WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Town Council conducted its last meeting of the year on Dec. 16 to decide on the appropriation of $51,800 from the reserve fund that was requested by Central Maintenance to cover the cost of a new boiler at Cowing School.

Scott Moore of central maintenance told the council that a large leak in the Cowing School boiler was found on Dec. 4.

“In the repair process they found that the interior sections were badly worn and not repairable,” Moore said.

After receiving a waiver to bypass the bidding process due to the emergency nature of the situation, Central Maintenance received quotes from four companies, and Industrial Steel and Boiler in Chicopee came in lowest.

Moore said the boiler will be replaced over winter break to limit any disruption to students and faculty. The new boiler will be assembled next to the old and then the function will be switched over before the existing boiler is demolished to limit the chance of freezing pipes or a school–day without heat.

Councilor Bruce Gendron asked what the long–term plan for the building is since the new Coburn School will be absorbing the Cowing students. Moore said it is a historical building that will likely be repurposed.

“I don’t think we’re throwing the money away. I think the building is going to continue to be used,” said Moore.

When asked by Councilor Nathan Bech, Moore said that he thinks the new boiler will have a three–year warranty, though he did not have the exact information immediately available. He added that the city has worked with Industrial Steel and Boiler before without issue.

Councilor Sean Powers told Council President George Condon that the appropriation would leave $140,473.60 in the reserve fund. The council approved the money.

A proposal to allow restaurants that sell beer and wine to also sell cordials and liqueurs was heard by the council. A proposal is an adoption of existing state law.

“This would allow those beer and wine licenses to expand their business further, but not quite as far as the alcohol license,” said Town Attorney Kate O’Brien.

Councilor George Kelly clarified for the town that this would only affect businesses that sell food.

Bech called it a “pro-business measure” that would not have any safety consequences. The council voted yes on the measure.

Councilor Michael Eager said that there may be an issue between the Majestic Theater at 131 Elm St. and Unity Wealth Management Group at 33 Westfield St. The rear of the businesses abut one another, and he said access to the Majestic’s rear door through the other business’s parking lot posed an issue. Eger said he hoped the parties involved could work out a solution.

The outdoor seating ordinance policy that had been proposed by Powers is still in the process of being finalized. Language that conflicts with the licensing commission is under revision and the vote on the ordinance was continued until the second meeting in January.

Kevin McQuillan, the acting assistant superintendent of schools for the West Springfield School District, expressed the gratitude of the School Department and school council for the work done by Condon and Gendron. The two councilors did not seek reelection, and the meeting was their last on the council. State Sen. James Welch also attended the meeting to wish Condon and Gendron well and gave the men citations for their work.

The council, led by Councilor George Kelly, presented Gendron and Condon with plaques for their service. Each of the councilors took the opportunity to wish the outgoing members well.

Condon ended the meeting by saying, “Goodnight, West Side.”