Holyoke City Council Meeting December 17, 2024
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, December 17, 2024
7:00 PM
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENT
LAID ON THE TABLE
1. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Police Department be allowed to hire a Crime Analyst past the Grade 10 mid-range (which is $70,407) to $78,000.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
COMMUNICATIONS
2. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Rosanna Lopez to serve as a Commissioner of the Planning Board
3. From Mayor Joshua A Garcia, letter regarding tax shift vote
4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from December 3, 2024
5. From Councilor David Bartley, OML letter, complaint 12-10-24 F.E.
6. From City Councilor Kevin Joudain, article regarding Holyoke Historic bank
7. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter to City Council re 41 Temple Street special permit
8. From Assistant Solicitor Kathleen Degnan, City Council Vote Accept M.G.L. c. 59, s. 5 Cl 22J -HERO Act
9. From Erin Linville, HPS Chief of Strategy and Turnaround, Recommendations on New Middle School Name, Mascot, and Colors
10. From the Historic Commission, meeting minutes from the September 9, 2024 meeting
11. From the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, meeting minutes from September 19th and October 16, 2024.
12. From the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, meeting minutes from May 18, 2022 and May 17, 2023
13. From the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, Annual report from November 1, 2023 through October 31, 2024.
PETITIONS
14. Petition of Karen Spear of 778 Homestead Ave for a renewal of a Home Occupation for a nail salon
15. Petition of David Greenberg of 18 Karen Drive South Hadley, renewal of a Junk Dealer License at 448 Appleton St.
16. Petition of David Greenberg of 18 Karen Drive South Hadley, renewal of a Pawn Broker License at 448 Appleton St
17. Petition of Benjamin Hildebrand of 199 Servistar Industrial Way Suite 2, for a restaurant and Retail Store Reconstruction in the Limited Business District
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Special permit extension application of 876 Grow Inc at 360 Race Street (028-06-018A) to build and operate a marijuana cultivation and processing establishment.
Recommended that a one year extension be granted.
19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that consideration be made to adopt the changes available under the HERO Act for Veteran Property tax exemptions: whether to adopt Clause I or Clause J or both clauses simultaneously.
Recommended that Clause J be adopted at 100% exemption.
20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that we add Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22E, 22F, and 22H of the Hero’s Act to expand benefits for veterans.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
21. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that Parks and Rec, along with the school department come into Public Safety to discuss the management and maintenance of parks that are on school property. There has been much confusion as to who is responsible for what and it is important for the city get a formal understanding so that we are able to better fund things are needed.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
22. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that Members of the parks & Rec Commission be invited in to Public safety to discuss plans around Springdale park as well as what the plans or if any support is needed in potential park improvement throughout the city.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
23. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City install a raised crosswalk (or other appropriate alternative) on Nick Cosmos Way in front of the Boys & Girls Club to ensure pedestrian safety for residents, kids and staff accessing the park.
Recommended that the order be referred to the Ordinance Committee and copied to the Law Department.
24. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the signals division of the fire department implement a light delay at Hamden & Linden streets to help avoid incidents.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
25. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the City Engineer come to a Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss the possibility of making Corser St one way traffic.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
26. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The city review and advise on a constituent request to install a “do not block the box” on Northampton St/ Longwood Ave.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
27. — The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City Council invite the Department of Public Works as well as the Park & Recreation Department to meet with the Public Safety Committee around addressing the graffiti at the SkatePark located at Pulaski Park along with also exploring the possibility of developing a larger master plan for Pulaski Park in its entirety.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
28. — The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the city engineer research if a stop sign could be placed at the end of Willow St. where it meets Brown Ave.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
29. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Petition of Francisco Martir, Food Vendor License Application for 415 Main St.
Recommended that the petition be denied.
30. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special Permit Application of Daniel LaFlamme (Daniel’s Truck Center Inc) to operate a light truck repairing and detailing center at 41 Temple St (085-00-012) per sec. 7.2.13(a).
Recommended that the petition be granted with the following conditions:
1. That the hours of operation will be Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
2. That the lighting cannot be detrimental to the neighborhood,
3. That the petitioner will address all open questions on the Planning Department letter dated December 10, 2024.
31. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The procurement office present any contract(s) relative to the Anniversary Hill // Scott’s Tower project by and between the City, Kestral Land Trust, the CPA Committee, etc. to the City Council via a communication by the first meeting in September. If possible, please email the documents to the City Council admin. assistant as early as possible.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
32. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Anniversary Hill Park Trail & Utility Corridor Contract Documents
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
33. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that Holyoke Assessors Parcel 062-03-005, 133 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA be sold to abutter, Pine Suffolk, LLC with an address of 175 Suffolk Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, for $4,500.00. This property is valued under $35,000.00 and therefore exempt from procurement requirements. This property was originally sold via auction to the above abutter, but due to an error in the auction process the same was declared void. $4,500 was the auction price. The abutter plans to utilize the property in connection with his business located on either side of the property. This property was previously declared surplus.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
34. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that Holyoke Assessors Parcel 183-00-006, Old Rock Valley Road, Holyoke, MA be declared surplus and sold to abutter, Jessica A. Messier with an address of 22 Old Rock Valley Road, Holyoke, MA 01040, for $25,000.00. This property is valued under $35,000.00 and therefore exempt from procurement requirements. The abutter plans to keep this property as open space.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
35. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order to amend the approved City Center Liquor License authorization for an expanded area by including a geographical description for the added eligible area in the previously approved home rule petition.
This addition is needed for final submission and approval by the Legislature.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
36. Jourdain- Ordered, that pursuant to Chapter 12 of our Ordinances that the City Council accept the recommendation of the School Department and give its final approval of the naming of the new middle school located in Elmwood as the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School.
37. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that Council separate the positions of Parks Superintendent and City Forester and make necessary changes in Ordinance in order to do so. Our current combined position is not supported by Ordinance.
38. Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that Human Resources provide the financial cost of providing city email addresses to City Councilors and Committee, Commission and Board Chairs who currently do not have one. Provide the pros and cons of providing a city email to these city employees along with a potential timeline for implementing the change.
39. Ocasio- the DPW and City Engineer revisit crossing from Capri Pizza to Key Food, It’s dangerous. Please install the proper STOP signs with lights and SPEED Humps.
40. Ocasio- Order that a “Don’t Block the Box” be painted in corner of Sargent and Elms St. on both sides.
41. Ocasio- Ordered that the City install a few signs: “No Trucks”, “Slow Down, Children”, and “No Parking Anytime” on the block across from 320 Elm St.
42. Ocasio- Order that the City change the use of the lot at the corner of Adam and South Summer from being a 24hr parking to a Residential Parking from 5pm to 7am. Morgan School Staff Parking from 7am- 5pm.
43. Ocasio- Ordered that the DPW, Engineer and HGE come to a City Council meeting to explain why there are meters in the front of buildings and homes.
44. Devine-ORDERED: That all items such as MOA’s, contracts, and any other documents that may be on an agenda, any Councilor that might be in need of such copies, individually request those copies from our Administrative Assistant.
45. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FORTY- EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX AND 15/100 Dollars ($48,826.15) as follows:
FROM TO
11211 51276 MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 21,631.74
11211 51104 MAYOR’S PAY-CAFO 716.19
15431 51103 VETERAN’S PAY – INVESTIGATOR 6,002.88
15431 51101 VETERAN’S PAY – COMMISSIONER 2,240.00
15431 51500 VETERAN’S VACATION BUYBACK 2,000.00
15431 51510 VETERAN’S SICK LEAVE BUYBACK 5,000.00
11521 51102 PAY – PERSONNEL ASSISTANT 11,235.34
12401 51102 ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER 3,132.93
12401 51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES 2,828.00
12401 51107 ZONING OFFICIAL 2,222.00
11751 51108 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING 4,560.00
11751 51102 ASST DIR OF ECONOMIC DEV 4,560.00
11751 51105 SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER 2,222.00
11751 51106 PLANNER 1 1,090.00
12441 51101 SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 2,525.00
11711 51101 CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR 3,030.00
14211 51108 SAFETY OFFICER 2,020.00
15411 51103 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA 2,222.00
15411 51101 DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING 3,030.00
15431 51105 NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER 1,560.99
16301 51101 DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY 2,899.14
15101 51101 DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH 1,632.00
15101 51202 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 2,020.08
16911 51101 DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST 2,828.00
16911 51103 CITY HISTORIAN 2,222.00
16301 51103 ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC 2,222.00
48,826.15 48,826.15
46. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED TWELVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($7,712) as follows:
FROM:
2601-10400 TNC RIDESHARE $7,712
TOTAL $7,712
TO:
11752-53010 CONTRACTED SERVICES – PLANNING $7,712
TOTAL $7,712
47. 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
TOTAL $6,806.64
48. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY SIX THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TWENTY AND 11/100 Dollars ($26,920.11) as follows:
FROM;
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS $ 3,708.84
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 3,567.68
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 19,643.59
TOTAL $26,920.11
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $26,920.11
TOTAL $26,920.11
49. 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
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
TO:
16932-52500 WAR MEMORIAL R&M BUILDING $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
50. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “BJA FY2024 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM, $35,099, 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.
LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
UFCW 1459 COA Wages 11-13-24(1)
PSA Settlement Agreement
COA k (24-27) (tracked) (11-8-24)*Added December 2, 2024, 12:24 PM
PSA k (tracked) (23-26) (10-17-24)
From Kelly Curran, Personnel Director, email communication regarding restricted parking on City Hall deck
BARTLEY – Ordered, the mayor be requested to act on the bond study from last year and put together a plan to demo the old police station.
Sent to Finance