Holyoke City Council Meeting March 4, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Posted February 28, 2025, 2:00 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/85914960000?pwd=QVBqSkJvd0pSZENmNFdDbnVXTnVTUT09
Meeting ID: 859 1496 0000 Meeting Passcode: 657908 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.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
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, 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding St. Vincent Lots
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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, 202.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. From City Solicitor: Lisa Ball- Case of Fuller v. Haines 224 Mass. 176 which addresses the first reading of an order
14. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball Opinion from KP Law
15. From Assistant City Solictor Jane Mantolesky- Notice of Sale – 285 Main
16. From Councilor Givner- Boston Globe article on Impact fees
17. From DOR- Guideline on appropriation transfers
18. From Frank Demarinis, Shermerhorns site plan review
19. Cultural Humility Workshop Curriculum
20. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Amin. Assistant Jeffery Andreson-Burgos, minutes from February 4, 2025 meeting.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
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 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order rom Sean Mangano, School Committee Finance Subcommittee 12.12.24
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
38. 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.
39. Magrath-Smith, ordered that City Council review CPA Committee recommendations and approve funding for FY25 CPA projects.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. Vacon, Jourdain- ORDER: The Treasurer & Auditor provide the City Council with an update & timeline for the certification of free cash. Refer to Finance Committee
43. 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
44. 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.
45. Devine – ORDERED: that the City Engineer determine if a BLOCK THE BOX is warranted at Columbus Avenue and Northampton Street. Refer to City Engineer
46. 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.
47. 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.
48. 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
49. 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
50. 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
51. 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
52. 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
53. 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
54. 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
55. 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
56. 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
COMMUNICATIONS
57. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Samuel Mateo, Jr. of 26 Orchard St to serve as a Commissioner of the License Board. Mr. Mateo will replace Mr. Michael Moriarty. His term will expire on October 1, 2026.
58. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Willie Spradley of 8 Ross Rd. to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee.
59. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, minutes of February 18, 2025 meeting.
60. From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: FY2025 Sewer Enterprise year-to-date budget versus actual report as of 02-28-2025.
61. From City Auditor, Tanya Wdowiak, Community Preservation Fund financial status: EOY2024 Department of Revenue CP2 form and FY2025 YTD fund report to 2-28-2025
62. From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: FY2025 General Fund year-to-date budget versus actual report as of 02-28-2025.
63. From Alicia Zoller, CDBG Funding Recommendations from Citizen Advisory Committee and OCD
64. From President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti-email communication with Councilor Jourdain
65. From City Councilor Kevin Jourdain-email communication to City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak
66. From City Councilor Kevin Jourdain- email communication with City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak
67. From City Councilor Linda Vacon, OML Complaint
68. From Parks and Rec-02.28.25-Elms College Contract 2025
69. From Parks and Rec Commission-02.28.25 Blue Sox Contract 2025 season
70. Holyoke Draft PILOT Report
71. From Local Historic District Commission, meeting minutes from October 24, 2025 and November 21, 2025
72. From Board of Fire Commission, meeting minutes from January 15, 2025.
PETITIONS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
73. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order With community support and in service of our museum goers, order that Wistariahurst museum patron parking signs be added from handicap spaces on Beech to Cabot st, creating no less than 3 designated museum parking spaces in addition to existing handicap spaces.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
74. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed at 15 Davis St. The sign is requested by Teresa Lewis and the placard number is PL6980631.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
75. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order From Alicia Zoeller, CDBG Allocation Spreadsheet
Recommended that the allocation recommendations and the resolution accepting the home funds be adopted.
76. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the city council amend its rules to identify which committees certain licenses should be sent to, in an effort to ensure consistency and clarity.
Awaiting disposition
77. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order t With community support, order that all ordinances and charter rules reflecting city council and city council subcommittee meeting notices be updated to reflect acceptance of email as sufficient method of notice, and city website posting as sufficient method of public notice.
Awaiting disposition
78. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order tWith 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 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
79. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council consider a rule addition to to RULE 6C (DECORUM/SPEAKING) adding the following words as a second paragraph:
“No Councilor shall speak more than 4 minutes during debate. The President/and or the City Council Administrative Assistant shall keep track of the minutes. A (1) one minute reminder shall be given at the 3 minute mark during debate.”
*Amended to “3 minutes at a time,”
Awaiting disposition
80. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order the city council amend its rules to incorporate under our section 3 or some other section, the following state law: The public body, or its chair or designee, shall, at reasonable intervals, review the minutes of executive sessions to determine if the provisions of this subsection warrant continued non-disclosure. Such determination shall be announced at the body’s next meeting and such announcement shall be included in the minutes of that meeting. See M.G.L. chapter 30A, §22(g)(1). Refer to Charter & Rules, Law Dept.
Awaiting disposition
81. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order From Atty Jane Mantolesky, Asst City Solicitor, City Council Voting Specifics
Awaiting disposition
82. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order That we amend our charter and ordinances to change from an elected Mayor to a City Manager/Chief Administrative Financial Officer, appointed by the City Council.
Awaiting disposition
83. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order That Charter Sections 19 and 34 be amended and elsewhere as appropriate to allow for all appointments to the Fire Commission and DPW Commission to be appointed by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council.
Awaiting disposition
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
84. Rivera, Rivera, Magrath-Smith, Vacon, and Bartley- Ordered, that V-Care and the City Engineer be invited into DG&R in order to discuss the companion order in Ordinance Committee concerning the issue of V-Care’s request of an additional parking spot. The Ordinance Committee respectfully requests information from DG&R to best understand what may be needed to do in Ordinance; are there suitable alternatives to a second designated parking lot through the use of existing bus lanes, vehicle staging procedures, or alleyway use, or is a second designated short-term parking space at set hours recommended.
85. Sullivan- The Holyoke City Council on behalf of the voters and taxpayers of our city urge the Mayor to use the remaining 1.5 million dollars of ARPA funds for use by the DPW/Sewer system projects.
86. Vacon- ORDER: that the law department please provide the annual report that was due in January per ordinance 2-154.
87. Vacon- ORDER: that the city solicitor please immediately assign an assistant solicitor to the city council to comply with our ordinance 2-156.1
88. Devine- ORDERED: That the Law Department issue an opinion as to whether there are any repercussions for an elected City Councilor who may “Use their position to impede any government operation in carrying out their duties.
89. Devine- ORDERED: That the City Engineer study the possibility of having a raised crosswalk at the corner of Dwight and Main Streets.
90. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ELEVEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($11,235) as follows:
FROM
11521-51102 PERSONNEL ASSISTANT $11,235
TOTAL $11,235
TO:
11522-53009 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $11,235
TOTAL $11,235
PERSONNEL DEPT
91. 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
11451-51125 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT $11,000
11451-51132 PAYROLL SPECIALIST 9,000
TOTAL $20,000
TO:
11452-53010 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
CITY TREASURER’S OFFICE
92. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN AND 50/100 Dollars ($2,337.50) as follows:
FROM
15101-51203 SUBSTITUTE NURSE $1,500.00
15101-51850 AUTO ALLOWANCE 837.50
TOTAL $2,337.50
TO:
15101-51201 BOARD MEMBERS – BOARD OF HEALTH $2,337.50
TOTAL $2,337.50
93. 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
11381-51102 ASSISTANT CPO $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
TO:
11382-53010 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
PURCHASING DEPT
94. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, NINE THOUSAND SEVENTY FOUR AND 41/100 Dollars ($9,074.41) as follows:
FROM:
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 5,410.51
TOTAL: $9,074.41
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $9,074.41
TOTAL: $9,074.41
95. Devine- ORDERED: That the Law Department render an opinion as to whether a City Councilor can be censured for disruption of any City Council proceeding whether at regular meetings of the City Council or any sub-committee of the City Council.
96. Devine- ORDERED: That the Law Department check with surrounding cities and towns as to how they might censure an elected official due to lack of decorum or other offenses.
97. Givner- Handicap application from Yolanda Velazquez for a handicap sign at 120 Oak St. #1.
98. Jourdain, Vacon- Ordered that the City Council Charter & Rules committee discuss the Council’s long history of interpretation relative to Section 22 of the Charter that a vote to pass the first and then a vote to pass the second reading are required before final passage may occur under the provisions of that Section. That the Council also continue to follow our current procedure if and until the Council votes to change that procedure and understanding of Section 22 through a lawful method to be determined up to and including a possible Charter Change.
Section 22 of the Charter
Sec. 22. – Power as to laying out, etc., of streets; damages; ordinances, etc., involving expenditures in excess of two hundred dollars.
The city council shall, with the approval of the mayor, have exclusive authority and power to order the laying out, locating anew or discontinuing of all streets and ways and highways within the limits of the city, and to assess the damage sustained by any person thereby, and further, except as herein otherwise provided, to act in all matters relating to such laying out, locating anew, altering or discontinuing. Any person aggrieved by the assessment of his damages, or other action of the city council under this section, shall have all the rights and privileges now allowed by law in such cases in appeals from decisions of the selectmen of towns. 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 the 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.
99. Jourdain, Vacon- Ordered, that the Treasurer, Auditor and Mayor please come to the Finance Committee to discuss why the Schedule A year end reconciliation for Fiscal Year 2024 has not yet been filed with the State. Failure to make this end of year filing timely potentially jeopardizes our future state aid payments, cash flow and the certification of our free cash. This filing was due on November 30 and is still unfiled. It should be noted that it was filed many months late last year and appears to be late again. Let’s discuss please how we can get this back on track.
100. Jourdain, Vacon- Ordered, amend Rule 6E by adding the following: that no member of the City Council shall make references to or about another member but in respectful terms whether inside or outside the City Council Chambers including on social media. That the City Council also taken into consideration this time how the City’s social media policy should help guide our final rule.
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
101. From Councilor Kevin Jourdain, response to email communication from President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti.
*Added March 4, 2025, 12:36 p.m.