WESTFIELD – The City Council tackled a long agenda on Thursday with determination and little dissent, approving most items unanimously, and sending many others on their way to sub-committee review.
Among the items approved unanimously with no further discussion was a resolution for the City of Westfield to enter into a Host Community Agreement with HEKA Health. Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy said the Legislative & Ordinance committee recommended 3-0 to support the agreement for the medical marijuana business, calling it a good deal for the city, with 3% revenue, and a 1% infrastructure fee for the lifetime of the business.
Figy said the infrastructure fee will cover paving on Sgt. T.M Dion Way and possibly a traffic light the first year. He said although the business is not-for-profit, the city will be collecting taxes. He said there is a potential for 300 employees at the company.
Also approved was a request by DPW director David Billips for immediate consideration to authorize the mayor to enter into a three-year and one-month contract for sludge hauling and disposal services. Ward 5 Councilor and Finance chair Robert A. Paul, Sr. said the contract will save the city $100,000.
The first reading to reduce the speed limit on Honey Pot Road to 25 mph was also approved and scheduled for a second reading and final passage.
CINDY HARRIS
A slate of personnel reappointments from At-large Councilor Cindy C. Harris, chair of the Personnel Committee, was also unanimously approved. Approved were Diane M. Snow and Suzanne M. Bergeron on the Assessor’s Board, Felix Otero and Leonard Osowski on the Police Commission, Gail Yarmesky on the Off-Street Parking Commission, and Alice Dawicki on the License Committee.
Tammy Tefft was also unanimously reappointed to serve the city as purchasing director for a three-year term to 2020. Several councilors spoke about the good job that Tefft has done in the role. Harris said she has proven herself as a project manager, bringing projects in on time and below budget, and receiving Project Manager Certification.
Paul referred to her integrity and capacity, and called her an asset to the city. Figy said he was encouraged that Tefft is interested in merging school and city purchasing into one, which would result in a cost savings for both. At-large Councilor John J. Beltrandi, III called it an “easy reappointment for anyone that’s worked with Tammy over the years.”
Also approved was Christian Duquette of West Springfield as the local zoning inspector/local building inspector for a term of three years. Harris said the search committee agreed that Duquette, who has worked for Conrad Duquette since 2002, was the best candidate.
A question arose during the discussion as to why personnel contracts are at three years.
City Councilor David Flaherty
“This is another instance where a job is guaranteed for three years. In the future we should look at that,” said at-large Council Dave Flaherty. At-large Councilor Dan Allie agreed, saying there should be a release clause in city contracts.
Beltrandi responded, saying he has known the candidate for 20 years. “This gentleman is well qualified. We’re not going to get qualified candidates if we put restrictions on them,” he said. The vote for approval was unanimous.
Among the big items sent to committee for review was a $4 million Bond order for the sanitary sewer extension for the Bigwood Drive project area (which will include Gary, Kelly and Bigwood Drives, Fawn Lane and Blueberry Ridge), Western Avenue, Jessie Lane, Montgomery Road and Joseph Avenue.
During his briefing, Mayor Sullivan said city treasurer Meghan Kane is “comfortable doing smaller bonds in pieces for specific projects, instead of an $18-$20 million bond.” He also said he appreciated city engineer Mark Cressotti’s efforts to get these projects “shovel-ready.” The Bond order was referred to the Finance Committee.
Sent to the Planning Board was a petition by Allie for an amendment of the zoning ordinance relative to notification of abutters. Allie requested that it go to the Planning Board while it is still in L&O. He said the ordinance change would notify all abutters within 300 feet from the border of map or zoning changes within 10 days of public hearings. There would be no additional fee for applicants, as the fee for zoning changes was recently increased to $300.
“This is a long overdue change,” said Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski. She said she has been approached by business owners who are also in favor of this change.
