Aviation Maintenance Technology instructor Galen Wilson (L) with a contingent of AMT students at the City Council on Thursday.
WESTFIELD – City Council President John J. Beltrandi, III changed the order of the agenda Thursday night, in recognition of the Westfield Technical Academy’s Aviation Maintenance Technology students who were present with Instructor Galen Wilson. Beltrandi asked Finance Committee chair Dan Allie to report on their positive recommendation for $724,920 from Free Cash to complete the work on Hangar 2 at Barnes Airport.
“This is an amazing program,” Allie said. He said Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski came before the Finance committee to talk about how much money the district has raised for the program. “They represent the city well. That work can begin immediately,” Allie said.
“You guys have been outstanding throughout the years. The city is spending a lot of money on Hangar 2. You have a great responsibility,” said At-large Councilor Brent B. Bean, II, congratulating all the students in the program.
“I agree with the Finance committee, this is a great project. The only comment is we’re going to be looking for Free Cash. I do wish in the future these kinds of things didn’t come out of free cash,” said At-large Councilor Dave Flaherty.
Finance committee member Matthew Emmershy said he agreed with Flaherty’s concern about the Free Cash. He said the district had a $495,000 grant, and the funding was time sensitive. “This will put them over the finish line, and they will be able to expand to Power Plant (engines),” Emmershy said.
“This use of Free Cash is a wise use of Free Cash. With it, the curriculum can start,” said Ward 5 Councilor Robert A. Paul, Sr., adding that all of the investment and grants, including FAA accreditation will kick in.
Ward 2 Councilor and school liaison Ralph J. Figy said that the Hangar needs bathrooms, classrooms, insulation and a sprinkler system. “How proud we are to have this program in Westfield. It is only the third FAA accredited high school (program) in the country. Congratulations to all, we are very happy to support it,” Figy said. The motion to approve the funding passed unanimously.
