City Council elects Vincent Ronghi as alternate member of Zoning Board of Appeals

Jan. 16, 2019 | Stephanie Trombley
stephanie@thereminder.com

Council President Christopher C. Johnson thanks the Agawam City Council after being re-elected for a second year.
Screen capture of meeting from Town of Agawam Vimeo

AGAWAM – The Town of Agawam City Council meeting took place on Jan. 7 at the Roberta G. Doering School. Elections were on the agenda to determine who would fulfill the roles of Council President, Council Vice President, City Auditor and Council Administrative Assistant.

Agawam City Council President Christopher C. Johnson recognized several council members for reaching milestones as members with the town of Agawam at the start of the meeting. This year marks Councilor Joseph Mineo and Councilor Robert E. Rossi’s 20th year on the Agawam City Council. Councilor Gina M. Letellier will be starting her 22nd year of serving on the council this year. Councilor George Bitzas will be serving his 30th year this year.

Johnson said, “Congratulations and thank you for your wisdom that you’ve gained and how much you support the town. While we do get a small stipend for what we do, it doesn’t compensate us for the time and effort that goes in.”

The Agawam City Council continued to unanimously vote to reappoint Nicholas Pandolfi to the Planning Board to a term expiring Jan. 1, 2024.

Johnson was re-elected to serve a second year in his role. After re-election, Johnson said, “Thank you very much. I’ve enjoyed my first year of service with this council and I appreciate your support and all of the hard work you have done over the course of the first year. Hopefully we can have as successful a second year together as we have the first.”

With a unanimous vote, Councilor Cecilia Calabrese was re-elected to serve as vice president of the Agawam City Council.

Calabrese shared, “It’s been my pleasure to be serving with Chris Johnson as president as his vice president. You are all so amazing to work with. I’m really looking forward to the next year.”

Cheryl St. John was re-elected as city auditor and will serve another term in her role.

Barbara Bard was also re-elected to her role as council administrative assistant. Following her re-election, Johnson said, “She not only serves as our administrative assistant, she also serves as our mom. Reminding us of everywhere we are supposed to be, everything we are supposed to do, and without her I don’t think half of us would make it to any of the meetings, at least not where they’re supposed to be. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her not only as a councilor, but council president. Thank you very much, Barbara, for keeping us on track.”

Vincent Ronghi was elected to the role of alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals by a 3-7 vote. Two nominees were presented by the city council for the role of alternate member of Zoning Board of Appeals. Councilors Rosemary Sandlin and Letellier nominated Rachel R. Osada, while Councilors Calabrese and Anthony Suffriti nominated Ronghi.

Upon closure of nominations, Sandlin said, “I’m happy to be able to make this nomination. I don’t know this woman, but her resume looks very extensive and it’s important that we have a rounded commission. She has a background, she’s new to the town, she wants to be involved in the town and I think we have to encourage people to apply for committees.”

Letellier said, “Ms. Osada is an appraiser, therefore she has knowledge about zoning. I think that’s really important. She’s just moved to Agawam this year, she’s got no baggage, she doesn’t owe anybody any favors. On these smaller boards, people like to call in favors. Even up here sometimes, you’ll try to do that too. I think it’s important that she’d be some fresh blood.”

Calabrese said, “I nominated Vin Ronghi because I know he has deep roots here in Agawam. I feel that his commitment to our town and the various other boards he has served on and his knowledge of the local zoning ordinances is an asset to this position. I don’t feel he’s the kind of person that feels like he owes anyone anything. I really think he’s the better person for this position.”

Councilor Robert E. Rossi shared, “I too, was very impressed with Rachel Osada’s resume, and I thought that she probably would make a good candidate based on her experiences and what her future goals are.”

Rossi continued, “I know Vinny Ronghi and I know he serves on boards here in Agawam and he’s very conscientious. I think we do need someone with her experience, but I also think we need someone who’s fresh and has new ideas.”

Bitzas shared, “We do have two, well-qualified candidates, but I believe Mr. Ronghi stands above. I believe he has proven to be very good for the town. He’s a good citizen. He’s involved with different organizations in the town and supports many organizations in the town.”

Agawam City Council meetings are hosted at the Agawam Junior High School Auditorium located at 1305 Springfield St.

Meetings take place the first and third Monday of every month with the exception of summer and holidays.

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