Holyoke City Council Meeting May 5, 2020

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
May 5,2020

The meeting was called to order by President McGee at 07:25 PM.

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

The name of Councilor Anderson-Burgos was drawn to head the roll call voting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilor McGee spoke and noted that he has been working with the Admin. Assistant Ryan Allen in order to get a venue for public comment available for these meetings. It was noted that as of now members of the public can participate in public comment for full City Council meetings by emailing their comments to publiccomment@holyoke.org. It was noted that there has not been any public comments yet submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

From Brenna Murphy McGee, City Clerk, MMC & Ryan Allen, Admin. Ass’t. to City Council minutes of April 21, 2020.
—> Received and adopted.

From James Cannon, email regarding Whiting Street Reservior Committee
—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Councilor McGee spoke and gave some of the updates from meeting with Mayor about measures the City is taking to deal with the COVID-19 health crisis. It was noted that the City Council would be shortly be receiving the Mayor’s budget proposals and that after this the Council would be looking to have these budget hearings on zoom. Councilor McGee thanked Admin. Assistant Ryan Allen for working with Mayor’s Office in getting the City Council it’s own zoom account allowing it to book meetings without fear of overlapping other City Departments whom were previously all on the same zoom account. Councilor McGee spoke on Boys and Girls Club event and noted that they have distributed thousands of meals to Holyoke residents. Councilor McGee thanked DPW for work they have been doing filling pot holes and doing other infrastructure work while people are staying home during this time.
Councilor Leahy thanked Mayor’s Aide Michael Bloomberg, DPW, City Hall personnel, public safety officials and Post Office employees. Councilor Lisi also thanked City Hall workers and the work they have been doing and have been able to adapt to changing situations. It was noted that she was on a zoom call with City Hall personnel to be able to conduct zoom public hearings. It was noted that the Ord. Committee would likely be able to move forward soon with these kinds of meetings.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City Council approve an updated inter-municipal agreement between the City of Holyoke with Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton, Northampton, Springfield, South Hadley, West Springfield, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, titled “Memorandum of Understanding for ValleyBike Share, as signed by the Mayor on March 11, 2020. OPED Get a copy to Finance Committee
have considered the same and Recommend the order be approved.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke on the order and noted that it was filed by Councilor Bartley. It was stated that the contract is for 5 years and that is in concert with surrounding communities and that there is a small fee for the City for personnel in running this program. It was noted that this program allows for bikes to be available for rent to members of the public. Councilor Leahy stated that he is in support of the program because it allows for a healthy transportation. Councilor Leahy stated that he was concerned about helmets for the bikes but that he found out that the law does not require people passed a certain age to wear helmets. Councilor Murphy stated that he would like to get a yearly financial report coming out of the company. Councilor McGee stated that there are some obvious challenges with how a committee report goes forward. It was noted that usually a sub-committee would sign a committee jacket in order to ensure that Councilors agree that the committee report presented is reported in the actual language brought forth to the full Committee. Councilors deferred to Atty. Barnes to speak on the issue. Assistant Solicitor Barnes stated that the committee report signing is a part of the City Council rules and that with any of the rules they can be amended and suspended at any time. It was noted that the financial component for the City is around $9,610 dollar payment on a sliding scale relative to the number of bike pads in the municipality. It was further noted by Councilor Bartley that the program has been encouraged to touch base with Ward Councilors to find public locations in order to avoid having to do land takings for easements to make this happen. Councilors discussed ridership numbers and liability for the program. It was noted that Councilors felt comfortable with the program now that it has been vetted.
—> 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.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “BARR FOUNDATION CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION GRANT19-08201
have considered the same and Recommended it be denied.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin stated that the committee report was 3-2 for the order to be denied. Councilor McGiverin gave summary of the Finance Committee meeting and noted that the grant is for $275,000 for clean energy and would help to hire and provide services to put a plan in place to implement clean energy solutions for the City of Holyoke. It was noted Marcos Marrero was present at the meeting to answer questions and give information to the Council on how moneys would be used. Councilor Murphy stated that the $275,000 would go to hiring a project manager to do studies that would look into a number of things including a study of residential homes to preserve energy and create solutions to clean energy issues. It was noted that one of the controversial aspects was that part of the grant would require Neighbor to Neighbor to partner with the City and that Neighbor to Neighbor would be responsible for community outreach for the grant. Councilor McGiverin stated that many Councilors are unhappy that Neighbor to Neighbor staged a protest against Gas and Electric in the previous year which is something that the workers at Holyoke Gas and Electric found to be very disturbing. It was noted that Marcos Marrero attempted at negotiating the contract with the Barr Foundation to see if they would amend it to take out the Neighbor to Neighbor aspect of the grant. It was noted that the Barr Foundation would not renegotiate the grant. Councilor McGiverin noted that Holyoke Gas and Electric is a part of researching clean energy and looking for cleaner more efficient energy.
Councilor Leahy spoke and stated that the protest at Gas and Electric by Neighbor to Neighbor was horrible. Councilor Leahy stated that one of the biggest reasons that he is not going to support the grant is that it seems that the community outreach calls for a door to door effort. Councilor Leahy stated that he does not a support a door to door effort with everything going on at this time. Councilor Leahy also stated that technical support for outreach does not seem to be in the wheelhouse of the Neighbor to Neighbor group.
Councilor Lisi spoke and stated that she feels it is a huge opportunity for the City to get this funding and get technical support for a green energy future. Councilor Lisi stated the efforts Holyoke has made in the advancement of green energy and noted that she feels this grant would be a great opportunity for the City to take advantage of the grant and continue the efforts of green energy to move forward. Councilor Lisi spoke on past efforts of Neighbor to Neighbor in advancing just green energy transition and noted work that Neighbor to Neighbor did after the closing of the Mt. Tom Coal Plant.
Councilor Sullivan stated that he is opposed to this because Holyoke Gas and Electric would not be the leading voice in choosing a technical consultant. Councilor Sullivan state that the Barr Foundation has refused to negotiation with the City and has made the City a take it or leave it deal. Councilor Sullivan promoted hydro energy from Riverside that would serve as an alternative energy source.
Councilor Bartley asked if the City has received any communication from the Holyoke Gas and Electric stating that they favor this grant. It was noted that it would seem the Gas and Electric has not had any feedback and has not written any communications in support of this grant. Councilor Bartley spoke and read off the contract with clear language stating that the City of Holyoke must consult and set up clear lines of communication and coordination with Neighbor to Neighbor. Councilor Bartley stated that the Barr Foundation is seeking to shove this grant down the throats of the City of Holyoke.
Rules were suspended to allow the Mayor’s Assistant Mike Bloomberg to address the Council.
Mike Bloomberg spoke and gave his view on the limited role of Neighbor to Neighbor in the contract. Mr. Bloomberg gave overview of how he felt the grant would go forward and how it was tied in with the Planning Dept. and DPW. Mr. Bloomberg stated that the goal of the City and Administration is to get rid of gas energy in the City and to one day make the Holyoke Gas and Electric just Holyoke Electric of something to that effect.
Councilor Greaney voiced his opposition to the Item and stated that he feels this is meant to interject the “Green New Deal” into the City of Holyoke.
Councilor Vacon spoke and stated that she attended all the meetings relative to this grant. Co. Vacon stated that she was hoping that the Barr Foundation would take the concerns of the Council into account and make the HG&E and a principal in something that affects them. Councilor Vacon stated that it seems like a heavy handed approach from the Barr Foundation. Councilor Vacon also stated that this seems like a political and agenda driven grant and she would not support it at this time.
Councilor Lisi spoke and stated that Neighbor to Neighbor was at the forefront in helping to convene a study group to look at the transition of the Mt. Tom Coal plant. Councilor Lisi stated that the Gas and Electric has been a part of all of these discussions and that grants like these shouldn’t be seen as a work around of the HG&E. Councilor Lisi stated that she pro pipeline right now at this time. Councilor Lisi stated that she is in support of the grant.
Councilor McGiverin reiterated that Neighbor to Neighbor will not be the project manager here and stated that it would simply be a part of outreach and a part of making sure that the community has a say in this kind of energy reforms going forward.
Councilor McGee noted that for this financial transfer the Council would need 9 votes in support of the transfer.
Councilor Sullivan stated that the City Council should also realize that to accept this grant would cost more resources from other City Departments including OPED. Councilor Sullivan stated that OPED already has problems doing some of the basics because they are already overspread. Councilor Lisi questioned how many voted would be needed. Councilor McGee reiterated that because it is the first time the grant would be coming in front of the Council it would require a 2/3rds vote.
Motion was made and seconded to table the order: Motion failed for lack of a majority by show of hands.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 6–Nays 7 (Anderson-Burgos, Hernandez, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Tallman)–Absent 0.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take up late file A
Communication from Mayor Alex Morse, appointing Jeffrey Trask to Emergency Management Director
—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee

 

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

ANDERSON-BURGOS, Hernandez, Lisi Ordered, that Ordered that the Trustees of Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke attend our next meeting of the City Council to address the timeline of recent events, and to address their plans moving forward. As The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke has accounted for nearly 20% of the Covid-19 fatalities within our city, we as a community had a reasonable expectation that this state-run facility would provide the best care its residents have earned through their service. As the ongoing tragedy has brought painful national attention to our city, it is also in the public interest that we fully understand where responsibility lies and that there is accountability.

—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that Holyoke install a 4-way stop sign at Michigan and Erie Aves. Speeding on Michigan is a major problem.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.

BARTLEY, Lebron-Martinez Ordered, that Holyoke determine the voting location for Ward 3, Precinct A, for both the 9/1/20 state/federal primary and the 11/3/20 state/federal general election ASAP. I’m writing this in light of the last-minute change to the South St. Fire Station polling location for the 5/19/20 special election caused by the vendor’s concerns due to COVID-19. Holyoke also consider the location for 1-B as this, too, was amended due to the property owner’s COVID-19 concerns. Holyoke needs to plan ahead as to where residents can vote otherwise we risk disenfranchising voters. Refer to Charter & Rules.

—> Received and referred to the Charter and Rules Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that Holyoke set up a commission to look at all of its polling locations for every ward for future elections. Holyoke should ensure that voting locations have excellent access for voters and great amenities for our poll workers. The commission should have a plan in place by Spring 2021. Refer to Charter & Rules.

—> Received and referred to the Charter and Rules Committee.

BARTLEY, Vacon Ordered, that The DPW install clear and/or improved signage at Route 202 and Homestead Ave. alerting truckers coming north on Rt. 202 that they must turn Left onto Homestead Avenue.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Engineer & DPW. Copy to Public Service.

BARTLEY, Anderson-Burgos, Greaney, Jr., Hernandez, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon Ordered, that The Holyoke City Council send a request, with back up from Massachusetts Federal & State delegation, to ask that any flyovers of Boston also include a one over the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.  A fitting tribute to military who have died, still living “up on the Hill” and the staff helping these heroes.  I would say this request must be immediate as time and plans must be cleared and not need additional resources to complete.  (Per a constituent.)

—> Received and complied with.

LEAHY Ordered, that The City of Holyoke look to rent/lease/purchase mobile trailers to conduct voting in.

—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee. Copy to Mayor, City Clerk, Purchasing, Registrar of Voters.

LEAHY Ordered, that Ordered that, the Water Department working in conjunction with the Environmental Police submit a report to the City Council itemizing the fines for dogs in the Cities reservoirs and fishing In the Reservoirs, as well.
Please submit this report monthly or for the remainder of the time the City has retained the Environmental Police.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee. Copy to Water Department and Conservation Commission.

MCGEE Ordered, that That the Special State Election in the City of Holyoke for the expression of Senator in General Court for the 2nd Hampden * Hampshire District, or of No Preference, of Political Parties, or for the Election of Candidates of political Parties for offices herein stated, be and they are hereby called to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, in the several places as designated by the City Council.
The polls will be opened at 7:00 AM and remain open continuously thereafter until 8:00PM., when the polls will be closed, and all voters of the political parties will in the several polling places in which they are entitled to vote, between said hours, give in their votes by Accu-Vote for the election of candidates of political parties for the following offices:

SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT FOR THE 2ND HAMPDEN & HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT

ORDERED FURTHER, that the City Clerk cause notice of said primaries to be printed in one or more newspapers published in this city and also to be conspicuously posted in the Office of the City Clerk.

ORDENA, que las eleccion estatal especial en la ciudad de Holyoke por la Expression de Senador en Corte General para el districto 2 de condado Hampden y Hampshire, o de ninguna preferencia de partido politico, o para la eleccion de candidatos de partidos politicos para oficinas en esto declarado. Ser y por este medio sera llamada a llevar a cabo el Martes, 19 de Mayo 2020, en los varios lugares designado por los Asambleistas municipal.

Las urnas estaran abiertas a las 7:00A.M. y permaneceran abiertas continuamente de alli en adelante hasta las 8:00P.M. Cuando las urnas sean cerradas y todos los votantes de los partidos politicos, vayan a los varios lugares de votacion en el cual tienen derecho a votar, entre dichas horas, den sus votos, votando en Accu-Vote para la eleccion de candidatos para los partidos politicos las siguentes oficinas:

SENADOR EN CORTE GENERAL DEL DISTRICTO 2 DEL CONDADO HAMPDEN Y HAMPSHIRE

ORDENO, mas adelante, que el escribiente municipal causa aviso de dicha primarias que sea emprentado en uno o mas periodicos publicado en esta ciudad y tambien sea conspicuo anunciado en las oficina del escribiente municipal.

—> Received and adopted.

MCGEE Ordered, that That the Polling Places for each of the voting precincts in the City of Holyoke for the Special State Election to be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020, be and the same are hereby designated as follows:

ORDENA, que los lugares para cada recinto en la Ciudad de Holyoke para la Eleccion especial estatal que se lleveran a cabo el Martes, 19 de Mayo 2020, sea y al igual, por este medio designado lo siguente:

WARD ONE BARRIO UNO
PRECINCT A – Rosary Towers Recreation Room 21 Bowers St..
RECINTO A—Rosary Towers Recreation Room 21 de la Calle Bowers

PRECINCT B – Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.
RECINTO B – Alcadia de Holyoke, 536 de la Calle Dwight

WARD TWO BARRIO DOS
PRECINCT A—Morgan School Gym, South Bridge St. Entrance only
RECINTO A—Gimnasio de la Escuela Morgan, en la Calle So. Bridge solamente

PRECINCT B – Falcetti Towers, 475 Maple St.
RECINTO B – Falcetti Towers, 475 de la Calle Maple

WARD THREE BARRIO TRES
PRECINCT A –Metcalf School Gym, 2019 Nortampton St.
RECINTO A – Gimnasio de la Escuela Metcalf, 2019 de la Calle Northampton

PRECINCT B – Metcalf School Gym, 2019 Northampton St.
RECINTO B – Gimnasio de la Escuela Metcalf, 2019 de la Calle Northampton

WARD FOUR BARRIOS CUATRO
PRECINCT A& B – St. Paul’s Church Parish Center, Appleton St.
RECINTO A&B – St. Paul’s Church Parish Center, en la Calle Appleton

WARD FIVE BARRIOS CINCO
PRECINCT A – Lt. Elmer J. McMahon School Gym, Kane Rd.
RECINTO A—Gimnasio de la Escuela McMahon, en la Calle Kane

PRECINCT B – Maurice A. Donahue School Gym, Whiting Farms Rd.
RECINTO B—Gimnasio de la Escuela Donahue, en la Calle Whiting Farms

WARD SIX BARRIO SEIS
PRECINCT A&B – Sullivan School, 400 Jarvis Ave.
RECINTO A&B – Escuela Sullivan, 400 de la Calle Jarvis

WARD SEVEN BARRIO SIETE
PRECINCT A&B – E. N. White School Gym, 1 Jefferson St.
PRECINTO A&B– Gimnasio de la Escuela E. N. White, 1 de la Calle Jefferson
—> Received and adopted.

MCGEE Ordered, that the May 19, 2020 City Council meeting be rescheduled due to the Special State Election.
—> Received and adopted.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ELEVEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY TWO AND 57/100 Dollars ($11,822,57) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $6,274.46
12101-51107 PATROLMAN 5,548.11
TOTAL: $11,822,57
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $11,822.57
TOTAL: $11,822,57

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWENTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY THREE AND 11/100 Dollars ($20,183.11) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $6,274.46
12101-51107 PATROLMAN 13,908.65
TOTAL: $20,183.11
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $20,183.11
TOTAL: $20,183.11

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ELEVEN THOUSAND EIGHTY SEVEN AND 48/100 Dollars ($11,087.48) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 PATROLMAN $7,856.14
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 3,231.34
TOTAL: $11,087.48
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $11,087.48
TOTAL: $11,087.48

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, EIGHT THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY FOUR AND 66/100 Dollars ($8,394.66) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 PATROLMAN $5,163.32
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 3,231.34
TOTAL: $8,394.66
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $8,394.66
TOTAL: $8,394.66

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE AND 32/100 Dollars ($2,121.32) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $2,121.32
TOTAL: $2,121.32
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $2,121.32
TOTAL: $2,121.32

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL ( $15K; 1:1 MATCH)” grant 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 grant.
To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that the city auditor, tax collector, and treasurer provide a report to the city council on the status of property tax, motor vehicle excise tax, excise occupancy tax, and department revenues collected as of May 1.  The report should include all receivables within these revenue sources, and a comparison of what these figures were on May 1, 2019.  Please have the report for the city council meeting of May 19.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Auditor, Tax Collector, Treasurer.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

SULLIVAN Ordered, that  That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $80,000 for stained glass window replacement (2) and removal and crating of 4 more.   MOTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE.
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $104,500 to Wisteriahurst Museum for electrical upgrades.
Total budget for project $353,350.  SEND TO FINANCE.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $120,000 to Holyoke Housing Authority in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity on Jackson St.  Total cost $714,000. Homes to b sold to First Time Homebuyers $150,000ea.
SEND TO FINANCE
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $25,000 for a restoration study of Lady Liberty (Veterans Park)
SEND TO FINANCE.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $26,170 to restore 4 horses at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
MOTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 0. Councilor McGiverin did not vote or participate in discussion on this item.

 

Adjourn at 09:42 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk