1 00:00:09,260 --> 00:00:16,320 I now call this meeting to order. Please be advised that FATV is conducting audio and video 2 00:00:16,320 --> 00:00:21,560 recording of this meeting for public broadcast. I ask that anyone else in the audience who is 3 00:00:21,560 --> 00:00:26,800 recording this meeting to please identify themselves for the record now by standing and stating 4 00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:28,520 their name and city of residence. 5 00:00:31,070 --> 00:00:34,530 Seeing none, at this time I would ask that all electronic 6 00:00:34,530 --> 00:00:36,570 devices be placed into silent mode. 7 00:00:38,890 --> 00:00:40,990 Vice President Van Hazinga, would you please 8 00:00:40,990 --> 00:00:42,190 lead us into a flag? 9 00:00:43,970 --> 00:00:52,630 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 10 00:00:53,070 --> 00:00:55,830 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 11 00:01:00,310 --> 00:01:02,070 Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? 12 00:01:02,070 --> 00:01:03,130 here. 13 00:01:04,820 --> 00:01:05,760 Councilor Van Hezinger. 14 00:01:06,160 --> 00:01:06,400 Here. 15 00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:07,860 Councilor Walsh. 16 00:01:07,940 --> 00:01:08,080 Here. 17 00:01:08,400 --> 00:01:09,240 President Zarella. 18 00:01:09,480 --> 00:01:09,660 Here. 19 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:10,740 Councilor Bolshamun. 20 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:11,380 Here. 21 00:01:11,680 --> 00:01:12,440 Councilor Kutcher. 22 00:01:12,660 --> 00:01:12,860 Here. 23 00:01:13,320 --> 00:01:14,260 Councilor Kerrigan. 24 00:01:14,460 --> 00:01:14,660 Here. 25 00:01:15,280 --> 00:01:15,980 Councilor Cruz. 26 00:01:16,340 --> 00:01:16,520 Here. 27 00:01:17,280 --> 00:01:18,440 Councilor Dean Attali. 28 00:01:18,660 --> 00:01:18,840 Here. 29 00:01:19,180 --> 00:01:19,940 Councilor Fleming. 30 00:01:20,260 --> 00:01:20,280 Here. 31 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:21,300 Councilor Green. 32 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:21,680 Here. 33 00:01:21,940 --> 00:01:22,840 Councilor Schultz. 34 00:01:22,940 --> 00:01:23,160 Here. 35 00:01:23,320 --> 00:01:24,620 We have 11 members present. 36 00:01:25,160 --> 00:01:26,160 Thank you very much. 37 00:01:27,300 --> 00:01:30,200 We have no one signed in remotely for public forum. 38 00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:35,520 If there is anyone in the audience wishing to speak, please approach the center podium, 39 00:01:36,020 --> 00:01:41,900 identify yourself by name and city of residence, and identify the agenda item on which you 40 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:43,880 wish to speak, and you will be given two minutes. 41 00:01:52,190 --> 00:01:52,970 Good evening. 42 00:01:53,190 --> 00:01:54,290 I'm Charlene Laxall. 43 00:01:54,510 --> 00:01:56,010 I live in 31 Gloria Ave. 44 00:01:56,430 --> 00:02:02,190 And I'd like to speak to Petition 09825, the extension of the solar moratorium. 45 00:02:02,190 --> 00:02:08,810 moratorium. Despite the fact that the state is working on updated solar regulations, it 46 00:02:08,810 --> 00:02:14,850 seems advantageous for the city to issue its own stronger zoning ordinance to protect neighborhoods 47 00:02:14,850 --> 00:02:20,770 in the interim. Since the current moratorium expires on May 31st, more time is needed to 48 00:02:20,770 --> 00:02:25,930 strengthen our current ordinance. I believe the state allows a temporary moratorium of 49 00:02:25,930 --> 00:02:32,710 one year. The last reading of the current moratorium was on October 15th, 2024, which 50 00:02:32,710 --> 00:02:37,770 puts us well under the one year timeframe allowed. An extension would provide the city 51 00:02:37,770 --> 00:02:42,570 time to continue to develop and implement an updated zoning ordinance, which could 52 00:02:42,570 --> 00:02:47,150 be tweaked if eventually superseded by state regulations. Thank you. 53 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:59,440 Anyone else for public comment? Seeing none, we will begin our announcements. 54 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:06,140 The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed support group will take place on Thursday 55 00:03:06,140 --> 00:03:14,280 May 8th from 4 until 5.30 p.m. in Room 205 at the Fitchburg State University Recreation 56 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:19,600 Center, 130 North Street. Kelly Lin and Bernie Schultz will co-facilitate the meeting. 57 00:03:21,460 --> 00:03:25,860 Fitchburg City Councilor Bernie Schultz is hosting a City Council community meeting 58 00:03:25,860 --> 00:03:33,180 meeting on Monday, May 12th at 6.30 p.m. here in the legislative building 700 Main Street. 59 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:39,560 Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squalia and FATV Executive Director Nate Glenny will make presentations 60 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:42,160 and then answer questions following their presentations. 61 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:48,560 This meeting on May 12th will be the last City Council community meeting hosted by 62 00:03:48,560 --> 00:03:50,380 Councillor Schultz until September. 63 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:55,000 As with the last few years, Councillor Schultz will not be scheduling community 64 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:56,760 meetings during the summer months. 65 00:03:58,850 --> 00:04:01,870 In recognition of May as Mental Health 66 00:04:01,870 --> 00:04:06,810 Awareness Month, the Health Department invites the public to join NAMI North 67 00:04:06,810 --> 00:04:11,410 Central Mass for a program on navigating mental health. This will be held on 68 00:04:11,410 --> 00:04:18,370 Thursday May 8th at the Legislative Building 700 Main Street. Local 69 00:04:18,370 --> 00:04:24,450 counseling agencies will have resource tables available at 5.30 p.m. and the 70 00:04:24,450 --> 00:04:30,550 program begins at 6 p.m. There will be a presentation on navigating mental illness 71 00:04:30,550 --> 00:04:35,330 from two perspectives. A family member will share the experience of accessing 72 00:04:35,330 --> 00:04:40,210 mental health care for a loved one and an individual living with mental illness 73 00:04:40,210 --> 00:04:44,810 will share their journey. A panel discussion will follow led by Heather 74 00:04:44,810 --> 00:04:49,230 Powell, North County site director for Massachusetts Department of Public 75 00:04:49,230 --> 00:04:53,890 Health. This free program is open to the public and refreshments will be 76 00:04:53,890 --> 00:05:01,950 available. You can call 978-829-1854 for more information. 77 00:05:04,860 --> 00:05:11,920 Saturday, May 31st at 2 p.m. The Thurston Concert will have, 78 00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:18,300 it looks like a piano concert 79 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:26,820 at the Forest Hill Abbey, the mausoleum, with award-winning pianist Silvia Boto of Romania. 80 00:05:26,820 --> 00:05:31,000 Sylvia is a music teacher at Grotten Hill Music Center. 81 00:05:33,340 --> 00:05:36,600 RSVP seating is limited. You can email 82 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:45,780 friends of Fitchburg Cemetery, one word, at gmail.com with thanks to the Fitchburg Cultural 83 00:05:45,780 --> 00:05:54,100 Council for support. And the program is free, but donations are welcome to aid in the restoration 84 00:05:54,100 --> 00:05:55,140 of the mausoleum. 85 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:02,220 And this week, Stratton players celebrates their centennial 86 00:06:02,220 --> 00:06:09,260 season with two free programs. On Thursday May 8th at 7 p.m. there will be a play 87 00:06:09,260 --> 00:06:17,240 reading at Lemonster Library and you can also help select plays for their next 88 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:21,640 season. You can come read apart or sit and listen. Teens and adults are 89 00:06:21,640 --> 00:06:30,320 welcome. And on Friday May 9th from 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. Stratton players will 90 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:37,280 debut a new program for youth adults and seniors. Fun Family Improv is an 91 00:06:37,280 --> 00:06:42,800 opportunity to explore theater skills, try on costumes, and use props to create 92 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:47,080 crazy characters and situations. This is a free program but donations are 93 00:06:47,080 --> 00:06:53,860 welcome. RSVP is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. For more information and to RSVP you 94 00:06:53,860 --> 00:07:00,960 can visit the Stratton players on Facebook or email Stratton players at gmail.com. 95 00:07:05,480 --> 00:07:05,900 Thank you. 96 00:07:10,620 --> 00:07:13,620 Next we have the report of the Appointments Committee. Councillor Krucher. 97 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:19,180 Thank you Mr. President. The Appointments Committee met earlier this evening. We took 98 00:07:19,180 --> 00:07:23,460 up two new appointments first to the Fitchburg Human Rights Commission termed to expire April 99 00:07:23,460 --> 00:07:30,780 April 1st, 2028. David DeJesus, which was approved unanimously. And another new appointment, 100 00:07:31,380 --> 00:07:37,000 associate member of the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals, termed to expire May 6th, 2027. 101 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:41,480 Christopher did loge, and that was approved unanimously as well. 102 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:42,380 Motion to approve. 103 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:43,060 Second. 104 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:49,520 I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. 105 00:07:49,520 --> 00:07:56,460 moved. Report of the committee on records. Councilor Jean Tali reviewed the minutes of 106 00:07:56,460 --> 00:08:02,720 the last City Council meeting and they appear to be in order. We have a motion and second. 107 00:08:03,580 --> 00:08:10,640 If there is no objection, it is unanimously approved. We have communications from Her Honor 108 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:16,500 the Mayor, a new appointment letter of four full-time student police officers for the 109 00:08:16,500 --> 00:08:23,400 City of Fitchburg, Sarah Coffey, Tyler Doucet, Angela Maga Chan, sorry, Angelina Maga Chan, 110 00:08:23,940 --> 00:08:25,280 and Arlene Tostes. 111 00:08:29,620 --> 00:08:35,840 One separate appointment letter for a full-time student police officer for the City of Fitchburg, 112 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:36,840 Adam Borgo, 113 00:08:38,940 --> 00:08:42,920 new appointment of Michael T. Hurley as a member of the Fitchburg Board 114 00:08:42,920 --> 00:08:46,380 to registrar's term to expire April 1st, 2028. 115 00:08:47,540 --> 00:08:52,340 A new appointment of Emily Stark as a member of the Fitchburg Disability Commission, term 116 00:08:52,340 --> 00:08:54,220 to expire May 1st, 2028. 117 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:59,420 Reappointment, James J. McGrath, member of the Fitchburg Board of Parks Commissioners, 118 00:08:59,880 --> 00:09:02,020 term to expire April 1st, 2030. 119 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:07,820 And Krista Ford's Rhodes Reappointment as a member of the Fitchburg Human Rights 120 00:09:07,820 --> 00:09:11,460 Commission, term to expire May 1st, 2028. 121 00:09:11,460 --> 00:09:14,340 All of those will stand referred to the Appointments Committee. 122 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:20,140 We have the annual report of the Fitchburg Fire Department. 123 00:09:20,940 --> 00:09:22,420 I see we have the Chief here. 124 00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:27,160 If you have any remarks you had plans to give, you're more than welcome. 125 00:09:27,360 --> 00:09:31,240 Otherwise, we will place the report on file with the clerk's office. 126 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:33,900 All right. 127 00:09:34,160 --> 00:09:37,180 Any objection to leaving the reading and placing it on file? 128 00:09:37,700 --> 00:09:38,160 No problem. 129 00:09:38,160 --> 00:09:40,920 Well, it's quite a report. 130 00:09:43,380 --> 00:09:49,600 That it is that it is that again, that will be on file with 131 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:53,380 the clerk's office report of the city property committee. 132 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:57,440 Counselor Van Hasenga, thank you, Mr. President. This evening, the city property committee 133 00:09:57,440 --> 00:10:04,120 met to meet want to consider one item order 6625, which involved a conservation 134 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:10,940 restriction that was being given to the Worcester County Land Trust. It's located on Ashby West 135 00:10:10,940 --> 00:10:16,320 Road in an area of other protected land on the northern part of the city. The committee 136 00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:20,560 voted 3 to nothing to a recommended approval of the conservation restriction. 137 00:10:21,220 --> 00:10:22,160 Make a motion we accept. 138 00:10:22,380 --> 00:10:22,660 Second. 139 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:22,940 Second. 140 00:10:23,580 --> 00:10:29,940 I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. 141 00:10:29,940 --> 00:10:30,040 approved. 142 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,280 Reporter of the Finance Committee, Councillor Cruz. 143 00:10:34,500 --> 00:10:35,480 Thank you, Mr. President. 144 00:10:35,680 --> 00:10:40,600 We took up a handful of items, 11 in total. 145 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:47,540 There was one, I'll call attention to just one, petition 06825-2. 146 00:10:48,140 --> 00:10:52,880 This is the only order that was not approved by the Finance Committee initially. 147 00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:54,860 It was held as amended. 148 00:10:55,480 --> 00:10:57,940 We amended the date to effect of July 1, 2026. 149 00:10:58,660 --> 00:11:03,260 That was held by a vote of four to one. Like I said, everything else was unanimously 150 00:11:03,260 --> 00:11:07,720 approved. I'd be happy to answer any questions. If anyone has a particular concern or comment 151 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:12,700 or question about any of the agenda items from the Finance Committee, or I'd be happy 152 00:11:12,700 --> 00:11:16,080 to read them all in a row that were all unanimously approved. 153 00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:17,700 Councillor Green. 154 00:11:17,900 --> 00:11:21,300 I just have one question, 07-325. 155 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:23,280 Yes. 156 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:28,840 the support pedestrian projects on Summer Street, Electric Gav and Rollstone. 157 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:35,240 Is there specifics about what that, what and how that's going to be supported? 158 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:42,140 Sure. So most of it is the finishing of the paving as well as some crosswalks, 159 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:47,100 RRFBs, bike lanes, and pedestrian improvements on Rollstone to turn around. 160 00:11:47,940 --> 00:11:51,860 The specifics are made pretty clear in the meeting if you want to take a peek at the minutes. 161 00:11:51,860 --> 00:11:58,040 I don't have them on offhand. I don't think they've been submitted yet by finance committee, but the meeting that is available on FATV 162 00:12:00,510 --> 00:12:08,150 Right bite. Are they putting in a specific bike lane on did bike lanes? What's that painted bike lanes painted bike lane? 163 00:12:08,450 --> 00:12:12,370 Yes, no, no, no, they're not did not no, no, no bike 164 00:12:12,370 --> 00:12:17,870 The bike lanes are coming. So I apologize if this was the wrong the wrong pool of funds 165 00:12:17,870 --> 00:12:22,110 But this is for pedestrian safety the crosswalks the RFP's things of that nature 166 00:12:22,110 --> 00:12:25,050 But the bike lanes are coming. I think that's another pool of funds apparently. 167 00:12:27,050 --> 00:12:28,070 Okay. Thank you. 168 00:12:31,730 --> 00:12:32,650 Do I have any? 169 00:12:32,970 --> 00:12:33,090 Yes. 170 00:12:33,870 --> 00:12:34,290 Sorry? 171 00:12:34,750 --> 00:12:36,410 I make a motion that we accept. 172 00:12:37,030 --> 00:12:37,430 Second. 173 00:12:37,730 --> 00:12:40,330 May I request that 7425 be held out? 174 00:12:41,730 --> 00:12:44,950 Is that amenable to the moving party? 175 00:12:45,790 --> 00:12:46,170 Sure. 176 00:12:46,470 --> 00:12:49,290 I could, would it be like to read all of the petitions and the orders? 177 00:12:49,510 --> 00:12:52,970 I can, I'd be happy to do that for the council and the viewing public. 178 00:12:52,970 --> 00:13:01,990 Look, it doesn't seem to be necessary. So can I get a motion on all of the finance 179 00:13:01,990 --> 00:13:04,990 committee report excluding 074? 180 00:13:05,410 --> 00:13:07,150 I don't have a motion on the 4, sir. 181 00:13:07,830 --> 00:13:11,950 Yes, you have them. Oh, yes. It is up to you if you want to hold your motion or not. 182 00:13:12,170 --> 00:13:15,270 No, I would draw my motion. I don't want to be a wise guy. 183 00:13:16,210 --> 00:13:18,610 No, you are quite correct, though. It's your prerogative. 184 00:13:18,610 --> 00:13:23,590 No, that's okay. But can I speak on a 075 for a minute, sir? 185 00:13:24,650 --> 00:13:26,210 075 or 074? 186 00:13:26,350 --> 00:13:27,070 I don't agree. We're talking about... 187 00:13:27,070 --> 00:13:29,770 The one he's holding out, 074, we'll get to it, yes. 188 00:13:29,810 --> 00:13:30,230 Okay, all right. 189 00:13:31,070 --> 00:13:34,550 So do I have a motion for the remainder of the Finance Committee report? 190 00:13:34,850 --> 00:13:35,430 So we'll move second. 191 00:13:36,210 --> 00:13:40,330 All right. Any objections? Anyone on the motion? 192 00:13:41,510 --> 00:13:47,870 All right. Then that is approved, and we now have 074-25 before us. 193 00:13:47,870 --> 00:13:53,430 This is order that the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of earmark funds 194 00:13:53,430 --> 00:13:59,470 from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in the approximate amount of $250,000 195 00:14:00,110 --> 00:14:06,810 to support the conversion of vacant upper store space, upper story space in downtown into housing. 196 00:14:09,590 --> 00:14:13,910 Councillor Dine-Tally, did you have any particular remarks you wanted to make on this? 197 00:14:14,830 --> 00:14:18,550 No. Okay. Councilor Rosemann, you indicated you had a question. 198 00:14:18,550 --> 00:14:22,610 Oh, no, I thought it was my mistake. I thought we wouldn't talk about Amy Green and the one 199 00:14:22,610 --> 00:14:25,570 she was asking about complete streets on the roads. 200 00:14:26,590 --> 00:14:27,830 We voted to ask about that. 201 00:14:28,270 --> 00:14:37,950 Oh, I see. 07-3. I suppose if you just have a question, we can try to address that. 202 00:14:38,150 --> 00:14:43,030 The motion has already been passed, but I was just trying to explain better about 203 00:14:43,570 --> 00:14:49,950 Oh, I see. Let's have that conversation offline then. I appreciate it, but we're past. 204 00:14:51,470 --> 00:14:52,350 I'll see you after. 205 00:14:53,130 --> 00:14:54,050 I'll see you after. 206 00:14:54,370 --> 00:14:54,510 Okay. 207 00:14:54,730 --> 00:14:55,350 Yeah, thank you. 208 00:14:56,030 --> 00:14:58,830 I move to approve 07-425. 209 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:04,580 Second. All right. Anyone on the motion? All in favor? 210 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:05,280 Aye. 211 00:15:05,540 --> 00:15:05,720 Aye. 212 00:15:06,880 --> 00:15:07,360 In opposition? 213 00:15:09,380 --> 00:15:10,520 Three in opposition? 214 00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:13,660 I missed the closure. Thank you. 215 00:15:14,220 --> 00:15:17,560 Motion carries by a vote of 8 to 3. 216 00:15:21,790 --> 00:15:24,670 Report of the Legislative Affairs Committee, Councillor Walsh. 217 00:15:24,950 --> 00:15:28,470 Thank you, Mr. President. The Legislative Affairs Committee met earlier this evening. 218 00:15:28,730 --> 00:15:30,710 We have one item on the agenda. 219 00:15:32,490 --> 00:15:43,870 It was 070-25. It was a resolution on behalf of FATV to adopt the resolution in support 220 00:15:43,870 --> 00:15:50,750 of bill S41 and H91 streaming bill as per the enclosed resolution, and the resolution 221 00:15:50,750 --> 00:16:00,030 was to basically allow for funding for community media programming, and that was 5 to 0. 222 00:16:06,010 --> 00:16:08,350 I have a motion on second. 223 00:16:10,090 --> 00:16:13,770 If there are no objections, we'll take this by unanimous consent. 224 00:16:15,230 --> 00:16:17,530 Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. 225 00:16:21,370 --> 00:16:24,530 Report of the Public Works Committee, Council Schultz. 226 00:16:25,210 --> 00:16:27,230 Thank you, Council President Zarela. 227 00:16:27,670 --> 00:16:32,410 We met last Tuesday, April 29th, and we had three petitions on the agenda. 228 00:16:32,410 --> 00:16:38,430 The first petition was 02825, and that was to assess the need for a stop sign, 229 00:16:38,830 --> 00:16:41,830 traffic control measure at High Street Mechanics Street. 230 00:16:42,470 --> 00:16:48,150 And that was granted, and it was pointed out that it was just to assess the need. 231 00:16:48,350 --> 00:16:51,630 It wasn't to actually put something at that particular intersection. 232 00:16:54,010 --> 00:17:01,130 And the other two petitions, 06925 and 16824 were both given leave to withdraw. 233 00:17:02,070 --> 00:17:09,670 one of the first one with 069 25 was the convert central have extension from a paper wrote to an actual road and 234 00:17:10,690 --> 00:17:15,250 We were told that the the cost would be about a half million dollars that to do that 235 00:17:15,250 --> 00:17:20,910 So they decided that the private developer the people living there should 236 00:17:22,110 --> 00:17:25,970 Do that rather than the city so that's why it was given bleak 237 00:17:25,970 --> 00:17:26,430 to withdraw. 238 00:17:29,990 --> 00:17:32,250 Councilor Kutcher, the city plows that. 239 00:17:34,010 --> 00:17:35,050 I think so. 240 00:17:35,310 --> 00:17:38,130 It also picks up the rubbish, but they also pay taxes there. 241 00:17:38,170 --> 00:17:39,730 So that's what they get for the taxes. 242 00:17:39,950 --> 00:17:42,130 But by law, we can't use Japanese. 243 00:17:42,130 --> 00:17:42,650 You can't do it. 244 00:17:42,770 --> 00:17:43,330 It's a paper speech. 245 00:17:43,590 --> 00:17:44,090 It's a paper speech. 246 00:17:44,290 --> 00:17:47,190 You can't pay the, you can't, you can't, you can't. 247 00:17:48,210 --> 00:17:49,070 Thank you, Chair. 248 00:17:49,210 --> 00:17:49,490 Thank you. 249 00:17:49,750 --> 00:17:51,350 It was stated that it is not as. 250 00:17:51,350 --> 00:17:51,570 Excuse me. 251 00:17:51,670 --> 00:17:52,330 I want to go to her. 252 00:17:52,450 --> 00:17:52,610 OK. 253 00:17:52,870 --> 00:17:53,970 Hang on, second. 254 00:17:54,090 --> 00:17:54,350 Hang on. 255 00:17:54,350 --> 00:17:58,270 one at a time. Are you all set, Councillor Kutcher? 256 00:17:58,490 --> 00:17:59,030 Yes, thank you. 257 00:17:59,350 --> 00:18:00,010 Councillor Fleming. 258 00:18:00,310 --> 00:18:03,230 Sorry about that. It was stated that it is a courtesy 259 00:18:03,230 --> 00:18:06,370 that the public works does that for the city 260 00:18:06,370 --> 00:18:10,530 if there's an emergency. So fire trucks and things, emergency vehicles 261 00:18:10,530 --> 00:18:14,450 get up there because we all have those paper roads and our wards 262 00:18:14,450 --> 00:18:18,610 and it would cost us millions and millions of dollars 263 00:18:18,610 --> 00:18:21,310 to change over all paper roads to public roads. 264 00:18:24,720 --> 00:18:25,420 All set? 265 00:18:27,160 --> 00:18:32,880 Thank you, Mr. President. And just to piggyback on what Councilor Fleming had mentioned, Commissioner 266 00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:35,960 Erickson explained it to us that it's at the commissioner's discretion, as we've done 267 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:41,920 it in the past, to continue to sustain some of the roads and provide the plowing and 268 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:45,780 those sort of maintenance that might need a public safety issue. So it's a commissioner's 269 00:18:45,780 --> 00:18:47,920 discretion. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. 270 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:50,700 Thank you. Vice President, Ben Hasinger. 271 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:56,020 So I was in attendance at the meeting, I would like to add that the commissioner explained 272 00:18:56,020 --> 00:19:00,540 that there is a process in our by-laws for the acceptance of a paper road as a city street. 273 00:19:01,320 --> 00:19:05,080 It involves a lot of engineering work being done to show exactly the bounds of the road 274 00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:05,780 and where it is. 275 00:19:06,380 --> 00:19:11,300 The road also has to be constructed up to city standards to meet with quality of 276 00:19:11,300 --> 00:19:12,280 pavement, other issues. 277 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:18,140 So as it currently sits, the road does not meet city standards to be a city road. 278 00:19:18,880 --> 00:19:24,980 So it would have to go through that process of engineering to show that it's layout, it's right of ways, 279 00:19:26,100 --> 00:19:30,240 it's condition that would have to be approved up to city standards, and then the city would take it. 280 00:19:30,340 --> 00:19:35,220 So if a normal process creates a subdivision or road is accepted by the city, 281 00:19:35,300 --> 00:19:37,480 it has to go through that process in order to be accepted. 282 00:19:38,020 --> 00:19:43,200 And that was sort of brought forward that if this is going to happen, it should go back and meet those requirements. 283 00:19:45,470 --> 00:19:47,490 Thank you. Anyone else? 284 00:19:48,330 --> 00:19:51,890 I'm not going to talk about that. I just want to give the reason why the other reason 285 00:19:51,890 --> 00:19:55,610 why we would draw. I just want to make it clear to everybody out there that the city 286 00:19:55,610 --> 00:19:59,950 is putting in burns and they're not made to drive over. And when I go back and put 287 00:19:59,950 --> 00:20:03,910 a burn man, and then they get damaged by the homeowner and they want to. 288 00:20:04,490 --> 00:20:06,590 That's not the petition we're talking about right now. 289 00:20:06,770 --> 00:20:07,370 Counselor, Counselor. 290 00:20:07,450 --> 00:20:09,430 I don't know about the other one why we withdrew. 291 00:20:10,370 --> 00:20:13,450 We didn't get to that one yet. We're still on the other one. 292 00:20:13,790 --> 00:20:14,250 All right. 293 00:20:15,730 --> 00:20:17,050 I did, I explained it. 294 00:20:17,230 --> 00:20:17,430 All right. 295 00:20:18,110 --> 00:20:24,690 So do we have anything further on either of the, on any of these three items? 296 00:20:28,230 --> 00:20:29,370 Oh, Counselor Jean Talley. 297 00:20:29,650 --> 00:20:32,970 On 16824, why was that given leave? 298 00:20:34,010 --> 00:20:34,410 The berm? 299 00:20:35,410 --> 00:20:35,950 Counselor Jean. 300 00:20:35,950 --> 00:20:36,930 Do you want to explain it and what? 301 00:20:37,390 --> 00:20:39,050 Go ahead, you started to it. 302 00:20:39,050 --> 00:20:47,570 They put a berm up there, and we didn't know what the guy actually wanted. 303 00:20:48,230 --> 00:20:52,570 So they put the berm from one area all the way down to the driveway left open, 304 00:20:52,870 --> 00:20:57,290 but the guy drove over the berm and damaged part of the berm. 305 00:20:58,290 --> 00:21:05,090 So out of the kindness of the DPW, they said that they would go back and repair that part of it, 306 00:21:05,090 --> 00:21:09,850 Because when I went up there Sunday, you showed me, well, you didn't come out and show me. 307 00:21:09,990 --> 00:21:11,190 You said the water's still going down. 308 00:21:11,430 --> 00:21:15,550 So they're going to put a little angle on the end of the driveway so the water won't go 309 00:21:15,550 --> 00:21:16,110 down there. 310 00:21:16,490 --> 00:21:22,410 But we also made it very clear, the DPW said, and that's why I said it, that we're not 311 00:21:22,410 --> 00:21:28,730 putting in berms so people can drive over, damage them, and they need to be replaced. 312 00:21:29,090 --> 00:21:33,830 We won't replace them unless we get paid because it costs money. 313 00:21:33,830 --> 00:21:36,510 Did the resident requesting this is the one who damaged it? 314 00:21:36,890 --> 00:21:37,070 Yeah. 315 00:21:37,850 --> 00:21:38,290 He didn't. 316 00:21:38,370 --> 00:21:38,550 No. 317 00:21:38,870 --> 00:21:41,750 They needed it because the water was going into his yard, right, Mr. Kutcher? 318 00:21:41,950 --> 00:21:42,190 Right. 319 00:21:42,370 --> 00:21:43,810 But who damaged the berm? 320 00:21:44,290 --> 00:21:45,330 He damaged the berm. 321 00:21:46,530 --> 00:21:47,310 The resident. 322 00:21:48,470 --> 00:21:50,230 The guy that requested the berm, Marcus. 323 00:21:53,090 --> 00:21:54,610 When did he damage it? 324 00:21:55,830 --> 00:21:58,170 When did he damage it a long time ago, or? 325 00:21:58,390 --> 00:21:58,590 No. 326 00:21:59,030 --> 00:22:00,170 This is a freshly berm. 327 00:22:00,310 --> 00:22:00,950 They just did it. 328 00:22:01,450 --> 00:22:02,630 They just did it last year. 329 00:22:03,590 --> 00:22:06,770 they did the berm last year and he did you already damage one of order we're 330 00:22:06,770 --> 00:22:09,830 having a lot of back and forth right now it's really not the way we operate 331 00:22:10,470 --> 00:22:14,690 yeah no it's a good point we should have one person at a time and if there's 332 00:22:14,690 --> 00:22:21,350 anyone who wants to respond please raise your hand and wait to be given the 333 00:22:21,350 --> 00:22:28,730 floor so alright so do you have any so was your question answered or do you 334 00:22:28,730 --> 00:22:32,390 have more that you'd like to go through the chair? Either way, it's fine. 335 00:22:32,790 --> 00:22:36,430 So it's a point of order because I'm asking questions to the chair? 336 00:22:36,430 --> 00:22:41,610 No, no, no. The point of order was to the back and forth without going through the chair. 337 00:22:42,690 --> 00:22:46,290 That's all. Nothing to do with the subject of your questioning. 338 00:22:47,430 --> 00:22:49,470 For clarification, Mr. President, if I may. 339 00:22:50,850 --> 00:22:51,590 On the point of order? 340 00:22:51,970 --> 00:22:52,070 Yes. 341 00:22:52,370 --> 00:22:52,530 Okay. 342 00:22:52,530 --> 00:22:56,650 It's not directed at any one counselor. It's just a lot of back and forth. 343 00:22:56,650 --> 00:22:59,530 and the chair typically has the floor and can answer questions. 344 00:23:00,070 --> 00:23:02,130 It's just the way we operate. 345 00:23:02,350 --> 00:23:04,710 It keeps things in orderly fashion. 346 00:23:06,150 --> 00:23:07,890 Yeah, no, and that's on me. 347 00:23:08,230 --> 00:23:09,870 That's my fault. 348 00:23:10,130 --> 00:23:11,450 I should have kept it a little tighter. 349 00:23:14,270 --> 00:23:17,190 But you're still free to ask any follow-up questions 350 00:23:17,190 --> 00:23:18,130 that you want, Councillor. 351 00:23:22,570 --> 00:23:26,450 Through you, Mr. Chair, how was it left? 352 00:23:27,230 --> 00:23:32,270 is the resident okay with this or is he feel like, 353 00:23:32,450 --> 00:23:34,030 oh, I made, it was an accident. 354 00:23:34,690 --> 00:23:36,990 And so now the city is going to penalize him 355 00:23:36,990 --> 00:23:38,010 by never fixing it. 356 00:23:40,070 --> 00:23:44,050 No, if you watch the video right at the end of the meeting, 357 00:23:44,830 --> 00:23:47,230 Nick Erickson, the commissioner said he would send 358 00:23:47,230 --> 00:23:48,490 somebody up to fix the berm. 359 00:23:48,670 --> 00:23:50,370 So the berm is gonna be repaid at Marcus. 360 00:23:52,590 --> 00:23:53,230 All right, thank you. 361 00:23:54,050 --> 00:23:54,550 Thank you. 362 00:23:54,830 --> 00:23:56,390 Any further questions, comments? 363 00:23:56,710 --> 00:23:57,270 Councilor Fleming. 364 00:23:57,270 --> 00:24:01,890 Okay. So I just, there's a little background story on this. The berm was placed 365 00:24:01,890 --> 00:24:05,830 there because there's erosion in the, in the constituent, in the resident's yard. 366 00:24:06,190 --> 00:24:10,310 So they put the berm up thinking that would solve the erosion problem. However, 367 00:24:10,770 --> 00:24:16,510 they've discovered that there is still erosion happening. And that may be something 368 00:24:16,510 --> 00:24:22,670 that has to do with the resident's home or whatever. So the berm was placed 369 00:24:22,670 --> 00:24:30,110 there. It was damaged. He's asking for it to be fixed because it was damaged. So it didn't 370 00:24:30,110 --> 00:24:37,490 take care of the initial problem, which was the erosion. So that itself is on the constituent, 371 00:24:37,810 --> 00:24:43,430 the resident, because it's something that's happening on his property. Nothing the city 372 00:24:43,430 --> 00:24:43,890 has done. 373 00:24:48,900 --> 00:24:49,560 Are you on the floor? 374 00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:50,400 Thank you. 375 00:24:50,960 --> 00:24:51,640 Councilor Schulz. 376 00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:57,900 Yes, just for clarification, Councilor Dean Atelier, the burn was put in not by that resident, 377 00:24:58,020 --> 00:25:02,440 not for that resident, but for his next door neighbor, and it just extended down to his 378 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:02,860 property. 379 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:06,040 So that's really what happened. 380 00:25:08,700 --> 00:25:09,380 All right. 381 00:25:09,660 --> 00:25:12,580 Do I have a motion on this report? 382 00:25:13,460 --> 00:25:15,180 So moved to approve. 383 00:25:15,860 --> 00:25:16,180 Second. 384 00:25:16,560 --> 00:25:20,520 I have a motion and seconds to approve the report of the Public Works Committee. 385 00:25:20,520 --> 00:25:30,340 city. Do I have any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. We have a number 386 00:25:30,340 --> 00:25:37,520 of orders for finance. If no one objects, I will waive the reading of 083 through and 387 00:25:37,520 --> 00:25:44,840 including 08825, and those will stand referred to finance. Seeing no objections. 388 00:25:46,700 --> 00:25:57,780 For 0.9925, order that they're being hereby is appropriated the sum of $216,665.01 from 389 00:25:57,780 --> 00:26:04,760 reserve for appropriation peg access expenses to support FATV capital needs. 390 00:26:04,860 --> 00:26:07,200 We have a request for suspension of the rules on the site. 391 00:26:07,320 --> 00:26:07,780 So moved. 392 00:26:08,260 --> 00:26:08,440 Second. 393 00:26:08,940 --> 00:26:10,540 I have a motion and second for suspension. 394 00:26:11,500 --> 00:26:15,620 If there is no objection, we'll take this by unanimous consent. 395 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:20,240 Seeing none, the matter is before the council. 396 00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:21,720 We'll have to adopt 9,925. 397 00:26:22,180 --> 00:26:22,380 Second. 398 00:26:23,280 --> 00:26:24,900 I have a motion and seconds. 399 00:26:25,300 --> 00:26:26,600 Do I have any objections? 400 00:26:28,620 --> 00:26:31,400 That said, it is unanimously approved. 401 00:26:35,540 --> 00:26:42,140 089-25, order that the City of Fitchburg, the City Council of the City of Fitchburg, 402 00:26:42,260 --> 00:26:45,760 duly elected qualified in acting as such on behalf of the city, votes to authorize the 403 00:26:45,760 --> 00:26:49,800 mayor to execute an extension of the lease, buy in between the City of Fitchburg and Crown 404 00:26:49,800 --> 00:26:54,340 Atlantic Company LLC as the successor of Bel-Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts Corporation 405 00:26:54,340 --> 00:27:01,080 Limited, doing business as Verizon Wireless, for the property located at 1078 Franklin 406 00:27:01,080 --> 00:27:02,220 and Road, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, 407 00:27:02,540 --> 00:27:04,160 for the final renewal term of five years, 408 00:27:04,280 --> 00:27:05,880 commencing on April 15th, 2025, 409 00:27:06,660 --> 00:27:08,460 and ending April 15th, 2030, 410 00:27:09,140 --> 00:27:11,420 and to take any other action necessary or convenient 411 00:27:11,420 --> 00:27:12,560 to carry out this vote. 412 00:27:14,340 --> 00:27:16,320 That will stand referred to city property. 413 00:27:17,860 --> 00:27:20,220 We have an ordinance in final reading, 414 00:27:21,420 --> 00:27:25,320 0-20-25, to adopt the provisions of general laws, 415 00:27:25,760 --> 00:27:28,120 chapter 60, section 62A, 416 00:27:28,120 --> 00:27:34,480 as amended by section 89 through 91 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024. 417 00:27:35,420 --> 00:27:37,000 Again, this is in final reading. 418 00:27:39,780 --> 00:27:40,340 So I'll move. 419 00:27:42,600 --> 00:27:46,500 I have a motion on second to pass 02025 420 00:27:46,500 --> 00:27:49,780 through its third and final reading to be enrolled, ordained, and advertised. 421 00:27:50,980 --> 00:27:52,900 Do I have any objections? 422 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:57,360 Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. 423 00:27:57,360 --> 00:28:05,180 moved. 027-25, this is also in final reading. This is the clerical amendment to the snow 424 00:28:05,180 --> 00:28:09,580 and ice ordinance. I'm not going to read out the details unless anyone wants me to. 425 00:28:11,620 --> 00:28:12,100 Move 426 00:28:12,100 --> 00:28:17,920 to its third and final reading. Second. I have a motion and second to pass 027-25 through 427 00:28:17,920 --> 00:28:22,400 its third and final reading to be enrolled, ordained and advertised. Do I have any objections? 428 00:28:23,720 --> 00:28:32,740 see none it is unanimous ordinance in first reading this is 09025 amending 429 00:28:32,740 --> 00:28:38,440 chapter 44 section 10 of the code of the city of fitchburg to update council on 430 00:28:38,440 --> 00:28:45,880 aging hourly position positions this we took up in petition form at the prior 431 00:28:45,880 --> 00:28:46,560 Council meeting. 432 00:28:48,300 --> 00:28:49,280 Councillor Green. 433 00:28:52,040 --> 00:28:56,500 Since we have Amanda Keck here, 434 00:28:58,400 --> 00:29:03,280 so does it spell out exactly how many positions that accounts for 435 00:29:03,280 --> 00:29:07,320 and what that means for hourly positions for the Council on Aging? 436 00:29:09,140 --> 00:29:10,240 You can come on up. 437 00:29:15,070 --> 00:29:18,410 Amanda Keck, Director of the Fitchburg Council on Aging. 438 00:29:18,410 --> 00:29:25,710 So, we've made that ordinance in so many steps like that, it's just one position, but it's 439 00:29:25,710 --> 00:29:33,470 just I want to be able to offer a broad range of wages depending on the amount of experience 440 00:29:33,470 --> 00:29:38,050 the person has to like when they apply for the job, so. 441 00:29:38,590 --> 00:29:43,610 Is this a clerical position or a kitchen coordinator? 442 00:29:47,360 --> 00:29:48,060 Okay, thank you. 443 00:29:48,340 --> 00:29:48,440 Yep. 444 00:29:53,860 --> 00:29:57,840 I'm looking at it right now. What line item does that get paid out of? 445 00:30:01,390 --> 00:30:08,550 And budget. And it would be paid out of my formula grant fund. I did submit a little bit of information. 446 00:30:08,870 --> 00:30:11,690 I don't know if anybody has it. It's grant funded? Yes. 447 00:30:13,780 --> 00:30:15,040 Okay. Thank you. 448 00:30:16,040 --> 00:30:23,120 Well, has it always been grant funded? No, it's apparently this is a new thing. 449 00:30:23,920 --> 00:30:30,180 So it will be grant funded. Plenty of other councils on ageing and other cities and towns use the formula grant 450 00:30:30,180 --> 00:30:38,020 to fund a position such as this. So I'm just trying to follow suit. And if you got the documents 451 00:30:38,020 --> 00:30:45,140 that I tried to include in your packet, you'll see that I actually have enough money to fund 452 00:30:45,140 --> 00:30:48,600 this position for the next five years, even if I don't get another formula grant. 453 00:30:50,100 --> 00:30:50,720 Thank you. 454 00:30:53,870 --> 00:30:54,790 Councillor Boeschman. 455 00:30:55,870 --> 00:30:59,870 When did that come into effect? I don't remember. Anybody ever get it paid in the 456 00:30:59,870 --> 00:31:00,230 kitchen? 457 00:31:00,850 --> 00:31:02,290 Well, there was... 458 00:31:03,370 --> 00:31:04,970 I thought it was all volunteers. 459 00:31:05,330 --> 00:31:10,310 There are all volunteers, and that's why there needs to be somebody in there that can supervise those volunteers. 460 00:31:11,290 --> 00:31:18,210 There used to be somebody when the lunches were provided by Monachusset Opportunity Council, 461 00:31:18,330 --> 00:31:20,130 which is now making opportunity count. 462 00:31:20,410 --> 00:31:20,550 Yeah. 463 00:31:21,450 --> 00:31:29,030 They used to do the meals, and they paid a meal site manager to take care of the food that was provided 464 00:31:29,030 --> 00:31:37,030 by mock. And now we have a great thing going on with the Moni Tech cafeteria 465 00:31:37,030 --> 00:31:41,530 workers and they prepare the food and it's delivered to us already cooked in 466 00:31:41,530 --> 00:31:48,870 the volunteers, deliver it to the tables and you know clean up afterwards. But they 467 00:31:48,870 --> 00:31:54,490 do need some supervision to make sure that all the Board of Health regulations 468 00:31:54,490 --> 00:32:01,110 are being followed and and when you know when the volunteers can't come sometimes 469 00:32:01,110 --> 00:32:05,530 sometimes I have free volunteers that they can't come on the same day and I'm 470 00:32:05,530 --> 00:32:10,410 scrambling I got to find somebody to work in my kitchen if I have one paid staff 471 00:32:10,410 --> 00:32:15,170 that I know I can hold accountable and and be there it'll be easier for us to 472 00:32:15,170 --> 00:32:21,550 serve the people at the senior center and more and more people are coming all 473 00:32:21,550 --> 00:32:26,590 all the time, so we really need all hands on deck when it's lunchtime. 474 00:32:32,190 --> 00:32:33,510 A year to four for now. 475 00:32:34,110 --> 00:32:35,730 All right, Councillor Green. 476 00:32:38,510 --> 00:32:41,150 The meals are still going to be provided by Monty Tech. 477 00:32:41,910 --> 00:32:42,170 Yep. 478 00:32:42,670 --> 00:32:48,050 And still only on, not only, but thank goodness, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 479 00:32:48,350 --> 00:32:48,550 Yes. 480 00:32:48,910 --> 00:32:52,230 So will this position reflect just Monday, Wednesday and Friday? 481 00:32:52,570 --> 00:32:52,810 Yes. 482 00:32:53,410 --> 00:32:55,570 So part-time position? 483 00:32:55,570 --> 00:33:05,370 Yes, and for the next five years, you've got funding for it as a part-time position. Yes, in your budget under the formula grant, right? 484 00:33:06,290 --> 00:33:07,130 Thank you 485 00:33:10,560 --> 00:33:11,760 council Schultz 486 00:33:12,320 --> 00:33:14,440 Yes, Amanda the 487 00:33:15,120 --> 00:33:19,140 Kitchen coordinator imagine what we will have a serve safe 488 00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:24,920 Certification do you always have somebody you must always have somebody in the kitchen a volunteer that has that certification 489 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:30,060 I right now I'm the person with the serve safe certification. Yeah. Yeah, and this person 490 00:33:30,780 --> 00:33:35,900 It's possible. They won't have served safe, but I can also get get them that certification 491 00:33:35,900 --> 00:33:40,100 They probably should yeah, they will have it. They will have it if they don't now 492 00:33:40,640 --> 00:33:41,440 a yield of 493 00:33:42,880 --> 00:33:49,420 Counselor Dean Talley at my apologies. I know you sent information a while back. I just I don't even remember what I did yesterday 494 00:33:49,420 --> 00:33:51,200 Sometimes I'd so it's okay 495 00:33:51,960 --> 00:33:55,300 The formula one grant, is that a new grant? 496 00:33:55,820 --> 00:33:56,040 No. 497 00:33:56,580 --> 00:33:59,220 So what has that grant been historically used for? 498 00:34:00,740 --> 00:34:03,000 Up until this point where you're now using it 499 00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:04,080 for this kind of a position, 500 00:34:04,380 --> 00:34:05,820 what were you using that for previously? 501 00:34:07,880 --> 00:34:11,740 It's used for programs, supplies for programs 502 00:34:11,740 --> 00:34:12,660 like craft supplies. 503 00:34:13,400 --> 00:34:16,820 You can use it for like our volunteer appreciation, 504 00:34:16,820 --> 00:34:25,640 celebration. It is used to pay, let's see, like 25% of my salary, half of my principal 505 00:34:25,640 --> 00:34:26,660 clerk's salary. 506 00:34:28,140 --> 00:34:34,940 Is there anything you're giving up to now pay for this position over the next five years 507 00:34:34,940 --> 00:34:40,200 or did they increase it so that it's now covering that position as well? Like you 508 00:34:40,200 --> 00:34:43,360 foregoing anything that you have been funding now to that grant for? 509 00:34:43,620 --> 00:34:43,800 No. 510 00:34:43,960 --> 00:34:44,680 In deference to this? 511 00:34:44,920 --> 00:34:45,140 No. 512 00:34:45,140 --> 00:34:53,260 Now, so the formula grant is based on the amount of people over 60 that live in the city of 513 00:34:53,260 --> 00:34:53,600 Fitchburg. 514 00:34:54,220 --> 00:34:59,840 City of Fitchburg has about 8,000 people, and so our grant is around $120,000 a year. 515 00:35:00,240 --> 00:35:06,000 So no other programs you've been providing from this grant are going to be sacrificed 516 00:35:06,540 --> 00:35:08,080 to pay for this position? 517 00:35:08,520 --> 00:35:08,780 Right. 518 00:35:09,380 --> 00:35:10,180 Absolutely not. 519 00:35:10,580 --> 00:35:11,900 I'll still have money left over. 520 00:35:12,140 --> 00:35:12,680 Just want to make sure. 521 00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:13,100 Okay. 522 00:35:13,100 --> 00:35:13,580 Thank you. 523 00:35:13,740 --> 00:35:13,840 Yep. 524 00:35:15,220 --> 00:35:15,940 Councillor Cruz. 525 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:17,700 I don't think you have any questions or answers. 526 00:35:19,420 --> 00:35:24,300 I just, I think it's great that we're getting that much money for 8,000 people, but 8,000 527 00:35:24,300 --> 00:35:26,040 people don't use the senior center, right? 528 00:35:26,220 --> 00:35:26,400 Right. 529 00:35:26,700 --> 00:35:27,700 So there was a lot of it. 530 00:35:28,020 --> 00:35:28,440 That's right. 531 00:35:28,740 --> 00:35:29,040 Okay. 532 00:35:29,300 --> 00:35:29,740 Thank you. 533 00:35:30,520 --> 00:35:30,980 I yield the floor. 534 00:35:32,820 --> 00:35:33,380 Anyone else? 535 00:35:33,680 --> 00:35:34,140 Councillor Green. 536 00:35:34,380 --> 00:35:38,160 Sorry, Amanda, I know how much you love being up in front of the podium and 537 00:35:38,160 --> 00:35:38,780 talking with us. 538 00:35:39,560 --> 00:35:46,640 Is there, is there ability for any of this formula grant to be used for the maintenance 539 00:35:46,640 --> 00:35:51,180 or the upkeep of the armory slash council on aging slash senior center? 540 00:35:52,580 --> 00:35:55,960 Yes, we could use the money for building maintenance. 541 00:35:56,660 --> 00:35:57,500 How about it? 542 00:35:57,660 --> 00:35:58,440 A portion of it? 543 00:35:58,780 --> 00:35:59,240 Some of it? 544 00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:01,780 I mean some of it. 545 00:36:02,080 --> 00:36:07,680 I have used some of it already for things that break at the, at the senior center. 546 00:36:07,680 --> 00:36:15,600 I'm a little nervous about using my formula grant funds on that building because it is 547 00:36:15,600 --> 00:36:19,480 a city building and at any time the city can decide that it's not a senior center anymore 548 00:36:19,960 --> 00:36:27,320 and then I've spent formula grant funds on this building and you know what if I don't 549 00:36:27,320 --> 00:36:29,860 have control over what happens with that building. 550 00:36:29,860 --> 00:36:42,840 building. So I get it. I don't understand the, I mean I do understand the dilemma but I don't 551 00:36:42,840 --> 00:36:50,360 want to see, I know you've got a couple of hefty projects, big projects to even get into 552 00:36:50,360 --> 00:36:57,760 the entrance of that building. I know that's expensive but I don't want to forgo letting 553 00:36:57,760 --> 00:37:05,280 it crumbled a crap and then say oh my god the city of Fitchburg did nothing when we are kind of 554 00:37:05,280 --> 00:37:15,000 financially in a pickle this year next year so if we could do a little bit with the grant money 555 00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:22,060 to continue to keep it open and safe before it falls to the other side of that because once 556 00:37:22,060 --> 00:37:27,460 we start sliding down that hill we're never going to recover from that so I don't want to lose 557 00:37:27,460 --> 00:37:30,260 the armory. I don't want to lose the senior center. I don't want to lose the 558 00:37:30,260 --> 00:37:34,240 council on aging in a historic building that we're obligated to maintain. 559 00:37:34,720 --> 00:37:38,220 So there is a little, so the other thing that's happened with the formula grant in 560 00:37:38,220 --> 00:37:43,920 the past few years is that they have opened up what you can spend formula 561 00:37:43,920 --> 00:37:48,860 grant money on. So me, I am being a new director. I need to definitely make 562 00:37:48,860 --> 00:37:53,520 sure that that's the case and that I can spend this formula grant money on 563 00:37:53,520 --> 00:38:00,420 building repair and it doesn't seem like there's a reason why I can't spend any money on building 564 00:38:00,420 --> 00:38:08,540 repair and I certainly will contribute to repair projects, but I can't let go of my whole 565 00:38:08,540 --> 00:38:12,380 entire formula grant. I need this kitchen person first. 566 00:38:12,580 --> 00:38:14,680 No, I get it. I'm right. I see it. 567 00:38:14,920 --> 00:38:15,040 Yeah. 568 00:38:15,140 --> 00:38:19,220 And I know that it's popular and that people appreciate it and you're finally getting 569 00:38:19,220 --> 00:38:23,040 the momentum of getting people there. More and more people are there. 570 00:38:23,040 --> 00:38:39,380 So it's a formula. I get it. I don't want you to rob from one to pay the other, but I don't want you to not do one in hesitation of a building that doesn't really belong to the Council on Aging. 571 00:38:40,440 --> 00:38:40,880 Right. 572 00:38:41,440 --> 00:38:42,280 Yeah, I get it. 573 00:38:43,460 --> 00:38:45,200 Madam Mayor, you had something to add? 574 00:38:45,200 --> 00:38:52,320 Yes, Councillor Green, thank you for suggesting that we have approximately $50,000 of capital 575 00:38:52,320 --> 00:38:59,340 funds for repairing of the front entrance, and also we have some structural issues with 576 00:38:59,340 --> 00:39:02,740 the buttresses at the senior center that we are actively repairing. 577 00:39:03,920 --> 00:39:11,640 The quote for repairing the front entrance triggered a requirement for a bid process 578 00:39:11,640 --> 00:39:17,320 us in further procurement. So we're working on developing specifications and putting that 579 00:39:17,320 --> 00:39:23,100 out to bid right now for that front, or at least putting out so that we can accept bids 580 00:39:23,100 --> 00:39:29,240 for that. So we do have some funds aside for that capital repair, and hopefully we do 581 00:39:29,240 --> 00:39:33,980 not have to tap into our Senior Center Formula Grant for that. But I appreciate Director 582 00:39:33,980 --> 00:39:37,440 Keck's willingness to do what it takes. Thank you. 583 00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:47,160 Anyone else? All right. So, again, this is an ordinance in first reading. Motion to approve? 584 00:39:47,580 --> 00:39:47,660 Second. 585 00:39:47,980 --> 00:39:48,000 Second. 586 00:39:48,480 --> 00:39:54,380 I have a motion and seconds to pass this through its first reading. Do I have any objections? 587 00:39:55,940 --> 00:40:02,660 Seeing none, it is unanimous. Another ordinance in first reading, 091-25. 588 00:40:06,080 --> 00:40:07,440 A new section 589 00:40:07,440 --> 00:40:17,080 Section 23-36 to be inserted into Chapter 23, Fire Department Article 2, Chief Engineer, 590 00:40:17,700 --> 00:40:18,740 reading as follows. 591 00:40:19,020 --> 00:40:23,380 Section 23-36, Fire Alarm System Monitoring License Fee. 592 00:40:24,260 --> 00:40:28,600 The following rate is to be the fee charged for the City Fire Department to issue a licensed 593 00:40:28,600 --> 00:40:31,680 monitor fire alarm systems, $300. 594 00:40:32,280 --> 00:40:36,020 This section shall take effect January 1st, 2026. 595 00:40:39,320 --> 00:40:46,340 Second. I have a motion and seconds to pass this ordinance through its first reading. 596 00:40:47,200 --> 00:40:55,300 Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimous. We have a number of petitions here. 597 00:40:58,400 --> 00:40:58,820 One, 598 00:40:59,640 --> 00:41:05,980 we have 092-25, Councillor Andrew Coucher to rename the Crocker splash pad at Crocker 599 00:41:05,980 --> 00:41:09,000 Park to the Joel Caddy Memorial Splash Pad. 600 00:41:11,280 --> 00:41:14,260 I spoke with Councillor Krucher before the 601 00:41:14,260 --> 00:41:21,700 meeting. It turns out this is actually a matter within the purview of the parks board rather 602 00:41:21,700 --> 00:41:29,460 than the City Council. However, I would entertain a motion to amend this from a petition to 603 00:41:29,460 --> 00:41:36,400 a resolution in support. So moved. Second. I have a motion on second. Any objections 604 00:41:36,400 --> 00:41:45,620 to the amendment? Seeing none, this will then be referred, the resolution will be referred 605 00:41:45,620 --> 00:41:52,020 to city property and I believe Councillor Couture will contact the Parks and Rec Board 606 00:41:52,020 --> 00:41:53,980 forward to get that process rolling. 607 00:41:58,190 --> 00:42:03,010 9325 from Joanna Balotta, our city clerk, to review 608 00:42:03,010 --> 00:42:10,390 the Mayor's salary and City Councilor's salary as required by Chapter 3-43 of the Code of 609 00:42:10,390 --> 00:42:11,630 the City of Fitchburg. 610 00:42:13,770 --> 00:42:18,490 This will, if there is no objection, I would like to send this 611 00:42:18,490 --> 00:42:22,770 as typical to counsel as a whole date to be determined? 612 00:42:23,730 --> 00:42:25,710 Can I have a motion for that? 613 00:42:26,210 --> 00:42:26,730 So moved. 614 00:42:27,530 --> 00:42:29,450 I have a motion and second to send this 615 00:42:29,450 --> 00:42:30,550 to counsel as a whole. 616 00:42:31,170 --> 00:42:32,630 Do I have any objections? 617 00:42:33,770 --> 00:42:36,050 Seeing none, it will stand referred. 618 00:42:38,950 --> 00:42:41,650 9425 Community Development and Planning Department 619 00:42:43,130 --> 00:42:45,350 to adopt zoning changes to comply 620 00:42:45,350 --> 00:42:48,190 with the Massachusetts Model Flood Plane Bylaws 621 00:42:48,190 --> 00:42:52,450 and incorporate the new FEMA floodplain maps effective July 8th 2025. 622 00:42:55,330 --> 00:43:02,290 I would like to ask for a motion to set this for public hearing on June 3rd. 623 00:43:02,390 --> 00:43:02,790 So moved. 624 00:43:03,190 --> 00:43:03,390 Second. 625 00:43:04,130 --> 00:43:09,510 I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimous. 626 00:43:10,750 --> 00:43:17,030 Three more items. Councilor Schultz in conjunction with Fire Chief Dante Suarez and 627 00:43:17,030 --> 00:43:19,710 and Director of Public Health, Steve Curry, 628 00:43:20,070 --> 00:43:23,850 to address public safety issues at 240 Water Street, 629 00:43:23,970 --> 00:43:25,330 the former St. Bernard's Church, 630 00:43:26,230 --> 00:43:29,770 where the spire is presenting a falling danger 631 00:43:29,770 --> 00:43:33,350 and there are issues with homeless individuals 632 00:43:33,350 --> 00:43:34,610 breaking into the buildings. 633 00:43:35,950 --> 00:43:38,110 That will stand referred to public safety. 634 00:43:40,550 --> 00:43:42,590 09625, Councillor Van Hasinga, 635 00:43:42,670 --> 00:43:44,930 to install a traffic sign on Davis Street 636 00:43:44,930 --> 00:43:50,170 at Highland Court, warning caution autistic child or similar, that will stand referred 637 00:43:50,170 --> 00:44:00,870 to public works. 9725, Councillor Bernie Schultz on behalf of Jason Badeo of 126 South Street 638 00:44:00,870 --> 00:44:05,950 to repair the sidewalk on Charles Street next to his residence. That will also stand 639 00:44:05,950 --> 00:44:11,870 referred to public works. And lastly, 09825, Councillor Kutcher on behalf of the Shays 640 00:44:11,870 --> 00:44:15,290 street neighborhood group to extend the solar moratorium to allow for additional 641 00:44:15,290 --> 00:44:21,950 time to implement the solar zoning change. I have a request for suspension of 642 00:44:21,950 --> 00:44:26,450 the rules on this item. So moved. Second. I have a motion and second for 643 00:44:26,450 --> 00:44:32,630 suspension of the rules. Do I have any objection? Seeing none, the matter is 644 00:44:32,630 --> 00:44:37,210 before the council. Motion to accept. Second. I have a motion and second to 645 00:44:37,210 --> 00:44:44,750 accept in petition form. I believe this will then need to go to ordinance at our 646 00:44:44,750 --> 00:44:52,430 next meeting and we'll take care of that as it goes. On the motion, go ahead. 647 00:44:53,310 --> 00:44:58,510 I'm in support of extending the moratorium. I think it's the right thing to do because we don't have the news 648 00:44:58,510 --> 00:44:59,730 language in place. 649 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:08,560 However, it doesn't say how long to extend it, and I think that is a matter that has to be addressed in the moratorium, not just to definitely extend. 650 00:45:08,820 --> 00:45:09,760 That is a good point. 651 00:45:11,840 --> 00:45:18,740 I have Councillor Cruz, then Councillor Kutcher, and we will address that before we close this out. 652 00:45:19,540 --> 00:45:22,540 And Councillor Cruz, I'll yield to the petitioner. Councillor Kutcher. 653 00:45:22,540 --> 00:45:30,140 I moved we amend to the whatever the October date when we I believe it was 654 00:45:30,140 --> 00:45:43,960 October 15th perfect I move to amend the petition to move the date to October 15th 655 00:45:43,960 --> 00:45:47,500 of this year do I have a second on the amendment second I have a motion and 656 00:45:47,500 --> 00:45:52,380 second. Any objections to the amendment? Seeing none, it is amended. 657 00:45:53,500 --> 00:45:56,320 Councilor Cruz on the initial motion. Do you still have something? 658 00:45:56,620 --> 00:45:59,680 I was going to do my suggestion, but I figured I'd leave it to the petitioner. I yield the floor. Thank you. 659 00:46:00,040 --> 00:46:04,800 Appreciate it. All right. Do I have any further questions or comments on this matter? 660 00:46:06,500 --> 00:46:14,080 All right. Do I have any objection to the extension of the moratorium? Seeing none, 661 00:46:14,080 --> 00:46:20,120 it is unanimously approved. And that concludes our business for the evening. 662 00:46:20,380 --> 00:46:26,160 Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, you tell on the book to clean up to Saturday and May 17th, 663 00:46:26,160 --> 00:46:27,980 because people don't know anything yet. 664 00:46:28,000 --> 00:46:31,920 I don't have it in front of me, but if you have the details, then go ahead. 665 00:46:32,360 --> 00:46:33,900 On May 17th, Clegg on. 666 00:46:34,220 --> 00:46:36,380 May 17th, and where is it? 667 00:46:36,420 --> 00:46:38,400 It's going to be on Daniel Street, Famon Street. 668 00:46:39,200 --> 00:46:39,600 All right. 669 00:46:39,600 --> 00:46:52,200 to help me can get the yes we are adjourned yes I but I will if we're if 670 00:46:52,200 --> 00:46:58,840 we're still broadcasting feel free to announce it may 10th is the next one or 671 00:46:58,840 --> 00:47:05,200 the 17th is the one in in clay corn yeah yes and these are all on the cities 672 00:47:05,200 --> 00:47:11,120 Facebook page? Yes, yep, and the website. May 10th, that's the BAC, Simon's Park, 673 00:47:11,280 --> 00:47:16,600 May 17th, in lovely Ward 2, Claygore. That's right. All right. And we can use the 674 00:47:16,600 --> 00:47:20,200 volunteers. Oh yeah, we can. We've got to clean up this place. Okay, Paul.