Ask if we're ready. Good evening. I'd like to call the May 15th, 2025 meeting of the West City Council's. Order. Roll. Call. Madam City Court Adams Here. Allie. Here I am Bean. Here. Mall Lieutenant. Here. Burns. Here. Fanon? Here. Figgy. Here. Harris. Here. Matthew. Kane? Here. Meow. Here. Morgan. Ellie. Here. Oniskey. Here. Sullivan. Here. Ms. Pleasure. You. United States of America Nation. My God. Invisible liberty
and justice. Thank you. Reading into the record of the meeting of May 1st, 2025. Council Bean. Uh, thank you Mr. President. I'd like to make a motion to accept the minutes without reading for May 1st. 2025, Sir. Second Motion. May it second in any discussion on the minutes. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Now comes the portion of the meeting for public participation. Anyone wishing to address the city council on anything? It is not on a public hearing for the agenda. They do so by approaching and stating your name and address for the city clerk.
And we do that in three minute increments, which may be extended. Anyone like to address the council on something is not a public hearing. Okay. Communications from the mayor. Item one, councilor Figgy. Thank you Mr. President. Requesting immediate consideration for appropriation of the amount of $48,402 and 23 cents from the police department educational account to the vehicle equipment account to replace mobile cruiser computers. Second. Motion. Made it seconded for the discussion counselor. Yeah. Um, apparently the computers, when the Microsoft update goes in, will become incompatible
and will not be able to function in the cruisers so that they need new computers for the cruisers. The estimate has come in at 48,400, 2020 3 cents to replace the computers. Absolutely. Any further discussion from the council? Seeing none, roll call. Minutes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Bill. Randy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Fige? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Me? Yes. Morgan? Yes. Ky. Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Adam. Two. Councilor Figy. Thank you Mr. President. Requesting immediate consideration of appropriation
of the amount of $50,000 from the police department. Full-time hourly account to the police station project, purchase of service account to cover the cost of the first several months of service and construction monitoring services for the new police station project. Second. Motion made and seconded. Further discussion, counsel? Yes. Apparently, uh, the project manager has been, uh, the owner's project manager has been, uh, selected and until we can get the bond going, we need to pay them for their month, monthly work. And they're looking to start with $50,000
to see if they could take us to the bonding point. Councillor Sullivan, do you know who that is? Who the hire? Oh, Lemme see. Yes, I do. It's, uh, construction Monitoring Services, Inc. CMS. It's a real original name. I, We've been working with a Techon Architects. Any idea where they're from? It does not say, and I do not know. Thank you. Any Councilor Adams? Yeah. Just to add to that, what we're trying to do, or what the police department's trying to do is they're trying to bring the, the OPM on ahead of time before we vote for the bond.
'cause the OPM actually can help us bring the cost of that station down so the police department has the extra money to put that forward, hoping that they can help us actually work with the architect and get the number to where we want it to be. And then the rest of the costs that they incur during the construction will actually be in the bond. So I think it's to our benefit to bring them on because I think we can actually get the number down from where the number is right now with their help. Councillor Harris, I thank you. Um, thank you Councillor Adams for giving that explanation. I wanna thank every police officer
and everybody in the police department for what they do every single day. Anything further? Seeing none. Roll call please. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Belt. Randy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Figy? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthew Game? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan. Elliot. Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item three. Council Figgy. Thank You Mr. President. Please have Madam City Clerk read item three and refer to finance Second. Motion made and seconded. Madam City Clerk Three. Requesting acceptance of a grant in the amount of $7,339,940 from the United States Department
of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Westfield Gas and Electric Light Department under the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program. Thank you. Anything further on sending to finance? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Item four, councilor Figgy. Uh, I defer to LNO If I may. Mr. President? Yes. Thank you. Uh, would you please ask Madam City Clerk to read item four, submit to l and o law and the police Chief Second Motion made it seconded. Madam City Clerk Four, submitting a resolution for acceptance of a gift, donation of a police service dog
and essential rated equipment valued at $13,325 from the Hometown Foundation, Inc. To the police department to support the reestablishment of the canine program in the department. Thank you. Any further? All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Item five, Councillor Harris. Thank you Mr. President, please ask Madam Clerk three, five, and six refer to the Personal Action committee. Second. Motion made and seconded. Madam City Clerk Five. Submitting the appointment of Barbara Marone 33 Murphy Circle as a member of the Council on Aging. Replacing John Leary Jr. For a term to expire in February 20, 27. Six. Submitting the appointment of Jennifer Thilan 18 Vine Street
as a member of the Historical Commission replacing Carlene Banish for a term to expire February, 2026. Thank you. Anything further on sending to personnel action? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Now in the hands of PAC reports of city officers. Item seven, Councillor Harris. Thank you Mr. President. I'd like to ask for immediate, um, suspend the rules for immediate consideration. Second. Second. Motion made it second on suspension. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Now under suspension. Councillor Harris. Thank you. Number seven is city Clerk Caitlin Bruce submitting a request for reappointment for return
to expire September 15th, 2028. Sorry. Any consideration? Second motion. Made it seconded. Further discussion? Yes. Uh, thank you. Um, city clerk has submitted, uh, her resume to every single, um, counselor and for the public. You see her twice a month and sometimes during the budget season. You see her 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 times a month. Uh, for the last three years, she is outstanding. She was formerly the, um, principal of clerk
and assistant city clerk under the leadership of Ward One. Counselor Karen Fanon. Uh, she has done many new and innovative things in the last three years that she's been there, uh, including, um, a staff guide for the rules for all the city clerk personnel. She created a guide for posting agendas and minutes. She created city council handbooks. She developed a new tally training for wardens, improved results and reduced time spent on Ting the end of election night, changed the process for sending out monthly dog licenses, renewal letters,
saving money on paper, postage and staffing. Created an annual top dog contest to increase dog license registration so people would, uh, would license their dogs secured funding to install, um, communication window between the two sections that the city clerk is divided into. Created a process for public events and city properties to include police, fire and building departments. Updated licensing and city clerk website pages changed all renewal notifications to an electronic system, saving money envelopes, postage and staffing.
Secured funding and implementation of poll pads be used at all polling locations. Partnered with local organizations to provide voter information tables throughout the year at the West Hill Farmer's Market. The flag raising of the, uh, Puerto Rican flag and senior center to increase awareness of local elections of voter registration. Completed phase two of the vote renovation and continue to assess the need for additional historic records preservation held the first, uh, I voted sticker contest, which involved all the citizens of Westfield. Served as the ad hoc scribe
for the DPW Water ad hoc committee, which I'm sure they were all very thankful for. Facilitated the first board and commission training at city board for all the boards and commission members in conjunction with the state's Inspector General's office. She also assist the city, uh, council with the city, uh, with the charter change in 2024. And she assists daily. Every single counselor that sits here drafted an election calendar and successfully ran Westfield's first special election to fill a vacancy trained ward. Five election workers to use the poll pads for the first time.
Increase the city clerk's office presence on social media for informational purposes, and resident engagement for all our citizens. She has led the city's first election training in conjunction with the Secretary of State's office. In preparation for the 2024 presidential election. She established an annual dog licensing period. She increased registration and decreased staffing and supply costs. She expanded credit card counter payments so that people can come in and pay by credit card successfully led to municipal, preliminary and general elections, the state primary
and general elections, the presidential primary and general elections. She will continue to assess what the office is doing and continue to improve. And I have to say that I deal with her, uh, every single week many, many times. She is exceptional. Um, she will provide any information to any counselor at a very minute's notice. She is always interested in notifying the public on any events that are happening in Westfield and trying to put the word out and the website in any other way that she can.
I think, uh, she is a definite asset to our city. Any, can you add anything? Uh, Her favorite color is Blue. Yeah. Um, I mean, we've always had, can I get a mic check on this? Everybody can hear you. You're Good, Dan. Yeah. No, this thing is, uh, fired up. The computer didn't work, but this is working fine. Um, we always had a good city clerk, um, office. Um, I've done a lot of like, um, a lot of the, um, collecting signatures and petitions and stuff like that. And our, our, our clerks would actually help clerks all over the state.
Sometimes they were new from out of state. Connecticut has different laws than Massachusetts does. Always in dispen of always doing a great job, Caitlin. Um, you are amazing. Um, we're actually being called upon and have been called upon since November to assist other towns fighting the lithium, uh, battery and sharing information, some small towns and whatnot. And she's the help in an immense way. Um, so yeah. Thank you. And she's always has the patience. I mean, you call up and it's handled. She's showing it now. She does all of that. What?
Turn, turn his microphone off. Councilor Martinelli and then councilor. Yeah. No, but she, yeah, but she does all of that and which is as sounding, I know who wrote that, but, um, um, but she's always got patient and it's good nature and stuff like that. It's not like I've got a million things doing whatever. That's astounding. So, thank you Caly Council Morgan Now. Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah. Uh, always helpful, always pleasant, courteous, professional. There's not much more we can say. And, um, so I just wanna say thank you 'cause you're sitting right there. And many people and watching at home might not realize
that she's gotta actually write down, type up all these accolades as, as the city clerk about herself. She might already have a draft. Thank you. Council Miller. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. I, I, the only thing I can add to that wonderful list from Councillor Harris, um, is that just like her predecessor, she answers all my crazy questions, always kindly and with a smile and keeps this going. So, you know, I absolutely support, but that is the thing that I could add. Thank you. Councilor Burns. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I, I might, I have
to ask Councilor Harris to read that again. I get all that, but all of that. You said Councilor Harris and more, I mean, I can't say enough for Kaylin every time I go to the office, it's or undivided attention. And we thank you for that. And also it was a seamless transition between our colleague now and, and Caitlin that goes to show you clerk's office is number one. Thank you. Alright, roll call. Adam City. Clark Adams. Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean. Yes. Beand? Yes. Burns? Yes.
Fanon? Absolutely. Yes. Gie? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan. Ellie. Yes. Ky? Yes. Sullivan. Absolutely. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Petitions, Remon, and other papers. Item eight is a continued public hearing on an application for special permit, site plan approval and storm water permit for contractors yard with associated site improvements pursuant to zoning. Ordinance sections three dash 1 33 1 4 dash one 10
and six dash ten one. Be located at 81 Service star Industrial Way. Westfield Mass, submitted by R Levek Associates on behalf of Nicholas w Stefano. Public hearing is now reopened. Mr. Leveque? Thank you Mr. President and counselors, uh, Rob Leveque from our Leveque Associates here this evening representing Nick Ano for the project at 81 Service Star Way. Uh, we are currently underway with the Conservation Commission. We're answering a few last minute questions related to the storm water basin that exists there. Um, I had mentioned last time that the site had been cleaned up
by the former tenant Home Depot. Um, so they were pleased with that. But we are working through a question that the conservation officer has. We expect to be able to close the public hearing for conservation at the next public hearing. I'm here this evening to answer any questions you may have and respectfully request a continuance to the next available meeting. It would be logical to keep the public hearing open should there be any minor adjustments, uh, at which point we would come back and be happy to, uh, close. I'm sorry to provide any information prior to an any closing of the public hearing. Happy to an answer any questions you have to the president. Thank you.
Okay. So are you through planning board with this? No. You guys are the permit granting authority and So you're still waiting for conservation. Anybody have any questions before that happens? Councilor Fanon? Nope. Make a motion to Yep. I'll make a motion to continue the public hearing to second motion. Dated second. Any discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Now continued. Thank you. Item nine is a continued public hearing on a petition of the city council to amend the zoning ordinance relative to the keeping of animals allowing backyard
chickens by Right. That public hearing is now reopened. Counselor, um, I'm just gonna try and throw this out here for you. Everybody spoke at the last, as long as they don't have something new to bring up, we want to kind of shorten it up if we can. Sure. Anybody that has anything new, absolutely like to hear it. Um, yeah. Thank you Mr. President and counselors. Uh, good evening. Um, so just, just to remind people, what we're we're trying to do here is to, uh, make the, uh, backyard chicken, uh, ordinance by, right? So, uh, residents can have chickens, um, with the, um,
criteria that we've outlined in the ordinance. And of course, these, you know, we can go back to ZPD and, and amend some of these things based on some recommendations. The planning board, uh, you know, looked at all of it. They gave you unanimous recommendation. Uh, councilor Figy was there. I I was unable to be at the, uh, at the meeting, but I did watch the video and thank you counselor for, uh, for picking up the ball on that and, uh, answering some of the questions from the planning board. Uh, one of the things that, um, chairman lls, uh, mentioned was that nearly every municipality in Massachusetts allows chickens. Uh, and, um, many of them are by right?
And he mentioned, I think four towns that were not, uh, that did not allow them, uh, for whatever reason. Um, so I, I'm not gonna really, I'll entertain any, any, uh, further questions, but I wanna open it up to anybody who has new information tonight. Uh, and you, or if you had not spoken at the last public hearing, or you have something new to share, even if you did speak at the last public hearing, it'll certainly come up. But we wanna kind of keep this tight. We have a, a large agenda tonight. So thank you. Thank you, counsel. Thank you. Anyone that did not speak at the last hearing
or has something new to present, just if you would give your name and address. Yep. My name is Kaitlyn. Um, good evening everyone. Um, Can you just give your address for Oh yes, sorry. Uh, Linda Drive, or Linda Drive. Thank you all again for being here tonight and for all of the amazing dialogue that I've had with you. I've had so many amazing conversations on the phone with a lot of the councilmen. Um, the input has been crucial and it's clear that you all care deeply about what's best for the town. I did wanna highlight that we received a unanimous yes vote from the planning board, um, on this ordinance.
They reviewed it thoroughly, made it clear that they wouldn't change anything. They believe it's solid, responsible, and well structured as it stands. But I would love if any of you had hesitation, um, and still wasn't, you weren't in support of this. If you could mention some modifications or additions that would be helpful for you guys to, um, cast a yes. Vote. Vote. And if you had any, um, concerns, I would be happy to address them. Um, throughout the process, we process, we've addressed every concern with facts about the minimal impact backyard chickens have
on neighboring properties, air quality and water systems. We've shared data showing that properly managed chickens do not create a nuisance or pollution. Pollution. And frankly, there are many other things in our town that affect air and water quality. But this isn't one of them. I would never support or advocate for this ordinance. If there were any risk. It could negatively impact our neighbors or our community in any way. That's not what this is about. It's carefully written to benefit our residents, support local sustainability and promote responsible practices without harming anyone. Um, the, to address lingering concerns, um, I'm recommending
that we provide a clear, easy to understand handout to anyone that is applying for a chicken permit. This would be provided by whatever you guys choose. So the town clerk, the permitting office, or the animal control officer. And it would outline the best practices for coop management, waste control, and neighbor friendly habits. The resident would sign it and return it, acknowledging that they understand and will follow these guidelines. This will help ensure accountability while also giving peace of mind to those who may have hesitations. Um, this is an ordinance that offers benefits to everyone and harms no one, it's fair and it's responsible.
So let's work together to move it forward in a way that makes sense for our town. Um, I did print each of you this, if I have permission to hand it out just so you can look it over. I thought it would be beneficial. I'll give it to her. Um, I thought that would help to you guys take the pressure off you guys to know that everyone who is, um, committing to this, that they would be doing it in a respectful and responsible way and would help them to address any concerns about how they create the manure, how to get rid of the waste. Obviously it does not go through waste management like, um, cat and dog feces. So this helps that they can learn to compost it
and do everything responsibly. Um, it even outlines ways to make sure there is 0 cent. Um, and we would make sure that they understand that this is no rooster, how to keep, take care of your coop and all of that. So I do believe that a lot of people in town make decisions for their lawn that could affect others, but they're still allowed to do it with chemicals and Roundup and all of that. And I believe that we should also have the opportunity for this. And I hope that if any of you have concerns, I can help address them. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else like to speak on this with any new information?
Ben Mo Shook. 19 Oakdale Street. Um, so we covered a lot about the practicalities and benefits, so I'm gonna try to keep this short with newer information. Um, so there's clear and growing community support. Um, an online petition in favor of allowing backyard hens in all zones has received nearly 800 signatures from Westfield s. These are families, teachers, gardeners, and everyday citizens who simply want the freedom to responsibly produce eggs and live more sustainably. These voices represent real people in our city who care deeply about their quality of life and food choices. Last week at the planning board as mentioned before, we received a uni unanimous support
for the proposed ordinance. Um, this ordinance promotes local food security and economic resilience. According to the USDA data, egg prices rose by nearly 60% in a single year. During recent inflation spikes, backyard hens can produce five to seven eggs in a week, which significantly reduces of families re re reliance on grocery store prices and supply chains. At last week's hearing, someone suggested that this ordinance is just about saving a few homeowners, a little money on purchasing eggs. In reality, the impact is much more significant. The average family with six hence could save anywhere from 500 to $1,000 per year on eggs.
Not to mention the reduced trips to the store. It's a small but meaningful way to build food independence, especially in uncertain times. Um, the ordinance also aligns with sustainability efforts already embraced by many communities across Massachusetts. Chickens help reduce food waste by eating table scraps. Their droppings can be compo composted, enter nutrient rich soil for gardens. This reduces landfill contributions and strengthens local ecosystems. With over 90% of, of Massachusetts city is already allowing backyard hens. Westwood has a strong opportunity to join this movement with clear enforceable guidelines. According to a research study, 93% of the 150 most populated US cities allow people
to own backyard chickens in some capacity. Um, and this ordinance is not a free for all using city data. And GIS tools have calculated that fewer than 30% of residential parcels in Westfield would even qualify under the new rules. And it might be on the shared documents, I'm not sure, but you can see how I reached the calculation there. Smaller downtown lots would still be ineligible due to the natural limitations of the ordinance between lot size setbacks and registration requirements. This is a well balanced change. Um, and another concern raised at a previous meeting was that allowing backyard, he might somehow raise taxes. I just wanna clarify that this ordinance does not create any
new government programs higher staff, or require taxpayer funding. It simply allows residents, the re residents, the freedom to responsibly keep a small number of hens with clear regulations on their own property and at their own expense. The animal control officer already handles pet oversight in the city, and this would just fall under that existing scope. In fact, the ordinance simplifies the process by eliminating the need for special permits. In many cases, there's no infrastructure burden, just so well regulated way to let families live more sustainably and save on food costs rather than raising taxes. Ordinances like this actually support food security and local resilience. It empowers our citizens to be part
of the solution at no cost to the city. This ordinance is about trust, education, and thoughtful freedom. It's a simple practical way to increase food independence, especially for working families, seniors, and those impacted by rising costs. So I urge you to listen to the voices of Westfield residents. Look at the data. Data and take this opportunity to vote in favor of responsible backyard hands. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else Like to speak please? Thank you Mr. President James Pettengill for Lewis Street. Um, I represent the 5,000 square foot lots, um, typically known as the downtown area.
Um, I oppose the ordinance. I'm not opposed to agricultural activity. I've been an advocate of the agricultural community since the eighties. And my sworn duty as a planning board member and chairman was to always make sure that any decision protected the city's interest more than those of any special interest, the greater good concept. Um, this legislation, um, I asked a simple question, why, why had it been outlawed or banned or not permitted? Excuse me. Um, in this case, and through my internet searches, I found two themes
that kept popping up. One was the smell, and two was politicians sick of hearing about constituents complaining about the smell. This will be the future. This will be your future. If history repeats itself, legislation cannot and will never solve this issue no matter how well intended. The only solution is space. This is a quality of life issue in residential neighborhoods. It's permitted on five acres in an agricultural zone, or as my dad would say, the right tools for the right job.
Ask a farmer where they put their chicken coops. My primary concern represents the dent, the densest, most heavily populated part of the city. The downtown 5,000 square foot. Lots toxic sludge. When it rains, you know, is it gonna enlarge the to the toxic area? Toxic runoff to abutters properties, air quality we're number one in the country for the poorest air quality. They say Springfield because if you said Westfield, nobody would know where you were talking about the particulate in the air.
Chicken dust at 30 mile an hour winds or stagnant air. The list of diseases that these fos can carry. Chicken friendly sites rightly caution that there's a need for dedicated clothing. Children under five in the elderly risk, viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Birds can be infected, show no signs and pass on to humans through contact. My favorite, it attracts vermin And heavily congested downtown food service areas.
Are you serious? You wanna entice river rats into downtown for a couple votes? In closing, the two reasons that chickens have been historically outlawed. The smell and politicians being fed up with having to hear about complaints about the smell. Does this legislation meet the greater good standard? I don't believe it does. It is the, it was and still is a quality of life issue in the residential neighborhoods that hasn't changed. So those who fail to learn from history are
okay, pass this legislation and get ready to answer questions. Like, who thought it was a good idea to bring smelly, toxic, diseased birds into our heavily populated residential areas by Right. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Councilor Adams. I think Mr. President, I was not here two weeks ago. However, I did watch the, uh, the video from the meeting. And as I talked to the, the woman who spoke earlier, if everyone was like her, I'd vote for this in a second.
There'd be no question because she knows what she's doing. She knows about chickens. However, I know there's chickens throughout the city and we have one code enforcement officer that works 19 hours a week. He can't handle the illegal chickens. Now, if we make this buy right, how is he gonna handle 500 or a thousand people having chickens when he can't handle what's actually legal? Now I dealt with a situation not far from the river as counselor Fanon also dealt with it.
It was the worst situation for a homeowner I've ever heard. The ending result was rats in her yard every day. And her dog was killed because the dog ate the rats that were being poisoned. We can't have that downtown and we don't have anybody to stop it if it happens. If this was a perfect world, I listen to a rooster every morning. I know it's probably not legal. I don't mind the the rooster, but I do mind the poor family that had to deal with the smell, her dead dog. And nobody could handle the situation.
'cause the health department was involved, the code enforcement was involved and the animal person was involved. If that one situation can't be handled, how can we handle a BuyRight chicken ordinance in town? I can't, I can't vote for this unless maybe we hire two full-time code enforcement officers to handle the problems we may have. Not for the good people. 'cause there's a lot of people sitting out here that are great people and could probably raise chickens and not have a problem. But there's a lot of people out there that have no idea how to raise a chicken and we can't enforce
those kind of people. So unfortunately, I can't support this unless we're gonna hire two code enforcement officers. I don't see that coming in the budget. Councilor Figgy, thank you Mr. President. The counselor across the way has some valid points over, I think, man, if there's a thousand people who want chickens, I totally underestimated this. If impact of this ordinance, uh, I don't see that number anywhere near that. Also in concern to the downtown area, if you look at the proposed setbacks of 35 feet from many building, there's many lots
that are not going to qualify. So with that in mind, I think Mr. Mosin Chuck said only 30% of the lots in the city would qualify under these proposed. Most of them, especially in the core district, are not going to qualify. Uh, if it would please the council, we could add to the, to the ordinance, excluding the court district so that they're, we don't turn into, uh, key West. I don't want to see chickens running loose on the streets. Uh, I, I want responsible chickens growing up on a poultry farm in Ohio.
I know how to raise chickens. Also, if you read what the young lady gave us, when you get it, it lays out a total educational program and it has to be approved before you're allowed to have chickens. So that's stage two. Once this amend, this ordinance is in place, all the regulations on how it's going to be operated come through a second ordinance. And then that ordinance, we, we control, uh, an application process that is being proposed that needs to be approved before chickens can be purchased. So I think a lot of the concerns that people have
are legitimate, but I think they've been addressed. I think a lot of hard work, good work has gone into the ate. So I just wanted to say that. Councilor Fanon, thank you, Mr. President. Um, I agree with the counselor across the way that if every chicken owner was as responsible as this, um, young woman has spoke of, it would be fine. But we know that's not gonna happen. And through a public record request, I did request, um, all the complaints that have been filed against chickens and they are on the council share file. There were three formal complaints, 17 informal complaints,
and a police log that had complaints on them. So there are problems with chickens now, and that will continue if this is allowed. Councilor Adams, and then I'll Yeah. Just respond to Councilor Fige. My understanding from what I just heard from the gentleman that was 800 people that signed the petition. So there could be 800. We don't, here's here's the issue. We don't have the police. If we make a law, we have 80 police that can enforce it. We make this law. We have somebody that works 19 hours a week to enforce it. Just like I think you had something that you were gonna propose in the building apartment and you, it was determined that it was,
took a couple more people to enforce it. Right? We are in the same situation with the chickens as you were in the situation, you were with the apartment people. So I think we're talking about the same effect. Councilor Morgane. Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah. And, and these are all great comments. Uh, we, you know, we can't, we can't legislate good behavior. Um, my son got bitten by a dog that was unleashed. People, people don't follow the rules even if we have them. But the fact that you have an ordinance, and we mentioned this at the last meeting, uh, counselor, um, if you have an ordinance, now you have
law, you have something to fall back on. You can hold people accountable. Right now it's, it's all being if, if people have chickens right now, it's being done illegally if they're doing it in other than a rural residential area. So, um, you know, the, the, the speculation about, about smell and rats and it, that kind of thing just doesn't happen when people have chickens. And we have in our ordinance that we're gonna keep, we're going to keep the food in a closed container. If it's not kept in a food closed container, then of course
that's, that could attract any kind of animal that's looking to eat something. Even a bear. Uh, I had a bear in my neighbor's yard. I, I live in a, just a, you know, residential, a area, uh, district. And, you know, there's a bear next door, you know, on the bird feeder. So, um, you know, things happen. But for domesticated animals, we have, we have rules on how many dogs you can have. We have rules of leash law on the dog. We have a license, dog license that you have to get. This is going to put all that in place for chickens.
And it's gonna allow people to have the freedom to, to have chickens. And it really isn't that cheap. It does save you money in the long run, but it does cost money to build a coop and, and do everything else you have to do to get the hens. Um, and, and Mr. President, uh, stand with this. I just wanna show of hands in the room we have, I guess 800 signatures, but how many are here in favor of the, of having chickens in favor? It's just, that's just so hands. Okay. Council, counselor, I'm gonna, I'm gonna do that as part of this public Hearing. Yeah, I know. Yeah. The price is right. Counselor, me. Um, thank you Mr. President. I am wondering if we can get, perhaps from the planner a map
that shows us where it would and would not be allowed based on the setbacks. Is that a, a piece of factual information that we could have to help deliberate with? Um, because if you could see, see that it wasn't allowed, you know, in the, in the cord, or if it, if it didn't fit in the more populated areas, then some of those fears may or may not. Right. This may or may not be a, a moot point if it wouldn't be allowed there based on the setback. Um, number one, and number two, I, I appreciate that other people have had problems
and that it was difficult to take care of. But much the same as with wetlands. Without the appropriate ordinance and regulation, it is difficult to take care of things. And if we were to find a way to have more code enforcement in this city, I would not be opposed to that. Um, I would also say, uh, with respect to looking for, for complaints, um, to make a fair comparison, I would also like to see the number of complaints on dogs. If we're gonna continue to compare the, the keeping of animals and, and the excrement from animals that we need to, I would like
to see a comparison between chicken complaints and dog complaints. And lastly, I would just like to say that while we're talking about maybe catering to a particular group of people when asked about the greater good, there is a tremendous amount of food insecurity in this town. And the benefits that go to people who have food insecurity are getting dramatically cut from the federal level. And there's nothing the state can do to stop it. That is where the greater good is here. And so if there is a way that things can be done
where people can do it safely, I think we have the responsibility to look for that. And, and you know, that I'm the first one to complain if there's water contamination, but I think we have a responsibility to seriously consider it. So I'd like to see where it wouldn't be allowed to see if that 30% is real. Um, I look forward to reviewing the information you gave us. And I just want everyone, when you're thinking about the greater good, look at the economic things we are facing. Look at the budget crisis we are facing, and then think about how many people in our city live in poverty,
because that's what this is about. I, I need, I need clean air as much as anyone, but families need to be able to feed their kids. Thank you. Councilor Burns, then Councilor Ky and then Councilor Allie. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, to start off, uh, um, councilor Fanon herself and my ward and her ward, definitely a rural residential. We we're probably the only two wards in the city that have working farms right now. Um, to my right, to my backyard, I have 70 horses to the other side.
At least 50 head of cattle and counselor. Um, Adams is rooster. I hear it every day. It's not mine, not his, his friend. I hear it every day. The alleged rooster. And as Councilor Fanon, she, she put those complaints on the, uh, on the council share. Um, five of those complaints came from my ward. Okay. Three of 'em were in rural residential. The other two were in residential A or B, whatever should you know. And that's why I asked your question last time about if you
checked with the, uh, animal control or code enforcement or board of health. I mean, those three are very important in a, um, ordinance that we have for chickens. Um, myself, I feel we have an ordinance now. It's working. I don't know why we have to, um, address it at this time. Um, I just don't see it. I I would support a, not a buy right, um, ordinance, but certainly it would support an ordinance would have a chickens. Um, so I, I don't know if, on a follow up question,
have you checked with the, um, That, that, that, that was answered by Council Fiy at the last meeting, the last public, when we opened the public Hearing? Well, he, he, he checked with him two years ago. 'cause I checked with her. I spoke with her in, in length for An hour. We, when this goes back to committee counselor, we'll be looking at I, I'm adding those things and we will be checking with them before it goes back to committee and before we, we make changes to it before it comes out onto this floor For vote. My question is, have you checked when, when you're the petitioner? I, I have not yet, sir. You Have not. Okay. No, that's, and I've had a
Busy few weeks, but I will be doing that. We are all aware in this room here that, that the quote that the um, um, animal control mm-hmm. Works for the chief who works for the police commission. Mm-hmm. So we have a long, this has a long way to go. This is not, you know, and then again, I'm not against it or for, I just feel at this time that we have a present ordinance that works and it's been working fine. Thank you Mr. President. It, It, mr. President, it hasn't been working fine because many people aren't able to have chickens and have their own homegrown home eggs. So
What we're Gonna do, it's, it's, we're Gonna do counselors. I'm gonna give a couple more people a chance to not for, and then we're going to have four and against and send this to committee Councilor Fanon. I'll get to a second. Councilor Ky and then Ally and then Fanon. Thank you Mr. President. A couple of concerns that I have about this are the lot size 5,000 square foot lot size is tiny core. I mean there's 5,000 square foot or 7,500 square foot lot sizes outside of the core district. So I think excluding only the core district, um,
will still leave many small lots. If you have a 5,000 square foot lot take away a thousand square or you know, thousand square feet for a home that occupies that lot, you're down to 4,000 feet of open space. Maybe another 500 feet for a driveway. You're down to 3,500 square feet of open land. Take away the front yard, which could be, you know, another 2000 or a thousand square foot leaves. Very little room for chicken. Puts it right up against the neighbors. Um, I feel there should be some sort of permit.
I understand that the special permits cost money, uh, quite a bit of money. I don't know if there's some other way to permit them to give other residents, uh, neighbors a chance to speak for or against that. Um, those are the main concerns that I have on this. Thank you. Oh, I do have one other question. You had mentioned other cities and towns are by Wright or closer by Wright. Is there a list anywhere of Westfield that's West Springfield's on that should be on the shared drive. I believe I sent that. Yeah, it should be on the shared drive. Um, I was gonna address your, uh,
your, your original comment. Um, It was the, it was the 5,000 square Footage. Yeah. So the, so on the, on the, on the square footage, um, you know, we can certainly adjust that. But you, you, um, we, that's why we have the buffers in place and the ordinance too about from, uh, abutting structures and from the property line. So if the backyard does not have the appropriate, appropriate footprint to put a chicken coop and of course, and a chicken coop can be very small. It, it's, I mean it can just be a six by four.
It's very, it can be very small and still be humane. And the chickens are great. Um, but the footprint in the backyard, that's why we have those buffers in there. If it's not big enough, it's, it can't go there 10 feet from a lot line that's from me to 30 feet from a structure, 10 feet from a lot light me. We could increase That Backing committee. If that's what you, if that's what you're proposing, then let, let us know and we, we'll Consider I proposing it be a larger lot, uh, some sort of a different permit and also, uh, a bigger, uh, buffer.
And, and, and the planning board, the planning board, they deal with this kind of thing every month, several times with different plans. And they had no problem with making this by. Right. That, that speaks volumes to me. 'cause they're the planning board and they look at, they look at this. We haven't listened to everything the planning board said. You might know. Alright, councilor, councilor Ali. It's online Councilor. Yeah. Thank you Mr. President. Um, so I, I agree that you probably control a lot and you said a 35 feet setback, right? Is that what I heard earlier? 35 or with 30?
Uh, no, there was a 10 foot, a 10 foot setback from The, the lot line, the line within the building. The, Then it's, I think it was 30 feet that we had in here. Okay. It's 35 to the Neighbor's house. 35 To the, to the 35 to s the neighbors. It could be a garage either. Yeah. Oh to the neighbor's house. Alright. Thank you for that clarification. It's Not a, it's not a do to a domicile, it's to a Structure. Right. Um, and I think that you can also control things through enforcement where if you have a violation, it's clear. Um, you know, you, you may give a person a chance to like,
you know, adjudicate something, but the enforcement would be, you know, if you're not following it, that's it. You're done. Okay. I mean you want strong enforcement. Um, you know the health benefits of eggs, um, and healthy food, it's unbelievable. I mean you'll have people that will go from, you know, total health wreck, allergies, whatnot. It's not eating right and all these things clear up. Okay. The stories I've come across are the people that I've known in the last couple years has been amazing. Alright. We all deal with stuff all the time
that has absolute horror stories. I own a two family house. I've had situations where it's just been unbelievable. Um, or you've had to bring in the board of health. You've had to bring in, you know, children services, stuff like that. Um, I didn't stop, you know, stop renting property, you know what I mean? 'cause it, it was no, we dealt with it right? In some ways we asked the family actually thank that's for what we dealt with. But it's like, you know, you can't let one situation and I deal with all the board counselors, right? I mean, we hear about something, we deal with it, you guys handle to handle it with the appropriate department. You know, I'm at a large counselor, I just do the follow up.
You guys deal with all kinds of things all the time. It's not an easy job. But I wouldn't judge one situation that somebody, you know, did something and try to apply it to everybody else. I think that if we had, uh, enforcement where, you know, this is not working out, you know, I think you can handle a lot with the set setbacks and then if you have a problem, you know, one or two strikes and that's it, you know, you've got something on the books and just solve the problem. Alright, councilor Fanon and then Councilor Matthews Kane. And then we got a lot to do tonight.
So I wanna get this moving. Okay. Thank you Mr. President. I just wanted to answer the question about animal control. I did speak to the animal control officer today. She did send an email about her concerns. It's on the share file. Um, her concerns were the impact, um, to the neighbors, her the impact on the city departments that are already, um, at have a full workload, specifically, uh, code enforcement, animal patrol and health department. She was concerned about health risks. She was concerned about, um, if there were strong enough resources for violations of the zoning ordinances. Um, she had sent in
a article about bird flu, the CDC D'S overall input on backyard chicken. So all this information is on the share file. And I did have a conversation with her and she did give her information. So it is there. Thank you. Councilor Matthews king. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I'm glad we're discussing this. A lot of my support for this change is because I just know there's so many chickens in my ward. I see them all the time and I have not had a problem in my ward with chickens. I did have one rooster, but I have not seen these horror stories that we keep discussing.
And I think in general it works really well. And like counselor meow, I'm really concerned about prices. You know, I know people are struggling. Um, the counselor to my left, he said that the current ordinance is working fine, but as much as I respect him, I would argue it's not. And that's because even in rural residential, you have to pay a lot of money to get the permit. 'cause I actually have a section that's rural residential, that's where the rooster was. And I went to go down to explain to them how they could legally get chickens. And when I found out it was gonna cost them hundreds and hundreds of dollars, I didn't even, I felt embarrassed
to say the city will let you have chickens if you spend all this money. I think we have to find a cost effective way to let people have safe legal chickens. I do think we need to toy with this in committee and maybe make the lot bigger. Um, I mean, there's still things to be discussed, but in general, I hope we can think about ways to support families who are struggling. And all the chickens I've seen have been safe and, um, They're almost cute. So I'll leave it at that. Alright, so at this point counsel, we're gonna, um, because yeah, And, and just just to say that, um, you know, if if we,
you know, given we have enforcement on this, that could be a pretty good fine. That can come into the animal control department as well to help pay for some things. So this could be very, very beneficial financially if, you know, if people don't wanna play by the rules, um, confiscate the chickens and fine 'em. I mean, it could be pretty steep. It's, you know, that, that's something to, to consider. So. Alright, so yeah, because there's so many people here, I'm gonna ask that if you wanna speak in favor of this project, that you step forward and just state your name and address and say that either you are in favor and then we'll do the same thing for people opposed,
just in the interest to say the time. So anybody would like to come forward and say they are in favor of this project. Anyone in favor of the project? Sure. Just state your name and address and Steven Velazquez. 50 and a half Jefferson Street and I am in favor Of. Thank you. Anyone else? Uh, Bianca Velasquez. 15 and a half Jefferson Street. And I'm in favor. Thank you. Anyone else? What Do you can line up? Maybe they can line up if, if they were in favor. Sure. Save time. Anita, step street. Westfield, I'm in favor. Valentina Dale Street. I'm in favor.
Thank you. Anyone else? Ina Steppen? Took 23 a Sycamore Street and I'm in favor. Thank you. Anyone else in favor? Okay. Anyone like to get up and say they're opposed? Yes, I'm sir. Steppen. Kafer. 19 on street. Thank you. Think he's anyone like to speak in opposition? In opposition. Hear. Seeing no one. Can I get a motion to close a public hearing and senate the committee Motion. Motion to close the public hearing and refer, uh, ZPD. Second. Second Motion made it second in any discussion?
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Public hearing is now closed. Thank you everyone. If you want to file out, unless you wanna stay with us, you're welcome to Hours of fun. Thank you. Thank, thank you to everyone that came tonight. Yes, I Five acres West Springfield, half an acre with special permit South All. Item 10 is a public hearing for a zone change petition for a portion of 1 46 and one 70 Main Street, 1295. 8.77 acres from rural residential to residence c
to yield further residential opportunities from the subject properties submitted by our Leveque Associates on behalf of Alice l Wilkis. The of Cleveland Public Hearing is now open. Mr. Leveque, He mouth off to the Thank you Mr. President and counselors Rob Leve from our Lebec Associates here this evening with the Wilkis family. Um, the Wils family is behind me to my left. We are here this evening for a request for a, what i, I would call a partial zone change zoning map amendment. Um, they have property on Main Street here in Westfield.
It's a large farm with a number of outbuildings and instructures on it. Uh, i, if it pleases the council, I'll go through the smart board. I understand there was a request to utilize the smart board. So I, we'll try to do that. I'm probably not smart enough, but I'll try. Um, So this is the subject property right here. You can see there's a large field out back. Um, there's a building right here that I think had a retail sells, I think used to sell dance equipment. Um, there's a barn, uh, existing family homestead. Uh, and then there's another, uh, structure
or was another structure at one point. Fenton Leasing is right here. Just so everybody understands. So, uh, this is the, uh, development that was done by Mark Bergon a number of years ago. It's a townhouse style, uh, condominium community. And the reason I raise that is that the, that is zoned what we're requesting the zone zoning map amendment be changed to. So just to clarify for everybody, I'll orient things the same way on my plan. So here's Main Street down here. This is the subject parcel. This is the d**e Westfield River. So a lot of the property, not all of the property is zoned,
I'm sorry, is in the floodplain. So the lower portion, the back portion pretty much right about like this. Um, this side is floodplain, the front is out. Um, the family understands that there's been some interest over the years related to, uh, ball fields. Um, they generally, I believe like that idea, um, still like that idea the zoning map amendment would allow the family to utilize the front of the property in a similar nature to next door. So this is a residency multifamily project with townhouses. I think it was done quite nicely.
Fairly attractive, very attractive actually, uh, for what we have. Um, and it's also meeting a need for the housing issues that we're having in the state of Massachusetts. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So the idea is to just take the front portion, not be, I'm gonna use the term greedy, not be greedy. You take the, ideally take the front portion, which is contiguous with that residency zoning district, extend it, but don't end it. We, I picked this particular line because I didn't want to extend it into the floodplain. As you can imagine down, uh, east Main Street, everything is in the floodplain.
So there is the potential that if they did get a zone change to another zone, say business or something else, which wouldn't be foreign on Main Street, um, it would allow them to do other things. But the family does care. Um, they do like the idea of potentially, um, this becoming ball fields. I know right now you got a lot to take care of, but in the future, this could be something that could be done in the PA in the back. So the back is essentially gonna remain agriculture for now, right? Leaving the options open for whatever happens in the future. And ideally they would like to, um, utilize the front of the property for a multifamily development similar to
what you see there or something similar that could be allowed in residency. I have a copy of the residency, um, zoning. If anybody has any questions. I don't know if that's on your share drive. Um, so I could answer any questions you may have, but that's the idea. There's no specific project at this time for this. This is kind of infant stages. And again, this is, has been in the city of Westfield, uh, the fa in the family's name for a number of decades in the idea would be to try to utilize the front of the property, which we all know is a great retail location for selling roses
and all those other things that happen there. But it's time for the family to kind of move on from those ideas and at least start thinking about, um, what they might do with the property. And this, in my opinion, and I believe in their opinion, is the highest and best use. Thank you Council rally, Mr. President. So Rob, if this was to be done, like what would be the frontage that the agricultural property, like how would that be accessed? Who owns that on? Um, I guess is, that's Meadow Street, right? Correct. Yep. So the, the property in the rear could be,
and well, the way we conceptually looked at it years ago, um, back when I believe Mike Crowley from Crowley Associates had done an appraisal and we had looked at it and I believe Jay Vinky may have looked at it as well. This intersection here is this that Noble, that's Noble Street. Noble Street. Um, that intersection would be the logical access to anything that happens in the, in the back, in the future. So that would arguably be left open. Um, it kind of necks down what we're, what we're thinking about doing. This is the area right here. Realistically, if there was a logical extension of something like this, that's kind of the area
that's the meat of the area that could be utilized. Thank you councilor me. Um, thank you, Mr. President. Rob, I'm looking at a, the picture that's on your easel and next to it, the GIS with the floodplain up. And I'm wondering if you can talk to me about the flood plain, the, the CIMA 2013 numbers right. Show the flood plain coming all the way up to the back of those buildings and halfway into the residential property that's next to the d**e. That's correct. But your map asking
for the zone change goes into that territory. That's correct. Okay. So You're, you're, you're accurate. The reason I did that is because if there's storm water controls, there's something that would be part of that, that area, a little bit of that area, you know, logically the low, lower part of the property likely could be utilized for that. So I'm, I'm just beyond the, what I would call the, the limit of the flood flood zone. So there's an extent shown on the map. It's really technically an elevation thing, as you're probably aware. Um, so on that slope where it drops down, right?
So I dunno if you've ever been on the property, but you know, where they sell the roses is a little, is higher, and then there's a slope beyond that area that drops down. That's where the, the flood zone transitioned transitions. But there is potentially the opportunity to utilize that area for a little bit of storm water. 'cause we have to send it somewhere. We don't want to send it into future ball fields. Mm-hmm. So the idea was give a, give us a little wiggle and that's all Right. So, um, I would it under the assumptions that the public hearing might continue for a minute, right? Uh, could we see the two maps overlaid so that,
because here's, here's my issue, right? If you were to say, yeah, that can be a different zone, and then somebody could go in and based on the zoning laws, you know, cut down the vegetation, right? Then you're not gonna be able to use those fields for fields or ball fields, because what they're gonna be is river, right? You can't, you can't just add impervious surface where there used to be trees and not end up with thousands and thousands and thousands of gallons of water. And so, and given that we are still outside of compliance with our own city ordinances,
not having a flood control commission, hello. We don't have anyone whose official job it is to come in here and speak to us about what kind of consequences there are to making a decision like that. And so I really need to see the map of what you're talking about with the floodplain on the same map. And I need to speak like, I need someone to speak to us about the consequences of that choice, right? Because the, I mean, that's, you're sitting right on top of
where the little river and the Westfield River converge, are you not, if you zoom out that, that bridge is right there. Yeah. So through the president, yes, please. Um, I'm gonna try to answer that question. Sorry. So the blue is the floodplain? Yeah. Okay. That's the horizontal extent of the FEMA 100 year flood zone. Okay. We can't build, legally you can't build a residential structure in a flood zone unless your finished floor is a minimum of one foot above base flood elevation. And you have to do all kinds of other crazy stuff as you can imagine they're doing in all these other,
you know, coastal cities and towns. So in particular, you really can't utilize this back area for residential purposes. And we have no intent. However, let's just say for example, it was business or zone business or you know, like, you know, for example, home Depot is literally sitting on a piece of property like this, probably about 200 feet, the parking lot's, probably about 200 feet or less to the actual Westfield River. So everything that you've seen in the East Main Street corridor is generally all in the floodplain. So there is compensatory storage regulations that compensate
for any flood waters lost. This particular floodplain is a floodplain as opposed to a floodway. The floodway is the velocity zone of the river, as you're aware. And that is the area generally along the river is also mapped by fema. That's the area where if you think of a hose, you know, you're, you're, you're running a hose through a Puddle. That's essentially what's happening, right? So that's where the, the, you know, the velocity is. So this is just the puddle it rises. You can't put residential property in, nor would we ever. But the reason I did that is because let's just say you did a nice little, um,
development like you have here. You could utilize that area in the same zoning district as part of that property for storm water purposes. So that's all, it's, so storm water design is independent. It's based on the 100 year storm versus the 100 year flood. They're completely in independent events. There's a lot of different, um, criteria. It's a multi-variable analysis that happens. But the bottom line is this area could only be used for residential purposes. If we rezone it to residency, it would only be the front area. It would only be up where they're selling flowers and where the, um, the barn
and the house and all that stuff. I'm not saying it will ever happen or that's exactly where it'll go, but that's the area out of the floodplain that could be utilized if we had the proper zoning. And that's all we're asking for today. Any pro uh, project that was done would have to be outta the floodplain. Um, I, we could have requested, and you may not have granted it, but we could have requested business A or business B, which would be very similar to what's happening next door, or very similar to what happens on East Main Street. We, I think they, they made a responsible choice, one because they like the land, right?
They've been there for a long time. Um, we're talking about leaving what was, you know, 80 to 90% of it ag for now agricultural. And then in the future, um, you know, maybe it becomes recreation. But for now we're really, we're probably, what are we taking, maybe less than 10% of the property in requesting something that we think is viable. So, um, and there would be multiple steps as you know, you know, for any permitting, special permits, potentially, um, you know, conservation related matters. Should we be in that jurisdiction?
So all of those things get looked at. Okay. May have one. Yes. And, and counsel, I good. Sorry. No, go ahead. Um, the little triangle over by the d**e. Why Yes, the, see how the juts out in that little triangle over to the d**e? Why the little, the pink sort of extra bit that goes right by counselor alley's head. Yeah. That little triangle. Bit wides. Yeah, I think it's just colored wrong. Um, that actually, well, they own the property there,
so it's basically along that line. But, you know, so I mean, it could be adjusted, but if it, you know, there's really not a lot that would end up going over there. It's really just kind of drawing that line across the property here. Okay. Thank you. Council Sullivan. So can I go, just go back to follow up on Councillor Allie's question with regards to Noble Street there and for access into the agricultural roll in what that doesn't exist there. Now There's some, so the MAs deal, I'm sorry, not the MAs, the, the city right of way there in the way
that the signal is created cross, there's, there's some geometry associated with that intersection. So, so there is a city or a public way on that side of the Street? Not into the property. Okay. No, but, so I guess my concern is, is That if it'd be a dr, we Granted, and it goes all the way across to there, which includes the, what would be the access? What prevents you from land locking the parcel in the back? Well, nothing prevents them now from land locking the parcel in the back. Right? I mean, technically they could, I mean, if it, if it's logical and if there's concerns about the limits, I mean the world according
to Rob is not always the perfect way to do things. So we would certainly be willing to amend or adjust. Uh, and, and frankly if that was a concern of the city, because this is a, you know, ideally this would be a valuable piece of property to the city, um, we could adjust. So I guess I'd at least like to see, I'm only speaking for myself, but I'd like to see that that's there, that we know that it's permanently there. Yep. There's gonna be some other use. Now I know you said that there isn't a project, although it's a little unusual to come in for the zone change without a project. Yeah. So color me slightly skeptical on this.
Well, I'm not saying I won't do a project. I, I, so, and I understand and look, I, I would salute, applaud and support creation of housing. I've been pretty vocal on that, on a lot of different fronts. So I think this is a great place to do that. So I'm generally supportive. I'm just a little skeptical that we don't have some idea what that project looks like. We could. So that's a great point. So it's the chicken and the egg. Um, so I have conceptualized what could go there, right? So obviously this, the, the, um, residency zoning would allow us to do certain things.
I would anticipate it would be a townhouse type of, uh, project, which I Think is a great project by the way. Similar, I think to feed off what's already there. Um, I would be happy to put, it's not obviously a binding plan, but I would happy, be happy to put a conceptual together to give you guys at least an idea of density and what it might look like. Um, maybe some examples of what, you know, structures could look like logically. Um, I don't anticipate the Wil Gus family will do that themselves. Sure. That would be a subsequent potential owner or something. Yep. You know, and maybe way down the road. But happy to do that and happy
to revisit the floodplain location. Um, as well as, um, you know, I, I think I would truncate what we're doing to provide, make sure that the res, rural res section is accommodated in that access is accommodated with that. So I could come back, if we could continue the hearing, I could come back in a couple weeks and have all of that information if that was logical to the council. Council. Fige, did you have a question? Yes, I, I, I'd like to request the city engineer weigh in on this to answer the concerns in, in lieu of the flood commission. Sure. Uh, I think she would be better versed in that
to give us the city point of view. So if we could have her input, that would be helpful. I think. And as a ward counselor, I'm in support of anything that's gonna improve that, that stretch of land. Mm-hmm. Um, it has been, uh, neglected at times, but, uh, it has been useful and I think this is a great opportunity for housing, especially if you continue the model that's already up there, uh, to the west. Mm-hmm. So I'm favorably supportive of it at this time as the work counselor Counselor Adams. Yeah,
I agree. I um, I actually was fortunate to, to deal with Alice several years ago mm-hmm. Trying to purchase that piece in the back, not the front for recreational use. And unfortunately it didn't happen. I wish it did, uh, because I think it's a great piece of property. Um, I just to follow up on Councilor Sullivan's question, I know our main sewer runs underneath that field. Mm-hmm. So what would the, is that an easement and do we have a way to get into there if we needed to? That was my only following up on this Question. Mm-hmm. You have both? We Have. Okay. Alright. Well I don't know how they access it.
I don't know if they access it. There is an easement. Yeah. Yeah. I'd assume if something happens to that pipe, yes. They need to get in there somehow. 'cause that's the main one I think. Yeah. One of Them. I mean, the most logical access would be off of Noble and then there's a little, you know, farm path down or, you know, farm road now. But certainly formalizing that type of thing. Makes sense. Thank you. Yep. Councilor. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I just to piggyback off of that, I, if we're talking about multi-unit housing there, I would also, in addition to the engineer and thank you Councilor Figgy, um, I'd like
to hear from sewer just to make sure that it's okay. I know that Williams riding way had had, you know, there have been some issues previously and I just wanna make sure that, um, high density can go there and Sure. Not have a capacity problem. Absolutely. Thank you. Makes sense. Makes sense. Councilor Matthew, did you have something? Oh no, I was pointing that. Councilor Fer. Yeah. Thank you. Just to Robin on as far as easement from, well, councilor Adam to chair, um, a few years back, we did reinforce those with the wilkis, um, family through the, uh, I believe it was the sewer. So there are multiple easements in there. Okay, great.
Yes, we, we are aware of the easements. They're on a plan that we have. We can show you that as well. Mm-hmm. Anything further from the council before we ask the general public? Anyone in like to ask a question of fact regarding this project? Question of fact. Okay. Anybody else get a motion to continue? Motion to continue the vote hearing second. Motion made it seconded. All in favor? Aye. Opposed To show you that the easement is on the plan. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. That's where this public hearing is continued. Thank you. Item 11 is
a public hearing on his own change petition for TV Realty in Development, Inc. For zero lock House Road from industrial a IA to re CRC to construct multiple duplex units submitted by Michael Ventres. Owner Is The applicant here? Yes. From the public hearing. How you doing? I'm Michael Ventres, uh, widen Road in Westfield. I have, uh, zero lock house Road, which is zero, but it's on the one way side where after the railroad track bridge until Arch Road. In that section on the left, there's uh, like 17 acres.
And I just want to convert that from industrial to, uh, residency. Do You have any plans or anything that you brought that we can? I do, but my engineer told me that to do a zone change, I don't really need anything right now 'cause it's the whole piece. So I have, I I don't know how to do this. I can put the map. It is, there's a map on the file, sir. So Our code zero lockouts, It's a good thing. Rob's here. I think we're gonna have to start Charging. I think it's right there. It is still be in the mail. That's debatable. Yes. Perfect. So is That's the parcel?
It is this piece right here. Okay. And you want to change it to, Right now it's industrial and I would like to change to reside Residential C. Okay. Any questions from the counselors? And uh, just so you know, residential C of, what's it all here? This is proposed for I think 80 units or something. Someone Turn it off? Yeah. Good thing Rob's here. There we go. Alright. This is, if I may, it's on page, Page 6 76 Of the, uh, councils Here. Great. Okay. And there's an existing dwelling there now. Excuse me. There's nothing there. It's just raw land.
Questions from the council. Council Miller? Does it have water and sewer? It has water and sewer. No gas Councilor Figgy. Uh, are you going to need any kind of permits from the Conservation Commission For this? I already passed the conservation. Unsatisfied. Yeah, we, I actually like right here, I have a road from here all the way down to here. Uh, 22 feet wide, uh, 18 inches deep, you know, trap rock, things like that. Yeah. Any other questions from the council? Uh, council Fannie, Thank you. Um, I know this is a zone change and it's not contingent upon a project,
but what is the project that you think that you're gonna do? We're hoping to build a multiple, two families. And how many would you think? I think I can fit 25. Two families. 25 2 families. So all two families. Not like an apartment complex, Not an apartment complex Individual. Two Family, one association. Any other questions of the council? I councilor Salt. I guess I, through the chair. I guess I'd just make the same comment that I made in the last one.
I, I'm all in on housing, but I, I'd like to have some kind of concept, even if it's a conceptual plan as to what it is. I mean, it's, it's pretty vague. Is the problem with nothing really here in front of us other than the parcel Cons. BII Legally I don't think we can discuss what the project is until that zone. This is based off the zone Chair, so Correct. We go through this all the time. Correct. But I get nervous as we say no to this now we've already opened it up saying that it's gonna be housing that opens us up to, to some, some Issues. Well, I mean, we're changing it from industrial to residential, so it's gonna be some form of housing.
Less, less aggressive use. I'm concern. Councilor me. Uh, Thank you Mr. President. Where, um, is the, isn't that one little one lane bridge up there? Where is that in comparison to where the, So the one lane bridge probably right here. Just Past it. Yes. See the railroad tracks? This is the railroad track, so Yep. Counselor, if you drive up there. Yep. You can see, you can see the stone mat already in place On the, on the left. It's that, yeah, I go up there. So I, so, so people you're talking about putting 25 2 families.
So that's 50 residential units. That's my whole up there on the other side of that one way bridge? Correct. Okay. That, that's a lot of traffic on that little road. Yeah. The, the, well, it's lock house road. It's not a little road. Are we gonna fix the bridge? I'm Sorry. That's on May. That's uh, June 3rd with the traffic commission. Okay. Is it to have the bridge redone? No, To have it two ways. Okay, thank you. Yeah. Councillor Adams. So, so I'm assuming you're gonna, you're gonna make
that a good road going in right now. It's trap rock. Would that be the plan? Yes. Yeah. Yeah. So you, you put the road. Well, no, see right here. Well, let me try to move this. Oops. I don't know what I, there we go. So right here is Arch Road. This is lock house. So lock house starts like here. Arch Road comes from here. Yep. So this road is wide enough and my property starts 70 feet from Arch Road Lock house road intersection. Yep. Yep. So for like a, let's just call it, you know, a hundred feet, we'll make it two ways and then they'll come onto my property
and I'll have like a cul-de-sac or something like in this area. Oh, so the road you have there, just as a road to get in there? Not for now, Yeah. It's just by rights. I have the right Access my property. Oh, okay. I didn't know if that was part of your Well, That's gonna be the entrance to the back where, you know, 'cause you know, it starts in this area. Okay. You know, this is where, you know, another cul-de-sac essentially would be. Thank you. Councilor Beam. A couple questions, Mike. Um, how long have you owned the property? Excuse me? How long have you owned the property? Two years. And is it, has there any been any discussion about businesses being placed there? You know, at that
Period of time? What kind? I, I did think about businesses. I think the owner before had discussed that. That's why I was curious. Well, I think that might have been me. Okay. Yeah. I was gonna do storage, same thing. Storage and then the micro businesses, like, kind of like a strip mall. I was gonna do that, but there's like right 20 in Westfield already, we don't really need anymore. So I've kind of been back and forth with what to do. Yeah. So, I mean, residential is probably the most economical and needed, you know, that's my thought. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Any other questions from the council? Any questions from anyone in the chamber regarding this?
Questions of fact? From anybody in the chamber? Seeing none get a motion. Motion to close the public hearing. Second Motion made it seconded for the discussion. Yeah, I'd like to request A, uh, confirmation for the conservation commission be part of the committee hearing. Okay. Just to state I I submitted the satisfactory. Yeah, Just for the record. Just needs. Yeah. Yep. Yeah, that's fine. Councilor Miller? Um, thank you Mr. President. I would be much more willing to say yes to a zone change if I knew for a fact that that road was gonna be able to handle it. I, if there is any way to get the information from traffic
before, can we, if we say that we want it, can we take it after the public hearing closes or do we have to keep it open to get that? Can I just answer that? Yes. Like when you say handle, handle, what If you were gonna put even a hundred people that went to work up there, But we don't know that that's, that's the problem with these zone changes. We can't like, get into the project discussions. If it were one person and one car, I wouldn't have an issue at all. If it, it were more than one person. That road I, I, I'm just concerned about biting off things we can't do. Alright. So one last quick question please. Just one.
Just one. Okay. Is there public utilities there? What? Public utilities? It has water, sewer, and electric. It has everything. Good. Thank you. Just doesn't have gas. Gas is probably 200 feet away. Maybe water and sewer in the middle of blockhouse, but they haven't, it's been paved within the past seven years so you can't touch it. Water and sewers just Fine. Water and sewer. Yeah Sir, Just one last question just 'cause I don't want, tell me where it's one way and it's two ways there. It's a little tricky. Right? So just so we all understand that George's auto body is Yep. So you go up and go past that Bushman Ave,
you know, go in that area. You go over towards the dump. If you can go that way to the dump, you're gonna go over a one way railroad Track bridge. So, so that's only you, that's only going towards the double. That's one way there. Correct. It's one way from the bridge to lock house. Right. You can't take a right on there and go the other way from lock house. Correct. So it's one way out and that's towards, towards the pike and towards that. That's, that's It. Okay. Just so everybody understands kind of what you're Talking about. Yeah. There's never gonna be two ways going over that bridge unless the railroad wants to spend 20 million and put a bridge in.
Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Alright, we have a motion and a second to close a public hearing. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Public hearing is closed sent to ZPD. Yeah. Motion sent to ZPD second motion made it second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Thank you sir. Thank you. Item 12, there's a public hearing for zoning change. Petition for apportion 66 Holyoke Road 0.5 acres from residence B2B business B to use the rear area for business purposes. Submitted by our VEC associates on behalf of Michael j Sitz.
Public hearing is now open Me again. Uh, Rob Levek from our Lebec Associates here this evening, uh, representing our pharmacy, the property owners, uh, for the subject property, um, for a portion of 66 Holyoke Road. Uh, Michael is here with us in the corner. Um, we are here this evening to really just extend the existing zoning. Um, I'm not far on the map, I think from where I need to be here. I Can only see that far. Mr. President, it's 6 98 on The council. Thank you councilor. Thanks Kate. Appreciate it.
Okay, here we're Sorry about that. So if everybody's familiar with The subject property, there's really, there's really two existing properties that are zoned. And I'll go, I'll turn the zoning on in a second. But here's the subject property here. And then also this one, these are both zone business B. We're looking to extend the business B zoning to this rear yard here, which would be consistent with the adjacent property. Um, so to give you, if you look on my map to the left, you'll see that we're looking, uh, the, the map on the, uh, on the plan to the left. Um, you'll see there's a green that on the plan
to the right we're want to change to tan. That's, that's the extension of the business B zoning district that we're requesting. So just to turn the zoning on here, So this is, these are these two properties here. And what we're looking to do is just extend so that we are consistent with the other, uh, business B zoning along this whole corridor. Um, and then we're leaving the house that's on Holyoke Road. That would be remain residential. So we're not impacting that at all. Um, and again, just again and under utilized property here, this is more
business related because of the location. Um, so we're looking to just clean up the zoning and we're looking at concepts now. Um, there are a number of different concepts that could be allowed in Business B, um, uh, not least of which would be the potential for, um, expansion of the pharmacy or similar symbiotic use. And we could speak to that, you know, should you, you know, you know, logistically should the, you know, have questions for the owner. So I'd be happy to answer any questions you have on this one, but feels fairly straightforward. Thank you. Councilor Fige, where would, how would you access that
From front? It looks like there's separate parcels. Uh, so this, no, so this, well, right now they're separate parcels. So the idea would be that this would be one contiguous property, you know? Mm-hmm. Let's call it a rectangle that would be able to be utilized. The geometry works better for something, you know, whether it be single or multi, um, building, you know, multiple principle structures on one lot or one single principle structure. Either way, um, it would allow for the proper, well, the, a higher
and better use than what we could do on the property there now. Um, and then arguably providing tax base for the property. It's again, underutilized as a, there's a residential property on the corner. Um, and then there's the, the arrow pharmacy. So the idea would be to try to utilize the property to the highest and best use Counsel, just, just to follow up, so the existing BB and the proposed change are owned by the same person? Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. That's good. Thank you. Any other questions from the council? Nope. Anyone in the chamber have a question
of fact regarding this? Sir, please step up, name and address. My name's Troy Boak 70 Boyle Road, which is that green strip right next to the pros change. Um, uh, I can't get into too much that they're just doing a rezoning, is that correct? So like future projects we can't Right. Talk about, can I ask general questions? Okay. Um, any lights shining into like my bedroom? Well that would be addressed by the planning board because they would, that would be a photometric plan with any submission they'd have, they'd have
to put in a photometric plan to, to not allow that to happen. Okay. There will be like a whole site plan approval too. If, if something goes, it would be another meeting. Yeah, that would be before the planning board, before anything happened with that. Okay. I don't have any problem with it other than that's just kind of forcing my concern about No. Okay. Thank you. Understood. Anyone else have any comments? I put that little buzzer in there. Get scare people away. Great. Anyone else have any questions? Of fact? Anyone in the chamber like to speak in favor of this project zone change? May I council me
A question of fact, Mr. President. Um, Rob is, is the idea to split that parcel and have two separate parcels with two separate zones? Or is the idea that that new parcel is gonna end up being business, be that has like the preexisting house in it and then someday somebody's gonna want that other tiny little square and it's all gonna be business B over there? The idea is to leave the residential property as is. I would think the next step at some point, uh, maybe when there is a project, um, would be to divide off
the residential property as its own small, slightly smaller lot. Um, making sure that we meet the conforming, you know, requirements or conform to the requirements. Um, so I would see that northern portion or the top portion of that green strip that we're looking to change, um, being at some point utilized for business. And then the, then the southern portion along, I mean, the value of the house. I mean, a house these days, you know, is worth, even our basic house is probably worth $350,000. So, um, the cost, it's really not feasible to, you know,
not only do they not want to have that interest in that, but um, or we would've rezoned the whole property that, or requested to rezone the whole property that way. But it's financially it's a big hit to take even on a project, you know, that might might come in. Okay. Thank you. Yep. Thank you. Council Ky. Thank you Mr. President, how much is left in, uh, residence? B As far as size? Um, Let's just say it's a hundred by a hundred square maybe. I'm, I'm, I'm roughing it. Does that, uh, does that meet having a house on it for
that resident or for that zone? Yeah, the house is on that portion. Right. But, but we would, we would, we would, um, you know, whatever we need for the lot size, we would be able to achieve independent of the, independent of any sort of, uh, zoning break. So if it does break into several lots, the one lot with the house on it, that's not now the approximately a hundred by a hundred foot would extend beyond that to make it conform. It might, we would need to, arguably we would need to make it conforming if we wanted to divide it off with an approval, not required plan.
So it would, we can't create a non-conformity unless we got a variance for some reason, which wasn't the intent. So how would, how would you end up splitting that lot, Uh, with an a and r plan submitted to the, um, to the planning board for endorsement? Um, as long as we have the required amount of frontage and area, we're not creating a zoning, you know, this stuff. I'm just kidding. Well, I'm just, I don't know off the top of my head what the size of the conforming law Is. Yeah. So it's, it would be based on the, um, the residential portion. We would have to adhere to that. So we can't, you know, we can't deviate from that.
Um, if it's in residence a I guess technically you could look at lot size averaging, which is another method for dividing that off. So that could be something I, to be honest with. I didn't look at that it that way, but there, you're aware of that other Method. Yeah, I don't think it would fit there. I don't know. Those lots are all pretty, They're pretty big. Yeah. So probably would just be the, the typical conventional a and r meet, meet the frontage in the area. Thank you. You're Welcome. Anything further? Anything further from the chamber? Seeing none, can I get a motion? Motion to close the public hearing? Second. Second motion made it seconded. And, uh, to refer to ZPD? Yeah. Refer
To ZPD. Yes. Thank you. Second. Motion made it seconded. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Public hearing is now closed. I think you go home now, right? I appreciate It. Thank 14. No, you can't go home. Oh, item 13. He's got another one. Yeah, he's got two more. Council Fanny. Um, item 13 is r Lebeck Associates Inc. Submitting an application on behalf of the Hughes Family Realty. LLC for a truck terminal to be located at one 60 Falcon Drive. Um, motion to schedule a public hearing referred as ZPD,
planning Board of Health, conservation City Engineer and Water Commission. Second. She made it seconded. Any discussion on sending to Councilor Malick? Can We get a defibrillator for Mr. Lebeck, please? All right. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed all the hands of ZPD and everybody else. Um, item 14, councilor Fanon. Item 14 is Arlo Associates Inc. Submitting an application on behalf of R-Y-M-C-L-L-C and Carol o Brian Gahar for an amendment to the city council. Special permit to include trailer storage
at zero North Road. Um, motion to schedule a public hearing and refer to zoning ZPD and planning Second. Motion made it second. Any further discussion? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Now on for public hearing. Item 15. Who wants item 15? Nobody. Nobody claimed it. Council. Mel, you want that one? Sure. Uh, item 15 is Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource submitting an agricultural preservation restriction violation for Stewart Arnold Real Estate,
LLC at zero South Meadow Road. Um, motion to send a natural resources. Second. Second. Motion made and seconded. Any further discussion on natural resources? All in favor? All right. Moving right along. Reports of committees finance. Item 16, councilor Figgy. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, finances met and on a three zero vote would recommend approval of the appropriation of the amount of $500,000 from the CPA UN designated FY 25 count. The CPA skate park recreation count for the rehab
and modernization of the city of Skate park. Second, second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion counselor. Thank you, Mr. President. This is a request through the community development office, PJ Miller for on behalf of the skate park. Um, the skate park is on a piece of dedicated park land four to six years ago, the school committee surplus to, and it was assigned to, uh, to the Park Department. Uh, the folks that are proposing this have
obtained a preliminary approval for land and water grant through the federal government administered by the state for $800,000. Uh, this grant is not finalized yet, but it's in the process and it's looking good at surviving everything that's going on in Washington at this point. The estimated, um, total cost for this project is 1.3 million. The advocacy group is trying to raise 25,000 on their own. Uh, if for some reason the grant from the feds doesn't come through, then this money would not be spent.
It would be sent back to the UN-designated account for the CPA. Uh, for further work on how to fund this project. Uh, after tonight, actions on the CPA, uh, other motions, including this one. It will leave a balance of $1.4 million. Uh, there's still a $400,000 pending in committee for the anum. So that's where we're at. Councilor Sullivan. I would just add that if, and if councilor figure may have covered it, but if this doesn't get spent or the federal grant doesn't come through
or the rest of the money isn't raised, all of this just comes back to the, uh, CPA funds. That's what Councilor Figi Said, I thought pretty much the case. And I like that confirmation. Yes. Anything further? Councilor Fanon and Mel. Thank Mr. President. Um, as liaison to the CPCI was at this meeting and it was discussed that this is an appropriate use for resident, resident recreational, um, funds. And Jeff Burke, who has been on this project since 2019, was present. And he explained that this will, this project would be used
for all wheel sports, including bikes, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, wheelchairs. So everybody will have, and it'll be, it'll be a full access skate park. Okay. Council mill. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I just wanted to say that I did in fact, look up what you make all wheel skate parks with, because I mean, you know, right? But it turns out it's cement, wood and metal, steel, cement and wood. And, um, while I would again, like to have the city engineer, um, speak to people about it, because of course this is right next to the little river
and we don't have a flood control commission. Um, it would be, uh, a really good use of appropriate funds for, um, a community that often has children saying there's nothing to do here. So, um, I would appreciate it, uh, if you know it all worked out. And, uh, if it doesn't and the money goes back, that's okay. And if people have a problem with spending CPA money, there is another avenue for them to take care of that. But this falls within the appropriate expense. Um, so I'm okay with it. Thank you. Anything further? Roll call. Madams
Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Shandy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Canyon? Yes. Fige? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan. Elliot. Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item 17. Councilor Sullivan. Yes. Thank you. Mr. President. Uh, finances Matt and recommends the appropriation of $90,000 from the Community Preservation UN-designated fund. Uh, fiscal 25 account to, um, CPA Amelia Park's Memorial Garden for drainage rehabilitation improvements to Amelia Park Garden. I move approval.
Second. Motion. Made it seconded. Further discussion, Counsel? Yes. Executive director Bill Fellows was, um, present and presented this proposal as he had previously done to the CPA committee. Um, I think all the details are in the council share. The $90,000 will go for work that's done in the center, um, of Amelia Park, which is, is a basic circle. Grassland. There's nothing else there. Currently. There's a gazebo that will probably have to come down since it is 25 years old and not movable. Um, the drainage there, they've had an analysis done, um,
and they'll have to pull up all the, all the sod and, um, put in new piping. This'll cover that. Um, just so the council is aware, that actually sits on city property, as does the Boys and Girls Club, as does, um, the museum. Um, and there's a reversion in, in the agreements that if it ceases to operate, um, as a, uh, in this case, um, the ice rink in the garden, it reverts back to the city of Westfield. So it is technically, um, on city property. So therefore I do think an appropriate use
of these, um, funds. Um, none of these, um, institutions have required contributions from the city in the past. So this would be the first time that that's done. It's maintained, um, by Amelia, um, the arena, um, in that board through donations, through fundraising, um, through some operating monies that they have. But they take care of the maintenance of that. Um, and there is an op, there is an, uh, access plan here, um, where the gates would be open, um, to the general public, um, to be able to go in
and use take a walk around. Actually did it tonight. Um, and, um, they look to create some recreational opportunities with both the museum and the Boys and Girls Club for future and more active, um, public use. It's where they used to do the, um, musical concerts down there, um, back a few years ago. I don't think they've done 'em for a couple of years 'cause it's really unusable. It's just, it's all soggy in there. So it's not safe under foot. Anything further? Seeing none. City Court. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Beltran? Yes. Burns? Yes.
Fanon? Yes. Figy? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Miller? Yes. Morgan Elli. Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item 18, councilor Beam. Thank you. Mr. President. Finance Committee has met with a three zero appropriate or, uh, approval for the appropriation. The amount of $6,000 from the community preservation on designated FY 25 account to the CPA WIP collection, display account to purchase display cases for the recently donated collection of historic whips for the Westfield Museum. Second,
Second Motion. Made it seconded for the discussion Council. I think we, uh, a few months back, maybe even a little longer, we saw probably an article in the paper that there was a purchase from a donor of 52 whips that, uh, the library and the city felt that was, um, uh, smart to do because these whips were pertinent to the city of Westfield. Uh, this particular $6,000 will, uh, which is a local business, uh, John Carlo woodworking will create a case lighting and preservation of these whips. Um, the, uh, there's an additional $500
that's already in their kitty that came from, uh, a donor, um, sometime ago. So they're asking for the additional 6,000 for this purchase. Council Mellon. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, as liaison, I go to these meetings and it turns out that the, the whips that they have, um, they can't be properly displayed with the bookcase that they have in the way that they are now. And when they bring little kids in to look at that, they can't see them. So the idea for this is to make it so that the public can actually view and enjoy the pieces that we have, um, in a way
that can be educational and, uh, useful. Thank you. Councilor Adams? I Think vice president. I just wanna, I'm not gonna publicly say who the donors were, but I wanna thank the donors because they actually took the money out of their pocket to preserve these whips. That Westfield, which I didn't know, had about 25 to 30 whip factories and talking to Bruce Cordes for an hour and a half. Um, very knowledgeable, very knowledgeable person.
He doesn't even live in the city, believe it or not. Um, but he said half the city was employed by a whip factory. So this is totally historic and I thanked those people that took the money out of their pocket to give these to Westfield, uh, to keep Westfield what it is or what it was years ago. Anything further? Seeing none. Roll call. Adams. Yes. Allie? Yes. Beans? Yes. Be yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Fige? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan Elli. Yes. Oniskey?
Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item 19. Councilor Bean. Thank you. Mr. President. Finance Committee has met with a three zero approval for the appropriation, the amount of $2,000 from the community preservation on designated FY 25 account to the CPA Hamden Hampshire Canal account to complete a previous funded regional effort for an archeological inventory study of the canal. Second. So, which you made it seconded for the discussion counsel. I read the, the word archeological, uh, several times before I actually said it out loud.
So I just wanted everybody to understand that. Uh, and I'm proud of myself at this point. Um, so this particular $2,000, this was some funds that we had given prior to this, uh, this additional $2,000. This $2,000 will actually complete the project, this regional project, to map out and do any kind of studies. Um, and again, to kind of preserve the history of what, uh, the canal is and what it does did for us. Yes. Councilor Matthews Kane. Thank you. I think I said this last time, but my fifth or sixth grade history project was on the Westfield Canal. So I'm very excited about this. Thank you.
And, and you got an a, we all, we all know that Councilor f and then council. Yeah. Um, this is, we are one part of a six community group that has gone together to fund this. And five others have already approved their 2000 share. Council Sullivan. Yeah. So I'm gonna vote for this. So this comment is more in general at the committee. We did spend some time at the end talking to Jayski and some others that the uses of the community preservation fund, um, and that, you know, it can't just be looked at
as being a maintenance account for, um, for these different projects. Um, and you know, they're supposed to be, you know, housing and historical, which is fine. They're very active and land preservation, which, you know, we haven't done a whole lot with here. And which is really how this program, um, back when it was first passed in the, in the city was really aimed at, um, at, um, land preservation. And certainly recreation is a, is a, um, appropriate use which came later, uh, in the legislation than the original legislation. Um, but using the designated funds, which, you know, kind
of are a separate pot of money, uh, in the sense that there is money set aside every year for housing and historical and um, and land preservation. And then the, I think it's 10% and then the rest goes into the undesignated fund. Well, the undesignated fund gets spent on things that, you know, aren't necessarily evenly divided between the main purposes of that. So again, I was just speaking for myself that there's really nothing that's gone towards housing, um, at all. And there's been very little, um, for land preservation in recent years and it's been mostly historical
and recreational all perfectly fine legal support, the uses. But, you know, we did have that conversation in terms of, um, how those monies came, um, and go through the, the process and then ultimately come to the council. Great. Councilor Adams? Yeah, just like, I kind kind of wanna re just respond to that real quickly. I've always been a, a advocate for land because I, that's what I think it was for. And here's my worry a little bit, and maybe this could be a most a, a motion coming was
with our taxes going up, which they're gonna happen. I don't think there's any way around it. So doesn't our CPA money's going up. I pay over a thousand dollars a year for it myself. That's me. That pool is getting bigger and bigger. Um, and I just feel that we're using it for a lot of different things that, as Councillor Sullivan said was originally voted on. So I'm not sure if it it to to, to be fair to the voters to go back to them and see if they still want to pay a tax because that's what it's exactly.
It's a tax and our taxes are going up and so loan our taxes on the CPA, I think it's one, two, or one. I, I'm not exactly sure. It's one or 1.2. So with our taxes going up, so will the CPA fund, so our taxes are gonna go up even more for the people. But with the CPA fund, and technically, I don't know if everybody's on board, I've heard that people aren't on board with a lot of ways we're spending this money on. I've always said if it's owned by the city, I don't mind spending it voting. Yes. But if it's a private club, which many great things I've done with the private clubs in town,
we have spent money that have benefited private clubs, but the people paying their taxes have come to me and said, why am I paying my tax for a private club? And I I, I got, I agree with 'em to a point. So I think the conversation needs to continue about letting the people who are paying this have the say if they want to continue to pay it and at least maybe draw something up that says, these are the things now that we're using it for. That wasn't allowed when you voted for this.
So I just wanted to bring that out because people are coming to me about many things we're spending money on that they don't feel was what their tax money and they voted for. So I just wanted to add my 2 cents to That. Councillor Miller. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I have totally heard the same thing and would agree that there are mechanisms by which the voters can change that if that's, if that's what they wanna do. Um, which would make me sad because I do think we need to purchase and preserve land. Um, but this particular vote is about $2,000
to finish up the canal thing. Which if I can get a copy of that report by the way, I would like to read. Um, but I, I just wanna bring it back to where we were. Yeah. It's, it, it's $2,000, which we make mistakes bigger than that. And it, it's to finish a project, uh, talking about what was at the time a huge transportation deal for us to have a canal that went all the way, you know, down to New Haven. Um, and got immediately wiped out by the railroads by the way.
But, but it is very interesting and it is 2000 and so I just wanted to bring that back and thank you. 'cause I have heard the same thing. Yes. Councilor Harris. Thank you Mr. Resident. Um, councilor Adams and everybody else. I approached the chair of the finance committee with the exact situation that you described and he was going to look into perhaps his committee, um, discussing that. Anything further? No. Roll call. Member city Clerk. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Beam? Yes. Yes. Burns? Yes.
Ian? Yes. Figy? Yes. Harris? Yes. Here. Matthews Kane? Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan Alley? Yes. On Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item 20. Councilor Figgy. Thank you Mr. President. Finance committee as met and on A three zero volt votes to recommend the transfer in the amount of $20,000. $20,222 and 73 cents from the PEG undesignated FY 25 account to the peg additional capital equipment account to purchase equipment for the FM radio station. That city has been awarded a license for by the FCC
Second Motion. Made it seconded. Further discussion, counselor? Yeah. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, if he called was in front of us to explain this. Um, this money will allow for the transmission chain to be completed. A 300 watt antenna transmission, uh, will be erected on the tower of the water department on Reservoir Road in Southwick. This will allow the radio station to have coverage to the Springfield line, north Hampton and the Hill town.
The call sign's going to be WSFD 1 0 7 0.5 fm. Yes. Cons. Elli. Thank you Mr. President. Yeah. I was disappointed to find out that W-H-I-P-W in Mooresville, North Carolina and WWHP WIP in Illinois were already taken. So we don't have WIP radio in the whip city, but we'll take what we can get. Right? I think that's quite an accomplishment. Anything further? Roll. City Park. Adams? Yes. Hallie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Bill Chandy. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fania? Yes. Biggie? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthews.
Kane? Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan? Yes. Ky? Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Legislative. An ordinance committee. Item 21. Councilor Adams? Yes. Thank Mr. President The bet and gives a favorable, uh, recommendation. Three zero to a resolution authorized in the mayor to execute documents relative to an agricultural preservation restriction. Second. Well, she made it seconded. Further discussion, counsel? Yes. Um, we are, this is a state program that is for the agriculture that actually is kind of, we were just talking about the open space. We, this property is a 16 acre piece
of property on North Road. I think many of you know it as fields of flowers. I think it's, I think there's a big sign there. Um, across the street. They already have a conservation restriction with the same exact thing with MDA. Um, now they want to go on the other side. I believe it's to keep their family business going. And I believe it's kind of near the aquifer. So that 16 acre piece of property may some, could have some day been something that could have affected our aquifer in a big way. Um, so I, I, I, speaking to the woman
who was uh, there the other night, um, Patricia Field, I think that's why it's fields of flowers. Um, KO Jack, I thanked her for, for doing, for, for, for bringing 60 more acres across the street, um, to preserve it, which keeps a family business running and it keeps a lot of things off our aquifer. Yeah, this is a home run here because the state is paying I think like 300 and, uh, $20,000. We're only entitled to 10% of that, which is even better.
The state's paying most of it we're just paying, uh, 30 something. I think it was $32,000 for this piece to keep natural forever. Um, so that's pretty much kind of where we're at. And I think you can't lose on this one. Council Allen Famous president. And, uh, I'd like to, uh, add also, uh, Patricia Fields. Um, her property would've abutted that lithium facility. Um, and we had very few people that worked harder or more dedicated in more towns than her. Um, in support of Westfield.
Um, her heart's in the right place. She's about doing the right thing. Um, she went and we're talking farms up in Hadley. I mean, this woman did yeoman's work. Um, and she lives in Holyoke and she cared that much about Westfield. Still just unbelievable, which that woman did. So I know she does things for the right reason. I was very glad I, you know, I knew of her before, but through this, I mean, this woman does things for the right reason. So I would definitely support this Counselor. You have the Resolution. Yeah. The resolution authorized the mayor to execute documents relative to an agricultural preservation restriction.
Thank you. Anything further? All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Item 22, councilor burns. Yeah. Thank you Mr. President Allan o amen. Last evening in a a three zero vote, we voted to amend chapter 16 of the ordinance section 16 dash 1 0 7. Temporary repair on private ways. Seconded. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion, counsel? Yeah, Mr. Let me get there. Okay. Here we're, um, this is, um, counselor fan's, uh, so to speak, baby.
I mean she actually just the amount of research she did just to get to section 16 dash oh seven. I don't know how she did that. It would for the repairs. Quite a fe there. But anyways, um, there's two, there's two headings on this. Um, if you have, if you look on your council share there, um, number three, which is if such way has been open to public use for a period of 50 years or more. Well, the engineer came before us and plus at the DPW meeting I I attended.
And if we waited 50 years to fix a street, that basically most of 'em, you know, as we all know, were just driveways anyways when they built these projects. So that's one of the changes we're gonna make. Item number four, petition signed by at least 51%. It was agreed upon between the DPW um, commission and also, um, our l and o that it was gonna be 66%. Now, unfortunately because of time restraints, uh, uh, law couldn't, uh, get the ordinances today. So we're gonna do, I'm gonna ask the table in this motion
until next meeting. Second. Motion made is second at the table. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? No. You a no. Yeah. One, no. Item 23. Council Ms. Sch, we need to Thank you Mr. President Ele O met on five 14 and upon a three zero vote recommended approval of item three or 23 Second. Motion made it Second. Further discussion. Counselor? Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, city of Westfield, accepted general laws chapter 59 section five clause seven,
clause 17 F, which, um, actually authorizes a Rebate, if you will, or, uh, dollars off of, uh, the taxes, uh, for, for residents. Now, in order for a resident to get this property tax reduction, uh, they need to be a senior, they need to have $40,000 or less of assets not including, uh, cars or homes. Also, it could be a surviving spouse that would be eligible
or a, uh, a surviving, um, child that would be eligible for this. So there's an annual application for people to fill this, uh, fill this out and get this exemption. The exemption, I'm saying again, this is all in place right now. The exemption is now $175. What this change will do is allow that $175 to increase on an annual basis based on a cost of living adjustment, which is equal to the, uh,
CPI in this case there. Uh, the CPI was, uh, 2.9%. So the $175 will be increased on an annual basis by the CPI in this case, for this year, it's $5 and 7 cents. Uh, not a lot of money, but it, it does help and it's really a stroke of the pen that'll, that'll do this. The state reimburses the city for this, uh, reduction or this rebate, if you want to call it state, allows up to $10,850 right now.
The, uh, there's 40 applicants for this program, um, which equates to set about $7,200. So this is no extra money, uh, from the city, the state, the state covers this, so this portion, and I'll get into 24 after, but this portion allows us the city to increase this automatically on a yearly basis by the CPI. So as you could see, it's about $5, you know, $5 a year.
Mm-hmm. That's it. That's it. Any questions? Roll call. Madam City Clerk Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. B? Yes. Beam? Yes. Belt. Andy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Vi? Yes. Harris? Yes. Matthew Kane? Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Sullivan? Yes. Thank you. Item 24. Council Oniskey. Thank you Mr. President Lan O on, uh, May 14th. Upon a three zero vote. Vote, voted to recommend approval of item 24. Second motion. Made it seconded. Further
Discussion comes. Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. This is somewhat related to, uh, the item we just voted on. I had mentioned that the base asset limit was $40,000. What this resolution, which I need to, to read when we're done with these yes. Um, is to increase that resolution also by the CPI, um, every year. So it'll go up from $40,000 it year, uh, with the CPI, it'll go to $41,160.
So the, the assets that you can have to apply for this or to be actually selected for this, uh, would change from $40,000 to $41,160 every year. Again, it would be increased by the, uh, CPI level. Anything further? Would you like to read it, Sir? Uh, yes. Uh, the resolution, I'll read it for 24. I should have done it for the last one also. Uh, 24 is an ordinance amending the code of ordinances. City of Westfield adopted June 17th, 1993.
Oh, no, I'm sorry. No, that's just if I may, uh, correction, resolution of the city council, of the city of Westfield, whereas, uh, mass communities have the option of automatically increasing the amount of assets certain senior citizens and surviving spouses and minors may have and qualify for an exemption under general laws Chapter 59, section five, clause 17, 17 C 17 C one slash two or 17 D by the cola, uh, determined by the commissioner of re of revenue, be it resolved. Therefore, the city of Westfield City Council hereby accepts
a general laws chapter 59, section five, clause 17 E, which authorizes an annual increase in the asset whole estate limit for exemptions granted to senior citizens, surviving spouses, surviving minors under general laws Chapter 59, section five, clause 17 D by the percentage increase in the US Department of Labor, bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index for the previous year, as determined by the commissioner of revenue to be effective for exemptions granted
for any fiscal year on or after July 1st, 2025. We already voted on that. That was, did we take the vote on 24? Yes. Okay. If I may read No. 24. We didn't. Okay. So that's what we need to accept then that resolution. So, All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Now, item 24. Same. Thank You. If I may go back to 23. I did not read the resolution. And if I may just read this one by title only, please. It's not as quite as descriptive or as eloquent as the previous one, but it reads a resolution of the city council, the city of Westfield.
Thank you. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unfinished business Item 25. Council ky. Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, motion for second reading and final passage of an ordinance entitled chapter 18, article two, division three, division of public work. Section 18 dash 1 22, refuse and recycling. Second Motion maintenance. Seconder, do you wanna read it by title only? Yes, I will. Thank you. Mr. President. An ordinance amending the code of ordinances, city of Westfield, adopted June 17th, 1993.
Thank you. Roll call matters. Madam City, the clerk. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Bean? Yes. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Fige? Yes. Harris? No. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Meow. No. Morgan alley. No. Oniskey. No. Sullivan? Yes. Got enough? Nine. Yes. You do not. Yeah. Nine. You have nine. Nine. Motions, orders or resolutions. Who has this? Nobody took Councilor Melo. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, item 26 is a resolution of councilors, Melo fan.
Hi, Anki and Sullivan. Recognizing June 25th as l lgbtqia plus pride month. Uh, with a note that there is an error in the title. There's a four. That should be a five. Sorry, Madam City Clerk. Um, so moved. So motion made and seconded. Um, any further discussion? None needed, sir. Anything else? Would you like to read it, Uh, by Tyler only please. A resolution recognizing June, 2025. It's lgbtqia plus time. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Opposed. Opposed. Who's opposed? Councilor Ali and Councilor Morgan Alley.
Uh, councilor Figgy, I neglected to let you do something in the beginning of the meeting that we discussed. Yes. And, and I was asleep at the switch, so I allow that to happen. But I'd like to send out a con Hardy congratulations to Ashley Brown, our city assessor, who is the recipient of this year's Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers Award, uh, the Sherry Ver Award for outstanding service to the assessment profession. Uh, so this is an award given to one recipient from each northeast state or province.
So hats off to Ashley. Keep up the good work. Great, thank you. Any announcements? Councilor Miller? Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I just wanted to say that, um, the, the PFAS lawsuits against the chemical companies have moved into the place where, um, personal injury cases are going to be looked at. There is a very finite window of time that people can sign up for that it is not a lawsuit against the city of Westfield. These are lawsuits against the chemical manufacturers.
Anyone who is exposed to Westfield Water is eligible to be involved. You do not have to call any particular attorney in specific, you can use anyone you want. There is a set of attorneys out of Florida that already has all of Westfield's data. It does not benefit me if you call them, but if you want to, someone can reach out to me to find out who they are and I will share that. You can call anyone you want. It does not count against the city of Westfield, but anyone who feels they were affected by the PFAS in the water, your time is closing.
You need to act soon. Thank you. Anything further? Okay, councilor Harris. Motion To adjourn. Second. Second. Motion made. Second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? We are now adjourned. Thank you everybody. Thank You.