke of the individual who has been sleeping in his car. Senior and Veterans need affordable housing. Mayor Perry said the subcommittee will have to work closely with Community Development, the Health Department, and the people who are being displaced. Solicitor Rossetti reminded Council these committees must operate under the Open Meeting Law. UPON VOTE: (as amended) UNANIMOUS 2 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING Reading and Acceptance of Minutes from Previous Meetings: January 16, 2024 regular meeting Chair Faretra suggested the meeting minutes be tabled to include the documents distributed and discussed during the CAFO report. MOTION BY: Vice-Chair Soto, seconded by Councilor Marsan to table. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Proclamations/Correspondence: None Consideration of Appointments: Jeffrey Torrisi Promoted to Police Sergeant MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. Chief McNamara read some background information regarding Officer Torrissi. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE: UNANIMOUS Sgt. Torrissi thanked the Mayor, Council, and his family for their support. Presentations/Projects/Department Updates: February Foundation Award – John “Jack” MacLeod Mayor Perry presented February’s Foundation Award to John “Jack” MacLeod. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to declare a brief recess. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Chair Faretra called the meeting back to order. Members present: Clr. Pesce, Clr. Saffie, Clr. Soto, Clr. Valley, Clr. Beauregard, Clr. Campagnone, Clr. DiZoglio, Clr. Marsan, and Chair Faretra. TR-24-8 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2024 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Mayor’s Report Update on Day’s Inn room occupancy. Is the number of in the rooms within the designated room occupancy limit? (Request of Councilor Valley) There are 81 rooms occupied. Demographic make-up of whom occupy the Day’s Inn, aside from individuals categorized as migrants (Request of Councilor Valley) Sean, lead representative from CTI all qualify for homelessness per the state definition. Families could be fleeing a migrant situation and domestic violence. Mayor Perry explained they are all Massachusetts families. Dessie has re-imbursed Methuen. He intends to provide a monthly report and is still unhappy. The City of Methuen is 3 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING against the use of any facility that becomes a burden to Methuen taxpayers. He urged Councilors send letters to the Lt. Governor and Governor. If MPD gets a call or numerous ambulance calls, we must respond. Sean from CTI explained they went from 113 families down to 81 and are committed to get to 75. Individuals are put in home communities when we can. Councilor Valley asked if there is a cap. Sean responded the cap is 75 families. Councilor DiZoglio asked how many room 75 families is. Sean responded 87/88 room with 81 families. The other rooms are for safety or improvements. Councilor Campagnone indicated she would like to visit the facility. Mayor Perry indicated Councilors could contact Kelly Townsend or Sean from CTI. Solicitor Rossetti suggested a walk-through of one or two Councilors to avoid a quorum. Kelly Townsend explained Methuen is the only community that is successful reducing the number of families. It is all about positive things that are happening around it. That is how the funding will come in. We must look at other things that are happening in the community. People are building illegal apartments and are doing it for money. We will see an uptick in domestic violence. CTI has experience of getting people into housing/jobs. They have ripped up rugs and made playrooms. Update on the Methuen High School ADA Improvement Project – MHS did not discuss moving sign but there is room for six more parking spaces. Looking at ARPA only one program is in jeopardy and it is helping seniors with heating. Projects will be color coded until complete. Everything must be contracted by 12/31/24. Solicitor Rossetti explained in discussion about updating the Council, the Mayor is supposed to provide a contact name. Mayor Perry said Bruce Stella and Steve Angelo are point people or individuals may call the Mayor’s office. Councilor Beauregard asked for an update on Holy Family Hospital. There has been some language that could undermine people’s confidence. Mayor Perry said he informed Holy Family he does not want to read articles in the newspaper. There must be better communication. He said Holy Family obtained bridge funding. He spoke of an individual with a heart issue who was in the hallway on a stretcher for three days before being transferred to Boston. They are not considering receivership. Lawrence General Hospital and Lowell General cannot handle the overflow. People are saying things like the custodians have to buy toilet paper. The feedback received from employees was positive. We should add this an as item on the agenda. There is a meeting on Wednesday with Lawrence General Hospital. There is a rumor that Lawrence General Hospital may consider buying Holy Family. Holy Family is still open. 4 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING CAFO Report • Summary of Free Cash (Request of Councilor Soto) – Vice-Chair noted the CAFO sent a detailed report. She asked if this is something they decide as a Council. CAFO Duprey explained they have been having discussions over the last few months. That is an ongoing financial policies discussion noting the state’s goal is 3 to 5%. Mayor Perry said there are draft policies he had written that would include that. He noted when the city gets into CBAs, they will have to use Free Cash/stabilization fund. Councilor Soto asked if there is a set % to use Free Cash. Mayor Perry explained 3 to 5% of the general fund is state recommended. 5% that you keep for a raining day. CAFO Duprey indicated she does not that we put a % in there. She left it that she was going to suggest. Chair Faretra asked that Council receive the documents shared with the Vice-Chair. • Fiscal Mid-year Financial Update CAFO Duprey explained there are financial updates on the website. 58% are doing well and on target. There are a few areas they are watching. Tipping fees and workmen’s comp is more than anticipated. Moving things does not change the bottom line. CAFO Duprey indicated the goal for Munis payroll is October 1st. Councilor DiZoglio asked if the city is paying licensing fees. The CAFO responded yes. The first piece will be October for payroll, maybe sooner. Councilor DiZoglio said he may have some questions for Munis to assist. Chair Faretra said he heard from Harvey percentages are down. CAFO Duprey said that is one of the accounts they are watching. They should not have to transfer funds. Requests of Councilors • Update on City Payments as a Result of Judgements and Monetary Settlements per TR-21- 1 (Request of Clr. Saffie) Solicitor Rossetti indicated he is still waiting on two settlements. • Update on ARPA (Request of Councilor Beauregard) Mayor Perry said there is no jeopardy to any projects • Update regarding the Merrimack Street corridor (Request of Councilor Beauregard) Councilor Beauregard asked to remove this item from the agenda. • Update of Discovery Session on Public Safety Building – Chair Faretra said he met with Senator Pyano last week. They will set up a meeting. Public Service: A) Grants: None B) Licenses: None 5 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING C) Contract(s): C-24-42- McGovern MHQ, inc.- Fire Department 1 2023 F350 SRW XL 4WD Supercab- CIP24 funds -$61,219.05 MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor DiZoglio to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS C-24-43- Waterline Industries Corp. WTP Electrical Resiliency Improvements $1,877,677.00- ARPA funds (Granite St. Improvements) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, Councilor Soto to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS D) “Order Calling for Presidential Primary” March 5, 2024 MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS E) Approval of Election Personnel for 2024 Elections MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Other Officers and Committee Reports - None Unfinished Business Resolutions: TR-24-1 A Resolution to Initiate the Process of Filling the Open Position of Assistant City Council Clerk (Requested by Councilor Beauregard) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Valley to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-24-3 Resolution to Appropriate funds of $60,000 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to Hire Two Patrol Officers (Request of Chief McNamara) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-24-4 Resolution to Appropriate funds of $60,000 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to Hire Two Emergency Medical Technicians (Request of Chief Sheehy) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING TR-24-5 Resolution to Appropriate funds of $25,000 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to support the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project (Request of Mayor) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. UPON VOTE: 8 yes 1 out of room (Councilor Beauregard recused himself and left the room) TR-24-6 Resolution to Appropriate funds of $50,000 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to fund expanded substance abuse and mental health services of the City’s Health and Human Services Department (Request of Mayor and Health Department) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Soto to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Ordinances: None New Business: Resolutions: TR-24-2 Resolution authorizing the submission of a home rule petition to amend the maximum allowable aged of special police officers of the City of Methuen Request of Mayor and Chief McNamara) Charter Objected on January 16, 2024 MOTION BY: Councilor Beauregard, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to approve. MOTION BY: Councilor Marsan, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to approve as amended. Councilor Marsan read the amended Home Rule Petition into the record. MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Campagnone tot able to a public hearing. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-24-7 A Resolution Changing City Council Rule II – Agenda (Request of Chair Faretra) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Saffie to approve. Chair Faretra explained there are instances where Council was in violation of their rules. There are things, such as elections, holidays, number of business days before a meeting is being held. Councilor Marsan commented this would clarify when things are due. Chair Faretra indicated Councilor Marsan brought this to his attention. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS TR-24-9 Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Gift of $1,000 from LowellFive to Provide for Assistance for elderly residents (Request of Treasurer) MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Pesce to approve. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Ordinances: TO-24-1 An Ordinance to Restructure the City of Methuen’s Health, Human Services, and Inspections Department 7 METHUEN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING MOTION BY: Councilor DiZoglio, seconded by Councilor Pesce to approve. Councilor Marsan disagreed with the proposal and said the city should have a building commissioner that does not have to take direction from the Health department. There is a need to get more people in the building department if we are going to make things streamlined. Mayor Perry disagreed with Councilor Marsan. Previously, all departments were under Bill Buckley in Community Development. There was an individual who was head of the inspections department. He was working on his doctrine and left the city. Kelley Townsend has code inspector/building inspector which leaked into health side. There will be an additional person. There are positions that are grant funded. If Council desires to break them into two, there would be a requirement for additional people. The number of inspection requests have significantly risen. He and Maggie participated in discussions with the Collins Center. Solicitor Rossetti explained the parameters of the motion to refer to a committee of the Council to convene a Public Hearing on the plan. The recommendation would be to approve or disapprove. Council is not authorized to amend. There are timing requirements. MOTION BY: Councilor Marsan, seconded by Councilor Campagnone to table to Public Safety Committee. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS Any Other Business for the Good and Welfare of the Community Adjourn MOTION BY: Councilor Campagnone, seconded by Councilor Saffie to adjourn. UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS I do hereby certify that a meeting of which a quorum was present, the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council by a unanimous vote on February 20, 2024. Linda Gagnon Council Clerk 8