As always, City Council has been busy at our last meetings completing our responsibilities to the City. Some items of interest are detailed below.
Department of Public Works Reorganization: With mixed support the reorganization of the DPW was passed at our City Council meeting this week. The Council voted for this ordinance change which put the Water, Public Works, a portion of the Health Department as it relates to the Transfer Station, and Park and Recreation all under one department. The ordinance is not perfect but it is hoped that this change will produce efficiencies in staff and finances over the long run. Some of the goals of the consolidation are equipment sharing among departments, reduction on reliance on contractors and consultants, combined engineering resources. The goal is to expand current projects including road resurfacing, water line extensions, stormwater repairs, sewer projects and the upkeep of our parks.
Ponders Hollow Road: The Home Rule petition to swap the land on Cross Street for a parcel on Ponders Hollow Road remains in the Legislation and Ordinance Committee. This week the Fire Commission voted to release the land to Park and Rec and forego using this property for training exercises. Because the Little River Dam runs across the exchange parcel, the Flood Commission requested that a representative of the Army Core of Engineers come before the City (via the Flood Control Commission) to detail the City’s responsibilities relating to upkeep and maintenance of this Ponders Hollow parcel. Michael Bachand, Levee Safety Program Manager of the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and the Flood Commission, did an exemplary job of keeping the topic of the meeting on point and in detail, outlined the City of Westfield’s obligation regarding the maintenance of this levy. The gist of the Army Corp’s review is the city can proceed with plans to use the parcel on Ponders Hollow for passive recreation use and clear the Little River Dike of trees and brush without a permit from them. Further, comments to the effect that the dike is an uncertified flood control structure are incorrect. If the City were to dig or add material to the levee we would have to initiate what is termed a 408 permit. USACE believes most of the original structure is intact underneath, but cannot evaluate it further until it is cleared of trees and brush. So, if the city clears the structure, the USACE will likely offer more opinions after their next inspection. The City would also need to consider an environmental review if any portion of the park was located outside of the levee (positioned closer to the river).
On a side note, Councilor Figy stated in a recent public letter that I caused the Flood Commission to write a letter to the City Council putting it on notice that changes to the Little River Dike required proper process. While it is true that I attended the meeting of the Flood Commission and it is also true that Councilor Figy did not, the suggestion that I could make the Commission do something it would not do in its ordinary course of business is folly. The Flood Commission is comprised of four commissioners of high character and integrity who care deeply about flood protection in our city. Mr. Figy’s suggestion that any of these individuals would bend to my will – while flattering to me – is an insult to the commissioners. Unfortunately, Mr. Figy’s public comments in this regard reflect a growing political trend, that is, “when you don’t agree with the message ignore the information and insult the messenger.” It is not right.
Westfield State University: The University is also hosting their Annual Interfaith Center breakfast on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. The Guest of honor is Father John Dean. For more information on this event or to purchase tickets you may call Lisa McMahon at 485-7360.
Please have a safe and happy Easter weekend,
Mary O’Connell
Ward Four/Westfield City Council
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
