Holyoke City Council Meeting February 18, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Posted February 13, 2025, 2:19 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, February 18, 2025
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.
2. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND 22/100 Dollars ($21,600.22) as follows:
FROM TO
11211 51276 MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 21,600.22
15411 51103 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA 2,222.00
15411 51101 DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING 3,030.00
11711 51101 CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR 3,030.00
12441 51101 SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 2,525.00
16301 51101 DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY 2,899.14
16301 51103 ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC 2,222.00
14211 51108 SAFETY OFFICER 2,020.00
15101 51101 DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH 1,632.00
15101 51202 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 2,020.08
21,600.22 21,600.22
3. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO AND 93/100 Dollars ($8,182.93) as follows:
FROM TO
12401 51101 LOCAL INSPECTOR 8,182.93
12401 51102 ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER 3,132.93
12401 51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES 2,828.00
12401 51107 ZONING OFFICIAL 2,222.00
8,182.93 8,182.93
4. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ELEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY TWO AND 00/100 Dollars ($11,342.00) as follows:
FROM TO
11751 51106 PLANNER I 11,342.00
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
11,342.00 11,342.00
5. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,050.00) as follows:
FROM TO
16911 51104 ENTERPRISE COORDINATOR 5,050.00
16911 51101 DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST 2,828.00
16911 51103 CITY HISTORIAN 2,222.00
5,050.00 5,050.00
6. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY AND 99/100 Dollars ($1,560.99) as follows:
FROM TO
15431 51104 INVESTIGATOR 1,560.99
15431 51105 NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER 1,560.99
1,560.99 1,560.99
7. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding St. Vincent Lots
COMMUNICATIONS
8. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Patricia Normand of 36 Pleasant St to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Normand will serve a three year term expiring February 1, 2028.
9. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Denis Luzuriaga of 6 Pinehurst Rd., to serve as a Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority. Mr. Luzuriaga will replace Mr. Jose Maldanado-Velez and will serve the remainder of his term expiring April 1, 2029.
10. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Lyn Horan of 100 Southampton Rd., to serve as a member of the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Horan will serve a three year term expiring in March 2028.
11. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Jessica Lebron-Martinez of 102 Brown Avenue., to serve as a member of the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Lebron-Martinez will serve a three year term expiring in March 2028.
12. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Jeffrey Horan of 100 Southampton Rd. to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Horan will serve a three year term expiring February 1, 2028
13. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Rosemary Arnold of 30 Mountain Rd. to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Arnold will serve a three year term expiring February 1, 2028.
14. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Sarah Wedaman of 28 Howard St., to serve as a member of the Commission on Disabilities. Ms. Wedaman will serve a three year term expiring in March 2028.
15. From City Solicitor: Lisa Ball- Case of Fuller v. Haines 224 Mass. 176 which addresses the first reading of an order
16. From City Solicitor: Opinion from KP Law
17. From Assistant City Solictor Jane Mantolesky- Notice of Sale – 285 Main
18. From Councilor Givner- Boston Globe article on Impact fees
19. From DOR- Guideline on appropriation transfers
20. From Frank Demarinis, Shermerhorns site plan review
21. Cultural Humility Workshop Curriculum
22. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Amin. Assistant Jeffery Andreson-Burgos, minutes from February 4, 2025 meeting.
PETITIONS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
23. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Beverlyn Blanchard of 46 St. Kolbe Dr. to serve as a member of the Library Board of Directors. Ms. Blanchard will serve a three year term expiring February 2028.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
24. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Beverlyn Blanchard of 46 St. Kolbe Dr. to serve on the Library Board of Directors. Ms. Blanchard term will expire Feb. 2025.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
25. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Thomas Gilchrist of 26 Dunn Ave to serve on the Library Board of Directors. Mr. Gilchrist term will expire Feb. 2026.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
26. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Joseph Black of 1015 Maple St. to serve as a member of the Recycling Advisory Committee. Mr. Black’s will serve a three year term, expiring on August 1, 2027.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
27. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Tiffany Espinosa of 30 Amherst St Holyoke to serve as a member of the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority. Ms. Espinosa will replace Mr. Jorge Colon and will serve the remainder of his term expiring November 1, 2029.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
28. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The DGR committee invite Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the W. Mass Food Bank, to a future committee meeting. Mr. Morehouse will present an overview of the Food Bank, how it impacts and serves the city of Holyoke, and offer ways for the public to help and volunteer. Copy to DGR. Invite any relevant social agency serving Holyoke to attend.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
29. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special Permit Application of Salmar Realty LLC c/o Peter Martins for a special permit for a Proposed Coffee shop/Drive Thru Restaurant at South Street Plaza, A Portion of 209 South St.
Recommended that the special permit be granted with the 32 conditions described in the Planning Board Site Plan Review Notice of Decision letter dated January 16, 2025
30. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special permit application of F & M Hideway, Inc to reconstruct and renovate Schermerhorn’s Restaurant and retail store per sec 4.7.3 at 224 Westfield Road (157-00-072).
Recommended that the special permit be granted.
31. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order City Council explore with the Mayor a residential redevelopment plan for city owned vacant parcels has homes built then sold. City funds coupled with any available grant funding will be used for seed funding with the proceeds of the sales used to build more homes. The long term play for the city is the generation of all of the property tax revenue from these home sales, the new availability of great new housing, the reduction in city owned buildable lots and the growth of population.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
32. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The Law Dept., Building Commissioner and the city’s property group provide its annual update on the City’s Receivership program. Please send communication to the Clerk for the second city council meeting in January 2023.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
33. 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 “FY2025 FIREFIGHTER SAFETY EQUIPMENT GRANT PROGRAM, $24,081, 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.’
Recommended that the order be adopted.
34. 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 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($33,000) as follows:
FROM
14101-51105 SR CIVIL ENGINEER $ 17,000
14251-51102 HOISTING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 16,000
TOTAL $33,000
TO:
14102-53010 PROF ENGINEERING SERVICES $33,000
TOTAL $33,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
35. 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 THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN $ 50,000
12101-51117 DISPATCH 50,000
TOTAL $100,000
TO:
12102-53010 MAP/DATA MAINTENANCE $100,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
36. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($80,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $40,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 40,000
TOTAL $80,000
TO:
12102-53010 MAP/DATA MAINTENANCE $80,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
37. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY SIX AND 00/100 Dollars ($83,656) as follows:
FROM
11511-51201 PT ASSISTANT SOLICITOR $83,656
TOTAL $83,656
TO:
11511-51202 PT ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR $83,656
TOTAL $83,656
Recommended that the order be adopted.
38. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order From Sean Sheedy, Maintenance Admin for Holyoke Public Schools, 2-4-2025 SOI ARP PROJECTS HPS
Recommended that the order be adopted.
39. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Kelly Elementary School located at 216 West Street Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Holyoke has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
40. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred Thousand($100,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Lt Elmer J McMahon Elementary School located at 75 Kane Road Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Holyoke has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
41. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand($75,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Lt Clayre Sullivan Elementary School located at 400 Jarvis Avenue Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential partial roof replacement, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Holyoke has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority(“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of mayor Joshua Garcia.To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
42. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand ($150,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Holyoke High School located at 500 Beech Street Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Holyoke has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
43. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand($75,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Maurice A Donahue Elementary School located at 210 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential partial roof replacement, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Holyoke has applied for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
Further Ordered: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
44. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order the School Department, the School Committee, the Receiver and Mayor present a plan for the future of Metcalf School. I’d like to hear long-terms plans as well as temporary ones. I would like the district to consider the City continue using the school in its current purpose: as a learning institution. If not in the plan, then let’s consider it as the headquarters of the School Department. Should a committee be formed? What plans are being discussed? The building, erected 1911, is iconic and should be preserved and, if needed, rehabilitated and repurposed for City uses. Refer to HPS, Receiver, Mayor and Joint Committee.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
45. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order From Mayor Garcia and Superintendent Soto, a Joint statement affirming the rights of immigrants
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
46. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order The Superintendent of Schools discuss his recent memo on affirming the rights of immigrants with the Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
47. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order From Sean Mangano, School Committee Finance Subcommittee 12.12.24
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
48. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order The Superintendent of Schools please update the Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee on any updated plans for the School Dept headquarters in light of their decision not to go forward with proposed High Street location.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
49. Magrath-Smith, ordered that City Council review CPA Committee recommendations and approve funding for FY25 CPA projects.
50. Murphy-Romboletti- With community support, the City Council issue a proclamation to Gina Nelson, Executive Director of Community Roots Neighborhood Services, Inc. and the Veterans Lunch Program in recognition of the invaluable work they do for our community’s veterans.
51. Vacon- ORDER: That the American flag protocol is followed for flags at public schools such as McMahon & on other city property, including; either lighting the flag or bringing the flag in each night and putting it up in the morning.
52. Vacon, Jourdain- ORDER: The Treasurer & Auditor provide the City Council with an update & timeline for the certification of free cash. Refer to Finance Committee
53. Bartley- Ordered that Schedule B, Compensation for Elected Officials of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as follows:
City Clerk: $90,000
54. Devine, Givner – ORDERED: that the Directors of the Board of Health, Zoning, Planning, and the Animal Control Officer and Law Department meet with the Ordinance Committee to discuss Ordinance Sec. 14-12 as it relates to #2 Hens, specifically the keeping of hens DEFINITIONS, SPECIAL PERMIT PROCESS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS, GENERAL REGULATIONS, VIOLATIONS and any and all regulations whether State or Federal that may be pertinent.
55. Devine – ORDERED: that the City Engineer determine if a BLOCK THE BOX is warranted at Columbus Avenue and Northampton Street. Refer to City Engineer
56. Devine- ORDERED that the Law Department determine and render an opinion as to whether DPW supervisors/employees can ticket those automobiles/trucks that are impeding snow removal and plowing during a legal parking ban.
57. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “BYRNE STATE CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM, $84,458.79, 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.
58. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE AND 52/100 Dollars ($9,981.52) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 6,317.62
TOTAL $9,981.52
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $9,981.52
PP#16 TOTAL $9,981.52
59. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($25,000) as follows:
FROM
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
TO:
12103-58003 HPD CAP OUTLAY- BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
60. DEVINE – Ordered, 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
TOTAL $108,695.56
TO:
19412-57630 SOLICITOR CLAIMS & DAMAGES $108,695.56
TOTAL $108,695.56
61. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND Dollars AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000) as follows:
FROM TO
12101 5119 POLICE RESERVE 5,000
0010 57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL 5,000
5,000 5,000
62. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND Dollars AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000) as follows:
FROM TO
1421 51102 DPW HOISTING EQUIP OPERATOR 5,000
01010 57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL 5,000
5,000 5,000
63. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND Dollars AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000) as follows:
FROM TO
12101 5119 FIRE FIGHTER LINE 5,000
0010 57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL 5,000
5,000 5,000
64. Givner- In the interest of transparency, order that the Collins Center for Public Management present its findings, working with Holyoke’s Government Restructure Advisory Council, on Payments In Lieu of Taxes, PILOTs. Some cities and towns (Boston, Brookline) developed formal PILOT policies where the municipality asks the nonprofit to pay a portion of the taxes their tax-exempt property would have paid if it wasn’t tax-exempt. Springfield and Concord are exploring the need for PILOT policies. Holyoke has hundreds of tax-exempt properties including group homes, charities, drug recovery agencies, hospitals, health centers, churches, schools, colleges, and more that were included in the study. ~Send to DGR
65. Givner- In an effort to promote efficiency while upholding quality of life standards, Order that the City Council invite department heads involved with permitting in to review special permit processes. Incomplete applications regularly come before DGR. The current process is incredibly inefficient wasting 8-10 hours, per applicant, in efforts from the Clerk’s office, the Planning department, the Planning Board, building department, as well as City council and subcommittees. Our permitting Ordinance should be reviewed and updated if needed. ~Send to DGR for discussion / copy to ordinance for updates
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
66. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Law Dept and Mayor be invited to the City Council to discuss an update on the city’s use of the receivership program including current properties being targeted and others that are excellent prospects for required repairs. I also would like to see if we can use this for larger scale problem rental properties with the right receiver as has been done in larger metropolitan cities. I also would like to start an initiative as has been used in large urban settings where we have required landlord training programs when appropriate as well as a model like Kansas City Bad Apple Program for repeat offenders. Law dept. and Mayor will be encouraged to look at what resources we need to go bold on problem properties and develop a plan with us.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
*Added February 18, 2025, 4:56 p.m.
LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding St. Vincent Lots
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND 22/100 Dollars ($21,600.22) as follows: FROM TO
11211 51276 MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 21,600.22
15411 51103 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA 2,222.00
15411 51101 DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING 3,030.00
11711 51101 CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR 3,030.00
12441 51101 SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 2,525.00
16301 51101 DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY 2,899.14
16301 51103 ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC 2,222.00
14211 51108 SAFETY OFFICER 2,020.00
15101 51101 DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH 1,632.00
15101 51202 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 2,020.08
21,600.22 21,600.22
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO AND 93/100 Dollars ($8,182.93) as follows:
FROM TO
12401 51101 LOCAL INSPECTOR 8,182.93
12401 51102 ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER 3,132.93
12401 51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES 2,828.00
12401 51107 ZONING OFFICIAL 2,222.00
8,182.93 8,182.93
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ELEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY TWO AND 00/100 Dollars ($11,342.00) as follows: FROM TO
11751 51106 PLANNER I 11,342.00
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 11,342.00 11,342.00
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,050.00) as follows:
FROM TO
16911 51104 ENTERPRISE COORDINATOR 5,050.00
16911 51101 DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST 2,828.00
16911 51103 CITY HISTORIAN 2,222.00 5,050.00 5,050.00
DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY AND 99/100 Dollars ($1,560.99) as follows:
FROM TO
15431 51104 INVESTIGATOR 1,560.99
15431 51105 NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER 1,560.99 1,560.99 1,560.99