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Date: 7/14/2021
CHICOPEE – The Chicopee City Council met to discuss ChicopeeTV salary updates, approve grant money from the Drug Addiction Response Team (DART) and more on July 6.
A total of $307,499.22 was approved for ChicopeeTV production jobs and equipment from available funds in the Receipts Reserved for Appropriation PEG Access Cable Account. This approval affected two positions for the T.V. production director, the part-time ChicopeeTV staff and ChicopeeTV facilities and equipment.
According to the council, these costs were typically paid under the School Department’s budget but are now underneath the IT budget instead. The money will come from charter funds and will not come out of the tax base.
The council also approved a total of $9,500 for the DART grant from the City of Northampton. This money will work to decrease the impacts of substance abuse disorder and opioid fatalities for people and families. It is an awareness program that has been occurring for many years.
“It’s a good thing for our Police Department that it helps substance abuse disorders and opioid overdoses,” said Councilor Robert Zygarowski.
Councilor James Tillotson requested that the Chicopee Police Department give the council an update on the impact that this grant funding has had in previous years and how it has helped the city and its citizens.
The City Council approved motions to help keep track of what grants and funding are being used by the Chicopee Cultural Council and also the planning director. This will help the council stay aware of how funding is helping and supporting the city in a cohesive way.
According to Tillotson, the planning director and Chamber of Commerce have many projects underway, including the bike loop, to help revitalize downtown.
“They’re trying to do whatever they can to make downtown more attractive and get more people to come down,” he said.
City Council President Shane Brooks also announced that Chicopee’s National Night Out will be returning this year on Aug. 2. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19.
National Night Out will take place at Sarah Jane Sherman Park from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be a flashlight walk from 8:30 to 9 p.m.
Several cities across the country celebrate National Night Out to help build and strengthen positive relationships between neighborhoods and law enforcement.
This is a free event that will include food, beverages, bounce houses and games. Brooks said that Mayor John Vieau will be releasing more information in the coming weeks.
The meeting finished with routine ordinance and special permit approvals.
Those interested in viewing the City Council Meeting in its entirety are encouraged to visit the ChicopeeTV Facebook page.