FITCHBURG —  The City Council tackled a range of pressing issues affecting the community last week, from key appointments to funding allocations to legislative proposals. In the realm of outdoor recreation, $50,000 in funding will be going toward the opening of a Fitness Court — the new digitally-activated free outdoor gyms popping up across the country — at Coolidge Park.

Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia reported that the Coolidge Park location will be one of two new locations opening soon in the region.

“[There is] currently only 1 in North Central Massachusetts (Gardner) which only has the Fitness Court and not the outdoor studio. Townsend and Fitchburg are coming soon,” Squailia said about the new details posted on the Fitness Court website. “This has been a collaborative effort with funding from the city, CBDG, a state earmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts, and the National Fitness Campaign.”

The council also approved several funding allocations, including $75,000 for police detail services and $30,000 for recycling initiatives, and $40,000 for a new digital scoreboard at Nikitas Field.

Council President Anthony Zarrella highlighted the significance of two other allocations, $19,287 for community policing efforts and $73,951 for the Police Department’s Domestic Violence Advocate program.

“We’re approving the expenditure of funds from several grants, including one that will continue to fund our Domestic Violence Advocate program — a signature initiative of our recently retired police chief, Ernie Martineau, and one of the most successful such programs in the region,” Zarrella said.

Flying high on new airport eatery

Councilor-at-Large Sally Cragin commented on the recent proposal for a new eating establishment at Fitchburg Airport.

“Economic development happens every day at Fitchburg Airport,’ and that is the truth — especially now, with an RFP out to bring a restaurant, and further projects to this unique and precious institution in our City,” Cragin said. “My children loved visiting the Airport when they were young, and watching planes land as they looked out the restaurant windows, and I’m glad children will continue to have that opportunity.”

Mary Jo Bohart, director of economic development for the city of Fitchburg, also commented on the benefits of the local aviation facility.

“From an economic development standpoint, Fitchburg Municipal Airport is a unique asset, both for aviators and the general public,” said Bohart. “Recruiting a new restaurant to the facility will serve both audiences as well. Pilots and their passengers will be able to enjoy food either at the beginning or end of their journey, which is a popular aspect of flying for many amateur pilots.”

Bohart said the new establishment also corresponds with an overall push to broaden the options of eateries in the city.

“The city had been focused on expanding its range of dining establishments for the past several years, so attracting a new restaurant to the Fitchburg Municipal Airport will align with that ongoing economic development goal,”  Bohart also said.

Appointments

The City Council made several key appointments, including Ricardo Barros and Eva Antonucci-Kelly to the Fitchburg Cultural Council. Shara Osgood was reappointed to the same council, while Amanda Koeck secured a reappointment to the Fitchburg Planning Board. Brian Gallagher was reappointed to the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals.

Mayor Samantha Squailia submitted a reappointment of Mead, Talerman & Costa as City Solicitor, a move that has sparked debate in recent months.

The next regular meeting of the Fitchburg City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at 7 p.m.