Who is it? Good evening. I'd like to call the Westfield City Council meeting of February 19th. Order roll. Call. Madam City Clerk. Beltran. Here. Burns. Here. Fanon. Here. Figgy. He will not be with us. Harris. Here. Kic. Here. Matthews. Kane? Here. Mellow Here. Morgan Alley. Here. Oniskey. Here. Adams? Here. Allie? Here. Bean. Uh, he will not be with us. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Allegiance by the United States America Republic, which stands? One Nation. God. Due to this liberty Justice,
Thank you. Reading of the record of the meeting of February 5th, 2026. Council or ms. Thank you Mr. President. Make a motion for accepting the reading of the rec record, uh, of February 5th, 2026. Second. Motion made it second. Any discussion on that? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Now comes in portion of the meeting for public participation. Anyone in wishing to address the council may do so by stepping forward. State your name and address for the city clerk and we do this in three minute increments, which may be extended. Floor is yours, sir. Hello. Good evening. My name is Aaron Keegan.
I'm uh, from FA O'Neill from Springfield. I am a project manager. We're working for MAs dot on the intersection improvements to service star Industrial Way, Southampton Road, and the new entrance to Barnes International Base. And we have submitted a letter to the council with slides from a presentation that we gave to the Westfield Traffic Commission, uh, recently. And we're here tonight to just tell you a little bit about the project, um, and answer any brief questions that you might have. As you know, we are presenting, uh, February 25th in this very room, uh, with MAs dot. That'll be a longer presentation about the project.
Um, real quickly, the purpose of need of the project is to improve the intersection, um, because of the difficulty of the base driveway cars from the base driveway to exit onto Southampton Road during the peak hours as well as service. Our industrial way mascot started the intersection for about a year, uh, trying to determine if a signal would work at that location. And ultimately it was determined that the intersection didn't meet the signal warrants. Um, also the, the offset nature of the two side streets complicated.
The, the signal solution at the moment, the preferred alternative is a peanut roundabout. Uh, this will improve traffic flow at the intersection, uh, as I said, allowing the side streets to safely exit during the peak hours. It also includes a full bicycle and pedestrian accommodations surrounding the roundabout. Um, I should also add that all utilities, uh, in the project area will be replaced, um, to prevent any damage during the project. Um, the project will be funded 80% federal, 20% state MAs dot will be handling the right of way process for the project. Um, and also I would, I would add that, um,
the project's at 25%, there'll be a public comment period after the public hearing. Uh, and, um, the public may also submit written comments after the public hearing. So thank you. I just, we wanted to present the letter more formally than just, um, you know, handing it in and I can answer any questions that you might have in the remaining time. Thank you. Yes, councilor Naper. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, just real brief, is there a timeframe when, uh, construction would occur? Yes. The current schedule is to finish the design by the end of this year and then construction will begin in the spring of 2027. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions?
Seeing none. Thank you for coming in. We appreciate you very much. Anyone else like to address the council? Um, again, anybody else? Well you can. Okay. Okay. Oh yes. Cons at, um, could You take it the second just to basically, um, talk like how did you, can we do this now? Like How the Well, they got a public hearing on the 25th if you want to. Huh? There's a public hearing on the 25th, correct? Correct. Alright, so that would be the time to deal with all that? Yes. Alright. Alright. Yep. Thank you. Anything further? Seeing none Communications from the mayor. Item one Councilor caner?
Yes. Uh, thank you Mr. President. Could you please have or a motion for Madam City Clerk to read items one through 18 and refer those to the finance subcommittee please. Second. You made it seconded. Madam City Clerk One transferring the amount of $707 and 71 cents from the Department of Public Works. Waste Collection fiscal year 26 supplies account to the fiscal year 22 supplies account to pay a prior year bill owed to Westfield Auto Parts two. Transferring the amount of $12 and 24 cents from the Department of Public Works Highway Division. Fiscal year 26 supplies account to the fiscal year 23 supplies account to pay for a prior year. Bill. Bill owed to Westfield Auto Parts. Um, three.
Transferring the amount of $202 and 37 cents from the Department of Public Works Sewer Wastewater Division. Fiscal year 26 supplies account to the fiscal year 25 supplies account to pay a prior year bill owed to Granger. Four. Transferring the amount of $162 and 83 cents from the Department of Public Works Highway Division. Fiscal year 26 supplies account to the fiscal year 22 supplies account to pay a prior year bill owe owed to Westfield Auto Parts five appro appropriation in the amount of $250,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division undesignated account to the fiscal year 26 construction account to replace the GAC filters of the Shaker Road water treatment plant. Six appropriation in the amount of $33,587
and 24 cents from the Department of Public Works Water Division undesignated account to the capital Equipment account to purchase a new generator for the administrative office at 28 Zack Street. Seven appropriation in the amount of $15,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division undesignated account to the purchase of service account to create a database within the GIS to collect data for the lead service project. Eight appropriation in the amount of $11,125 from the Department of Public Works Water Division on designated account to the replacement equipment account to replace the variable frequency drive at well seven nine appropriation the amount of $20,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division Undesignated Fund account
to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account for Backflow and Cross Connection Inspection Services required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 10 Appropriation the amount of $10,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division Undesignated Fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account to clean the water storage tanks at Sackett Road and Northwest Road 11 appropriation in the amount of $10,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division Undesignated Fund account to fiscal year 26 purchase of service account for a turbine motor oil change at the Reservoir Road Water treatment plant 12 appropriation of the amount of $2,350 from the Department
of Public Works Water Division undesignated Fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account for the filter I influe Meter calibration at the Reservoir Road Water treatment plant. 13 appropriation in the amount of $10,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division Undesignated Fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account to repair valves at the Reservoir Road Water treatment plant. 14 appro appropriation in the amount of $9,500 from the Department of Public Works Water Division undesignated fund account to the fiscal year 2026 purchase of service account for poly aluminum chloride tank cleaning at the Res Reservoir Road water treatment plant. 15 appropriation amount of $19,000 in the Department
of Public Works Water Division undesignated fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account for HVAC and plumbing repairs at the Owen District Water treatment plant. 16 appropriation amount in the amount of $25,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division Undesignated Fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account to increase various purchase orders for regular maintenance services for the remainder of fiscal year 26 17 in appropriation in the amount of $5,000 from the Department of Public Works Water Division undesignated fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account for repairs to the Cityview Road Vault valve actuator 18 appropriation in the amount
of $130,000 from the Department of Public Works Water division UN designated fund account to the fiscal year 26 purchase of service account to increase the on-call construction purchase order for JL Ray makers for the remainder of fiscal year 26. Thank you. Any discussion on sending the finance? Seeing none. All in favor? A Aye. Opposed now in the hands of finance petitions demonstr to other papers. Item 19 Councillor. Me. Thank you Mr. President. Item 19 is Aaron Keegan PE project manager for Fasson O'Neill Inc. Submitting information on intersection improvements at Southampton Road Service, star Industrial Way
and Barnes Airport Drive Mass. DOT project number 6 1 2 6 0 0. Motion to place on file and add a link to this information on the City Council's website so that the public may access prior to next week's public hearing taking place here Wednesday at 7:00 PM Second. Thank you. Any discussion on placing on file? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Reports of committee's. Finance committee. Item 20. Councillor Harris. Thank you Mr. President. The uh, finance committee MET and oh 2 11 26.
Uh, chair Kanapa Harrison Bean regarding the following 13 items. Number 20 through 32. Number 20 is the approval of the funds required to fulfill year one of the ratified successor agreement for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers local S 5 7 4. And we voted three zero to recommend that agreement. Second. Motion made it Second. Further discussion Counselor? Yes. According to the city's solicitor, um, the economic proposal is as follows, step reduction from 28 years to 24 years.
The completion of the cost of the city is approximately 2.5% year one 0.8%, year two and 0.4%. Year three post, this is the state mandated peace officer standards and training that added some requirements to be certified as an officer. The cost to the city is 1% each year for the three years of this contract. Then we have a base wage increase in COLA and cost of the city is 2% each year. For the three years of this contract, there is no appropriation required for year one as the police department budget can absorb the cost.
The cost for year one is $103,856 and 8 cents and cost for years two and three will be budgeted in the police department's budget. Thank you. Anything further on this? See none. Roll call Callam. Paul Chandy. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Kic? Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 21, councilor kic. Thank you Mr. President. The uh, finance subcommittee is met and voted three zero to recommend the appropriation,
the amount of $11,900 from free cash account to the Health Department purchase service account for the costs associated with repairs to the landfill. Groundwater monitoring. Well, Second motion made it seconded. Further the discussion. Counsel? Yes. Thank you Mr. President. The, uh, committee interviewed, uh, health director Deb Mulana and the, uh, engineering staff from Ty and Bond on this. Uh, this was, uh, a repair of, uh, up to seven wellheads that need to be, um, repaired in order to continued groundwater sampling at the landfill. Uh, these landfills have to be sampling on a regular basis
and they're having trouble accessing the monitoring wells. So, um, we recommended to fund this. Any questions from the council? Seeing none. Roll call. Madam City Clerk Beltrani? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Kic? Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 22, councilor Kack. Thank You Mr. President. The finance subcommittees met, recommends on a three to zero vote in appropriation the amount of $44,500 from free cash to the Health Department purchase service account
for engineering costs associated with landfill cap repairs. Second. Well, she made it seconded. Further Discussion comes. Yes. Thank you. Apparently, uh, periodically there's like sloughing they call it that comes from the landfill cap. And this is, uh, the cost incurred for an engineering firm to design the repair. And it, they gave us a diagram that indicated the various locations where this is occurring. Um, and, uh, it is required to make sure the cap is in good order. So it's something we need to spend money on. Any questions? Comments? Seeing none. All comments. Court be Andy. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes.
Kic? Yes. Matthew Skain. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan Alley? Yes. Ky Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 23. Councilor Canna. Thank you Mr. President. The uh, finance subcommittee is met and recommended by a three to zero vote to appropriate the sum of $170,720 from pre-cash to the Health Department purchase service account for construction costs associated with landfill cap repairs. Second, second Motion made it seconded further the discussion Counselor? Yeah, so once the engineering work's done, then the, the repairs by a contractor can be executed. So this is the money needed to do that.
Any questions? Councilor Burns That council, Mr. President, um, originally did we, was there a bond taken out to do this? To cap the, uh, landfill? There was, so I think it was 89 or 90. Uh, when we acquired the land, the thought was we were going to, um, have a new landfill, but then the DEP put a moratorium on that. So, uh, we might have used a 20 year note at that time. And, uh, that's long since it's been paid off. And of course we're stuck with a landfill cap and a transfer station. Now, was that part of the deal when we, the, uh, trash
fees, was that involved? Um, Well, so there was quite a debate years ago about instituting the trash fee to pay for that. Essentially once you got out of the landfill business, you were making money on landfills. 'cause you had tipping fees when people would come in and they would have to pay to throw out their trash. Once we went off of that model, we had to pay to ship it, uh, including all the other things that come with recycling and all that. So, uh, in order to offset that cost, they, uh, instituted the solid waste collection fee. So that's what it originally was meant for. Yeah. So there was a lot of debate years ago about,
you know, why is it that, you know, we can't just move this to the general levy. And I mean, y'all been here a long time, you know that the money's in short supply here. So, uh, of course the issue that came up last year was a fee increase because once the fee was set, 'cause it was in city council's hands, it became a difficult decision to, to, you know, 'cause some folks always were like, well, we shouldn't even be having a fee for this 'cause it's already been capped and paid for. So it is, uh, it is what it is. And the operating costs keep escalating. So Is this gonna be continuous? The repairs? Did they say? Yeah.
So, you know, this is one of those things with, you know, erosion rain events. It periodically happens that at different spots on the cap, you, you get erosion that wears it away and you have to fix it. Okay. Thank, thank you council. You're welcome. Anything further? Seeing none. Roll call please. Matters. Beltran? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ic? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Hallie? Yes. Thank you. Item 24. Council Harris. Thank you Mr. President. The finance committee met regarding the appropriation of the amount of $27,321
and 25 cents for free cash to the animal control purchase on surfaces account for the replacement of the heating and cooling systems at the animal shelter. And we voted three zero to recommend acceptance. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion, counsel? Yes. Thank you. Um, Margaret Kelson, the Animal control operations manager, is requesting the free cash to be, uh, used for the following reasons. The heating unit and the animal shelter stopped working in the fall. It's imperative that the shelter be kept at the state mandated temperature. The cooling units in the shelter were still functioning,
but at the height of summer, the ambient temperature in the shelter would go above 85 degrees. For these reasons, the heating and cooling units required replacement. The work needed to be done in a timely manner before winter to keep the shelter within regulation ambient temperature. Three. Many splits were installed throughout the shelter and the city's state contractor for this type of project was used per the request of Councilor Dan Kana, Tammy Teff. And Margaret. I she touched base with the property owner Bill who agreed to pay $9,321 25 cents of the cost
for the replacement and upgrade. Even though heating and cooling repairs are not covered in the current lease, the amount still owed for the project and the amount the animal control department is requesting was, uh, from fee cash is 18,000. Thank you. Any questions? Any comments, Mr. President? If I might? Yes. Uh, I would like to thank, uh, Mr. Bill Laurie for, uh, that generous, uh, gift to the, uh, animal shelter gift account. He certainly was well within his rights to just be able to say, well, it's not in the lease, you gotta cover it. And so he, um, he agreed to, uh, put that money forward to that.
So that's, uh, uh, step one. And then number two, uh, I believe they discussed, you know, going forward with a new lease amendment to address that, uh, going forward. So that was, uh, a very nice gesture by his to, to offset that. Yeah, Definitely. Anything further? Councillor Ali? Yeah. And thank you to Bill Lori. He does a lot. Um, so this figure that we have since it changed, do we have to vote on the new number? It's that we would amend that to, uh, 18,000. Wait, have a second on the amendment. Second. Second. Motion. Made it seconded. Let's vote on the amendment. Counselors. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Now.
Roll call on the dollar amount. Bill. Andy? Yes. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgane? Yes. Ky? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 25, Councillor Harris. Thank you Mr. President. The finance committee met regarding the appropriation of the amount of $9,500 from free cash to the City council purchase of service account to reframe historic portraits of city council in the council chambers at City Hall. And we voted three zero to recommend acceptance. Second motion made it
seconded further the discussion Council? Yes. According to the city clerk, the funding will be utilized to properly display Past, present, and future city council portraits. A tradition dating back to 1924. The former facilities director notified the clerk's office that we're unable to use the wall with air vent within the council chambers, leaving us with nowhere to hang portraits. After 2017, the former building director, uh, facilities director at City Hall, the head custodian and others agreed that reframing the portraits to mimic the portraits prior to 1996 would allow
for portraits to, to be hung in two rows, making room for portraits for close to another 30 years. She looked into alternative funding options. Um, without success. Mr. Holt's, historical architect and co-director of Grants division for the Massachusetts Historical Commission stated that the project was not eligible for a grant. CPA administrator did not believe the project would be eligible for community preservation funds. Westfield Technical Academy did not have the ability to take on this project. City Council's budget only has a line item for legal ads and stipends. Thus, the request for free cash for the free crash request
for reframing photos from 2008 2017 and framing photos of 2018 through 2023 will include the frames, glass, mats, calligraphy, assembly, and labor. Thank you. Any comments or questions? Councilor Morgan Alley. Thank You Mr. President. Yeah, I, I, I, um, debt, I, I, I'm curious to know what, what avenues they looked at because I mean, this, this, his, this is Westfield history. Um, so avenues to explore other, other modes of funding, um, other options
with historical funds and grants and that kind of thing. Um, I mean, it's a small tuck ticket item compared to the millions of dollars that are coming out of free cash since the beginning of the year. Um, so I'm willing to vote yes on it because it is a small ticket item. But I, I think in principle, I think all avenues should have been exhausted. And I, is there a list Committee? Were they were a counselor? Yeah, I'd like to hear the list. Our city clerk spent a lot of time on this. Yeah. Okay. I reached out to the state and the city. City. Oh, I'm, I'm, I'm sure. Yeah.
I just, just, you know. Yep. Yeah. Well It's, It's what people need an an, an explanation. That's all It's been. It will be going on nine years since we've had portraits hung in, in the city council chamber. Mm-hmm. I don't think that's acceptable. Yeah. Thank you sir. Anything Further? Council alley. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I mean, in hindsight, obviously they should have stayed with the, the smallest sizes to begin with. 'cause you could have projected that. The other thing that we might be able to do is at the top of this, actually actually have another row and go beyond that year, just below the wood is, which still would be above our heads at that size.
You might be able to get a row that wouldn't impinge on, you know, people getting to their seats. So that may give you a few more years, uh, whatever. But, um, I think that's past us. Well, I just had to throw that out there for posterity. You know? Uh, We could make your picture smaller then we could get some more. They haven't been hung up the whole time since I've been here. I'm not one, you know, uh, Anything further. Seeing none. Roll call magazine. Dy. Yes. Burns. Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Kic? Yes. Matthew Cain. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgane? Yes. Hoki? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie?
Yeah. I don't mind being insignificant, but you don't have to accentuate the fact. Um, yes. Thank you. Item 26. Council Kna. Thank You, Mr. President. The, uh, finance subcommittees met and voted, uh, three to zero to recommend the appropriation, the amount of $2 million from free cash to the field improvement athletic field capital construction account for costs associated with the construction of the athletic fields. Second, well, she made it seconded. Further discussion, Counselor. Yes. Thank you. Uh, the, it was, we had the, uh, treasurer, the city treasurer, collector, and, uh, to discuss this. And, uh, this plan going forward with this would be
to pay down the debt before they sell the bond obligation. So, uh, the rough number would be from 11 million and change down to 9 million is what they were anticipating to go to sell, uh, the bond for. So obviously, you know, you borrow less, you're gonna have to pay less down the line. So, and then apparently, uh, now that this is in cycle, the future, uh, future payments of the in lieu tax payment, it won't go through this free cash cycle again. It'll be paid directly, uh, into, uh, the, the account associated with debt.
Good Council, I I do have one question. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, so does this like represent the, um, city's portion that would pay for like the, the bathrooms and the concession thing? This is, uh, I believe didn't the council appropriate a sum of free cash last year to pay for that? This is the obligation associated with the construction of the field that was to be financed by whip city fibers in lieu tax payment. Although I could be wrong. Is that Councillor Matthews. Kane. Um, thank you, Mr. President. So if we're bonding for less,
we, we will, we have to pay a million dollars per year to pay off the bond and We'll, and if it's not, does that mean we'll have a little extra money left over from what Jeanie is giving us? I would never suspect or say we'd ever have extra money for money or Anything. Uh, so bonding is, uh, it's complicated. You know, so once they, I don't know what else they're gonna bundle, but there's all sorts of other obligations they could bundle at the time they go out for advertisement, which would lower the overall cost of borrowing. So when it all washes out, I mean, there could be some savings on that.
It all depends. And also, uh, the, I don't know what the interest rate was when they, uh, projected at, when they put the performer together to finance the fields. I'm gonna say it's probably gonna be better, uh, than what they projected at. So there is a potential you could have that situation. Yeah. You'll know more when it goes to advertising and they get, and they get responses back, then you'll, you'll be able to calculate that to the dollar. Yeah. Council Adams, yeah, I Guess I'm a little confused, but, um, so the GE agreed to, to pay for this. I mean, obviously it comes to us. So are we taking free cash
to lower the rate that they'll be paying? So it was explained to me, counselor, that the, because there was no bond obligation, uh, incurred by the city, uh, there was no account where that money for the, in lieu tax payment could be deposited, if you will. So what ended up happening is when it was paid, it was, it went into free cash. And so, like internally, they've just been keeping track of those payments that way. But now that, you know, once it gets advertised and it becomes a long-term debt obligation, there'll be an account where I lots can be paid and dumped into that account in the future.
So it should not appear again in free cash. Okay. So it it's different. It's, it's not like free cash in traditional sense or sources. This would, this should not appear again in free cash, that payment Just to respond. So that 2 million that went in there was their money. Was their money. Thank You. Yeah. Councilor Melo, then Councilor Morgan Health. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, if the mayor or the school committee or uh, athletic director or superintendent are interested in any other ways of saving money, it's not too late to choose natural grass, which will prevent injuries, prevent flooding,
and avoid having all that storm water end up in the powder millbrook whose dam has not yet been rehabilitated. I support safe, healthy fields. It's not too late for real grass. And we did just buy that Spanky new mower. I'm just saying. Thank you. Council Morgane. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, through, through the chair, if I may. Um, the question to, uh, councilor cross the way Councilor Knape, um, is the, uh, or, or actually anybody from the committee, but, uh, should we be setting up, uh, should we have a motion at our next meeting to set up that account for that money to go into instead of,
I I wouldn't wanna see this go into free cash up Here. No, no, it won't. There. So once you obligate a, uh, a debt, if you will, it goes into an account that will pay for long-term interest in principal payments. So there's already an account established and it becomes part of the normal debt obligation payments that the city has. So that will not be needed. Thank you, sir. You're Welcome. Any further? Roll call. Beltran? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthew Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan Alley? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 27, councilor Harris.
Thank you. Mr. President. Finance Committee is met regarding the appropriation, the amount of $637,791 from free cash to the school department, fiscal year 26, land and building capital projects account to replace and repair four restrooms at Westfield Technical Academy. And we voted three zero to recommend acceptance. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion, counselor? Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, Tammy Teff, the director of of purchasing and Shannon Berry, director of Finance, noted that the most recent accreditation review of Westfield Tech,
um, deficient had deficiencies, uh, and were specifically noted. The proposed bathroom replacement and renovation project directly addresses those concerns and will assist the school in achieving greater compliance with accreditation standards. The project involves the full replacement of four bathrooms. Two bathrooms are located on the upper campus outside the auditorium, and two are located on the lower campus outside the gymnasium and the Tigers Pride Restaurant. These locations were selected by the superintendent and his staff as having the greatest impact on both students and the many visitors
who utilize the auditorium gymnasium and restaurant. The renovations will bring all four bathrooms into full compliance with applicable building codes and a DA requirements, which they currently do not meet. The renovation and replacement work includes, but is not limited to electrical, plumbing, flooring upgrades along with comprehensive abatement services in all affected areas. Bids that we received was on the share drive so that all counselors could see those bids. The additional funds requested represented 10% construction con contingency as recommended
by the project architect. Any contingency funds not utilized for this project will be returned to the city and the school department will fund 50,500 costs for the professional services through its operating, uh, budget for a Kola and Beyond Associates. Um, and, and I know I heard a few citizens who are concerned saying, well, what are you, you know, putting in golden toilets and stuff. It's not, there's, it's very expensive to do the remediation, um, of, um, asbestos in the, in the walls and stuff.
So it's, um, it's not a cheap Councilor mellow. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I remember asking at budget time whether or not these bathrooms were okay. And I recall being told that the finance committees spoke, um, the, with the superintendent or someone, and that the bathrooms were not a priority at the time. Now, I have heard from teachers and students that there was a real, real problem, uh, which is why I was asking back in the spring
and why I will support today. But I am gonna go back through the minutes and look, because I remember bringing this up as an issue and being sent away about it. So I, I'll go back and check, but I, I totally support a DA compliant bathrooms and I am glad to see this coming up, but I wanted to talk about it in the spring. Thank you. Councillor Adams? Yeah, I'll just make it, I was pretty vocal about these bathrooms, uh, back when it happened. Um, and I'll just make a quick comment. It should have been used with esser or ARPA funds for this, in my opinion, that large amount
of money cost the taxpayers a tax break. 'cause this was something that the mayor needed to get done, which should have been done when we had $17 million of ARPA funding. It's a one time project. That's what it's for in esser, in my opinion, for the school department, which was used for counselors that were, aren't there anymore, um, is a shame to me. Um, but that should have been used with other funds than free cash when we had them in our hands. 'cause those bathrooms were in bad shape when that extra money came in during COVID. Thank you. That's what Ma Matthews, Kane and then Morgan. Um, thank you, Mr. President. Um, I, I have also heard that they're in terrible shape.
I'm glad they're being repaired. And I did not research this before I came in for the meeting, but my memory was we were debating if we were gonna move forward with a new high school. And when it was up in the air, when we were unsure, we didn't wanna invest all this money in the bathroom to then go and build a new school. But since we are not moving forward with a new school now, that's why we're doing the bathrooms. And that's off the top of my head. But that was my memory of it. Thank you. Council Morgane. Thank you Mr. President. I, I concur with Councilor Adams. Uh, and, uh, I, I'm, I know we need the bathrooms. I don't like the way it's being brought
through the council coming from pre-cash, so I'll be a no vote on this one. Thank You, Mr. President. Just, I wanted to add a little bit more to the bid information here. 'cause it did seem like an awful lot of money. So interestingly enough, $271,175 are for filed sub bid trades, which are, are the trades contractors, electricals and plumbers. And in the, uh, trades to craft trades. Okay? So, you know, in that, in those bathrooms, none of them are 80 a compliant. So of course today you have to meet all those codes out of the balance, which would be $308,635 is the general
contractor's share. But also carried within that are the cost to do asbestos abatement. And the asbestos abatement number wasn't broken on. It was just carried in general by the general contractor and it was all prevailing wage. So in general, you know, and I give this the example all the time. When we painted city hall painters back then, were making a prevailing wage over $60 an hour when you could have 'em at a business private business for somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 an hour. So, you know, instantly when it's a public job, you're going to get 30 or 40% more cost on it
because of the prevailing wage requirement. Further complicating this particular bid is it all has to be done in the summertime. And that actually is a lot of work because, uh, to do asbestos abatement, there's a lot of downtime to get the project started. And then there's a lot of unknowns. So there's a premium that the contractor charges to get work done in a condensed fashion, which they're gonna have to do. Council burns. Yeah. Move. Thank you Mr. President. Um, where's are the bids? Yeah, it's in hand. It's all set. It's, they have the lowest responsive Bidder. Right, but is it, how come it's not on council share?
There should be. It should be, it was asked to be put onto the share drive by, uh, Could we have that put on for next meeting? It's In your folder if you go in the meeting folder. Alright, well, eight folder is, yeah. The only comment I'm gonna make is that I've been to that school and I've seen those. Yeah, they're bad. That really needs to get done. I mean, that's, it's bad. Mm-hmm. Anything further? Roll call. Manip city clerk. Bey. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan Alley? No. Ky Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes.
Thank you. Item 28, councilor Harris. Thank you Mr. President. The finance committee met regarding 28, the appropriation in the amount of $49,918. From free cash to the personnel department, purchase a service account to digitize payroll documents for retention in accordance with state laws. And we voted three zero to recommend, uh, acceptance. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion, counsel? Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, the personnel director Annie Larcom, states that the funding will be utilized to contract with a vendor specializing, uh, in digitizing the documents.
The city's payroll records prior to 1999 are all hard copy paper documents currently being stored at AB Gibbs Elementary School. The payroll documents should be digitized for the following reasons. Massachusetts Retention records a mandate that records containing information needed to calculate credible prior service must be retained for a minimum of 50 years after employee separation. The payroll office ex ask, um, the payroll office has to, uh, be able to access, access the current records on a regular basis for those seeking to add credible service
for retirement purposes. The records cannot be stored at Amna Gibbs indefinitely as the city is hoping to sell that building. While the personnel department has considered several other options to store the paper records, the volume is simply too large for other locations considered. So it's a matter of the law stating that we have to keep those records. Motion made it second. And any further discussions? Councilor Allen, just a quick comment and I'm sure no funding from the state came when they mandated this, right? Yeah. Okay. I just wanted to be sure that we didn't, you know, miss anything. Councilor Melo, did you have something?
I, yeah. Mr. President. Thank you. Um, those are personnel records with personal data on them sitting in the old Abner Gibb School Payroll records, Right? That, that, Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Anything further? Council burns? Yeah. Is this gonna be a reoccurring cost? It says they have a contract. No, I don't believe it is. No, it's just one time. Yeah. It's a digitization service. They have two companies that are gonna take the records offsite, digitize them. Now, interestingly enough, probably these records began their life at Moseley School.
Or excuse me, not Moseley, Ashley Street School because that school basement was filled with personnel records, some for school department and then down here our building before the renovation was filled with city employee records. So this isn't like hanging on to these things. Isn't anything new? So it's, uh, it's long overdue to hit the 21st century now that we're a quarter of the way into it. So Thanks. Anything further? Roll Co. Madam City Clerk Bill Handy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan. Elliot? Yes.
Oniskey? Yes. Eski? Yes. Adams? Yes. Ali? Yes. Thank you. Item 29, councilor K. Thank you Mr. President. The, uh, finance subcommittee's meant recommends the transfer in the amount of 49,000, excuse me, uh, the $20,000 from the Westfield Barnes Regional Airport Department. Full-time hourly employees account to the purchase of service account for maintenance and repairs to the HVAC system. Second Motion. Made it seconded for the Discussion Council. Thank you. We had the airport manager in and he had mentioned that there had been a unfilled position, uh, that has left money in that account and there's gonna be a transfer.
They've had a lot of, uh, air handling problems, uh, in the terminal building. So, uh, they have had quite a bit of work done to date on it, and he feels that, uh, this appropriation will get them through whatever the, the problems or challenges are presently presenting over there. Any questions? Comments? Roll call matters to be Clerk. Bill Chandy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Kic? Yes. Matthew Ka. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan Elli? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Item 30. Councilor Kic. Thank you Mr. President. The, uh, finance subcommittees met
and recommends the transfer, uh, voted three zero for the transfer of $1,201 and 20 cents from within the police department. FY 26 out. A great account to the Ffy 25 out. A great account to cover costs related to a shift change incurred between August 24 and June 25 that was not properly accounted for. Second motion made it seconded. Further discussion Counsels? Yes. Thank you. There was an, an officer that had gone out on leave, came back, was assigned to a different shift, and there's a shift differential in the contract. And it was an oversight at the time that when he came back
to work, that that was not being added to his pay. Uh, so this is a, an effort to correct that situation. Anything further? Roll call. Madams. Court belt? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanan? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ic? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 31. Councilor Canna. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, item 31 is, um, it's, it was, uh, I it was put in there a while ago. Have the finance committee both discuss and receive clarification regarding the specific process
and rights when ratifying city contracts associated with, uh, the city of Somerville. Somerville, municipal employees. So we discussed that briefly. Uh, councilor Figy was at the meeting at the time. And, um, for those at home that might be watching this was, uh, kind of what I would call a bit egregious case out in, uh, the eastern mass as it relates. So there isn't, uh, a reason to do any action on our part about it. Um, so we voted, uh, three zero to remove it from our committee. Second. Second. Motion made it seconded. Any further discussion? Council? No. Anyone else?
All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Item 32. Councilor Knapp. Thank you Mr. President. The, uh, finance subcommittee has met in, again, we discussed this, uh, with the airport manager and, uh, this has been in committee for a while. And, uh, we voted three zero to remove it from committee. He does not request any finance, uh, or any sign improvements related to the, uh, the site up there. So we can remove this as well. Second. Motion made it second. Any further discussion? No. Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed?
Legislative inordinance of Councilor Ky Adam, 33. Thank you, Mr. President. On February 17th, Ellen Oat and upon a three zero vote, voted to remove, uh, the petition for Street acceptance for Park River Circle and Park River Drive. Um, out of committee with no action. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion, counselor? Yes. This was a petition that was in for, uh, accepting Park River Circle and Park River Drive. At our last meeting, we provided the funding for free cash to pave, uh, those streets.
So this no longer is required. Any further discussion? Seen none. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Item 34. Council Winky. Thank you Mr. President Eleanor met on February 17th, that upon a three zero vote, voted for a pos, uh, positive recommendation, uh, for an ordinance. Amendment to chapter 17, adding section 17 dash 180 6. A authority to remove vehicles violating temporary, no parking, deleting and replacing section 17 dash 180 7.
Owner liable for storage charges, contractor liable deleting and replacing notification of owners within 24 hours. Second. Well, she made it seconded for the discussion. Counsel? Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, this was an ordinance that had a lot of, uh, a lot of things cleaned up in it, but the, the gist of it is that it gives police the authority to ticket or tow vehicles in temporary no parking areas, uh, which we never believe it or not had. So if there was a temporary, uh, no parking, uh,
sign in an area, we didn't have the authority to ticket or remove the vehicles. If there's gonna be temporary, no parking in areas and the, the city knows it, uh, the police will go door to door if they know there's gonna be construction in an area and, and signs, um, uh, you know, indicating that. But there was no regulation that allowed, uh, vehicle removal or ticketing. So this does that. So is this one reading? Um, no. Just vote. It. It's a vote would be, yeah. This will be first reading.
So I'll make a motion unless there's any questions. Motion for first reading. Second. Motion. Made it seconded. Would you like to read it, Sir? Uh, yes. By title only Ordinance, uh, amendment to chapter 17. All those in favor? A. Aye. Opposed? Councilor Motion for second reading and final passage at our next meeting. Second. Second. Motion made it seconded. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Now on for second reading. Item 35, councilor Fanya. Thank you Mr. President. Legislative ordinance committee met on February 17th and with a three to three to zero, three to zero vote.
Um, voted to keep item 35 in committee, which is to change the start time of city council meetings from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM Second. Motion made and seconded. Further discussion. Council? Yes. Thank you. Um, the makers of the motion are at not at the meeting tonight, so we voted to keep it in committee. Councilor Morgane. Thank you Mr. President. I'm, I'm wondering why this the committee, why this even got brought up again, because we did this several years ago. Um, a lot of discussion that was happening on about that. Uh, in particular, I remember my comment on that.
Six o'clock is very difficult for the public to get here after work and publicly participate in our meetings. I'm adamantly opposed already that this is even brought up to the city council. When you are inhibiting and preventing people from speaking at that microphone in front of this body, we represent them and it is a disservice to the people of Westfield Councilor Ky. Yeah, we're not preventing that. It'll just be at six o'clock instead of seven o'clock. Some people would benefit some people
to get here earlier and leave earlier. Some of the older people might want to be here earlier and leave earlier. So not entirely valid. So the motion is the leaving committee, correct? Correct. Anything further? All in favor? Aye. Opposed? No. Item 36. Councilor Allie. Thank you, Mr. President. So the, uh, legislative audience committee has met and, um, voted three to zero to, um, um, recommend resolution to, uh, accept a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the factory mutual insurance company,
FM fire service grant program to the fire department to be used to support pre-incident planning efforts, uh, of the department. Second motion made it seconded. Further discussion counselor? Yes. Um, so this, um, would provide for, uh, iPads, um, in all of the vehicles. Um, and so first of all, there was no match for this. This is just a $5,000 grant that would cover this. I think they said $4,000 of it would go toward this. And I can't remember what the other thousand was gonna go to, If I may, Mr. President? Yes. Council. Yeah.
$4,000 was for, for iPads, a thousand dollars was for, uh, for software that gave better ability to find out, uh, where lock boxes were for people in people's houses in case there were fires. And also ownership of, of property. So, um, in there, if there is a fire or an alarm, um, more likely, um, they'll have the ability to more quickly access that. And it's a grant that's not matched by the city, right? No match
Anything further? Yeah. So sometimes there, um, basically, um, there's times where there, there's calls that aren't fire related, but there could be an issue with, um, like a, uh, fire suppression or whatever and they have to get in and then, um, but they're, they're searching the spending time looking for numbers. And so this would give us better access. Um, 'cause that, I think that's what it was. The software was actually able to get phone numbers that are current and you're dealing with something so that, and they're not wasting time chasing, just trying to get ahold of somebody to get into a building. So
How's Matthews came? Thank you, Mr. President. Um, through the chair. So I understand there's no match, but is there any sort of like financial commitment that we're making to buy this software every year? Or it's just a Pure gift? No, it's, Yeah. If I may, yes, counsel. Yeah, there's gonna be a, um, a recurring charge of $500 a year, which will be budgeted in the fire department's budget. Anything further? Resolution. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Item 37, councilor Ali. Thank Mr. President. So the legislative ordinance committee voted to, uh,
give a rec, uh, favorable recommendation for a resolution to accept a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of the Technology services and Security. Uh, uh, it just ends right there, um, for both the city of Westfield and the Westfield Public Schools for continuation and participation in the cybersecurity program offered to the city and school employees. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion Council? Yeah, so this is a, a competitive bid process that the, the, the state of Westfield has done. Uh, going, I think it's seven years,
or I think it's at least seven years that we've been involved with it. And so we've been granted this and because we've accepted this from the beginning and this is all the, uh, cyber security, uh, training that we've all come to know and love. Uh, um, so this was presented to us. Um, one of the interesting things that came out of that was is that, um, you know, we all have to go through various trainings at the beginning of our terms, but one of the things that actually happened is, uh, and, um, maybe if you're better at checking your email, we'll know this, but the trainees actually broken up through the year. It's not just at the beginning of the year. They actually send out modules every few months.
Um, and so we more employees need to be aware of that because if you're not keeping up with it, you're not realizing that it's not just at the beginning of our terms or, you know, a new employee, it's, it's actually been spread out over the year. Some of they think that's better. So, um, but this is, um, not costing us anything. Like I said, the city's had this for seven years now, so it just plays for that, all that cybersecurity training that we have. Anything further? Seeing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Item 38, councilor Fanon. Thank You. Mr. President. Legislative Ordinance Committee met
and gave a positive recommendation to accept a resolution to accept donations to the animal control department. Second. Well, she made it seconded for the discussion. Counsel? Yes. The, the Total gift donations, um, totaled $3,782 and 53 cents. They came from the following, um, donors. $2,713 and 48 cents from Rainbow rescues, $500 from Martin and Luber and Alicia Johnston. And $569 and 5 cents from Rocky's ACE Hardware. And these, um, donation tool enhance the quality of the stay
of animals at the shelter. Anything further from the council? Roll call? Madam City Clerk Bill. Randy? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgan Elli? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. City Properties Committee Item 39. Councilor Ali. Thank you, Mr. President. So the City Properties committee has met and, um, voted three to zero. Um, we held a public hearing, um, on the renaming of Reader. Lot one will now be known as the, uh, church Street Lot.
Second Motion made it second further discussion Council. Yeah. Um, so, um, On this particular one here, um, this is the, so this is the Church street law one. Okay. Um, so we've got two motions that there were two different parking lots. Um, that when basically because of the deed, they were, these were per the city purchased these, um, from the reader family, um, and had these names. But these need names don't mean anything. So it causes confusion. Um, and so the, the, the lots will both be in both situations will be named
after the, the main street that they're connected to, which will make things easier. The other thing that's gonna be concluded on the signage is the two lots are actually regulated. Totally different. So which one are we dealing with? We're dealing with the Church Street lot. So the Church street lot is what's behind, um, two Rivers Burrito, um, energy up in that whole section. Um, and it's two hour parking and there's no stickers. And I'll talk to the, the other one later. Um, so that'll be posted as part of the sign so people will be able to see, you know, that it's two hour parking and no stickers required.
Um, and I believe, um, counselor, uh, Matthews can had met with a lot of the businesses and one of the biggest complaints was confusion over of over, uh, certain things with parking. Um, if she wants to address that a little bit more. Um, and so, uh, but, um, PJ Miller was, you know, from community development was there, um, explaining that, you know, the city purchased, um, these lots. So they're city owned and this is more of, um, just basically, um, cleaning up the deed and,
and changing the name to an ordinance. And they're also included in an ordinance. So this will be going to l and o after here? No, I don't think so. I don't believe it. Some part of this is listed in an ordinance, I believe. No, sir. I don't think it's going. I don't know. Not this part. But in other words, these lots are mentioned somewhere in the city ordinance that wasn't in front of us, but that was Okay. We can look into that. Guess. So we're just voting On the name change, Correct? Right now it's just the name. Okay. That's all we're dealing with, right? Yes. Councilor Fan. Thank You Mr. President. Yes. We are just voting on the name change right now because that's the responsibility of the off Street Parking Commission committee.
Um, but then further, the Community development director said these are listed in the city ordinances. So therefore there will have to be a motion to refer this to l and o for the update the ordinances. Okay. But right now it's just the name change. Let's vote on the name change. All in favor. A opposed Item 40. Councillor Ali. Thank you Mr. President. So, um, item 40 to once again, the city properties, uh, committee is met and, uh, voted three to zero to, uh, favorably recommend, uh, the renaming of Read a Lot three as the school suite Lot. Second
Motion. She made it second same scenario. Counsel, Um, pretty much the, this one here just has a little bit different. Um, because this is next to, uh, a lot of, uh, the parking spaces there. Uh, this one has a a three hour restriction and then, uh, residents can have stickers for that and they can be there, whatever. So the sign will indicate that as well. Okay. Uh, we're gonna step back a second. Council, oinky wants to make a motion. Thank you, Mr. President. I'll, I'll make a motion to send, uh, items 39 reader lot one at the Church Street lot and reader Lot three at School Street Lot to l and o.
Now second to save ourselves a couple of weeks. Alright, so let's do this. Let's vote on the renaming. All in favor. A. A. Aye. Now we're gonna vote on sending to L and O. Any discussion? All in favor. A. Aye. Thank you. Now in the hands of l and o, unfinished business Councilor Fanon, item 41. Thank you Mr. President. This is second reading and the final passage of the zoning ordinance entitled Section five dash 31. Interim restriction for Battery Energy Storage Systems. Um, motion for Second Reading. Second Motion made it seconded for the discussion council? Yes. Um, at the last meeting there was a couple counselors that had some questions.
I had asked them to send me their questions in writing so I could present them to the law department. Question one was from Councilor Melo. Her question was to ask the law department if there were any consequences to adapting this moratorium that would in any way have the opposite effect of what we are trying to do, will adapting it, create an opportunity for an applicant to bypass the state's new process or anything? Question two was from Councilor Knape. My question concerns, concerns that as, as of right zoning provisions we may have adopted related to the Green Communities Act legislation that allowed WESO
to become a green community in 2016. I'm not sure if this new best issue fits within the requirements of the green community has for community zoning provisions. I presented those, um, two questions to the city solicitor and her answer was the moratorium would not impact the siding of these facilities. State would remain control over large products. And since the state has put out a model ordinance, a community implementing a moratorium to allow site community to determine how best to allow this siding of medium soil power would be allowed. I didn't have it. She said she didn't have any information
on green communities, but Jay stated the following, the green committee's provisions required us to allow solar by right in at least some zones as we do. It does not appear that best is a specific green community criteria or was even envisioned when the green community program was developed. Though case law might suggest that it must be allowed to be co-located with the solar if storing a solar collected energy accessory use, she suggests that this be looked into further when drafting any future ordinance, but does not think that at this time that it's a concern with the moratorium. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you for that very much.
You're welcome. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Oh, wait a minute. Roll call. Madam City Clerk. Yeah. Motion for a second? Yeah. Motion. Final passage. Okay. Beltran? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 42, councilor Fanon. Thank you Mr. President. Motion for a second reading of file. Passage of an ordinance entitled Chapter 17, section 17 dash 73. Stop sign. Intersection designation by adding Pine Street at Prospect Street. Second, well, she made it second. Any further discussion? Counseling? No. Anything from the council?
Roll Call. Madam City Clerk Beand? Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Canc? Yes. Kane? Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgan Alley. Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 43. Councilor all? No, I got I. It was a two part motion. Oh, sorry. Okay. Councilor Fana. Thank you. Um, this is second reading and final passage of an ordinance entitled Chapter 17, section 17 dash 73. Stop sign. Intersection designation at Old Cabot Road at Russellville Road. Second. Motion made it seconded. Further discussion? No.
Okay. Roll call. Madam City Clerk Belt. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick. Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Alley? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 43. Councilor Allie. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, so, uh, motion for a second reading and final passage. Keep going of an ordinance entitled Chapter 17, section 17 dash 70 certain left and right turns prohibited by adding no left turn on red at Perkaset Street onto North Elm Street
and no left turn exiting Westfield Middle School during the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. No, left turn. We need two votes on this. They separated or they together? They're all on. They think we could do 'em together. They're all in one ordinance. Yeah. Oh, keep going. All right. Good. No left Turn exiting. Highland Elementary School during the hours of 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. Second. She made it second at Do and council Morgan Elli. Thank
You Mr. President. What, what about holidays and when school's not in session, is that still going? Is it Monday through Friday or is it, when is it gonna say when school is in session? Well, nobody would be leaving the school then. No, what I'm saying is you, you, if there's, you still can't, if there's nobody at the school Yeah, they would be. Because sometimes people use the basket, the gym there or they're there. There's reasons for people to be there other than school and classes. There's things after school. There are things going there. So I don't appreciate the chuckle in the room. There's a reason why I'm asking. Well, all that, that's so, well that wasn't, that was,
that was very disrespectful. I'm sorry. Council, Can you answer my question please? Mr. President, may I answer please? Monday through Friday. Thank you. Anything further? We're gonna do this as one councilor, Fanny, or you want to do three separate? I think we brought Out it was three separate last time. Okay. Well then let's do 'em separately on the first item. Roll call Belt. Andy. Yes. Burns. Yes. Fanny? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Second night.
Beltran. Yes. Belt stranding. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick. Yes. Matthews. Kane. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item three. About trendy. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanon. Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick. Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Mellow. Well. Yes. Morgan. Ellie. Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. Thank you. Item 44. Council Oniskey. Thank you Mr. President. Make motion for second reading and final passage of an ordinance entitled Chapter six,
building and Building Regulations. Second. Motion Made it second for the discussion. Council. Yes. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, there was some questions that Councilor Matthews Kane, uh, brought up in a nutshell concerning if we remove these from the city ordinances, would there still be protections? Uh, for, you know, some of the things mentioned, uh, parking for the renter, two means of egress, no cooking in the rental room. And the response that I received from, uh, our city attorney was that, uh, required protections are in the building or health code. Uh, the building commissioner can cite
violations with that code. And, uh, one of our building inspectors mentioned that it was in, uh, chapters ten seven eighty CMR. So they are covered. Anything further? Roll call. Madam City Clerk. Beltran. Yes. Burns? Yes. Fanny? Yes. Harris? Yes. Ick? Yes. Matthew Kane. Yes. Meow. Yes. Morgane? Yes. Oniskey? Yes. Adams? Yes. Allie? Yes. If I may, Mr. Press by site only? Yes. Uh, an ordinance amending the code of ordinances, city of Westfield, adopted June 17th, 1993.
Chapter six, building and Building Regulations. Thank you. Counselor Motions, orders or resolutions. Item 45, Councillor Matthews Kane. Thank You. Motion of Councillor Matthews Kane to eliminate the special permit requirement for the keeping of backyard chickens and allow BuyRight for certain lots in rural residential areas only. Second motion made it seconded. Further discussion counsel. Okay, so I know chickens are a contentious issue, but I hope you'll all hear me out. So I just wanna explain what the current rule is right now. Right now people in rural residential can have
chickens if they apply for a special permit and get permission through the special permit process. The problem with that special permits cost 470 to $500 and that means it's a really high fee for someone to get special permits. And anyone in rural residential currently has to get them. If you have a quarter of an acre, you have to apply for a special permit. If you have four acres, sorry, you have to apply for a special permit. I think it doesn't make sense to treat all of those the same way. And what I would like us to do is find middle ground where if you have a lot of acres,
you can have the chicken spy, right? So you don't have to spend $500. And we would keep the special permit processed for the smaller lots. So the first smaller lots that would remain the same way. Um, I had originally started thinking a half an acre would be good, but I spoke with the person, the counselor, who has the most, um, rural residential, which is Councillor Fanon. And we had discussed it. Um, she was more comfortable with an acre, although she will have things to say to night. Um, she's heard from some constituents on this issue. Um, we could also change the setbacks, make them bigger or we could also go up higher if you want.
I think one acre is a good section. Um, two questions I want to answer before people even ask them is one is if we vote something down, we're not supposed to revisit it for two years. Um, there is, I wanna read the state rule to you 'cause we've already voted on chickens, but the state rule is no proposed zoning ordinance or bylaw, which has been unfavorably acted upon by a city council or town meeting shall be considered by the city council or town meeting within two years after the date of such unfavorable action. Unless the adaptation of such proposed ordinance
or bylaw is recommended in the final report of the planning board. So I had already discussed this with the city planner, Jay Vinky, and he had said that this situation fits it. And another way to explain it is if the planning board gives us this recommendation and we vote on either the same thing or smaller, we can revisit within two years if the city, um, if the planning board gives us something this big and we go beyond that, we make it bigger some way we cannot revisit it for two years. So my proposal is allowed to be revolted on. Another question you might have is why is a city counselor
from downtown making a motion about chickens? And I actually have a surprising amount of rural residential. Um, it's kind of where the armory is and goes up towards the Russell, um, border. I had a lot if we did it a half an acre and I still have about 19 properties if we're doing, um, an acre. Um, and why I am doing this is because way back during C-O-V-I-D-I got received a complaint about chickens and it was because the person had a rooster. And so I decided if somebody
complains, I'm gonna report them. The chickens were reported and they were taken away and it was in a rural residential neighborhood. So my original goal was to go down with the paperwork, explained to the resident that they could apply to have a special permit. And I found out it was $500 and I was too embarrassed to go down there and say that I I $500 to me is a ridiculous amount of money. And this person was in rural residential, they had 1.4 acres, they're in agricultural area next to the river. And I basically would like to fix this problem. I feel like somebody in
that situation should be allowed to have chickens by. Right. So for me, this is about affordability. We talk a lot about affordability. This would be a way to make people only in appropriate lots, make it more affordable. It doesn't expand it anywhere outside where it's currently allowed. It just allows it for it to be in a larger lot by Right. And it's cut some red tape. Those are two goals of mine. I hope you'll consider this proposal and I look forward to hearing what you think. So where are you sending this to? The planning board? It Would go if it passes, it would be a motion for public hearing and to send a planning board.
Okay. Councilor Fanny. Thank You Mr. President. Um, yes, I did speak to Councilor Matthews Kane on this issue. I reluctantly did agree to listen to it and move it forward. However, I have gathered new information from a constituent and I have changed my position and I will not support it moving any further. Thank you. Okay. Councilor Allen. Um, I also, I I agree with, um, council Matthews Kane, um, you know, if you divide $500 by the six chickens, you're allowed, you know, the price is, it is ridiculous.
Um, for something that would be a buy right use and we're in, we're not involving like, you know, something that has, I mean, this should be simpler in this. I mean, I don't know if we can actually create like an exempt or an exception so that that special permit still would've a process but not cost as much money. If there was a way to do that, that'd be huge. Um, but Do you wanna respond to that? Yeah. Um, through the chair, if I may. I did post on council share what the breakdown was and some of it are state fees that I don't think we can waive, um, Like the state's gonna do anything about, you know.
Yeah. I I don't think we can fix it that way. Um, anything else? Council Ky. Thank you Mr. President. Um, we discussed this in, I believe June of last year, and I think we don't need to discuss it now. The vote was no. And I'm not gonna support sending this to committee. Anyone else? We're gonna do a roll call, Madam City clerk. Alright. Okay. Well we had the motion made and seconded. Yes. Okay. Shandy, no. Burns. No. Fanon? No. Harris? No. Ick? Yes. Matthews. Kane? Yes. Mellow? Yes. Morgane?
Yes. Oniskey? No. Adams? No. Allie? Absolutely yes. Five. Yes. Six. No. Motion fails. Any announcements? None. Councilor Harris. Motion to adjourn. Second. Motion made it second. And all in favor? Aye. Goodnight everybody. Thank you. We adjourned.