City Councilor Cindy C. Harris
WESTFIELD – Immediate consideration was granted at Thursday’s City Council meeting for the appointment of Melissa Barnes as assistant treasurer. Personnel Action committee chair Councilor Cindy C. Harris said the request was made by Treasurer Meghan Kane, and that Barnes, who is already employed by the city would be switching positions with another employee in the department.
Later in the meeting, Harris also presented Bryan Forrette as the Director of Facilities Management through 2021. Harris listed Forrette’s accomplishments, which included energy saving improvements in the public schools which resulted in gas and electric rebates of $39,000. Also speaking on Forrette’s behalf were Ward 3 Councilor Andrew K. Surprise, who said that Forrette needed additional help, and At-large Councilor Matthew Emmershy, who said the Finance sub-committee had Forrette come and speak to them. “It was valuable to see what an asset he is to the city, and the money he’s saved.” The vote to approve the reappointment was unanimous.
Also reappointed unanimously was Rene Laviolette as a Republican member of the Board of Registrars until 2021. Harris said the reappointment was highly recommended by City Clerk Karen Fanion. Also speaking on Laviolette’s behalf was At-large Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr., who called him “a man of integrity.”
The Legislative & Ordinance Committee, chaired by Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy, brought forward twelve items for action by the City Council, several of which caused considerable discussion among councilors.
One of those items was the resolution for approval of the traffic control agreement with MassDOT relative to the Western Avenue project central area, slated to begin next year, and also for approval of nine related traffic ordinances. Figy said the resolution required one vote, and the ordinances two votes.
“I’m not in favor of these changes. We should be doing more meetings, keeping residents more informed of changes,” said Surprise. Figy responded that the votes were the final step in a process that had been going on for more than 20 years, and had to be approved for the project, which he said is at 100% design, to go forward.
Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy (WNG File Photo)
Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski asked whether the traffic patterns could be amended if in practice they don’t work. “Sometimes you don’t know until you actually do it whether it’s going to work,” she said. Figy responded that the chief of police wants to know if residents observe any changes in traffic patterns.
“I’m not in favor of the way this project has turned out. We’re told that we have to accept all of these changes, or we don’t get the money, just because somebody in Boston thinks it’s a great idea. I don’t think it’s right for us. I’m going to vote no again,” commented At-large Councilor Dave Flaherty.
At-large Councilor Dan Allie asked again whether council members would be able to make adjustments to it at the Traffic Commission. He said he lives at the end of Union St., and referred to adjustments made to the 9-11 Memorial Park which obstructed view of the roadway. He said it would be nice to consider changes beforehand.
“As a rule of thumb, any ordinance can be changed. I would say you can change anything you want,” Figy said, adding, “I think we’re getting off the point here. We have a resolution to read and vote on the future of the Western Ave. project.”
“There are changes I don’t like. With that being said, the road desperately needs improvements. Just last night at Traffic Commission, they reviewed a lot of items, and are very receptive to residents’ ideas. At this point, as much as I don’t like the tweaks to this, get the road improved, and put the Traffic Commission to work,” commented Emmershy.
“I too was totally against the project up there,” said Ward 4 Councilor Michael Burns. But he added that he changed his mind after the numerous phone calls he received from residents over the winter. “So I’m going to vote for this, because it is at 100% and it needs to be done,” Burns added. The resolution passed, with Flaherty and Surprise opposed. All nine traffic ordinances also passed the first reading, with Flaherty and Surprise opposed.
Another item from L&O that caused discussion at the meeting was a general marijuana ordinance. Earlier in the meeting a resolution to accept a 3% local option excise tax on the retail sale of marijuana passed after Surprise withdrew a motion to earmark some of the money at Flaherty’s request. Flaherty said he would be meeting with the Mayor next week to discuss earmarking options.
Figy said the L&O committee was recommending the general marijuana ordinance for a second reading and final passage. He said it passed the first reading at the City Council on a vote of 11-0, but he had sent it back to committee on the request of Councilor Flaherty for additional time.
At the sub-committee meeting, one amendment was made, to limit the number of marijuana shops to the greater of 4 or 20% of licenses issued for retail sale of alcohol.
Flaherty said he did appreciate the committee’s amendment, and that he will be coming back with another amendment for selection of retail licenses. He also said he would be a no vote, because he could not in good conscience vote for any marijuana ordinance.
“I’m also going to vote no, because I don’t think that 20% is enough,” said Surprise.
“I’m going to vote no, because I think 3 is plenty enough,” said Burns.
“The pie is only going to be so big. We have an applicant that’s already been before Planning Board. The bus is leaving the station. Let’s get this in play,” responded Figy.
“I want to commend Councilor Flaherty for coming to the meeting. The whole premise is that we can always amend this later on,” said Morganelli, who serves on L&O. The motion passed with Surprise and Flaherty opposed.
All other amendments to ordinances proposed by L&O on Thursday passed, some unanimously, many with comments, and some with dissenting votes.
