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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
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City council votes on budget By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—In spite of concerns about the budget that spilled over from the night before, the City Council voted to approve the City’s 2017-2018 fiscal operating budget Thursday night. The budget, which was about $126.34 million after cuts, Westfield City Council in their chambers during Thursday passed with a two-vote margin—seven voted yes, five voted no night’s vote. on its final reading. At-Large councilor and Council President Brent Bean was not in attendance. “This budget’s $3.6 million more than last year’s budget… The budget had over $443,000 in cuts from what was origi- It’s not what the taxpayers want, they’ve been clear on that,” nally proposed by Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. However, he added. according to at-large councilor Dave Flaherty, the budget “I’ve had a lot of calls, a lot of emails,” Babinski said. “This increased about $3.2 million from the year before with the cuts, is not something people want.” equaling about a 5.4 percent tax increase as it stands currently. Babinski also claimed that some residents are fearful of losRegarding the budget, there were councilors on both sides, ing their homes. some speaking in favor while others speaking against it. On the other side, At-Large councilors Cindy Harris, Those who voted no on both readings were At-Large coun- Matthew VanHeynigen and Stephen Dondley, as well as Ward cilors Dan Allie and Dave Flaherty, Ward One councilor Mary Two councilor Ralph Figy, Ward Five councilor Robert Paul Ann Babinski and Ward Three councilor Andrew Surprise. and Ward Six councilor William Onyski all voted in favor of Among their contentions were that constituents have reportedly the amended budget through both readings. voiced their concerns over taxes rising. “We’ve vetted every line item, and then we voted on every “This is a very challenging situation, a very challenging budget,” Flaherty said. See Budget Vote, Page 3
After Hours with Mayor Sullivan scheduled for next week By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—Residents will have a chance to ask whatever questions they desire of Mayor Brian Sullivan next week, during his second ever After Hours with Mayor Sullivan. The event, which will be happening at PAPPS Bar and Grill at Barnes Regional Airport, is next Tuesday, June 27, at 6 p.m. and is a “buy-your-own” event. According to Amber Danahey, community outreach coordinator for the city, the hope is to draw a greater attendance than the first after hours event. Also, Sullivan will be open to any questions, including ones about the budget and water See Mayor Sullivan, Page 3
The Joseph Ave & Papermill Road construction project will be conducting a detour of traffic on Papermill Road at the Joseph Ave intersection impacting both directions starting Monday 6/19/17. The detour is supposed to take place only during their working hours approximately 7am to 4:30pm. This detour is expected to remain in place for several weeks.
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Police seek help locating missing teen By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–The city’s police department is seeking assistance from the public in finding a missing teenager. The Westfield Police Department’s detective bureau posted on Facebook that they are attempting to locate 16-year-old Amelia Meade. The post reported that she was reported missing on June 19 to police. Meade is described as 5’7″, about 125 lbs., with long strawberry blonde hair that goes halfway down her back. If you see her or are aware of where she may be, police request that you call their department at (413)562-5411. At right, a photo of Amelia Meade, according to the Westfield Police Detective Bureau on Facebook
It is very crowded this time of year on Congamond Lake and safety needs to be reminded. (WNG File Photo)
Town officials reiterate lake safety
Solar array approved, construction to begin soon
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The official start of summer has just arrived and Fourth of July is right around the corner, meaning that Congamond Lake is about to hit its highest peak of popularity. But as large numbers of people use the lake, concerns for safety increase. So far this season emergency services personnel in Southwick have had to deal with one drowning on Middle Pond and they are hoping it is the last of the year but the reality is that it may not be. Town officials who keep a close eye on Southwick’s body of water, noted several easily remedied hazards that they are hoping to see disappear this summer and moving forward. Dick Grannells, who is the Chairman of the Lake Management Committee, was quick to point out instances where boats are well over their capacity. According to Grannells, every boat has a placard which either gives the limit on the amount of people on that particular boat or the weight limit in pounds.
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Planning Board approved a solar energy request made by Eversource that was originally proposed at a meeting on June 6. The board is now in the process of preparing the decision, which will lay Eversource comout the conditions and legal documen- pany logo. (WNG File Photo) tations of the Eversource plan. The project consists of utilizing 22.5 acres of the Eversource owned 76-acre parcel at 68 Feeding Hills Rd. for a solar array. First reported by the Westfield News on June 8, there will be roughly 17,000 solar panel structures throughout the 22.5 acres with no current plans for the remaining 50+ acres. Laura Lefebvre, Senior Manager at TRC Solutions, who is representing Eversource as the consulting firm,
See Lake Safety, Page 3
See Solar Array, Page 3
(WNG file
photo)
Traffic advisory:
— MARY ELLEN CHASE
FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017
VOL. 86 NO. 148
Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan
“Suffering without understanding in this life is a heap worse than suffering when you have at least the grain of an idea what it’s all for.”
Westfield woman recognized as unsung heroine BOSTON – Jayne Mulligan of Westfield was honored Wednesday as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2017 Class of Unsung Heroines for her extraordinary contributions towards making her community a better place to live. “Jayne has contributed so much to our community and to her neighbors through her career and her volunteerism. This nomination was the least I could do to thank her for all her efforts. It was great to see her work applauded by attendees and other Unsung Heroines from across the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Don Humason. “Jayne Mulligan is truly a pillar of our community. She has contributed so much to the city of
Westfield and she exemplifies the spirit of this award. I’m happy that we were able to honor her at the State House today,” said State Representative John Velis. A life-long resident of Westfield, Jayne thinks of herself as “semi-retired and busier than ever.” The city’s former Animal Control Officer now spends her time working and volunteering for non-profits in the community. Over the years, she has leant her time and expertise to various political campaigns, church events, school activities, and local organizations like the Westfield Housing Authority and the Westfield Athenaeum. She currently serves as a co-chair of the Westfield Athenaeum’s “Rise See Westfield Woman, Page 3
(L-R) Representative John Velis, Jayne Mulligan, Senator Don Humason in the Hall of Flags of the Massachusetts State House. (Photo courtesy Sen. Humason’s office)