Holyoke City Council Meeting April 3, 2018

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
April 3,2018

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, Bresnahan, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Roman, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon, Valentin).
.

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

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

From Irma Cruz, Assistant City Clerk, minutes of regular meeting of March 20, 2018.

—> Laid on the Table

PUBLIC COMMENT
Helene Florio 31 Wellesly Rd. spoke in favor of eliminating the residency requirement for the City Auditor position in order to expand the search and find someone very qualified and that can serve for a long period of time.

Jeff Jones (Outside Holyoke) spoke on school transportation and the changes that were being made to the union bus driver and monitor services. Mr. Jones spoke against the process that took place and the changes made.

Eva Pinamatos of 41 Brown Ave spoke and stated that she is the parent of a handicapped child and that would like those that made the decision to remove bus monitors reconsider their decision

Pamela Murphy Williston Easthampton spoke and stated that she is a school bus driver and asked that those who made the decision to change from mini school busses to vans reconsider their decision because of safety reasons.

Maria Gomez 67 Franklin St. spoke against the changes that would be implemented in the new transportation arrangement made by the schools.
David Peres 100 Brown Ave spoke and stated that he is a school bus driver and stated that he is supporting the drivers, monitors, and children and going back to the original transportation arrangement.
Kathy Galrzeney spoke as a school bus driver and noted some of the issues and problems that would take place because the school transportation agreement was changed.
Ivette Colon 36 Claremont Ave. spoke as a parent with a child with special needs. Mrs. Colon stated that she supports the workers, drivers and monitors because it is the best policy for the safety of the children.
Cindy Rodriguez spoke in support of the bus drivers and monitors in order to better help those who use school transportation and have special needs.
Ana Gonzales (inaudible address) spoke on how changing from mini busses to vans for transportation would be harmful to children with special needs.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Late file G, H, I out of order
ROMAN Ordered, that That the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Representatives from UFCW1459, VanPool and the Chief Financial Officer of the School Department attend the Development and Government Relations Committee to discuss a resolution filed to deny the current approved contract.

—> Received and laid on the table.

ROMAN Ordered, that That the School Department provided any and all reports from transportation consultants showing district savings on school department budget.

—> Received and laid on the table.

ROMAN Ordered, that The City Council of the City of Holyoke implores the Mayor of the City, Alex B. Morse, to deny and not sign the current proposed new three year contract for transportation of special needs students.   The proposed contract process, and costs savings proposed in the opinion of the Council does not fully take into account the human cost of proposed cost saving measures, and the outside costs to the City once over 130+ individuals lose their current job security. Also, it does not take into account the uncertainty of impact on the current special needs students and their families.   As such the Council at this time is unable to support the proposed contract.

Furthermore be it resolved that the Council as a body reaffirms and clarifies to the public that the Council has no jurisdiction over said contract and or contract decisions. Said contract lies solely with the Mayor (Head of the School Committee) and the Superintendent (State of Massachusetts appointed receiver of the Holyoke Public Schools).

—> Received and laid on the table.
Under Discussion:
Rules were suspended to take up Items G,H, and I as a package: Councilor McGee read each order. Councilor Roman stated that he would like orders to be amended to be sent to Joint Committee of the School Board and City Council. Councilor Roman spoke on his orders and gave reasons he filed the order. Councilor Roman explained that the Council did ask for cost saving measures to be taken but that the Council was not consulted on the changes that ended up taking place. Councilor Roman stated that though the Council always presses for cost savings he would not support putting it on the backs of the safety of the children going to school. Councilor Roman stated that the school Receiver and the Mayor have the authority to make this measure but that the Council can express its disapproval of this measure. Councilor Roman expressed sympathy for those who spoke and discussed some of the possible options that the Council could pursue. Councilors discussed options at the table and the acknowledged the limited power that the legislative branch has in the process. Motion was made and seconded to tale orders G,H, and I: Items tabled by voice vote.

COMMUNICATIONS

From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appointing Ms. Theresa Cooper-Gordon, 102 Linden St. to serve as a Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority for the City of Holyoke: Ms. Cooper-Gordon will serve a five year term; said term will expire on April 1, 2023.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend rules and take Items 3, 4, & 5 as a package
—> Received and appointment confirmed.

From Bellamy H. Schmidt, Acting City Auditor letter re: 2019 Budget.

—> Received. Copy to finance.

From Bellamy Schmidt, City Auditor, letter re: Monthly Budget Reports for General Fund and Sewer Fund as of January 31, 2018.

—> Received. Copy to Finance.

From Bellamy H. Schmidt, Acting City Solicitor, letter re: Turnaround of Auditor’s office.

—> Received. Copy to Finance.

From Dr. Stephen Zrike, Receiver/Superintendent, Holyoke Public Schools, letter re: Update on Transportation for Students with Disabilities

—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules to take Items 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11 as a package
From Parks & Recreation Commission minutes of February 15, 2018.

—> Received.

From Board of Health, minutes of February 1, 2018.

—> Received.

From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority executive minutes of July 1, August 19, December 16, 2015, March 3, March 31, 2016.

—> Received.

From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, meeting minutes of October 19, November 16, 2016 & January 18, February 15, April 19, May 17, June 28, August 23, October 25, 2017, also the annual meeting minutes for November 16, 2016.

—> Received.

From Board of Fire Commission minutes of February 22, 2018.

—> Received.

PETITIONS

Petition of Jannette Vega, of 227 West Franklin St. for a street vendor license on Hampden st. (Between Maple and Chestnut Sts.)

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 13, 14 & 15 as a package
Petition of Frank Ferrini for a renewal of a second hand license at 375 Whitney Ave.

—> Received and adopted. Second hand license granted by voice vote.

Petition of Tai Woong Kang, for a renewal of a second hand license at 311 High St.

—> Received and adopted. Second hand license granted by voice vote.

Petition of Mimi Mae (EZ exchange) for a renewal of a second hand license at 324 Appleton St.

—> Received and adopted.

Petition of Andrea Alvarez, for a new special permit for a home occupation fora Hair Salon at 45 Longwood Ave.

—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 17B out of order
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the City Council adopt an ordinance to limit the parking on the corner of Belvedere and Northampton St where Silk Deli is located. Residents have been experiencing parking hazards in this area.

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted with the recommendations of the DPW Superintendent .
Under Discussion:
Councilor Vacon spoke and stated that there were line of sight issues that were creating potential hazards at the location. It was noted that parking would not be affected but only moved in order to allow for people approaching the intersection to be able to better see oncoming traffic. Motion made and seconded to adopt the order: Item 17B adopted 13-0

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Nelson R. Roman

—> Report of Committee received and the Ordinance passed its first reading.
The Ordinance passed its second reading.
The Ordinance was passed to be enrolled.
The Committee has considered the same and find that it is truly and properly enrolled.
Report of Enrollment received.
The Ordinance was passed to be Ordained and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 17A & 17C as a package
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed in front of 545 So. Bridge St. for Tony Garcia

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .
Under Discussion:
It was noted that both orders were handicap parking orders that were vetted and recommended by the Commission on Disabilities. Motion was made and seconded to adopt Items 17A and 17C: Motion passed 13-0
Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Nelson R. Roman

—> Report of Committee received and the Ordinance passed its first reading.
The Ordinance passed its second reading.
The Ordinance was passed to be enrolled.
The Committee has considered the same and find that it is truly and properly enrolled.
Report of Enrollment received.
The Ordinance was passed to be Ordained and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed in front of 330 Walnut St. for Irvin J. Rodriguez

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

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Nelson R. Roman

—> Report of Committee received and the Ordinance passed its first reading.
The Ordinance passed its second reading.
The Ordinance was passed to be enrolled.
The Committee has considered the same and find that it is truly and properly enrolled.
Report of Enrollment received.
The Ordinance was passed to be Ordained and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council, in order to expand the search and scope for the City Auditor position change the residency requirement.

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be referred to Charter and Rules with the following recommendations: 1. That there be no residency requirement for the City Auditor position. 2. That the position be given a 3 to 5 year term. 3. That the position be removed from the City Charter and be made into a position defined in the City’s ordinances .
Under Discussion:
It was noted by Councilor Vacon that the recommendation from the Committee is to refer the order to Charter and Rules and recommend that the residency requirement for the City Auditor be rescinded and that a term be placed upon the appointment of the auditor. It was also noted that the Ord. Committee recommends that the job description and job itself me moved out of the City Charter and under City Ordinance. Committee report adopted by voice vote.

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Nelson R. Roman

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

The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order, that the “No Parking From Here to Corner” sign on Portland Street at the intersections of Mackenzie and Magnolia avenues be replaced with a new sign.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted with the recommendations of the DPW Superintendent .
Under Discussion:
It was noted that in this situation the sign was only being replaced and that new language was not needed to replace the sign. Motion made and seconded to adopt the committee report. Item 17E adopted by voice vote

Committee Members:
Linda L. Vacon
David K. Bartley
Rebecca Lisi
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Nelson R. Roman

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted. Copy to DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred From Holyoke Public Schools letter re: Holyoke Public Schools special needs transportation.

have considered the same and Recommend that the communication has been complied with.

Committee Members:
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Daniel B. Bresnahan

Joseph M. McGiverin

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred From Jeff Jones, Union representative for UFCW Local 1459 re: Durnham Bus Services.

have considered the same and Recommend that the communication has been complied with.

Committee Members:
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Juan . Anderson-Burgos
Daniel B. Bresnahan

Joseph M. McGiverin

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

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 “JACKSON ST. SEWER SEPARATION AND CSO PROJECT ADVANCEMENT ” 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 the order be adopted.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee

Under Discussion:
It was noted that grant was for $110,000 dollars. It was noted that no match would be needed for the grant. DPW Director McManus noted that the grant would allow for the finalization of the design for the project. Motion made and seconded to adopt the order: Clerk called the roll: Item adopted 13-0

—> Report of Committee passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D as a package
The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Special Permit Application from Cellco Partnership c/o Verizon Wireless to Erect Personal Wireless Service Facilities for Telecommunication Services at 177 West St. Map 034 Block 04 Parcel 003

have considered the same and Recommend that the application be approved .
Under discussion:
Councilor Bartley spoke and noted the applications by Verizon wireless to erect cell tower facility at each location. It was noted that there is not a lot of tax money that created by the facilities but that there is some. It was noted that the main benefit of creating the wireless antennas is to expand the service and capability of the vendor. Councilor Bartley noted that these structures are not a major eye sore and are relatively innocuous. It was also noted that the applications met all necessary criteria as necessary. Motion made and seconded to adopt the four items: Items adopted 13-0

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

—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Special Permit Applications from Cellco Partnership c/o Verizon Wireless to Erect Personal Wireless Service Facilities for Telecommunication Services at 302 Chestnut St. Map 010 Block 08 Parcel 010

have considered the same and Recommend that the application be approved .

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

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Special Permit Applications from Cellco Partnership c/o Verizon Wireless to Erect Personal Wireless Service Facilities for Telecommunication Services at 532 South Bridge St. Map 029 Block 04 Parcel 010.

have considered the same and Recommend that the application be approved .

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

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred Public Hearing of 4 Special Permit Applications from Cellco Partnership c/o Verizon Wireless to Erect Personal Wireless Service Facilities for Telecommunication Services at 2217 Northampton St. Map 115 Block 00 Parcel 016

have considered the same and Recommend that the application be approved .

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

—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Order:  That the Honorable City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30B and the Holyoke Procurement Ordinance, vote to accept an offer from OneHolyoke CDC to purchase a parcel of land located at 278 Pine Street for $1. Said Parcel contains approximately 0.19 acres and is described in Holyoke Assessors’ records as Map 004, Block 06, Parcel 013 and being more particularly described in deeds recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 21088, Page 399. The parcel is zoned Downtown Residential (DR) and has an assessed value of $31,200.

have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .
Under Discussion:
Councilor Bartley noted that he has abstained from all discussion on the order while it was in the DGR Committee and would again abstain from discussion and vote now. Councilor Bartley abstained from Item 21E because of potential conflict of interest. Councilor Mike Sullivan gave information and noted that the One Holyoke CDC would purchase a property next to the Yankee Pedlar and move it in order to preserve the property. It was noted that by moving the house through Beach St. it would save a piece of history and then it would be taxed at its assessed value. It was also noted that there would be a deed restriction and that the buyer of the house would have to occupy the house for ten years. Several Councilors spoke in favor of the project stating that helps to improve the neighborhood by the Senior Center. It was also noted that One Holyoke was making a $300,000 dollar investment in salvaging this property and keeping it functional. Motion was made and seconded to adopt the order: Item 21E adopted 11-0 (Bresnahan absent for vote, Bartley abstained)

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

—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 11–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Bresnahan). Councilor Bartley did not vote or participate in discussion on this item.
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 an offer from Way Finders, Inc. to purchase a parcel of land located at 188 Chestnut Street for $15,500. Said Parcel contains approximately 0.27 acres and is described in Holyoke Assessors’ records as Map 011, Block 10, Parcel 008 and being more particularly described in deeds recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 20552, Page 219 and further described in Book 12504, Page 178. The parcel is zoned Multifamily Residence and Professional Offices (RO) and has an assessed value of $24,500.  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:
Committee Chair Bartley spoke on the order and stated that Marcos Marrero and John Dyjach and representatives from Wayfinders were present for the meeting. It was noted that library commons is the name of the project. Councilor Bartley gave overview of the project and noted that the committee felt that the price being paid was reasonable. It was noted that the property would be taxed at the regular residential rate. Motion made and seconded to adopt Item 21F: Item 21F adopted 12-0 (Bresnahan absent for vote)

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

—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Bresnahan).
Approved by the Mayor.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that Ordered that, Section 2, Definitions, of the Holyoke Zoning Ordinance, and Section 4.3, Table of Principal Uses, be amended to allow additional, complementary uses within IP (Industrial Park) Districts to increase the possibility and feasibility of new development on long-vacant land in Holyoke.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 25, 26, & 27 as a package
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Six thousand nine hundred seventy-five and 32/100 Dollars ($6,975.32) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 Patrolmen $6,975.32
TOTAL: $6,975.32
TO:
12101-51180 Injured on Duty $6,975.32
TOTAL: $6,975.32

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

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.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Six thousand twenty-two and 06/100 Dollars ($6,022.06) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 Firefighters $6,022.06
TOTAL: $6,022.06
TO:
12201-51180 Injured on Duty $6,022.06
TOTAL: $6,022.06

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

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.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Three thousand nine hundred ninety-four and 94/100 Dollars ($3,994.94) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 Firefighters $3,994.94
TOTAL: $3,994.94
TO:
12201-51180 Injured on Duty $3,994.94
TOTAL: $3,994.94

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

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.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, One millon two hundred thirty-five thousand one hundred twenty-six and 00/100 Dollars ($1,235,126) as follows:

FROM:
18202-56513 Charter School Assessment $1,235,126
TOTAL: $1,235,126
TO:
13002-57000 School Expenses $900,000
19131-51999 Unemployment 335,126
TOTAL: $1,235,126

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

Alex B Morse, Mayor

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

ROMAN Ordered, that Ordered that there is hereby established a finance department. Said finance department shall be responsible for the fiscal and financial affairs of the city and for the coordination and overall planning and supervision of all fiscal and financial activities of all city agencies. The finance department shall include the functions of assessing, auditing, collecting, purchasing and treasury. The finance department shall be managed by a chief financial officer who shall be responsible to and be appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the city council, for a term of no less than 3 years. The chief financial officer may serve, ex officio, as the auditor or treasurer; provided however that no director shall serve, ex- officio, as both auditor and treasurer.

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

ROMAN, Bartley Ordered, that Ordered that the City of Holyoke draft and adopt a Small Cell Tower Instillation ordinance said ordinance would limit equipment must not extend further than 50 inches from the top of the pole/roof. Once installed, all rooftop poles/roofs would be subject to inspection by the city every other year at a fee of $500 apiece to said wireless company.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

SULLIVAN, Leahy, McGee Ordered, that a marker or plaque be placed at Rohan Park in honor of Edwin L. Kirtland, for whom the former Kirtland School was named.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

SULLIVAN, Bartley, Tallman Ordered, that the limestone monuments in honor of our veterans and located in the Armory be removed. They should be installed in a safe and suitable location such as the war memorial, or stored for future use.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW, Building Dept, Veterans affair.
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON Ordered, that Create an ordinance to post signs similar to the one below (say no to panhandlers) along business corridors and at major intersections.  This idea was provided by a constituent and this order is filed in response to concerns from residents and businesses.  See attached article.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

VALENTIN Ordered, that That a handicap sign be placed in front of 179 Oak St. for Heriberto Morales.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to Commission on Disabilities.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That a crime watch sign be placed on pole # 21 located at the corner of Pinehurst Rd & West Franklin St where it once was but has since been removed. This is a constituent request.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to Sheriffs Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the City Council adopt an ordinance to limit the amount of parking spaces at Nicks Nest located on the Dillon St side of the restaurant. It’s become a traffic hazard for oncoming traffic to and from Northampton St and Dillon st alike. This is a constituent request.

—> Given leave to withdraw by maker.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 37 & 38 as a package
ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the City Council request a speed study be conducted on Hillside Avenue to address a speeding issue expressed by multiple constituents.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Police Dept. Copy to Public Safety.
Approved by the Mayor.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the City Council request a speed study be conducted on Columbus Ave to address a speeding issue expressed by multiple constituents.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Police Department. Copy to Public Safety.
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 39, 40 & 42 as a package
ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the DPW do extensive repairs on Old Jarvis Ave. Constituents have expressed that the road is in serious disrepair and is a hazard to drive on.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the DPW do repairs on odd and even side of West Franklin St.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the Parks & Recreation Department & DPW replace wood chips at all parks and Rohan Park  because footings on structures are exposed which could result in injuries to children.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Parks & Rec. and DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That the DPW place trash receptacles in a couple spots throughout Summit Ave. The amount of trash that accumulates on a weekly basis is getting out of hand.

—> Received and adopted. Copy to DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The management of Wistariahurst provide to the City Council a report documenting the $250,000.00 grant it received (circa 2010). The grant was referenced in a letter from DLS dated 3/19/18 and the deficiency from the grants ($124,921.00) was discussed in City Council 3/20/18 and paid for by city taxpayers to balance the FY18 budget. Provide a narrative of the source of the funds, what they were used for, and how the fund had a deficiency. Please provide prior to the city council’s budget review time.

—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee and Wistariahurst. Copy to Mayor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The Auditor provide documentation to the City Council that the 14 “fund deficits” delineated in the DLS letter dated 3/19/18 are paid. Further, provide to the City Council a list of all other outstanding accounts where deficits exist and have DLS confirm them. If no other special revenue fund deficits exist, then please acknowledge this. Please provide to the full city council prior to this year’s budget review.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Auditor. With a reply back to council within 30 Days.

BARTLEY, Vacon Ordered, that The Mayor, the Auditor and the city’s financial team as needed, provide draft internal controls on how city grants are to be administered so that future governments (re: city taxpayers) are not faced with paying for administrative shortfalls.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee. Copy to Mayor, Treasurers, Auditor.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The City Council invite the Board members and/or administrators of Holyoke Media to a DGR meeting. In advance of the meeting, please provide the following:
· A narrative of Plans for your company;
· Any agreements between Holyoke Media and the City of Holyoke;
· an accounting (financial statements including P and L and Balance sheet) and/or audit through 12/31/17;
· a copy of the 3 most current bank statements (i.e. 1/31, 2/28, & 3/31/18);
· a narrative of your revenue source(s);
· a list of expenses for 2017 thru 3/31/18;
· an employee list;
· and information relative to Holyoke Media’s recent purchase of 1 Suffolk St. from HEDIC including the Purchase and Sale contract.

—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee. Copy to Holyoke Media, Mr. Scott McPherson.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the rules and take Items 47 & 48 as a package
BARTLEY Ordered, that DPW install a Stop sign where Russell Terrace intersects South St. Amend the city ordinances as follows:
Add the following to Section 86-325 Schedule IV: Stop Streets

Street Stopped Direction of Travel Intersection

Russell Terr. Southerly South St.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The City Council review the fee schedule in the blighted property ordinance (18-35) for the purpose of ensuring that our fees do not discourage receivers and developers from buying and rehabilitating housing in poor condition.  Specifically, the city should grant receivers and other developers a one-year grace period in which the vacant building registration fee would be waived which would allow the developer time to fix a property so that’s it’s ready for occupancy.  City Council should also be sure that the Building Commissioner and Health Dept. work together and that each department works with developers/receivers as well as protects the public.  Refer to Ordinance with a copy to Building Commissioner, Health Dept., and the Mayor.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

ANDERSON-BURGOS Ordered, that That MassDot come into DG&R Committee to discuss what traffic options can be done with regards to Dillon Ave, Dwight St. and Northampton St.

—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

From Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Eduction letter, re: local contribution requirements.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Stephen Zrike, Receiver/Superintendent letter to Mayor Morse re: unemployment budget line.

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Suzanne M. Bump, Auditor of the Commonwealth, letter re: Inquiry made relative to the Holyoke City Council’s March 20 vote to request office to conduct an audit of city finances.

—> Received. Copy to Finance.

LEBRON-MARTINEZ Ordered, that Constituents request that a resident parking only signs be place in front of 340 Hampden Street other clients utilizing certain establishments leaving those who reside in this address without parking during the evening hours. Many are working individuals who ended up riding around in order to find parking places.

—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LEBRON-MARTINEZ Ordered, that Per business and constituents regarding an order to enforce littering in the business district of downtown and corridors and possibly an education campaign that can hopefully come out of this request.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW. Copy to Bd. of health, Building Dept. and Mayor.
Approved by the Mayor.

LEBRON-MARTINEZ Ordered, that That receptacles or trash bins be place in corners of downtown and corridor where their business to help with the littering.

—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 section 53E 1/2, the Vacant Property Revolving Fund be amended to authorize expenditures for professional development and training expenses.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

Alex B Morse, Mayor

—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

 

 

Adjourn at 09:50 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

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City Clerk