IN CITY COUNCIL

TUESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2007

TIME 6:36PM

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, C. R. Mercier asked that a moment of silence in a darkened chamber be observed for Beverly Reslow, who passed away recently.

CITY CLERK

Minutes of October 16th for acceptance. In Council, Read, accepted and placed on file by motion of C. Broderick, seconded by C. Mendonca. So voted.

CITY MANAGER

Communication-From City Manager responses to Council Motions/Requests. In Council, accepted and placed on file. So voted.

Order-60 Day Trial, Traffic Regulations, various locations. In Council, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

Vote-To authorize the Manager to apply for, accept and expend a grant in the amount of $200,000 from EPA for 2007 Brownfields Act. In City Council, Read twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 present (C. Elliott). So voted.

Vote-To authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept and expend 3 grants in the amount of $500,000 from EPA for Brownfields Assessment. In Council. Read twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 present (C. Elliott). So voted.

Vote-Declaring the property located at 26-28 Lawrence Street as surplus and seek proposals under Chapter 30B. In Council, Read and C. A. Mercier moved, seconded by C. R. Mercier “To delay action for 1 week and receive further information from the City Manager”. So voted.

REPORTS

C. Milinazzo, Chairman of the Economic Development Sub/Committee said they met this evening relative to the City's policy as it relates to the leasing of retail spaces in the JAM Garage. C. Milinazzo said the Committee was informed by the Administration that the process of leasing retail space is in the beginning stages and that steps are being taken to solicit formally, possible interested parties. C. Milinazzo said the independent marketing group has taken steps to begin advertising, utilizing a variety of available methods and when they have received requests for information, the details of the requests be forwarded to the City Manager and to the Council for review. C. Milinazzo said the Committee agreed and voiced their concerns and desires to have quality tenants in the facility and not be satisfied with occupying the space for economic reasons only.

The Committee also agreed that this venture is of great concern to the City Council as it is the catalyst for the remaining economic development in the area. C. Milinazzo said the Committee was assured they would be kept abreast of the process and would continue to meet and bring reports forward at that time.

Adopted as a report of progress on motion of C. Mendonca, seconded by C. R. Mercier. So voted.

PETITIONS

Claims-There was 1 claim for property damage, which was read and referred to the Law Department on motion of C. Donoghue, seconded by C. Broderick. So voted.

Misc.-Daniel Couture request to address Council re: Police 3/2 Work Schedule and the Middlesex Shelter. In Council, read, accepted and placed on file. So voted.

MOTIONS

BY C. ELLIOTT, seconded by C. A. Mercier

“City Council request the City Manager to ask the Local Delegation to file legislation to change the laws relative to the citing of Group Homes and Shelters in Cities and Towns.

Any Community in the Commonwealth that meets or exceeds the 10% threshold of affordable housing can implement a permitting process for Group Homes and Shelters located in the Communities. In a City, the City Council shall Issue said permit and in a Town, the Board of Selectmen.

All Group Homes and Shelters currently located within the boarders of a municipality shall have one year to obtain a permit to operate from local authorities, based on performance/compliance. The municipality shall have the right, based upon public participation, to allow a permit request.

In Council, Read and referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. MILINAZZO, seconded by C. Mendonca

“Request the City Manager to provide the most recent Uniform Crime Report and said report be forwarded to the Public Safety Sub/Committee for review”. In Council, Referred to the Public Safety Sub/Committee. So voted.

At 7:50 PM, C. Elliot moved, seconded by C. Broderick “To Adjourn”. So voted.

Adjourned

Richard C. Johnson

City Clerk