Holyoke City Council Meeting January 7, 2020

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
January 7,2020

The meeting was called to order by President McGee at 07:06 PM.

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 0 Present Members 13 (Anderson-Burgos, Bartley, Greaney, Hernandez, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon).

The name of Councilor Lebron-Martinez was drawn to head the roll call voting.

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That a handicap sign be placed in front of 9 Gates St. for Jeffrey Potter.
Recommend that the order be adopted
Under discussion:
Under Discussion: Councilor Vacon noted that the Commission on Disabilities had vetted the application and that the Ordinance Committee had voted 5-0 to approve the application. It was noted that the legal form had been provided and therefore the Council could go forward with a vote. Motion was made and seconded to approve the committee report and approve the handicap application
—> In City Council, on January 7, 2020, the Report of Committee received and the Ordinance passed its first reading.
The Ordinance passed its second reading.
The Ordinance was passed to be enrolled.
The Committee has considered the same and find that it is truly and properly enrolled.
Report of Enrollment received.
The Ordinance was passed to be Ordained and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Anderson-Burgos).
Approved by the Mayor.

PUBLIC COMMENT
President’s Report:
Councilor McGee gave overview of the City Council “flower fund” and Thanked Councilor Sullivan for buying a new coffee machine for the Council office. Councilor McGee thanked Councilor McGiverin for his help in managing the flower fund and stated that this is a significant amount of work throughout the year. Councilor McGiverin stated that though he helps manage the account the Council will be open to any new ideas for ways the money can be used. Councilors thanked City Clerk Brenna McGee for her help and leadership in setting up the City Council inauguration ceremony. Councilor McGee stated that he would be coming out with the City Council committee assignments in the near future and asked Councilors to reach out to him and let him know which committees they would like to be a part of. Councilor McGee also stated that the he and the Council will continue talk to the Mayor’s office and the state to review future options for funding for schools. Moment of silence was observed for victims of the latest earthquake that had taken place in Puerto Rico.

COMMUNICATIONS

List of Appointments January 2020.

—> Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Administrative Assistant to the City Council. Ryan Allen was re-appointed unanimously. Mr. Allen will serve a one year term expiring January 2021.
Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Assessor. Anthony Dulude was re-appointed unanimously. Mr. Dulude will serve a three year term expiring January 2023.
Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Water Commissioner. William Harbilas was re-appointed unanimously. Mr. Harbilas will serve a three year term expiring January 2023.
Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Whiting Street Fund. Patrick Lavelle was re-appointed unanimously. Mr. Lavelle will serve a three year term expiring January 2023.

From Board of Fire Commission minutes of November 14, 2019.
—> Received.

From Tanya Wdowiak, City Auditor letter re: Christmas Tree refund.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order  that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, THIRTEEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($13,310.00) as follows:
FROM:
14261-51106   POLICE FLEET MECHANIC             $13,310.00
TOTAL:           $13,310.00
TO:
12101-52410   R & M MOTOR VEHICLES               $13,310.00
TOTAL:           $13,310.00
(Recommended by the Mayor)

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke and gave overview of the financial transfer. It was noted that the mechanics position was not filled for some time and that the HPD had the work contracted out for repairs of their vehicles. It was noted that this would allow for the payment of the work that had been done. Councilor McGiverin noted that the mechanic position in the DPW has sense been filled so hopefully in the future this work will be able to be done in house.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that, in accordance with Chapter 40, §4A, the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute a contract to deliver recyclable to the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).  The dual stream contract will be a 5 year contract term, with two 5 year extension.  A copy of the Dual Stream Designated Community Contract is provided.
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin gave an overview of the order and explained that with the recycling industry there used to be a net profit for municipalities recycling. It was noted that there have been recent changes and that plastic recyclable were sent to China and were able to generate small profits for the recycling municipalities. Councilor McGiverin gave overview of changes that have taken place in the industry and noted that this agreement would allow for the Mayor to enter into a 5-year contract with Springfield to use their recycling facilities and keep the City in compliance with all the EPA laws that govern recycling. Councilor McGiverin stated that the City is dual stream recycling and that the City would be charged a tipping fee for its recycling. Councilor McGiverin stated that the City would need to be careful not to generate a contamination fee as some items can’t be put in the recycling stream because they cause contamination of the process. It was noted that the City can pull out of this contract anytime without facing a penalty. Councilor Bartley discussed the want to have an education campaign by DPW to get people to recycle and to recycle only those items which are allowed to be recycled. Councilor McGiverin stated that for the time being shredded paper would not be allowed in the recycling stream any longer. Councilor Bartley stated that he would like to see a plan from the Mayor as to how this would all be budgeted for and to get a plan for the future. Councilors discussed ways to educate the public on the importance of recycling and ensuring that the right items are making it into the stream.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWO THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($2,716.00) as follows:
FROM:
12401-51110   PAY-LOCAL BUILDING INSPECTOR                                           $2,716.00
TOTAL:                          $2,716.00
TO:
12401-51102   PAY – ASSIST. BUILDING COMMISSIONER                                     $2,716.00
TOTAL:                          $2,716.00
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin gave info on the order and noted that this order would essentially cover raise in pay for work done in the Building Dept. It was noted that the raise would come within the Building Dept. budget and that the employee is the Asst. Building Commissioner and that by all accounts the individual has done a great job and is actually now supervising employees that are earning a higher salary. Councilor McGiverin stated that the position has not received a pay raise in some time and that the Finance Committee felt this was a worthy financial transfer.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 11–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Anderson-Burgos). Councilor Lisi did not vote or participate in discussion on this item.
Approved by the Mayor.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that MCGIVERIN — that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, NINETEEN THOUSAND THIRTY EIGHT AND 20/100 Dollars ($19,038.20) as follows:
FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $13490.09
12101-51107 PATROLMAN 5,548.11
TOTAL: $19,038.20

TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $19,038.20
TOTAL: $19,038.20
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin explained that these orders are for HPD and HFD employees that were injured on duty and are unable to work. It was noted that the City is contractually obligated to pay for the IOD officers and stated that having the transfers come through this way helps as an accounting mechanism for the City Council. It was noted that the current transfer effects 5 employees.
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, NINE HUNDRED TWENTY NINE AND 19/100 Dollars ($929.19) as follows:
FROM:
12402-57100 IN STATE TRAVEL $929.19
TOTAL: $929.19

TO:
12401-51510 PAY-VACATION BUYBACK $929.19
TOTAL: $929.19

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($65,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $65,000.00
TOTAL: $65,000.00

TO:
19412-57630 LEGAL CLAIMS $65,000.00
TOTAL: $65,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00/100 Dollars ($25,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $25,000.00
TOTAL: $25,000.00

TO:
19412-57630 LEGAL CLAIMS $25,000.00
TOTAL: $25,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SIX THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($6,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00

TO:
19412-57630 LEGAL CLAIMS $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($75,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $75,000.00
TOTAL: $75,000.00

TO:
11512-53010 SPECIAL COUNSEL $75,000.00
TOTAL: $75,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($7,500.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $7,500.00
TOTAL: $7,500.00

TO:
11211-51250 EXTRA CLERICAL $7,500.00
TOTAL: $7,500.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS AND 00/100 Dollars ($6,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00
TO:
11212-57300 DUES $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($85,550.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $85,550.00
TOTAL: $85,550.00

TO:
11552-53010 COMPUTER CONSULTING $85,550.00
TOTAL: $85,550.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($12,535.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $12,535.00
TOTAL: $12,535.00

TO:
19402-57407 CYBER SECURITY INSURANCE $12,535.00
TOTAL: $12,535.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $50,000.00
TOTAL: $50,000.00

TO:
10002-59720 SPECIAL REVENUE FUND $50,000.00
TOTAL: $50,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($118,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $118,000.00
TOTAL: $118,000.00

TO:
12101-51107 PATROL- SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER $118,000.00
TOTAL: $118,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $100,000.00
TOTAL: $100,000.00

TO:
14222-52100 ENERGY-STREET LIGHTS $100,000.00
TOTAL: $100,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, THIRTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($13,000.00) as follows:
FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $13,000.00
TOTAL: $13,000.00

TO:
11382-53410 TELEPHONE USAGE $13,000.00
TOTAL: $13,000.00

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the EASTHAMPTON SAVINGS BANK donation to the Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said donation.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that the zoning on the west side of Main Street from the northerly side of Sargeant Street to the southerly side of Hamilton Street be changed from BH (business highway) to BC (central business).

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that That a handicap sign to be placed at 300 Chestnut St. for Nictsa Garcia.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that the handicap sign place at 550 South Summer St. for Marilyn Vazquez be removed she has moved.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that the City council consider creating an ordinance to establish specific handicap signs to license plate number

—> Given leave to withdraw by maker.

BARTLEY, Lisi, McGiverin, Murphy, Vacon Ordered, that That the City Engineer provide a recommendation to the Ordinance Committee for a minimum buffer from which vehicles can park near city crosswalks. (This issue came up during an Ordinance meeting regarding the Elmwood Towers crosswalk and the City Engineer advised there is no city ordinance on point.)

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that That the City Auditor provide more detailed information and additional discussion/insight to the Finance Committee regarding the Free Cash Calculation in which there are approximately 69 separate accounts that are considered by that Department to be an “other receivable, overdrawn account, deficit”. The negative value of these multiple cost centers total, per the Auditor’s calculation, $1,789,574.00. The Auditor should supplement its summary with documents and should be assisted by the relevant department head whose office oversaw the accounts that caused this deficit

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The City Council take final action on the matter of the bond issue for the two schools as soon as possible. I believe this bond issue was first presented to City Council as Late File Order “B” on May 7, 2019. With the election results of November 5, 2019 now in, where 4,862 (64.39%) voted NO and 2,694 (35.61%) voted YES, I believe the City Council should take a final vote.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The DPW superintendent report to City Council regarding who is responsible for clearing sidewalks after a storm.  The public sidewalks at Crosier Field on Northampton St. as well as the sidewalks at Whiting Farms Rd. from Northampton St. to Gordon Drive and the sidewalk from McDonald’s to St. Vincent Ave. are snow-filled or ice-covered…for days.  This is unacceptable especially in lights of state law requiring landlords to clear its sidewalks within 24-hours after a storm.  Further, please explain why neither Brightwood Ave nor Oakwood Ave were not plowed even one time after the most recent storm.

—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee.

LEBRON-MARTINEZ Ordered, that a handicap sign be placed in front of 24 Hampden St. for Marilyn Vazquez.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

MCGEE Ordered, that that Executive Session to discuss settlement offers regarding litigation matters of Pagan v. City of Holyoke and MCAD Gates v. City of Holyoke.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

 

Adjourn at 08:32 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk

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