WESTFIELD – With the $13 million water bond tabled until May 3, the City Council breezed through its agenda on Thursday, displaying little of the tension from the last month of meetings.
At-Large City Councilor and City Council President John Beltrandi
City Council president John J. Beltrandi, III turned the attention of the Council to items from Mayor Brian P. Sullivan’s office, the first three of which requested immediate attention.
The gift of a Car Mate Trailer and attached supplies for spill containment from USA Hauling & Recycling to the Westfield Fire Department passed with no discussion.
Another gift of $1,000 from the Thunderbolt Council to the Barnes Regional Airport gift account which came from the Air Show through the non-profit arm of the Thunderbolts, according to Ward 6 Councilor William J. Onyski, also passed unanimously.
Immediate consideration for $675,000 in grants from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for Barnes Airport, which required a local share of $62,175, engendered more discussion.
Onyski, who is the Airport liaison, said the grant was offered very late by MassDOT. He said the airport immediately applied, and the application was approved by DOT. “$675,000 in services for $62,175 local share,” Onyski emphasized.
The grants included $254,875, with a local share of $50,975 for the replacement of two sweeper head units for OshKosh Trucks, used to clean the runways. A $56,000 grant for the purchase of an Online Driver Training Module has a local share of $11,200, and a grant of $365,000 for the installation of security perimeter fencing has no local share.
Ward 3 Councilor Andrew K. Surprise asked whether it was for security fencing. Onyski said yes, for the end of the runway, and added that the grants were for immediate consideration, because they had to be spent by June 30.
Flaherty said he was in favor of the grants, but felt the local match coming out of Free Cash was “challenged. We’re 79% through the year, and have spent 82% of the money. Snow and Ice is over by $1.4 million,” he said.
“I am concerned about Free Cash. I don’t want to put any more money in the airport. I’d like to see this go to Finance. We have a meeting next week,” said At-large Councilor Matthew Emmershy.
“If there’s any discussion, I’d like to have it right now,” said Onyski.
Emmershy asked how much in total city funds was subsidizing the airport this year.
Ward 6 City Councilor William Onyski (WNG file photo)
Onyski said it will not break even with fees this year, but is looking at an increase in fees. Regarding revenue, he said if the airport were to close, the city would lose taxes from businesses located there, such as Gulfstream.
At-large Councilor Daniel Allie, who chairs Finance, said sweeper heads for the two trucks are things that are required anyway. He asked Onyski when he said in place by June 30, did it mean installed, which he said it did. “These would be future costs they’d have to raise,” Allie said.
“I’m going to support this,” said Surprise, a member of Finance.
At-large Councilor Cindy C. Harris called it a “wise investment for airport safety.”
Onyski said the city does get a percentage of every gallon of gas sold at the airport. Flaherty added that currently $816,000 a year comes out of the city budget. The motion was made and passed 11 to 1, with Emmershy opposed.
The motion to re-appropriate remaining funds from the bond used for Park Square Green for the creation of pickleball courts was sent to Finance. At-large Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. asked what was the exact amount left on the bond, and Beltrandi said the Engineering Dept. had some small items to clear up, but would know by the date of the meeting.
Reaffirmation of the appropriation of CPA funds for the West Farms/Wyben schoolhouse, which had moved under the Historic Commission; and for the Old Town Hall, pending new ownership, were referred to the Finance sub-committee.
City Councilor Cindy C. Harris
Harris asked for a change in order for immediate consideration of the reappointment of Robert J. Popko as the Weights and Measures Inspector, for a term to expire in April 2021. Harris said Popko has been diligent in annually renewing all of his certifications. The reappointment passed with enthusiasm by Council members.
Under reports of city officers, City Clerk Karen M. Fanion submitted the 2018 annual renewal license for Rosewood at 34 Elm Street, which was referred to the License sub-committee. Referred to the Legislative & Ordinance (L&O) sub-committee was parking ordinance amendments from the Traffic Commission relative to Root Road, Main Street, and Chapel Street.
Under petitions, a public hearing for a license for Blue Umbrella Books was scheduled for May 3, and referred to the License committee. Put on file was notification by the State Lottery Commission of Lottery monitors that would be installed on KENO to Go locations at Mobil Mart and J&J Variety on Franklin and Montgomery Streets.
The Finance sub-committee reported on their approval of a PEG appropriation of $21,000 for the removal of asbestos floor tiles and concrete, which had been stained by oil, for the new Westfield Technical Academy radio and community television studio. The committee also requested approval for a PEG appropriation of $53,161 for equipment and supplies for the studio. Both passed unanimously.
The City Council also passed $22,000 for temporary and permanent eminent domain seizures for the Western Avenue project on the recommendation of Finance. “This is for all phases of the project. They won’t be coming back for additional dollars for easements; one and done,” said Emmershy.
Harris said the Personnel Action Committee voted to recommend Grace Sullivan as a member of the Board of Assessors through Feb. 2021. She said Sullivan has 20 years of service on the Board, is a current chair and valued member. Beltrandi said he had experiences dealing with Grace Sullivan. “She’s very, very qualified; an asset,” he said.
Harris also recommended the reappointment of Kathleen Deviny to the Historical Commission, saying among other qualifications that she was certified on how to identify, store and maintain historical objects. Allie added that Deviny is the project manager for the Wyben one-room schoolhouse. Both passed unanimously.
A new motion by Councilors Michael Burns and Brent B. Bean, II to review city zoning ordinances as they relate to special permit granting authority was sent to the Ad-Hoc Business Development sub-committee chaired by Burns.
At-large City Councilor David Flaherty
A motion was made by Flaherty and Allie requesting annual OPEB contributions based on gross payroll by department to be included in the annual budget, to refer to Finance. “Over time, this will save the city money,” Allie said.
“I feel this is stepping over the Mayor,” said Harris, asking whether they would involve him. “We need to work on this first,” Allie said.
A motion by Allie to rescind the bond for the Cross Street School was referred to Finance. Bean said the bond had been sitting there awhile, and might be something to dip into to refurbish the fields.
Harris said a motion filed by Allie to review a contract for the lease of a parking lot that was incorrectly identified on the agenda, and subsequently in the City Council preview in The Westfield News, as being with St. Joseph’s church. Allie amended the motion to St. Peter’s/St. Casimir’s, and referred it to Finance.
Morganelli asked to amend his motion for a crosswalk at the intersection of Munger Hill Road and Harvestmoon Lane, to add Ward 5 Councilor Robert A. Paul, Sr., and to refer to Public, Health & Safety. Surprise said it would also need to go to the Traffic Commission.
A Motion by Flaherty requesting an order, ordinance or resolution that net proceeds from Water Pollution lawsuits (after legal fees) be dedicated to paying off the balance of associated outstanding bonds, providing water bill credits to consumers for their payment of increased fees for water cleanup projects, and to fund a special purpose stabilization fund to be used exclusively for future operating expenses of the water filtration systems and waterworks projects, be referred to L&O, the Water Commission, and the Mayor.
“Do we have the authority to do this? I like the idea,” said Bean. Flaherty said the city can’t bind spending for future councilors, but that it would be making a statement for the public.
“My concern is that we are having a Special Meeting next week (April 25) regarding all this,” said Harris, adding that it seemed a little premature. The Special City Council meeting will be for the purpose of going into executive session on city litigation on water issues.
After Flaherty amended the motion to add referral to Finance, Surprise suggested instead Long-Range Finance, “Because it’s a long way away.”
“We’re going to find out next week, what we can and can’t do,” said Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski.
A motion by Flaherty for a resolution to request funding to restore the Cross Street playground, and to research the use of CPA, Block Grant, and/or “Fish Fund” monies versus the existing bond authorization was also referred to the Mayor.
