In my last article, I mentioned that the resolution requesting the City Council vote to accept and support a request made to the State DPU and associated state agencies regarding new and unusual circumstances related to the proposed siting of a power plant and Barnes Regional Airport had been referred to the Public Health and Safety Committee. An amended resolution, a collaborative effort of the Ward 1 and 6 councilors, was voted out of committee with a positive recommendation of 3-0. The resolution supports (1) the mission of the city and its elected officials to protect the health and safety of the people who live, learn, work and play in our city; (2) the Westfield Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 – Aviation Sec. 5-51 and Sec. 5-54 which addresses airport hazards and promotes the protection of “the health, safety and general welfare of the public”and recognizes that “the existence of any airport hazard endangers the lives and property of the users of the airport and the occupants of the land in its vicinity”; and (3) reviewing new and unusual circumstances relatedto thermal exhaust plumes and their affect on air traffic patterns, noise mitigation studies and business growth at the airport.
I am pleased to report that on March 17, 2016, the full council voted unanimously to support the amended resolution. I commend and thank all of those residents who took time to attend the meetings and councilors who reviewed the information and took the necessary action to ensure the potential health, safety and economic issues of these new and unusual circumstances are reviewed and addressed.
On March 2 and April 6, I had the privilege of attending meetings of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC, which is chaired by Chief Mary Regan, consists of representatives from local businesses, the School, Fire, Police and Public Health Departments, Gas & Electric Company, Senior Center, Local Hospitals, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Red Cross, Salvation Army, Westfield State University, Flood Control and the Massachusetts National Guard. The LEPC works to better prepare the City for responding to emergency situations. They are all about making sure the city is well-prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. Those preparations include but are not limited to setting up shelters; providing supplies, personnel and equipment for those shelters; and ensuring they have a reliable communications network in place. They also work with organizers of upcoming events, such as the road races and the Babe Ruth World Series, by planning ahead and implementing initiativesto protect the health and safety of everyone in attendance. It is a real team effort and many topics that are safety and health related often come under their scrutiny.
Recently, the Westfield Board of Health passed a regulation restricting the use of polystyrene (styrofoam) disposable food containers because of the health hazards associated with using these containers. These containers are defined as single use disposable containers used for the purpose of serving and transporting prepared, and ready-to-consume food or beverages. The regulation will go into effect on September 1, 2016, giving food establishments time to prepare for the change. The passing of this regulation did not go unnoticed across the state. During a workshop at the March 2016 Local Environmental Action Conference at Northeastern University, the Westfield Board of Health was recognized for taking action to protect public health. I, along with others, applaud the Public Health Director and the Board of Health members for their efforts.
On March 14, I attended a safety meeting at the Pioneer Valley Railroad office to hear about the work they do to ensure the safety of not only railroad employees but also residents who live and work in the city and often travel over railroad crossings. It is extremely important to them and a high priority to do whatever is necessary to educate the public in an effort to avoid accidents involving trains. On May 17, they will have a “Crossing Blitz” at the railroad crossing on Servistar Road near the intersection of Lockhouse Road. The purpose of the blitz is to increase public awareness of the potential dangers that exist at highway railroad intersections and eliminate driver actions that can have tragic consequences, by enforcing the traffic laws that pertain to these intersections and educating people on the safe way to approach and cross railroad tracks. If you are not sure what to do, you can find the 7 Steps for Safety pdf file at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
I recently met three enthusiastic Westfield State University students who are concerned about the environment and are taking action to do something to protect it. Michele Brooks, Michelle Coombs and Caleb Alfordare eager to share information with residents about their Plastic Bag Ban Project. Their information booth was setup in front of the Westfield Atheneum on April 8 and 9. If you missed them, they will be back on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 between the hours of 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will be several Earth Day events going on next weekend. A perfect time to do something environmentally friendly. So, please stop by tohearabout the facts they’ve gathered from their research, share your thoughts and take the time to sign their petition.
As a follow-up, they will share their research, thoughts and recommendations for the City of Westfield at the May 5, 2016, City Council meeting. If you are able, please attend or watch the meeting on Channel 15. If you miss it that night you can always watch the video of the meeting.
SAVE THE DATE: On May 11 there will be a Ward 1 meeting. The location is tentatively set for North Middle School starting at 6:30 PM. Stay tuned for details. I encourage you to continue to reach out to me should you have any questions or concerns: [email protected] or 413-568-8562
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Babinski, Ward 1 City Councilor
