City Councilor Robert Zygarowski, who died recently, was honored by the council.
Reminder Publishing file photo
CHICOPEE — In its first meeting since the passing of longtime City Councilor Robert Zygarowski, the Chicopee City Council addressed its agenda while also paying tribute to its “out-of-chair” councilor.
President Frank Laflamme began the meeting by noting it would be Zygarowski’s final roll call. At its completion, Laflamme noted, “In spirit, we have our 13.”
With the weight of Zygarowski’s passing evident throughout the meeting, as several councilors came there from his wake, the council moved forward with the business of passing or moving to review the list of the mayor’s orders.
The council voted to appropriate $380,000 for a feasibility study on moving the Anna E. Barry School to the Szetela School site. The initial plan of rebuilding it at its current site at Garrity Grove ran into conservation issues with the current site because of wetlands. The move to Szetela would mean either a new building behind Szetela or consolidating the two schools there with either a new or a renovated building. Despite the issue, the project is still on track to take about seven years.
In addition, the council also voted to accept a $100,000 grant and appropriate $365,000 to design and develop a plan for the culverts that flow under Front Street and the Chicopee Electric Light parking lot. According to Lee Pouliot, director of planning, the culverts are undersized and in poor condition. This phase of the project will likely take one to one and a half years to complete before construction begins.
Councilors sent a request for funds for an estimate to repair a large crack in the fire department headquarters where the apparatus park to the finance committee. The $26,476 will cover looking at what needs to be done for the repair and how much that repair would cost. Currently, the department has temporary protection so that nobody gets hurt from the crack.
A recall law, outlining in detail the procedure for recalls in the city, was sent back to the rules committee after Councilor Timothy Wagner passionately spoke to remove the section outlining how councilors would go on administrative leave if they were indicted.
Wagner said that the portion was “riddled with due process violations” and that it “presumes guilt.”
After a two-minute break, called by Laflamme to allow councilors and the attorney to review the section, Wagner said that he would “personally find an attorney to sue” if the clause remained. Ultimately, the council voted 10-2, with Wagner voting no, to send the law back to the rules committee for a public hearing. Wagner, who had been participating remotely, then left the meeting.
The remaining councilors, some holding back tears, each took a few minutes at the end of the meeting to share memories and praise for Zygarowski.
For some councilors, the memories were deeply personal and lifelong. Councilor Shane Brooks recalled that Zygarowski was his grandfather’s rookie trainee, and he was “one of the few people actually allowed to call me Brooksie.” Councilor Fred Krampits echoed those sentiments, saying Zygarowski had been a friend of his father’s and he was “grateful for him extending that friendship.” Krampits added that when his father passed away, it was Zygarowski and his wife who brought the priest to the house for his father.
Many spoke of his deep love for his wife, who had passed a couple of years ago. Councilor Bill Courchesne noted that for many, home is where the heart is and Zygarowski is now back home with his wife.
Still others spoke of his mentorship and the wealth of knowledge that he willingly shared. Councilor Abigail Arriaga noted how appreciative of his advice she was when she began on the council and Councilor Samuel Shumsky said Zygarowski was “one of the first people to take a chance on my politically.”
Mayor John Vieau called Zygarowski “a devoted family man and friend” and “a true champion” for the city.
“His legacy has made a lasting impact on many generations,” said Vieau.
Laflamme closed the meeting with “Goodnight, Bob.”
