Holyoke City Council Meeting January 15, 2019

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
January 15,2019

The meeting was called to order by President McGee at 07:09 PM.

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 1 (Valentin) Present Members 12 (Anderson-Burgos, Bartley, Bresnahan, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon).

The name of Councilor McGiverin was drawn to head the roll call voting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

COMMUNICATIONS

List of Appointments for January 2019.
—> Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Administrative Assistant to the City Council. Ryan Allen received 11 votes on the first ballot. Sarah Quala received one vote (Lisi) Valentin was absent. Mr. Allen will serve a one year term expiring January 2020.
—> Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Assessor. Deborah Brunelle received 12 votes on the first ballot. Valentin was absent. Mr. Barrett will serve a 3 year term expiring January 2022.
—> Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Water Commissioner. Kevin Jourdain received 7 votes on the first ballot (Bartley, Bresnahan, Leahy, McGee, Jourdain, Murphy, Vacon). Liam Bevan received 5 votes (Anderson-Burgos, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, Sullivan, Tallman). Mr. Jourdain will serve a 3 year term expiring January 2022.
—> Motion was made and seconded to go to the first ballot for the position of Whiting Street Fund. Maria Burke received 12 votes on the first ballot. Valentin was absent. Ms. Burke will serve a three year term expiring January 2022.

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appoining Mr. Jeffrey Horan, 100 Southampton Rd. to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission for the City of Holyoke: Mr. Horan will serve a three year term; said term will expire February 1, 2022.
—> Received and appointment confirmed.

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter to rescind appointment of the following individual Susan Woods, 5 Fairfield Ave. as an alternate member of the Historical Commission.
—> Received.

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appointing Ms. Susan Woods, 5 Fairfield Ave. as an Alternate to the Fairfield Avenue Historic District Commission effective December 19, 2018. Ms. Woods will serve a three year term; said term will expire December 1, 2021.
—> Received and appointment confirmed.

From Brenna Murphy McGee, MMC minutes of regular meeting of December 18, 2018 and special meeting of January 8, 2019.
—> Laid on the table.

From Marcos A. Marrero Director office of Planning & Economic Development letter re: OPED opinion on the possible effect of a debt exclusion override.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee. Copy to DG & R.

From Al Williams, President Board of Directors (Holyoke Media) letter re: appointing of a community member to serve on the Board of Directors of Holyoke Media.
—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee. Copy to Personnel .

From Board of Fire Commission minutes of November 15, 2018.
—> Received.

Presidents Report: Councilor McGee spoke and stated that Councilor Valentin was unable to attend the night’s meeting because she was out of the Country. Councilor McGee also reminded Councilors that campaign finance reports would soon be due and that Councilors should look to turn those in.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 9A & 9B as a package
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred Special permit application from Westfield Bank for installation of an automatic teller machine (ATM) at 1650 Northampton St. (Map 106 Block 00 Parcel 101).
have considered the same and Recommend that the special permit application be approved with the following conditions:

1. Replace the current stockade fence with a 8′ Simtek Fence wit ha sound barrier
2. The special permit is subject to review in one year. The Board of Health Director do any review and enforcement necessary.

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
Under discussion:
Councilor Vacon spoke and gave overview of the public hearings that took place in Ordinance Committee. It was noted that the applicant Westfield Bank was looking to move their ATM machine from inside the bank to a drive through location outside the bank. Councilor Vacon spoke on concerns that the neighbors expressed especially that there may be undue noise, litter, etc. at the location and that it might cause excess noise and litter at the location especially because it would be a 24/7 ATM machine. Councilor Vacon provided details of the noise mitigation measures the bank agreed to take in order to quell concerns of the abutters. It was noted that an 8ft. sound proof barrier would be installed.
Councilor Murphy spoke and stated that he had concerns for the abutters based on the proximity of the drive through ATM to the house next door. Councilor Murphy stated that he did not see how the ATM could be installed without negatively effecting the neighbors and their property values.
Councilor Lisi and Councilor Vacon both spoke and noted that conditions were built into the approval that would allow for a review to be done by the building commissioner. Councilor Bresnahan spoke and noted that the BOH director would be in a better position to do a review on sound and litter issues if they became a nuisance and would better be able to enforce the conditions in the sp. permit approval. Motion was made and seconded to amend the conditions to exchange BOH Director with Building Commissioner.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 10–Nays 1 (Murphy)–Absent 1 (Valentin). Councilor Anderson-Burgos did not vote or participate in discussion on this item.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a special permit application submitted by Westfield Bank for installation of a drive through ATM machine at 1650 Northampton St (Map 106 Block 00 Parcel 101)
have considered the same and Recommend that the special permit application be approved with the following conditions:

1. Replace the current stockade fence with a 8′ Simtek Fence wit ha sound barrier
2. The special permit is subject to review in one year. The Board of Health Director do any review and enforcement necessary.
.

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 10–Nays 1 (Murphy)–Absent 1 (Valentin). Councilor Anderson-Burgos did not vote or participate in discussion on this item.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a zone change application submitted by Tom Adamczyk, for property on 15 Holy Family Rd. (Map 117 Block 00 Parcel 019) from current zone R-1A to proposed zone RM-20
have considered the same and Recommend that the zone change be approved .

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
Ord. Committee Chair Vacon spoke and gave relevant facts about the zone change. It was noted that the application was to change the zone from R1-A to RM-20. Councilor Vacon recounted some of the traffic concerns that were brought to light in the area including speeding. Councilor Vacon stated that though the concerns about speeding and traffic were noted the decision facing the body was whether the zone change was proper in relation to the surroundings of the property and whether it was the highest and best use for the location. Councilor Vacon noted that the Planning Board had unanimously voted in favor of the zone change. Councilor Bartley spoke and stated that the beneficiary of the zone change is the Diocese of Springfield and noted that the Diocese has been looking to take advantage of the City of Holyoke for some time. Councilors McGiverin and Tallman both spoke in favor of the zone change.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take items 10A and 10F as a package
The Committee on Finance to whom was referred FROM:
*****-*****     FREE CASH                 $403,804.41
TOTAL:           $403,804.41
TO:
12201-51103 CAPTAINS                  $36,079.27
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS                       66,180.22
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS                      280,059.87
12201-51107 SUPERVISOR FIRE ALARM               3,709.53
12201-51109 ASST SUPERVISOR FIRE ALARM                 3,312.17
12201-51110 FIRE ALARM OPERATOR                  14,463.35
TOTAL:           $403,804.41
(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 noted that the Finance Committee met on Monday 1/14 for discussion the orders. Councilor McGiverin gave information on the memorandum of understanding and noted that hard copies were provided for each Councilor. Councilor McGiverin stated the various positions in the Fire Dept. that the contract covered including details of the salary increases contained within the contract. Councilor McGiverin noted that the Finance Committee felt that the agreement was the result of a good faith negotiation and that it had the unanimous support of the Finance Committee. It was also noted that some of the funds in the contract would go to safety equipment. Councilor McGiverin gave overview of longevity pay and how it would be formulated. Atty. Tasha Marshal spoke and gave information on how negotiated collective bargaining agreements can supersede City ordinances.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Holyoke and IAFF Local 1693 (“Union”).
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take item 22 out of order:
BRESNAHAN Ordered, that the following employees receive the amount included below as part of their raise from the following dates
7/1/18 – 8/20/18 = 36 working days

Dale Glenn            $4.70 per day x 36 days = $169.20
Jeanette Berrios     $4.70 per day x 36 days = $169.20
Susan Padilla        $5.70 x 36 days = $205.20  works in City Auditor’s Office and asked me to figure out her part
That all employees receiving the 3% raise get retro back to 7/1/18.
Under discussion:
Councilor Bresnahan spoke and stated that the contract was overseen by the previous City Auditor. Councilor Bresnahan commended the three employees and the work they do and stated that they deserve the salary increase contained within the order. It was noted that City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak was present to speak on the order if necessary. Rules were suspended to take allow City Auditor to address the Council. Tanya Wdowiak spoke and gave relevant info on the order. It was noted that there are 8 individuals that would be given the raise. It was noted that these employees should have been included in the 3% raise that was voted upon by the City Council. It was noted by Councilor Vacon that she would support the order and that it would seem the order is house-keeping and to allow the employees to collect salary at what was previously approved by the City Council in the summer. Motion was made and seconded to amend the order to make the raise effective from 7/1/18: Motion passed by voice vote.
—> Received and adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred Ordered that the sum of $8,906,000 is appropriated to pay the costs of the Jackson Street Area Sewer Separation Project and the payment of all costs incidental and related hereto, and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefore; that the Mayor is authorized to contract for and expend any state aid available for the project; and that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project.

Further Ordered: That any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44,. Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

Further Ordered: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.

Further Ordered: That in order to reduce interest costs, the City Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to refinance any bonds issued pursuant to this Order and in connection therewith, to issue refunding bonds in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 21A of the General Laws.

Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council.
(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 noted that the order represents a bond request and a step to allow the City follow the clean air and water act. It was noted that based on the law municipalities cannot dump raw sewage into a body of water such as a lake or river. It was noted that the bond would allow the waste water treatment plant to be in compliance with the law. It was noted that the full amount of the bond is $8,906,000. Councilor McGiverin stated that the order was unanimously approved by the Finance Committee and that the bond was very low interest rate for the City. Councilor Bartley spoke on the various bonds the City has and noted that there are many. Councilor Bartley stated that it would be very important to know what these debt obligations are doing to the budget and stated that this should be a communication from the auditor prior to obtaining a budget proposal from the Mayor. Councilor McGiverin stated that payment of the bond would come from the sewer rate. It was noted that the bonding was necessary for the City to get in compliance with waste management laws.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred Ordered, that the amount of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($127.00) be authorized from the Mayor’ Office/Auditor Department’s CITY LIABILITY & DAMAGE INSURANCE (19402-57400) appropriation in fiscal year 2019 for services rendered in fiscal year 2018 which were unencumbered at the 2018 fiscal year end.
(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 stated that the liability damages premium was not paid in the previous year and stated that it was a bill that needed to be paid.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, nineteen thousand five hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($19,500.00) as follows:

FROM:
14261-51106 DPW Police Mechanic                       $19,500.00
TOTAL:           $19,500.00
TO:
12102-52410 Police M/V Repairs               $19,500.00
TOTAL:           $19,500.00
(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 stated that the DPW superintendent stated that there is room in the budget for this request. It was also noted that a mechanic would allow for in-house repair that would save the City money in the long run.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred That the following amounts be and are hereby appropriated as an amendment to the budget for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019) to be expended by the Departments for the purposes specified.

$ 3,807,014      Retired Teachers Health Insurance
$         9,062      Air Pollution
$       97,640     RMV Non-Renewal Surcharge
$     857,246     Regional Transit
$       72,917      Special Education
$  2,596,320     School Choice Sending Tuition
$12,516,204     Charter School  Sending Tuition
(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 stated that the sums in the order were included in the cherry sheet that was provided to the City Council. Councilor McGiverin gave explanation as to how moneys would be dispersed by the School Dept.
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 9–Nays 3 (Bartley, Bresnahan, Sullivan)–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit amendment application submitted by Mt. Tom Solar, LLC to construct access road improvements to the existing Mt. Tom Solar and Energy Storage project, and extend an existing water main to the facility within the applicants property and within the floodplain overlay district at 200 Northampton St. (Map 226 Block 00 Parcel 009 and Map 223 Block 00 Parcel 019)
have considered the same and Recommend that the special permit application be approved .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy

Under discussion:
DGR Chair Dave Bartley spoke and noted that Tighe and Bond reps were present for Mt. Tom Solar and gave information on the order. It was noted that road would be widened and that improvements would be made to better protect property in the flood plain. It was noted that the DGR Committee unanimously recommended that the application be approved. Councilor Bartley also provided updates on the property noting that the smoke stack there on location is still standing though it was supposed to be removed.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 13B & 13C as a package
The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Petition from Neighbor to Neighbor MA Education Fund RE: MOU between Holyoke Gas and Electric and Columbia Gas of MA to establish new pipeline infrastructure.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
Under discussion:
Councilor Bartley spoke and stated that Manager of HG&E Mr. Lavelle was present for the meeting as was representatives from Neighbor to Neighbor who was the organization responsible for starring the resolution. Councilor Bartley noted that information was shared and members of the public spoke in relation to the pipeline. It was noted that members of the public had asked that the order be tabled and that it go back to committee. Councilor Bartley asked that the Council refer the items back to DGR for another discussion and meeting.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Resolution to the Holyoke City Council, November 15, 2018
A RESOLUTION
OPPOSING THE EXPANSION OF GAS INFRASTRUCTURE AND CALLING FOR INCREASED DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RENEWABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council invite Holyoke’s state delegation to a future DGR Committee meeting.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
It was noted that the State Delegation, Rep. Aaron Vega and State Senator Don Humason were present at the DGR meeting to give information and updates as to what was going on in regards to Holyoke at the state level. It was noted that topics of discussion were: Exit 15 and exit 17, community hospitals, HCC, and charter school reimbursement, home rule petition, Quinn Bill and casino money. Councilor Bartley noted that there were no benchmarks for school receiver noting that there is not horizon and no potential end date for the City to get out of receivership. Home rule petition quinn bill casino money. Councilor Bartley thanked Rep. Vega and Senator Humason for being present and sharing information with the Committee. It was noted that they would likely come back before DGR in March or April to be able to discuss budget items on the state level.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred that the City Council pass a resolution in solidarity and support of the nurses and staff at Providence Hospital who are facing cuts.  Recommended to go to DGR that the staff, administration and individuals affected be invited in to discuss these devastating cuts.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be given leave to withdraw .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred that the City Council ask our state delegate to file legislation to delete MGL – Part I, Title VII, Chapter 40P, Section 4 which prohibits rent control ordinances
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be given leave to withdraw .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred that the City Council ask our state delegate to file legislation to amend MGL – Part I, Title VII, Chapter 40P, Section 4 which prohibits rent control ordinances in order to allow an exception for Gateway Cities to adopt rent control policies without having to reimburse property owners
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be given leave to withdraw .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

BARTLEY, Bresnahan, McGiverin, Vacon Ordered, that The City council adopt the following resolution and submit it to the Governor and the Great and General Court:
WHEREAS the City of Holyoke respects and supports its Police Department; and
WHEREAS the City of Holyoke adopted the state law known as the “Quinn Bill” in the 1970s and to this date has paid qualified officers the educational incentive; and
WHEREAS since the Great Recession of the 2000s the City of Holyoke has picked up the Commonwealth’s portion of the Quinn Bill, which is one-half of each qualified officers’ educational incentive pay; and
WHEREAS by so doing the City of Holyoke, consistently determined as one of if not the poorest municipality in the Commonwealth, has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to its police officers that lawfully should have been paid by the State Government; and
WHEREAS Section 108L of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41 is still the Law and which states, in part, “Any city or town which accepts the provisions of this section and provides career incentive salary increases for police officers shall be reimbursed by the commonwealth for one half the cost of such payments upon certification by the board of higher education.”
NOW BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Holyoke respectfully requests that the Governor and the Legislature, which took oaths to uphold the US Constitution, the Massachusetts Constitution and Massachusetts General Law, both fund the Quinn Bill starting in FY2020 and reimburse the City of Holyoke for its many years of paying the portion due from the Commonwealth.
—> Received and adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The City Clerk send a communication to advise on the costs to the City of a special election. Refer to Charter and Rules and copy to DGR. Further, CC consider suspending its rules to allow the Clerk to send the communication to DGR in time for its 2/4/19 meeting as the next CC meeting is 2/5/19.
—> Received and referred to the Charter and Rules. Copy to DG & R and City Clerk.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The City Clerk and Holyoke Media broadcast delivery of ballots and election results on Election Day. This order would better able the City Clerk to publicly announce vote totals and election results. If approved, please promote this to city residents via channels 12, 15 (and the other pending public cable outlets) and the city website. Refer to City Clerk, Holyoke Media and Mayor.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the City Clerk and Mayor Morse.
Approved by the Mayor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that City Council amend its marijuana ordinances regarding deliveries. Here’s the sole section of the current ordinance that pertains to deliveries: 7.10.6 Application Procedure and Requirements 1) Application Requirements: An application for a special permit shall include the following: a) The name and address of each owner of the marijuana establishment. b) Copies of all required registrations, licenses and permits issued to the applicant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and any of its agencies for the establishment. c) Evidence that the Applicant has site control and right to use the site for a marijuana establishment in the form of a deed or valid purchase and sales agreement or, in the case of a lease a notarized statement from the property owner and a copy of the lease agreement. d) A notarized statement signed by the marijuana establishment organization’s Chief Executive Officer and corporate attorney disclosing all of its designated owners, including officers, directors, partners, managers, or other similarly situated individuals and entities and their addresses. If any of the above are entities rather than persons, the Applicant must disclose the identity of all such responsible individual persons. e) A description of all activities to occur on site, including but not limited to: cultivating and processing of marijuana and marijuana infused products (MIPs), on-site sales, delivery of marijuana and related products to off-site facilities, off site direct delivery to patients, distribution of educational materials, and other programs or activities. f) A written notice from the Chief of Police shall be submitted to the City Clerk stating that an acceptable Security Plan has been reviewed and approved. The Security Plan shall include the location and details of all security measures for the site, including but not limited to lighting, fencing, gates, waste disposal, alarms and similar measures ensuring the safety of employees and patrons and to protect the premises from theft or other criminal activity. g) Details of all proposed exterior security measures for the marijuana establishment. h) A Development Impact Statement containing all the information required under Section 10.1.6 (1) of the Zoning Ordinance. i) A Traffic Impact Statement containing all of the information required under Section 10.1.6 (2) of the Zoning Ordinance. j) A special permit fee in the amount of $500.00.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

BARTLEY, Sullivan Ordered, that The Mayor provide an update to City Council by its second meeting in February on findings and recommendations of the Mayor’s task force to combat panhandling. The following is the Mayor’s press release from August 2017: “We had an initial meeting of a task force two weeks ago that included local and regional stakeholders to address this issue. It included the board of health, DPW, police chief, Councilor Lisi, staff from tapestry health, providence ministries, and the director of community housing for the region. We want to address root causes including homelessness and substance abuse, and work on a case by case basis to ensure the barriers faced by individuals are addressed by the appropriate partner in our community.” Refer to Public Safety and copy to Mayor.
—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee. Copy to Mayor Morse.

BRESNAHAN, Leahy, Tallman Ordered, that Holyoke police department have an officer stationed an Jims Mobil on Northampton Street during the hours that buses are picking up and dropping off students to observe drivers ignoring the bus stopping to pick up and drop off students. Times to be confirmed by council and sent to police
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Chief Febo. Copy to Public Safety.
Approved by the Mayor.

BRESNAHAN Ordered, that Ordinance committee review the current vacant and blighted building ordinance by calling in The Health Dept the building Dept. The greater Holyoke landlord association and any other concerned parties to address the ordinance and determine if there is a more business/landlord friendly way to ensure vacant buildings are in compliance with the current ordinance
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LEAHY, Bartley Ordered, that Any city department receiving grant money as approved by the city council per Mass. General Law or any other authorizing criteria shall within a reasonable period of time but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant generate a detailed report that matches the planned outcomes with the documented results. The report should be submitted to the city clerk and forwarded to the next available city council agenda.  Once received and approved by city council the Mayor shall have the report posted publicly.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LEAHY Ordered, that anytime the City Council or Department of Public Works change an ordinance or right of way that would effect the day to day operations of the Police Department or Fire Department that the City clerks Department immediately notify the department’s. An example of this is when the barriers went up in the Ashley neighborhood, or reducing the speed limit through the city.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to City Clerk.

MCGEE Ordered, that a no parking “from here to corner” sign(s) be installed around the entrance way to 1 Elm Street of the new Holyoke Juvenile Court House.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 as a package
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that the amount of TWO HUNDRED EIGHTEEN AND 40/100 Dollars ($218.40) be authorized from the OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Department’s DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS (11212-57300) appropriation in fiscal year 2019 for services rendered in fiscal year 2018 which were unencumbered at the 2018 fiscal year end.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2019 SENATOR CHARLES E. SHANNON, JR., COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVE (SHANNON CSI)” 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, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that REVISION TO PREVIOUS BOND APPROVAL IN CITY COUNCIL 9/5/18: Ordered that the sum of $2,600,000 is appropriated to pay the costs of purchase for two (2) Aerial Ladder Trucks, one (1) Quint Truck, two (2) Command Vehicles and the purchase of all tools, equipment, training, etc, for vehicles. These funds will also cover the 10% match in the amount of $88,636 for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program (total grant awarded $975,000) for the City of Holyoke Fire Department, and the payment of all costs incidental and related hereto, and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefore; that the Mayor is authorized to contract for and expend any state aid available for the project; and that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project.

ORIGINAL: Financial Order: Ordered that the sum of $2,600,000 is appropriated to pay the costs of purchase of two (2) Aerial Ladder Trucks and one (1) Quint Truck for the City of Holyoke Fire Department, and the payment of all costs incidental and related hereto, and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefore; that the Mayor is authorized to contract for and expend any state aid available for the project; and that the Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project.

Further Ordered: That any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44,. Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

Further Ordered: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.

Further Ordered: That in order to reduce interest costs, the City Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to refinance any bonds issued pursuant to this Order and in connection therewith, to issue refunding bonds in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 21A of the General Laws.

Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby raised and appropriated in the fiscal year 2019, EIGHT THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS/100 Dollars ($8,487.00) as follows:

FROM:
*****-***** FREE CASH $8487.00
TOTAL: $8,487.00
TO:
11381-***** PURCHASING $1,545.00
11461-***** TAX COLLECTOR 1,692.00
11451-***** TREASURER 680.00
15431-***** VETERANS 1,374.00
11631-***** VOTER 862.00
16931-***** WAR MEMORIAL 629.00
16911-***** WISTARIAHURST 1,705.00
TOTAL: $8,487.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby raised and appropriated in the fiscal year 2019, FORTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SEVEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS/100 Dollars ($40,207.00) as follows:

FROM:
*****-****** FREE CASH $40,207
TOTAL: $40,207.00
TO:
11411-***** ASSESSOR $1,597.00
11351-***** AUDITOR 810.00
12401-***** BUILDING 1,686.00
14221-***** CITY HALL CUSTODIANS 1,243.00
11611-***** CITY CLERK 2,321.00
12401-***** CODES & INSPECTIONS 2,768.00
15101-***** HEALTH 8,527.00
16301-***** PARKS & REC. 810.00
11751-***** PLANNING 2,316.00
12101-***** POLICE 18,129.00
TOTAL: $40,207.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “STUDENT AWARENESS OF FIRE EDUCATION & SENIOR AWARENESS OF FIRE EDUCATION (S.A.F.E.)” 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, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, SEVEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY TWO AND 22/100 Dollars ($7,992.22) as follows:
FROM:
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $7,992.22
TOTAL: $7,992.22
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $7,992.22
TOTAL: $7,992.22

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 11–Nays 0–Absent 2 (Bresnahan, Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, TEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY AND 02/100 Dollars ($10,970.02) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 PATROLMEN $10,970.02
TOTAL: $10,970.02
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $10,970.02
TOTAL: $10,970.02

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 11–Nays 0–Absent 2 (Bresnahan, Valentin).
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON Ordered, that That the City Council be updated on the status/disposition of the former Geriatric Authority property.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

VACON Ordered, that the City Council be updated on the payment status regarding money owed under the lease held by Gandara at the former Geriatric Authority property.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

VACON Ordered, that Request increased police patrols at or near 50 Holy Family Rd due to recent theft and illegal car repairs in the area.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Holyoke Police Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON Ordered, that the Police Department enforce the “No Parking” on Cherry St. This is a safety issue and residents are requesting enforcement.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Police Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

VALENTIN Ordered, that the handicap sign be removed from 145 Essex St. for Carlos Espada he moved.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VALENTIN Ordered, that a handicap sign be placed in front of 149 Essex St. for Carlos Espada.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VALENTIN Ordered, that That the City Engineer evaluate the placement of a four-way stop at the intersection of Locust and Sargeant Street. Request from residents.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to Engineer.

VALENTIN Ordered, that a handicap sign be placed in front of 156 Linden St. Apt 1L for Ivette Avellanet.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VALENTIN Ordered, that That a handicap sign be placed in front of 156 Linden St. Apt 2R for Alba C. Torres.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

Memorandum of Agreement NAGE R1-180 Clerical Union.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

 

 

Adjourn at 09:32 AM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk