On the agenda: Westfield meeting — Data Center (May 21)

AGENDA OF CITY COUNCIL

59 COURT STREET
MUNICIPAL BUILDING, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
MAY 21, 2026 AT 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL

REVISED
By City Clerk at 10:26 am, 5/21/26

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
READING OF RECORD OF MEETING OF May 7, 2026
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to MGL c.30A, section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation in
Commerce Insurance. v. City of Westfield as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect
on the litigating position of the public body if the chair so declares. It is intended the Council
return to open session.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
1. Requesting immediate consideration and approval an appropriation of $50,000.00
from the Department of Public Works Land and Natural Resources Division Full
Time Hourly Account (14990000-511100) to the Judgement Account (1490000576000) relative to matters which are the subject of litigation.
2. Requesting immediate consideration and approval of a Resolution to allow the
Mayor to enter into a lease agreement with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority for
a 2025 Ford E 350 for the Council on Aging Mobility Assistance Program.
3. Appropriation of $2,432,242,42. from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the Department of
Public Works Snow and Ice Control Accounts to cover the FY26 deficit as follows:
$1,857.648.17 to the Purchase of Service Account (14230000-520000)
$771,722.33 to the Supplies Account (14230000-540000)
$111,357.92 to the Overtime Account (14230000-513000)
$1,699.00 to the Additional Capital Equipment Account (14230000-585000)
4. Appropriation of $28,131.40 from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the Fire Department
Purchase of Service Account (12200000-520000) for bodywork repairs on the repair
vehicle.
5. Appropriation in the amount of $26,568.00 from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the Fire
Department Supplies Account (12200000-540000) to replace six sets of turnout gear
that have exceeded their service life.
6. Transfer of $124,380.00 from the Police Department Full-Time Hourly Account
(12100000-511100) to the Additional Small Equipment Account (12100000-585500)
for the purchase of 87 body worn camera (BWC) units and the associated software
and data storage services for all sworn officers of the Westfield Police Department.

7. Submitting an Order transferring care, custody, management and control of a
certain property, known as Fort Meadow School on White Street, from the School
Department to the City, for the purpose of declaring the property a surplus and
disposing it in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Finance Committee
8. Appropriation in the amount of $131,400.00 from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the
Parks and Recreation Bullens Improvements Account (45663010-584000) for
renovations to the dugouts at Bullens Field.
9. Acceptance of MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clauses 22I and 22J as requested by
Director of Veterans Services Julie Barnes.
10. Appropriation of $200,000.00 from the Community Preservation Undesignated
Reserve Balance Account (2410-34000) to the CPA Cabot Road Group Home
Account (24101770-580300-5214) for the construction of a new home for four
adult individuals with brain injury.
11. Requesting acceptance of an in-lieu of taxes contribution in the amount of
$552,397.00 from the Westfield Gas and Electric Light Department for FY27.
12. Requesting acceptance of an in-lieu of taxes contribution in the amount of
$1,000,000.00 from the Westfield Gas and Electric Light Department for FY27.
13. Appropriation in the amount of $40,000.00 from the Ambulance Undesignated
Fund Account (2100-340000) to the Fire Department Overtime Account
(21002310-513000) to cover overtime wages for the remainder of FY26.
14. Appropriation in the amount of $40,000.00 from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the
Engineering Purchase of Service Account (14110000-520000-9900) for repairs and
control system improvements to the water fountain at Half Mile Falls Park.
15. Appropriation in the amount of $187,000.00 from Free Cash (1000-359000) to the
Engineering Purchase of Services Account (14110000-520000-5411) for the
redevelopment of the Angie Holmes Property at Westfield Middle School.
Legislative and Ordinance Committee
16. An Ordinance to meet today's traffic concerns on our city streets involving
electric/motorized bikes, electric/motorized scooters, and electric/motorized
skateboards.
17. An Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Westfield, Chapter 16,
Article II, Division 4, Stormwater Management.
Natural Resourses Committee
18. Westfield Taxpayers Association relative to water production and increase in
billing. (6/17/2021)
19. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources submitting an Agricultural
Preservation Restriction Violation for Stuart Arnold Real Estate, LLC at 0 South
Meadow Road. (5/15/2025)
20. Consider a 12-month Moratorium on new Data Center projects. (4/2/2026)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
21. SECOND and FINAL READING of an Order of Taking for Cardinal Lane by right of
eminent domain.
22. SECOND and FINAL READING of a Layout Order for Cardinal Lane.
23. SECOND and FINAL READING of an Order of Taking for Big Wood Drive by right
of eminent domain.
24. SECOND and FINAL READING of a Layout Order for Bigwood Drive.
MOTIONS, ORDERS OR RESOLUTIONS
25. Motion of Councilors Figy and Mathews-Kane, for a Resolution for the City of
Westfield to adopt the provisions of Chapter 399 of the Acts of 2024, and specifically
Chapter 40, section 71 of the General laws to install and operate a school bus
detection monitoring system on school buses to enforce violations pursuant to MGL
Chapter 90, sections 14 and 14c. Refer to L&O and the Law Department.