Biomass building permit debate halted

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Heated debate grounded to a halt Monday night at a special meeting of the Springfield City Council.

Councilors were poised to vote to appeal the Code Commissioner's decision to grant Palmer Renewable Energy a biomass building permit.

However, things took a turn when City Solicitor Ed Pikula suggested his department may not be able to represent the council if an appeal is filed.

Citing concerns over the costs of an outside attorney, Councilor Kateri Walsh invoked Rule 20, a rare move that prevents any debate or votes until a financial analysis can be done.

Amaad Rivera, the Springfield City Councilor Ward 6, told 22News, “This decision tonight actually had nothing to do with money, no money was transferring, no money was exchanging hands, no money was being allocated.”

“I think there's some really clear questions about the funding and who would represent the council, who would represent the city, whether or not we'd be suing ourselves,” said Kateri Walsh, the Springfield City Councilor-At-Large.

The council has until December 15th to appeal the permit, according to the statute of limitations.