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City Council - 10.1.2024

City Council Meeting - 10.1.2024

The Fitchburg City Council held a meeting on October 17, 2023, where they discussed a temporary moratorium on large-scale solar developments to protect neighborhoods and natural resources. The Council commended the Shade Street Neighborhood Group for their advocacy. They also considered appointments to various committees and passed amendments to ordinances related to recreational vehicles and parking fines. The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement in local governance and addressed key issues impacting the Fitchburg community.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:09)
The meeting of the Fitchburg city council is officially called to order by the presiding officer.

The meeting of the Fitchburg city council is officially called to order by the presiding officer. Attendees are reminded that the meeting is being recorded for public broadcast.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:36)
Vice President Van Hazinga leads the council and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Vice President Van Hazinga leads the council and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:00:56)
The clerk calls the roll to determine which council members are present at the meeting.

The clerk calls the roll to determine which council members are present at the meeting. Councilors present include Van Hazinga, Walsh, Zarella, Boch, Kucher, Kragan, Cruz, Fleming, and Schultz.
Public Comments (00:01:27)
Public comments are invited, but no individuals present wish to speak at this time.

Public comments are invited, with the procedure for speaking remotely or in person explained. However, no individuals present wish to speak on matters other than the public hearing.
Announcements (00:04:25)
Various community announcements are made, including upcoming events and activities.

Various community announcements are made, including details about a support group meeting, a book discussion, open studio celebrations, theater auditions, and a cemetery tour.
Approval of Minutes (00:07:02)
The report of the committee on records is reviewed and accepted without objection.

Councilor Walsh reports that the committee on records has reviewed the minutes, and they appear to be in order. A motion to accept the report is made and approved unanimously.
Appointments and Nominations (00:07:53)
New appointments and reappointments to various committees are announced and referred to the appointments committee.

New appointments include Gary Withington to the Board of Parks Commissioners and the Fitchburg Water Wastewater Commission, and Mary E. Self to the Fitchburg Historical Commission. Reappointments include Liz Murphy and Keith Chino. These are referred to the appointments committee.
Finance Committee Report (00:08:35)
The finance committee reports on two orders discussed and unanimously adopted.

The finance committee, chaired by Councilor Zarella, reports on two orders: one for $50,000 for police maintenance and another for $30,000 for mass development commitments. Both were unanimously adopted.
Public Works Committee Report (00:14:58)
The public works committee reports on several petitions regarding water runoff and road maintenance.

Councilor Cruz reports on petitions related to water runoff investigations and road maintenance. One was held for further investigation, and others were granted unanimously.
Public Hearing on Solar Moratorium (00:15:59)
A public hearing is held for an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on solar facilities.

A public hearing is conducted on a proposed ordinance for a temporary moratorium on large-scale ground-mounted solar facilities. Citizens speak in favor, expressing concerns about environmental and neighborhood impacts.
Ordinance in Final Reading (00:26:28)
The recreational and snow vehicles ordinance is reviewed with updated language and approved.

The council reviews an ordinance on recreational and snow vehicles with updated language from the legal department. The ordinance is amended and passed through its third and final reading.
Adjournment (00:30:16)
The meeting is adjourned after all business is concluded.

The meeting is adjourned following the completion of all scheduled agenda items and discussions. A motion to adjourn is made and passed unanimously.