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Please be advised that City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday.

City Council Orders August 1, 2023

Communications & Petitions

Title Initial Status Committee CMTE Date 1 CMTE Date 1 Status CMTE Date 2 CMTE Date 2 Status Final Status Notes
3. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia - Executive Order on Regulation of Blighted and vacant Buildings
 Referred DGR
4. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia - Appointment letter for Hayley M. Dunn to serve as the Democratic Member for the Board of Registrar of Voters Appointment confirmed Appointment confirmed 8-1-23
5. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia - Appointment letter for Andrew Parker to serve as a member on the Library Board of Directors Referred Public Service 8-29-23 Appointment recommended Appointment confirmed 9-5-23
6. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia - Appointment letter for Greg Virgilio, David "DJ" O'Connor, Linda Pratt, Nayroby Rosa-Soriano, Framk Dailey. Matt Mainville, Meagan Magrath, Axel Fontanez, Markeysha Dawn Davis & Camilia Garcia to serve as members on the Recycling Advisory Committee Referred Public Service 8-29-23 Appointments recommended Appointments confirmed 9-5-23
7. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia - Feedback from department heads regarding financial policies manual Referred Ordinance Copy to Finance
8. Mayor Joshua A Garcia - Comcast license renewal hearing notice Referred Finance
9. Division of Local Services - Financial Policies Manual Referred Ordinance Copy to Finance
10. Lisa Ball, City Solicitor - legal Opinion from Mark R. Reich regarding City council voting requirements Received Charter and Rules 12-11-23 Received Received 8-1-23 Copy to Charter and Rules
11. Lisa Ball, City Solicitor - Legal Opinion from KP Law, Mark R. Reich regarding Community Preservation Act Surcharge Reduction Received Received 8-1-23 Copy to Charter and Rules
12. City Solicitor - Treasurer ballot question wording Referred Charter and Rules
13. City Solicitor - Information on Police Commission Referred Charter and Rules 12-11-023 Tabled
14. Brenna Murphy McGee, City Clerk - listing of money cuts from FY2024 Budget Adopted Adopted 8-1-23
15. Brenna Murphy McGee, City Clerk - communication regarding ballot question deadlines Referred Charter and Rules 12-11-23 Received 8-30-23 (Finance) Received Copy to Finance
16. City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos - May 16, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes, May 16, June 6, and June 20, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Adopted Adopted 8-1-23
17. Grant Completion Form - Commonwealth of Massachusetts DCR Masstrails Grant Received Received 8-1-23
18. Grant Completion Form - Wistariahurst Museum Repainting/Restoration Received Received 8-1-23
19. Grant Completion Form - FY 23 REDO grant, The ARTery Project - Economic Development Council of Western Mass Received Received 8-1-23
20. Community Outreach Notice - Upper Echelon LLC and Red Barn Growers LLC at 1 Cabot St Referred Ordinance
21. HEDIC - March 23, 2023 and May 25, 2023 meeting minutes Received Received 8-1-23
22. Board of Fire Commission - May 18, 2023 meeting minutes Received Received 8-1-23
23. Holyoke Historical Commission - April 10, 2023 meeting minutes Received Received 8-1-23
24. Holyoke Redevelopment Authority - May 17, and June 21, 2023 meeting minutes Received Received 8-1-23
25. Andre Gamble - Pictures for parking requirement on 39-41 Portland St special permit Received Received 8-1-23
26. Special Permit Application - Euphorium LLC at 15 Main St Referred Ordinance 9-12-23 Approved with conditions Adopted with conditions 10-3-23
27. Pole and Wire Petition - Verizon/HG&E to one install jointly owned mid-span pole on east side of Jarvis Ave 875 feet southwesterly from the centerline of Easthampton Rd Tabled Public hearing scheduled for September 5th, 2023
28. Special Permit Application - Marisol Figueroa at 222 West Franklin St for Nail Salon Referred DGR 9-25-23 Approved with conditions Adopted with conditions 10-3-23
D. Atty Degnan, Asst City Solicitor - Home rule petition for appointed treasurer Referred Charter and Rules

Committee Reports

Laid on the table
1. An order to draft ballot question for voters to decide on reducing CPA tax from 1.5% to 0.5% 2. An order to place vote for CPA surcharge on 2023 ballot per attached petition
Ordinance
29A. An order to remove handicap sign at 16-18 Linden 29B. An order that flag ordinance be amended to include new POW flag regulations
 29C. An order to return approval of assigning solicitor to Council meetings to Council President, and authorize City Council to request hiring of outside legal counsel
Finance
30A. An order to accept FFY19 Project Safe Neighborhoods $20,069 no match grant 30B. An order to accept FY2024 State 911 Department Emergency Medical Dispatch $24,500 no match grant 30C. An order to accept FY2024 Support & Incentive $306,443 no match grant
30D. An order to accept Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency FFY2022 EMPG $20,150 no match grant 30E. An order to accept PVPC FY24 CT River Cleanup Funding $210,000 no match grant
 30F. An order to review free cash certification
30G. An order for Finance Committee to discussion funding of subcommittee interpretation services 30H. An order for road improvements on Homestead Ave from Cherry Street to Lower Westfield Rd 30I. An order to replace sidewalk on Queen St. between Coit and King St
Public Safety
31A. An order to consider making Rohan Park a kids and dog park 31B. An order that the DPW Superintendent provide the City Council with an update on the tree list 31C. An order for performance report on Shot Spotter
31D. An order that City Forester present on department obligations and plans for addressing concerns 31E. An order to discuss transition and treatment programs with opioid task force 31F. An order for update on potential homeless shelter at War Memorial
Public Service
32A. Appointment letter for Michael Sullivan to serve as a member of the HEDIC 32B. Reappointment letter for Theresa Cooper-Gordon to serve as a Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority 32C. An order to review and approve the relocation of a department or departments to the unused space of the tax collector/personnel office
32D. A resolution in support of the GREEN Act
Development and Governmental Relations
33A. License Agreement with Edward A. Owen for a business at 120 Front St 33B. Special Permit Application - Andre Gamble at 39-41 Portland St for a third floor dwelling 33C. Special Permit Application - Juan Rodriguez at 62 Pearl St for a non conforming structure
33D. An order to accept sale of 267 Elm Street for $15,000.00 to GEM Holdings, LLC 33E. An order to declare 118 Newton Street as surplus property 33F. An order to declare 138 Cabot Street as surplus property
33G. An order to invite High Street Business Association for discussion 33H. From the Law Department, Update on Properties
Charter and Rules
34A. An order that employment issues be referred to Public Service Committee 34B. An order that road and sign issues be referred to Public Safety Committee 34C. An order to petition Mass General Court for legislation to make Treasurer appointed position
34D. An order to rename Public Service Committee to add Human Resources 34E. An order to discuss impacts of SJC decision, Barron v Kolenda 34F. An order to modify rule 6D to prohibit profanity during meetings
34G. An order to create a City Council Cannabis Committee

New orders

Title Initial Status Committee CMTE Date 1 CMTE Date 1 Status CMTE Date 2 CMTE Date 2 Status Final Status Notes
36. BARTLEY -- An order to look at tree near 61 Lawler for trimming or removal, and repair nearby sidewalk Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to Forester
37. BARTLEY -- An order to improve sidewalks and catch basin near 5 Martin St Referred Public Safety Copy to Veolia, City Engineer
38. BARTLEY -- An order for pedestrian safety plan for 300 employees expected to work at Soldiers Home and parking at HCC lots Referred DGR Copy to HPD, MassDOT, State Rep, State Senator
39. BARTLEY -- An order for update on funding crosswalk at HCC main gate. Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to Mayor, Alarm Division
40. BARTLEY -- An order for update on funding pedestrian safety signals at Hitchcock and Martin Referred Finance 8-30-23 Complied with Complied with 9-5-23 Copy to Alarm Division
41. BARTLEY -- An order to allow legally posted "no truck" signage to alert trucks to avoid neighborhoods Referred Ordinance
42. GIVNER -- An order to remove handicap sign at 282 Pine St Referred Ordinance 8-22-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
43. GIVNER -- An order to establish Homeless and Housing Liaison in Schedule A Referred Ordinance
44. GIVNER -- An order to limit Council meetings to 2 1/2 hours with two 15-minute additions allowed through majority vote Referred Charter and Rules 12-11-23 Complied with Complied with 12-19-23
45. GIVNER -- An order to add 30 minute public comment period to Council meetings Referred Charter and Rules 12-11-23 Tabled
46. GIVNER -- An order to place "no truck" signs at and along Beacon St Referred Ordinance
47. JOURDAIN -- An order to review health insurance analysis with Cook and Company
Referred Ordinance 12-12-23 Complied with a. (Finance) 1-17-24 a. Tabled Complied with 12-19-23 Copy to Finance
48. MCGEE -- An order to install a light at new Kennedy Park playground Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to Parks & Rec, DPW
49. MCGEE -- An order to amend Rule 7b to add 10 minutes of response time for councilors Referred Charter and Rules
50. MCGEE -- An order to update or redo Edward Kennedy monument to highlight heroic acts Referred Public Service 8-29-23 Complied with, refer to mayor Complied with, referred to mayor 9-5-23 Copy to War Memorial Commission
51. MCGEE -- An order to repaint crosswalk in front of police station Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to DPW
52. MCGEE, JOURDAIN -- An order to replace "no parking" signs on Jarvis Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to DPW
53. MCGEE -- An order to repair play area and swing sets at Kennedy Field Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to DPW
54. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $48,045 from Capital Stabilization to Refuse-R&M Vehicles Referred Finance 8-30-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
55. MCGIVERIN -- An order to accept FFY20 Project Safe Neighborhoods $87,392 no match grant Adopted Adopted 8-1-23
56. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $121,879 from Sick Leave Buyback to Captain Referred Finance 8-30-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
57. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $25,511.58 from Sergeant and Patrolmen to Injured on Duty Tabled Adopted 9-5-23
58. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $9,952.04 from Sergeant and Patrolmen to Injured on Duty Tabled Adopted 9-5-23
59. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $2,293.90 from Firefighter (Pay Period #1) to Injured on Duty Tabled Adopted 9-5-23
60. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $2,293.90 from Firefighter (Pay Period #2) to Injured on Duty Tabled Adopted 9-5-23
61. MCGIVERIN --- An order to accept Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency FFY2022 EMPG $20,150 in kind match $20,000 grant Adopted Adopted 8-1-23
62. MCGIVERIN --- An order to transfer $19,450 from Capital Stabilization to Professional Engineering Services Referred Finance 8-30-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
63. MCGIVERIN, RIVERA_J -- An order to install crosswalk at city parking lot on North Canal St Referred Ordinance Copy to Engineer
64. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to approve Certified Project Application and TIF with Sublime Systems for Water St properties Referred DGR 8-23-23 Tabled 9-25-23 Approved Adopted 10-3-23
65. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to approve amendment to special tax assessment with Aegis Energy Services for 59 Jackson St Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
66. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to decertify Certified Project Application and TIF with Canal Row LLC and request decertification for development by Race and Main Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
67. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to decertify Certified Project Application and TIF with AACO Realty and request decertification for development at 380 Dwight St Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
68. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to approve Certified Project Application and TIF with Valley Malt LLC for 4 North Bridge St Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
69. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to approve transfer of listed properties to HRA for $1 in accordance with urban renewal plan Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
70. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI -- An order to extend approval of transfer of properties to HRA originally approved in 2016 and 2018 Referred DGR 8-23-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
71. PUELLO -- An order to place handicap sign at 36A Resnic Blvd Referred Ordinance 8-22-23 Leave to withdraw Leave to withdraw 9-5-23
72. PUELLO -- An order to place handicap sign at 565 S. Canal St Referred Ordinance 8-22-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
73. PUELLO -- An order for Nueva Esperanza to present plans for $150,000 ARPA award Referred DGR 9-25-23 Complied with Complied with 10-3-23
74. PUELLO, RIVERA_I -- An order for update on plan to address Emerald Ash Borer infestation in South Holyoke Referred Public Safety
75. RIVERA_J -- An order to place handicap sign at 19 Worcester Place Referred Ordinance 8-22-23 Approved Adopted 9-5-23
76. RIVERA_I -- An order to form working group to develop solutions addressing vagrancy on High St Adopted Public Safety 11-29-23 Complied with Adopted 8-1-23

P.S. Complied with 12-5-23

 Refer to Mayor. Copy to Public Safety
77. RIVERA_I -- An order for Holyoke Mall to discuss safety concerns on parking deck  Referred Public Safety
78. RIVERA_I -- An order to prioritize repairs and improvements at splash pads with next round of CDBG funding  Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Mayor, Parks & Rec.
79. RIVERA_I, JOURDAIN -- An order to explore cost to add picnic area next to Pouliot Pool  Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Parks & Rec.
80. RIVERA_I, JOURDAIN -- An order to explore cost of adding shade providers to Pouliot Pool  Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Parks & Rec.
81. RIVERA_I -- An order to discuss letter to residents at Toefert Apartments regarding remodel or removal of park Referred Public Safety
82. RIVERA_I -- An order to partner with local university or college to study how city and federal tax dollars are allocated Received Received 8-1-23 Refer to Mayor
83. RIVERA_I -- An order to install fish net at Myriam Miranda basketball to prevent basketball from going into neighbor yards  Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Parks & Rec
84. RIVERA_I -- An order to mow grass lot at corner of Lyman and North Summer St Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Board of Health
85. RIVERA_I -- An order to discuss status of property at corner of Lyman and North Summer St  Referred Public Safety
86. RIVERA_I -- An order to devise system to incentivize volunteers to clean up Holyoke  Received Received 8-1-23 Refer to Mayor
87. TALLMAN -- An order to paint crosswalks at Howard and Hampden Sts Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to DPW
88. TALLMAN -- An order to place stop signs at Joanne/Bemis, Drake/Bemis, Mt. Tom/Bemis and West Meadowview/Bemis  Referred Ordinance
89. TALLMAN -- An order for speed radar trailer at Drake and Bemis Rds  Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to HPD
90. TALLMAN -- An order for diversity training prior to future City Council meeting Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Refer to Personnel
91. VACON, BARTLEY, PUELLO -- An order to seek removal electronic tolls on MassPike between Westfield and West Springfield to encourage more tractor trailer usage Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to DGR
92. ANDERSON-BURGOS -- An order to repave road and paint turn direction marking on Linden at Beech Adopted Adopted 8-1-23 Copy to DPW
93. ANDERSON-BURGOS -- An order that Council receive communications when changes in building use require dept permits but not Council approval Referred Ordinance Copy to Law Dept
A. MCGEE -- An order that treasurer and Mass Munifin update on progress of work done in department Referred Finance 9-13-23 Complied with Complied with 9-20-23
B. JOURDAIN -- An order to review and adopt proposal for financial policies Referred Ordinance Copy to Finance
C. MCGIVERIN, ANDERSON-BURGOS, VACON -- An order to paint crosswalk at Jarvis and West Cherry Adopted Joint Committee of CC and SC 11-27-23 Complied with, referred to DPW Adopted 8-1-23

Complied with, referred to DPW
12-5-23

 Refer to Engineer. Copy to Joint CC and SC Committee
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