[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:09] I now call this meeting to order. Please be advised that FATV is conducting audio and video
[0:16] recording of this meeting for public broadcast. I ask that anyone else in the audience who is
[0:21] recording this meeting to please identify themselves for the record now by standing and stating
[0:26] their name and city of residence.
[0:31] Seeing none, at this time I would ask that all electronic
[0:34] devices be placed into silent mode.
[0:38] Vice President Van Hazinga, would you please
[0:40] lead us into a flag?
[0:43] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
[0:53] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[1:00] Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll?
[1:02] here.
[1:04] Councilor Van Hezinger.
[1:06] Here.
[1:06] Councilor Walsh.
[1:07] Here.
[1:08] President Zarella.
[1:09] Here.
[1:09] Councilor Bolshamun.
[1:11] Here.
[1:11] Councilor Kutcher.
[1:12] Here.
[1:13] Councilor Kerrigan.
[1:14] Here.
[1:15] Councilor Cruz.
[1:16] Here.
[1:17] Councilor Dean Attali.
[1:18] Here.
[1:19] Councilor Fleming.
[1:20] Here.
[1:20] Councilor Green.
[1:21] Here.
[1:21] Councilor Schultz.
[1:22] Here.
[1:23] We have 11 members present.
[1:25] Thank you very much.
[1:27] We have no one signed in remotely for public forum.
[1:30] If there is anyone in the audience wishing to speak, please approach the center podium,
[1:36] identify yourself by name and city of residence, and identify the agenda item on which you
[1:41] wish to speak, and you will be given two minutes.
[1:52] Good evening.
[1:53] I'm Charlene Laxall.
[1:54] I live in 31 Gloria Ave.
[1:56] And I'd like to speak to Petition 09825, the extension of the solar moratorium.
[2:02] moratorium. Despite the fact that the state is working on updated solar regulations, it
[2:08] seems advantageous for the city to issue its own stronger zoning ordinance to protect neighborhoods
[2:14] in the interim. Since the current moratorium expires on May 31st, more time is needed to
[2:20] strengthen our current ordinance. I believe the state allows a temporary moratorium of
[2:25] one year. The last reading of the current moratorium was on October 15th, 2024, which
[2:32] puts us well under the one year timeframe allowed. An extension would provide the city
[2:37] time to continue to develop and implement an updated zoning ordinance, which could
[2:42] be tweaked if eventually superseded by state regulations. Thank you.
[2:52] Anyone else for public comment? Seeing none, we will begin our announcements.
[3:01] The next meeting of the Widowed Helping Widowed support group will take place on Thursday
[3:06] May 8th from 4 until 5.30 p.m. in Room 205 at the Fitchburg State University Recreation
[3:14] Center, 130 North Street. Kelly Lin and Bernie Schultz will co-facilitate the meeting.
[3:21] Fitchburg City Councilor Bernie Schultz is hosting a City Council community meeting
[3:25] meeting on Monday, May 12th at 6.30 p.m. here in the legislative building 700 Main Street.
[3:33] Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squalia and FATV Executive Director Nate Glenny will make presentations
[3:39] and then answer questions following their presentations.
[3:43] This meeting on May 12th will be the last City Council community meeting hosted by
[3:48] Councillor Schultz until September.
[3:51] As with the last few years, Councillor Schultz will not be scheduling community
[3:55] meetings during the summer months.
[3:58] In recognition of May as Mental Health
[4:01] Awareness Month, the Health Department invites the public to join NAMI North
[4:06] Central Mass for a program on navigating mental health. This will be held on
[4:11] Thursday May 8th at the Legislative Building 700 Main Street. Local
[4:18] counseling agencies will have resource tables available at 5.30 p.m. and the
[4:24] program begins at 6 p.m. There will be a presentation on navigating mental illness
[4:30] from two perspectives. A family member will share the experience of accessing
[4:35] mental health care for a loved one and an individual living with mental illness
[4:40] will share their journey. A panel discussion will follow led by Heather
[4:44] Powell, North County site director for Massachusetts Department of Public
[4:49] Health. This free program is open to the public and refreshments will be
[4:53] available. You can call 978-829-1854 for more information.
[5:04] Saturday, May 31st at 2 p.m. The Thurston Concert will have,
[5:15] it looks like a piano concert
[5:18] at the Forest Hill Abbey, the mausoleum, with award-winning pianist Silvia Boto of Romania.
[5:26] Sylvia is a music teacher at Grotten Hill Music Center.
[5:33] RSVP seating is limited. You can email
[5:36] friends of Fitchburg Cemetery, one word, at gmail.com with thanks to the Fitchburg Cultural
[5:45] Council for support. And the program is free, but donations are welcome to aid in the restoration
[5:54] of the mausoleum.
[5:59] And this week, Stratton players celebrates their centennial
[6:02] season with two free programs. On Thursday May 8th at 7 p.m. there will be a play
[6:09] reading at Lemonster Library and you can also help select plays for their next
[6:17] season. You can come read apart or sit and listen. Teens and adults are
[6:21] welcome. And on Friday May 9th from 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. Stratton players will
[6:30] debut a new program for youth adults and seniors. Fun Family Improv is an
[6:37] opportunity to explore theater skills, try on costumes, and use props to create
[6:42] crazy characters and situations. This is a free program but donations are
[6:47] welcome. RSVP is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. For more information and to RSVP you
[6:53] can visit the Stratton players on Facebook or email Stratton players at gmail.com.
[7:05] Thank you.
[7:10] Next we have the report of the Appointments Committee. Councillor Krucher.
[7:14] Thank you Mr. President. The Appointments Committee met earlier this evening. We took
[7:19] up two new appointments first to the Fitchburg Human Rights Commission termed to expire April
[7:23] April 1st, 2028. David DeJesus, which was approved unanimously. And another new appointment,
[7:31] associate member of the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals, termed to expire May 6th, 2027.
[7:37] Christopher did loge, and that was approved unanimously as well.
[7:41] Motion to approve.
[7:42] Second.
[7:43] I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved.
[7:49] moved. Report of the committee on records. Councilor Jean Tali reviewed the minutes of
[7:56] the last City Council meeting and they appear to be in order. We have a motion and second.
[8:03] If there is no objection, it is unanimously approved. We have communications from Her Honor
[8:10] the Mayor, a new appointment letter of four full-time student police officers for the
[8:16] City of Fitchburg, Sarah Coffey, Tyler Doucet, Angela Maga Chan, sorry, Angelina Maga Chan,
[8:23] and Arlene Tostes.
[8:29] One separate appointment letter for a full-time student police officer for the City of Fitchburg,
[8:36] Adam Borgo,
[8:38] new appointment of Michael T. Hurley as a member of the Fitchburg Board
[8:42] to registrar's term to expire April 1st, 2028.
[8:47] A new appointment of Emily Stark as a member of the Fitchburg Disability Commission, term
[8:52] to expire May 1st, 2028.
[8:55] Reappointment, James J. McGrath, member of the Fitchburg Board of Parks Commissioners,
[8:59] term to expire April 1st, 2030.
[9:03] And Krista Ford's Rhodes Reappointment as a member of the Fitchburg Human Rights
[9:07] Commission, term to expire May 1st, 2028.
[9:11] All of those will stand referred to the Appointments Committee.
[9:16] We have the annual report of the Fitchburg Fire Department.
[9:20] I see we have the Chief here.
[9:23] If you have any remarks you had plans to give, you're more than welcome.
[9:27] Otherwise, we will place the report on file with the clerk's office.
[9:31] All right.
[9:34] Any objection to leaving the reading and placing it on file?
[9:37] No problem.
[9:38] Well, it's quite a report.
[9:43] That it is that it is that again, that will be on file with
[9:49] the clerk's office report of the city property committee.
[9:53] Counselor Van Hasenga, thank you, Mr. President. This evening, the city property committee
[9:57] met to meet want to consider one item order 6625, which involved a conservation
[10:04] restriction that was being given to the Worcester County Land Trust. It's located on Ashby West
[10:10] Road in an area of other protected land on the northern part of the city. The committee
[10:16] voted 3 to nothing to a recommended approval of the conservation restriction.
[10:21] Make a motion we accept.
[10:22] Second.
[10:22] Second.
[10:23] I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved.
[10:29] approved.
[10:31] Reporter of the Finance Committee, Councillor Cruz.
[10:34] Thank you, Mr. President.
[10:35] We took up a handful of items, 11 in total.
[10:42] There was one, I'll call attention to just one, petition 06825-2.
[10:48] This is the only order that was not approved by the Finance Committee initially.
[10:53] It was held as amended.
[10:55] We amended the date to effect of July 1, 2026.
[10:58] That was held by a vote of four to one. Like I said, everything else was unanimously
[11:03] approved. I'd be happy to answer any questions. If anyone has a particular concern or comment
[11:07] or question about any of the agenda items from the Finance Committee, or I'd be happy
[11:12] to read them all in a row that were all unanimously approved.
[11:16] Councillor Green.
[11:17] I just have one question, 07-325.
[11:22] Yes.
[11:24] the support pedestrian projects on Summer Street, Electric Gav and Rollstone.
[11:29] Is there specifics about what that, what and how that's going to be supported?
[11:36] Sure. So most of it is the finishing of the paving as well as some crosswalks,
[11:42] RRFBs, bike lanes, and pedestrian improvements on Rollstone to turn around.
[11:47] The specifics are made pretty clear in the meeting if you want to take a peek at the minutes.
[11:51] 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
[12:00] Right bite. Are they putting in a specific bike lane on did bike lanes? What's that painted bike lanes painted bike lane?
[12:08] Yes, no, no, no, they're not did not no, no, no bike
[12:12] The bike lanes are coming. So I apologize if this was the wrong the wrong pool of funds
[12:17] But this is for pedestrian safety the crosswalks the RFP's things of that nature
[12:22] But the bike lanes are coming. I think that's another pool of funds apparently.
[12:27] Okay. Thank you.
[12:31] Do I have any?
[12:32] Yes.
[12:33] Sorry?
[12:34] I make a motion that we accept.
[12:37] Second.
[12:37] May I request that 7425 be held out?
[12:41] Is that amenable to the moving party?
[12:45] Sure.
[12:46] I could, would it be like to read all of the petitions and the orders?
[12:49] I can, I'd be happy to do that for the council and the viewing public.
[12:52] Look, it doesn't seem to be necessary. So can I get a motion on all of the finance
[13:01] committee report excluding 074?
[13:05] I don't have a motion on the 4, sir.
[13:07] Yes, you have them. Oh, yes. It is up to you if you want to hold your motion or not.
[13:12] No, I would draw my motion. I don't want to be a wise guy.
[13:16] No, you are quite correct, though. It's your prerogative.
[13:18] No, that's okay. But can I speak on a 075 for a minute, sir?
[13:24] 075 or 074?
[13:26] I don't agree. We're talking about...
[13:27] The one he's holding out, 074, we'll get to it, yes.
[13:29] Okay, all right.
[13:31] So do I have a motion for the remainder of the Finance Committee report?
[13:34] So we'll move second.
[13:36] All right. Any objections? Anyone on the motion?
[13:41] All right. Then that is approved, and we now have 074-25 before us.
[13:47] This is order that the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of earmark funds
[13:53] from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in the approximate amount of $250,000
[14:00] to support the conversion of vacant upper store space, upper story space in downtown into housing.
[14:09] Councillor Dine-Tally, did you have any particular remarks you wanted to make on this?
[14:14] No. Okay. Councilor Rosemann, you indicated you had a question.
[14:18] Oh, no, I thought it was my mistake. I thought we wouldn't talk about Amy Green and the one
[14:22] she was asking about complete streets on the roads.
[14:26] We voted to ask about that.
[14:28] Oh, I see. 07-3. I suppose if you just have a question, we can try to address that.
[14:38] The motion has already been passed, but I was just trying to explain better about
[14:43] Oh, I see. Let's have that conversation offline then. I appreciate it, but we're past.
[14:51] I'll see you after.
[14:53] I'll see you after.
[14:54] Okay.
[14:54] Yeah, thank you.
[14:56] I move to approve 07-425.
[15:00] Second. All right. Anyone on the motion? All in favor?
[15:05] Aye.
[15:05] Aye.
[15:06] In opposition?
[15:09] Three in opposition?
[15:11] I missed the closure. Thank you.
[15:14] Motion carries by a vote of 8 to 3.
[15:21] Report of the Legislative Affairs Committee, Councillor Walsh.
[15:24] Thank you, Mr. President. The Legislative Affairs Committee met earlier this evening.
[15:28] We have one item on the agenda.
[15:32] It was 070-25. It was a resolution on behalf of FATV to adopt the resolution in support
[15:43] of bill S41 and H91 streaming bill as per the enclosed resolution, and the resolution
[15:50] was to basically allow for funding for community media programming, and that was 5 to 0.
[16:06] I have a motion on second.
[16:10] If there are no objections, we'll take this by unanimous consent.
[16:15] Seeing none, it is unanimously approved.
[16:21] Report of the Public Works Committee, Council Schultz.
[16:25] Thank you, Council President Zarela.
[16:27] We met last Tuesday, April 29th, and we had three petitions on the agenda.
[16:32] The first petition was 02825, and that was to assess the need for a stop sign,
[16:38] traffic control measure at High Street Mechanics Street.
[16:42] And that was granted, and it was pointed out that it was just to assess the need.
[16:48] It wasn't to actually put something at that particular intersection.
[16:54] And the other two petitions, 06925 and 16824 were both given leave to withdraw.
[17:02] one of the first one with 069 25 was the convert central have extension from a paper wrote to an actual road and
[17:10] We were told that the the cost would be about a half million dollars that to do that
[17:15] So they decided that the private developer the people living there should
[17:22] Do that rather than the city so that's why it was given bleak
[17:25] to withdraw.
[17:29] Councilor Kutcher, the city plows that.
[17:34] I think so.
[17:35] It also picks up the rubbish, but they also pay taxes there.
[17:38] So that's what they get for the taxes.
[17:39] But by law, we can't use Japanese.
[17:42] You can't do it.
[17:42] It's a paper speech.
[17:43] It's a paper speech.
[17:44] You can't pay the, you can't, you can't, you can't.
[17:48] Thank you, Chair.
[17:49] Thank you.
[17:49] It was stated that it is not as.
[17:51] Excuse me.
[17:51] I want to go to her.
[17:52] OK.
[17:52] Hang on, second.
[17:54] Hang on.
[17:54] one at a time. Are you all set, Councillor Kutcher?
[17:58] Yes, thank you.
[17:59] Councillor Fleming.
[18:00] Sorry about that. It was stated that it is a courtesy
[18:03] that the public works does that for the city
[18:06] if there's an emergency. So fire trucks and things, emergency vehicles
[18:10] get up there because we all have those paper roads and our wards
[18:14] and it would cost us millions and millions of dollars
[18:18] to change over all paper roads to public roads.
[18:24] All set?
[18:27] Thank you, Mr. President. And just to piggyback on what Councilor Fleming had mentioned, Commissioner
[18:32] Erickson explained it to us that it's at the commissioner's discretion, as we've done
[18:35] it in the past, to continue to sustain some of the roads and provide the plowing and
[18:41] those sort of maintenance that might need a public safety issue. So it's a commissioner's
[18:45] discretion. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
[18:48] Thank you. Vice President, Ben Hasinger.
[18:50] So I was in attendance at the meeting, I would like to add that the commissioner explained
[18:56] that there is a process in our by-laws for the acceptance of a paper road as a city street.
[19:01] It involves a lot of engineering work being done to show exactly the bounds of the road
[19:05] and where it is.
[19:06] The road also has to be constructed up to city standards to meet with quality of
[19:11] pavement, other issues.
[19:13] So as it currently sits, the road does not meet city standards to be a city road.
[19:18] So it would have to go through that process of engineering to show that it's layout, it's right of ways,
[19:26] it's condition that would have to be approved up to city standards, and then the city would take it.
[19:30] So if a normal process creates a subdivision or road is accepted by the city,
[19:35] it has to go through that process in order to be accepted.
[19:38] And that was sort of brought forward that if this is going to happen, it should go back and meet those requirements.
[19:45] Thank you. Anyone else?
[19:48] I'm not going to talk about that. I just want to give the reason why the other reason
[19:51] why we would draw. I just want to make it clear to everybody out there that the city
[19:55] is putting in burns and they're not made to drive over. And when I go back and put
[19:59] a burn man, and then they get damaged by the homeowner and they want to.
[20:04] That's not the petition we're talking about right now.
[20:06] Counselor, Counselor.
[20:07] I don't know about the other one why we withdrew.
[20:10] We didn't get to that one yet. We're still on the other one.
[20:13] All right.
[20:15] I did, I explained it.
[20:17] All right.
[20:18] So do we have anything further on either of the, on any of these three items?
[20:28] Oh, Counselor Jean Talley.
[20:29] On 16824, why was that given leave?
[20:34] The berm?
[20:35] Counselor Jean.
[20:35] Do you want to explain it and what?
[20:37] Go ahead, you started to it.
[20:39] They put a berm up there, and we didn't know what the guy actually wanted.
[20:48] So they put the berm from one area all the way down to the driveway left open,
[20:52] but the guy drove over the berm and damaged part of the berm.
[20:58] So out of the kindness of the DPW, they said that they would go back and repair that part of it,
[21:05] Because when I went up there Sunday, you showed me, well, you didn't come out and show me.
[21:09] You said the water's still going down.
[21:11] So they're going to put a little angle on the end of the driveway so the water won't go
[21:15] down there.
[21:16] But we also made it very clear, the DPW said, and that's why I said it, that we're not
[21:22] putting in berms so people can drive over, damage them, and they need to be replaced.
[21:29] We won't replace them unless we get paid because it costs money.
[21:33] Did the resident requesting this is the one who damaged it?
[21:36] Yeah.
[21:37] He didn't.
[21:38] No.
[21:38] They needed it because the water was going into his yard, right, Mr. Kutcher?
[21:41] Right.
[21:42] But who damaged the berm?
[21:44] He damaged the berm.
[21:46] The resident.
[21:48] The guy that requested the berm, Marcus.
[21:53] When did he damage it?
[21:55] When did he damage it a long time ago, or?
[21:58] No.
[21:59] This is a freshly berm.
[22:00] They just did it.
[22:01] They just did it last year.
[22:03] they did the berm last year and he did you already damage one of order we're
[22:06] having a lot of back and forth right now it's really not the way we operate
[22:10] yeah no it's a good point we should have one person at a time and if there's
[22:14] anyone who wants to respond please raise your hand and wait to be given the
[22:21] floor so alright so do you have any so was your question answered or do you
[22:28] have more that you'd like to go through the chair? Either way, it's fine.
[22:32] So it's a point of order because I'm asking questions to the chair?
[22:36] No, no, no. The point of order was to the back and forth without going through the chair.
[22:42] That's all. Nothing to do with the subject of your questioning.
[22:47] For clarification, Mr. President, if I may.
[22:50] On the point of order?
[22:51] Yes.
[22:52] Okay.
[22:52] It's not directed at any one counselor. It's just a lot of back and forth.
[22:56] and the chair typically has the floor and can answer questions.
[23:00] It's just the way we operate.
[23:02] It keeps things in orderly fashion.
[23:06] Yeah, no, and that's on me.
[23:08] That's my fault.
[23:10] I should have kept it a little tighter.
[23:14] But you're still free to ask any follow-up questions
[23:17] that you want, Councillor.
[23:22] Through you, Mr. Chair, how was it left?
[23:27] is the resident okay with this or is he feel like,
[23:32] oh, I made, it was an accident.
[23:34] And so now the city is going to penalize him
[23:36] by never fixing it.
[23:40] No, if you watch the video right at the end of the meeting,
[23:44] Nick Erickson, the commissioner said he would send
[23:47] somebody up to fix the berm.
[23:48] So the berm is gonna be repaid at Marcus.
[23:52] All right, thank you.
[23:54] Thank you.
[23:54] Any further questions, comments?
[23:56] Councilor Fleming.
[23:57] Okay. So I just, there's a little background story on this. The berm was placed
[24:01] there because there's erosion in the, in the constituent, in the resident's yard.
[24:06] So they put the berm up thinking that would solve the erosion problem. However,
[24:10] they've discovered that there is still erosion happening. And that may be something
[24:16] that has to do with the resident's home or whatever. So the berm was placed
[24:22] there. It was damaged. He's asking for it to be fixed because it was damaged. So it didn't
[24:30] take care of the initial problem, which was the erosion. So that itself is on the constituent,
[24:37] the resident, because it's something that's happening on his property. Nothing the city
[24:43] has done.
[24:48] Are you on the floor?
[24:49] Thank you.
[24:50] Councilor Schulz.
[24:51] Yes, just for clarification, Councilor Dean Atelier, the burn was put in not by that resident,
[24:58] not for that resident, but for his next door neighbor, and it just extended down to his
[25:02] property.
[25:03] So that's really what happened.
[25:08] All right.
[25:09] Do I have a motion on this report?
[25:13] So moved to approve.
[25:15] Second.
[25:16] I have a motion and seconds to approve the report of the Public Works Committee.
[25:20] city. Do I have any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimously approved. We have a number
[25:30] of orders for finance. If no one objects, I will waive the reading of 083 through and
[25:37] including 08825, and those will stand referred to finance. Seeing no objections.
[25:46] For 0.9925, order that they're being hereby is appropriated the sum of $216,665.01 from
[25:57] reserve for appropriation peg access expenses to support FATV capital needs.
[26:04] We have a request for suspension of the rules on the site.
[26:07] So moved.
[26:08] Second.
[26:08] I have a motion and second for suspension.
[26:11] If there is no objection, we'll take this by unanimous consent.
[26:16] Seeing none, the matter is before the council.
[26:20] We'll have to adopt 9,925.
[26:22] Second.
[26:23] I have a motion and seconds.
[26:25] Do I have any objections?
[26:28] That said, it is unanimously approved.
[26:35] 089-25, order that the City of Fitchburg, the City Council of the City of Fitchburg,
[26:42] duly elected qualified in acting as such on behalf of the city, votes to authorize the
[26:45] mayor to execute an extension of the lease, buy in between the City of Fitchburg and Crown
[26:49] Atlantic Company LLC as the successor of Bel-Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts Corporation
[26:54] Limited, doing business as Verizon Wireless, for the property located at 1078 Franklin
[27:01] and Road, Fitchburg, Massachusetts,
[27:02] for the final renewal term of five years,
[27:04] commencing on April 15th, 2025,
[27:06] and ending April 15th, 2030,
[27:09] and to take any other action necessary or convenient
[27:11] to carry out this vote.
[27:14] That will stand referred to city property.
[27:17] We have an ordinance in final reading,
[27:21] 0-20-25, to adopt the provisions of general laws,
[27:25] chapter 60, section 62A,
[27:28] as amended by section 89 through 91 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024.
[27:35] Again, this is in final reading.
[27:39] So I'll move.
[27:42] I have a motion on second to pass 02025
[27:46] through its third and final reading to be enrolled, ordained, and advertised.
[27:50] Do I have any objections?
[27:55] Seeing none, it is unanimously approved.
[27:57] moved. 027-25, this is also in final reading. This is the clerical amendment to the snow
[28:05] and ice ordinance. I'm not going to read out the details unless anyone wants me to.
[28:11] Move
[28:12] to its third and final reading. Second. I have a motion and second to pass 027-25 through
[28:17] its third and final reading to be enrolled, ordained and advertised. Do I have any objections?
[28:23] see none it is unanimous ordinance in first reading this is 09025 amending
[28:32] chapter 44 section 10 of the code of the city of fitchburg to update council on
[28:38] aging hourly position positions this we took up in petition form at the prior
[28:45] Council meeting.
[28:48] Councillor Green.
[28:52] Since we have Amanda Keck here,
[28:58] so does it spell out exactly how many positions that accounts for
[29:03] and what that means for hourly positions for the Council on Aging?
[29:09] You can come on up.
[29:15] Amanda Keck, Director of the Fitchburg Council on Aging.
[29:18] So, we've made that ordinance in so many steps like that, it's just one position, but it's
[29:25] just I want to be able to offer a broad range of wages depending on the amount of experience
[29:33] the person has to like when they apply for the job, so.
[29:38] Is this a clerical position or a kitchen coordinator?
[29:47] Okay, thank you.
[29:48] Yep.
[29:53] I'm looking at it right now. What line item does that get paid out of?
[30:01] And budget. And it would be paid out of my formula grant fund. I did submit a little bit of information.
[30:08] I don't know if anybody has it. It's grant funded? Yes.
[30:13] Okay. Thank you.
[30:16] Well, has it always been grant funded? No, it's apparently this is a new thing.
[30:23] So it will be grant funded. Plenty of other councils on ageing and other cities and towns use the formula grant
[30:30] to fund a position such as this. So I'm just trying to follow suit. And if you got the documents
[30:38] that I tried to include in your packet, you'll see that I actually have enough money to fund
[30:45] this position for the next five years, even if I don't get another formula grant.
[30:50] Thank you.
[30:53] Councillor Boeschman.
[30:55] When did that come into effect? I don't remember. Anybody ever get it paid in the
[30:59] kitchen?
[31:00] Well, there was...
[31:03] I thought it was all volunteers.
[31:05] There are all volunteers, and that's why there needs to be somebody in there that can supervise those volunteers.
[31:11] There used to be somebody when the lunches were provided by Monachusset Opportunity Council,
[31:18] which is now making opportunity count.
[31:20] Yeah.
[31:21] They used to do the meals, and they paid a meal site manager to take care of the food that was provided
[31:29] by mock. And now we have a great thing going on with the Moni Tech cafeteria
[31:37] workers and they prepare the food and it's delivered to us already cooked in
[31:41] the volunteers, deliver it to the tables and you know clean up afterwards. But they
[31:48] do need some supervision to make sure that all the Board of Health regulations
[31:54] are being followed and and when you know when the volunteers can't come sometimes
[32:01] sometimes I have free volunteers that they can't come on the same day and I'm
[32:05] scrambling I got to find somebody to work in my kitchen if I have one paid staff
[32:10] that I know I can hold accountable and and be there it'll be easier for us to
[32:15] serve the people at the senior center and more and more people are coming all
[32:21] all the time, so we really need all hands on deck when it's lunchtime.
[32:32] A year to four for now.
[32:34] All right, Councillor Green.
[32:38] The meals are still going to be provided by Monty Tech.
[32:41] Yep.
[32:42] And still only on, not only, but thank goodness, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
[32:48] Yes.
[32:48] So will this position reflect just Monday, Wednesday and Friday?
[32:52] Yes.
[32:53] So part-time position?
[32:55] 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?
[33:06] Thank you
[33:10] council Schultz
[33:12] Yes, Amanda the
[33:15] Kitchen coordinator imagine what we will have a serve safe
[33:19] Certification do you always have somebody you must always have somebody in the kitchen a volunteer that has that certification
[33:24] I right now I'm the person with the serve safe certification. Yeah. Yeah, and this person
[33:30] It's possible. They won't have served safe, but I can also get get them that certification
[33:35] They probably should yeah, they will have it. They will have it if they don't now
[33:40] a yield of
[33:42] 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
[33:49] Sometimes I'd so it's okay
[33:51] The formula one grant, is that a new grant?
[33:55] No.
[33:56] So what has that grant been historically used for?
[34:00] Up until this point where you're now using it
[34:03] for this kind of a position,
[34:04] what were you using that for previously?
[34:07] It's used for programs, supplies for programs
[34:11] like craft supplies.
[34:13] You can use it for like our volunteer appreciation,
[34:16] celebration. It is used to pay, let's see, like 25% of my salary, half of my principal
[34:25] clerk's salary.
[34:28] Is there anything you're giving up to now pay for this position over the next five years
[34:34] or did they increase it so that it's now covering that position as well? Like you
[34:40] foregoing anything that you have been funding now to that grant for?
[34:43] No.
[34:43] In deference to this?
[34:44] No.
[34:45] Now, so the formula grant is based on the amount of people over 60 that live in the city of
[34:53] Fitchburg.
[34:54] City of Fitchburg has about 8,000 people, and so our grant is around $120,000 a year.
[35:00] So no other programs you've been providing from this grant are going to be sacrificed
[35:06] to pay for this position?
[35:08] Right.
[35:09] Absolutely not.
[35:10] I'll still have money left over.
[35:12] Just want to make sure.
[35:12] Okay.
[35:13] Thank you.
[35:13] Yep.
[35:15] Councillor Cruz.
[35:16] I don't think you have any questions or answers.
[35:19] I just, I think it's great that we're getting that much money for 8,000 people, but 8,000
[35:24] people don't use the senior center, right?
[35:26] Right.
[35:26] So there was a lot of it.
[35:28] That's right.
[35:28] Okay.
[35:29] Thank you.
[35:30] I yield the floor.
[35:32] Anyone else?
[35:33] Councillor Green.
[35:34] Sorry, Amanda, I know how much you love being up in front of the podium and
[35:38] talking with us.
[35:39] Is there, is there ability for any of this formula grant to be used for the maintenance
[35:46] or the upkeep of the armory slash council on aging slash senior center?
[35:52] Yes, we could use the money for building maintenance.
[35:56] How about it?
[35:57] A portion of it?
[35:58] Some of it?
[36:00] I mean some of it.
[36:02] I have used some of it already for things that break at the, at the senior center.
[36:07] I'm a little nervous about using my formula grant funds on that building because it is
[36:15] a city building and at any time the city can decide that it's not a senior center anymore
[36:19] and then I've spent formula grant funds on this building and you know what if I don't
[36:27] have control over what happens with that building.
[36:29] building. So I get it. I don't understand the, I mean I do understand the dilemma but I don't
[36:42] want to see, I know you've got a couple of hefty projects, big projects to even get into
[36:50] the entrance of that building. I know that's expensive but I don't want to forgo letting
[36:57] it crumbled a crap and then say oh my god the city of Fitchburg did nothing when we are kind of
[37:05] financially in a pickle this year next year so if we could do a little bit with the grant money
[37:15] to continue to keep it open and safe before it falls to the other side of that because once
[37:22] we start sliding down that hill we're never going to recover from that so I don't want to lose
[37:27] the armory. I don't want to lose the senior center. I don't want to lose the
[37:30] council on aging in a historic building that we're obligated to maintain.
[37:34] So there is a little, so the other thing that's happened with the formula grant in
[37:38] the past few years is that they have opened up what you can spend formula
[37:43] grant money on. So me, I am being a new director. I need to definitely make
[37:48] sure that that's the case and that I can spend this formula grant money on
[37:53] building repair and it doesn't seem like there's a reason why I can't spend any money on building
[38:00] repair and I certainly will contribute to repair projects, but I can't let go of my whole
[38:08] entire formula grant. I need this kitchen person first.
[38:12] No, I get it. I'm right. I see it.
[38:14] Yeah.
[38:15] And I know that it's popular and that people appreciate it and you're finally getting
[38:19] the momentum of getting people there. More and more people are there.
[38:23] 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.
[38:40] Right.
[38:41] Yeah, I get it.
[38:43] Madam Mayor, you had something to add?
[38:45] Yes, Councillor Green, thank you for suggesting that we have approximately $50,000 of capital
[38:52] funds for repairing of the front entrance, and also we have some structural issues with
[38:59] the buttresses at the senior center that we are actively repairing.
[39:03] The quote for repairing the front entrance triggered a requirement for a bid process
[39:11] us in further procurement. So we're working on developing specifications and putting that
[39:17] out to bid right now for that front, or at least putting out so that we can accept bids
[39:23] for that. So we do have some funds aside for that capital repair, and hopefully we do
[39:29] not have to tap into our Senior Center Formula Grant for that. But I appreciate Director
[39:33] Keck's willingness to do what it takes. Thank you.
[39:39] Anyone else? All right. So, again, this is an ordinance in first reading. Motion to approve?
[39:47] Second.
[39:47] Second.
[39:48] I have a motion and seconds to pass this through its first reading. Do I have any objections?
[39:55] Seeing none, it is unanimous. Another ordinance in first reading, 091-25.
[40:06] A new section
[40:07] Section 23-36 to be inserted into Chapter 23, Fire Department Article 2, Chief Engineer,
[40:17] reading as follows.
[40:19] Section 23-36, Fire Alarm System Monitoring License Fee.
[40:24] The following rate is to be the fee charged for the City Fire Department to issue a licensed
[40:28] monitor fire alarm systems, $300.
[40:32] This section shall take effect January 1st, 2026.
[40:39] Second. I have a motion and seconds to pass this ordinance through its first reading.
[40:47] Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimous. We have a number of petitions here.
[40:58] One,
[40:59] we have 092-25, Councillor Andrew Coucher to rename the Crocker splash pad at Crocker
[41:05] Park to the Joel Caddy Memorial Splash Pad.
[41:11] I spoke with Councillor Krucher before the
[41:14] meeting. It turns out this is actually a matter within the purview of the parks board rather
[41:21] than the City Council. However, I would entertain a motion to amend this from a petition to
[41:29] a resolution in support. So moved. Second. I have a motion on second. Any objections
[41:36] to the amendment? Seeing none, this will then be referred, the resolution will be referred
[41:45] to city property and I believe Councillor Couture will contact the Parks and Rec Board
[41:52] forward to get that process rolling.
[41:58] 9325 from Joanna Balotta, our city clerk, to review
[42:03] the Mayor's salary and City Councilor's salary as required by Chapter 3-43 of the Code of
[42:10] the City of Fitchburg.
[42:13] This will, if there is no objection, I would like to send this
[42:18] as typical to counsel as a whole date to be determined?
[42:23] Can I have a motion for that?
[42:26] So moved.
[42:27] I have a motion and second to send this
[42:29] to counsel as a whole.
[42:31] Do I have any objections?
[42:33] Seeing none, it will stand referred.
[42:38] 9425 Community Development and Planning Department
[42:43] to adopt zoning changes to comply
[42:45] with the Massachusetts Model Flood Plane Bylaws
[42:48] and incorporate the new FEMA floodplain maps effective July 8th 2025.
[42:55] I would like to ask for a motion to set this for public hearing on June 3rd.
[43:02] So moved.
[43:03] Second.
[43:04] I have a motion and second. Any objections? Seeing none, it is unanimous.
[43:10] Three more items. Councilor Schultz in conjunction with Fire Chief Dante Suarez and
[43:17] and Director of Public Health, Steve Curry,
[43:20] to address public safety issues at 240 Water Street,
[43:23] the former St. Bernard's Church,
[43:26] where the spire is presenting a falling danger
[43:29] and there are issues with homeless individuals
[43:33] breaking into the buildings.
[43:35] That will stand referred to public safety.
[43:40] 09625, Councillor Van Hasinga,
[43:42] to install a traffic sign on Davis Street
[43:44] at Highland Court, warning caution autistic child or similar, that will stand referred
[43:50] to public works. 9725, Councillor Bernie Schultz on behalf of Jason Badeo of 126 South Street
[44:00] to repair the sidewalk on Charles Street next to his residence. That will also stand
[44:05] referred to public works. And lastly, 09825, Councillor Kutcher on behalf of the Shays
[44:11] street neighborhood group to extend the solar moratorium to allow for additional
[44:15] time to implement the solar zoning change. I have a request for suspension of
[44:21] the rules on this item. So moved. Second. I have a motion and second for
[44:26] suspension of the rules. Do I have any objection? Seeing none, the matter is
[44:32] before the council. Motion to accept. Second. I have a motion and second to
[44:37] accept in petition form. I believe this will then need to go to ordinance at our
[44:44] next meeting and we'll take care of that as it goes. On the motion, go ahead.
[44:53] I'm in support of extending the moratorium. I think it's the right thing to do because we don't have the news
[44:58] language in place.
[45:00] 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.
[45:08] That is a good point.
[45:11] I have Councillor Cruz, then Councillor Kutcher, and we will address that before we close this out.
[45:19] And Councillor Cruz, I'll yield to the petitioner. Councillor Kutcher.
[45:22] I moved we amend to the whatever the October date when we I believe it was
[45:30] October 15th perfect I move to amend the petition to move the date to October 15th
[45:43] of this year do I have a second on the amendment second I have a motion and
[45:47] second. Any objections to the amendment? Seeing none, it is amended.
[45:53] Councilor Cruz on the initial motion. Do you still have something?
[45:56] I was going to do my suggestion, but I figured I'd leave it to the petitioner. I yield the floor. Thank you.
[46:00] Appreciate it. All right. Do I have any further questions or comments on this matter?
[46:06] All right. Do I have any objection to the extension of the moratorium? Seeing none,
[46:14] it is unanimously approved. And that concludes our business for the evening.
[46:20] Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, you tell on the book to clean up to Saturday and May 17th,
[46:26] because people don't know anything yet.
[46:28] I don't have it in front of me, but if you have the details, then go ahead.
[46:32] On May 17th, Clegg on.
[46:34] May 17th, and where is it?
[46:36] It's going to be on Daniel Street, Famon Street.
[46:39] All right.
[46:39] to help me can get the yes we are adjourned yes I but I will if we're if
[46:52] we're still broadcasting feel free to announce it may 10th is the next one or
[46:58] the 17th is the one in in clay corn yeah yes and these are all on the cities
[47:05] Facebook page? Yes, yep, and the website. May 10th, that's the BAC, Simon's Park,
[47:11] May 17th, in lovely Ward 2, Claygore. That's right. All right. And we can use the
[47:16] volunteers. Oh yeah, we can. We've got to clean up this place. Okay, Paul.