February 13, 2007

Here is the agenda to the February 13, 2007 City Council Meeting

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 13, 2007 – 7:30 P.M.

AGENDA

1.         Open microphone

COMMUNICATIONS FROM HIS HONOR, THE MAYOR

2.         A communication submitting Orders authorizing and taking by eminent domain of a parcel of land on South Mountain Road

3.         A communication submitting an Order accepting a grant in the amount of $313,023 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

4.         A communication submitting an Order accepting a grant in the amount of $207,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

5.         A communication submitting an Order accepting a grant in the amount of $2,600 from the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility Advisory Board

6.         A communication submitting an Order appropriating $120,456.63 from Certified Free Cash to the Bossidy Parks Trust account

7.         A communication submitting a Traffic Order necessary to implement parking changes on Melville St.

APPOINTMENTS

8.         Appointment of James Bickford, June Hailer and Patricia Sheely as members of the Commission on Disabilities

9.         Appointment of Rabbi Mark Wieder as a member of the Human Services Advisory Council

10.     Appointment of Rosanne M. Frieri as the Director of Veterans’ Service

PUBLIC HEARING

11.     A public hearing on an Ordinance amending the City Code, Chapter 23, Zoning, by deleting Article 23-5 (PURD) in its entirety (continued from January 23, 2007)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS AND BOARDS

12.     A petition from Councilor Farley-Bouvier requesting the City institute a demolition delay policy in an attempt to protect historic buildings

13.     A petition from Councilor Ward requesting information from the Superintendent of Schools regarding graduation rates and school choice as well as information on long-term planning to address these issues

14.     A petition from Councilor Ward requesting the Parks and Recreation Department investigate the use of a parking fee at Burbank Park to improve the security and general stewardship of that property

15.     A petition from Councilor Lothrop requesting a solution to parking problems at Stearns School and traffic overflow

16.     A petition from Councilor Lothrop requesting the City Council petition the Mass. Department of Telecommunications and Energy in support of retention of local control of cable television franchising and in opposition to Verizon’s “90 Day Rule”

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Reports of the Committee on Public Works and Utilities

17.     A report of the Committee on Ordinances and Rules on a petition from Councilor Costi requesting the City adopt a zero tolerance policy ordinance relating to littering on City streets and sidewalks, and include a fine, recommending it be approved and referred to the Chief of Police and the Committee on Ordinances and Rules

Reports of the Committee on Ordinances and Rules

18.     A report of the Committee on Ordinances and Rules on a petition from Councilor Kerwood to amend the City Code, Chapter 4 ½  to include language establishing a fine structure for violations of Section 20-17, recommending it be approved as amended

Report of the Audit Committee

19.     A report of the Audit Committee on the referral of the Fiscal Year 2006 Municipal Audit, recommending it be accepted and placed on file

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

20.     A petition from Councilor Tyer requesting endorsement of proposed legislation that would create a new local option for municipalities to purchase health insurance plans through the Group Insurance Commission (tabled 1-9-07)

NEW BUSINESS

21.     A petition from David Cohen, Rebecca Knox and Lawrence Konefal requesting the City Council verify the City’s ability to comply with conditions of WMECO to access its property

22.     A petition from Peter Arlos requesting the Council ask the Mayor to make a genuine effort to preserve the pedestrian connector between McKay and North Streets

ORDINANCE (final reading)

23.     An Ordinance amending the City Code, Chapter 23, Zoning, to include a section entitled “Flexible Development”

MATTERS REFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT UNDER RULE 27

Referred to the Traffic Commission

24.     A petition from Councilor Costi to replace one-hour parking on Dalton Avenue from the corner of Dalton Ave./Tyler Street to Harvard Street with two-hour parking

25.     A petition from Councilor Lothrop for installation of a four-way stop sign at the corner of East Housatonic Street and Bartlett Avenue

Referred to the Community Development Board

26.     A request from Berkshire Silkville, LLC to amend the City Code, Chapter 23, Zoning, to reclassify land at 55 Spring Street from RM to BG