Holyoke City Council Meeting February 19, 2019

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
February 19,2019

The meeting was called to order by President Pro Tem. McGiverin at 07:05 PM.

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 3 (Bresnahan, McGee, Tallman).

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

It was noted that Councilor McGee and Councilor Tallman would not be present for the meeting. It was also noted that City Clerk Brenna McGee would was not in attendance and Irma Cruz would be filling in as City Clerk.
Motion was made and seconded to allow Councilor Joe McGiverin to lead the Council in the role as President for the meeting as the senior member. Motion passed by voice vote.
Moment of silence was held for the Grandmother of Mayor Morse, whom had recently passed away before the meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Kevin Jourdain 15 Raymond Ave spoke in opposition to the debt exclusion ballot question. Mr. Jourdain encouraged the City Council to vote against the debt exclusion override stating that the tax burden is already too much on businesses and individuals in the City of Holyoke. Councilor Jourdain stated that he felt there were other more responsible ways to improve upon the schools and education in the City without over taxing the businesses and residents of the City.

COMMUNICATIONS

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 1 & 22 as a package and take item 22 out of order
From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re: Proposal for the former Geriatric Authority Property.

Under discussion:
Referred to Development and Govt. Relations Committee UNDER DISCUSSION: Councilor Bartley stated that there is an economic news letter that is touting these orders as if they have already passed. Councilor Bartley stated that to do this is to put the cart before the horse. Councilor Bartley stated that the DGR Committee would do its due diligence but it should not be being advertised in the public as if it has already been adopted. —> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that That the Honorable City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. c 30B and the Holyoke Procurement Ordinance, vote to accept the offer from the B2 Health, LLC to purchase the land and building located at 45 Lower Westfield Road and adjacent land for $250,000.00. The properties are identified in Holyoke Assessor’s as Map 117, Block 00, Parcel 018 and Map 117, Block 00, Parcel 145. The properties are more particularly described in Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 3658, Page 325 and Book 16921, Page 558. The parcel is zoned Multifamily residence .and professional office (RO) and is the former Holyoke Geriatric Authority. Mayor’s acceptance letter and additional information has been submitted to the Council.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter appointing Mr. Wayne Klinge, 22 Dale St. to serve as a Commissioner of the Council on Aging for the City of Holyoke. Mr. Klinge will serve the remainder term of Ms. Carmen Morales: said term will expire on August 2019.
—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee.

From Brenna Murphy McGee, MMC & Ryan Allen, Admin. to City Council minutes of February 5, 2019.
—> Received.

From Alicia M. Zoeller, Administrator Office of Community Development letter re: FFY2019 Funding Recommendations from Citizens Advisory Committee and OCD Staff.

Under Discussion:
It was noted that the order would be taken up on DGR meeting Monday March 4th.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 5 & 6 as a package
From Holyoke Board of Health minutes of December 7, 2017, February 1, April 5, June 7, September 6, October 3, October 15, 2018, January 3, 2019.
—> Received.

From Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center minutes of November 14, 2018.
—> Received.

PETITIONS

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 7 & 8 as a package
Under Discussion:
It was noted that both applications were renewals. Motion was made and seconded to approve the renewals pending all taxes and municipal fees are current and up to date. Councilor McGiverin read communications confirming that both of the applications were in fact current and up to date on taxes and municipal fees. Clerk called the roll: Items 7 and 8 were approved 10-0 (Bresnahan, Tallman, McGee absent)
Petition of John P. McCann, 415 Ingleside St. for a renewal of a home occupation for a Massage Therapy and Yoga.
—> Received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 10–Nays 0–Absent 3 (Bresnahan, McGee, Tallman).

Petition of Kenrick Williams, 97 Locust St. for a renewal of a Home occupation for Property Mgmt and Preservation.
—> Received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 10–Nays 0–Absent 3 (Bresnahan, McGee, Tallman).

PRESIDENTS REPORT

Council opened the microphone up for announcements from the body:
Councilor Leahy spoke and thanked Irma Cruz for filling in for Brenna to clerk the meeting. Councilor Leahy spoke on a celebrity bartending event coming up February 22nd at the Knights of Columbus in order to raise money for the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. Councilor Leahy gave information on the event.
Councilor Anderson-Burgos wished his granddaughter a happy 1st birthday.
Councilor Terrance Murphy wished his sister a happy birthday and also announced that next week he would be running basketball gym programs on Monday’s and Wed. at Morgan School and Donahue School with the Parks Dept. It was noted that the programs would be for first, second, third, and fourth graders and that the programs would take place Monday and Wed. at Donahue School and Tuesday and Friday at Morgan School. Councilor Murphy stated that he is still looking for anyone that would like to volunteer to let him know. Councilor Murphy stated that this is an effort to continue to bring recreational activities into the schools and the hope would be that in coming years the programs can expand to all the schools.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

LISI, Lebron-Martinez Ordered, that the Holyoke City Council pass a wage theft ordinance to ensure that all contractors and developers who receive public funds (city contracts, tax breaks, housing development breaks) would need to comply with state laws governing the payment of wage and hour laws as well as any other obligations that would otherwise be required by the municipality to meet. If possible, the ordinance should also include advantages for Holyoke residents to obtain this work and ensure women, people of color, and Veterans are hired on the construction projects.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MCGEE Ordered, that Section 82-5(a) be amended to increase the allowable abatement limit from $1,000 to $1,500 pursuant to an amendment to MGL c. 59, Section 5N
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MCGEE Ordered, that Order that the finance committee invite in the Police Chief to discuss budget concerns and set aside time for executive session in order to discuss certain police projects.
—> 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 “Veterans’ Heritage Grant Program” 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.

It was noted that around $123,000 was left in free cash fund.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

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

MURPHY, Sullivan, Tallman Ordered, that Ordered that the Development and Government Relations committee meet with the director of the office of planning and development, the director of the community development office, and representatives from the Holyoke Housing Authority, One Holyoke, Valley Opportunity Council, Nueva Esperanza, a Representative form redevelopment authority and other interested parties to discuss the short and long term plans for improving the Churchill neighborhood.  At this meeting, the following areas should be discussed specifically: corner of Jackson & Maple Street, vacant lot; corner of Jackson and Chestnut Street, vacant lot; corner of Franklin and Chestnut Street, vacant lot, corners of Hampshire and Elms Street, vacant lots, parts of Walnut Street between Sargeant and Hampshire, vacant lots and poorly maintained properties, and Commercial Street, vacant lots between Sargeant and Jackson Streets.  Goal is to move the process to a recommended action, and help create a timeline for what can and should be done, and by which agencies.

Under Discussion:
Councilor Murphy spoke and stated that he is looking to get all the parties mentioned in the order together and to look and see what can be done to transform the vacant lots into viable properties. —> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that the public safety committee meet with representatives from the police department, the district attorney’s office, the law department, and the building commissioner, to determine if buildings owned by certain landlords have a history of greater tendency of criminal drug activity than others.  If that is the case, to discuss what legal means are available to hold that landlord fully accountable, and improve the quality of life for all of its residents.
Under Discussion:
Councilor Murphy stated the order came from conversations with residents and the Chief of Police. Councilor Murphy stated that land lords need to be held accountable for allowing ongoing illegal activities in their properties. —> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee.

MURPHY, Lebron-Martinez Ordered, that Ordered that the city council meet with the department of public works superintendent to discuss the possibility of providing Refuse Disposal Permits free of charge to renters just as it is to residential homeowners.  Also, the policy deactivating a permit card when a landlord has failed to pay the sewer use charge should be discussed.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to City Solicitors and DPW.

MURPHY Ordered, that a handicap sign be placed in front of 290 Chestnut St. for Asnelly Negron.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that the DPW place the following sidewalks on the list for spring projects.  East side South Bridge Street from S Canal to Jackson Street; South side of Jackson Street from S Summer to S Bridge; North Side of Sargeant Street from S Bridge to S East St.

Under Discussion:
Councilor Murphy stated that the trees are basically coming into the windows of the residents and that there are about 15 or more apartments that are causing these problems. —> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that the DPW prune trees in the following areas as soon as possible.  These trees are restricting residents from opening windows because branches are right near the window.  Trees to be pruned are located at 586, 558, 554, 521 & 561 S Summer, 15 & 17 Hamilton, and 23 Sargeant Street.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW and Forestry Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON Ordered, that the Auditor/Treasurer provide an updated spreadsheet on our borrowing status including the monthly carrying costs of current and already approved bonds not yet purchased.
Please also include the monthly estimated cost of an additional 60M, 30 year bond.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Auditor and Treasurers. Provide report by next council meeting of March 5, 2019.

ANDERSON-BURGOS, Vacon Ordered, that Ordered that a no parking to corner sign be placed on the northbound side of Jarvis Avenue 20 feet prior to the entrance to Day Brook Village and no parking in front of United Bank on Northampton St.. Vehicles parking on the corner are presenting a hazardous obstruction to drivers attempting to exit.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

BARTLEY, Bresnahan Ordered, that The city install a crosswalk across Northampton St. near Washington Ave. and Lawler St. The purpose is to improve the safety of students getting to and from Metcalf School.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The HPS Receiver send a communication to the City Council regarding the school department’s plans for Metcalf School.
Under Discussion:
Councilor Bartley spoke and stated that he met with Dr. Zrike and that it was a very good meeting. It was noted that Blessed Sacrament plans to close the old Blessed Sacrament School on the Corner of Northampton and Hitchcock. Councilor Bartley also stated that Metcalf school dual language program may be relocated to EN White which may cause Metcalf School to close. It was noted that Councilor Bartley was looking for info from the receiver to give an update on what is going on in these two locations.
Councilor Murphy stated that Metcalf School was one of the schools deemed to be in the best shape of the remaining schools. Councilor Bartley stated that this is the reason why he filed the in order to ensure that these moves are made public and that there is transparency. It was also noted that there does not seem to be a plan for the building if it is chanced from being an educational facility.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the School receiver Dr. Zrike.
Approved by the Mayor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that With the Paulo Friere School leaving the city at the end of this school year, order that the HPS Receiver send a communication to the City Council by the end of May 2019 to advise us on any financial impact this has to the City.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the school receiver Dr. Zrike.
Approved by the Mayor.

BRESNAHAN, Bartley Ordered, that Order that a school zone speed limit sign very similar to the sign located at Lawrence School be placed in front of Metcalf School, at the crosswalk Northampton Street. and all Schools be reviewed.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to School Receiver Dr. Zrike, DPW.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that Order that the City Council review and update if necessary Section 102-34 -The Collection of fees; Fee Schedule of Chapter 102 – Weights and Measures of the Code of Ordinances. This Fee Schedule was last updated in 1997.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Adjourn at 08:05 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk