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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016
VOL. 85 NO. 102
DAVID FLAHERTY
The poster art selected for the show is entitled “Poppies,” an alcohol ink by Joan Setkewich of Belchertown. (submitted photos)
George Hartley - Etude - oil on canvas.
Southwick Fine Art Exhibition this weekend By AMY PORTER Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Cultural Council’s 17th annual Fine Art Exhibition and Sale will take place on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Southwick Town Hall. Over 40 artists from Northern Conn. And Western Mass. will display George Hartley-Etude-oil on canvas-watercolor, woodcarving, sculpture, photography and mixed media. There will also be sculpture, pottery and mixed media demonstrations, as well by Scott Lawson Pomeroy on Saturday and Wishbone Zoe on Sunday. Refreshments and a light lunch will also be available in the Senior Center. Admission is free on both days. See additional photos Page 7.
In The Shadows, watercolor,15 x 22, Marie Flahive, Westfield
City Council Appoints New Superintendent of Buildings By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – At its regular meeting on Thursday evening, the City Council quickly went through its agenda, completing many items that had been sent to committee and returned with a positive recommendation. Among them was the unanimous confirmation of Carissa M. Lisee of Chicopee as Superintendent of Buildings for a term of three years, to fill the position which has been vacant since Jonathan Flagg resigned last August. At present, Springfield Deputy Building Superintendent Mark Hebert is handling the duties of Superintendent of Buildings for Westfield and overseeing the department through mutual aid. Lisee has been serving as the Building Commissioner and Zoning Officer for the town of Granby. Prior to this position, she served as Assistant Building Commissioner for Chicopee. She has been certified as a Building Commissioner by the state, and a Building Official through the International Code Council. “I’m anxious for this opportunity to get into the bigger city atmosphere. It was a great move. I really enjoyed Granby, but it’s too small for me,” said Lisee, who will begin her new position in Westfield on May 9.
“In any great organization it is far, far safer to be wrong with the majority than to be right alone.” — JOHN KENNETH GALBRAIT
CINDY HARRIS
Council approves expense of $500k for Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – The Westfield City Council approved spending in support of several items related to the Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan. Appropriations approved include $358,528 from the stabilization account and a transfer of $151,322 from a short-term interest account to the Westfield Redevelopment Authority to purchase the four remaining parcels in the Elm Street block to be developed. These and other related motions granting the WRA authority to access the funds passed with only At-large Councilor Cindy C. Harris dissenting. Earlier in the week, City Advancement Officer Joe Mitchell said he is hoping the city will be able to acquire the properties by July, and have the bowling alley demolished by September. He said once they get all of the approvals, they can start the Request for Proposal process to develop the whole parcel. The biggest discussion of the meeting was on a motion originally made by Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski to amend the city ordinance for the improper removal of public shade trees relative to the application and fine fees. The motion to raise the fine to $250 from $20 was returned with a positive recommendation by the Legislative and Ordinance Committee. At-large Council David Flaherty moved to amend the motion and raise the fine to $500 as more of a deterrent. “This is only when they do it without the permission of the city. This is only when you willfully violate the law,” Flaherty said. Babinski said that Mass. General Law also has a fine of $500 that can be levied in certain cases. “$250 is a lot of money to a lot of people,” said Harris. Other councilors agreed, and Flaherty withdrew his amendment. The motion to raise the fine to $250 passed. The City Council also passed a motion to implement legislation that would allow the Westfield Police Department to enforce noncriminal disposition infractions for recreational and marine patrols. This will allow the police department to write tickets and collect fines at waterways, such as Hampton Ponds, and also to issue fines on dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. Previously, only the Department of Environmental Protection could issue the fines.
Humason one of two ‘no’ votes on tobacco ban
Carissa M. Lisee, Westfield's new Superintendent of Buildings, after her appointment was confirmed by the City Council on Thursday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
BOSTON (WWLP) – It may soon be more difficult for most high school seniors to get their hands on tobacco products. “Often in high schools, and among social groups in teen groups, those age groups are co-mingling and children under the age of 18 are getting their hands on cigarettes,” West Springfield State Senator Jim Welch, (D) said. The state Senate Thursday voted to raise the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. Westfield State Senator Don Humason (R) was one of the two votes against the measure. “I had to balance our interest as a government to protect our constituents with respecting the rights of adults to make their own decisions,” he said. Most Massachusetts residents already live in cities and towns where the tobacco purchasing age is 21. This legislation would make it the statewide standard. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts argues that if teenagers want tobacco, they’ll find a way to get it. The association is worried that such a law would encourage consumers to spend their money in neighboring states, like Connecticut, where the legal age to buy cigarettes is still 18. “Once someone’s in the store to buy tobacco, they’re also buying milk. They’re also buying newspapers. They’re buying lottery tickets,” said Ryan Kearney, the General Counsel at Retailers Association of Massachusetts.”Those sales are going to go wherever that person goes to get the other items.” The proposed law would only apply to people that turn 18 after January 1st of 2017. The bill now heads to the House. Hawaii is the only state in the country that raised the age to 21 statewide.