Holyoke City Council Meeting November 7, 2024
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Posted November 1, 2024, 12:15 PM
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.
Thursday, November 7, 2024
7:00 PM
AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENT
LAID ON THE TABLE
- MAGRATH-SMITH – Ordered, that the Director of Economic Development and Planning come into the Finance Sub-Committee to discuss the use of cannabis impact fee funds and future implications for us as a city.
- 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
- From Mayor Joshua Garcia, Veoto of October 16, 2024 Agenda Item #54
- From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2023 Signed MOU HPD RollKall
- From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2021 Signed MOU HPD RollKall
- From City Councilor David Bartley, article regarding Western Mass Mayors endorcing psychedleic ballot question
- HG&E Industrial Land Project City Council Vote and Resolution December 5, 2001
- From HEDIC, Meeting Minutes from July 25, 2024 and Executive Minutes from December 12, 2023, February 1, 2024 and February 29, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes from February 1, 2024
- From HEDIC, Annual Meeting Report from July 1-June 30.
- From HEDIC- Economic Development Plan HEDIC – HG&E
- From HPD – FY24 MUNICIPAL ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM – GRANT COMPLETION
- From HPD – FY24 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT TRAINING PROGRAM – GRANT COMPLETION
- From Local Historic District, Meeting Minutes from August 22, 2024 and September 26, 2024
- From DESE- Holyoke Public Schools 2024 exit announcement_Spanish
- From DESE- Communication regarding Holyoke Public Schools 2024 exit announcement_English(2)
- HPD – OffDutyBlue Services Agreement
- Anniversary Hill Park Trail & Utility Corridor Contract Documents
PETITIONS
- Petition from Erin Kelly of 123 Homestead Ave for a renewal of a Home Occupation
- Petition Daniel LiBoissonnault of 267 Southampton Rd for a renewal of a Home Occupation
- Petition from John McCann or 415 Ingelside St. for a renewal of a Home Occupation
- Petition of Daniel Laflamme, a Special Permit application to operate a Motor Vehicle Repair Garage at 41 Temple St.
- Petition of 846 Grow Inc for an extension of a Marijuana Cultivation and Manufacturing Establishment at 360 Race St.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
- 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 be adopted.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that upon constituent request, that a stop sign be placed at the corner of where Larkin and Willow St. meet.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The DPW and City Engineer provide an opinion as to whether a “do not block the box” can be installed on Northampton St. at Longwood Ave. This is a multiple constituent request.
Recommended that the engineer’s report to add striping in the northbound lane be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order With community support, that a 4 way stop be created at Oak and Essex streets due to safety issues including visibility and speeding.
Recommended that the engineer’s report to install stop signson Oak Street at Essex be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW Engineer evaluate Upland Street and recommend the placement of no parking signs at the crest of the hill to improve safety due to line of sight limitations on the street.
Recommended that the engineer’s report to add no parking zone be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That speed humps be installed on Bemis Rd.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the city engineer provide the final locations for speed bumps on Bemis.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a stop sign be placed at the corner of Maginnis Ave and Apremont Hwy.
Recommended that the engineer’s report to not install stop sign be adopted.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the no parking signs in front of and across from 24 Sydney Ave be removed. This is a constituent request.
Recommended that the engineer’s report to not remove signs be adopted.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order to request the installation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Chestnut and Suffolk Street, or offer a safety recommendation. Recent incidents of accidents and near-misses in the vicinity highlight the urgent need for enhanced traffic control measures in this area.
Recommended that the order has been complied with, and be referred to the Mayor to budget for traffic engineering studies when warranted, and refer to the DPW to implement striping and move stop sign.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that Kennedy Circle be added to Ordinance Sec. 86-325. – Schedule IV: Stop streets so that a permanent stop sign can be placed. This is a request from the interim engineer indicating that a stop sign is warranted.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That DPW purchase six to ten of the rubber/portable speed bumps and put them in trouble spots temporarily around the city and move them randomly. DPW Director and/or City Engineer will decide safe placement.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a stop sign be added on the left side of Pine Street when approaching Cabot.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order With community support, order that No truck signs be placed at beginning, end, and along Beacon street as needed to avoid tractor trailers from using this neighborhood as a pass through for deliveries. Residents complain of noise and difficulty navigating on Beacon St. while tractor trailers are attempting to pass through.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The City of Holyoke adopt an ordinance where “no truck” signs and other informational signage can be legally posted to help the motoring public. The impetus of the proposed ordinance is to alert truckers not to enter into thickly settled neighborhoods which is currently happening in Elmwood Heights due to GPS directions. The purpose of the ordinance is not to violate any federal or state traffic laws or standards but to simply inform truck drivers not to turn down the posted street. There may well be other informational needs. Just for background: The city management currently not allow such signage.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That a “don’t block the box” be painted in front of 403 Main Street to help prevent peaking in front of and blocking of fire hydrant.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That a no parking zone be created
Location Waldo St.
Side Westerly
From Beacon Ave.
To A point 64 feet further north
Type Parking No parking Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Ordinance 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.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that we make Samosett Street a one way heading east.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Collaborative order to create “don’t block the box” painting and signage to accommodate traffic flow on Beech St at CVS entrance/exit.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the city engineer & DPW explore converting Samoset! St. into a one way, bus lines for Kelly school be painted, and that parking be for one side of the street being that other is comprised of driveways.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Ordinance Committee discuss alternatives to address vehicles parking in front of driveways. Although there is a city wide ordinance addressing the matter, it is often ignored and creates inconvenience to residents when enforcement takes time.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order With community support, that all one way streets include a stop sign on both even and odd sides of the street’s corner on approach to a stop.
Recommended that the order be denied.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order At the request of the Lyman Terrace, the Resident Association requested that Front Street be made into a one-way street.
Recommended that the order be denied.
- — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a stop sign be considered on Suffolk at the intersection with Chestnut. Cancers have been reported about accidents and near accidents due to parked cars preventing drivers on Chestnut from seeing vehicles traveling on Suffolk until they are already pulling into the intersection.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That speed humps be placed on South Summer St. Petition attached.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
- The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Petition for Speed hump at Argyle Ave.
Recommended that the order be referred to the Board of Public Works.
- 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:
14101-51101 PAY-ENGINEER $19,000
14101-51105 PAY-SR CIVIL ENGINEER 14,000
TOTAL: $33,000
TO:
14102-53010 PROF ENGINEERING SERVICES $33,000
TOTAL: $33,000
- 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 THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($30,000) as follows:
FROM:
11211-51104 MAYOR – CAFO $30,000
TOTAL: $30,000
TO:
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $30,000
TOTAL: $30,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT SUPPORT & INCENTIVE GRANT, $306,443, 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.
- The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the DPW Director and Conservation Director provide an update either in writing or in person as to the progress made in implementing the Urban Forestry Grant monies for 24-25.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order the Treasurer along with key people, please provide an update on progress and next steps for converting to self-insurance to provide health insurance for city employees. Please also review with the City Council the calculations on how the FY 25 insurance budget was calculated. Refer to Finance Committee
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Building department come to the Public Safety committee to discuss the new inspection initiative for 3+ family homes and the implications for owners. A general notice to owners should be published on Building dept and City Council website inviting them to attend the meeting if they wish to give feedback.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, appointment of Vanessa Santiago to the Parks and Recreation Commission
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
- The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Jose L. Maldonado Velez of 75 Linden St to serve as a Commissioner on the Holyoke Housing Authority. Mr. Maldonado Velez will finish out the term of Ms. Gladys Lebron-Martinez which will expire on April 1, 2029.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
- The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order that a new Community Representative be chosen by City Council to be seated on the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) to replace Franchesca Nunez.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council.
- The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order The Veterans Services department head look to expanding the number of signs on Holyoke’s Purple Heart Trail. Refer to Veterans Services Dept, War Memorial Commission and refer to Public Service for a follow-up.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order to declare Holyoke Assessors Parcel 030-08-004, 285 Main Street, Holyoke, MA as surplus property and sell to abutter, Johnna Caizan-Torres with an address of 10215 Jamaica Avenue, Apartment 2L, Richmond Hill, NY 11418, for $15,000.00. This property is valued under $35,000.00 and therefore exempt from procurement requirements.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order DPW and the HFD Alarm Division come into city council to provide a status update on the X-walk improvement plan and Traffic signal improvement at Elmwood Towers on South St. I recently heard from an HPD Sgt. – who has been tremendously helpful in mitigating the problems – who advises the parts are in and work should soon commence. Refer to DGR and/or send a communication to the CC Admin. Asst. asap.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order DPW and the HFD Alarm Division come to the city council to provide a status update on the X-walk improvement plan at the main gate of Holyoke C.C. on Homestead Ave. Please also invite a representative from the College. (I’ll figure that part out with the CC President, DGR Chair and Admin. Asst.) I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve filed an order relative to this. I can find emails going back to 2017 (at a minimum).
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
- The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order Under City Council rules, please add the following: New Rule: Every 2 years after being sworn in, the City Council President shall set the seating arrangements of the City Council. Consideration shall be taken for any legitimate handicap preference.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that City Council Rule 9H be amended and re-worded in order to make the process of changing or updating an ordinance a smoother process.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopt a rule to establish a two-year legislative term. Any orders pending in committee or not acted on by the end of the legislative term must be re-filed at the start of the subsequent legislative term.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Rule 9P be amended so that items not acted on in committee jackets become deemed tabled after 45 “business” days.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
- The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order From Assistant City Solicitor Jane Mantolesky- legal opinion rule 9P
Recommended that the order be adopted.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
- Givner- Ordered he DPW install a Handicap sign for Estela Acosta 171 Beech St.
- Jourdain- Ordered, that following boards and commissions under the jurisdiction of the Planning & Economic Development appear to have very tardy minutes reporting on-line that need to be updated by November 14, 2024. HEDIC has no minutes since February 29, 2024. HRA last reported minutes on October 18, 2023. Historical Commission missing back to November 13, 2023. License Commission no minutes or packets filed for prior 2 years. Board of Appeals no minutes reported for 2021-2024. No agendas filed for 2022 and Jan-July 2023. Were BOA meetings held in conformance with open meeting law during this time period? Planning Board has only one set of minutes published in 2023-2024. Historical District Commission last reported minutes were on October 12, 2023. Biking and Pedestrian Committee last reported on December 5, 2022. The Open Meeting Law requires public bodies to create and approve minutes in a timely manner. A “timely manner” is considered to be within the next three public body meetings or 30 days from the date of the meeting, whichever is later, unless the public body can show good cause for further delay. If they can please update these online records and report back to the Council when order has been complied with.
- Magrath-Smith, Anderson-Burgos-Ordered, that the City Engineer and DPW address additional signage that could be added to Parker Street in order to clarify the speed limit and encourage safe driving.
- Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the City Solicitor, Auditor, and Treasurer develop and present a clear policy regarding the use of the remaining collected cannabis fees, outlining a process for billing hours to the cannabis fund for work done by city employees connected to cannabis-related activities, such as:
Inspections of cannabis businesses
Processing of licensing and excise payments for cannabis businesses
Cannabis-related educational programming in schools
Safe driving and DUI prevention campaigns related to cannabis use also develop and present guidance on the use of cannabis fees for capital improvements or equipment (including related labor costs to support those projects and purchases) that is consistent with offsetting the impact of cannabis-related activities.
- Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the City Solicitor develop and present a clear policy regarding acceptable fees that can be levied against future cannabis businesses related to concrete, specific impacts of cannabis businesses where they exist.
- Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the HR Director come into Finance to present which HR functions are being completed by which Departments, Commissions, or Boards with a goal of seeking out areas where we can become more consistent or streamline processes and positions in the future with the goal of enhancing a more centralized HR function in our city.
- Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the HR Director and Interim Police Chief come into Council to discuss the positive and negative impacts of our policy of swearing in police officers prior to their finishing the Police Academy. We request that the HR Director provide a regional comparison to other towns and cities to see if we are following best practice.
- Magrath-Smith- Ordered, that Rule 9J be edited to remove the first two sentences, so that it reads, “If legal form is not provided 48 hours prior to the meeting, upon objection of any member of the City Council, the matter will be tabled until the next meeting.”
- Magrath-Smith, Vacon, Murphy-Romboletti,- Ordered, that Rule 4D be changed from “All items previously tabled in Committee shall be included on each subsequent Committee Agenda until voted out of Committee by a majority thereof or until removed from Committee by a 2/3 vote of the full Council” to “All items previously tabled in Committee shall be included on each subsequent Committee Agenda until voted out of Committee by a majority thereof, until removed from Committee by a 2/3 vote of the full Council, or until the end of the two year legislative term subject to the process named in Rule 4G.”
- Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the law department provide a legal opinion on the number of votes required to make transfers from a special stabilization fund
- Murphy-Romboletti- In an effort to provide clarity for all councilors and the public, ordered that the law department provide guidance or a memo that outlines the number of votes required for different items related to finance, ordinances, real estate and other relevant voting topics.
- Ocasio- the DPW install a hadnicap sign for Hector Torres at 184 Sargeant St.
- Vacon, Givner, Ocasio- ORDER: that the city engineer provide draft language for a formal program to prioritize and schedule placement of speed humps and recommend other traffic calming/safety interventions based on data collected from speed data collection via tubes or radar. That additional traffic speed data collection units be purchased as needed for the program.
Establish a method for seeking traffic safety/calming recommendations so that citizens can request measures for improvements to neighborhood traffic issues before completing a petition for a speed hump or raised crosswalk.
Please include police department input for the enforcement component.
- Vacon- 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.
- Vacon- ORDER: that we add Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22E, 22F, and 22H of the Hero’s Act to expand benefits for veterans.
- Anderson-Burgos- The DPW install a handicap sign for Yolanda Gonzalez at 50 Arthur St.
- Anderson-Burgos- Order the DPW install a Handicap sign for Rebecca Ganieary of 322 Linden St.
- Anderson-Burgos – Resolution that the Holyoke City Council, which represents the greatest number of Puerto Ricans per capita than any other community in the country outside the island, votes to condemn the “floating island of garbage” statement made at the political rally of a candidate seeking to represent every American – including those who live in and come from Puerto Rico. This statement was insulting, ignorant, and dismissive of the culture and contributions of Puerto Ricans.
- Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the fine for violating the ordinance on parking in front of driveways be increased. The amount of increase can be discussed based on what is reasonable and what is allowable.
- Bartley- The DPW install a handicap sign for Yulitza Diaz Garcia of 45 Congress Ave
- BARTLEY, VACON- The city council ordain a new crosswalk near the main gate to Holyoke Community College.
Refer to ordinance.
- Bartley- Holyoke’s city boards do a great job in posting an Agenda but are many board and commissionsare lacking in posting meeting minutes. Per G.L. c. 30A, § 22(c), upon request meeting minutes must be provided to the petitioner no later than 10 days from the date of the request. Please forward this Order to all municipal boards from me as a request to make meeting minutes for CY24 available on the city website prior to the next scheduled regular meeting of the City Council. Refer to all city board, commissions, etc. Refer to our Admin. Asst, the Public Service committee for a follow-up.
- Bartley, Occasio- DPW post ‘no left turn’ and ‘no U-turn’ signs at the traffic light near Brightside Ave and the jug handle. Motorists are consistently making illegal (and very dangerous) turns. Refer to Ordinance, DPW.
- Bartley- 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.
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND SIXTY SIX AND 89/100 Dollars ($27,066.89) as follows:
FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $7,135.36
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 19,931.53
TOTAL: $27,066.89
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $27,066.89
TOTAL: $27,066.89
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN AND 33/100 Dollars ($20,167.33) as follows:
FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $7,135.36
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 13,031.97
TOTAL: $20,167.33
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $20,167.33
TOTAL: $20,167.33
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($300,000) as follows:
FROM:
12101-51117 DISPATCH $150,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 150,000
TOTAL: $300,000
TO:
12101-51300 OVERTIME $300,000
TOTAL: $300,000
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ELEVEN THOUSAND SIXTY EIGHT AND 78/100 Dollars ($11,068.78) as follows:
FROM:
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS 4,262.14
TOTAL: $11,068.78
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $11,068.78
TOTAL: $11,068.78
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FORTY ONE AND 58/100 Dollars ($8,441.58) as follows:
FROM:
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS 1,634.94
TOTAL: $8,441.58
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $8,441.58
TOTAL: $8,441.58
- DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY TWO THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($32,000) as follows:
FROM:
11351-51106 AUDIT – PROF ACCT HPD $15,000
11381-51102 PROCUREMENT – ASST CPO 12,000
11451-51125 TREASURER – ADMIN ASST 5,000
TOTAL: $32,000
TO:
11552-53100 IT – SOFTWARE LICENSE $32,000
TOTAL: $32,000
- Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH GRANT PROGRAM, $24,500, 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.
- Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM, $12,555.20, 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.
- Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “EEA DAM AND SEAWALL REPAIR OR REMOVAL PROGRAM: CITY OF HOLYOKE’S LEVEE CONTROL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS-PUMP STATION REPAIRS PROJECT, $187,500, 25% IN KIND 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.
- Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “EEA DAM AND SEAWALL REPAIR OR REMOVAL PROGRAM: CITY OF HOLYOKE’S LEVEE CONTROL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS-PUMP STATION REPAIRS PROJECT, $187,500, 25% IN KIND 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 FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
102. GREANEY – Ordered that DPW install a 15-minute parking sign in front of the Stop and Go variety store at the corner of Hillside Avenue and Cherry Street.
*Added November 5, 2024, 9:50 AM
103. From Councilor Bartley, HPD Letter on supporting Holyoke Police Senior Citizen Christmas Event
*Added November 5, 2024, 12:00PM
104. Murphy-Romboletti- That the city council approve and take final action on the attached amended act establishing an appointed treasurer for the City of Holyoke. The amended petition provides that while the provision of the special act regarding an appointed treasurer would not go into effect until approved by the voters, the provision of the special act allowing the City to hold a special election would go into effect upon the Governor’s signature.
*Added November 6, 2024, 2:38 PM
105. Communication from Mayor Garcia
*Added November 6, 2024, 2:38 PM
106. Communication from Mayor Garcia regarding Holyoke Public Schools
*Added November 6, 2024, 2:38 PM
107. Communication from Mayor Garcia regarding Police Chief search process
*Added November 6, 2024, 2:38 PM
108. November 5, 2024 unofficial election results
*Added November 7, 2024, 1:34 PM
109. Devine – Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 MUNICIPAL ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT, $39,600, 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.
*Added November 7, 2024, 3:48 PM
LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Rivera, I.-Order that the city treasurer/ auditor list all the revolving accounts the city has and break down their purpose, how much money they collect annually, what is the money being spent on, and how much is currently in each account. I file this order for the sake of transparency and giving the public a better understanding of municipal finances.
Devine, Bartley, Anderson-Burgos, Givner, Greaney, Jourdain, Magrath-Smith, Murphy-Romboletti, Ocasio, Rivera, I., Rivera, J., Sullivan, Vacon.-ORDERED: That the Mayor issue an Executive Order temporarily suspending all fines related to 110.7 Periodic Inspection of the MA State Building Codes for a 6 month period until all records have been completely reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Further ordered that all current fines already paid should be rescinded or held in escrow until all records have been reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Bartley, Anderson-Burgos, Devine, Givner, Greaney, Jourdain, Magrath-Smith, Murphy-Romboletti, Ocasio, Rivera, I., Rivera, J., Sullivan, Vacon- A moratorium be established granting Holyoke’s multi-family property owners, as defined by 780 CMR 110.7, as amended and effective 10/11/24, more time to come into compliance with MA STATE BUILDING CODE regulations. In terms of rollout, the city’s building commission, seems to have imposed an unrealistic two-month turnaround for the hundreds of property owners impacted. Note that the Building Commission, for unexplained reason(s), admittedly dropped the ball on this regulation for decades. Thus, a moratorium of 18-36 months be established to allow property owners a realistic time to hire the appropriate professionals, make necessary improvements, and then contact the Building Commission for an inspection. During said moratorium, no fines shall accrue and any fines previously imposed will be rescinded. Property owners are nevertheless obligated to complete the requirements and to timely respond to the Building Commissioner during this moratorium. For authority to create a moratorium see M.G.L. chapter 143, §§3, 3A.
Bartley, Anderson-Burgos, Devine, Givner, Greaney, Jourdain, Magrath-Smith, Murphy-Romboletti, Ocasio, Rivera, I., Rivera, J., Sullivan, Vacon- As a compendium to the moratorium, an ad hoc committee comprised of representatives from the Building Commission and multi-family owners and the city council be immediately formed. The building committee shall be charged with effectively and efficiently implementing the certificate of inspection requirements and ensuring that it is
more efficiently complied with after this initial roll out. Note that as properties change hands and staffing resources change and institutional memory fades this committee will make sure Holyoke doesn’t face a similar issue in the future. For authority to create an ad hoc committee see M.G.L. chapter 143, §§3, 3A.
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 UPDATE TO FY2025 .
TOTAL: $108,695.56
TO: 19412-57630 SOLICITOR – CLAIMS & DAMAGES $108,695.56
TOTAL: $108,695.56