The City Council also approved an internet cafe on Cooley Street, but the vote has been challenged as legally invalid by Law Department and city clerk
SPRINGFIELD – City councilors this week praised the resiliency of residents, the professionalism of public safety personnel, and the generosity of volunteers in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes that struck the region and left many people homeless.
The comments occurred as councilors met Monday and authorized Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to deficit-spend to cover current and future city expenses related to the tornadoes and expected to cost millions of dollars. The city is hoping that most of the cost will be reimbursed by state and federal disaster aid.
Also Monday, the council voted to approve a special permit for an internet cafe on Cooley Street, but the legality of the vote has been challenged by both the Law Department and City Clerk Wayman Lee. Lee said he will confer with the Law Department before any final permit is granted.
City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula said that once the special permit was denied two weeks ago, failing by one vote to get a two-thirds majority needed, it cannot be reconsidered for two years. Lee agreed.
Councilor Timothy J. Rooke, in asking for reconsideration immediately after the May vote, said that kept the issue open, and allowed last night’s new vote.
Melvin EdwardsCouncilor Michael Fenton, who voted against reconsideration, said the council was ignoring its own Law Department and city clerk.
“I am absolutely baffled,” Fenton said.
The vote was 10-3 in favor of the special permit with Fenton, Melvin Edwards and Clodovaldo Concepcion opposed. The petitioner was Jennifer Burritt.
Regarding the tornado damage in Springfield, councilors said they have seen devastation of homes and businesses, and have heard about people losing most of their possessions.
Council President Jose F. Tosado said he is among many people who have been volunteering to help, and going into the neighborhoods to see the losses first-hand.
Those who are helping “speaks volumes of the quality and goodness of the people of Springfield,” Tosado said.
Tosado said he has spoken to the victims and has seen the destruction.
“It hits you in the heartstrings,” Tosado said. “These are people we all know and care about. People from all walks of life have come together to help.”
Edwards, who represents Ward 3 where heavy damage occurred, said he and his wife were nearly struck by a tree in their truck last Wednesday, which fell during the tornado. A tree also hit their house.
He said there are people whose homes have been condemned and have had hours to get their possessions before their homes were demolished. One of his neighbors does not have the money to hire a crane to pull the tree from their house.
Councilor Kateri B. Walsh said it is an “absolute miracle” that more lives were not lost. There were four deaths in the region, but none in Springfield.
Ward 7 Councilor Timothy Allen said there was an unbelievable amount of devastation in some neighborhoods, with many people who lost their homes and most possessions.