CHICOPEE – The Chicopee City Council met on Nov. 17 to discuss 32 motions, ranging from approving more than $42,000 to go toward election salaries, to an appropriation to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for the Williams Park Project.

To start the meeting, the council approved funds of $42,346.46 to go to the City Clerk Special Account for election salaries. These funds will go toward paying for the significant amount of overtime election workers put in when counting mail-in ballots.

The council also approved $15,000 to help fund census data collecting and pay the salaries of workers. This year, the Census Fund was reduced from $20,000 to $5,000, according to the council.

“The amount that was budgeted was nowhere near enough to cover their salaries,” said Councilor James Tillotson.

The council stressed how critical it is for the city to take census data seriously and assured residents that this would not be an additional burden on taxpayers.

Other highlights also included the appropriation of $53,000 to the DPW Parks Special Account for the Williams Park Project. This money will be used to have an engineering firm come to Williams Park and determine the contamination found within the soil. Once determined, they can continue work on installing a water main. The council recognized how large this sum of money is, but also said that testing to see what soil is contaminated is necessary to meet state and federal requirements

According to Councilor Derek Dobosz, “There is no risk to the public.”

The council also accepted the donations in the amount of $12,214.30 to the Chicopee Council on Aging. These donations were received for senior meals during the month of October. These donations give the elderly an opportunity to get a free daily meal if needed.

“It’s worked out very well for the city and it’s worked out very well for the seniors,” said Tillotson.

The meeting also looked at many proposed ordinances for parking regulations and license renewals for Chicopee businesses.

The council ended the meeting speaking about the upcoming holiday. They wished residents and colleagues a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Councilors also touched on the new transition of Chicopee schools into full remote learning. They thanked educators and staff for their hard work and dedication during this tough time.

To view the entirety of the City Council Meeting, visit the Chicopee TV Facebook Page.