Holyoke City Council Meeting April 15, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Posted April 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Meeting will take place at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can also be accessed remotely via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83675284572?pwd=eUowdmxXVUJlMGJTaHJ3L0VFQ2IzUT09
Meeting ID: 836 7528 4572 Meeting Passcode: 845022 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with same Meeting ID and Passcode.
Live Spanish interpretation will be available on local access channel 15 using the television’s SAP option, through the live stream on the city website, as well as on the Zoom feed by clicking the interpretation option and choosing Spanish.
AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENT
REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
1. — November 1, 2022, December 5, 2023, and February 6, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and partially released as of September 4, 2024
2. — January 22, 2024 and June 11, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 4, 2024
3. — September, 4, 2025, November 19, 2024 Executive Session and December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Yet to be reviewed
4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from April 1, 2025
LAID ON THE TABLE
5. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, minutes of February 18, 2025 meeting.
6. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order With community support, order that the following section of our Codes of Ordinances and charter be updated to reflect use of email as sufficient for special meeting notice:
Sec. 12. – Special meetings of city council.
The Mayor or City Council President may at any time call a special meeting of the city council by public posting through the city website along with written notifications thereof, together with a statement of the subjects to be considered thereat, to be deposited in the post office, postpaid and addressed to the persons to be notified, at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting, or to be left at the usual place of residence of each member of the council, by email at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting. (Acts 1965, c. 187; Acts 1992, c. 189)
Awaiting disposition
7. — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that if someone is putting in an RFP through the city for a property that is up for sale and the applicant has outstanding issues with the Board of Health, Building Department, or any other city department having to do with other properties they own, that they are not eligible to win the bid for the RFP.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
8. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The City of Holyoke develop a personnel policy for the handling of administrative leave and codifying the rules into Ordinance as recommended by the Personnel Dept including but not limited to when employees should or should not be placed on paid leave or unpaid leave. The current process appears lacking objective standards. Taxpayers should also be protected to ensure people who should not be out on paid administrative leave are placed on unpaid administrative leave.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
9.
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE AND 59/100 Dollars ($7,373.59) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,709.69
TOTAL $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $7,373.59
PP#19 TOTAL $7,373.59
COMMUNICATIONS
10. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Joseph McGiverin of 27 Downing Ave to the HEDIC Board of Directors. Mr. McGiverin will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028.
11. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Carl Eger of 1966 Northampton St to the HEDIC Board of Directors. Mr. Eger will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028.
12. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Callie Niezgoda Flanagan of 38 Jefferson St. to the HEDIC Board of Directors. Ms. Flanagan will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028.
13. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Antonio Quinones-Albino of 27 linden St. to the HEDIC Board of Directors. Mr. Quinones-Albino will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028.
14. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Christopher Fournier of 192 Bemis Rd. to serve as a member of the Holyoke Cultural Council. Mr. Fournier will serve a three-year term expiring February 2026.
15. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Navae Fenwick Rodriguez of 243 Linden St. to serve as an ex-officio member of the Holyoke Cultural Council. Ms. Fenwick Rodriguez will serve a one-year term expiring February 2026.
6. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Timothy Damon of 10 Russell Terrace to serve as an ex-officio member of the Holyoke Cultural Council. Mr. Damon’s term will serve a one-year term expiring in February 2026.
17. From Assistant City Solicitor Hathleen Degnan, OML Complaint response for Councilor Linda Vacon
18. From Holyoke Retirement Board- communication regarding Holyoke Retirement System
19. From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: 2025 YTD Budget vs Actual Reports; General & Sewer Enterprise Funds
20. From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: FY2024 Actual & FY2025 Actual & Estimated PILOT Payments
21. From Last Green Valley Seeds Co-Host Community Outreach Meeting
PETITIONS
22. Petition of a Tai Kang of 117 Lynnwood Dr. of Longmeadow for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 311 High St.
23. Petition of Holyoke Turn Verein of 624 S. Bridge St. for a renewal of 1 pool table and 6 bowling alleys.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
24. — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that pursuant to Section 12 of MGL Chapter 43C, the City of Holyoke, acting by and through its City Council and Mayor, creates a Finance Department as provided for in the statute subject to implementation by city ordinance approved with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
25. — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke accepts and adopt the provisions of MGL Chapter 43C entitled “Optional Forms of Municipal Administration.”
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
26. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the Board of Public Works be invited into a Finance meeting to discuss roof repair projects
Sec. 37.of Title VII states The board of public works shall have cognizance, direction and control: … (b) of the construction, alteration, repair and care of public buildings; …
The Board is aware of some challenges and issues associated with this project. These include interior damage due to roof leaks and the presence of mold. Before the contract closes out, and with acknowledgment of our responsibility, we propose a discussion with the Finance Committee and all City representatives to the project to assure that work meets all expectations.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
27. 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 “EOEEA MUNICIPAL VULNERABILITY PREPAREDNESS (MVP) 2.0 PLANNING GRANT, $102,420, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, 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 which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
Awaiting disposition
28. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($38,600) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $38,600
TOTAL $38,600
TO:
15412-52500 COA R&M BUILDING $38,600
TOTAL $38,600
Awaiting disposition
29. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWELVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($12,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS $12,000
TOTAL
TO:
12201-51302 HAZ MAT OVERTIME $ 7,000
12201-51910 HAZ MAT TEAM 5,000
TOTAL $12,000
Awaiting disposition
30. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVENTY EIGHT THOUSAND AND 50/100 Dollars ($78,000.50) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $78,000.50
TOTAL $78,000.50
TO:
12203-58002 FIRE- CAPITAL OUTLAY EQUIPMENT $78,000.50
TOTAL $78,000.50
Awaiting disposition
31. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE HUNDRED EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY FIVE AND 56/100 Dollars ($108,695.56) as follows:
FROM: 8815-10400 CANNABIS STABILIZATION $108,695.56 UPDATE TO FY2025
TOTAL: $108,695.56
TO: 19412-57630 SOLICITOR – CLAIMS & DAMAGES $108,695.56
TOTAL: $108,695.56
Awaiting disposition
32. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special Permit Application for Home Occupation application of Amanda and Marcos Garcia for a remote accounting work business at 25 Breton Lane (164-00-004) per 4.8.2.
Recommended that the special permit be granted with the following conditions:
1. That the hours of operation will be Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and also Saturdays from January 1st – April 15th
2. That there will be no signage.
33. — The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopts a resolution seeking our State Delegation to support the reinstatement of no electronic tolls from Westfield to West Springfield to create an incentive for tractor trailer drivers to travel on the Mass Pike and to alleviate the increasingly heavy tractor trailer traffic on Homestead Avenue in Holyoke.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
34. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order That the DGR Committee invite in Representative Duffy and Senator Velis to clarify if there is a difference between the Affordable Homes Act and the 2% real estate surcharge we voted on Tuesday 5/21. If this surcharge on real estate is contained in the Affordable Homes Act, then ordered that our vote taken on 5/21/2024 be rescinded.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
35. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The DGR chair invite the state delegation to a future meeting.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
36. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The DGR committee invite its state delegation to a future DGR meeting pursuant to Rule 9.C.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
37. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopt the following Special Act and then place the question on the November 2025 ballot.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
38. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From City Solicitor Lisa Ball Opinion from KP Law regarding voting requirements for fund transfers and special purpose stabilization fund appropriations
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
39. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From DOR- Guideline on appropriation transfers regarding alternative end-of-year transfer procedure
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
40. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From City Solicitor: Lisa Ball- Case of Fuller v. Haines 224 Mass. 176 which addresses the first reading of an order.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
41. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From City Councilor Kevin Jourdain-email communication to City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak regarding irregularities of financial transfer votes at Feb 18 meeting
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
42. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From City Councilor Kevin Jourdain- email communication with City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak regarding discussion with DLS to address Feb 18 financial transfer vote
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
43. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti – email communication with Councilor Jourdain regarding first/second readings for financial transfers
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
44. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From Councilor Kevin Jourdain, response to email communication from President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti.regarding first/second readings for financial transfers
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
45. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From Assistant City Solictor Kathleen Degnan-Open Meeting Law Complaint for Councilor Linda Vacon regarding debate of late files
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
46. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From Office of the Attorney General- Response to OML complaints.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
47. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Rule 1C be revised to align with modern practices. 1C reads: “All ‘Rules and Orders of the City Council’ shall be read by the President of the Council to every newly elected City Council during the first meeting of that newly elected Council or at any time prior to said first meeting if the City Council so agrees.”
Recommended that the order be adopted.
48. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Rule 4F be revised to align with modern practices. Rule 4F is “Co-signers of City Council orders must call the City Clerk to confirm that they do, in fact, want their name on that specific order.”
Recommended that the order be adopted.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
49. Magrath-Smith- Ordered, that a new rule 6.H. be added to the City Council rules.
Proposed Rule 6.H:
“Any member of the Council, upon being recognized by the President, may pose a question to be answered by the Law Department.”
50. Ocasio- Ordered that a Handicap sign be installed at 3 Vernon St. for Angel Lopez
51. Vacon- ORDER: that the City Council adopts the attached resolution in support of the City of Westfield and for the good of Holyoke.The public hearing information and timeline for comments is attached.
52. Bartley- City Council issue a proclamation in support of our friends in the Sikh community. On Tues., April 1, 2025, the Sikh community presented a flag raising ceremony and this proclamation is offer the support of the City Council. Historical note – Councilor Bresnahan commenced this important tradition here in Holyoke.
53. Bartley-Winter parking in Holyoke could be simplified by the following ordinance change – Ordered that during the winter months between November and March no parking will be allowed in odd-numbered years on the side of the street with odd numbers; in even-numbered years, no parking will be allowed on street sides with even numbers. Refer to Ordinance. Copy DPW.
54. Bartley- To alleviate confusion, the city of Holyoke hereby adopts an ordinance to post prominent signage onto street signs if the street is an unaccepted way. In Springfield (and other municipalities), such signs are affixed to street signs and labled “private ways.” This may help to better educate and inform the public. Refer to Ordinance, DPW, Legal.
55. Bartley- The condition of Woodland St along the center line is poor. Have the DPW/City Engineer determine how best to prevent reoccurrence of the potholes. I encourage any at-large councilor to evaluate the condition first-hand.
56. Bartley- The city fix the poor conditions of Woodland St. Normally I would ask for the street to be resurfaced immediately. However, please provide a recommendation on how to cure the condition for the long-term after the DPW/City Engineer evaluates the street.
57. Bartley- The DPW assess best option on how to repair the sidewalk on Northampton St between W. Glen St. and Clark St. The City did a great job in a similar situation (the sidewalk was like a roller coaster due to the roots of a large Oak tree; not it’s flat as a pancake) in front of Blessed Sacrament School on Westfield Rd. so this order is to also have the sidewalk as described here likewise repaired.
58. Devine- ORDERED: That the DPW sign department create a sign for St. Florian Way to replace the faded sign currently there.
59. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,800) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $3,800
TOTAL $3,800
TO:
14222-52519 R&M PUBLIC LIBRARY $3,800
TOTAL $3,800
60. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN AND 89/100 Dollars ($847.89) as follows:
FROM
12101-51510 SICK LEAVE BUYBACK $847.89
TOTAL $847.89
TO:
12101-51323 SNOW/OTHER OVERTIME $197.89
12102-55860 PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT 650.00
TOTAL $847.89
61. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($145,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN $125,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 20,000
TOTAL $145,000
TO:
12103-58000 CAP OUTLAY-MOTOR VEHICLES $145,000
TOTAL $145,000
62. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($30,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51915 EDUCATION PLAN $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
TO:
12102-55860 PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
63. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 FIFTY TWO THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($52,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51103 CAPTAINS $52,000
TOTAL $52,000
TO:
12102-52420 R&M OTHER $52,000
TOTAL $52,000
64. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($20,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51920 QUINN INCENTIVE $14,000
12101-51900 IN SERVICE TRAINING 6,000
TOTAL $20,000
TO:
12102-54221 SUPPLIES-AMMUNITION $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
65. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-53420 POSTAGE – REG OF VOTERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
66. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-52700 EQUIPMENT $2,000
11612-54200 OFFICE & PROF SUPPLIES 1,000
TOTAL $3,000
67. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-53030 PRINTING/BINDING $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
68. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($6,806.64) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,142.74
TOTAL $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $6,806.64
PP#20 TOTAL $6,806.64
69. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “2024 MASSDEP RECYCLING DIVIDENDS/SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS RECOVERY PROGRAM, $7,800, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, 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 which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
70. Devine- Ordered, that the amount of NINE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($945.00) be authorized from the DPW-PROPERTY Department’s R&M SENIOR CENTER (14222-52505) appropriation in fiscal year 2025 for services rendered in fiscal year 2024 which were unencumbered at the 2024 fiscal year end.
71. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “EOEEA BEST VALUE GRANT, $777,000, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, 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 which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
72. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE AND 59/100 Dollars ($7,373.59) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,709.69
TOTAL $7,373.59
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $7,373.59
TOTAL $7,373.59
PP#19 REVISED/SCRIVENERS ERROR
73. Jourdain- Ordered that in light of Ordinance 2-71 being adopted that it be fully enforced including but not limited to our new vendor Navex’s contact information being prominently displayed on our city website and posters hung on all public bulletin boards and at all city department offices. The ordinance requires that the city shall take reasonable efforts to advertise and promote the awareness of the hotline; including but not limited to its website and work locations. The City Council requests that the Mayor, City Council Admin Asst and Personnel Director please make this an immediate priority so the public and employees have easy access to use our new vendor Navex and the EthicsPoint reporting contact info including the link to make on-line complaints as well as their call in phone number for all to see. Holyoke is paying for this important service and I want to make sure we are getting full use of it. Thank you.
74. Jourdain- Order – re-filed from 9/4/2004 when last adopted by Council and Mayor, “Ordered, that that the Administrative Asst. to City Council coordinate the replacing of the city government portraits to the halls of city hall. That this be done as soon as possible.” Mayor Sullivan approved but it ultimately never happened. Can our Council Admin Asst please coordinate with the Mayor and DPW as needed to make arrangements to get our government photos back on the walls of City Hall? It’s long overdue and these need to go back up. Thank you in advance to both the Mayor and Admin Asst for getting this done please.
75. Jourdain- Ordered, that Rule 8M please be amended as follows:
Current:
M. Any ordinance, order, resolution, or vote involving the appropriation or expenditure of money to an amount which may exceed two hundred dollars, shall require for its passage the affirmative votes of a majority of all members of the City Council.
Every such ordinance, order, resolution, or vote shall be read twice, with an interval of at least three days between the two readings, before being finally passed; and the vote at its final passage shall be taken by roll call; provided, however, that upon and after the written recommendation of the Mayor, the City Council may pass such ordinance, order, resolution, or vote on the same day by a two-thirds yea and nay vote. {See City Charter s. 22}
New:
M. Any ordinance, order, resolution, or vote involving the appropriation or expenditure of money to an amount which may exceed two hundred dollars shall be considered as adopted by final action of the City Council only after passing the following two votes: (1) Motion to pass the first reading by a majority of all the members of the City Council, and (2) Motion to pass the second reading by a majority of all the members of the City Council on a roll call vote. Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Motion to pass the first reading and the Motion to pass the second reading occur within three days of each other then the Motion to pass the second reading shall require a two thirds majority of all the members of the City Council to be adopted. [Reference: City Charter Section 22, and MG.L. c. 44 § 1]
76. Jourdain- Council rules be amended to ban outright all late filed orders, communications and any other business of the Council unless it is a matter of absolute emergency to the city and no member objects.
77. Givner – Ordered that Alicia Zoeller from the Office of Community Development be invited into a DGR meeting to present 2025 ARPA funding proposals for consideration and recommendations.
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
78. From Alicia Zoeller from Office of Community Development-request for Consideration of FY2024 CDBG
*Added April 14, 2025, 1:17 p.m.
LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
From Superintendent Anthony Sota EM – Receiver – Metcalf Working Group
Murphy-Romboletti: Ordered that the Director of Public Works be moved from Grade 14 to Grade 15 of Schedule A.
As reasons: The current grade 14 is $85,921.00-$102,391.00-$118,862.00.
Grade 15 is $94,521.00-$112,627.00-$130,733.00.
That grade 15 is clearly more appropriate given the fact that the City Engineer/Assistant Director is currently earning $125,000.00 and is getting paid more than than the Director can be paid right now.