Town Council Meeting Minutes November 1, 2006
Meeting Opened at 6:30 PM by Barbara Barry, Council President
Roll Call – Barbara Barry, present; Robert Haveles, present; John Sasur, Jr., present; John Dinuovo, present; Keith Parent, present; Peter Pappas, present; George Backus, present; Michael Magiera, present; Matt Lovell, present; Richard Fitzgerald, Town Manager, present; Patricia Kennedy, Executive Assistant, present.
Pledge of Allegiance – All
Consent of the Agenda Order – Moved and seconded to approve. Vote was 9-0 in favor. Keith Parent asked why the Permitting Process was not on the agenda as it was voted at the last meeting to do so. Mrs. Barry stated that it was an oversight on her part and Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald also stated that he had overlooked it when preparing the agenda. It was agreed that the Planning Board and Attorney Ciota would be invited to the December 6 meeting to discuss this expedited permitting issue.
Visitors Comments (for items not on the agenda) – none
Minutes of Preceding Town Council Meeting – October 4, 2006 – Moved and seconded to approve. Vote was 9-0 in favor. October 18, 2006 – Moved and seconded to approve. Vote was 7 yes; 2 abstentions.
Old Business:
Discussion – Tag Sales – Mrs. Barry stated that due to the Public Hearing held on October 18, 2006, the Council would be discussing this Ordinance and making several changes. Several councilors stated that it was not the intention of this Ordinance to take away residents rights but rather to target perpetual tag sales and to authorize the Police Department to enforce regulations.
Under Chapter 179 entitled Garage/Tag Sales the following changes were made from the original first reading:
Moved and seconded to amend Section 179-3 Time and Duration of Sales: Change three times to six and add one “calendar” year. Vote was 9-0.
Moved and seconded to add a new section - “immediately following tag sales, items may be offered free for two days.” Vote was 7 yes and 2 no.
Moved and seconded to amend Section 179-7 Procedure/Application for Permit: change 5 calendar days to 1 business day. Vote was 9-0 in favor.
Moved and seconded to change Section 179-8 Signs: A. Change “cannot be placed” to “can be placed on the public green belt excluding without limitations…) Vote was 9-0
C. Moved and seconded to change 2 signs to 4 signs off site. Vote was 8 yes and 1 no.
D. Moved and seconded to add “no higher than 3 feet”. Vote was 9-0 in favor.
First Reading – Ordinance 2007-02 Tag Sales – Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald read the entire ordinance with changes as voted. The Public Hearing for this Ordinance will be held on December 6, 2006.
Second Reading – Ordinance 2007-03 Nuisance – Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald read the entire Ordinance. No changes resulted from the public hearing held on October 18, 2006 or from any Council member.
Vote on Ordinance 2007-03 Nuisance – Moved and seconded to approve this Ordinance. Vote was 9-0 in favor.
New Business:
First Reading – Ordinance 2007-04 Zone Change (Table of Uses)- Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald read the entire text of this Ordinance allowing a single bay car wash as part of the use within an Automotive Repair or service station in the General Business district. A public hearing on this Ordinance will take place on December 6, 2006.
First Reading – Ordinance 2007-05 Loan Authorization- Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald read this ordinance authorizing the Town to borrow $128,000 to begin the engineering for the capping of the State Street Landfill. Moved and seconded to proceed with this Ordinance to a public hearing, 2nd. reading and vote at the December 6, 2006 meeting. Vote was 9-0 in favor.
Letter Town Manager request for Zone Change (Chapter 171) - The Town Manager has requested that the Town Council consider changes to the Palmer Code Chapter 171 – Zoning. The Council moved and seconded to pass this zone change to the Planning Board for a hearing and recommendations. This subject will be further discussed at the November 15, 2006 Council meeting.
Sub-Committee Report –
Michael Magiera reported that the Sub-Committee for Non-Tax Revenue had met and are hoping that before Thanksgiving they would have the wording for the charge for advertising at Sports events to report to the full Council.
Robert Haveles reported that the Community Events Planning Committee was working with the Palmer Downtown Partnership to sponsor the Santa Train. Also he requested that anyone from the public who had events upcoming to call him at 283-3054.
Town Manager’s Report – Town Manager Richard Fitzgerald reported on economic development in town, as well as High St., Thorndike, Code changes, Insurance Advisory Committee, budgets, web site, skateboard park,
and dispatch interviews.
Councilor’s Round Table –
George Backus thanked the Police Department, the Fire Department and the Junior Band for their participation in the American Legion Halloween Parade.
Michael Magiera urged the residents to consider the Community Preservation Act adoption as it is an excellent opportunity for the Town to acquire funds that are to be matched by the State. He also urged the Council to use the phrase “Merry Christmas” instead of “Seasons Greetings” on their Christmas decorations at the Council meetings.
John Sasur, Jr. also urged support for the Community Preservation Act on the November 7 ballot as a means of acquiring funds for certain Town programs.
Peter Pappas announced that he had attended an Eagle Scout ceremony recently. Also, the Veterans’ Day Parade will take place on November 11 at the Bondsville Grammar Park at 10:30 AM. The Band of Liberty concert will take place on February 11, 2007 at 2:00 PM. There is an opening for State Treasurer at the American Legion organization, if anyone is interested.
Matt Lovell spoke in favor of residents adopting the Community Preservation Act on the ballot November 7.
John Dinuovo stated that he attended the groundbreaking at Rocky’s Hardware. He congratulated Nick Marciano, the Palmer Soccer Coach. He is not in favor of “Merry Christmas” to be used on Christmas decorations for the Council in order to be fair to all faiths and religious denominations.
Keith Parent spoke on Economic Development and what the Town could do to attract more business in town.
Robert Haveles requested information on the NIMS training and the Town Manager replied that it was available on-line at the FEMA website. He also congratulated John Dinuovo on his recent award.
Barbara Barry reported that she attended a history class as a guest speaker at Palmer High School. The topic was local government. She also urged the residents to support the Community Preservation Act coming up on the ballot at the November 7 election.
Council moved and seconded to adjourn at 9:10 PM. Vote was 9-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia A. Kennedy,
Executive Assistant
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