METHUEN CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

GREAT HALL, SEARLES BUILDING

October 31, 2006 - 11:00 a.m.

 Chairman Zanni called the Special meeting of the Methuen City Council, scheduled for October 31, 2006 to order at 11:00 a.m. with six members present. Councilors Quinn, Cronin and Giordano were absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

MOTION BY:  Councilor, Willette seconded by Councilor Leone to accept the Special Meeting agenda as posted.

UPON VOTE:   UNANIMOUS 

PUBLIC SERVICE:Licenses:Flea Market License – Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative – 480 Broadway, Methuen – November 4,2006 

MOTION BY: Councilor Willette seconded by Councilor Corey Rahme to approve.Councilor Corey Rahme stated this is the third issue regarding a Flea Market application and City Council regular meetings.  This process developed because of the nuisance created by people having flea markets weekly.  Councilor Corey Rahme understands there may be a movement within Council to fix this problem.  There have been three instances where the applications of these licenses are not complete in time for the city council regular meetings, hence the meeting this morning.  Councilor Willette stated that if a Flea Market is a charitable venture or fund raiser it should go through the City Clerk’s office.  If it is a commercial enterprise then it should go through the city council.

Councilor Leone stated that Mayor Manzi has established a committee to review all of the permitting processes. Anything redundant or unnecessary will be looked at.  Chairman Zanni along with the committee will be meeting on Thursday to review all the permits and licenses that Council currently issues.  It may be done administrational or by other departments.Councilor Andrew said that when the license is for a charitable fun raiser there should be a board or person to check and make sure everything is in order.  Before it goes to the City Clerk.  Someone needs to make sure all the regulations are in order.  Someone to replace the council to make sure there are checks and balances.  The town has to have a back up (police or building inspector) to make sure everything has been signed off.  Accountability. 

Councilor Willette stated once the process is established and it goes through the proper channels and approved by the Treasurer, City Clerk, Police and the Mayor it does not have to come before the City Council to be approved.  It is unnecessary.  The Mayor can approve it in consultation with the departments.Councilor Lahey would suggest that once the application goes through the process, the Council Chair signs off on the licenses.  We essentially do it that way now.  The Chairman should have the authority to sign off on this without having a Special Meeting.Councilor Willette stated again this is for charitable organizations.  Anything commercial should be investigated and come before the City Council.   

UPON VOTE: UNANIMOUS 

ADJOURN

MOTION BY:  Councilor Leone seconded by Councilor Willette to adjourn.

UPON VOTE:  UNANIMOUS  

Diane Lasonde, Council Secretary                

I do hereby certify that at a meeting of which a quorum was present, the foregoing minutes were approved by the Methuen City Council by a unanimous vote on November 6, 2006.