Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/22/2018
CHICOPEE – The City Council played a version of the game “The Price is Right” with many big ticket expenditures offered by Mayor Richard Kos for their approval.
The City Council granted some of Kos’ financial orders but also sent some to the Finance Committee for further consideration, including the largest.
Of particular interest were some large ticket requests such as $4 million for the additional costs of the renovation of the Public Safety Complex, $16 million for renovations at City Hall and $2.9 million for further demolitions and remediation at the Uniroyal site – all bonds.
Both Councilor James Tillotson and Frank Laflamme spoke glowingly of the Public Safety Complex’s progress so far and the difference it has made in morale. The bond was approved.
The $16 million bond is for the first phase of renovations made to City Hall. Councilor Gerry Roy made the motion to send the order to the Finance Committee and added there are many unanswered questions about the renovations.
Councilor Joel McAuliffe said with unresolved contract issues in the city, he could not support the order at this time.
The order was sent to the Finance Committee.
For the Uniroyal expenditure, Tillotson explained the council already took the money out of the Stabilization Fund and the bond would return the money back into stabilization. With more in the fund, the bonding rate would be lower, he added, saving the city money.
The order was passed.
The purchase of three side loaders needed for trash pickup for $861,000 and the Council approved bonding for them. Councilor Fred Krampits explained these vehicles would be needed once the landfill used by the city is closed. At that time the purchase of the three side loaders would be completed.
Another $87,000 for a mini-packer was approved. It will be used to service garbage cans in the city parks. Tillotson said, “We can’t complain about this one. We’ve received plenty of information.” Laflamme said the mini-packer would have other uses, which is why he supported the purchase.
Kos also asked the council approval to borrow $261,000 for a log/brush truck, which Kos told the Council is needed with the landfill closing. Tillotson said he was going to “gamble and not vote for this tonight.” He believes with increased recycling in the city, Chicopee may get another year of service from the landfill, he added.
Laflamme said there are many more things the truck can be used besides the removal and transportation of downed trees and brush.
The motion passed.
A boom truck, also paid for by bonding, with a price tag of $191,000, was approved.
Two fabric roof structures that will be used for storage of city vehicles and costing $600,000 were also considered. Tillotson said he would be in favor of buying one structure and see if it works well. Laflamme said he would agree with buying one and would like the order to go to the Finance Committee.
Councilor Joel McAullife said he had spoken with Department of Public Works employees and he was “not sold” on the structures based on what he was told.
The order was sent to the Finance Committee
A half-million dollars for a fire pumper truck, also bonded, was was approved as were repairs to Fire Station Number 3, an order of $300,000.
New turn-out gear for the Fire Department – amounting to a $200,000 bond – was approved.
The $300,000 needed for the repaving of tennis courts, also a bonded item, was approved, Councilor Stan Walzyk said the priority should be for the courts at Szot Park.
The Council also considered $531,000 bond to replace the artificial turf field at Chicopee High School. The funds will go back into stabilization since the council has already approved the expense. After considerable commentary from many of the councilors, the order was approved.