Westfield City Hall
WESTFIELD – Although the second reading and final passage of the $13 million bond for water wells, connector and water tank, to be used for the filtration and improvements to wells 1 and 2, completion of filtration and improvements to wells 7 and 8, connection to the Springfield water system and replacement of the water tank on East Mountain Road is on the agenda for Thursday’s City Council meeting, the vote may be tabled until one of two Special City Council meetings next week, as at least two councilors will not be present, according to City Council President John J. Beltrandi, III.
At-Large City Councilor and City Council President John J. Beltrandi, III.
Also significant under Communications from the Mayor is a resolution from the Mayor for a Special Tax Assessment agreement for Myers Information Systems, Inc. and Camia, LLC. “I think it’s justified. This company is making a significant investment in the downtown,” Beltrandi said about the high-tech software company which recently purchased 110 Elm Street. He said the 25-30 people employed will frequent restaurants and visit shops, bringing foot traffic and business to the downtown. “It’s a big win for the city,” Beltrandi said.
Also on the agenda is $250,000 from the Community Preservation Undesignated (FY19) account to the CPA-Columbia Greenway Recreation account.
Among the public hearings at Thursday’s meeting, will be one on a petition amending zoning of Marijuana Establishment. This will be the second hearing this week. At Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting, three residents spoke in favor of the amendment, including City Advancement Officer Joe Mitchell. Mitchell said the proposal to allow marijuana shops in Industrial A will have minimal impact and will create jobs, adding that he has received no less than 16 calls from groups that have state licenses.
Resolutions authorizing three-year intergovernmental agreements (IGA) with Westfield Gas & Electric and the Technology Center will be reported out of the Legislative & Ordinance Committee with favorable recommendations.
Also receiving a favorable recommendation from L&O at its meeting on Tuesday is the amendment to the city ordinance on open burning concerning Fire Pits. At the meeting, L&O Chair Ralph J. Figy told At-large Councilor Dan Allie, who has championed the ordinance to allow fire pits that the committee hadn’t made any changes to it. “You deserve a lot of credit for the yeoman’s work you did, sticking with it,” Figy said to Allie. Figy said his only concern is with enforcement.
“We may be the first city to go through the process,” Allie responded, saying the DEP had pre-approved the amendment. The first reading on the amendment will be held on Thursday and the second reading July 5, after which it will go to the state for final approval.
Ward 3 Councilor Andrew K. Surprise (WNG File Photo)
Under motions, Ward 3 Councilor Andrew K. Surprise has nine motions regarding additions to the municipal budget process to be referred to the Charter and Rules Committee, headed by At-large Councilor Matthew Emmershy. These include submission of the annual municipal budget, annual expense and appropriation estimates for all municipal departments, boards, officers and committees; responsibilities of the City Council Finance committee, monthly statements of appropriations and expenses, applications for federal or state grants, filing of grant applications, orders for appropriations, transfers of funds, and creation of an annual capital improvement projects report.
Beltrandi said he will be asking Councilor Surprise to take the motions as a whole and refer them to committee. “It’s a lot to digest and this is budget season,” Beltrandi said.
Councilor Surprise also has a motion for the City of Westfield to investigate joining the Municipal Open Checkbook System, to refer to the Mayor and the Finance sub-committee.
Another motion by Surprise requests a meeting with the Finance sub-committee and Westfield Teachers Association President Lori Lyncosky and Vice-President Matthew Wroth, at the latter’s request, to discuss the labor negotiation process and contracts.
The final two motions by Surprise request permission for ArtWorks of Westfield to erect a canopy tent at Blue Umbrella Books on June 23 for the Busker’s Day Event, to refer to DPW; and for Andy Gould to run an Open Mic, July 10 through Sept. 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Tuesday, to refer to Parks and Recreation.
