Ordinance Committee Meeting August 14, 2024

Posted August 9, 2024, 4:02 PM

vídeo en español

City Council
Holyoke Massachusetts
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25,
and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Ordinance

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
6:30 PM

Meeting to take place at
Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can be accessed remotely on Zoom Meetings
Per order of the Ordinance Chair: Israel Rivera
Remote access via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87018260302?pwd=cz2a8BJ8oR2fkbfT3gMwAaCmiXJEQW.1
Meeting ID: 870 1826 0302 Meeting Passcode: 651524 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with the 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

Item 1: Minutes of June 5 and June 10, 2024 meetings.

Item 2: 3-6-24 MAGRATH-SMITH — That Section 8.1.9 be amended to include the following language after the last sentence: Requirement to submit new technical data
If the Town acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Town will, within 6 months, notify FEMA of these changes by submitting the technical or scientific data that supports the change(s.)  Notification shall be submitted to:
• NFIP State Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• NFIP Program Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I
*Public hearing closed 4-24-24, tabled

Item 3: 3-7-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the Zoning Ordinance, Section 7.8 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND ANTENNAS, be amended to include Small Wireless Facilities.
*Public hearing closed 1-23-24. tabled 1-23-24, 6-5-24

Item 4: 4-18-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the position of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer be created and added to Schedule A
*Tabled 2-7-24, 6-5-24, 6-10-24

Item 5: 8-1-23 (Referred back 4-2-24) JOURDAIN — Ordered, that the City Council review and adopt the Mayor’s proposal for the city’s financial policies by ordinance.”
*Referred back 4-2-24

Item 6: 12-5-23 I. RIVERA — Order that the city council review noise ordinance and require a decibel meter reading before a ticket can be submitted or for music to be asked to be turned down. It is my understanding that the department has the necessary devices to measure readings and we want to be sure that they are being utilized in case citations are challenged in court.
*Tabled 5-8-24, 6-5-24

Item 7: 3-21-23 JOURDAIN — Ordered, The City of Holyoke develop a personnel policy for the handling of administrative leave and codifying the rules into Ordinance as recommended by the Personnel Dept including but not limited to when employees should or should not be placed on paid leave or unpaid leave. The current process appears lacking objective standards. Taxpayers should also be protected to ensure people who should not be out on paid administrative leave are placed on unpaid administrative leave.
*Tabled 5-23-23, 6-27-23, 9-12-23, 10-24-23, 12-12-23

Item 8: 8-6-24 GREANEY – Ordered that the City of Holyoke tax work-off program for seniors be increased from 30 to 70 slots. Furthermore, that the stipend be increased from $750 to $1000.
Rationale: Applications for this program have dramatically increased. These economic times warrant the proposed changes

Item 9: 8-6-24 VACON – ORDER:  that an ordinance be created that establishes a public process for approving the installation of raised crosswalks that includes input from safety departments and the public and a determination from engineering

Item 10: 8-6-24 VACON – ORDER: that Holyoke double the tax abatement for veterans as authorized by the Hero Act:  Expanding Veteran Property Tax Exemptions

Item 11: 4-5-22 VACON, JOURDAIN, PUELLO — Ordered, That a Legal opinion be issued to clarify allowed uses of marijuana impact fee money. For example,
if odor from a facility is a problem in the community can the money be used for mitigation?
*Tabled 11-29-22

Item 12: 8-1-23 MCGIVERIN, J. RIVERA — Ordered, The DPW install a crosswalk for the city parking lot on N. Canal St. across from GTI.

Item 13: 6-18-24 GIVNER — Per constituent request, Order that handicapped parking sign be removed from in front of 1205 Dwight St by the new owner, Anthony Case.

Item 14: 6-4-24 GIVNER — Per resident request, please remove handicap sign from 204 Oak St, for Ms. Josephine Rivera. She will no longer need it.

Item 15: 6-4-24 BARTLEY, OCASIO — The City determine a more efficient manner to remove Handicap/Disability signs. Perhaps a database should be maintained by the Clerk. City addresses with Handicap/Disability signs in front of a parcel’s address should maintained and made public. Further, for example, on an annual basis, each addressee with such a sign should be notified and must affirm whether or not the sign should remain. Refer to Ordinance for a follow-up.

Item 16: 8-6-24 OCASIO- Ordered that the DPW remove the handicap signs at the following locations:
1) Italian Osorio 588 South Summer St Apt 1613.
2) Maridelva de Jesus 588 South Summer St.
3) Emma  Morales 586 South Summer St Apt 1512.
4) Wilfredo Loranzi  584 South Summer St Apt 1441.
5) Dianne Pierre  580 South Summer St 2L
All the residents no longer live at these locations

Item 17: 4-16-24 GIVNER — Ordered the DPW install a handicap sign at 199 Beech St for Pablo Gonzalez. Handicap Placard PL2280794.
*Tabled 5-8-24

Item 18: 11-16-21 MCGEE — ORDERED that the City Council amend Ordinance 2-69 by striking section (g) (2) from the ordinance. That section states ” No employee of the city shall simultaneously serve on the city council during their time of employment.”
*Referred back 11-21-21

Item 19: 6-6-23 PUELLO — Ordered, That speed humps be placed on South Summer St. Petition attached.
*Tabled 6-27-23

Item 20: 3-21-23 PUELLO — That the following entry be added to the City Ordinances Sec. 86-325. – Schedule IV: Stop streets, this will be directed to the Ordinance Committee to be heard.
Street Stopped/ Vernon St
Direction of Travel/ Southerly
Intersection/ Main St
*Tabled 4-25-23

LAID ON THE TABLE
Discussion may or may not take place

Item 21: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — Zoning ordinance change proposal to allow cannabis businesses beyond the IG zone and allow priority for social equity applicants and those negatively impacted by war on drugs.
*Public hearing closed 4-24-24. Pending Planning Board recommendation.

 

Item 22: 8-1-23 GIVNER — With community support, order that the City of Holyoke establish, in the Schedule A, a Homeless and Housing Liaison position.
*Tabled 6-5-24

Item 23: 8-1-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS — Ordered, that when the use a building is changing requiring permits from city departments but not City Council approval, a communication be sent to the City Council informing of the change. This can help councilors keep constituents informed so that concerns can be addressed.
*Tabled 5-8-24

Item 24: 3-7-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to add a section for Short Term Rentals, in addition to amending Section 2 DEFINITIONS, and any other sections that may apply to this use.
*Public hearings held 4-25-23, 5-23-23, 8-22-23, 10-24-23, 1-23-24.
Tabled 1-23-24 Pending Planning Board recommendation.

Item 25: 3-7-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to add a Section for Tiny Houses, in addition to amending Section 2 DEFINITIONS, and any other Sections that may apply to this use.
*Public hearings held 4-25-23, 9-26-23, 11-28-23, 1-23-24.
Tabled 1-23-24 Pending Planning Board recommendation.

Item 26: 6-4-24 From Attorney Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding small wireless facilities ordinance.
*Tabled 6-5-24

Item 27: 10-17-23 MCGEE — Ordered, That the DPW Commission return to reviewing and setting the Sewer Rate.
*Tabled 2-7-24

Item 28: 2-20-24 SULLIVAN — Ordered, That the Vacant Building fee be adjusted to take into account the size (SF) of the building. Currently, a flat fee is assessed which is not reflective of the burden to the city and its taxpayers.
*Tabled 4-10-24, 4-24-24

Item 29: 1-22-24 (Referred back 4-2-24) DEVINE, GIVNER, J. RIVERA — Ordered, to add the position of City Engineer to the Ordinance under Schedule A, Grade 13.
*Referred back 4-2-24, tabled 4-24-24

Item 30: 10-4-22 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI — Ordered that the City examine and study the Schedule A increases that were recommended by the salary study completed in 2014, so that we can implement salary adjustments that are competitive and more aligned with neighboring municipalities in order to retract and retain City employees.
*Tabled 4-25-23, 2-7-24

Item 31: 5-2-23 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI — Ordered, That schedules B and C of ordinance 2-35 be updated as appropriate with competitive salaries to attract and retain employees.
*Tabled 3-27-24

Item 32: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — Ordered, Order that the city creates a Housing Committee tasked with creating policy suggestions and implementation of office of tenant protections, office of returning citizens and homelessness liaison. Roles and committee to be created by Ordinance while bylaws to be created by the committee.
The committee should included at least one of the following – 1 tenant in market rate housing, 1 tenant with section 8 voucher holder, 1 tenant with MRVP or continuum of care, 1 tenant of HHA, 1 tenant representative of local organization working on housing issues, 1 home owner, 1 landlord.
*Tabled 2-7-24

Item 33: 2-21-23 PUELLO — in accordance with the city charter, create ordinance language that confirms, no sitting city councilor shall become a member of any board or commission in city government during the term of office. To Ordinance Committee
*Tabled 11-28-23, 12-12-23

Item 34: 11-21-23 PUELLO — That we consider crafting an ordinance stipulating requirements for expenditure of funds of the police special events line and requirements. Example: committee organized event, private businesses participating, alcohol served, who is profiting etc.
*Tabled 11-28-23, 12-12-23

Item 35: 4-6-21 Petition for Speed hump at Argyle Ave.
*Tabled 6-21-21, 2-28-23

Item 36: 10-4-22 GIVNER, ANDERSON-BURGOS, PUELLO — Ordered, Collaborative order to create “don’t block the box” painting and signage to accommodate traffic flow on Beech St at CVS entrance/exit.
*Tabled 2-28-23

Item 37: 11-15-22 From Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, letter of Veto regarding order on reporting damages:
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That an ordinance be created that requires a department head to report (with an incident report explaining the cause) of any loss in their department over $250 in value to the City Council and Mayor within 30 days Recommended that the order be adopted, as amended for losses over $500.
*Tabled 11-29-22

Item 38: 1-18-22 MALDONADO VELEZ — Order that we look into creating an ordinance around trash pick up that is similar to when it snows, where residents, business owners, and the city are responsible for the trash on their property.
*Tabled 5-11-22

Item 39: 5-18-21 VACON, BARTLEY, MCGIVERIN, LISI — Ordered, that the setting of the sewer rate be returned from the City Council to the DPW Commission where it had been previously determined.
*Tabled 6-29-21, 1-25-22, 6-7-23

Item 40: 4-6-21 MURPHY, LISI — Ordered that the city council consider adopting a wage theft ordinance for all contractors doing projects for the city or receiving special tax incentives by the city similar to Easthampton and Springfield with the following purposes: prevent misclassification of employees as independent contractors; assure that employers are paying all payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums; comply with state laws governing the payment of prevailing wages; assure that contractors provide opportunities for Holyoke residents, veterans, people of color and women.
*Referred back 1-18-22

Item 41: 5-16-23 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI — Ordered, that the City Council amend Ordinance 2-336(a) and (b) to reflect a streamlined process for disposition of tax title properties and other properties not needed by the City for municipal purposes and to add a new section for the creation of an Abutter Lots Sale Program.
*Referred back 2-6-24

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE
In the committee jacket more than 45 days

Item 42: 2-15-22 TALLMAN — Ordered, That speed humps be installed on Bemis Rd.

Item 43: 10-18-22 MCGEE, TALLMAN — Order that the city engineer provide the final locations for speed bumps on Bemis.

Item 44: 8-4-20 MCGEE — Ordered, That the ordinance committee review the draft Telecommunication ordinance changes. This is being filed on behalf of a constituent request.

Item 45: 10-20-20 VACON — Ordered, 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.

Item 46: 3-2-21 From Harold and Lois Darcy, concerned citizens

Item 47: 9-7-21 MURPHY — Ordered that the city council work with the mayor to establish a formalized procedure for any request to have a street closing.

Item 48: 1-18-22 GIVNER — Ordered, that That the City of Holyoke amend ordinance that provides Columbus day as a Holiday be updated to wording that reflects that Columbus Day will now be referred to as “Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly known as Columbus Day”

Item 49: 3-15-22 JOURDAIN, VACON — Ordered, that That Columbus Day holiday ordinance be changed so the holiday be known as both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day so everyone may celebrate both, one or the other, or neither if they choose according to their own conscience. This will allow the maximum amount of sensitivity to the issue.

Item 50: 4-5-22 MALDONADO VELEZ, I. RIVERA — Order that we add a Grant Manager position to oversee, streamline, and expand our grant applications and money for our city.

Item 51: 4-5-22 From Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Guide to Understanding housing choice and its opportunities.

Item 52: 4-5-22 GIVNER — Ordered, With community support: That the Holyoke City Council adopt, and create a method of enforcement for, a wage theft ordinance for all contractors doing projects for the city or receiving special tax incentives by the city similar to Easthampton and Springfield with the following purposes: prevent misclassification of employees as independent contractors; assure that employers are paying all payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums; comply with state laws governing the payment of prevailing wages; assure that contractors provide opportunities for Holyoke residents, veterans, people of color and women.

Item 53: 4-5-22 I. RIVERA — Order that legal review the Boston Cannabis Equity program ordinance and begin to draft language similar to it for the purposes of creating a Holyoke Cannabis Equity program.

Item 54: 4-5-22 MALDONADO VELEZ — Order that we allow for overnight parking on city parking lots for people to sleep in their cars. This would be an added measure in the work already being done to provide a safe, temporary place for our unhoused population until a more long term solution is created.

Item 55: 5-3-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS — Ordered, 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.

Item 56: 6-7-22 GIVNER — Ordered, With community support, Pouloit Pool will be free to Holyoke residents with a target market of students and seniors. A Holyoke pool pass should be easily obtainable at the Parks and Rec office with proof of Holyoke residency including but not limited to a Holyoke school ID, Holyoke Library card, State ID, Mail, etc. A daily fee of no more than $3 shall be charged for adult residents and no more than $5 for adult non-residents, along with a $2 fee for non-resident students and seniors.

Item 57: 6-7-22 GIVNER — Ordered, With community support, the City of Holyoke request a PVTA bus stop be added on Appleton between Linden and Locusts streets.

Item 58: 6-7-22 JOURDAIN, I. RIVERA — Ordered, That City Council create an ordinance that states that no department establishes user fees until those have been established by ordinance (unless governed under some other law). Additionally, that a pool pass system be established which allows all Holyoke residents to receive a free pool pass for city pool administered by the Parks & Recreation dept. A fee shall be established for non-Holyoke residents only at a rate to be determined by ordinance.

Item 59: 6-7-22 VACON — Ordered, Amend the speed hump ordinance (section b) that when a city engineer evaluation and report determines eligibility for speed humps on a city street, then temporary speed humps may be installed.

Item 60: 8-2-22 I. RIVERA — Ordered, That the honorable city council pass an ordinance banning facial surveillance technology (Please see attachment).

Item 61: 10-4-22 MCGEE — Ordered, That the City Solicitor be given the authority to hire a paralegal above mid range up to no more than max without needing further approval from CC due to special circumstances.
*Another order with the same language was filed later and adopted. This can probably be voted as complied with.

Item 62: 10-4-22 MCGEE — Ordered, To explore creating a zoning and code enforcement position in the building department.

Item 63: 10-4-22 MCGEE — Ordered, That Department heads be given the authority to hire Schedule A positions above mid-range up to no more than max without needing further approval from CC due to special circumstances.

Item 64: 10-4-22 J. RIVERA — Order that we make Samosett Street a one way heading east.

Item 65: 10-4-22 I. RIVERA — 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.

Item 66: 11-1-22 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI — Order that we revise Section 58 – 18 of our City Ordinances to establish that it is the responsibility of the business establishment to collect and return shopping carts to their original locations. Any business that does not adhere to this ordinance shall be subject to a fine of no less than $25 and not more than $300, to be issued by the city’s enforcement officer.
CURRENT ORDINANCE: Any individual or group who removes a shopping cart from the business lot where the cart originated shall be subject to a fine of no less than $25.00 and not more than $300.00, to be issued by the city police department.

Item 67: 12-20-22 (copy, original sent to Public Safety) Petition from Residents of Holyoke in support of a Tenant Bill of Rights.

Item 68: 12-20-22 MCGEE — Ordered, 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.

Item 69: 1-17-23 I. RIVERA — Order that honorable city council add a section to Holyoke code of ordinances titled “Human Relations”.

Item 70: 1-17-23 I. RIVERA, JOURDAIN, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, TALLMAN — (copy – original sent to Public Safety, complied with 3-7-23) Order that the honorable city council invite in the chief of police to discuss whether or not the department has a “Traffic Squad”, ordinance references the designation of 6 officers that are required to act as traffic officers. Constituents are concerned with drivers that speed, eat stop signs, etc …
Investment in a “Traffic Squad” as city ordinance states, should help tremendously with mitigating some of our constituent concerns.
Sec 50-42. – Traffic squad-Designation and training of members.
The chief of police shall designate six members and such additional members as may from time to time be required to act as traffic officers. Such members shall receive and be given thorough and adequate training in the regulation and direction of traffic, in accordance with a uniform and recognized standard.

Item 71: 1-17-23 I. RIVERA — Order that the honorable city council work with the city solicitor’s office to draft an ordinance prohibiting the discrimination or discriminatory practices based on an individuals, or the perception of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, domestic relationship status, parental status, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, criminal history or the use of a service animal.

Item 72: 2-7-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the residency requirement for the CPO/Purchasing Director position be removed.

Item 73: 3-7-23 JOURDAIN — Ordered, that the City Council work with the Treasurer to review and codify the city’s investment policy by ordinance.

Item 74: 3-21-23 J. RIVERA, MALDONADO VELEZ — Ordered, At the request of the Lyman Terrace, the Resident Association requested that Front Street be made into a one-way street.

Item 75: 4-4-23 BARTLEY — Ordered, 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.

Item 76: 4-4-23 I. RIVERA, GIVNER, MALDONADO VELEZ, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA — (copy – original sent to Public Safety, complied with 5-2-23) Ordered, that Chapter 50, Article II of the Holyoke City Ordinances be amended to add Section 50-56 establishing a Police Commission.

Item 77: 4-4-23 GIVNER — Ordered, Per constituent requests, that a right turning lane be designated on Hamden at the corner of Pleasant St in an effort to enhance traffic flow.

Item 78: 4-4-23 GIVNER, MALDONADO VELEZ — Ordered, With community support, that a 4 way stop be created at Oak and Essex streets due to safety issues including visibility and speeding.

Item 79: 4-18-23 PUELLO, I. RIVERA — Ordered, 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.

Item 80: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS — Order that the no parking signs in front of and across from 24 Sydney Ave be removed. This is a constituent request.

Item 81: 5-16-23 VACON, JOURDAIN — Ordered, An ordinance be created that requires a department head to report (with an incident report explaining the cause) any loss in their department over $500 in value to the City Council and Mayor within 30 days.

Item 82: 6-20-23 MALDONADO VELEZ, GIVNER — Ordered, that if someone is putting in an RFP through the city for a property that is up for sale and the applicant has outstanding issues with the Board of Health, Building Department, or any other city department having to do with other properties they own, that they are not eligible to win the bid for the RFP.

Item 83: 6-20-23 MALDONADO VELEZ, J. RIVERA — ORDER that Sec 38-73 (6) of our ordinances be amended for the hours to read 10pm instead of 11pm and 8am instead of 7am.

Item 84: 6-20-23 MALDONADO VELEZ, GIVNER — Ordered, that we create an ordinance that if the J owner of a rental property does not live in Holyoke, they are required to hire a local property management company that is accessible to our residents. There have been too many issues with rental property regarding rodents, water, and electrical problems where residents have been unable to get in contact with the owner in order to remedy the situation.

Item 85: 6-20-23 VACON — Ordered, that a stop sign be placed at the corner of Maginnis Ave and Apremont Hwy.

Item 86: 8-1-23 GIVNER — 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.

Item 87: 8-1-23 BARTLEY — Ordered, 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.

Item 88: 8-1-23 TALLMAN — Ordered, That the DPW/Engineer consider putting stop signs at Joanne/Bemis, Drake/Bemis, Mt. Tom/Bemis and West Meadowview/Bemis.

Item 89: 9-5-23 J. RIVERA — Ordered, 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.

Item 90: 10-3-23 J. RIVERA — Ordered, Request the implementation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Mosher and Bowers Streets.

Item 91: 10-3-23 PUELLO — Ordered, That the no parking sign at 14 Arthur St please be removed. Per DPW must go to ordinance.

Item 92: 10-3-23 GIVNER — (copy, original sent to Charter and Rules) Ordered,
With community support, order that the following section of our Codes of Ordinances and charter be updated to reflect use of email as sufficient for special meeting notice: Sec. 12. – Special meetings of city council.
The mayor 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)

Item 93: 10-17-23 From Board of Public Works, Mary L. Monahan, Chairperson letter re:  FY24 Sewer Rate.

Item 94: 10-17-23 MCGIVERIN — Ordered, That the City Council adjust the sewer rate according to updated operation costs and revenue projections, along with projected deficit for FY 2024.

Item 95: 11-9-23 From Atty Michael Bissonnette, Asst City Solicitor, Memo on Optional Municipal Administration Act (MGL Chapter 43C)

Item 96: 11-9-23 MCGEE — Ordered, that the City of Holyoke accepts and adopt the provisions of MGL Chapter 43C entitled “Optional Forms of Municipal Administration.”

Item 97: 11-9-23 MCGIVERIN — Ordered, that pursuant to Section 12 of MGL Chapter 43C, the City of Holyoke, acting by and through its City Council and Mayor, creates a Finance Department as provided for in the statute subject to implementation by city ordinance approved with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025.

Item 98: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — (copy, original sent to Public Safety) Order that the council works with Tapestry, state delegation, and appropriate city departments to work towards creating safe injection sites. These would be medically supervised and connect users to services available in our community.

Item 99: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — Order that the city creates an Office of Tenant Protections, that would oversee rental registration, certificate of occupancy and public database implementation, build relationships with landlords, tenants and community agencies to create recurring Know Your Rights and Responsibilities program, and house tenant legal services.

Item 100: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — (copy, original sent to Public Safety) Order that we create pathways for community ownership of property (land trusts, condominium conversion, cooperative housing etc).

Item 101: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA — (copy, original sent to Public Safety) Order that the honorable city council request that the mayor, Department of Public Works, and the parking advisory committee at the Public Safety committee to discuss the possibility of making parking enforcement a subdivision of the Traffic division.

Item 102: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA — Order that the honorable city council place a temporary moratorium on cannabis retail business. Until the footprint of where this industry can be located within the city of Holyoke, I believe it prudent that we put a temporary halt on permitting new business.

Item 103: 1-22-24 DEVINE, GIVNER, J. RIVERA — Ordered, That the City Council resurrect the “Peace and Good Order Ordinance.”

Item 104: 2-6-24 GIVNER — Ordered, 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.

Item 105: 2-6-24 GIVNER — Ordered, Per constituent request, order that a stop sign be added on the left side of Pine Street when approaching Cabot.

Item 106: 2-20-24 SULLIVAN — Ordered, That the Vacant Building fee be adjusted to take into account the size (SF) of the building. Currently, a flat fee is assessed which is not reflective of the burden to the city and it’s taxpayers.

Item 107: 2-20-24 JOURDAIN — Ordered, That the city’s Ethics Ordinance 2-69 be amended as follows:
a. That the city government shall create and maintain an Ethics and Compliance hotline for the City of Holyoke overseen by a professional, reliable, and independent hotline services provider for the purpose of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in our city government. The program shall foster a strong “see something, say something” culture in Holyoke government.
b. The city shall take extensive efforts to spread the awareness of the hotline for use by everyone including but not limited to employees, managers, vendors, elected officials, regulators, and the general public;
c. It shall also provide various options for communicating information;
d. We shall ensure confidentiality, anonymity and protection from retaliation;
e. The ordinance and the hotline vendor itself shall establish clear-cut message handling and investigative procedures.
f. It is recommended that the Personnel Director and City Auditor shall be the city officials in charge of working with the hotline vendor to manage the hotline for all messages, incidents or complaints related to all city operations and departments except the school department. School department messages, incidents or complaints shall be managed by Superintendent of Schools or their designee.
g. The hotline vendor shall produce an annual report every January of the messages, incidents, or complaints of the prior calendar year to provide a statistical analysis by department in a way that reasonably balances confidentiality and the public’s right to know. This annual report shall be published and provided to the City Council, Mayor and published on city website for public review.
h. The City Council may from time to time hold meetings with the hotline vendor and/or key city officials to review data and overall improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.

Item 108: 2-20-24 From Jane Mantolesky, Assistant City Solicitor, Approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Item 109: 2-20-24 VACON — Ordered, That our ordinance that requires sinks in certain establishments (such as tattoo parlors, etc) be connected to city water be modified to allow for portable sinks as an option.

Item 110: 2-20-24 VACON — Ordered, 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.

Item 111: 3-19-24 From Melissa Lafond, communication regarding speed hump petition from September 28, 2022

Item 112: 3-19-24 From Board of Public Works, communication regarding City Engineer position

Item 113: 4-16-24 MAGRATH-SMITH — Ordered, that City Ordinance section 7 4-34 be revised to remove (2): “Any entity that does not receive city solid waste collection services will be exempt from this section if they can prove that the cost of implementing such a plan, over a 12- month period, would cost more than their current solid waste removal plan.”

Item 114: 5-21-24 MAGRATH-SMITH — Ordered, that the language from sections 7 4-32, 7 4-33, 7 4-34, and 74-35 be updated based on guidance from the Board of Public Works and the Recycling Advisory Committee.

Item 115: 6-4-24 J. RIVERA — Order to request the installation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Chestnut and Suffolk street or offer safety recommendation. Recent incidents of accidents and near-misses in the vicinity highlight the urgent need for enhanced traffic control measures in this area.

Item 116: 6-4-24 GIVNER, J. RIVERA — Order that upon constituent request, that a stop sign be placed at the comer of where Larkin and Willow St. meet.

Item 117: 6-4-24 VACON, BARTLEY — The City of Holyoke amend Zoning Ordinance section 4.3(A)(8) to require a special permit prior to granting permission for this use in all residential districts in the City of Holyoke and no longer allow the use as of right; the special permit is to be issued by the City Council or the Planning Board only after a public hearing.

 

Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos
The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Also one or two items may require the committee to enter into executive session at this meeting. Agenda subject to change up to two business days (48 hours) prior to posted meeting time.