Holyoke City Council Meeting March 5, 2019

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 5,2019

The meeting was called to order by President McGee at 07:05 PM.

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 1 (Anderson-Burgos).

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

Caledonian pipe band played for the City Council and the public to begin the meeting and Proclamations were presented to Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade award winners and colleens. Councilors Bartley and McGee thanked all the award winners along with the members of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee for all the work they put in to put together a fabulous road race and parade along with many other great events throughout the year

PUBLIC HEARING

Petition for Pole & Wire Locations Gas & Electric requests permission to locate a line of wires, cables, poles and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:

One (1) 40′ class II pole on Ely St. Holyoke, MA.
Under Discussion:

Item 1: Public Hearing was opened by voice vote of the Council. Mr. Vinny O’Connell from Gas and Electric was present to speak on a new pole to be installed on Eli St. Mr. O’Connell gave information about the light noting that it was to improve electrical service to the area. Motion was made and seconded to close the public hearing and approve the application: Motion passed 9-0 (McGiverin, Leahy, Bresnahan, Anderson-Burgos absent)
—> Recommend the petition for pole location be approved on a roll Call 9 Yeas, 0 Nays absent (4), Anderson Burgos, Bresnahan, Leahy, McGiverin.

PUBLIC COMMENT
It was noted that the two individuals signed up for public comment live outside the City of Holyoke: Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and allow them to speak: Motion passed by voice vote:

Wayne Stanley spoke on Item 15F and against the sale of the former Geriatric Authority to B2 Health LLC because he feels that mental health should not be in the hands of a for profit company.

Andrew Aubin also spoke in opposition to the property sale contained in Item 15F noting that people who struggle with mental health issues would not be well served by a for profit company such as B2 Health LLC. Mr. Aubin stated that the company does not have a good reputation and noted that the new facility would force others in MA to close.

Patrick Burke spoke on Item 15F and gave his concerns about the sale of the former Geriatric Authority to a for profit health care provider.

Richard Purcell spoke in opposition to the expansion of gas pipeline agreement between Columbia Gas and the Holyoke Gas and Electric

COMMUNICATIONS

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appointing Ms. Deborah K. Aloisi, 147 Sycamore St. to serve as a member of the Commission of Disabilities for the City of Holyoke: Ms. Aloisi will serve a three-year term; said term will expire on March 2022.
Under Discussion:
Appointee re-confirmed by voice vote
—> Received and appointment confirmed.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take Items 3, 5, 6 & 7 as a package
From Brenna Murphy McGee, MMC and Ryan Allen, Admin. Asst to City Council minutes of February 19, 2019.
—> Received.

From Hilltop securities letter re: Holyoke Credit Rating Overview.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Parks & Recreation Commission minutes of November 29, 2018.
—> Received.

From Board of Public Works, Sewer Department and Stormwater Authority minutes of December 10, 2018.
—> Received.

From Board of Fire Commission minutes of January 23, 2019.
—> Received.

PETITIONS

Petition of ECOATM, LLC for a renewal of a second hand license at 50 Holyoke St.
Under Discussion:
It was noted by Council President McGee that the information provided to the City Council indicated that all municipal taxes and fees were up to date. Motion was made and seconded to approve the license renewal: Motion passed by voice vote.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of Mony Tith for a new special permit for a Motor Vehicle Repair Garage (7.2.13)(a) at 2237 Northampton St.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

Petition of Jerry Guidera, for a special permit for a Marijuana Testing Facility (MTF) (7.10.2) at 28 Appleton St.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Council President McGee spoke and gave update on Parade information and events. Councilor Leahy also reminded Councilors of the Ambassador Breakfast that would take place on Sunday morning. Councilor McGee stated that Councilor Anderson-Burgos was not feeling well and would be unable to attend the meeting. Councilor McGee also gave time and location for the City Councilors to meet up at the Kmart plaza before the parade

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred Financial Order:  ONE HUNDRED AND ___________ AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 2 OF THE
REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE,
MASSACHUSETTS 1997
AN ORDINANCE
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Holyoke as follows:
SECTION 1. Division 4 entitled “City Auditor” of Article II entitled “Officers
and Employees Generally” of Chapter 2 entitled “Administration” of the Revised Code of
Ordinances of the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1997, as amended, is hereby further
amended by the following:
ADDING:
At the end of Section 2-138(e) Departmental Revolving Funds
(e) Authorized Revolving Funds.
(9) Fire Department Stations Revolving Fund
(i) Fund Name. There shall be a separate fund called the Fire
Department Stations Revolving Fund for the use of the Holyoke
Fire Department.
(ii) Revenues. The city Auditor shall establish the Fire Department
Stations Revolving Fund as a separate account and credit to the fund
lease payments received from Action Ambulance providers for the
use of various fire department stations in the city.
(iii) Purposes and Expenditures. During each fiscal year, the Holyoke Fire
Chief may incur liabilities against and spend monies from the Fire
Department Stations Revolving Fund for the specific and sole purpose
of making necessary building repairs, and maintenance, and the
purchase of supplies and equipment forat fire department stations
throughout the city.
The limit on the total amount which may be expended from the fund
during the fiscal year shall not exceed the available balance of the fund.
(iv) Fiscal Years. The Fire Department Stations Revolving Fund shall
operate for fiscal years that begin on or after July 1, 2018.
SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage.

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

Under Discussion:
Ordinance Committee Chair Vacon gave some background info on the order noting that it was referred to the Finance Committee but really should have been referred to the Ordinance Committee. It was noted that the purpose of the order was to set up a revolving fund for Fire Dept. to be able to make improvements at the Fire Stations. Councilor McGiverin stated that he would vote against the fund because he felt that the money should come out of the regular budget and should be controlled by the Mayor and City Council. Councilors discussed the pros and cons of having the revolving fund. It was noted that revolving fund would need to be renewed each year and in that way the Council has oversight. Motion was made and seconded to approve the order: Motion passed 7-4 (McGiverin, Lisi, Sullivan, Leahy dissenting) (Bresnahan, Anderson-Burgos absent)

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 7–Nays 4 (Leahy, Lisi, McGiverin, Sullivan)–Absent 2 (Anderson-Burgos, Bresnahan).
No signature from mayor. Went into effect on March 16, 2019.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Special permit application submitted by EMB Natural Ventures, LLC for the establishment of a marijuana facility for cultivation purposes at 140 Middle Water St. Holyoke MA 01040

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted with the following conditions:

1. That the owner of the building always pay commercial property tax rate to the extent allowed by Federal, State, and Local Laws for the duration of the Sp. Permit
2. That the business retain a minimum 30% Holyoke residents for of non-security jobs
3. That Hiring preference be given to security personnel that are retired Holyoke Police or are a retired member of another police department now lives in the City of Holyoke
4. There shall be no marijuana consumption to be allowed on site
5. There shall be no deliveries of retail or medical marijuana rom the site to individual homes, residences or people .

Under Discussion:
Ordinance Chair Vacon gave overview of the special permit application noting that the company, EMB Natural Ventures would operate a marijuana cultivation facility on the property. It was noted that the operation would be strictly marijuana cultivation, along with herbs and vegetables. Council president McGee read out the conditions the committee put on the approval of the application noting that they are: Councilor Bartley discussed wanting to have a mechanism drawn into permits to have the companies that have been issued these permits give updates on how the company is doing and how they are complying with conditions, especially the hiring of Holyoke residents.

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 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Anderson-Burgos).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The City Council and Mayor amend the city ordinances to create a commission whose purpose is to consider all aspects of the Whiting Street Reservoir.  The commission should be comprised of Holyoke residents only.  The charge of the commission should include reviewing costs to maintain the Reservoir and repurposing it for future use as well as ensuring that reasonable environmental considerations are maintained.

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

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred The City council amend its ordinances to create a committee to study the costs and benefits of involved with the City of Holyoke establishing its own animal control facility.  The expectation is that the committee, once created, will produce a report to be reviewed by the Board of Health, City Council, Mayor and other relevant departments.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a permanent reconfiguration of Sunset and/or Ashley Road or other streets in the neighborhood be considered once the temporary pilot project is completed.

have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .
Under Discussion:
Ordinance Chair Vacon spoke and noted that there was a public hearing based on a response to a petition from neighbors in and around the two streets. It was noted that the price tag of the changes was too expensive and were estimated at $25,000. Councilor Vacon stated that she had filed another order to address problems on Sunset and Ashley Rd. that would come up later in the agenda.

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 1459: DPW
(Recommended by the Mayor)

have considered the same and Recommend that the CBA be approved .
Under Discussion:
Finance Chair McGiverin spoke and gave information on the MOU described in the order. It was noted that the money to pay for the agreement was already budgeted for by the Council and Mayor in anticipation of the agreement. Councilor McGiverin gave details of the MOU and the agreement itself and stated that in the opinion of the Finance Committee upon hearing the details was that the agreement was negotiated and executed in good faith and should be approved by the Council.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
—> 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 (Anderson-Burgos).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order   that the following actions take place to strengthen the financial condition of our City as per recommendations by our financial advisor Cinder McNerney:
-That a debt management stabilization fund be established.
-That a financial plan to improve the bond rating from A+ to AA be established
-That a minimum of 10% of the budget be maintained in the stabilization fund with a goal of increasing the fund to 15% of the budget prior to funds being used from the fund for other than emergency purposes.
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted and forwarded to the Mayor.
Under Discussion:
Finance Chair McGiverin spoke and noted that a discussion took place in the Finance Committee between the City Auditor and the committee. It was noted that ways and means to improve the City bond rating was discussed along with other financial concerns of the Councilors and the City Auditor. It was noted that the Committee would like to see the order forwarded to the Mayor in order to allow him to consider and implement the recommended practices.

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

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 “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.
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .
Under Discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke and stated that Jesus Pereira the Director of Veteran’s Affairs was present at the Finance meeting and gave information on the grant. Councilor McGiverin stated that there is a match necessary from the City on the grant but Councilor McGiverin stated that the match is a fair and practical one that could be implemented.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
—> 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 (Anderson-Burgos).
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 2019, TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($2,300.00) as follows:

FROM:
11511-51101      PAY-SOLICITOR                        $2,300.00
TOTAL: $2,300.00
TO:
11512-53010      SPECIAL COUNSEL SERVICES                        $2300.00
TOTAL: $2,300.00

have considered the same and recommend that the order be denied .
Under Discussion:
Councilor McGiverin stated that the Dept. head that had asked for the financial transfer has rescinded the request and asked that the order be denied

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
—> Report of Committee received and Denied on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12 (Bartley, Bresnahan, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon, Valentin)–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Anderson-Burgos).

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Fiscal Year 2019 Community Development Block Grant Applications
have considered the same and recommend that the City Council adopt the DGR recommendations for FY 2019 Community Development Block Grant and adopt the attached resolution. With the following conditions: 1: Community Policing: minimum number of walking patrols should be 55
2: Paper City Basketball: to develop this organizations Grant management capacity the OCD should be responsible for payment and processing of all invoices as opposed to releasing funds to PCB
3: Police Dept. drop off center: any leases for real property must be reviewed and approved by the City Council .
Under Discussion:
DGR Chair Bartley spoke and stated that the Committee had Alicia Zoeller in and went through the grant and made recommendations but noted that the City Council has not received any feedback yet from the Mayor and what his recommendations are. Councilor Bartley noted that this would be the first time that the City would vote for recommendations without having the ability to consider the Mayor’s priorities.

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

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Communication dated 2/13/19 from Mayor Morse titled “Proposal for the former Geriatric Authority Property”
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been received.
Under Discussion:
Councilor Bartley noted that the communication should just be received by the Council and that it pertains to Item 15C on the agenda

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

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order 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.

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted.
Under Discussion:
DGR Chair Bartley spoke and gave overview of the discussions that took place in the DGR meeting. Councilor Bartley thanked the speakers that had addressed the full Council and noted that there was no opposition voiced in the DGR meeting that had taken place. Councilor Bartley stated that OPED Director Marcos Marrero, Chief Procurement Officer Lori Belanger, and proponents of B2 Health and Healthvest were present at the meeting to give information and answer questions. It was noted that the estimated tax revenue for the City would be approximately $205,000 based on a 2.5 million dollar valuation by the City Assessor. Councilor Bartley stated that the development as whole would be around 30 million dollars. Councilor Bartley stated that the committee expressed concerns with having an acute care psychiatric hospital in the middle of a heavily residential neighborhood but stated that the security plan spelled out by the B2 Health representatives helped to assuage these concerns. It was also noted that with the sale there is a ten-year tax window guaranteed to the City of Holyoke. It was noted that the CEO stated that the company operates several of these hospitals around the country and has never sold their properties to a not for profit entity. Councilor Bartley spoke and stated that there were two other proposals for the property and gave overview of those other proposals. It was noted that the bid in front of the Council was the lowest of the three but that the Committee overseeing the RFP felt that this proposal had the best chance at succeeding and being viable long-term in the City. Councilors discussed pros and cons of the development noting the hospitals proximity to residential neighborhoods and Devonshire Place. Motion was made and seconded to approve the committee report and adopt the order

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Terence Murphy
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 11–Nays 1 (Bresnahan)–Absent 1 (Anderson-Burgos).
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Law Dept. update on the City receivership program
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .
Under Discussion:
Councilor Bartley stated that Acting City Solicitor Atty. Barnes was present at the DGR Committee meeting and gave a great summary overview of the receivership program in the City. Councilor Bartley gave brief history of the program noting that it was adopted by the Council in an effort to hold negligent and absentee landlords to account. Councilor Bartley gave the run-down of properties involved with the receivership program and commended the Law Dept. on the work that they are doing in regard to the program. Motion was made and seconded to adopt the committee report that the order has been complied with: Motion passed by voice vote.

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

MCGEE Ordered, that Order DPW/Mass DOT repave Northampton Street from Hampden to Mountain View.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

MURPHY, Lebron-Martinez Ordered, that Ordered that the city engineer examine the safety of the pedestrian walkways on Dwight Street both from the city hall parking lot and Heritage Park to the Proulx parking deck.  There have been concerns expressed about cars not noticing the pedestrian signage, and not yielding.  Is it possible to remove one or two parking slots on Dwight Street to make the pedestrian right of way more visible for drivers or provide some other means of making the crossing safer?
—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW & Engineering.
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules to take Items 20, 21, 24, 25 & 26 as a package
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FFY 2019 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY 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.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that the amount of ONE HUNDRED TEN AND 52/100 Dollars ($110.52) be authorized from the CITY SOLICITOR Department’s LITIGATION (11512-57600) 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, March 5, 2019.

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

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take Items 22 & 23 as a package
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, FOUR THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINEY NINE AND 63/100 Dollars ($4,199.63) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS $4,199.63
TOTAL: $4,199.63
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $4,199.63
TOTAL: $4,199.63

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings 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.
Under Discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke and stated that the orders were financial transfers for injured on duty and were included on agenda as part of an accounting oversight order adopted by the Council.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN AND 73/100 Dollars ($9,487.73) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 PATROLMEN $9,487.73
TOTAL: $9,487.73
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $9,487.73
TOTAL: $9,487.73

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings 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.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, SIX THOUSAND /100 Dollars ($6,000.00) as follows:

FROM:
15411-51202 PAY-HEALTH SERVICES $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00
TO:
*****-***** VETERANS HERITAGE GRANT $6,000.00
TOTAL: $6,000.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, TWENTY THOUSAND/100 Dollars ($20,000.00) as follows:

FROM:
15411-51202 PAY-HEALTH SERVICES $20,000.00
TOTAL: $20,000.00
TO:
11612-53420 POSTAGE $5,000.00
15432-57700 VETERANS BENEFITS 15,000.00
TOTAL: $20,000.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN NINE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT AND 41/100 Dollars ($518,948.41) as follows:

FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $518,948.41
TOTAL: $518,948.41
TO:
11512-57600 LITIGATION $518,948.41
TOTAL: $518,948.41

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

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

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that the city solicitor offer an opinion regarding liability under the following circumstances.  After a snowstorm,
a homeowner clears their sidewalk within 24 hours.  However, 2 days later, the city plows the road again and pushes snow and ice back onto the sidewalk again.  Who would have liability if someone got hurt on that sidewalk after, and how long does the homeowner have to clear the walkway?
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the City solicitor for Legal Opinion.
Approved by the Mayor.

MURPHY Ordered, that Ordered that no parking be allowed on the odd numbered side of Jackson Street from the corner of South Bridge Street to the alleyway.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MURPHY Ordered, that that the Police Department report on the frequency of accidents at intersections of Maple & Hampshire Sts. in the past year; Also that the city engineer examine ways to improve safety at the intersections.
—> Received and adopted. Copy to Holyoke Police Department and City Engineer.
Approved by the Mayor.

SULLIVAN, McGee Ordered, that The Retirement Board, Mayor, Treasurer, Auditor & Bond Counsel along with the Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric be invited in to a meeting of the Finance Committee to discuss the merits and feasibility of a pension obligation bond (POB) annual cash flow savings to the City may exceed 5 Million Dollars.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee. Copy to Retirement Board, Mayor, Treasurer, Auditor, Bond Counsel, Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric..

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That HG &E install a street light be placed on pole #2 on Stratford Rd.
—> Received and adopted. Copy to Mayor & Holyoke Gas & Electric.
Approved by the Mayor.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That signs be placed at city entrances and strategic intersections which shall read; PLEASE DONATE ONLY TO RECOGNIZED CHARITIES.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VACON Ordered, that that Rock Valley Road from Southampton Rd to the Southampton town line be repaired and re-surfaced.  Residents are reporting many potholes.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON, Bartley Ordered, that Our DPW Superintendent has recommended a sidewalk construction to close Sunset and Ashley Roads at Rt 202. The estimated cost is $25,000. Holyoke Community College agreed to participate in mitigation if the anticipated traffic problems became a reality.  Please seek funding support for the Sunset portion of this project and propose a temporary solution until funding is secured for a permanent project.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Public Safety Committee for tracking of the order and Jeff Hayden @ Holyoke Community College, DPW .

VACON, Murphy Ordered, that That a single disbursement from the Vacant Building Revolving Fund in the amount of $100,000.00 be utilized for the demolition costs associated with 107 Clemente Street.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VACON, Murphy Ordered, that That the limit on the total amount which may be expended from the Vacant Building Revolving Fund be amended from $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 during each fiscal year.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that Order that a residents only parking signs be place on Columbus Avenue. Residents have expressed concerns that parking for area businesses are parking along street, including driveways in some instances.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that Request that a light pole be placed on Sycamore St near the intersection with West Franklin St. Residents express that it is too dark in that area.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Holyoke Gas & Electric.
Approved by the Mayor.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that Chestnut St. between Dwight and Hampden St. be named as an overlay district for Ma Boyle, longtime Holyoke Catholic Teacher.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

 

Adjourn at 09:35 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk