Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Discussion continued on changes to city government

Date: 9/7/2010

Sept. 8, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE -- Although school committee members did discuss their thoughts on changing the shape of government in the city, Mayor Michael Bissonnette said describing what he has spoken about in the past as a "plan" is a "a bit premature."

The discussion was one of the principal agenda items at the Sept. 1 meeting of the School Committee and was placed by School Committee member Marjorie Wojcik.

Bissonnette said once again -- the subject was also discussed at the last meeting -- he is seeking ways to update the structure of city government.

"We need to move into the 21st century," he said.

Part of that new structure could be a realignment of wards and a reduction in the number of city councilors and school committee members. The subject has also been raised if the school committee should continue as an elected body or if it should be appointed and if there should be ward positions or all at-large.

A new city structure could save taxpayers between $400,000 and $500,000, which he said could translate into more teachers, police or firefighters.

School Committee member Michael Pise was one person who advocated for the continuation of elected ward representation.

School Committee member Sharon Nawrocki said she wants "progression, not regression . [the idea of] appointed [members] scares me."

Bissonnette replied to comments about charter change that voters can only approve or disapprove a charter as a whole, rather than sections or line items. He would like to accomplish some of these changes outside of charter reform.

MaryBeth Pniak-Costello made a motion, which passed, that the School Committee should meet with the City Council for on-going discussions.

***


School Superintendent Richard Rege told members of the School Committee Sept. 1 the renovation work on the former St. Patrick's School -- the new location of the Belcher Elementary School -- is on schedule for operation beginning in October.

Rege made his remarks in the briefing prior to the televised meeting.

Rege said the first and second floors would be dedicated exclusively to classrooms with the library, teachers' room and computer area in the basement.

On Sept. 23 there will be a walk-through for school committee members.

He called described contributions for the renovation made by Chicopee Comprehensive High School (CCHS) students as "outstanding." The CCHS students assisted in re-wiring the building.

Rege added determining the location of the new playground was taking place and that Belcher students have never had a playground on grass before.

There will be an informational meeting for parents in September at the new school, Rege added and currently school officials are considering providing transportation for parents without cars to the new school.

***


Speaking of the plans to locate a new middle school in the former Chicopee High School building, Bissonnette said the building charged with overseeing the renovation would review the nine bids from firms seeking the job as the project manager for the new school.

Once a company is selected there will be a contract reached, which must be approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. After that approval an architect can be selected, which Bissonnette anticipate would happen at the beginning of 2011.

He added the project should have a budget of about $15 million and he believes the city would be reimbursed by the state at a rate between 60 and 70 percent.



Bookmark and Share