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Date: 4/7/2020
CHICOPEE – The City Council made history with its meeting on March 31. It was the first majority remote meeting for the body.
Mayor John Vieau, City Council President Shane Brooks, Vice President Frank Laflamme and Councilor William Courchesne were all in the council chamber at City hall, but the rest of the council were at their homes.
Vieau told the councilors they were in “uncharted waters” with running the city in such a manner.
“We will adapt to the ever-changing environment,” Vieau said. The remote meeting was part of the city’s “goal to protect lives.”
Vieau pledged, “City services will continue without a hitch.”
The short meeting centered around reactions to COVID-19. The council approved the state of emergency declaration that will allow the city to apply for relief funds.
The council also approved an agreement with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission that will allow the release of $27,000 that is allocated to the health Department.
The council also approved an allocation of $250,000 from the free cash account. Vieau told the council the money would be used for COVID-19 matters with the hope the city would receive reimbursement in the future.
The council also approved of extending the deadline for dog licensing, gas storage, home occupation, junk dealers, bowling alley and flea marketing licensing to July 31.