Fitchburg public meetings in 2022

Finance Committee

The regular meeting of the Fitchburg City Council Finance Committee scheduled for Wednesday, December 28, 2022, has been cancelled. This notice contains no other agenda items.

Planning Board

The scheduled meeting for December 27, 2022, was cancelled due to a gas leak. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancellation due to a gas leak

Airport Commission

The Fitchburg Municipal Airport Commission will meet to discuss ongoing airport work and business agreements. The agenda includes reviews of standby generator work, apron design permits, and hangar agreements. The commission will also conduct a financial review of commitments and abatements.

• Review of standby generator work and main apron design permits
• Update on Fitchburg Pilots Association minimum standards
• Discussion regarding the RFP for 7 to 9 hangars agreement
• Review of Hangar 1 and Twin City Airmotive agreements
• Approval of financial commitments and abatements

The Commission approved the November meeting minutes and granted a 90-day stay for the F.A.C.T. and FPA to review the Minimum Standards draft. Several lease agreements and project updates were discussed, though no final votes were taken on those items.

• Approved November Monthly Minutes (4-0)
• Granted 90-day review period for Minimum Standards draft

Historical Commission

The Commission will continue a public hearing regarding the Fitchburg Public Library's application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The proposal includes partial demolition, renovations, and expansions to the facility at 610 Main Street. Following the hearing, the Commission will reconvene to consider the application.

• Public hearing on library renovation application at 610 Main Street
• Proposed partial demolition, renovations, and expansions to the library facility
• Application for Certificate of Appropriateness in Monument Park Local Historic District

The Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the partial demolition, renovation, and expansion of the library at 610 Main St. The approval includes a condition that the project must incorporate historical displays of photos, artifacts, design drawings, and notes.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for library renovations and partial demolition (Unanimous)
• Approved condition requiring historical displays of photos, artifacts, and design drawings (Unanimous)
• Concluded Public Hearing on library application (Unanimous)

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will meet to discuss amendments to the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program. The agenda includes reviews of transit element comments and discussions regarding highway amendments and regional plan goals.

• Review of comments on Draft Amendment #2 to the Transit Element
• MPO action related to Highway TIP Amendment #3
• Discussion on Regional Transportation Plan goals, objectives, and strategies
• Approval of November 16, 2022 minutes

The MPO unanimously approved Transit TIP Amendment #2 following a public comment period. The board also voted to release TIP Amendment #3 for public review to address a cost increase for a roundabout project in Templeton. Additionally, the board approved the October 19, 2022 meeting minutes with one correction.

• Approved October 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes with one correction (passed with 2 abstentions)
• Endorsed Transit TIP Amendment #2 (unanimous)
• Released TIP Amendment #3 for 21-day public review and comment period (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will meet to approve retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers. The board will also review vacation buyback guidelines and the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers
• Review of vacation buyback guidelines
• Approval of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Adoption of the 2023 meeting schedule

The Board approved a formal Buyback Policy for vacation time and admitted eight new members. It also increased the Administrator Assistant's salary to $68,000 effective January 1, 2023. The Board noted that City Council recently increased the COLA Base to $14,000.

• Approved December 2022 Warrant and November 22, 2022 Meeting Minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 2022 bank statements (5-0)
• Admitted eight new members to membership (5-0)
• Accepted 2023 meeting schedule (5-0)
• Adopted the Fitchburg Contributory Retirement Board’s Buyback Policy (5-0)
• Approved vacation buybacks for Dorothy McNamara's retirement calculation (5-0)
• Accepted performance evaluations for Administrator Assistant Steffani Santiago (5-0)
• Set Administrator Assistant's salary to $68,000 effective January 1, 2023

City Council

The City Council will review a $140,000 loan for Lead and Copper Rule compliance and a grant for body-worn cameras. The agenda also includes several board appointments and a 5% cost of living adjustment.

• $140,000 loan for Lead and Copper Rule compliance costs
• $108,041.90 grant for body-worn cameras and hardware
• 5% cost of living adjustment for the retirement board
• Ordinance regarding vacant property registration
• Petition to place Jersey barriers at Townsend St. and Marshall Rd.

The City Council approved a loan for water system compliance and a grant for police body cameras. They also adopted a new vacant property and registration ordinance and confirmed a Planning Board re-appointment.

• Approved $140,000 loan for Lead and Copper Rule compliance (11-0)
• Approved $108,041.90 grant expenditure for body worn cameras and hardware (11-0)
• Approved 5% cost of living adjustment per Contributory Retirement Board vote (11-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 190-22 adding vacant property and registration to City Code (11-0)
• Confirmed re-appointment of Alyne Butland to the Planning Board (unanimous)
• Ruled Petition 284-22 regarding 0 Maverick Street out of order and stricken from agenda

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is considering the re-appointment of Alyne Butland to the Planning Board. The term for this position expires on December 31, 2025.

• Re-appointment of Alyne Butland to the Planning Board

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several 2023 annual permit renewals, including entertainment and pouring licenses. The meeting also includes a new taxi driver application for City Cab Co.

• New taxi driver application for Peter McFadden of City Cab Co.
• Sunday entertainment permit renewals for The Fay Club, Hollis Hills Farm Inc., Strong Style Coffee, and Tryst Lounge Inc.
• Monday through Saturday entertainment permit renewals for Singapore and Strong Style Coffee.
• Annual pouring license renewals for businesses including Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill and Zeda’s.

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board is reviewing specific plans that do not require board approval. These items include projects at 28 Heywood St. and 0 Airport Rd./20 Crawford St.

• Plan for 28 Heywood St. (former St. Anthony’s convent)
• Plan for 0 Airport Rd. / 20 Crawford St. (GFI Int’l, Benoit)

The Planning Board authorized the endorsement of a plan for two adjoining parcels at 28 Heywood St. owned by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester. The action was taken to accommodate a scheduled closing on December 20th.

• Authorized Mike O’Hara to endorse the plan for 28 Heywood St. (4-0)

Cultural Council

The council will review grant modifications, updates, and requests. The agenda also includes reports from the Treasurer and Grant Coordinator, as well as discussions regarding new membership positions.

• Grantee modifications, updates, and requests
• Grant reviews
• New membership and positions
• Treasurer's report
• FATV

The Council approved funding for the Fitchburg Military Band, Henry Hikes To Fitchburg Workshop Media, and Jekyll and Hyde. It extended a grant for the Rollstone Church and approved a $75 donation to FATV. Two grant applications were denied due to commitment letter issues.

• Extended grant FY22-LCC-4261 for Rollstone Church to end of FY23 (5-0)
• Approved $75.00 donation to FATV (5-0)
• Denied funding for Fall 2023 Multi Cultural Family Festival application 28857 (0-5)
• Approved funding for Fitchburg Military Band's Holiday Concert application 37411 (5-0)
• Approved funding for Henry Hikes To Fitchburg Workshop Media application 40945 (5-0)
• Denied funding for Spring at the Symphony application 33330 (0-5)
• Approved funding for Jekyll and Hyde application 40745 pending correct letter of commitment (5-0)
• Denied motion to accept applications that missed venue commitment letter deadlines (1-4)

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Capital Improvements Subcommittee will discuss a lease for the property at 270 Westminster Street, Fitchburg. No other specific agenda items are listed.

• Discussion of a lease for 270 Westminster Street, Fitchburg

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Financial Planning Subcommittee will discuss a lease for the property located at 270 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA. The meeting also includes space for other items not anticipated by the Chair.

• Lease discussion for 270 Westminster Street, Fitchburg

Historical Commission

The commission will review minutes from November 2022 meetings and discuss several preservation projects. This includes updates on Monument Park repairs and the status of historic stone wall preservation. The agenda also includes a review of a building code exemption for the Iver Johnson Mill renovation.

• Review of historic building exemption for Iver Johnson (Heywood Manufacturing) Mill renovation
• Proposed repairs to Monument Park fencing, stone steps, and monument base
• Update on preservation of historic stone walls and structures
• Discussion regarding Wallace Building entry stones reuse
• Update on Historic Districts information guides and signage

The Historical Commission approved a letter verifying the historic renovation intent for the Iver Mills Residences project to support a flood hazard area building code exemption. Members also discussed pending repairs for Monument Park and the development of new preservation ordinances.

• Approved letter of approval for Iver Mills Residences flood hazard exemption (unanimous)
• Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 29, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review minutes from November and December 2022. The agenda includes a building project update with Colliers & Tappé and discussions regarding the Ethnic Heritage Room. The board will also address hot spot lending policies.

• Building project update with Colliers & Tappé
• Discussion of Ethnic Heritage Room
• Review of hot spot lending policies
• Librarian's report on 2023 holiday list and logo

The Board of Trustees ranked six potential building additions by priority to manage construction costs. The board also approved two revised hotspot lending policies and appointed a liaison for the Fundraising Committee.

• Ranked priority of 6 building additions: 1. Conference room partition, 2. Exterior sign, 3. Grind flagstone flooring, 4. Mahogany doors, 5. Wood curtain wall, 6. 500kW Generator
• Approved two revised hotspot lending policies for advance reservations and walk-in basis
• Unanimously approved Jim Walsh as Steering Committee member and liaison to the Fundraising Committee
• Selected a new modern owl logo design for the library
• Approved minutes from November 9 and December 7, 2022

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Policy Subcommittee will review the status of policies currently under legal or administrative review. This includes updates on negotiation legal status and the service animal policy. The committee will also continue reviewing Section A – Foundations and Basic Commitments.

• Review and adoption of last meeting notes
• Status update on Policy HB regarding negotiations legal status
• Update from Legal on Service Animal policy
• Continued review of Section A – Foundations and Basic Commitments

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Workforce Subcommittee will meet on December 14, 2022. The agenda includes reviewing November 9, 2022, meeting minutes and an executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy with the MRTA and Massachusetts Teachers Association.

• Review and approval of November 9, 2022, meeting minutes
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the MRTA and Massachusetts Teachers Association

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will review the Colliers OPM report regarding project financials and the bid process. Discussion will also include weekly OAC meetings and a third-party materials testing agent.

• Project financial updates
• Update on the bid process
• Discussion of weekly OAC meetings
• Discussion of 3rd party materials testing agent
• Approval of July, September, and October meeting minutes

Disability Commission

The Fitchburg Disability Commission is meeting to discuss CBDG application options and accessible art projects. The agenda also includes updates on Anwelt handicapped parking and a crosswalk at Old Deerfield Rd.

• CBDG application options
• Accessible Art Projects
• Anwelt handicapped parking
• Crosswalk at Old Deerfield Rd.
• Brochure redesign and website

The commission approved the November meeting minutes and agreed to make potential grant proposals a recurring agenda item. Members discussed budget constraints for the current fiscal year and reviewed the status of several accessibility projects.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Established 'Potential Projects for Grant Proposals' as a recurring agenda item
• Tabled accessible movie plans
• Tabled Anwelt Building handicapped bus parking spot

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider two orders at this meeting. One involves using a state grant to purchase body worn cameras and hardware. The other concerns a 5% cost of living adjustment for retirement benefits.

• $108,041.90 for body worn cameras and hardware via state grant
• 5% cost of living adjustment for retirement benefits

The Finance Committee approved the use of grant funds for police body-worn cameras and a cost of living adjustment for retirees. Both orders passed with unanimous votes.

• Approved Order #278-22 to spend approximately $108,041.90 from a state grant for body worn cameras and hardware (Unanimous)
• Approved Order #279-22 to grant a 5% cost of living adjustment as voted by the Fitchburg Contributory Retirement Board (Unanimous)

MassHire North Central Workforce Board

The board will vote on a fiscal and budget update and review several regional program statuses. Updates include pending contracts for transportation, behavioral health, and nursing expansion grants. The meeting also covers strategic planning for 2023-2025.

• Vote to approve fiscal and budget update
• $868K Transportation/Logistics CDL project (pending)
• $2M Nursing Expansion Federal Grant discussion
• $575K Advanced Manufacturing regional project
• $280K Behavioral Health Expansion contract status

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will discuss updates regarding the Crocker Elementary Project and the Longsjo ARP Project. The agenda also includes a proposal to use $100,000 from capital school funding for boiler replacement at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School.

• Proposal to allocate $100,000 from capital school funding for boiler replacement and a feasibility study at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School
• Update on the Crocker Elementary Project OPM process and interview schedule
• Consideration of an additional ETL/Moderate Special Education position at South Street Campus
• Consideration of a 10-month clerical position at McKay Campus

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will review grant updates, modifications, and requests. The meeting also includes reports from the Treasurer and Grant Coordinator, as well as discussions regarding new membership positions.

• Grantee modifications, updates, adjustments, and requests
• Grant reviews
• New membership and positions
• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes

The Cultural Council reviewed numerous grant applications, moving several projects forward for funding while denying others based on eligibility, lack of local connection, or insufficient public benefit. The council also granted a deadline extension for a fiscal year 2022 project.

• Extended deadline to June 30, 2023, for FPS Community Resource Guide (6-0)
• Approved funding for First Thursday Live Painting Days (6-0)
• Approved funding for Film & Media Career Pathway with provision for support letter (5-0-1)
• Approved funding for First Thursday Free Art Workshop Series 1-4 (6-0)
• Approved funding for Accessible Art Studio (6-0)
• Approved funding for Marion Rice Dance Legacy Project (5-1)
• Approved funding for Women in the Visual Arts (6-0)
• Approved funding for Sizer Band Club (5-0-1)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will vote on prior meeting minutes and review the Sunshine Fund balance. The Director will provide updates on recent programs, including fuel assistance and Medicare appointments.

• Vote on prior meeting minutes
• Sunshine Fund current balance of $98
• Update on Fuel Assistance and Medicare Open Enrollment appointments
• Discussion regarding "A Guide for Board Members"
• Principal Clerk and Armory updates

The Board approved the previous meeting's minutes and the treasurer's report. Members discussed the cost of senior meals and potential ways to increase profit from hall rentals. Other items of interest were tabled due to time constraints.

• Approved November meeting minutes
• Approved treasurer's report
• Approved creation of a separate account for Sunshine Fund donations

Library Trustees

The Public Library Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to hear a special report from Library Director Deb Hinkle concerning a temporary location. The agenda also includes time for public comment.

• Special report on a temporary library location

The Board of Trustees approved a lease for temporary library space with amended dates from January 2023 through December 2024, and an extension through December 2025. The lease includes six months of rent-free occupancy and a three-month termination notice. Renovations at Putnam Place can begin once the lease is signed.

• Approved lease for temporary space with amended dates Jan 2023-Dec 2024 and extension Jan 2025-Dec 2025 (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings on Notices of Intent for a new single-family home and retaining wall repairs on Arbor Way. The agenda also includes updates on the Mad River Solar site and Woodland Estates. Additionally, the body will review library renovation concept plans and enforcement orders.

• Notice of Intent: 1200 John Fitch Hwy. single-family dwelling
• Notice of Intent: Arbor Way retaining wall repairs
• Notice of Intent: 150 Benson St. wetland violation address
• Update: Mad River Solar site, Ashburnham St.
• Concept Plan: Fitchburg Public Library renovations

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The School Committee will review Superintendent-Director updates and 2022-2023 goals. The meeting includes reports on enrollment, student representative activity, and subcommittee updates. The committee will also consider accepting several grants and a donation.

• Acceptance of St. Gobain grant
• Acceptance of DESE Planning Grant
• Acceptance of Equitable Access Grant 427
• Acceptance of Ray Hachey Inc. donation
• Review of enrollment, withdrawal, and waitlist reports

City Council

The Council is reviewing funding for water system compliance and cemetery mausoleum repairs. Items also include a grant for body-worn cameras and changes to parking hours on Pleasant Street.

• $140,000 appropriation for Lead and Copper Rule compliance
• $100,000 transfer for Forest Hill Cemetery mausoleum repairs
• $108,041.90 grant for body-worn cameras and hardware
• Amendment of parking hours on Pleasant Street (North side)
• $140,370 grant for the Kerlinger property conservation restriction

The City Council approved several financial orders, including a $140,000 loan for lead and copper rule compliance and the purchase of a conservation restriction for the Kerlinger property in Ashburnham. The council also updated parking hours on Pleasant Street and confirmed a re-appointment to the Council on Aging.

• Approved $140,000 loan for Lead and Copper Rule compliance (10-0)
• Approved $100,000 transfer for Forest Hill Cemetery mausoleum repairs (10-0)
• Approved $140,370 grant for Kerlinger property conservation restriction (10-0)
• Approved $100,000 appropriation for land purchases (10-0)
• Approved increase in cost-of-living adjustment base amount from $12,000 to $14,000 (10-0)
• Confirmed re-appointment of James B. Craigen to Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance changing Pleasant Street parking hours to 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (10-0)
• Advanced vacant property and registration ordinance to advertised status (10-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Parks Commissioners will review department reports and discuss new business items. This includes presentations on the Parkhill and Mama Fitz Playgrounds and a pilot for the Junior Park Ranger Program. The board will also address the Youth Sports League Agreement and the Adopt-A-Park program.

• Information on Parkhill and Mama Fitz Playgrounds
• City of Fitchburg Junior Park Ranger Program Pilot
• Youth Sports League Agreement
• Adopt-A-Park Program Resurrection
• Coggshall Rental/Usage Update

The Board of Park Commissioners approved a new agreement for youth sports organizations and the resurrection of the Adopt-A-Park program. The board also accepted several department reports and set the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Approved minutes from November 1st meeting (4-0)
• Accepted Friends of Coggshall report (4-0)
• Accepted Community Development report (4-0)
• Accepted Parks Maintenance report (4-0)
• Tabled Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund report (4-0)
• Tabled Recreation Director’s report (4-0)
• Approved proposal for Youth Sports League Agreement to be sent to legal counsel (4-0)
• Approved proposal to resurrect Adopt-A-Park Program (4-0)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is considering the re-appointment of James B. Craigen to the Council on Aging. The term for this position expires November 1, 2025.

• Re-appointment of James B. Craigen to the Council on Aging

License Commission

The commission will review numerous annual renewals for entertainment, late closing, and liquor licenses for the 2023 calendar year. This includes reviewing applications for Sunday, Monday-Saturday, and late-night permits for several local businesses. Additionally, a new Monday-Saturday entertainment permit application for The Armory Fitchburg Senior Center will be considered.

• Monday-Saturday Entertainment Permit application for The Armory Fitchburg Senior Center
• Annual renewals for 2023 Sunday Entertainment Permits including River Styx Brewing
• Annual renewals for 2023 Monday through Saturday Permits including Legend’s Bar and Grille
• Renewals for 12AM, 1AM, and 2AM late closing permits
• Annual renewals for pouring and package liquor licenses

The Board of License Commissioners approved numerous annual renewals for entertainment permits, late closing permits, and pouring and package liquor licenses. The board also approved the FY 2023 meeting calendar. Two items of correspondence regarding Keno and building permits were reviewed, but no action was taken.

• Approved November 9th and 21st minutes (2-0)
• Approved annual Monday-Saturday entertainment permit for The Armory Fitchburg Senior Center (2-0)
• Approved 13 Sunday annual entertainment permit renewals (2-0)
• Approved 24 Monday-Saturday annual entertainment permit renewals (2-0)
• Approved late closing permit renewals for 19 establishments (2-0)
• Approved 10 pouring license renewals and 8 package license renewals (2-0)
• Voted to take no action on Keno machine request for Game On Fitchburg Bar and Grill (2-0)
• Approved amended FY 2023 meeting calendar (2-0)

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will meet to conduct grant reviews and receive updates from the Grant Coordinator regarding modifications and requests. The agenda also includes reports on FATV and discussions regarding new membership positions.

• Grant modifications, updates, and requests
• New membership and positions
• Treasurer's report
• FATV discussion
• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes

The Cultural Council reviewed numerous grant applications, approving several for funding while denying others based on lack of commitment letters or location. Some applications were tabled or withdrawn to allow for the collection of additional information from applicants.

• Approved funding for Application 43695 (5-0)
• Approved funding for Application 33986 (5-0)
• Approved funding for Application 41416 (5-0)
• Approved funding for Application 42221 (4-0)
• Approved funding for Application 40840 (5-0)
• Approved Fitchburg Military Band's 2023 Summer Concert Series (6-0)
• Approved Fitchburg Military Band's Holiday Concert (6-0)
• Approved Kosmic Kelly's Science Workshops (6-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will review subcommittee reports and the Superintendent’s 2021-22 evaluation. Proposed actions include accepting a large grant for air quality improvements and a donation of an interactive display panel. The committee will also consider a second reading of the revised Bus Transportation and Safety Policy.

• $1,246,248 Improving Ventilation and Air Quality in Public School Buildings Grant
• Donation of a 65” TouchView Interactive Ultra Series Panel from Ockers Company
• Second reading of revised Bus Transportation and Safety Policy (Policy 5410.03)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee will meet for an executive session on December 1, 2022. The agenda includes a discussion of a complaint against a public employee.

• Discussion of a complaint against a public employee

Planning Board

The City of Fitchburg is holding its annual Community Input Meeting for the Year 49 Community Development Block Grant Program. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format on November 30, 2022.

• Year 49 Community Development Block Grant Program input meeting

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct a hearing regarding the classification and taxation of property according to its use. This process follows provisions in Chapter 797 of the Acts of 1979 and Chapter 79 of the Acts of 1983.

• Hearing on the classification and taxation of property based on use

The City Council held a hearing regarding the classification and taxation of property. The Council voted to maintain a 100% classification rate for the 2023 fiscal year.

• Adopted 0% shift to keep 100% classification rate (8-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee meeting originally scheduled for November 23, 2022, has been moved to November 30, 2022. This notice contains only procedural information regarding the rescheduling and does not include an agenda.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider several orders regarding fund transfers and appropriations. This includes funding for Lead and Copper Rule compliance and the restoration of the Forest Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. The committee will also review authorization for a conservation restriction on property in Ashburnham.

• $100,000 transfer for Forest Hill Cemetery Mausoleum repairs
• $140,000 loan order for Lead and Copper Rule compliance costs
• $140,370 grant expenditure for the Kerlinger property conservation restriction
• Conservation restriction for 49.43 acres at 220 Russell Hill Road
• Increase of cost-of-living adjustment base from $12,000 to $14,000

The Finance Committee approved several funding orders for infrastructure and environmental protections. Key actions included funding for mausoleum repairs and the acquisition of a conservation restriction for land in Ashburnham.

• Approved $100,000 transfer for Forest Hill Cemetery mausoleum restoration plans (5-0)
• Approved $140,000 loan for Lead and Copper Rule compliance (5-0)
• Approved $140,370 grant expenditure for Kerlinger property conservation restriction (5-0)
• Approved $100,000 appropriation from fund balance for Kerlinger property land purchase (5-0)
• Authorized acquisition and management of +/- 49.43 acre Kerlinger Property in Ashburnham (5-0)
• Approved increasing the maximum base amount for cost-of-living adjustments from $12,000 to $14,000 (5-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Building Needs and Resource Committees will discuss school infrastructure and administrative updates. Agenda items include the Crocker Elementary Project, security task force recommendations, and building use fees. The meeting also covers enrollment and ESSER updates.

• Crocker Elementary Project update regarding OPM process interviews
• Review of a rental/lease agreement for a transformer at the CES Building
• Review and approval of the building use fee structure
• Update on FPS Security Task Force recommendations
• Review of e-payment processes using MySchoolBucks and Arbiter

Historical Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding the Fitchburg Public Library’s application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The proposal includes partial demolition, renovations, and expansions at 610 Main Street. Following the hearing, the commission will reconvene to consider the application.

• Public hearing for library renovations at 610 Main Street
• Proposed partial demolition and expansion in Monument Park Local Historic District

The Commission held a public hearing regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fitchburg Public Library's proposed demolition, renovation, and expansion. No final decision was made on the application; the hearing was continued to allow the design team to address concerns regarding the preservation of the Youth Library and specific architectural details.

• Continued public hearing on library renovation to December 21 at 3:00pm (Unanimous)

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding several site plan reviews and special permit applications. These items include residential conversions, dwelling modifications, and a retail expansion. The board will also discuss the draft 2023 meeting schedule.

• Conversion of 1st floor to residential at 470 Main St.
• Expansion of The Pete Store at 215 Crawford St.
• Increase from 4 to 6 units for Final Touch Contractor, LLC on Old Princeton Rd.
• Site plan review for a two-family dwelling at 8 Wilmot St.
• Site plan review for 106 East St.

The Planning Board approved a site plan for a 3,500 sq. ft. expansion of The Pete Store. Several other special permit hearings for residential conversions and new dwellings were continued to future dates.

• Approved Special Permit for 3,700 sq. ft. expansion of The Pete Store at 215 Crawford St. (7-0)
• Continued hearing for 3-family project at 106 East St. to December 27 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for residential conversion at 470 Main St. (6-0)
• Continued hearing for two-family dwelling at 8 Wilmot St. (6-0)
• Continued hearing for 6-unit modification at Old Princeton Rd. (7-0)
• Determined current tenant use at 'Once Upon a Tile' location is consistent with Special Permit conditions (7-0)
• Approved minutes of 10/25/22 meeting (7-0)
• Decided to maintain meeting schedule on the fourth Tuesday of the month

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will meet to approve retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers. The agenda also includes a review of vacation buyback guidelines and the reporting of new members.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers
• Review of vacation buyback guidelines
• Approval of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Report on deaths and new members

The Board approved an additional 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for FY23, retroactive to July 1, 2022. The Board also accepted the CY2023 budget and admitted 14 new members to the retirement system.

• Approved additional 2% COLA for FY23 retroactive to July 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Accepted CY2023 budget as presented (5-0)
• Admitted 14 new members to membership (5-0)
• Approved November 2022 Warrant and October/November meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved October 2022 bank statements and accounting (5-0)
• Tabled personal time buybacks until December 20, 2022
• Approved $1,744,117.29 payment for the November warrant

Historical Commission

The Commission will conduct a building tour to review existing conditions and proposed changes. This follows an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted on November 9, 2022. The review concerns the Monument Park Local Historic District.

• Building tour regarding proposed changes in the Monument Park Local Historic District
• Review of Application for Certificate of Appropriateness dated 11.09.2022

No meeting was held on November 22, 2022, because a quorum was not reached. No decisions were made.

License Commission

The commission will consider applications for new and renewed late closing permits. It will also review various pouring and package liquor license renewals for local businesses.

• New 12 AM late closing permit application for POS Food Services at 200 Game on Way
• Renewals for 1 AM late closing permits, including Eastwood Club and Legends Bar and Grill
• Renewals for 2 AM late closing permits, including Great Wolf Lodge and Partners Pub
• Pouring license renewals for Fitchburg Art Museum and South End National Club
• Package liquor license renewals for several local stores

The Board of License Commissioners approved several new and renewal applications for late closing permits and liquor licenses. All applications were passed by unanimous 3-0 roll call votes.

• Approved new 2023 Late Closing Permit (12AM) for POS Food Services (3-0)
• Approved five 2023 Late Closing Permit renewals (1AM) (3-0)
• Approved five 2023 Late Closing Permit renewals (2AM) (3-0)
• Approved five 2023 Pouring License renewals (3-0)
• Approved 14 2023 Package License renewals (3-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The School Committee will consider updates to policies for bus safety, homeless students, and children in foster care. The committee will also vote to accept 138 Thanksgiving baskets from City United Church. Additionally, the Superintendent will present school improvement plans for several local schools.

• Approval of 138 Thanksgiving baskets from City United Church
• First reading of revised Bus Transportation and Safety Policy
• Second reading of Homeless Student Policy
• Second reading of Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care policy
• School Improvement Plans for Memorial, Longsjo Middle, Fitchburg High, and Goodrich Academy

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will review cemetery rules, regulations, and price lists. The meeting includes updates on mausoleum funding, ARPA funds, and Laurel Hill fencing.

• Review of Rules & Regulations (last revised 10/25/2018)
• Review of Price List and lot payment schedules
• Update on RFQ Letter for Mausoleum Funding
• Discussion regarding ARPA funding with the Mayor
• Funding update for Laurel Hill fencing

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds approved the previous meeting's minutes and accepted the Superintendent's progress report. The board reviewed the status of funding for Laurel Hill fencing and Forest Hill mausoleum repairs.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (3-1 abstention)
• Accepted Cemetery Department progress report (3-1 abstention)

Historical Commission

The commission will review minutes from the October 27 meeting and discuss several Monument Park Local Historic District projects. Agenda items also include updates on historic building demolition delays and stone wall preservation.

• Public Library application for Certificate of Appropriateness
• Fay Club Certificate of Non-Applicability status
• Simonds Saw and Steel documentation project on Intervale Rd.
• Update on historic building demolition delay
• Reuse of Wallace Building entry stones

The Commission accepted an Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fitchburg Public Library renovation project. A public hearing for the project was scheduled for November 29, 2022. The board also approved the amended minutes from the October 27, 2022, meeting.

• Approved amended October 27, 2022 minutes (6-0-1)
• Accepted Application for Certificate of Appropriateness for library renovation (Unanimous)
• Scheduled library renovation public hearing for November 29, 2022

Water & Wastewater Commission

The Water & Wastewater Commission will discuss updates regarding water quality at the Falulah Plant and progress on the Oak Hill Tank Project. The commission will also review a feasibility study for relocating sewer service for the Greif Container Plant. Additionally, staff will provide updates on staffing and various wastewater programs.

• Lead Service Lines grant application update
• Greif Container Plant Sewer Service Relocation feasibility study
• Oak Hill Tank Project update
• Falulah Plant raw water quality update
• Water/Sewer Rate Study update

The Commission unanimously approved a motion to support the Water Division's application for a DEP grant to inventory service lines for lead. The board also received updates on staffing shortages, water quality issues at the Falulah Plant, and the status of the Oak Hill Tank and SCADA projects.

• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved support for Water Division grant application for lead service line inventory (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Fitchburg Airport Commission will discuss new business regarding the Twin City Airmotive and Hangar 1 agreements. The meeting includes reviews of ongoing work on a standby generator and main apron design. Members will also address old business items including hangar roofs and tie downs.

• Twin City Airmotive Agreement
• Hangar 1 Agreement
• Standby Generator review
• Permit & Design for Main Apron
• RFP - 7 to 9 Hangars Agreement

The Commission approved the October meeting minutes and reviewed a development vision plan for non-aviation land use. Several projects, including hangar roof repairs and an HVAC project at Building 18, were reported as completed. The FAA notified the airport that funding for a new ramp is unavailable for the next two years, placing that project on hold.

• Approved October meeting minutes (3-0)

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will discuss amendments to the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program. The agenda includes a review of highway element amendments and discussions on regional transportation plan goals. Additionally, MART will present an updated public transportation safety plan.

• Discussion on Transit and Highway TIP Amendment #2
• Review of comments and action on Highway Element Amendment #1
• Presentation of MART's updated Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan
• Discussion on Regional Transportation Plan goals and performance measures

Cultural Council

The council will review grant priorities and updates from the Grant Coordinator regarding modifications and requests. The meeting also includes discussions on new membership positions and the Winter Bazaar event.

• Review of grant priorities and grants
• Discussion of new membership and positions
• Winter Bazaar event update
• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes

The Cultural Council reviewed several grant applications, approving seven and denying three. The council also accepted the Treasurer's report and approved the minutes from the October 18, 2022 meeting.

• Accepted Treasurer's report with FY22 ending balance of $15,380.32 (Unanimous)
• Approved grant application 38015 (5-0)
• Approved grant application 47051 (5-0)
• Approved grant application 46824 (5-0)
• Approved grant application 46795 (5-0)
• Approved grant application 40291 (5-0)
• Approved grant application 31991 (4-1)
• Approved grant application 34738 (5-0)

City Council

The Council is reviewing several grant expenditures for public safety, traffic enforcement, and park improvements. Members will also consider appropriations for water system compliance and cemetery maintenance. Additionally, the council will address updates to vacant property ordinances.

• $140,000 appropriation for Lead and Copper Rule compliance in the city's water system
• $32,000 for replacement fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery
• An ordinance update regarding vacant property registration
• $61,570 grant for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement patrols
• Authorization to obtain a conservation restriction on the Kerlinger property in Ashburnham

The City Council approved several grant expenditures for public safety, cemetery maintenance, and park improvements. The council also confirmed five board appointments and passed an ordinance amending industrial use regulations.

• Confirmed 5 re-appointments to Human Rights Commission, Public Library, Airport Commission, and Planning Board (10-0)
• Approved $5,000 MEMA grant for CERT lighting equipment (10-0)
• Approved up to $32,000 for Laurel Hill Cemetery fencing (10-0)
• Approved $61,570 grant for traffic safety enforcement patrols (10-0)
• Approved $22,966 DOJ grant for tactical equipment and policing overtime (10-0)
• Approved $5,000 Digital Federal Credit Union gift for youth police programs (10-0)
• Approved $22,300 transfer for police building generator and scaffolding (10-0)
• Approved $8,196.83 grant for Riverfront Park stage (10-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Policy Sub Committee is reviewing several policies related to student enrollment and bus transportation. The meeting also includes recommendations for second readings of the Homeless Student Policy and Foster Care Student Policy.

• Review of resident and nonresident school enrollment policies
• Discussion of various student transportation and bus conduct policies
• Second reading recommendation for Homeless Student Policy
• Second reading recommendation for Foster Care Student Policy

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is reviewing re-appointments for various city boards and commissions. The agenda includes positions for the Human Rights Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Airport Commission, and Planning Board.

• Re-appointment of Mariah A. Pridgen to the Human Rights Commission
• Re-appointment of Maryam Ashraf to the Human Rights Commission
• Re-appointment of Jacalyn A. Kremer to the Board of Trustees of the Public Library
• Re-appointment of Richard Liberatore to the Airport Commission
• Re-appointment of Peter Capodagli to the Planning Board

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee is reviewing proposals for road layout changes and traffic control measures. These include suggested amendments to the Main St / Boulder Dr layout and requests for a yield sign at Munroe Street and "No Parking" signs at Hancock and Summer Street.

• Amendments to the Main St / Boulder Dr layout (259-22)
• Request for a yield sign at Fairbanks and Munroe Streets (243-22)
• Request for "No Parking" signs at Hancock and Summer Street (244-22)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee is reviewing three Memorandums of Agreement with the Fitchburg Education Association. These items cover teacher mentoring, substitute teaching coverage, and tutor compensation through June 30, 2024.

• Approval of Teacher Mentoring agreement through June 30, 2024
• Approval of Sub Coverage All Grades agreement for 2021-2024
• Approval of Tutor Compensation agreement through June 30, 2024

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the Treasurer’s report and board packets. The meeting includes updates on hall rentals, Armory Café numbers, and the Friends Christmas Party.

• Sunshine Fund balance of $46
• Review of hall rental applications
• October Armory Café update
• Discussion on conduct at the Senior Center

The Board approved a request for the City Solicitor to verify the 501c3 status of the Friends group. Members also decided to open a separate account for the Sunshine Fund and approved the return of one individual to the center contingent on signing a Code of Conduct.

• Approved opening a separate account for the Sunshine Fund to be maintained by the Treasurer
• Approved removing therms/kwhs from the financial report
• Approved request for City Solicitor to obtain proof of the Friends 501c3 status (majority vote; Deb Dion opposed)
• Approved invitation for Friends Directors to attend a meeting to discuss their relationship with the Senior Center (majority vote; Deb Dion opposed)
• Approved allowing an individual to return to the Senior Center provided they sign the Code of Conduct (majority vote; Deb Dion abstained, Annie DeMartino opposed)

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will continue a discussion regarding the implementation of recent legislative updates to M.G.L c.32, §106. No other substantive items are listed on this agenda.

• Discussion regarding implementation of legislative updates to M.G.L c.32, §106

The Board agreed that vacation buybacks for members in service on or before May 1, 2018, are regular compensation, meaning deductions will be collected for time bought back from January 1, 2019, onward. Discussions regarding the definition of "continuous" and pension calculation timelines were deferred to the November 22 meeting. The Board also noted a pending state bill regarding a 5% COLA increase and a submitted letter to the City Council to increase the COLA base to $14k.

• Agreed that vacation buybacks for members in service on or before May 1, 2018, are regular compensation subject to deductions (January 1, 2019, and beyond)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC)

The committee will discuss Draft Amendment #1 to the Highway Element for the FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program. The meeting also includes a discussion on goals, objectives, and performance measures for the Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan.

• Draft Amendment #1 to the FFY 2023-2027 Highway Element
• Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update discussion
• Safe Routes to School Infrastructure launch information review
• Contract status reports for FTA, RTA, and MassDOT 3C

The committee reached consensus to recommend that the MPO endorse TIP Amendment #1, which removes a roundabout project at Greenville and Turnpike Roads in Ashby from the current transportation improvement program. Members also discussed updates to the Regional Transportation Plan and reviewed new Safe Routes to School grant opportunities.

• Approved September 14, 2022 meeting minutes (Consensus)
• Recommended MPO endorse TIP Amendment #1 to remove Ashby roundabout project (Consensus)

License Commission

The Fitchburg License Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a new restaurant alcohol license. The meeting includes reviews of taxi service amendments and manager changes for several local businesses. A summons hearing is also scheduled regarding a police incident report.

• Public hearing for Dario’s On Main Inc. all-alcohol restaurant license at 655 Main Street
• Special one-day wine and malt license for Fitchburg State University on December 8, 2022
• Manager change amendments for Oak Hill Country Club and Dario’s Diner, Inc.
• Operating hours amendment for Ortiz Transportation LLC
• Summons hearing for Kingston Island Cuisine regarding police report #22-33832-OF

The Board approved a one-day wine and malt license for Fitchburg State University and a new all-alcohol license for Dario’s On Main Inc. The commission also found no violation following a summons hearing regarding Kingston Island Cuisine. Other approved items included a livery service hour amendment and manager changes for two businesses.

• Approved one-day wine and malt license for Fitchburg State University (3-0)
• Approved operating hours amendment for Ortiz Transportation LLC (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for Oak Hill Country Club (3-0)
• Approved change of manager and DBA for Dario’s Diner, Inc. DBA El Toro (3-0)
• Approved all-alcohol beverage license for Dario’s On Main Inc. (2-0)
• Approved all-alcohol beverage license for Munchies to Go, LLC (3-0)
• Found no violation and took no action regarding Kingston Island Cuisine (3-0)
• Approved October 17, 2022 minutes (2-0)

Library Trustees

The Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees will review committee reports regarding finance, building, and nominations. The board will also address new business concerning hot spot lending policies.

• Approval of October 12, 2022 minutes
• Finance, Building, and Nominations committee reports
• Discussion of hot spot lending policies

The Board approved the October 12, 2022, meeting minutes. Trustees discussed a need to reduce renovation costs by approximately $3 million and reviewed plans for a temporary relocation. Voting on new Hot Spot lending policies was postponed.

• Approved October 12, 2022 minutes (amended)
• Postponed vote on Reserved and Walk-in Hot Spot lending policies

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee will discuss a petition to increase resident off-street parking during snow emergencies. The committee will also consider an ordinance regarding vacant property registration and the designation of the Board of Health as Special Municipal Employees.

• Petition to increase resident off-street parking during snow emergencies (028-22)
• Ordinance to add a vacant property and registration to Chapter 137 of the Fitchburg City Code (190-22)
• Designation of the Board of Health as Special Municipal Employees (267-22)

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The School Committee will review Superintendent and Principal reports, including MCAS presentations and enrollment data. The agenda includes financial planning for the FY23 final budget and reviews of 2022-2023 medical and dental rates. The committee will also consider accepting donations for various school programs.

• Financial Planning - FY23 Final Budget
• Medical and Dental Rates - 2022-2023
• Acceptance of donations for Vet Tech, HVAC & Property Maintenance, and Masonry
• MCAS presentation and out-of-state field trip updates
• Enrollment, withdrawal, and waitlist reports

Disability Commission

The commission will vote on new officers for the board. Members will also receive updates on the Accessible Art Project and discuss Anwelt handicapped parking. Additionally, a customer complaint regarding a Fitchburg restaurant is scheduled for discussion.

• Vote for Disability Commission officers
• Update on Accessible Art Project
• Discussion of Anwelt handicapped parking
• Review of accessible movie plans
• Customer complaint from a Fitchburg restaurant

The Commission voted to elect its President, Vice President, and Secretary. A special committee was established to redesign the Disability Brochure into a two-sided single panel. The Commission also approved the October meeting minutes.

• Approved October meeting minutes
• Elected Bill Tolos as President
• Elected Barbara Slattery as Vice President
• Elected Marshal Haneisen as Secretary
• Established Special Committee to redesign Disability Brochure
• Tabled review of handicap parking at Anwelt Complex

Finance Committee

The committee is considering orders to approve various grant-funded expenditures and fund transfers. These items include funding for traffic safety patrols, cemetery fencing, and police equipment.

• $61,570 grant for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement patrols
• Up to $32,000 for replacement fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery
• $22,966 grant for tactical equipment and community policing overtime
• $8,196.83 grant to design and build a stage at Riverfront Park
• $5,000 gift from Digital Federal Credit Union for police youth programs

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will review several grant applications and accept existing grants for literacy and assistance. The agenda includes reports on school safety and improvement plans for four elementary schools. Additionally, the committee will consider first readings of policies regarding homeless students and children in foster care.

• Grant submission for improving ventilation and air quality ($1,246,248)
• Acceptance of Mass Grad ($23,000), Targeted Assistance ($95,000), and Evidence Based Literacy ($71,600) grants
• $100 donation for the BRYT program
• First reading of Policy 5117 (Homeless Student Policy) and Policy 5119 (Foster Care)
• School Improvement Plans for South Street, Crocker, McKay, and Reingold Elementary Schools

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several notices of intent regarding land use and repairs. Items include a large warehouse project, road work on Route 2, and new single-family homes on Sheldon Road. They will also discuss wetland updates and enforcement orders.

• Proposed 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Mass DOT paving and related work on Rt. 2
• New single-family dwellings at Lots 1, 2, 3 & 8 Sheldon Rd.
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW
• Address wetland violation at 150 Benson St.

City Council

The Council is reviewing financial orders for traffic safety enforcement, cemetery fencing, and a new stage at Riverfront Park. The agenda also includes a first reading of an ordinance to amend industrial use regulations. Committee reports address sidewalk repairs and various traffic safety petitions.

• Up to $32,000 for replacement fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery
• Approximately $61,570 for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement patrols
• First reading of an ordinance to amend Industrial Section use regulations
• Committee approved tree removal and sidewalk repair at 367 Water St
• Approximately $22,966 for tactical equipment and community policing overtime

The City Council approved six orders to spend grant funds and trust money for police equipment, cemetery fencing, and a park stage. The council also confirmed three Human Rights Commission re-appointments and advanced an industrial zoning ordinance amendment.

• Confirmed re-appointments of Hafsa Asfa, Jamie Darcangelo, and Krista Ford-Rhodes to the Human Rights Commission (10-0)
• Approved $5,000 MEMA grant for CERT lighting equipment (10-0)
• Approved up to $32,000 from Cemetery Perpetual Care Expendable Trust Fund for Laurel Hill Cemetery fencing (10-0)
• Approved $61,570 grant for high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols (10-0)
• Approved $22,966 DOJ grant for tactical equipment and community policing overtime (10-0)
• Approved $5,000 Digital Federal Credit Union gift for police youth programs (10-0)
• Approved $22,300 transfer from reserve funds for police building generator repair and scaffolding (10-0)
• Approved $8,196.83 grant for a stage at Riverfront Park (10-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Park Commissioners will review department reports and several new business items. Agenda topics include an ADA ramp for Gateway Park and a bridge replacement at Heritage Park. The board will also address resident petitions regarding public safety on John Fitch Highway.

• Gateway Park ADA compliant ramp
• Water Street Bridge Replacement at Heritage Park
• Eagle Scout project for five little libraries in parks
• Plan for Positive Impact/Fitzcanna donation proposal
• Petitions 201-22 and 203-22 regarding John Fitch Highway safety

The Board of Park Commissioners approved the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp at Gateway Park and a DOT impact report for the Water Street Bridge replacement. The board also accepted a bench donation, approved an Eagle Scout project for park libraries, and authorized a community plan with Fitzcanna. Several items, including youth sports league agreements and the Adopt-A-Park program, were tabled.

• Approved ADA-compliant ramp installation at Gateway Park (3-0)
• Approved DOT impact report for 608189 Water Street Bridge Replacement (3-0)
• Approved Eagle Scout project for 5 little libraries in parks (3-0)
• Approved community plan for Plan for Positive Impact/Fitzcanna donation (3-0)
• Accepted bench donation (3-0)
• Tabled Youth Sports League Agreement (3-0)
• Tabled Adopt-A-Park Program Resurrection (3-0)
• Tabled action on Petitions 201-22 and 203-22 regarding Coolidge Park (3-0)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is considering the re-appointment of three individuals to the Human Rights Commission. The proposed terms for these positions expire in 2025.

• Re-appointment of Hafsa Asfa to the Human Rights Commission
• Re-appointment of Jamie Darcangelo to the Human Rights Commission
• Re-appointment of Krista Ford-Rhodes to the Human Rights Commission

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Policy Subcommittee will review several school district policies regarding foundations and basic commitments. The committee also intends to discuss the legal status of negotiations policy HB and adopt previous meeting notes.

• Review of Policy HB – Negotiations Legal Status
• Review of Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment policies
• Review of Drug-Free Schools and Safe Schools policies
• Adoption of previous meeting notes

Historical Commission

The Fitchburg Historical Commission will discuss updates on several preservation studies and projects. This includes progress on the Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation Ordinance studies, as well as documentation for Simonds Saw and Steel.

• Updates on proposed Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation ordinance studies
• Status of Monument Park Local Historic District projects
• Update on historic documentation for Simonds Saw and Steel on Intervale Rd.
• Discussion regarding Wallace Building entry stones reuse
• Update on new sign maker for historic markers

The Commission decided to notify all buildings and locations within the Monument Park Historical District regarding the Fitchburg Public Library project. A tentative public hearing for the project's Certificate of Appropriateness was set for November 29, 2022. Members also discussed ongoing studies for demolition delay and stone wall preservation ordinances.

• Approved notification of all Monument Park Historical District buildings regarding the Library project (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the September 29, 2022 meeting as amended (Unanimous)
• Set tentative public hearing for Library project for Nov. 29 at 3:00pm

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee will discuss a proposal to change how Board of Health members are selected. The measure would transition the selection process from appointive to elective. If approved, members would serve four-year terms and be chosen by voters in municipal elections.

• Proposal 255-22 to change Board of Health selection from appointive to elective
• Proposed four-year terms for Board of Health members
• Requirement of 50 signatures for ballot placement

The Legislative Affairs Committee considered a petition to change Board of Health members from appointed to elected positions. The committee voted to give the petition leave to withdraw, maintaining the current appointment process.

• Voted 3-1 to give petition 255-22 (changing Board of Health from appointive to elective) leave to withdraw

Finance Committee

The regular meeting of the Fitchburg Finance Committee scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, has been cancelled. No agenda items were listed for discussion.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding several site plan reviews and special permit extensions. The agenda includes discussions on cannabis cultivation, multifamily housing, and an industrial warehouse project. The board will also address minor modifications to existing site plans.

• Site Plan Review for a 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Special Permit and Site Plan Review for 16 multifamily units at 633 Main St.
• Extension of special permits for cannabis cultivation at 644 River St., 310 Broad St., and 431 Westminster St.
• Site Plan Review for a 7,470 sq. ft. manufacturing/office building at 70 Benson St.
• Minor site plan modification for parking at 83-85 & 0 Marshall St.

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will consider several site plan reviews and special permit extensions. Topics include a 366,912 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St. and cannabis cultivation permits for three locations. The board will also review minor modifications to parking plans and residential conversions.

• Site Plan Review: 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Site Plan Review: 7,470 sq. ft. light manufacturing/office building at 70 Benson St.
• Special Permit Extensions for cannabis cultivation at 644 River St., 310 Broad St., and 431 Westminster St.
• Site Plan Review: 16 multifamily units and commercial space at 633 Main St.
• Minor Site Plan modification for parking at 83-85 & 0 Marshall St.

The Board approved a 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St. and a 16-unit multifamily conversion at 633 Main St. Several cannabis cultivation sites received permit extensions, and a mattress recycling site plan was approved.

• Approved 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse site plan at 0 Crawford St. (6-0)
• Approved Special Permit and parking/density waivers for 16-unit project at 633 Main St. (7-0)
• Approved Minor Site Plan for Tough Stuff Recycling mattress operation at 145 Authority Drive (6-0)
• Approved Minor Site Plan for 3-family parking at 83-85 & 0 Marshall St. (6-0)
• Approved Site Plan for light manufacturing building at 70 Benson St. (6-0)
• Extended Special Permit for Blue Collar Botany cannabis cultivation to 12/31/2023 (7-0)
• Extended Special Permit for Cannaburg cannabis cultivation to 11/30/2023 (7-0)
• Extended Special Permit for Apical cannabis cultivation to 10/31/2023 (7-0)

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will meet to approve retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers. The board will also review accounting, bank statements, and minutes.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers
• Review of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Discussion of new members and new business

The Board granted an accidental disability retirement pension to Police Officer Scott Gabriel and voted to increase the COLA base from $12,000 to $14,000. The Board also accepted the 2022 actuarial valuation and GASB reports from Stone Consulting, Inc.

• Approved accidental disability retirement pension for Scott Gabriel (4-0)
• Accepted 2022 actuarial valuation and GASB reports from Stone Consulting, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved increase of COLA Base from $12,000 to $14,000 (vote tally not recorded)
• Admitted new members for September 2022 and October 2022 (5-0)
• Approved October 2022 Warrant and September 27, 2022 Meeting Minutes (4-0)
• Approved September 2022 bank statements and accounting (4-0)
• Tabled military buyback update for John Viola until November 22, 2022
• Tabled discussion on FY23 COLA increase to 5% until November 22, 2022

Public Works Committee

The committee will review new petitions regarding sidewalk repairs at 367 Water St and layout amendments for Main St/Boulder Dr. Members will also continue reviewing held petitions concerning traffic signs and parking restrictions.

• Sidewalk repair and tree removal at 367 Water St
• Amendments to the Main St/Boulder Dr Layout
• Removal of "No Turn on Red" sign at Cetrino Memorial Drive and Water Street
• Addition of a 4-way stop at Victoria Lane, Industrial Drive, and Game-On Way
• Installation of a yield sign at Munroe and Fairbanks Streets

The Committee approved a petition to remove a tree and repair a sidewalk at 367 Water St. Several traffic and signage modifications for the Main St and Boulder Dr corridor were approved, while multiple other petitions were withdrawn or held pending further study.

• Approved petition 258-22 to remove tree and repair sidewalk at 367 Water St (3-1)
• Approved 'don't block the box' painting and signage at Boulder Dr and Main St (3-1)
• Approved amendment to create one combined straight lane at Day St and Water St (4-0)
• Approved prioritization of missing light pole replacement at Blossom St and Main St (4-0)
• Approved addition of street sign at Boulder Dr westbound on Main St (4-0)
• Denied removal of stop sign at Eastern End of Boulder Drive (3-1)
• Held petitions 089-20 and 093-22 pending traffic studies (4-0)
• Held petitions 243-22 and 244-22 pending Public Safety Committee review (4-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will discuss updates on the Crocker Elementary and Longsjo ARP projects. Members will also consider proposed funding for STEM field trips and an 8th grade Washington D.C. trip. Additionally, the committee may discuss adding two bus monitors for elementary routes.

• Updates on Crocker Elementary and Longsjo ARP projects
• Proposed funding for 8th grade Washington D.C. trip
• Proposed funding for STEM field trips
• Proposal to add two bus monitors for Kindergarten and Elementary routes
• Review of FPS Building Use Form and fee structure

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the site plan review for the Fitchburg School Department's new Crocker Elementary School. The board will also discuss a conceptual plan for the new Fitchburg Public Library at 610 Main St.

• Site Plan Review: New Crocker Elementary School, 200 Bigelow Rd.
• Conceptual Plan: New Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St.

The Fitchburg Planning Board approved the site plan for a new 116,320 sq. ft. Crocker Elementary School at 200 Bigelow Rd., to be built behind the existing school. The vote was 7-0 in favor, subject to conditions including signage, construction traffic timing, and DPW standards. The board also discussed a preliminary site plan for a new Fitchburg Public Library at 610 Main St., but took no vote.

• Approved site plan for new Crocker Elementary School (7-0), with conditions on signage, drop-off areas, construction traffic, and DPW standards
• Closed public hearing for Crocker Elementary site plan review
• Discussed preliminary site plan for new Fitchburg Public Library at 610 Main St., no vote taken
• Chair and Vice-Chair to draft letter to School Dept. and City Council urging air conditioning at new school

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will discuss maintenance and infrastructure for local cemeteries. This includes reviewing RFQs for Laurel Hill Cemetery fencing and a mausoleum, along with the purchase of a new columbarium. The board will also address ARPA funding applications and an Eagle Scout project for South Street Cemetery.

• RFQ for Laurel Hill Cemetery fencing
• Purchase of a new columbarium
• RFQ for mausoleum
• ARPA funding application
• Eagle Scout project for South Street Cemetery

The Cemetery Trustee Board approved $32,000 from the Perpetual Care Expendable Trust for Phase IV fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery. They also voted to request $100,000 from the Mayor for a mausoleum restoration RFQ, and named a new Forest Hill section 'Memorial Gardens'. The board accepted the superintendent's report and approved prior meeting minutes.

• Approved $32,000 for Laurel Hill Cemetery fencing Phase IV (unanimous)
• Approved request to Mayor for $100,000 from Free Cash for mausoleum restoration RFQ (unanimous)
• Named new Forest Hill Cemetery section 'Memorial Gardens' (unanimous)
• Accepted superintendent's report (unanimous)
• Approved September 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The subcommittee is meeting to review the status of several school district policies. This includes discussing the legal status of negotiations policy HB and reviewing Section A regarding foundations and basic commitments.

• Adoption of previous meeting notes
• Status update on Policy HB – Negotiations Legal Status
• Review of Section A - Foundations and Basic Commitments policies

Water & Wastewater Commission

The Commission will review recent meeting minutes and discuss water division staffing and treatment plant quality. They will also receive updates on wastewater separation/rehabilitation work and the design phase for several CSO areas.

• New plant Superintendent Ryan Burns assumed duties on October 17, 2022.
• Updates on sewer separation and rehabilitation work on streets including Laurel St., Main St., and Drepanos Dr.
• Progress updates on the design phase for CSO 010, 032, 045, and 083.
• Discussion of water division staffing and treatment plant quality variability.

The commission approved minutes from the prior meeting and received updates on severe staffing shortages in the Water Division (distribution crew down to 3 from 9) and rising chemical costs (chlorine up 117%). No votes were taken on substantive actions; the meeting was informational only.

• Approved minutes from September 21, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Fitchburg Municipal Airport Commission will discuss the Airport Master Plan update and environmental assessment. The meeting also includes reviews of various hangar agreements and infrastructure projects.

• Review of Airport Master Plan update and Environmental Assessment
• Discussion of Nagle Agreement for Hangar 10 and Hangar 1 Agreement
• Update on permit and design for Main Apron
• Review of RFP for 7 to 9 Hangars Agreement
• Approval of commitments and abatements for BJ’s

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Student Support Sub Committee will review minutes from the May 12, 2022 meeting. The agenda also includes topics regarding Special Education and McKinney Vento & Foster Care.

• Approval of May 12, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Special Education
• Discussion of McKinney Vento & Foster Care

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will discuss updates to the Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan and the Regional Transportation Plan. The meeting includes a presentation on Safe Routes to School infrastructure and a review of potential amendments to the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program.

• Review of potential Highway and Transit amendments for the 2023-2027 TIP
• Presentation on Safe Routes to School infrastructure
• Discussion of Regional Transportation Plan goals, objectives, and performance measures
• Update on the Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan
• Approval of August 17, 2022 minutes

Cultural Council

The council will review grant updates, modifications, and requests. The meeting also includes discussions regarding new memberships, the Winter Bazaar event, and a sculpture project.

• Grantee modifications, updates, and requests
• Winter Bazaar event
• Sculpture Project
• New membership and positions
• Approval of prior meeting minutes

The Fitchburg Cultural Council unanimously approved an amendment to Shara Osgood's FY2022 grant (#5431), changing the project from painting a basketball court to a chalk art festival at Lowe Park, with a deadline extension to late spring 2023. The council also unanimously elected A.J. Tourigny as secretary and approved prior meeting minutes. Discussion included a public sculpture project by artist Sean Gallagher, with the council considering a letter of endorsement.

• Approved amendment to grant #5431: changed from basketball court painting to chalk art festival at Lowe Park, deadline extended to late spring 2023 (unanimous, Shara recused)
• Elected A.J. Tourigny as council secretary (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from Sept. 20, 2022 (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 5:24 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The Fitchburg City Council is reviewing appointments to the Human Rights Commission and Housing Authority. The agenda also includes fund transfers for emergency vehicle replacements and a zoning hearing regarding marijuana delivery services.

• Transfer of $173,035.00 for fire vehicle replacement
• Transfer of $87,000.00 for police vehicle replacement
• Zoning amendment for marijuana courier and delivery at 339 River Street
• Tax-Increment Exemption agreement for 759-769 Main Street
• Petition to repair the sidewalk area in front of 367 Water St

The City Council approved a petition to amend the zoning ordinance to allow marijuana courier and delivery operator uses in the Commercial District, with a 9/1 vote. The change does not approve any specific development; any delivery service would still need a special permit. The city will receive a 3% sales tax on retail sales, plus an additional 1% for sales by economic empowerment or social equity applicant-owned businesses.

• Approved re-appointment of David Basilio to the Fitchburg Housing Authority Board of Directors (unanimous consent, 11/0).
• Accepted the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 4, 2022.
• Approved a Tax-Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for 759-769 Main Street under the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) (10/1 vote).
• Held Order 250-22 for $173,035 to replace three fire vehicles, then pulled and approved it (unanimous consent, 11/0).
• Adopted Order 251-22 for $87,000 to replace two police vehicles (unanimous consent, 11/0).
• Adopted Order 257-22 authorizing the City Clerk to notify voters of the State Election on November 8, 2022 (unanimous consent, 11/0).
• Adopted Ordinance 199-22 amending Chapter 169-24 on parking prohibitions (Boulder Dr.) on final reading (unanimous roll call, 11/0).
• Granted petition 106-22 to amend zoning to allow marijuana courier and delivery operator uses in the Commercial District (9/1 vote).

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee will consider the re-appointment of David Basilio to the Fitchburg Housing Authority Board of Directors. The term for this position expires September 2, 2027.

• Re-appointment of David Basilio to the Fitchburg Housing Authority Board of Directors

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several new liquor, entertainment, and taxi permit applications. The meeting includes a summons hearing for Kingston Island Cuisine regarding a police incident report. The commission will also review correspondence related to an alarm activation at Tryst.

• New alcohol license application for Dario’s On Main Inc. at 655 Main Street
• One-day alcohol and entertainment permits for Marconi Club fundraiser at 14 Wallace Ave
• Entertainment permit for Ethos Cannabis event at 20 Authority Drive
• New taxi and livery service applications for Ortiz Transportation LLC
• Summons hearing for Kingston Island Cuisine regarding police incident report #22-33832-OF

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a special one-day alcohol license and entertainment permit for the Marconi Club benefit fundraiser, and an entertainment permit for Ethos Cannabis' community event. A summons hearing for Kingston Island Cuisine regarding alleged after-hours alcohol removal was continued to November 9, 2022, with the landlord also summoned. New livery and driver applications for Ortiz Transportation LLC were approved pending CORI checks. A new restaurant license application for Dario's On Main Inc. was referred to a public hearing.

• Approved special one-day alcohol license for Marconi Club fundraiser (2-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for Marconi Club fundraiser (2-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for Ethos Cannabis Halloween event (2-0)
• Referred Dario's On Main Inc. restaurant license application to November 9 public hearing (2-0)
• Approved Ortiz Transportation LLC livery service application pending CORI check (2-0)
• Approved Ortiz Transportation LLC driver permit pending CORI check (2-0)
• Continued Kingston Island Cuisine summons hearing to November 9, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved minutes of October 3, 2022 meeting (2-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The School Committee will review reports from several subcommittees and the Superintendent. The committee is scheduled to vote on a recommendation to allow Memorial Middle School to plan an overnight trip to Washington, DC. An update on the Crocker Elementary MSBA Project will also be provided.

• Vote on Memorial Middle School's plan for a Washington, DC overnight trip
• Crocker Elementary MSBA Project update
• Approval of October 3, 2022 meeting minutes

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review financial reports and Armory Café performance from July through September. The meeting also includes an introduction of the Director and a discussion regarding hall rental processes.

• Armory Café report: 673 meals served and $489 deposited between July 1 and September 30
• Sunshine Fund current balance of $46
• Discussion of hall rental processes, including permits and staff coverage
• Potential move of the Veterans Office into the Senior Center

The Council on Aging Board voted unanimously to approve the transfer of the Veterans Services office from City Hall to the upstairs of the Fitchburg Senior Center, with no rent charged. The Board also approved minutes from the August 3 special meeting, accepted the financial report after discussion, and unanimously approved a request for the City Solicitor to clarify liability for alcohol service at hall rentals.

• Approved transfer of Veterans Services office to Senior Center (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from August 3, 2022 special meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report after discussion (motion by Byrne, seconded by Craigen)
• Approved request for City Solicitor to determine alcohol liability at hall rentals (unanimous)

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SPED PAC) will conduct elections and review committee by-laws. The meeting also includes a review of 2021-2022 data analysis and planning for future meetings.

• SPED PAC elections
• Review of SPED PAC responsibilities and by-laws
• Review of 2021-2022 data analysis
• Planning for February 8, 2023 meeting regarding Rights and Regulations

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Program Advisory Committee will review vocational program assessments and 2022 post-graduation plans. The meeting includes a shop walkthrough to discuss new equipment, software, and tools.

• Review of proposed equipment, software, and tool purchases
• Update to the school's five-year plan
• Discussion of Vocational Program Assessment
• Review of 2022 post-graduation plans
• Discussion regarding Perkins V Survey requirements

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The meeting includes updates on member information and standards commenting. The agenda also covers student testing, curriculum updates, and a budget review.

• Update of Member information / COE Commenting on Standards
• Review of Concepts 1/2
• Review of Student testing
• Curriculum update
• Budget Review

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SPED PAC) is meeting to conduct elections and review committee responsibilities and by-laws. The agenda also includes a review of 2021-2022 data analysis and planning for future meetings.

• SPED PAC elections
• Review of SPED PAC responsibilities and by-laws
• Review of 2021-2022 data analysis
• Planning for February 8, 2023 meeting regarding Rights and Regulations

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will receive an OPM report regarding contractor prequalification and the upcoming schedule. Members will also review construction document status and consider approval to proceed into bidding with 100% construction documents.

• Approval to proceed into bidding with 100% Construction Documents
• OPM Report on contractor prequalification and upcoming schedule
• Update on the status of construction documents

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee Policy Sub Committee is meeting to review specific student policies. The committee will discuss policies regarding homeless students and foster care students. They will also consider recommendations for new or revised policies.

• Approval of September 2020 minutes
• Discussion of Homeless Student Policy
• Discussion of Foster Care Student Policy
• Recommendations for new or revised policies

Library Trustees

The meeting consists of procedural items and committee reports. The agenda includes a Finance Committee session, the librarian's report, and the election of officers.

• Approval of August 20 and September 28 minutes
• Election of officers

The Board of Trustees approved a motion to authorize $100,000 from unrestricted Wallace funds for a marketing campaign to support the library's capital project. The funds will pay for a company to handle graphic design, consulting, and staff training, with reports due at every meeting from the Steering Committee and Treasurer. The board also approved officer nominees and corrected prior minutes to note that a motion to fund the Wallace painting restoration was tabled, not passed.

• Approved $100,000 from unrestricted Wallace funds for a capital campaign marketing company, with regular reports to the board.
• Approved the slate of officers: Matthew Bruun as Chair, Joanne Huse as Treasurer, Cynthia Jones as Secretary.
• Corrected the September minutes to reflect that Cynthia Jones was present and that the motion to allot $10,000 for the Wallace painting restoration was tabled, not passed.

Disability Commission

The Fitchburg Disability Commission will meet to elect new officers and approve meeting minutes. The commission will also receive an update on the Accessible Art Project and discuss redesigning the disability brochure. Members will review old business regarding Anwelt handicapped parking and accessible movie plans.

• Nominations and voting for Commission officers
• Update on the Accessible Art Project
• Redesign of the Disability Brochure
• Discussion regarding Anwelt handicapped parking
• Review of accessible movie plans

The Fitchburg Disability Commission approved the minutes from its September meeting and tabled the election of officers until the next meeting. Members also discussed updates to the Disability Commission brochure, a handicap parking issue at Anwelt Complex, and funding for upcoming accessible events.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Tabled election of officers for next meeting
• Tabled handicap parking compliance review at Anwelt Complex

Finance Committee

The Fitchburg City Council Finance Committee is considering orders to transfer money from the Reserve for Other Municipal Purposes. These transfers are intended for capital expenditures in the fire and police departments. The items specifically address replacing municipal vehicles.

• Transfer of $173,035.00 for three fire vehicle replacements
• Transfer of $87,000.00 for two police vehicle replacements

The Fitchburg Finance Committee voted unanimously to approve Order #251-22, transferring $87,000 from reserves to replace two police vehicles, including a Traffic Unit vehicle and a UTV. The committee also voted unanimously to hold Order #250-22, a $173,035 transfer for replacing three fire vehicles, pending further discussion.

• Approved Order #251-22: $87,000 transfer from Reserve for Other Municipal Purposes to Police Capital Expenditures for two police vehicles.
• Held Order #250-22: $173,035 transfer from Reserve for Other Municipal Purposes to Fire Capital Expenditures for three fire vehicles.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider a petition to approve a Tax-Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement. This proposal is part of the Housing Development Incentive Program for market-rate housing.

• Tax-Increment Exemption agreement for 759-769 Main Street

The committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval of a Tax-Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for 759-769 Main Street, creating four market-rate apartments in an existing building. The deal freezes the residential property assessment at $122,895 for five years, forgoing an estimated $13,764 in potential taxes. The commercial portion is excluded. The recommendation now goes to the full City Council.

• Approved amendment to TIE agreement base value to $122,895 (3-0)
• Recommended approval of TIE agreement for 759-769 Main St (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Fitchburg Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several development projects, including a large warehouse and new single-family homes. The commission will also discuss wetland violation enforcement policies and receive updates on woodland estate replication.

• Notice of Intent for 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Notice of Intent for Arbor Way retaining wall repairs by Fitchburg DPW
• Notice of Intent for new single-family dwellings on Sheldon Rd.
• Notice of Intent to address a wetland violation at 150 Benson St.
• Discussion on Policy on Enforcement of Wetlands Violations

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The subcommittee will review the February 23, 2022 meeting minutes and introduce a candidate for Treasurer. The agenda also includes an update on the final FY23 budget and the schedule for the FY24 budget.

• Introduction of Treasurer Candidate
• FY23 Final budget update
• FY24 Budget calendar
• Approval of February 23, 2022 meeting minutes

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The committee will consider the acceptance of several FY23 grants, including Perkins, IDEA, and Title I. The agenda also includes a request for proposals regarding space for the Satellite Vocational Program and copier lease approvals.

• Acceptance of FY23 Perkins, IDEA, and Title I grants
• Skills Capital Grant for Lab Modernization
• Approval of copier leases
• RFP for Satellite Vocational Program Space Lease
• Personnel updates including retirements, resignations, and appointments

City Council

The Fitchburg City Council is reviewing several financial orders, including grants for vaccine equity and emergency dispatcher training. The agenda also includes proposals regarding city property acquisitions, zoning amendments, and various infrastructure repair requests.

• $290,000 earmark for market-rate housing production on Main Street
• Approval of a $150,000 NACCHO grant for vaccine equity
• Transfer of $173,035 for the replacement of three fire vehicles
• Zoning amendment to allow marijuana courier and delivery services in the Commercial District
• Acceptance of 7 Third Street as a gift to the city

The City Council approved a $76.65 million loan order to build a new Crocker Elementary School, with the city eligible for up to 80% reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The council also approved a $40 million loan order to renovate the Fitchburg Public Library, adopted several grant expenditures for vaccine equity and 911 dispatch training, and accepted property donations and sales for affordable housing development.

• Approved $76.65M loan order for new Crocker Elementary School (11-0)
• Approved $40M loan order for Fitchburg Public Library renovation (11-0)
• Adopted $150K NACCHO grant for vaccine equity (11-0)
• Adopted $76,426 state 911 training grant for dispatchers (11-0)
• Adopted $174,594 state 911 grant for police E911 system (11-0)
• Approved $27,500 settlement for three claims by Crossing Over, Inc. (11-0)
• Accepted 7 Third Street as gift for city property (3-1)
• Approved sale of 0 Taft Street and 50 Granite Street to Habitat for Humanity (4-0 each)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Park Commissioners will review reports from various park and recreation departments. The meeting includes discussions on the Twin City Rail Trail Phase II design and neighborhood improvement petitions for Coolidge Park.

• Twin City Rail Trail Phase II design
• Matching funds for the Coggshall Lake walkway design
• Request from Tara Barrett to plant a tree at Coggshall Park
• Petition 201-22: Neighborhood improvements for Bella Vista I Condominiums at 875 John Fitch Highway
• Petition 203-22: Neighborhood improvements for Bella Vista II Condominiums at 855 John Fitch Highway

The Board of Park Commissioners approved a request to plant a memorial tree at Coggshall Park and tabled two neighborhood improvement petitions from Bella Vista condominiums pending a Safety Committee decision. The board also accepted several reports and discussed the Coggshall Lake walkway design funding and Twin City Rail Trail Phase II.

• Approved memorial tree planting at Coggshall Park (4-0)
• Tabled Bella Vista I and II neighborhood improvement petitions (4-0)
• Approved Friends of Coggshall report (4-0)
• Approved Community Development report tabled (4-0)
• Approved Parks Maintenance report (4-0)
• Approved Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund report (4-0)
• Approved Recreation Director's report (4-0)
• Approved matching funds for Coggshall Lake walkway design (3-0)

Public Safety Committee

The committee will review several petitions regarding street signage, lighting, and parking regulations. Items include requests for new beacons on Main Street and adjustments to parking hours on Pleasant Street.

• Request for new signs and public lighting on Fisher Road
• Amendment to parking prohibitions on Boulder Dr.
• Change to parking hours on Pleasant Street due to school schedule changes
• Installation of rapid flash beacons at Main Street and Wallace Avenue
• Request for a yield sign at the intersection of Fairbanks and Munroe Streets

License Commission

The Commission will conduct public hearings regarding a new all-alcohol beverage license and an ownership change. The agenda also includes reviews of several event permits and police incident reports.

• Public hearing for Munchies to Go, LLC's new all-alcohol beverage license at 27 Airport Road
• Ownership interest change application for POS Food Services, LLC at 200 Game on Way
• Special one-day alcohol license for a fundraiser at 198 Townsend Street
• Entertainment permits for Fitchburg State University and Goodrich Park
• Police incident reports regarding Tryst and Kingston Island Cuisine

The Board of License Commissioners approved a new all-alcohol beverage license for Munchies to Go, LLC at 27 Airport Road, allowing service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily. The board also approved a change of ownership interest for POS Food Services, LLC, and granted several one-day and entertainment permits for local events. A summons was issued to Kingston Island Cuisine to appear at the October 17, 2022 meeting following a police incident report.

• Approved new all-alcohol beverage license for Munchies to Go, LLC at 27 Airport Road, 11:00 AM–12:00 AM daily, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved change of ownership interest for POS Food Services, LLC at 200 Game on Way, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved amended special one-day wine and malt license for Robert Talbot at Coolidge Park, October 30, 2022, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved amended entertainment permit for Fitchburg State University homecoming carnival at 160 Pearl Street, October 21, 2022, 5:00–10:00 PM, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved amended entertainment permit for Crossroads Community Church at Goodrich Park, October 7 (3:30–8:00 PM) and October 8, 2022 (11:30 AM–4:30 PM), by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved Sunday entertainment permit for Friends of Fitchburg Dogs at Coolidge Park, October 30, 2022, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved sending a summons to Kingston Island Cuisine to appear at the October 17, 2022 meeting, by unanimous roll call vote 2/0.
• Approved minutes of September 19, 2022, by unanimous consent 2/0.

License Commission

The Fitchburg License Commission will hold hearings regarding two business applications. These include a change of ownership interest for POS Food Services, LLC and a new retail restaurant alcohol license for Munchies to Go, LLC.

• Change of ownership interest for POS Food Services, LLC at 200 Game on Way
• New retail restaurant and all alcohol beverages license for Munchies to Go, LLC at 27 Airport Road

City Property Committee

The City Property Committee will review requests regarding several city-owned properties. These include accepting 7 Third Street as a gift and declaring 0 Maverick Street as surplus. The committee will also consider proposals for Habitat for Humanity to purchase Taft Street parcels.

• Acceptance of 7 Third Street as a gift
• Declaration of 0 Maverick Street as surplus property for disposal via RFP
• Proposal for Habitat for Humanity to purchase 0 Taft St for an affordable home
• Proposal for Habitat for Humanity to purchase 50 Taft St for a single-family home

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee will review reports on school safety, security, and new principal introductions. The committee is also scheduled to vote on several grant submissions and the acceptance of one grant. Additionally, members will consider an inquiry into surveillance systems that can integrate with Fitchburg Police Department technology.

• Inquiry into proprietary surveillance systems integrated with Fitchburg Police Department
• Grant submission for Teacher Diversification Pilot Program ($120,000)
• Grant submission for Targeted Assistance Grant ($95,000)
• Acceptance of McKinney Vento grant ($20,000)
• Introduction of new principals at Fitchburg High, McKay Elementary, Longsjo Middle, and South Street Early Learning Center

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee will hold a workshop to review the Phase I summary of the Talent Landscape Analysis by TNTP. The session includes a question and answer period.

• Phase I summary of TNTP Talent Landscape Analysis
• Question and answer session

Historical Commission

The Fitchburg Historical Commission will elect a new Secretary and review past meeting minutes. The commission is also receiving updates on proposed ordinances for demolition delays and stone wall preservation.

• Election of the Secretary position
• Demolition Delay ordinance study update
• Stone Wall Preservation ordinance study update
• Simonds Saw and Steel (Intervale Rd.) historic documentation update
• Review of new sign maker proposals for historic markers

The Fitchburg Historical Commission elected Andrew Lipasti as Secretary, approved a batch of unposted minutes from 2018 and 2021 with one abstention, and approved the August 25, 2022 minutes unanimously. The commission discussed but took no vote on a proposed demolition delay ordinance, a stone wall preservation ordinance, and reuse of Wallace Building entry stones. A public comment opposing the demolition delay ordinance was read into the record.

• Approved minutes from 2018 and 2021 as amended (4-0-1)
• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Elected Andrew Lipasti as Secretary (5-0)
• Selected Handpaintedwoodsigns.com for historic marker (3-2)

Library Trustees

The Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes a special report regarding the funding and allocation of funds for portrait and frame restoration.

• Fundraising allocation and funding for portrait and frame restoration

The board discussed but tabled two agenda items until the next meeting on Oct. 12, 2022: the restoration of the Rodney Wallace portrait and frame (with estimated costs of $2,000–$6,000) and a fundraising allocation of $10,000 for the Fundraising Committee plus $150,000–$200,000 for the Building Fund Marketing Campaign. No votes were taken on either item. No public comments were heard.

• Tabled Rodney Wallace portrait restoration discussion (no vote)
• Tabled fundraising allocation and Building Fund Marketing Campaign support (no vote)

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee will consider a petition to amend Section 181.643 of the City Zoning Ordinance. The proposal seeks to add marijuana courier and marijuana delivery operator as permitted uses within the Commercial District.

• Petition to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 181.643 to include marijuana courier and delivery services
• Proposed addition of new uses to the Commercial District

Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing orders to approve various grant expenditures and fund transfers. These items include funding for library HVAC repairs, vaccine equity initiatives, and 911 emergency service improvements.

• Transfer of $6,802.00 to Library building maintenance for HVAC repairs
• Approval of approximately $150,000.00 NACCHO grant for vaccine equity
• Approval of approximately $76,426.15 State 911 Department Training Grant for dispatcher training
• Approval of approximately $174,594.00 State 911 Department grant for E911 service system repairs and salaries

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to approve four spending orders: a $6,802 transfer for library HVAC repairs, a $150,000 NACCHO grant for vaccine equity, a $76,426 state 911 training grant, and a $174,594 state 911 grant for dispatch salaries and equipment. All items were approved without opposition.

• Approved $6,802 transfer for library HVAC repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 NACCHO grant for vaccine equity (unanimous)
• Approved $76,426 state 911 training grant for dispatcher training (unanimous)
• Approved $174,594 state 911 grant for dispatch salaries and equipment (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will conduct public hearings for several development projects, including residential conversions and a self-storage facility. The hearing for the 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St. includes a request to continue.

• Site Plan Review: Industrial warehouse and distribution center at 0 Crawford St. (request to continue)
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review: 24 multifamily units at 0 Summer St.
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review: Self-storage facility at 299 Lunenburg St.
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review: Conversion to two-family at 84 Carey St.
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review: Conversion of structure to 9 units at 80 South St.

The Planning Board approved a special permit for a 24-unit multifamily building at 0 Summer St., with conditions including tenant storage, bike racks, and a $500-per-unit contribution for off-site improvements. The board also approved a self-storage facility at 299 Lunenburg St., a two-family conversion at 84-86 Carey St., and a nine-unit conversion at 80 South St. Two hearings were continued to October 25: a 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St. and a three-family proposal at 106 East St.

• Approved special permit for 24-unit multifamily at 0 Summer St. (7-0)
• Approved special permit for self-storage facility at 299 Lunenburg St. (7-0)
• Approved special permit for two-family conversion at 84-86 Carey St. (7-0)
• Approved special permit for nine-unit conversion at 80 South St. (7-0)
• Continued hearing for 366,912 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St. to Oct. 25 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for three-family at 106 East St. to Oct. 25 (7-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 869 South St. lot split (7-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 52 Norwood St. lot split (7-0)

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will conduct routine business including the approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers. The board will also review accounting records, bank statements, and meeting minutes.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers
• Review of warrant, accounting, and bank statements
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Reporting of deaths and new members
• Discussion of vacation buy backs

The board voted unanimously to direct legal counsel to begin the legislative process to expand state law to include personal time buybacks as retirement-eligible compensation, and to pursue a home rule petition. The board also voted to start recalculating retirement benefits for retired members to include vacation time buybacks, following PERAC guidance issued September 12, 2022. The board tabled discussion on admitting new members and deferred action on personal time deductions held prior to December 2018 pending further PERAC clarification.

• Approved: Thomas Dateo Jr. confirmed as Third Elected Member for term November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2025 (5-0).
• Approved: September 2022 warrant ($1,748,412.26) and August 23, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0).
• Approved: August 2022 bank statements and July/August 2022 accounting (5-0).
• Approved: Scott Naumann superannuation retirement, Option A, effective August 25, 2022 (5-0).
• Approved: Lisa Goguen superannuation retirement, Option B, effective August 31, 2022 (5-0).
• Approved: Request Stone Consulting prepare a funding schedule with 7% discount rate, 5.5% annual increase for 10 years, $14,000 COLA base, and one-time 5% COLA increase for FY23 (5-0).
• Approved: Direct legal counsel to begin legislative process to expand c.32 §106 to include personal time buybacks and begin home rule petition (5-0).
• Approved: Start process of recalculating retirement benefits for retired members per PERAC Memo #23/2022 to include vacation time buybacks (5-0).

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will review several new petitions regarding traffic safety and road maintenance. This includes requests for new signage, sidewalk repairs, and roadway resurfacing. The committee will also revisit previously held petitions concerning streetlights and stop signs.

• Installation of rapid flash beacons at the Main Street and Wallace Avenue crosswalk
• Request to pave or resurface the roadway between 7 Pearl St and 674 Pearl St
• Installation of a yield sign at the intersection of Munroe, Fairbanks, and South Streets
• Repair of concrete driveway apron and sidewalk at 186 Daniels St
• Implementation of 'No Parking' signs at Hancock and Summer Street

The Fitchburg Public Works Committee approved four petitions: rapid flash beacons at Main Street and Wallace Avenue, berm work at 25 and 28 Saint Paul Street, driveway apron repair at 186 Daniels St, and sidewalk/apron work at 117 Myrtle Ave. Two petitions were given leave to withdraw (26 Whittemore St berm and Pearl St paving), and three were held pending further review (yield sign, no parking signs, and two traffic studies).

• Approved rapid flash beacons at Main St/Wallace Ave crosswalk (4-0)
• Approved berm work at 25 & 28 Saint Paul St (4-0)
• Approved driveway apron repair at 186 Daniels St (4-0)
• Approved sidewalk/apron work at 117 Myrtle Ave (4-0)
• Withdrew petition for berm at 26 Whittemore St (4-0)
• Withdrew petition to pave Pearl St between 7 Pearl St and 674 Pearl St (4-0)
• Held yield sign petition pending Public Safety Committee review (4-0)
• Held no parking sign petition pending Public Safety Committee review (4-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Park Commissioners will discuss a candidate selected for the Recreation Director position. The meeting also includes a public forum for residents to speak on agenda items.

• Discussion of candidate selected for the position of Recreation Director

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Building Needs Committee will review updates on the Crocker Elementary Project and Longsjo projects. The Resource Committee will consider accepting a $23,000 Mass Grad grant and reviewing enrollment updates.

• Acceptance of $23,000 FY 23 Mass Grad grant
• Crocker Elementary Project updates
• Longsjo ARP Project update
• Longsjo Cupola Project update
• Submission of FY 23 Proficiency-based Outcomes in Languages Other than English grant

Water & Wastewater Commission

The Commission will discuss water system improvements, including the Boulder Dr. Water Main Replacement/Upgrade Project. The agenda also covers updates on sewer separation projects and a sewer/water rate study.

• Boulder Dr. Water Main Replacement/Upgrade Project
• Sewer/Water Rate Study
• USEPA and MA DEP PFAS in wastewater study
• West Plant Repurposing Project
• CSO 039, 048, & Clarendon St. Sewer Separation updates

The Water/Wastewater Commission approved minutes from July 20, 2022, and received a Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant for a conservation restriction on the Kerlinger Property in Ashburnham, adding 50 acres of protected watershed land. The Oak Hill Storage Tank Replacement project was delayed to June/July 2023 due to material costs and worker shortages. The commission also discussed updates on water main projects, CSO separation work, and a PFAS study at the Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Approved minutes from July 20, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Received DWS Protection Grant for Kerlinger Property conservation restriction
• Delayed Oak Hill Storage Tank Replacement to June/July 2023
• Discussed Boulder Dr. Water Main Replacement/Upgrade Project funded with ARPA
• Discussed Water St. Bridge Projects with MA DOT for water main relocation
• Discussed Regional Plant upgrades and NPDES permit renewal
• Discussed West Plant Repurposing Project ongoing with final evaluation
• Discussed CSO 010, 032, 045, 083 Separation/Rehabilitation Project with $30M loan order

Airport Commission

The Commission will review updates to the Airport Master Plan and the Draft Airport Layout Plan. The meeting also includes discussions on several hangar agreements and potential changes to minimum standards for fines.

• Review of Airport Master Plan update and Draft Airport Layout Plan
• Nagle Agreement for Hangar 10
• Valentine Agreement regarding a sign on Erdman Way
• RFP for 7 to 9 Hangars Agreement
• Approval of financial commitments and abatements

The Commission voted 3-0 to apply for BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) funding for the Airport Environmental Assessment, rather than AIP funding, to secure money sooner. They also approved circulating the Airport Layout Plan for final signatures, made Steven Dyke a 20+ hour employee, and accepted July meeting minutes. Several items were tabled or held pending further guidance or related plans.

• Approved motion to circulate Airport Layout Plan for final signatures (3-0)
• Approved applying for BIL funding for Environmental Assessment (3-0)
• Approved making Steven Dyke a 20+ hour employee (3-0)
• Accepted July meeting minutes (3-0)
• Tabled Minimum Standards fines discussion pending City Solicitor guidance
• Approved purchase of used GPU from Bullock for $1,656
• Noted signed tenant agreement from Joseph Nagle for Hanger 10 (20-year lease plus 5+5)
• Approved abatement of $182.58 for tie-down fees to Greg Charest

Disability Commission

The Fitchburg Disability Commission will hold nominations and voting for its officers. The meeting includes updates on the Fairmount St. & B.F. Brown projects and discussion regarding an Accessible Art Project.

• Nominations and voting for Disability Commission Officers
• Updates on Fairmount St. & B.F. Brown projects
• Discussion of Accessible Art Project - Art Show
• Report on Anwellt Handicapped parking

The Fitchburg Disability Commission voted to provide $100 for supplies for an accessible Ink Printing Press class. Officer nominations and voting were tabled to the next meeting. The commission also discussed curb cut needs, a dangerous crosswalk at Electric/Old Deerfield Road, and plans to revise the disability brochure.

• Approved $100 funding for accessible Ink Printing Press class materials
• Tabled officer nominations and voting to October meeting

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will discuss upcoming events including FOS, Meet & Greet, and Bazaar. The meeting also includes a report on grant modifications and a vote on council bylaws.

• Vote on Council Bylaws
• Grant Coordinator’s Report regarding modifications, updates, and requests
• Discussion of FCC events: FOS, Meet & Greet, and Bazaar
• Review of new membership

City Council

The council will review major loan orders for a new elementary school and public library renovations. The agenda also includes reports on various city appointments and committee updates regarding local infrastructure.

• $76,650,000 loan order for the new Crocker Elementary School at 200 Bigelow Road
• $40,000,000 loan order for Fitchburg Public Library renovation
• $393,000 appropriation for school, highway, and park expenses
• Appointments to the Disability Commission and Cultural Council
• Class II Dealer’s License petition for Pena Motors LLC at 447 Water St.

The City Council passed to first reading a $76.65 million loan order to build a new Crocker Elementary School, and a $40 million loan order to renovate the Fitchburg Public Library. Both were approved 11-0. The council also confirmed multiple board appointments and adopted a $393,000 supplemental budget for schools, highways, parks, and benefits.

• Passed $76.65M Crocker Elementary School loan order to first reading (11-0)
• Passed $40M Fitchburg Public Library renovation loan order to first reading (11-0)
• Adopted $393,000 supplemental FY2023 budget for schools, highways, parks, and benefits (11-0)
• Approved $136,206.03 in franchise fees to FATV (11-0)
• Confirmed reappointments to Disability Commission, DPW Commissioner, Cultural Council, Conservation Commission, and Chief Procurement Officer (unanimous consent)
• Granted Class II Dealer’s License to Pena Motors LLC at 447 Water St (11-0)
• Held petition for snow emergency parking ordinance in committee (11-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw petition for road use fee ballot question (9-2)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee will review individuals for re-appointment to various city commissions. This includes positions on the Disability Commission, Cultural Council, and Conservation Commission. The committee will also consider new appointments for the Disability Commission and Cultural Council.

• Re-appointment of Nicholas Erickson PE as Commissioner of Public Works
• Re-appointment of Mary Delaney as Chief Procurement Officer
• New appointment of Tiffany Wells to the Disability Commission
• Re-appointments for the Fitchburg Cultural Council
• Re-appointment of Tracy Betts to the Conservation Commission

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee is reviewing a petition from Pena Motors LLC. The company is seeking a Class II Dealer's License for its location at 447 Water St.

• Class II Dealer’s License petition for Pena Motors LLC at 447 Water St.

License Commission

The License Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a new restaurant license at 170 Whalon Street. The meeting also includes reviews of several permit applications for events and entertainment. Additionally, the commission will consider ownership changes and late closing permits.

• Public hearing for a new all-alcohol restaurant license at 170 Whalon Street
• Special one-day alcohol license for a fundraiser at 68 Airport Road on October 2, 2022
• Entertainment permits for Fitchburg Blacksmith Festival and Legends Bar & Grill LLC
• Ownership change application for POS Food Services, LLC at 200 Game on Way
• New all-alcohol restaurant license application for Munchies to Go, LLC at 27 Airport Road

The Fitchburg Board of License Commissioners approved a special one-day alcohol license for Zach's Goal Organization, a Sunday entertainment permit for Legends Bar & Grill, a late-closing permit for POS Food Services, and an amended entertainment permit for the Fitchburg Blacksmith Festival. The board also voted to move applications for a change of ownership at POS Food Services and a new all-alcohol license for Munchies to Go to a public hearing on October 3, 2022. A public hearing was held and an amended all-alcohol license was approved for L & L Restaurant Two, Inc. Discussion of the Finnish Center at Saima Park was tabled.

• Approved special one-day all-alcohol license for Zach's Goal Organization fundraiser on October 2, 2022, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved amended Monday-Saturday entertainment permit for Fitchburg Blacksmith Festival with hours changed to 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved Sunday entertainment permit for Legends Bar & Grill LLC for live amplified music on October 2, 2022, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved late-closing permit (12 AM) for POS Food Services, LLC, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved moving change-of-ownership application for POS Food Services, LLC to a public hearing on October 3, 2022, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved moving new all-alcohol license application for Munchies to Go, LLC to a public hearing on October 3, 2022, by unanimous 3/0 vote.
• Approved amended all-alcohol license for L & L Restaurant Two, Inc. with hours 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, by unanimous 3/0 vote after public hearing.
• Tabled discussion of Finnish Center at Saima Park until October 3, 2022 meeting.

Council on Aging

The scheduled meeting of the Fitchburg Council on Aging for September 15, 2022, was canceled. The agenda included a treasurer's report and updates regarding the Armory Café.

• Meeting cancellation

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council is conducting a training session regarding the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Grant for the FY2023 cycle. The agenda contains no other items.

• Grant training for the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s FY2023 grant cycle

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will hold a meeting featuring a video presentation by Russell Karlstad and a performance by the Stratton Players. The agenda also includes a conflict of interest meeting regarding Sally Cragin. No new business items are listed for discussion.

• Video presentation by Russell Karlstad
• Stratton Players performance
• Conflict of interest meeting with Sally Cragin

The Cemetery Trustee Board approved the June 16, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. Mayor DiNatale presented citations to the Laurel Hill Inventory Committee for 15 years of work preserving cemetery history. The board discussed funding for the next phase of fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery and purchasing another columbarium at Forest Hill Cemetery. A video presentation on mausoleum repairs was postponed until funding for architect design services (estimated $100,000) is secured.

• Approved June 16, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Presented citations to Laurel Hill Inventory Committee
• Discussed funding for next phase of fencing at Laurel Hill Cemetery
• Discussed purchasing another columbarium at Forest Hill Cemetery
• Postponed video presentation on mausoleum repairs until $100,000 architect funding secured

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will review the 90% construction documents reconciled cost estimate and consider approving the submission of these documents to the MSBA for review. An OPM report regarding the project budget and schedule will also be presented.

• Review 90% Construction Documents Reconciled Cost Estimate
• Approve 90% Construction Documents Submission to the MSBA
• OPM Report on budget and schedule

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC)

The committee will discuss revisions to the Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan vision statement and public survey. The meeting also includes an update on the Safe Streets for All Federal Grant Program application process.

• Revision of Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan vision and survey
• Update on Safe Streets for All Federal Grant Program application process
• Review of contract status reports for FTA, RTA, and MassDOT 3C
• Approval of July 13, 2022 minutes

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee is reviewing several petitions and an ordinance. Items include parking during snow emergencies, vacant property registration, and updates to city code.

• Petition to increase resident off-street parking during snow emergencies
• Amendment to City Code regarding Insurance Commission composition
• Rule for submitting public announcements 48 hours before meetings
• Ordinance for vacant property registration in Chapter 137
• Question for the November ballot regarding an annual road use fee

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several appropriation orders and loan requests. These include budget supplements for school, highway, and park services, alongside large-scale funding for infrastructure projects.

• $76,650,000 loan order revision for the construction of Crocker Elementary School at 200 Bigelow Road
• $40,000,000 loan order for Fitchburg Public Library renovation and reconstruction
• $393,000 budget supplement for school expenses, highway services, parks, and Medicare tax
• $136,206.03 appropriation to pay FATV franchise fees

Finance Committee

The Fitchburg City Council Finance Committee scheduled a regular meeting for September 14, 2022. This meeting has been cancelled.

Library Trustees

The meeting consists of routine administrative updates and committee reports. The Librarian’s Report will include MBLC ARPA and MBLC Earmark updates.

• MBLC ARPA and MBLC Earmark Reports
• Finance Committee Report
• Legislative Committee Report
• Building Committee Report
• Nominations Committee Report

MassHire North Central Workforce Board

The MassHire North Central Workforce Board of Directors will meet to approve the June 6, 2022, meeting minutes and a financial report. The agenda also includes board business updates and presentations regarding programs and MART.

• Approval of June 6, 2022, meeting minutes
• Financial report review (vote required)
• Program update presentation
• MART presentation

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee is considering several proposals, including using $5,000,000 in School Choice funds for the $76,650,000 Crocker Elementary School MSBA Core Project. The committee will also vote on increasing substitute teacher pay and accepting various grants and donations.

• Proposal to use $5,000,000 in School Choice funds for the $76,650,000 Crocker Elementary School MSBA Core Project
• Proposal to increase Substitute Teacher pay
• Acceptance of a $127,500 FY23 SEL & MH Grant
• Donation of 75 backpacks from J & R Glass Services Inc.
• Extension of Alicia Berrospe as Director of Special Education through June 30, 2025

City Council

The council is reviewing major loan orders for a new Crocker Elementary School and a public library renovation. The agenda also includes various city commission appointments and budget appropriations for public services.

• $76,650,000 loan order for Crocker Elementary School construction
• $40,000,000 loan order for Fitchburg Public Library renovation
• $393,000 appropriation for school, highway, and parks expenses
• Salary adjustments for City Solicitor and Assistant City Solicitor
• Appointment of interim Executive Director for the Council on Aging

The City Council unanimously approved two major loan orders: $76.65 million for a new Crocker Elementary School (MSBA Core Project) and $40 million for renovation of the Fitchburg Public Library. Both were referred to the Council as a Whole under suspension of the rules and passed 11-0. The council also adopted an ordinance allowing the police chief to appoint civilian traffic control specialists and approved salary increases for the city solicitor and assistant city solicitor.

• Approved $76.65M loan order for new Crocker Elementary School (11-0)
• Approved $40M loan order for Fitchburg Public Library renovation (11-0)
• Adopted ordinance allowing civilian traffic control specialists (11-0)
• Approved salary increases for City Solicitor to $103,525 and Assistant City Solicitor to $69,362 (11-0)
• Confirmed reappointment of George J. Bourque II to Council on Aging (unanimous consent)
• Referred 10 mayoral appointments to Appointments Committee (unanimous consent)
• Accepted Jennifer Brennan as Interim Executive Director of Council on Aging (unanimous consent)
• Approved $136,206.03 appropriation for FATV franchise fees and $393,000 for FY2023 budget supplements (11-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board will review a request from Jay’s Italian Ice to sell products at several parks during the Farmer’s Market. Members will also consider neighborhood improvement petitions from Bella Vista I and II Condominiums regarding public safety on John Fitch Highway. Additionally, officials will provide updates on the City’s Open Space and Recreation Plan and the search for a new Recreation Director.

• Vendor request for Jay’s Italian Ice at Coolidge, Coggshall, Parkhill, and Upper Common parks
• Petition 201-22 from Bella Vista I Condominiums regarding John Fitch Highway safety
• Petition 203-22 from Bella Vista II Condominiums regarding John Fitch Highway safety
• Update on the City’s Open Space and Recreation Plan
• Update on the search for a new Recreation Director

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is meeting to consider the re-appointment of George J. Bourque II to the Fitchburg Council on Aging. The term for this position expires March 2, 2025.

• Re-appointment of George J. Bourque II to the Fitchburg Council on Aging

License Commission

The Commission will review minutes from July and August meetings and consider several new license applications. These include requests for one-day alcohol permits, entertainment permits, and amusement devices. The meeting also includes a coffee license renewal.

• Special One Day Alcohol License for Fitchburg Historical Society at 781 Main Street
• Entertainment permits for Riverfront Park, Coggshall Stone House, and Coggshall Park
• Late closing permit and jukebox installation for The Cellar at 14 Mill Street
• New retail alcohol license application for L & L Restaurant Two, Inc. at 170 Whalon Street
• Strong Style Coffee License Renewal

The Fitchburg License Commission approved several special one-day licenses, entertainment permits, and late-closing permits, all by unanimous 2-0 votes. It also scheduled a public hearing for a new all-alcohol beverage license for L & L Restaurant Two, Inc. No action was taken on the Strong Style Coffee license renewal.

• Approved amended special one-day license for Fitchburg Historical Society fundraiser (2-0)
• Approved amended entertainment permit for The Cellar (2-0)
• Approved amended entertainment permits for Riverfront Park and Mill Street Stage (2-0)
• Approved amended entertainment permit for Coggshall Stone House (2-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for Coggshall Park wedding (2-0)
• Approved amended entertainment permit for Fitchburg State University Quad (2-0)
• Approved late closing permit for The Cellar (2-0)
• Approved automatic amusement device applications for The Cellar, Funstuf Party Place, and British American Club (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings for several development projects, including a large warehouse and self-storage facility. They will also discuss wastewater infrastructure repairs on multiple streets and wetland enforcement policies.

• Proposed 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• CSO separation/rehab for Main, Chestnut, School, Park, Arlington, and Caldwell Streets
• Self-storage facility proposal at 299 Lunenburg St.
• New single-family dwellings at Lots 1, 2, 3 & 8 Sheldon Rd.
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The committee will receive a report on school district safety from Officer Bourne. The meeting also includes reviews of enrollment, personnel changes, and various subcommittee reports.

• Officer Bourne Report on School District Safety
• Personnel updates including retirements, resignations, and appointments
• Subcommittee reports on policy, capital improvements, and financial planning

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Policy Sub Committee will meet to review several school district policies. Discussions include topics such as online fundraising, meeting procedures, and nondiscrimination. No specific recommendations for new or revised policies are listed on this agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 27, 2002
• Online Fundraising and Crowdfunding Policy 1302.02
• Procedures During Meetings Policy #6502.01
• Policies regarding nondiscrimination, harassment, and disability
• Prohibition of Tobacco and Drugs on School Premises

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will discuss potential pay increases for tutors and substitute teachers. Members will also review a draft teacher mentoring program MOU and receive an update on the Crocker Elementary School Core Project.

• Proposal to increase tutor rate from $25 to $45 for licensed teachers and $35 for non-licensed personnel
• Discussion regarding possible increase to substitute teacher compensation
• Review of Draft Mentoring Program MOU
• Update on Crocker Elementary School Core Project and potential funding proposal
• Possible motion to approve a 12-month clerical role as a principal's secretary

Fitchburg Public Schools

The School Committee will consider several federal and state grants for the 2023 fiscal year. The meeting includes updates on redistricting, the Crocker Elementary School Project, and summer programs. Members will also vote on accepting donations for school equipment and scholarships.

• Acceptance of FY23 Federal Grant Allocations including $2,664,864 for Title I
• Acceptance of Healthy Schools Program ($10,000) and Open Sci-Ed Field Test ($33,280) grants
• $7,705 donation from Reingold PTO for picnic tables and mulch
• $10,000 donation for the FPS/FSU Teacher Pipeline Scholarship
• Superintendent's report on redistricting and Crocker Elementary School Project Update

License Commission

The Fitchburg License Commission is considering an application for a special one-day license. The request involves serving wine and malt beverages for a restaurant grand opening.

• Special One Day License for Wine & Malt Beverages at 27 Airport Road

The Board of License Commissioners approved a Special One Day License for Wine & Malt Beverages for a restaurant grand opening at 27 Airport Road on August 26, 2022. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 2-0, with Commissioner Sarefield and Commissioner Boscardin voting in favor. Commissioner Zarrella and FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe were absent.

• Approved Special One Day License for Wine & Malt Beverages for Joan Gomez Serrano's restaurant grand opening at 27 Airport Road, Fitchburg MA, on August 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (vote 2-0)

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will review plans for 303 Williams Rd. that do not require formal approval. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Plans for 303 Williams Rd., Karis

The Planning Board approved an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a lot split at 303 Williams Road, creating a conforming 65,001 sq. ft. lot from a 7.6-acre parcel in the Rural Residential zoning district. The vote was 5-0 in favor, authorizing staff to sign the plan. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved ANR plan for 303 Williams Rd lot split (5-0)

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The special meeting of the Fitchburg Trustees of Public Burial Grounds scheduled for August 25, 2022, was canceled due to a lack of quorum. No business was conducted or decided.

Historical Commission

The commission will review an informal design presentation for the Fitchburg Public Library renovation and addition. The agenda includes updates on studies regarding demolition delay and stone wall preservation ordinances. Members will also discuss historic documentation for Simonds Saw and Steel.

• Design presentation for Fitchburg Public Library renovation and addition
• Fay Club Application for Non-Applicability
• Updates on Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation ordinance studies
• Historic documentation sponsorship for Simonds Saw and Steel on Intervale Rd.
• Review of proposals for new historic marker sign makers

The commission approved a Certificate of Non-Applicability for the Fay Club's repair work (unanimous). They discussed next steps for a proposed demolition delay ordinance and a stone wall preservation ordinance, both still in draft. The commission also received an informal presentation on the Fitchburg Public Library's proposed renovation and addition, which will preserve the building's historic features.

• Approved Certificate of Non-Applicability for Fay Club repair and restoration work (6-0)
• Discussed but did not vote on demolition delay ordinance draft
• Discussed but did not vote on stone wall preservation ordinance draft
• Received informal presentation on Fitchburg Public Library renovation and addition; formal presentation to follow

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will meet to discuss council membership and approve prior meeting minutes. The council also plans to vote on the 2022 public input results and priorities.

• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes
• Discussion of new council membership
• Vote on FCC 2022 Public Input Results / Priorities
• Review of FCC 2022 FOS

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board will review approvals for retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers. The meeting also includes reviews of financial statements and discussions regarding the 2% COLA base.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers
• Review of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Discussion of 2% COLA and COLA base
• Vacation buy backs
• Stone Consulting Actuary review

The Fitchburg Retirement Board voted unanimously to request Stone Consulting prepare a funding schedule showing a COLA base of $14,000, a 7% discount rate, and a 6% annual increase. The board also approved four retirement applications, admitted 10 new members, and tabled discussions on recent legislative amendments pending PERAC guidance.

• Approved request for Stone Consulting to prepare COLA base funding schedule (5-0)
• Approved Joyce Glenny's superannuation retirement, Option A, effective July 29, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Debra A. Cleary's superannuation retirement, Option A, effective August 10, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Theresa E. Kazanjian's superannuation retirement, Option A, effective August 15, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Brenda M. Breau's superannuation retirement, Option C, effective August 22, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Luz M. Rios' superannuation retirement, Option A, effective August 30, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved 10 new members pending verification of two job titles (5-0)
• Approved sending letter to Jude Chabot regarding military service buyback (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider an application for a one-day entertainment permit. The request is for live amplified music and a DJ at 820 Main Street on August 20, 2022.

• One-day entertainment permit application for House of Grace and Restoration at 820 Main Street

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a one-day entertainment permit for House of Grace and Restoration's backpack giveaway on August 20, 2022, with a 3-0 vote. The commission could not approve a similar permit for Redemption Community Church's August 21 event because required approvals from the Fire Chief and Building Inspector were missing; the church withdrew its request for amplified music.

• Approved Monday-Saturday entertainment permit for House of Grace and Restoration, Aug 20, 8AM-4PM (3-0)
• Denied Sunday entertainment permit for Redemption Community Church due to missing Fire Chief and Building Inspector approvals

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will review updates to the Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan and discuss goals for the Regional Transportation Plan. The meeting includes action on Amendment #6 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transit Element. An update regarding the Safe Streets for All Action Plan grant application is also scheduled.

• Action on Amendment #6 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transit Element
• Review of Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan vision and goals
• Safe Streets for All Action Plan Grant Application update
• MassDOT Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan update

The Montachusett MPO unanimously approved amendment #6 to the FFY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which includes cost changes to seven transit projects and the addition of one new project for MART replacement vehicles. No public comments were received during the 21-day comment period. The board also discussed the draft vision statement for the 2024 Regional Transportation Plan and reviewed a grant application for a Safe Streets for All Action Plan.

• Approved amendment #6 to the FFY 2022-2026 TIP (unanimous)
• Approved July 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for October 19, 2022 (consensus to skip September)

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will meet to discuss new membership and organizational matters. The agenda includes votes on the council's by-laws, a PR subcommittee, and the Winter Bazaar. Members will also review 2022 public input results and receive grantee updates.

• Vote on 2022 Public Input Results and Priorities
• Vote on FCC By-Laws
• Vote on Winter Bazaar
• Council membership updates
• Grantee updates, modifications, and extensions

City Council

The City Council will review appointments for poll workers and council leadership. The agenda includes discussions on police presence at polling locations and eminent domain for the Circle Street Bridge Replacement Project. A petition regarding an annual road use fee for the November ballot will also be considered.

• Eminent domain for Circle Street Bridge Replacement Project (Circle, Broad, and Main Streets)
• Petition to place an annual road use fee question on the November General Election ballot
• Ordinance regarding the appointment of civilian traffic control specialists by the Police Chief
• Police officer assignments for polling locations per the VOTES Act

The City Council approved an eminent domain order for the Circle Street Bridge Replacement Project, adopted an ordinance creating civilian traffic control specialists, and confirmed poll worker appointments. A petition to place a road use fee question on the November ballot was referred to the Legislative Affairs Committee after a motion to suspend rules failed.

• Approved eminent domain for Circle Street Bridge Replacement Project (9-0)
• Adopted ordinance for civilian traffic control specialists (8-0)
• Confirmed poll worker appointments for Sept 2022-Aug 2023 (8-0)
• Adopted order assigning police officers to polling locations per VOTES Act (8-0)
• Referred petition 222-22 (road use fee ballot question) to Legislative Affairs Committee
• Motion to take petition 222-22 out of order failed (5-3)
• Motion to suspend rules to not refer petition 222-22 to committee failed (5-4)

Appointments Committee

The Special Appointments Committee will consider new appointments for poll workers. These positions cover the period from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Appointees are scheduled to be sworn in during training sessions.

• New appointments of poll workers

Conservation Commission

The Fitchburg Conservation Commission will conduct an in-person site walk to review a Notice of Intent. The review concerns a proposed self-storage facility located in the Riverfront Area.

• Notice of Intent for a proposed self-storage facility at 299 Lunenburg St.

License Commission

The Board of License Commissioners is reviewing an entertainment permit application for the Common Ground Basketball Tournament. The request includes live amplified music and a DJ for a one-day event.

• Entertainment permit for Common Ground Basketball Tournament at 55 North Street
• Request for live amplified music and a DJ on August 13, 2022

The Board of License Commissioners approved a special one-day entertainment permit for LUK Inc.'s Common Ground Basketball Tournament, allowing live amplified music and a DJ at Fitz Memorial Park on August 13, 2022. The motion passed unanimously with a 2-0 vote, with Commissioner Zarrella absent. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved special one-day entertainment permit for LUK Inc. basketball tournament (2-0)

Library Trustees

The Public Library Board of Trustees will meet to review committee reports and discuss new business. The board is scheduled to vote on the RFID Project and the FY23 Trust Fund Budget.

• Vote on RFID Project
• Vote on FY23 Trust Fund Budget
• Building Project discussion
• Committee reports from Finance, Legislative, and Building committees

The board voted to use up to $7,500 in MBLC State Aid funds to cover a deficit in MBLC ARPA funds that must be spent by September. They also approved the Trust Fund Budget and the minutes from June 8, 2022. Discussions included temporary library spaces during construction and a fundraising plan targeting $3.5 million for furniture and landscaping.

• Approved using up to $7,500 in MBLC State Aid funds to cover ARPA deficit
• Approved the Trust Fund Budget
• Approved minutes of June 8, 2022

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will review several site plans, including a large-scale solar array on Alpine Road and 24 multifamily units at 0 Summer Street. The meeting also includes discussions on a minor zoning change for financial institutions and road repaving updates.

• Large-Scale Solar Array on Alpine Rd.
• 24 multifamily units at 0 Summer St.
• Parking relief for retail/restaurant at 143-149 Clarendon St.
• Minor zoning change regarding Banking and Financial Institutions
• Revised driveway at 418 Alpine Rd.

The Planning Board approved a special permit for a 6.6 MW solar array on Alpine Road (7-0), a special permit with conditions for a convenience store and restaurant at 143-149 Clarendon St. with off-site parking (7-0), and endorsed a minor zoning correction to restore banks as a permitted use in commercial spaces (6-0). A public hearing for a 24-unit multifamily building at 0 Summer St. was continued to September 27 after board and public opposition to the design.

• Approved special permit for Northeast Solar Development solar array on Alpine Rd. (7-0)
• Approved special permit for convenience store/restaurant at 143-149 Clarendon St. with off-site parking conditions (7-0)
• Endorsed minor zoning correction to fix error in Use Table re: Banks (6-0)
• Re-appointed Alyne Butland as MRPC representative (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 60 & 70 Scott Rd. re-subdivision (6-0)
• Approved Scenic Road Act revisions for driveway at 418 Alpine Rd. (6-0)
• Continued hearing for 24-unit multifamily at 0 Summer St. to Sept. 27 (7-0)

Cultural Council

The Public Relations Subcommittee will discuss the future of the subcommittee and recap a Community Input Meeting. The meeting also covers updates on programs such as Fitchburg Open Studios and the Winter Bazaar. No votes or deliberations are scheduled for this meeting.

• Future of PR Subcommittee
• Fitchburg Open Studios
• Winter Bazaar
• Creative Meet & Greet
• FCC TV updates

Retirement Board

This special meeting is an executive session regarding personnel matters. The board will discuss the annual salary increase for the Retirement Administrator.

• Annual salary increase for the Retirement Administrator

The Fitchburg Retirement Board held a special meeting to reconsider the annual salary increase for the Retirement Administrator. After discussing salary survey data and entering executive session, the board unanimously approved a tiered salary increase: $95,000 effective July 1, 2022, $98,000 effective January 1, 2023, and $102,000 effective July 1, 2023. The board also discussed legislative updates and agreed to invite an attorney to a future meeting.

• Approved tiered salary increase for Retirement Administrator (5-0)
• Agreed to invite Thomas Gibson, Esq. to review recent legislation
• Discussed legislative updates pending PERAC guidance

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will receive updates regarding the library building use and the director position. The council will also distribute meeting times for 2022-2023.

• Library Building Use Update
• Director Position Update
• Distribution of 2022-2023 meeting times

The Fitchburg Council on Aging board confirmed George Bourque as chair, received an update that the Senior Center will not be used for library relocation, and addressed operational gaps in the absence of an executive director. The board approved motions giving itself oversight of daily operations, restricting expenditure approvals, requiring a board member to obtain ServSafe certification, and keeping the cafe closed until certified staff return. It also agreed to research the principal clerk's reporting structure and prohibited any policy changes until a new executive director is hired.

• Confirmed George Bourque as Chair for FY 2023
• Approved motion: COA BOD has oversight of office, kitchen, and cafe in absence of ED
• Approved motion: Treasurer receives receipts and approves non-daily expenditures with BOD Chair consent in absence of ED
• Approved motion: Josie Woods to obtain ServSafe certification
• Approved motion: No policy changes or expenditure authorizations by Principal Clerk until reporting structure clarified
• Approved motion: Cafe remains closed until Matt or Pat return or another kitchen staff becomes ServSafe certified

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold public hearings on several infrastructure repairs and new residential developments. Items include water main replacement on Battles St. and soil borings for New England Power. The meeting also includes reviews of permit extensions and compliance certificates.

• Notice of Intent for new single-family dwellings at 8 Sheldon Rd.
• Water main replacement on Battles St. by Leominster DPW
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW
• Soil borings under transmission lines by New England Power
• Drainage issue resolution at 121 Billings Rd.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The committee will review reports from the Superintendent-Director and Principal regarding enrollment and graduation plans. Members will also consider accepting several state grants and approving equipment leases. Subcommittee reports on policy and capital improvements are also scheduled.

• Acceptance of Mass Life Science Grant
• Acceptance of FY23 Skills Capital Grant
• Acceptance of FY23 Perkins Program Improvement and Equipment Grant
• Approval of Business Tech, CAD/Drafting, and Chromebook leases
• Review of Class of 2022 post-graduation plans

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee Resource Committee is reviewing proposals for a new crossing guard at Memorial Middle School and a 12-month clerical position. The meeting also includes an enrollment update and a discussion regarding increasing wages for extra-curricular supervision.

• Proposal to add a crossing guard at Memorial Middle School at $14.50 per hour
• Proposal to create a 12-month Network Specialist clerical role
• Proposal to increase hourly wages for extra-curricular/game supervision
• Enrollment update from Eva Kelly
• Approval of July 20, 2022, Resource Sub-Committee minutes

Historical Commission

The commission will welcome a new member and review past meeting minutes. The agenda also includes updates on proposed ordinances for demolition delay and stone wall preservation.

• Welcome Andrew Lipasti as a new commission member
• Updates on proposed Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation ordinance drafts
• Historic documentation update for Simonds Saw and Steel on Intervale Rd.
• Discussion regarding Wallace Building entry stones reuse
• Monument Park Local Historic District Design Guidelines notification

The Fitchburg Historical Commission approved revised cell phone work on the Duck Mill chimney (6-0), after reviewing an engineering company's request. The commission also approved minutes from four prior meetings, discussed a complaint about late minutes posting, and tabled updates on demolition delay and stone wall ordinances.

• Approved revised cell phone work on Duck Mill chimney (6-0)
• Approved January 27, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved February 24, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved March 31, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved April 28, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Tabled demolition delay ordinance update to next meeting
• Tabled stone wall ordinance update to next meeting
• Tabled Simonds Saw & Steel historic documentation update

Finance Committee

The Fitchburg City Council Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2022, has been cancelled.

Retirement Board

This meeting consists of procedural items including the approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers. The board will also review warrants, accounting, bank statements, and minutes.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers
• Approval of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Review of deaths
• New members

Public Works Committee

The Fitchburg Public Works Committee will review new petitions regarding street parking on Boulder Drive and sidewalk repairs in Stoneybrook Village. The committee will also revisit held requests for a streetlight on Boylston Street and traffic changes at Victoria Lane.

• Ordinance to prohibit parking on Boulder Drive
• Neighborhood improvement petitions for Bella Vista I and II Condominiums
• Sidewalk repairs in Stoneybrook Village from 170 to 108 Village Crossing
• Request to remove 'No Turn on Red' sign at John T. Cetrino Memorial Drive and Water Street
• Proposed streetlight installation on Boylston Street

The Public Works Committee approved an ordinance amendment to remove parking on Boulder Drive to accommodate two-way traffic and bike lanes. They also approved a crosswalk proposal for John Fitch Highway, subject to funding, and forwarded other neighborhood improvement requests to other committees. Several other petitions were held pending traffic studies or further review.

• Approved ordinance 199-22 to amend parking prohibitions on Boulder Drive (3-0)
• Approved proposal 1 of petition 201-22 for crosswalk on John Fitch Highway, pending funding (3-0)
• Forwarded proposals 2-6 of petition 201-22 to Public Safety Committee and Parks Board (3-0)
• Approved petition 202-22 to fix sidewalks in Stoneybrook Village (3-0)
• Approved proposal 1 of petition 203-22 for crosswalk on John Fitch Highway, pending funding (3-0)
• Forwarded proposals 2-6 of petition 203-22 to Public Safety Committee and Parks Board (3-0)
• Held petition 089-20 regarding 'No Turn on Red' sign pending traffic study (3-0)
• Held petition 027-22 for streetlight on Boylston Street (3-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will review new petitions regarding parking prohibitions on Boulder Drive and sidewalk repairs in Stoneybrook Village. The committee will also discuss neighborhood improvement requests from residents at 875 and 855 John Fitch Highway. Additionally, members will revisit held petitions concerning traffic signs and streetlights.

• Ordinance amending parking prohibitions on Boulder Drive
• Neighborhood improvement petitions for Bella Vista I and II Condominiums
• Sidewalk repairs in Stoneybrook Village near 170 Village Crossing
• Removal of 'No Turn on Red' sign at John T. Cetrino Memorial Drive and Water Street
• Installation of a streetlight on Boylston Street

The Public Works Committee met on July 26, 2022, and voted to approve the minutes from the May 31, 2022 meeting. The committee reviewed four new petitions, including a parking ordinance amendment for Boulder Drive and neighborhood improvement requests from Bella Vista I and II condominiums, but took no final action on them. Three previously held petitions (No Turn on Red sign, streetlight installation, and a 4-way stop) were carried over without decision.

• Approved minutes from 5/31/22 meeting
• Reviewed petition 199-22 (parking prohibition on Boulder Drive) - no action
• Reviewed petition 201-22 (Bella Vista I neighborhood improvements) - no action
• Reviewed petition 202-22 (sidewalk repairs in Stoneybrook Village) - no action
• Reviewed petition 203-22 (Bella Vista II neighborhood improvements) - no action
• Held petition 089-20 (No Turn on Red sign) - no action
• Held petition 027-22 (streetlight on Boylston St) - no action
• Held petition 093-22 (4-way stop at Victoria Lane) - no action

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will hold its July meeting at the Fitchburg Art Museum. The agenda includes a session for public input regarding the council's 2022 activities.

• FCC 2022 Public Input Meeting

Water & Wastewater Commission

The Water & Wastewater Commission will discuss new EPA health advisories regarding PFAS and groundwater contamination in Westminster. The agenda also includes updates on the West Plant refurbishing proposal and resident complaints regarding odors from Greif Paper.

• PFAS health advisories and groundwater contamination in Westminster
• West Plant Refurbishing update following a meeting with Synagro
• Resident complaints regarding Greif Paper odors
• Update on the Rain Barrel Program, noting 81 barrels sold
• Scheduled EPA/MADEP site visit to the East Plant

The Fitchburg Water/Wastewater Commission approved the June 15, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. No public forum was held. The commission received updates on PFAS levels (in compliance), drought conditions, material shortages, and wastewater projects, but took no substantive votes beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Commission will review the Airport Master Plan update and Draft Airport Layout Plan. The agenda also includes discussions regarding hangar RFPs and airport land readiness.

• Review of Airport Master Plan update and Draft Airport Layout Plan
• Discussion regarding RFP for 7 to 9 hangars
• Update on Fitchburg Pilots Association Young Eagles program
• Review of Mass Development Site Readiness - Airport Land
• Approval of financial commitments and abatements

The Fitchburg Airport Commission approved Gale's priority option list (1-5) for keeping the Environmental Assessment and Wildlife Hazard Assessment on track for FY-2022, with Option 1 (FAA approval of ALP and grant in August) as preferred. They also approved a backup generator capable of powering the entire administration building including the flight school, and allowed Ken MacLean to proceed with an HVAC grant for Building 18. No other substantive decisions were made; most other items were updates or actions deferred.

• Approved Gale priority option list for EA/WHA funding (4-0)
• Approved backup generator to power entire admin building including flight school (4-0)
• Approved Ken MacLean's HVAC grant application for Building 18 (4-0)
• Accepted June 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Fitchburg Conservation Commission will conduct in-person site walks to review Notices of Intent. These reviews include the new Crocker Elementary School at 200 Bigelow Rd and four single-family dwellings near Sheldon Rd.

• Site walk for new Crocker Elementary School, 200 Bigelow Rd
• Site walk for four new single-family dwellings at Lots 1, 2, 3, and 8 Sheldon Rd

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will discuss redistricting updates and capital projects, including the Crocker Elementary Project. The agenda also includes motions to approve an $18,000 lease extension at McKay ES and $35,389 for mission apparel.

• Motion to approve $18,000 lease extension at McKay ES
• Motion to approve $35,389 for FPS mission apparel
• $10,000 donation from Fitchburg Educational Foundation
• Crocker Elementary Project update
• Redistricting update

Fitchburg Public Schools

The School Committee will discuss redistricting updates, capital projects, and the Crocker Elementary Project. The meeting includes motions to approve a lease extension at McKay Elementary School and funds for school mission apparel.

• Motion to approve $18,000 lease extension at McKay ES
• Motion to approve $35,389 for FPS mission apparel
• $10,000 donation from Fitchburg Educational Foundation
• Updates on redistricting and Crocker Elementary Project

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO voted unanimously to release TIP Amendment #6 for a 21-day public review and comment period. The amendment includes cost changes to seven transit projects and adds one new project for MART replacement vehicles. The board also approved the June 15, 2022 minutes and discussed the RTP vision statement and survey.

• Approved June 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Released TIP Amendment #6 for 21-day public review (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The council will hold a public input meeting and grantee reception. The agenda also includes a vote on FCC By-Laws and reviews of grantee updates, modifications, or extensions.

• Vote on FCC By-Laws
• FCC 2022 Public Input Meeting / Grantee Reception
• Review of FCC 2022 FOS
• Grantee updates, modifications, and extensions

The City Council approved a $4.8 million loan order for an accelerated repair project at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School to replace windows and doors. The council also adopted multiple orders, including a $50,000 transfer for police building renovation design services, several grant expenditures for substance misuse prevention, public health, and airport improvements, and a $397,000 transfer to cover health insurance costs. Additionally, the council authorized the Mayor to negotiate a host agreement with Speedy Cannabis for a marijuana delivery service, and approved appointments to various boards and commissions.

• Approved $4.8M loan for Longsjo Middle School repairs (9-0)
• Adopted $50,000 transfer for police building renovation design (9-0)
• Adopted $125,000 grant for youth substance misuse prevention (9-0)
• Adopted $300,000 grant for public health network expansion (9-0)
• Adopted $397,000 transfer for health insurance (9-0)
• Authorized Mayor to negotiate host agreement with Speedy Cannabis (9-0)
• Granted Class II Dealer's License to Desilets Auto Inc. (9-0)
• Confirmed appointments to Historical Commission, ZBA, Conservation Commission, and police officers (9-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several grant expenditures and budget transfers, including funds for public health and police capital. The agenda includes a final reading on a $4.8 million loan for window and door repairs at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School. Additionally, the council will consider various municipal appointments.

• $4,800,000 loan for window and door repairs at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School
• $397,000 transfer to health insurance from various municipal accounts
• Grant approvals for public health, airport maintenance, and police services
• Class II Dealer’s License petition for Desilets Auto Inc at 650 John Fitch Highway
• Proposed cannabis manufacturing facility by Speedy Cannabis at 339 River Street

The City Council approved a $4.8 million loan order for an accelerated repair project at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School to replace windows and doors. The council also adopted multiple finance orders, including transfers and grant expenditures, and authorized the Mayor to negotiate a host agreement with Speedy Cannabis for a marijuana delivery service. Appointments to various boards and commissions were confirmed.

• Approved $4.8M loan for Longsjo Middle School repairs (9-0)
• Authorized Mayor to negotiate host agreement with Speedy Cannabis for delivery service (9-0)
• Adopted $50,000 transfer for police building renovation design services (9-0)
• Approved $125,000 grant expenditure for substance misuse prevention (9-0)
• Approved $300,000 grant for public health shared services (9-0)
• Approved $16,666 grant for homelessness and overdose assistance (9-0)
• Approved multiple MassDOT Aeronautics grants for airport repairs (9-0)
• Granted Class II Dealer's License to Desilets Auto Inc. (9-0)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is reviewing candidates for several municipal positions. This includes appointments to the Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission, as well as full-time student police officers.

• Appointment of Andrew Lipasti to the Fitchburg Historical Commission
• Appointment of Eric Chartrand to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appointment of James Reynolds to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appointment of Joyce Jacobs to the Conservation Commission
• Appointments for full-time student police officers in the Fitchburg Police Department

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider a petition from Desilets Auto Inc. The request is for a Class II Dealer's License at 650 John Fitch Highway.

• Petition for a Class II Dealer’s License by Desilets Auto Inc at 650 John Fitch Highway

License Commission

The License Commission will review several new solicitor applications and special one-day event permits. A public hearing is scheduled regarding a new restaurant license for the Fitchburg Diner on Westminster Street. The commission will also consider an amendment for the Knights of Columbus.

• Public hearing for a wine and malt beverage license at 131 Westminster Street
• Special one-day licenses for Fitchburg State University events
• Entertainment permit for a dog park fundraiser at 198 Townsend Street
• Solicitor applications for Power Home Remodeling representatives
• Reconsideration of ownership and officer changes for Knights of Columbus

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a new on-premises wine and malt beverage license for Fitchburg Diner, LLC, at 131 Westminster Street, by a unanimous 3-0 vote. The commission also approved solicitor licenses for four Power Home Remodeling applicants, a one-day entertainment permit for a dog park fundraiser, and four special one-day liquor licenses for Fitchburg State University events. A solicitor application for Ragnar Koplimaa was continued to the September 6 meeting, and a reconsideration for Knights of Columbus was approved.

• Approved Fitchburg Diner on-premises wine & malt beverage license (3-0)
• Approved solicitor licenses for Brunache, Malho, Mejia, Montbleau (3-0)
• Continued Ragnar Koplimaa solicitor application to Sept 6 (3-0)
• Approved Monday-Saturday entertainment permit for Friends of Fitchburg Dogs (3-0)
• Approved special one-day liquor license for FSU Casino Semi Formal Night (3-0)
• Approved special one-day liquor license for FSU 50th Reunion Reception (3-0)
• Approved special one-day liquor license for FSU Hall of Fame Lunch (3-0)
• Approved special one-day liquor license for Dog Park Fundraiser (3-0)

License Commission

The License Commission will hold a hearing regarding an application from Fitchburg Diner, LLC. The request is for a new restaurant general on-premises wine and malt beverage license for 131 Westminster Street.

• New restaurant wine and malt beverage license application for Fitchburg Diner, LLC

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Crocker Elementary School Building Committee will review 60% construction documents and reconciled cost estimates. The committee will also vote on members for a contractor prequalification subcommittee.

• Review of 60% construction documents reconciled cost estimate
• Approval of 60% construction documents submission to MSBA
• Vote on Contractor Prequalification Subcommittee members
• OPM Report from Colliers

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC)

The committee will discuss potential adjustments to the 2022-2026 Transit Element. Members will also review the Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan update and Safe Streets for All federal grant program requirements. Additionally, the meeting includes an election of officers.

• Discussion on FFY 2022-2026 TIP Transit Element Amendment #6
• Review of Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan vision and survey
• Review of Safe Streets for All Federal Grant Program requirements
• Election of committee officers
• Contract status reports for FTA, RTA, and MassDOT 3C

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Policy Subcommittee will review meeting notes from May 10, 2022. The committee is scheduled to discuss priority policy reviews regarding equal opportunities, homelessness, military children, and foster care. Members will also receive status updates on policies currently under review with legal counsel or administration.

• Review of May 10, 2022 meeting notes
• Priority policy review for Equal Opportunities (JB)
• Priority policy review for Homeless students (JFABD)
• Priority policy review for Military Children (JFABE)
• Priority policy review for Foster care (JFABF)

Disability Commission

The Fitchburg Disability Commission will discuss updates to the Accessible Art Project and a plan to redesign the Disability Brochure. The agenda also includes announcements regarding regional meetings and local community events.

• Accessible Art Project update
• Disability Brochure redesign
• Canton Valley Community Apartments groundbreaking ceremony notice
• Regional Commission on Disability meeting information

The Fitchburg Disability Commission voted to move its monthly meetings from 1:30pm to a morning time frame of 9:30/10:00am, pending room availability. The commission also voted to hold sensory-friendly movies and a holiday ornament class in December. Several other items were discussed or tabled, including a brochure revision and curb cut requests.

• Voted to hold meetings in the morning timeframe of 9:30/10:00am
• Voted to hold Sensory Friendly movies
• Voted to hold Holiday Ornament Class in December
• Tabled brochure revision pending design and cost review

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing several orders to approve additional grant funds and budget transfers. These items include funding for public health initiatives, substance misuse prevention, and airport infrastructure repairs.

• Transfer of $50,000 for police building renovation designer services
• Additional $125,000 grant for youth substance misuse prevention
• Additional $300,000 grant for Montachusett Public Health Network shared services
• Additional $16,666 grant for homelessness and overdose prevention assistance
• MassDOT Aeronautics Division grants for hangar repairs and camera upgrades

The Finance Committee unanimously approved all nine orders on the agenda, including a $50,000 transfer for police station design services, four MassDOT Aeronautics grants for airport improvements, and several public health grant expansions. All votes were unanimous with no opposition.

• Approved $50,000 transfer for police station design services (unanimous)
• Approved $125,000 substance misuse prevention grant expansion (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 Public Health Excellence grant expansion (unanimous)
• Approved $16,666 substance addiction services grant expansion (unanimous)
• Approved $4,400 airport camera upgrade grant (unanimous)
• Approved $114,400 airport hangar roof repair grant (unanimous)
• Approved $48,400 airport hangar door repair grant (unanimous)
• Approved $8,160 airport fuel farm upgrade grant (unanimous)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board will review several department reports, including the Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund and Coggshall Park. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a proposed Public Art in the Parks policy and park rules signage.

• Discussion on proposal to create Public Art in the Parks Policy and Application Process
• Updates on Park Rules Signage
• Review of department reports including Coggshall Park and Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund

License Commission

The Fitchburg License Commission is reviewing several new applications for entertainment permits and one-day alcohol licenses. The agenda also includes a reconsideration of ownership changes for The Boulder and a continued taxi driver application.

• Entertainment permits for Holy Trinity Greek Church and NewVue Communities
• Sunday entertainment permit for Ethos Cannabis at 20 Authority Drive
• One-day alcohol licenses for a Greek Festival and a cornhole tournament
• Ownership and officer changes for The Boulder at 880 Main Street
• Taxi driver application for Kendrick Tyerrell Chestnut of City Cab Co.

The Fitchburg License Commission approved several entertainment and alcohol licenses, including permits for the Holy Trinity Greek Church festival and a cannabis business event, and denied a taxi driver application due to the applicant's absence. The meeting was cut short at 6:35 PM, with remaining agenda items moved to July 18.

• Approved Eastwood Club pool table application (3-0)
• Approved Holy Trinity Greek Church entertainment permit for Sept 16-17 (3-0)
• Approved NewVue Communities entertainment permit for Aug 2, 3-7 PM (3-0)
• Approved Ethos Cannabis Sunday entertainment permit for July 10 (3-0)
• Approved Holy Trinity Greek Church one-day alcohol license for Sept 16-17 (3-0)
• Withdrawn: Thirsty Robot Brewing Co. one-day license application
• Approved Upper Common Inc. amendment for change of officers (3-0)
• Denied Kendrick Tyerrell Chestnut taxi driver application (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission will review several Notices of Intent and Requests for Determination of Applicability. Proposed projects include a 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St. and the construction of a new Crocker Elementary School. Other items involve repairs to an Arbor Way retaining wall and new single-family dwellings on Sheldon Rd.

• Proposed 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse & distribution building at 0 Crawford St.
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW
• Construction of new Crocker Elementary School at 200 Bigelow Rd.
• Four new single-family dwellings at Lots 1, 2, 3, and 8 Sheldon Rd.
• Soil borings under transmission lines for New England Power

Cultural Council

The Public Relations Subcommittee will discuss community engagement and upcoming events. Topics include Fitchburg Open Studios, FCC TV, and newsletter progress. No deliberations or votes are scheduled for this meeting.

• Fitchburg Open Studios
• FCC TV updates
• Newsletter update
• Community Input Meeting
• Surveying and tabling opportunities

City Council

The Fitchburg City Council will review several financial orders, including a $4.8 million loan order for window and door replacements at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School. The agenda also includes various grant expenditures for public health and aeronautics, as well as appointments to city commissions.

• $4,800,000 loan order for the Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School Accelerated Repair Project
• Grants for substance misuse prevention ($125,000) and public health services ($300,000)
• Declaration of properties as excess for the Side Yard Sales Program
• Appointment of Barbara Slattery to the Fitchburg Disability Commission
• Class II Dealer’s License petition for Desilets Auto Inc. at 650 John Fitch Highway

The City Council approved several property dispositions, including auctioning 0 Clarendon Street and selling 80 Lunenburg St. to WCHR, and advanced a $4.8 million loan order for the Longsjo Middle School window and door replacement to a second reading. The council also adopted three finance orders, including a $2,810.60 grant for child safety seats and two budget transfers, and confirmed Barbara Slattery to the Disability Commission.

• Confirmed Barbara Slattery to Disability Commission (unanimous)
• Denied sideyard sale for 0 Clarendon St., ordered auction (unanimous)
• Approved RFP for 110 Fairmount St. and 137 Blossom St. (unanimous)
• Approved sideyard sales for 12 Martel, 223 Mechanic, 46 Mt. Vernon, 10 Northmen Passway, 70 Clarendon (unanimous)
• Granted petition for WCHR to purchase 80 Lunenburg St. (unanimous)
• Declared 0 Sawmill Pond Road surplus (unanimous)
• Adopted orders 195-197: $2,810.60 grant, $12,000 and $13,500 transfers (unanimous)
• Advanced $4.8M Longsjo Middle School loan to second reading (10-0)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is considering a new appointment to the Fitchburg Disability Commission. The proposed term for Ms. Barbara Slattery expires July 1, 2025.

• New appointment to the Fitchburg Disability Commission: Ms. Barbara Slattery

Historical Commission

The commission will review minutes from early 2021 and discuss proposed ordinances regarding demolition delays and stone wall preservation. The meeting includes updates on historic documentation for Simonds Saw and Steel and the reuse of Wallace Building entry stones.

• Proposed Demolition Delay ordinance draft update
• Proposed Stone Wall Preservation ordinance draft update
• Historic documentation for Simonds Saw and Steel on Intervale Rd.
• Reuse of Wallace Building entry stones
• Review of proposed letter to Monument Park Local Historic District property owners

The Fitchburg Historical Commission did not hold its scheduled June 30, 2022 meeting because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.

City Property Committee

The City Property Committee will consider declaring several properties as excess for the Side Yard Sales Program. The committee will also review a proposal from WCHR to purchase 80 Lunenburg St. and a request to declare 0 Sawmill Pond Road as surplus property.

• Declaring properties excess for the Side Yard Sales Program
• Proposal from WCHR to purchase 80 Lunenburg St.
• Requesting City Council declare 0 Sawmill Pond Road as surplus property

The City Property Committee unanimously approved declaring 0 Sawmill Road surplus and accepting an RFP for its sale, with restrictions on Sawmill Pond access. It also voted to auction 0 Clarendon Street, recommend RFPs for 110 Fairmount and 137 Blossom, send five other parcels to sideyard sales, and accept a proposal for affordable housing at 80 Lunenburg Street.

• Declared 0 Sawmill Road surplus and accepted RFP (unanimous)
• Denied sideyard designation for 0 Clarendon St., sent to auction (unanimous)
• Recommended RFP for 110 Fairmount St. and 137 Blossom St. (unanimous)
• Sent 12 Martel, 223 Mechanic, 46 Mt. Vernon, 10 Northman Passway, 70 Clarendon to sideyard sales (unanimous)
• Accepted affordable housing proposal for 80 Lunenburg St. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Fitchburg Planning Board will hold public hearings on several development projects. These include site plan reviews for an industrial warehouse and a new Dunkin' with a drive-up window. The board will also consider residential conversions and tree removals.

• Site Plan Review: 366,912 sq. ft. industrial warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review: New Dunkin' at 125 Main St.
• Special Permit: 2,000 sq. ft. self-storage units at 172 Lunenburg St.
• Site Plan Review: 4,800 sq. ft. building at 799 River St.
• Public Hearing: Removal of five trees at 189 Williams Rd.

The Fitchburg Planning Board approved multiple special permits and site plans, including a new Dunkin' with a drive-up window at 125 Main St., a butane extraction lab for Revolutionary Clinics, and a self-storage facility at 172 Lunenburg St. The board also endorsed an ANR plan at 93 Lunenburg St., approved tree removal on Williams Rd., and granted an extension for Green Meadows' marijuana retailer. Two applications were withdrawn without prejudice, and two hearings were continued.

• Approved ANR plan for 93 Lunenburg St. (7-0)
• Approved Community Health Connections repaving of Drepanos Dr. (7-0)
• Approved Green Meadows marijuana retailer extension to 6/30/2023 (7-0)
• Approved new Dunkin' with drive-up at 125 Main St. (7-0)
• Approved Revolutionary Clinics butane extraction lab (7-0)
• Approved self-storage units at 172 Lunenburg St. (7-0)
• Approved tree removal on Williams Rd. (8-0)
• Withdrawn without prejudice: 0 & 16 Temple St. site plan and 147 Daniels St. special permit

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board meeting consists of procedural items including the review of PRIM Investments client services. The board will also consider approvals for retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buybacks, and transfers
• Review of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• PRIM Investments Client Services report
• Updates on deaths and new members

The Fitchburg Retirement Board approved a salary increase for Retirement Administrator Tina Schneider to $95,000, with one dissenting vote. The board also approved two retirements, new members, and the June warrant, and tabled a military service buyback request pending legislation. A request to purchase back time as a vendor was denied.

• Approved June warrant of $1,688,272.32 (5-0)
• Approved Judith Cosenza's superannuation retirement, Option C, effective June 24, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Joan Goodwin's superannuation retirement, Option A, effective June 30, 2022 (5-0)
• Tabled military service buyback request from Detective Jude Chabot until August 23, 2022
• Denied Kathy Jones' request to purchase back time as a vendor; will send letter (5-0)
• Approved salary increase for Retirement Administrator to $95,000 (4-1)
• Approved new members: Auria Rojas, Issac Bunting, Brendan Pierce, Carter Garcia (5-0)
• Approved entering and exiting executive session for performance evaluation (5-0, 4-1)

Public Works Committee

The regular meeting of the Fitchburg Public Works Committee scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, 2022, is cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 26, 2022.

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee is meeting to review previous minutes and receive updates on the Crocker Elementary School project. The committee will consider a salary increase for Superintendent Robert M. Jokela and vote on several grant applications.

• Salary increase for Superintendent Robert M. Jokela beginning July 1, 2022
• Acceptance of the Open Sci-Ed Field Test grant
• Submission of Title I grant totaling $2,705,770
• Submission of PL 94-142 grant totaling $1,695,135
• Update on the Crocker Elementary School project

License Commission

The Fitchburg License Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the transfer of an annual all alcohol beverage license for Gomes Liquors. The commission will also review applications for a one-day event permit, a late closing permit, and a manager change. Additionally, the commission will continue discussion on a taxi driver application.

• Transfer of annual all alcohol beverage license for Gomes Liquors at 58 Ashby State Road
• Special one-day all alcohol beverage license for Fitchburg Historical Society at 781 Main Street
• Late closing permit (2AM) for Major’s Café at 149 Lunenburg Street
• Change of manager for British American Club at 165 Electric Avenue
• Taxi driver application for Kendrick Tyerrell Chestnut with City Cab Co.

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a special one-day alcohol license for the Fitchburg Historical Society, a change of manager for the Knights of Columbus, a new wine & malt license for the Fitchburg Diner (referred to a public hearing), and the transfer of Gomes Liquors' all-alcohol license. A request from Major's Café for a 2AM late closing permit was denied. The meeting was held over Zoom with two of three commissioners present.

• Approved special one-day all-alcohol license for Fitchburg Historical Society fundraiser (2-0)
• Denied Major's Café late closing permit to 2AM (2-0)
• Approved Knights of Columbus change of manager to Thomas Leger (2-0)
• Approved Fitchburg Diner wine & malt license application, referred to public hearing July 18 (2-0)
• Approved Gomes Liquors license transfer to Tapan Patel (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct in-person site walks to review two Notices of Intent. These include proposed turf and track improvements at 25 Circle St. and a re-filing for Woodland Estates Manufactured Home Park.

• Notice of Intent: Crocker Field turf & track improvements, 25 Circle St.
• Notice of Intent: Woodland Estates Manufactured Home Park, 1341 Rindge Rd.

Finance Committee

The committee will consider a $4,800,000 loan order for window and door replacements at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School. The agenda also includes approving state-funded grants for crisis response training and child safety seats. Additionally, the committee will review budget transfers within the police and human resources departments.

• $4,800,000 loan order for window and door replacements at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School
• $75,000 earmark for crisis response clinician training and equipment
• $2,810.60 grant for child passenger safety seats
• $12,000 transfer from police civilian dispatcher services to dispatcher overtime
• $13,500 transfer within human resources for overtime and temporary services

The Finance Committee unanimously approved a $4.8 million loan order for an Accelerated Repair Project at Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School to replace windows and doors, with the Massachusetts School Building Authority covering 80% of eligible costs. The committee also approved a $75,000 state earmark for crisis response clinician training and equipment, a $2,810.60 grant for child passenger safety seats, and three internal budget transfers. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $4.8M loan order for Longsjo Middle School window/door replacement (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 state earmark for crisis response clinician training/equipment (unanimous)
• Approved $2,810.60 grant for child passenger safety seats (unanimous)
• Approved $12,000 transfer to police dispatcher overtime (unanimous)
• Approved $13,500 transfer for HR overtime and temp services (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The council will meet to vote on its by-laws and approve prior meeting minutes. The agenda also includes updates regarding grantees, the treasurer, and 2022 event reports.

• Vote: FCC By-Laws
• Grantee Updates / Modifications / Extensions
• Treasurer’s Report
• FCC 2022 Events & PR Report
• FCCTV 2022 Report

City Council

The City Council will vote on loan orders for sewer separation projects and water storage tank construction. The meeting also includes reviews of Finance Committee reports regarding various grant approvals and appropriation changes. Additionally, several ordinances regarding zoning and property registration are scheduled for final readings.

• $30,000,000 loan order for sewer separation projects
• $3,300,000 loan order for Oak Hill Water Storage Tank and other repairs
• $950,000 appropriation to settle a claim at the airport
• $199,646.64 grant for Franklin Road Sidewalk/Safe Routes to School project
• Ordinance regarding vacant property and registration

The City Council approved two major loan orders: $30 million for sewer separation projects and $3.3 million for a new Oak Hill water storage tank and repairs to other tanks. It also adopted a series of finance orders accepting grants and appropriating funds for various city needs, and passed several ordinances including zoning changes. The meeting was largely routine, with most items approved unanimously.

• Approved $30M loan for sewer separation projects (10-0)
• Approved $3.3M loan for Oak Hill water tank replacement (10-0)
• Adopted 17 finance orders for grants and appropriations (10-0)
• Approved $75K state earmark for crisis response clinician (10-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending Business Districts zoning (10-0)
• Adopted ordinance on noncriminal disposition of violations (9-1)
• Adopted ordinance for Downtown Smart Growth District (10-0)
• Confirmed appointment of firefighter Jacob G. Morin (unanimous)

Appointments Committee

The Fitchburg Appointments Committee is meeting to consider new appointments. The agenda includes a permanent full-time firefighter and a designee to the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission.

• Appointment of Jacob G. Morin as Permanent Full Time Firefighter
• Annual appointment of Mary Jo Bohart to the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will discuss security camera plans for Laurel Hill Cemetery. The agenda also includes updates on work in the Columbarium Area and a September performance by Stratton Players.

• Security cameras for Laurel Hill Cemetery
• Work progress in the Columbarium Area
• Stratton Players performance for September
• Video presentation for City Council

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds approved the Stratton Players' proposed program "Still Chasing the Fire" for September 10 at Forest Hill Cemetery, honoring Civil War veterans who became Fitchburg firefighters. The board also approved the May 19, 2022 meeting minutes with one abstention. No other substantive decisions were made; the rest of the meeting was routine reports and updates.

• Approved 'Still Chasing the Fire' program for September 10 at Forest Hill Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 19, 2022 meeting (3-0, 1 abstention)

Water & Wastewater Commission

The Commission will review minutes from the May 18, 2022 meeting and receive updates on wastewater division projects. Discussions include progress on CSO separation and rain barrel updates. The agenda also notes FY23 price increases for the Merrimack Chemical Consortium.

• Update on CSO 007, 011, 039, 048 separation
• FY23 price increases for the Merrimack Chemical Consortium
• Rain barrel program update
• Appointment of Ken Dupont as Sewer System Manager
• Fitchburg CWRF separation, rehabilitation, and construction updates

The Water/Wastewater Commission unanimously recommended a $30 million loan order to City Council for the Fitchburg CWRF sewer separation project, which will close four CSOs. They also unanimously approved recommending Mark McNamara's appointment as Deputy Commissioner of Wastewater. The commission approved the May 18 meeting minutes and discussed the rain barrel program and rate study.

• Approved minutes from May 18, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended $30M loan order for sewer separation project to City Council (unanimous)
• Recommended Mark McNamara as Deputy Commissioner of Wastewater to City Council (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Commission will review updates to the Airport Master Plan and Draft Airport Layout Plan. The meeting also includes discussions regarding hangar maintenance, an RFP for 7 to 9 hangars, and the election of a Commission Co Chair.

• Review of Airport Master Plan update and Draft Airport Layout Plan
• RFP for 7 to 9 Hangars
• Maintenance for Hangars 2 and 3 including roofs and doors
• Election of Commission Co Chair
• Approval of commitments and abatements

The Fitchburg Municipal Airport Commission voted 4-0 to authorize Gale Associates to submit the updated Airport Layout Plan (ALP) to the FAA for review, following discussions about lighting utility poles to mitigate approach surface penetrations. The commission also approved a 3% rent increase for tenants-at-will, approved the Fitchburg Pilots Association's Young Eagles event, and appointed Commissioner Elizabeth Walsh as Co-Chair. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved submitting updated Airport Layout Plan to FAA (4-0)
• Approved 3% rent increase for tenants-at-will (4-0)
• Approved FPA Young Eagles event on August 13 (4-0)
• Approved Commissioner Walsh as Co-Chair (4-0)
• Approved April 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

City Council

The City Council meeting agenda consists of a single petition to review the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilors. This review is required by Chapter 3-43 of the Code of the City of Fitchburg.

• Review of Mayor's and City Councilors' salaries

The City Council voted to increase councilor salaries to $13,000 per year (9-2) and the mayor's salary to $120,000 (7-3), both effective January 2024. They also unanimously approved tying future councilor and mayor salary increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), with caps of 3% and 5% respectively. The meeting was a Council as a Whole Committee meeting, so these votes are recommendations to the full council.

• Approved councilor salary increase to $13,000/year (9-2)
• Approved mayor salary increase to $120,000/year (7-3)
• Approved CPI-U indexing for councilor salaries, max 3% annually (11-0)
• Approved CPI-U indexing for mayor salary, max 5% annually (11-0)
• Rejected councilor salary of $18,000 (0-11)
• Rejected councilor salary of $15,000 (3-8)
• Rejected mayor salary of $145,000 (2-8)
• Rejected mayor salary of $125,000 (5-5)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Fitchburg School Committee is holding a training workshop with Tracy O’Connell Novick of the Massachusetts Association of School Committee. The session focuses on committee roles, responsibilities, and procedures.

• Training workshop regarding roles, responsibilities, and procedures

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will discuss updates to regional and statewide transportation plans. The meeting includes a possible action regarding transit project cost corrections and an endorsement for a transportation program amendment.

• Endorsement of FFY 2022 TIP Amendment #5
• Review of comments on FFY 2022 TIP Amendment #5
• Possible action on FFY 2022 Transit Project Cost Change Correction
• Discussion of Regional Transportation Plan Draft Schedule and Vision Statement
• Presentation and review of the MART TAM Plan Update

The Montachusett MPO unanimously endorsed FFY 2022 TIP Amendment #5, which increases the cost of the Ashby intersection improvement project at Greenville Road (Route 31) and Turnpike Road to $3,224,713, a 28.8% increase due to design changes, drainage upgrades, and inflation. The board also approved the May 18, 2022 meeting minutes with a revised attendance list. No public comments were received on the amendment.

• Endorsed FFY 2022 TIP Amendment #5 (unanimous)
• Approved May 18, 2022 meeting minutes with revised attendance list (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Board of Directors is conducting its annual meeting. The agenda includes financial reports, presidential updates regarding elections, and various committee reports.

• Treasurer’s Report including Sunshine Fund collection
• President’s Report covering elections and Joan's position
• Director’s Report on programs and activities
• Committee reports for Personnel and Building and Grounds

The Fitchburg Council on Aging board held its annual meeting, approving several actions. They voted to invite Bob and Sally to discuss their behavior and ask questions about COA finances and operations, with six in favor and two opposed. The board also approved a motion requiring the Principal Clerk to provide the Treasurer with requested documents at least four days before meetings. Additionally, they approved appointments for Chairperson and Vice Chair, and discussed the Executive Director vacancy and the Friends of the Senior Center's compliance issues.

• Approved motion to invite Bob & Sally to address COA concerns (6-2, 3 abstentions)
• Approved motion for Principal Clerk to provide Treasurer with documents 4 days before meetings
• Approved appointments: George Bourque as Chairperson (1 yr), Michele Morin as Vice Chair (1 yr)
• Approved minutes from May 5, 12, and 26 meetings
• Approved Nick Squalia's request to record discussions
• Requested Friends of the Senior Center to provide officer list and attend next meeting
• Noted ED job posting discrepancy; interviews to start on or before June 17
• Letter to Mayor regarding Program Coordinator not sent (motion approved May 26)

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC)

The MJTC will discuss Draft Amendment #5 to the Highway and Transit Elements of the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. The meeting also includes an update on the Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan and a presentation regarding MART's new automatic fare collection system.

• Draft Amendment #5 to the Highway & Transit Elements of the 2022-2026 TIP
• Presentation on the new MART Automatic Fare Collection System
• Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update
• Contract status reports for FTA, RTA, and MassDOT 3C

The Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee recommended that the MPO endorse TIP Amendment #5, which increases the cost of the Ashby intersection improvement project at Greenville Road (Route 31) and Turnpike Road to $3,224,713, a 28.8% increase due to design changes, drainage revisions, and inflation. The committee also accepted the nominating committee's slate for officers, with elections to occur in July, and decided to meet in July, September, and November for the remainder of 2022.

• Recommended MPO endorsement of TIP Amendment #5 (consensus)
• Accepted May 11, 2022 meeting minutes (consensus)
• Accepted nominating committee slate for officers (consensus)
• Decided to meet in July, September, and November for remainder of 2022 (consensus)

Library Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will review librarian and committee reports. Discussion includes library hours, an HVAC update, and the building project involving Colliers Project Leaders. The board will also address the Fundraiser RFP.

• Update on HVAC
• Building report from Colliers Project Leaders
• Fundraiser RFP
• Review of library hours of operation

The Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees received a construction project update from Colliers Project Leaders, including a milestone schedule and plans for an RFP for a temporary location with responses due July 21, 2022. The board discussed expanding library hours to meet the MBLC's 59-hour requirement, considering either a 9:00 am start or adding Sunday hours. The minutes of May 11, 2022, were approved as amended. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of May 11, 2022, as amended
• Discussed RFP for temporary location, responses due July 21, 2022
• Discussed expanding library hours to reach 59 per week (MBLC requirement)

Montachusett Public Health Network

The Montachusett Public Health Network is reviewing COVID-19 response updates and contact tracing funding. The agenda includes a budget request for the Public Health Excellence Grant and an annual business meeting to review revenue and expenditures. Members will also discuss the appointment of a Medical Director of Infectious Disease.

• Vote on Contact Tracing Funding
• $300,000 Public Health Excellence Grant request for COVID team funding
• Appointment of KJ Seung, MD as Medical Director of Infectious Disease
• Review of FY23 Budget and annual revenue/expenditures

Scholarship Committee

The Board of Commissioners of Trustees will meet to review Cowdrey Scholarship applications. No other specific agenda items are listed.

• Cowdrey Scholarship Applications

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The committee will discuss Draft Amendment #5 to the Highway & Transit Elements for the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. The meeting also includes a presentation on MART's new automatic fare collection system and an update on the Regional Transportation Plan.

• Discussion of Draft Amendment #5 to the Highway & Transit Elements for the 2022-2026 TIP
• Presentation on MART's new automatic fare collection system
• Update on the Montachusett Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
• Review of contract status reports from FTA, RTA, and MassDOT 3C

Disability Commission

The Fitchburg Disability Commission will discuss updates regarding the Accessible Art Project and the Electric Ave. crosswalk. The commission also plans to discuss redesigning the Disability Brochure.

• Accessible Art Project update
• Electric Ave. Crosswalk update
• Disability Brochure redesign

The Fitchburg Disability Commission met and discussed several accessibility concerns, including faded crosswalks, missing curb cuts, and a non-functioning crosswalk signal. They tabled a community mapping initiative and continued planning for an accessible art exhibit and a revised disability brochure. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Tabled community mapping discussion for a later date
• Discussed updating disability brochure to a two-sided single panel with key contact info
• Planned site visit for crosswalk at Electric Ave. and Old Deerfield Road to address faded paint and missing curb cut
• Received confirmation that chirping issue at Main and Mechanic crosswalk has been repaired
• Compiled list of curb cuts needing attention to present to DPW

Finance Committee

The Fitchburg Finance Committee is reviewing several grant approvals and budget transfers. These include funding for sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, and public health services. The committee will also consider appropriations for personnel services and legal settlements.

• $950,000 appropriation to settle a claim at the airport
• $300,000 grant for Montachusett Public Health Network shared services
• $200,000 grant to construct a stage at Riverfront Park
• $199,646.64 grant for Franklin Road Sidewalk/Safe Routes to School project
• $100,000 grant for Fitchburg Municipal Airport reuse studies

The Finance Committee unanimously approved all 18 orders on the agenda, including a $950,000 settlement for a claim at the airport and several grant-funded projects. All votes were unanimous with no public comment or discussion on most items.

• Approved $950,000 airport claim settlement (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $200,000 Republic Services grant for Riverfront Park stage (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 MassDevelopment airport reuse study (unanimous)
• Approved $199,646.64 Franklin Road sidewalk grant (unanimous)
• Approved $47,000 Boutelle Street traffic calming grant (unanimous)
• Approved $59,000 FAA airport hangar repair grant (unanimous)
• Approved $54,279 AFSCME contract settlement appropriation (unanimous)

MassHire North Central Workforce Board

The MassHire North Central Workforce Board will meet to approve March 8, 2022 meeting minutes and a financial report. The agenda also includes a presentation on Workforce Board and Career Center Programs.

• Approval of March 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approval of Financial Report
• Workforce Board and Career Center Programs Presentation

Cultural Council

The Public Relations Subcommittee will discuss community input, summer events, and upcoming announcements. No deliberations or votes are scheduled for this meeting.

• Fitchburg Open Studios
• FCC TV taping updates
• Newsletter updates
• Creative Meet & Greet planning

City Council

The Council will vote on the Mayor's Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget and several large-scale loan orders for sewer and water infrastructure. The agenda also includes appointments to the Police Department and Disability Commission. Additionally, various committee reports regarding street lights, traffic studies, and tree removal will be reviewed.

• Approval of the Mayor's Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget
• $30,000,000 loan order for various sewer separation projects
• $3,300,000 loan order for water storage tank construction and repairs
• Zoning amendment at 339 River Street to allow marijuana courier and delivery uses
• $601,957.73 MassDOT grant for repairing city streets and sidewalks

City Council

The council is reviewing the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget, including appropriations for water, wastewater, and airport funds. The agenda also includes large-scale loan orders for sewer separation and water storage tank construction. Additionally, committee reports cover police appointments and zoning amendments.

• FY 2023 Mayor's Operating Budget including $149,593,920 for the General Fund
• $30,000,000 loan order for various sewer separation projects
• $3,300,000 loan order for Oak Hill Water Storage Tank construction and repairs
• Zoning amendment for marijuana courier and delivery services at 339 River Street
• $601,957.73 grant for repairing city streets and sidewalks

The City Council adopted the Mayor's FY2023 operating budget of $149,593,920 for the General Fund, along with enterprise and airport funds, by an 8-2 vote. The Council also approved several related budget orders, including appropriations for tax levy reductions, water and wastewater funds, and revolving funds. Additionally, the Council confirmed appointments, adopted ordinances, and granted various petitions and permits.

• Adopted FY2023 operating budget of $149,593,920 (8-2)
• Approved $300,000 Public Health Excellence grant expenditure (10-0)
• Authorized lease with Solect Energy for Longsjo Middle School (10-0)
• Adopted ordinances amending Chapter 44 (10-0)
• Adopted ordinance for vacant property registration (10-0)
• Adopted ordinances for business districts and noncriminal disposition (10-0)
• Approved $3.3M loan for Oak Hill Water Storage Tank (10-0)
• Approved $30M loan for sewer separation projects (10-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss and vote on several orders related to the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. This includes appropriations for the General Fund, Water Enterprise, Wastewater Enterprise, and Airport Fund. Department heads facing budget cuts are scheduled to be present for the debate.

• Appropriation of $149,593,920.00 for the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund
• $700,000 transfer from Overlay Surplus to the FY 2023 Tax Levy
• $675,000 transfer from Available Funds to the Tax Levy to reduce the tax rate
• Appropriation of $13,047,314.00 for the Wastewater Enterprise Fund
• Authorization of revolving fund expenditures up to $100,000 (and $700,000 for Public Health Sustainability)

The City Council adopted the Mayor's FY2023 operating budget of $149,593,920 for the General Fund, along with enterprise and other funds, after unanimously rejecting two proposed cuts: a $25,000 cut to the Johnny Appleseed Center and a $40,000 cut to Wastewater Enterprise Reimbursement. The budget orders were approved with votes ranging from 8-2 to 10-0, and the mayor signed them on June 10, 2022.

• Adopted FY2023 General Fund budget of $149,593,920 (8-2)
• Rejected $25,000 cut to Johnny Appleseed Center (1-9)
• Rejected $40,000 cut to Wastewater Enterprise Reimbursement (0-10)
• Approved $700,000 from overlay surplus to reduce tax levy (10-0)
• Approved $675,000 from available funds to reduce tax rate (10-0)
• Approved $180,703 from parking meter/garage receipts for treasurer accounts (10-0)
• Approved $25,000 from PEG access funds for IT expenses (10-0)
• Approved $6,574,270 Water Enterprise Fund budget (10-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Park Commissioners will review several department reports and discuss tabled items regarding park rules signage and a public art policy proposal. The meeting also includes updates on the Billy Mundy Field project.

• Updates on Billy Mundy Field project
• Discussion on Public Art in the Parks Policy and Application Process
• Updates on Park Rules Signage

Appointments Committee

The Fitchburg Appointments Committee is considering new appointments for city positions. The committee will review candidates for special police officers and a member of the Disability Commission.

• Appointment of Leroy M. Jackson as Special Police Officer
• Appointment of Dean D. Romano as Special Police Officer
• Appointment of Nicholas J. Carbone to the Fitchburg Disability Commission

License Commission

The License Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a new all alcohol beverage license for The Cellar. The meeting also includes reviewing several one-day alcohol permits and a transfer of ownership for Gomes Liquors. Additionally, the commission will discuss lodging house regulations.

• Public hearing for a new all alcohol beverage license at The Cellar, 14 Mill Street
• Transfer of ownership for Gomes Liquors at 58 Ashby State Road
• Special one-day alcohol licenses for events at Saima Park and Fitchburg Art Museum
• Entertainment permit for worship services at 200 Daniels Street
• Review of a late closing permit for Major's Café at 149 Lunenburg Street

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a new all-alcohol beverage license for The Cellar at 14 Mill Street, a new retail general on-premise establishment. The board also approved several special one-day alcohol licenses for events, including a benefit at Saima Park and the Civic Days Block Party Beer Garden, and continued a taxi driver application to June 22. Regulations for proposed lodging houses were approved unanimously.

• Approved new all-alcohol license for The Cellar, 14 Mill Street (3-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for live music at Saima Park, June 18 (3-0)
• Approved special one-day wine & malt license for Saima Park benefit (3-0)
• Approved special one-day all-alcohol license for Civic Days Block Party Beer Garden (3-0)
• Approved special one-day all-alcohol license for Fitchburg Art Museum fundraiser (3-0)
• Approved special one-day wine & malt license for Fitchburg Art Museum summer exhibition (3-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for Iglesia Pentecostal Cassa Del Alfarero outdoor service (3-0)
• Approved lodging house regulations (3-0)

License Commission

The License Commission is reviewing an application for a new retail alcoholic beverages license. The application pertains to the property located at 14 Mill Street.

• New retail alcoholic beverages license application for 14 Mill Street

Fitchburg Public Schools

The committee will vote on the FY23 School Department direct spending budget and a line item transfer of $2,327,988.00. The agenda also includes approving field trips and accepting donations for schools.

• Approval of the $73,950,000 FY23 School Department direct spending budget
• A line item transfer totaling $2,327,988.00
• Agreement with the Fitchburg Nurse’s Association through June 30, 2024
• A $12,500 milk donation from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
• A $3,000 scholarship donation from Leominster Credit Union

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several Notices of Intent for development and infrastructure projects. This includes a proposed warehouse in the Riverfront Area and track improvements at Crocker Field.

• Proposed 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse & distribution building at 0 Crawford St.
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW
• Crocker Field turf & track improvements at 25 Circle St.
• Woodland Estates Manufactured Home Park filing on Rindge Rd.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The School Committee will review reports from the Superintendent-Director and Principal, including proposed edits to the 2022-2023 Student Handbook. The agenda also includes discussions on school meal price increases and a parking lot paving bid.

• Proposed edits to the 2022-2023 Student Handbook
• Increase to school meal prices for School Year 2022-2023
• Award of Parking Lot Paving Bid #2023-01
• Personnel updates including retirements, resignations, and appointments

Legislative Affairs Committee

The committee will discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 169 of the City Code and related road closure changes for a two-way conversion project scheduled for completion by June 30. The agenda also includes a proposal to add Civilian Traffic Control Specialists to Chapter 40.

• Amendments to Chapter 169 of the City Code
• Road closure changes for two-way conversion project
• Addition of Civilian Traffic Control Specialists to Chapter 40

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee is reviewing proposed amendments to Chapter 169 of the City Code and changes to road closures. These updates correspond to a two-way conversion project scheduled for completion by June 30.

• Amendments to Chapter 169 of the City Code
• Changes to road closures related to the two-way conversion project

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will review several new petitions regarding traffic safety and infrastructure. Items include requests for a street light on Boylston Street, a 4-way stop near Game-On Way, and the removal of 32 trees on Stoneybrook Road.

• Petition to install a street light on Boylston Street
• Request for a 4-way stop at Victoria Lane, Industrial Drive, and Game-On Way
• Petition to remove 32 trees along Stoneybrook Road
• Proposal for 'No Parking' signs at Charles and Forest Streets
• Traffic study request for Twin City Rail Trail crossing at Bemis Rd and Water St

City Council

The City Council met as a whole to review the Mayor's FY2023 budget proposal, which totals $149,593,920 for the General Fund, plus enterprise and airport funds. No votes were taken; the budget was formally presented by the Mayor and Finance Team, and public comment was heard. The meeting was procedural, with the budget discussion continuing in future sessions.

• Presented FY2023 General Fund budget of $149,593,920
• Presented FY2023 Water Enterprise budget of $6,574,270
• Presented FY2023 Wastewater Enterprise budget of $13,047,314
• Presented FY2023 Airport Fund budget of $695,331
• Heard public comment on defunding the Board of Health

Scholarship Committee

The Board of Commissioners of Trustees is meeting to discuss Cowdrey Scholarship applications. Other items may be raised during the meeting.

• Cowdrey Scholarship Applications

Council on Aging

This special meeting consists of administrative updates and committee reports. The agenda contains no specific new business or proposed ordinances beyond these routine reports.

• Treasurer’s report on the Sunshine Fund and financial status
• President's update on the Search Committee and timeline
• Director's update from Joan Goodwin
• Committee reports on Personnel, By-Laws, and Building and Grounds

The Fitchburg Council on Aging board held a special meeting to discuss the executive director search. The board agreed to remove building maintenance duties from the job description but opposed including program coordinator responsibilities, planning to send a letter to Mayor DiNatale. They also selected five members for the search committee and discussed the director's retirement timeline.

• Agreed to remove building maintenance duties from executive director job description
• Opposed including program coordinator responsibilities in executive director job description
• Will send letter to Mayor DiNatale opposing removal of program coordinator job from budget
• Selected search committee: Bill Walsh, George Bourque, Michele Morin, Josie Wood, Joe Byrne
• Approved request for Joan to work per diem after retirement; letter to mayor to be sent
• Agreed to resume serving coffee at board meetings

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will discuss updates regarding the proposed Demolition Delay and Stone Wall Preservation ordinance drafts. The agenda also includes reviewing a letter for Monument Park Local Historic District property owners and addressing a commission vacancy.

• Update on proposed Demomolition Delay ordinance draft
• Update on proposed Stone Wall Preservation ordinance draft
• Historic documentation update for Simonds Saw and Steel, Intervale Rd.
• Filling a vacancy on the commission
• Reuse of Wallace Building entry stones

The Fitchburg Historical Commission did not hold its scheduled meeting on May 26, 2022, because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.

Montachusett Public Health Network

The Montachusett Public Health Network will discuss contact tracing funding and the appointment of KJ Seung, MD as Medical Director of Infectious Disease. The meeting also includes a review of revenue, expenditures, and the FY23 budget.

• Vote on contact tracing funding
• Appointment of KJ Seung, MD as Medical Director of Infectious Disease
• Review of revenue, expenditures, and FY23 budget
• Public Health Excellence Grant discussion

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider several orders to appropriate and transfer funds across various city departments. These items include funding for police station renovations, road repairs, and water infrastructure projects. The committee will also review large-scale loan orders for sewer separation.

• $30,000,000 loan order for various sewer separation projects
• $3,300,000 loan order for Oak Hill Water Storage Tank construction and repairs
• $601,957.73 MassDOT grant for repairing streets and sidewalks
• $185,672 appropriation for police station renovation project management
• $90,738 appropriation to demolish the Kimball Street pedestrian bridge

The Finance Committee unanimously approved all 13 orders, including a $298,000 appropriation for a Teamsters contract covering DPW employees, a $30,000,000 loan for sewer separation projects, and a $3,300,000 loan for water storage tank work. It also approved a $185,672 appropriation for police station renovation project management and several smaller transfers for police, fire, and public works expenses.

• Approved $298,000 appropriation for Teamsters Local 170 contract (unanimous)
• Approved $171,000 transfer to Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds (unanimous)
• Approved $4,071 transfer for temporary clerk in City Clerk's office (unanimous)
• Approved $62,000 transfer for police equipment and repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $185,672 for police station renovation project management (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 for fire department gas and oil (unanimous)
• Approved $90,738 for Kimball Street pedestrian bridge demolition (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000,000 loan for sewer separation projects (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider several site plan reviews and special permit applications. Topics include a large-scale solar array on Ashburnham Street and a proposed zoning amendment for cannabis delivery services. Some items, including a large industrial warehouse project, have requested to continue.

• Proposed zoning ordinance amendment for Cannabis Delivery Service
• Special Permit & Site Plan Review for a large-scale solar array at 0 Ashburnham St.
• Conversion of 41 Fox St. to four residential units and commercial space
• Minor Special Permit Modification for an extraction lab at 1 Oak Hill Rd.
• Request to continue the review of a 366,912 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St.

The Fitchburg Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a zoning amendment allowing marijuana delivery and courier services in the Commercial District. The board also approved a special permit for the Mad River Solar large-scale solar array at 0 Ashburnham St. with conditions, and approved a special permit for Remax Patriot Realty to convert the second floor of 41 Fox St. into four residential units. Several other items were continued to the June 28 meeting.

• Recommended approval of zoning amendment for Marijuana Delivery Operator and Delivery Courier uses (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for Mad River Solar 4.8 MW array at 0 Ashburnham St. with conditions (6-0)
• Approved Special Permit for Remax Patriot Realty, 41 Fox St., to convert 2nd floor to 4 units (6-0)
• Determined Revolutionary Clinics' butane extraction lab request is a Major Modification, requiring new notice & hearing (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 132 & 148 Sheldon Rd. combining two lots into one 3.44 ac. lot (5-0)
• Continued ANR plan for 93 Lunenburg St. to June 28 meeting (5-0)
• Continued minor site plan for 0 & 16 Temple St. parking to June 28 meeting (5-0)
• Continued hearings for 0 Crawford St. warehouse, 147 Daniels St., 172 Lunenburg St., and 14 Highland Ave. to June 28 meeting (5-0 or 6-0)

Retirement Board

The Fitchburg Retirement Board is meeting to review personnel actions including retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers. The board will also consider the approval of warrants, accounting, bank statements, and minutes.

• Approval of retirements, refunds, buy backs, and transfers
• Approval of warrant, accounting, bank statements, and minutes
• Review of deaths
• Review of new members

The Fitchburg Retirement Board approved the May warrant ($1,725,165.08), the April bank statement and accounting, several retirements including Sharon Bernard, and 21 new members. They tabled a discussion on a police detective's request to purchase military time back pending further review. The board also required retiree survivor Troy Murray to switch to direct deposit due to multiple check cashing.

• Approved May warrant of $1,725,165.08 (5-0)
• Approved April 2022 bank statement and accounting (4-0, Brown abstained)
• Approved Sharon Bernard's Option A superannuation retirement effective May 16, 2022 (5-0)
• Tabled discussion on Jude Chabot's military time purchase request
• Approved 21 new members to the retirement system (5-0)
• Required Troy Murray to get direct deposit by June retiree payroll (5-0)

Trustees of Public Burial Grounds

The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will meet to discuss cemetery management and funding. The agenda includes revisiting security camera plans for Laurel Hill and renegotiating the percentage of grave sales. The board will also address FY23 budget updates and mausoleum fundraising.

• Security camera for Laurel Hill
• Renegotiation of percentage of sale of graves
• FY23 budget updates
• Mausoleum fundraising with Historical Commission and Historical Society

The Fitchburg Cemetery Trustee Board met on May 19, 2022, and approved the April minutes. They discussed but tabled a proposal to change the percentage of grave sale revenue going to the city's General Fund, and also tabled fundraising discussions for mausoleum repairs. No final decisions were made on these items.

• Approved April 21, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on changing percentage of grave sale revenue to city General Fund
• Tabled fundraising discussion for mausoleum repairs

Water & Wastewater Commission

The commission will discuss the Fiscal Year 2023 budgets for both the Water and Wastewater divisions. The meeting includes updates on several water projects, including the Oak Hill Water Storage Tank and the Falulah Transmission Main.

• FY23 budget reviews for Water and Wastewater divisions
• Oak Hill Water Storage Tank loan order increase
• Updates on Falulah Transmission Main and SCADA System upgrades
• Water Meter Replacement Project update
• NPDES Permit Renewal and Rain Barrel Program discussion

The Water/Wastewater Commission unanimously approved the FY23 water and wastewater budgets to send to City Council, and approved increasing the Oak Hill Water Storage Tank loan order from $2.75M to $3.3M. The water budget will run a deficit due to higher costs, covered by retained earnings. The wastewater budget includes reductions in some expenses and increased overtime due to contractual agreements.

• Approved minutes from April 20, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved FY23 Water budget to send to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved FY23 Wastewater budget to send to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved Oak Hill Water Storage Tank loan order increase from $2.75M to $3.3M (unanimous)

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Workforce Subcommittee will review the aggregate results from the Superintendent-Director evaluation for the 2021-2022 school year. The committee will also review and approve minutes from previous regular and executive sessions.

• Review and approval of March 23, 2022, and April 5, 2022, meeting minutes
• Review of Superintendent-Director evaluation results for the 2021-2022 school year
• Approval of executive session minutes from March 23, 2022, and April 5, 2022

Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

The Montachusett MPO will review updates to several regional transportation plans. Proposed actions include endorsing amendments to the FFY 2022-2026 TIP and the FFY 2023 Unified Work Planning Program.

• Endorsement of FFY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #4
• Action to release FFY 2022 TIP Amendment #5 for public comment
• Endorsement of Draft FFY 2023 Unified Work Planning Program (UPWP)
• Endorsement of Draft FFY 2023-2027 TIP
• Endorsement of Global Warming Solutions Act Requirements Certification

The Montachusett MPO unanimously endorsed the FFY 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the FFY 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), incorporating comments from MassDOT and FHWA. The board also endorsed TIP Amendment #4, released Amendment #5 for public comment, and approved the Self Certification and Global Warming Solutions Act certification. No public comments were received on Amendment #4.

• Endorsed FFY 2023-2027 TIP (unanimous)
• Endorsed FFY 2023 UPWP (unanimous)
• Endorsed TIP Amendment #4 (unanimous)
• Released TIP Amendment #5 for 21-day public comment (unanimous)
• Endorsed Self Certification and Global Warming Solutions Act certification (unanimous)
• Approved April 20, 2022 minutes (Meissner abstaining)

Cultural Council

The Fitchburg Cultural Council will discuss scholarship programs, grantee updates, and various reports. The council also plans to vote on new by-laws and a future meeting location.

• Vote on FCC By-Laws
• Vote on future meeting location
• Grantee updates, modifications, and extensions
• FCC Scholarship discussion
• FCCTV 2022 Report

Conservation Commission

The Commission will conduct an in-person site walk to review two Notices of Intent. The items include a proposed warehouse and distribution building in the Riverfront Area and repairs to the Arbor Way retaining wall.

• Proposed 367,000 sq. ft. warehouse & distribution building at 0 Crawford St.
• Repairs to Arbor Way retaining wall by Fitchburg DPW

City Council

The council will consider several financial orders regarding city funds and infrastructure projects. This includes appropriations for road paving, bridge repairs, and park improvements. The agenda also covers personnel appointments and transfers of COVID-19 funds to assistance programs.

• $800,000 appropriation for paving Clarendon Street
• $500,000 transfer for paving Industrial Road
• $575,000 appropriation for Oak Hill Road Bridge repair
• $150,000 appropriation for Oliver Street Parking Lot construction
• Transfer of COVID-19 funds to business and housing assistance

The Fitchburg City Council confirmed three new full-time student police officers and approved a series of finance orders, including a $57,972 appropriation for personal services across departments and several transfers for fire overtime, COVID-19 relief, and capital projects. The council also advanced two ordinances amending Chapter 44 of the city code to first and second reading, and referred multiple orders, loan orders, and the FY2023 budget to committees for further review.

• Confirmed appointments of Dawson Stacy, Ashley Perez, and Auria Rojas as full-time student police officers (unanimous)
• Approved $57,972 appropriation for personal services across departments (unanimous)
• Amended and adopted Order 117-22, increasing fire overtime transfer from $35,000 to $55,000 (unanimous)
• Adopted COVID-19 relief transfers for food insecurity, business assistance, and homeowner/renter assistance (10-1, Beauchemin opposed)
• Adopted capital and operational orders including $50,000 for Riverfront Park stage design, $150,000 for Oliver Street Parking Lot construction, and $800,000 for Clarendon Street paving (unanimous)
• Adopted orders funding new police dispatcher and inspector union contracts (unanimous)
• Sent ordinances amending Chapter 44 to first and second reading (11-0)
• Continued Unitil pole petition public hearing to June 7, 2022 (unanimous)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is meeting to consider new appointments for the Fitchburg Police Department. The agenda focuses on candidates for full-time student police officer positions.

• Full-time student police officer appointment: Dawson Stacy
• Full-time student police officer appointment: Ashley Perez
• Full-time student police officer appointment: Auria Rojas

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several new entertainment permit applications for local parks and businesses. The board will also discuss proposed guidelines for lodging houses. A public hearing for a new alcohol license at The Cellar is scheduled for June 6, 2022.

• Entertainment permit applications for River Front Park, Uppercommon, and Coggshall Park
• Entertainment permit application for Game on Bar & Grill
• Sunday entertainment permits for Coggshall Park and JoAnn Fitz Memorial Playground
• Proposed lodging house regulations and guidelines

The Fitchburg Board of License Commissioners approved several entertainment permits for city parks and a bar, continued a church event permit and a liquor license application to a future hearing, and discussed proposed lodging house regulations. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

• Approved entertainment permits for River Front Park, Uppercommon, and Coggshall Park (3-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for Game on Bar & Grill (3-0)
• Continued Iglesia Pentecostal Cassa Del Alfarero permit to June 6, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved Sunday entertainment permit for Coggshall Park (3-0)
• Approved Sunday entertainment permit for JoAnn Fitz Memorial Playground (3-0)
• Accepted The Cellar liquor license application and referred to public hearing June 6, 2022 (3-0)
• Continued proposed lodging house regulations to June 6, 2022 (3-0)

Fitchburg Public Schools

The School Committee is meeting to vote on several administrative and financial items. Proposed actions include approving a new strategic plan and renewing the agreement for school resource officers. The committee will also consider solar power plans for Fitchburg High School and two grant opportunities.

• Implementation of the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers
• Letter of intent for Fitchburg High School solar power canopy agreement
• $40,000 Civics Teaching and Learning Grant submission
• $35,000 21st Century Summer Internship Pilot Program grant acceptance

Council on Aging

The Board of Directors will review the treasurer's report and minutes from previous meetings. Members will also receive updates regarding the RFQ, the café, and various committee activities.

• Financial report by Josie Wood
• Update on RFQ
• Café update
• Personnel committee report
• Standards of Conduct discussion

The Fitchburg Council on Aging Board approved a motion to invite a representative from the Friends of the Center to the next monthly meeting to explain their status before any legal action is taken regarding undisbursed monies. The board also approved continuing meetings through July and August. Several items, including the treasurer's report and April minutes, were tabled.

• Approved motion to invite Friends representative to next meeting (unanimous)
• Approved continued meetings in July and August (unanimous)
• Tabled April minutes until next regular meeting
• Tabled treasurer's report until treasurer's return

Fitchburg Public Schools

The Student Support Sub Committee will discuss student mental health and SY22 attendance updates. The meeting also includes a review of a memorandum of understanding between Fitchburg Public Schools and the Fitchburg Police Department.

• Approval of April 14, 2022, meeting minutes
• SY22 student attendance update
• Student mental health update
• Fitchburg Public Schools - Fitchburg Police Department Memorandum of Understanding

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC)

The committee will discuss draft amendments for the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. They will also review the 2023-2027 TIP and the 2023 Unified Work Planning Program. A presentation on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also scheduled.

• Review of FFY 2022-2026 TIP Draft Amendment #4
• Review of FFY 2023-2027 TIP draft document
• Review of FFY 2023 Unified Work Planning Program (UPWP) draft
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presentation
• Selection of Nominating Committee

The Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (MJTC) recommended that the MPO endorse TIP Amendment #4, which adjusts highway and transit project schedules and costs, and also recommended endorsing the draft FFY 2023-2027 TIP and FFY 2023 UPWP after reviewing public comments. The committee selected a nominating committee for officer elections and discussed increased federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. No public comments were received during the meeting.

• Recommended MPO endorsement of TIP Amendment #4 (consensus)
• Recommended MPO endorsement of FFY 2023-2027 TIP (consensus)
• Recommended MPO endorsement of FFY 2023 UPWP (consensus)
• Appointed Bob Swartz as nominating committee convenor, with George Kahale and Brian Croteau as members
• Approved April 13, 2022 meeting minutes (consensus)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from the Chair and Librarian. The meeting includes discussions on room use by for-profit businesses and a fundraiser RFP. The board will also address an update to the Collection Development Policy.

• Room use by for-profit businesses
• Fundraiser RFP
• Collection Development Policy Update
• Trust Fund Budget FY2022 report

The Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees accepted the modified Trust Fund budget for FY2022 and unanimously voted to amend the Collection Development Policy to allow only Fitchburg residents to request reconsideration of items. The board also discussed the upcoming City Council vote on the library building project, expected in September, and noted the resignation of Trustee Rob Favini.

• Accepted modified Trust Fund budget FY2022 (unanimous)
• Amended Collection Development Policy to restrict reconsideration requests to Fitchburg residents (unanimous)
• Accepted April 13, 2022 minutes as amended
• Noted resignation of Trustee Rob Favini

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss updates regarding the Accessible Art Project and the Electric Ave. crosswalk at Old Deerfield Road. The meeting also includes a discussion on revising the Disability Brochure.

• Accessible Art Project update
• Revision of the Disability Brochure
• Electric Ave. Crosswalk at Old Deerfield Road update
• MOD Zoom Training Meeting announcement
• Ribbon Cutting event announcement

The Fitchburg Disability Commission met and discussed several accessibility issues, including faded crosswalks and missing curb cuts, but took no formal votes. They tabled the Electric Ave. crosswalk issue pending a site visit and DPW contact, and noted ongoing complaints about the Main and Mechanic crosswalk signal. The commission also discussed updating the disability brochure and planning an art exhibit for September 2022.

• Tabled Electric Ave. crosswalk repair pending site visit and DPW contact
• Noted Main and Mechanic crosswalk signal issue awaiting confirmation of repair
• Discussed updating disability brochure to two-sided single panel
• Planned art exhibit for September 2022 at Fitchburg Senior Center
• Listed curb cut needs for Rollstone Road, Caldwell Street, Anwelt Complex, City Hall ramp

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing several orders for budget appropriations and fund transfers across various city departments. These items include funding for public works, community development, and municipal infrastructure projects.

• Appropriation of $150,000.00 for construction of the Oliver Street Parking Lot
• Appropriation of $800,000.00 for paving Clarendon Street
• Appropriation of $575,000.00 for Oak Hill Road bridge repair
• Transfer of $500,000.00 from Reserve for Other Municipal Purposes to DPW street repair for Industrial Road
• Appropriation of $50,000.00 for a stage design at Riverfront Park

The Finance Committee unanimously approved multiple orders, including labor contracts for dispatchers, inspectors, and airport linepersons, as well as capital projects like paving Industrial Road and Clarendon Street, and a stage design at Riverfront Park. A $35,000 fire overtime transfer was amended to $55,000. Three CARES Act fund reallocations were approved 3-1.

• Approved 2.5% non-union wage matrix increase (135-22, 136-22) unanimously
• Approved $57,972 personal services appropriation (103-22) unanimously
• Approved $7,830 transfer to enterprise funds (104-22) unanimously
• Approved $65,044 MassCOP labor contract (132-22) unanimously
• Approved $13,078 airport lineperson contract (133-22) unanimously
• Approved $122,128 inspectors labor contract (134-22) unanimously
• Amended fire overtime transfer to $55,000 and approved (117-22) unanimously
• Approved CARES Act fund reallocations (118-22, 119-22, 120-22) 3-1

Fitchburg Board of Assessors

This document is a meeting notice for the Fitchburg Board of Assessors. It contains no specific agenda items or topics for discussion beyond the scheduled time and location.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to conduct a priority review of coronavirus-related policy concerns. The committee will also check the status of policies currently with Legal Counsel or Administration and continue reviewing Section I, L, and K policies.

• Review of coronavirus-related policy concerns
• Status updates on policies with Legal Counsel and/or Administration
• Continuing review of Section I, L, and K policies
• Adoption of previous meeting notes

Council on Aging

The agenda consists of procedural items including treasurer, president, and director reports. No specific new business or decisions are detailed in the provided text.

• Treasurer's Report regarding Sunshine Fund and Financial Report
• President's Report regarding Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center
• Director's Update
• Committee reports for Personnel, Building and Grounds, By-Laws, and Advocacy

The Council on Aging held a special meeting to announce the retirement of Executive Director Joan Goodwin, effective June 30, 2022. The board unanimously approved a motion to recommend the city hire Goodwin on a per diem or consultant basis for a smooth transition. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily for announcements and discussion.

• Approved motion to recommend hiring Joan Goodwin as per diem/consultant for transition (unanimous)
• Announced Joan Goodwin's retirement effective June 30, 2022
• Noted Bill Walsh's resignation as board chair, effective June 30, 2022

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings regarding several Notices of Intent, including a new warehouse in the Riverfront Area and a drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts. The meeting also includes updates on Woodland Estates and DPW infrastructure repairs.

• Proposed 366,000 sq. ft. warehouse at 0 Crawford St.
• Proposed Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru at 105 John Fitch Hwy.
• Arbor Way retaining wall repairs by Fitchburg DPW
• Woodland Estates update on Rindge Rd.
• Certificate of Compliance for 0 Westminster Hill Rd.

The Fitchburg Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions for a new drive-thru Dunkin' Donuts at 105 John Fitch Hwy, with conditions including silt sacks in catchbasins and ongoing maintenance of a stormwater swale. The commission also continued hearings on a proposed 366,000 sq ft warehouse at 0 Crawford St and repairs to the Arbor Way retaining wall, scheduling site visits for May 17. Enforcement orders were issued for violations at Woodland Estates, Rydemore, and 691 Mt. Elam Rd, and a $1,733.33 expenditure was approved for the rain barrel program.

• Approved Order of Conditions for Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru at 105 John Fitch Hwy (6-0)
• Continued hearing for 366,000 sq ft warehouse at 0 Crawford St to June 1 (6-0)
• Continued hearing for Arbor Way retaining wall repairs to June 1 (6-0)
• Issued Enforcement Order to Woodland Estates for incomplete wetland replication, with $300 fine if NOI not filed by 5/18/22 (5-0)
• Issued Enforcement Order to Rydemore for dumping in buffer zone (6-0)
• Issued Enforcement Order to 691 Mt. Elam Rd for encroachments (6-0)
• Authorized $1,733.33 from Wetlands Protection Account for rain barrel program (5-1)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 0 Westminster Hill Rd (6-0)

City Council

The Fitchburg City Council will hold a special meeting on May 4, 2022. The agenda consists only of a request to convene into executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding pending litigation.

• Discussion of litigation strategy in executive session

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

The School Committee will review Superintendent and Principal reports, including end-of-year updates and enrollment data. The agenda includes the acceptance of three specific grants and various subcommittee reports. Personnel matters regarding retirements, resignations, and appointments will also be addressed.

• Acceptance of Food Security Infrastructure Grant
• Acceptance of Career Technical Initiative Round 5 Grant
• Acceptance of Haas Foundation Grant
• Personnel updates including retirement, resignation, and appointment

Cultural Council

The Public Relations Subcommittee will discuss summer schedules for FCC TV and updates to social media URLs. No deliberations or votes are scheduled for this meeting. The agenda also includes updates on the Spring Bazaar and Fitchburg Open Studios.

• FCC TV summer schedule, roles, and next taping
• Spring Bazaar
• Fitchburg Open Studios
• Social media URL changes
• Newsletter update

City Council

The council will review several financial appropriations and committee reports, including budget transfers for police overtime and wastewater services. The agenda also includes zoning ordinance amendments and a final reading on a major water storage tank project.

• $2,750,000 loan order for Oak Hill Water Storage Tank demolition and construction
• $150,000 appropriation for Police Department overtime
• $40,000 for Building Department vehicle replacement
• Zoning ordinance amendments proposed by the Planning Board
• $25,000 grant for Haz-Mat team radios and a gas meter

The Fitchburg City Council approved a series of zoning corrections and clarifications, and expanded the 40R Smart Growth District to include 0 Elm Street and 49 Snow Street. It also confirmed appointments, adopted several finance orders, and granted multiple public safety and public works petitions. Several other items were referred to committees or held for further information.

• Approved zoning ordinance amendments (11-0)
• Approved 40R Smart Growth District expansion to include 0 Elm Street and 49 Snow Street (11-0)
• Confirmed appointments of Anslo Gilot Jr. and Scott George as full-time student police officers (unanimous)
• Adopted order 067-22 as amended, reducing vehicle replacement appropriation from $55,000 to $40,000 (11-0)
• Adopted orders 098-22 through 102-22, including grant expenditures and appropriations for police overtime and wastewater (11-0)
• Held orders 103-22 and 104-22 in committee (11-0)
• Granted multiple public safety petitions, including sidewalk apron at Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue, traffic island on Old Leominster Road, and no parking zones (11-0)
• Granted public works petitions for berms, trash barrels, and other improvements (11-0)

Board of Park Commissioners

The Board of Park Commissioners will review department reports and approve April 12 minutes. The agenda includes requests regarding the Stanley Park Gazebo and a park permit for an annual road race.

• British American Club request to wash and repaint the Stanley Park Gazebo
• West Fitchburg Road Race permit request for September 5, 2022
• Discussion on Public Art in the Parks Policy and Application Process (tabled)
• Updates on Park Rules Signage (tabled)

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee is meeting to address new appointments within the Fitchburg Police Department. The committee will review candidates for full-time student police officer positions.

• Appointment of Anslo Gilot, Jr. as a full-time student police officer
• Appointment of Scott George as a full-time student police officer

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee is reviewing several petitions regarding traffic safety and parking regulations. These proposals include requests for new signage, street lighting, and parking restrictions in various neighborhoods. Some items have been referred to the Public Works Committee.

• Sidewalk apron and crosswalk at Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue
• New signs and public lighting for Fisher Road
• Traffic island and 'no right turn' sign at Old Leominster Road and Abbott Avenue
• 'No Parking at All Times' zones on Game On Way and Industrial Road
• Class II Dealer’s License ownership change at 369 River Street

The Fitchburg Public Safety Committee reviewed and made recommendations on several traffic and safety petitions. The committee recommended granting petitions for a sidewalk apron and crosswalk at Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue, traffic islands and stop signs at Old Leominster Road and Abbott Avenue, and multiple no-parking zones. Several other petitions were held, referred to the Public Works Committee, or recommended for engineering studies.

• Recommended granting sidewalk apron at Old Deerfield Road and Electric Avenue (196-21)
• Held petition for Fisher Road lighting until cost is available (199-21)
• Recommended granting traffic island and stop signs at Old Leominster Road and Abbott Avenue (216-21)
• Recommended granting no parking at all times on Game On Way (018-22)
• Referred street light installation at 8 Boylston Street to Public Works Committee (027-22)
• Recommended granting no parking zones on Industrial Road, Stevens Road, Roper Road, and Victoria Lane (058-22, 059-22, 060-22)
• Referred 4-way stop study at Victoria Lane/Industrial Drive/Game-On Way to Public Works (093-22)
• Recommended granting Class II Dealer's License to J & G Auto Sales at 369 River Street (107-22)

License Commission

The commission will consider new solicitor applications and an entertainment permit for a performance at Abolitionist Park. The agenda also includes a manager change for the British American Club and correspondence regarding a KENO license.

• Solicitor application for Seyed Khadivar (Sunrun)
• Entertainment permit for University Choir at 42 Snow Street
• Manager change at British American Club, 1 Simonds Road
• Continued solicitor application for Evan Sage (Power Home Remodeling)
• KENO license correspondence for Mully’s Indoor Golf Lounge

The Fitchburg License Commission approved a solicitor application for Seyed Khadivar (Sunrun), an entertainment permit for a Juneteenth University Choir performance at Fitchburg Abolitionist Park, and a change of manager for the British American Club. All approvals were by unanimous 3-0 roll call votes. A continued solicitor application from Evan Sage was withdrawn, and no action was taken on a KENO license communication.

• Approved solicitor application for Seyed Khadivar (Sunrun) (3-0)
• Approved entertainment permit for University Choir performance at Fitchburg Abolitionist Park, amended to 9AM-1PM (3-0)
• Approved change of manager for British American Club from Ron E. Cote, II to Andrew J. Couture (3-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw for Evan Sage's solicitor application (3-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review a petition from the Planning Board to amend the Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance with corrections and clarifications. The committee will also review Planning Board recommendations and draft minutes.

• Petition 009-22: Amendments to the Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance for corrections and clarifications
• Review of Planning Board Recommendation and Draft Minutes

The Economic Development Committee unanimously recommended approval of several zoning amendments, including corrections and clarifications to comply with a FEMA audit and to allow multi-family development of six or fewer units by right on Main Street. The committee also recommended excluding a provision that would let the Planning Board waive density requirements for developments of six to nine units. All votes were unanimous.

• Recommended approval of Amendment #2 (typographical correction) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #3 (parking requirements for abandonment/non-use) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #4 (ZBA criteria for abandonment) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #5 (lot width calculation clarity) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #6 (earth removal typo correction) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #8 (4 School St. zoning map change to DB) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendment #9 (FEMA floodplain overlay replacement) unanimously
• Recommended approval of Amendments #1 and #7 (Main St multi-family by right) with exception of density waiver provision, unanimously