Public Safety Committee Meeting December 4, 2024

Posted November 27, 2024, 4:22 PM

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
Public Safety

Wednesday, December 4, 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 Chair: Jenny Rivera
Remote access via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86994720253?pwd=qeflhMDKHTh5dOxCtWPtNuI1ndmawE.1
Meeting ID: 869 9472 0253 Meeting Passcode: 845499 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: 8-6-24 DEVINE – Ordered that the Mayor in conjunction with the HPD and disabilities commission give an update on making the HPD building handicap accessible.

Item 2: 6-4-24 I. RIVERA – Order that Parks and Rec, along with the school department come into Public Safety to discuss the management and maintenance of parks that are on school property. There has been much confusion as to who is responsible for what and it is important for the city get a formal understanding so that we are able to better fund things are needed.

Item 3: 6-4-24 I. RIVERA, OCASIO – Order that Members of the parks & Rec Commission be invited in to Public safety to discuss plans around Springdale park as well as what the plans or if any support is needed in potential park improvement throughout the city.

Item 4: 9-4-24 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA – Ordered that the City install a raised crosswalk (or other appropriate alternative) on Nick Cosmos Way in front of the Boys & Girls Club to ensure pedestrian safety for residents, kids and staff accessing the park.

Item 5: 3-6-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA – Ordered, that the Fire Chief communicate a written plan for supporting firefighters to successfully complete their EMT Certifications, especially for those who have previously failed to pass the exams required and are approaching the two year deadline.

Item 6: 10-4-22 GIVNER – Order that the signals division of the fire department implement a light delay at Hamden & Linden streets to help avoid incidents.

Item 7: 12-6-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS — That the City Engineer come to a Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss the possibility of making Corser St one way traffic.
*Tabled 1-10-23

Item 8: 10-3-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The city review and advise on a constituent request to install a “do not block the box” on Northampton St/ Longwood Ave.

LAID ON THE TABLE
(Items taken up at previous meeting(s) and laid on the table. Discussion may or may not take place)

Item 9: 10-15-24 DEVINE, J. RIVERA – (copy) Devine, Rivera, J.-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.
*Tabled 10-24-24

Item 10: 6-18-24 BARTLEY – That the board of health/ health Commission please be invited to attend to discuss if changes are possible to the changes to the Tobacco license issuance policy that supports common sense economic growth on a case-by-case basis and also protects public health. Refer to public safety. (This order was given leave to withdraw 5/14/24 but I’m refiling it.)
*Tabled 9-10-24

Item 11: 6-4-24 I. RIVERA – Order that Health Commissioners representing the board of health come into DGR and discuss the Tobacco license issuance policy and how it may or may not align with the city’s economic development plans around supporting small business growth and tourism.
*Tabled 9-10-24

Item 12: 1-18-22 GIVNER — Ordered, that That the City of Holyoke address poorly or un-plowed alleyways. Residents on the block of 192 Walnut str have been paying to have been paying to have alley plowed. Why are these not being plowed by the city if they are used by DPW for refuse pickup and access for Fire, Utilities, and police?
*Tabled 6-21-23

Item 13: 1-4-22 JOURDAIN, BARTLEY, TALLMAN — Ordered, that That the DPW and Sewer Commission do a study and seriously consider adopting a sewer maintenance insurance program for homeowners that is modeled off the Water Department’s water maintenance insurance program. The Water Department program has been a great accomplishment and has been very warmly received by residents who appreciate this very low cost protection.  That the DPW report back to the City Council on their findings by April 1, 2022.
*Tabled 6-21-23

Item 14: 1-18-22 PUELLO — That the DPW Superintendent work with the Fire Department Alarm Division and explore the costs to install blinking/flashing lights to alert residents of any upcoming parking bans, possibly at the following locations or throughout the City (Main and Cabot, Sargeant and Main, Jackson and Main, Maple and Sargeant, Maple and Jackson, Pine and Resnic.
*Tabled 1-24-22

Item 15: 1-18-22 GIVNER — That the city of Holyoke install storm warning lights much like those in neighboring communities. These would act to signal coming snow and other inclement weather storms, prompting residents to check our city web site as well as their preferred news sources. Storm warning lights would also act as a parking ban notification in an effort to assist our overextended police department.
*Tabled 1-24-22

Item 16: 1-18-22 RIVERA_I — that the City Council invite the Department of Public Works as well as the Park & Recreation Department to meet with the Public Safety Committee around addressing the graffiti at the SkatePark located at Pulaski Park along with also exploring the possibility of developing a larger master plan for Pulaski Park in its entirety.
*Tabled 1-24-22

Item 17: 2-1-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO — The city engineer review the signaling at the Maple St / South St. / Parenteau Dr intersection.  Multiple accidents and near-accidents have occurred there over the years as motorists from Maple St turn Left against oncoming traffic on South St (heading downtown). The intersection is proximate to the former  Whole Donut and the Fitzpatrick Ice Rink.  Refer to Public Safety with copy to City Engineer.
*Tabled 2-16-22
*Referred back 6-4-24

Item 18: 4-19-22 BARTLEY — Ordered, The DPW and Mayor locate public spaces where trash and recycling receptacles can be placed and maintained. This should start off as a pilot program and it will require funding and management to ensure the debris/recycling bins are maintained but hopefully it will be a success and Holyoke can expand its scope.
*Tabled 6-27-22, 8-8-22, 9-19-22, 9-27-24
*Referred back 6-4-24

Item 19: 11-15-22 BARTLEY — City Engineer review options to improve road safety at Queen and Cherry St. Issue: trucks exiting Queen St. are seen driving over the median strip and making an illegal left-hand turn onto Cherry St. (Rt. 202-South)
*Tabled 1-10-23
*Referred back 6-4-24

Item 20: 12-20-22 Petition from Residents of Holyoke in support of a Tenant Bill of Rights
*Tabled 1-10-23

Item 21: 9-5-23 JOURDAIN, VACON — (copy) Police Chief provide an updated list of all tickets issued in Calendar Year 2023 including violation reason, number of violations, and the disposition.
*Tabled 11-29-23

Item 22: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — Order to create a rental registration, requiring all rental units, including short term rentals, register with the city. This can be housed in the Board of Health or Building Department. Send to Public Safety.
*Tabled 5-14-24

Item 23: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ — Order that the city creates a public accessible landlord registry database. Information includes (but not limited to) who owns the property, who is responsible for maintenance, how many code violations that property has received through the city, and how many no cause evictions has the landlord filled on residents. Send to Public Safety.
*Tabled 5-14-24

Item 24: 10-5-21 MCGEE — Order that the Board of Health, Community Development, and Mayor do a survey of City Hall and the annex building in order to prioritize the top needs for improvements of the two buildings (I.e. elevators, mold removal, carpets, etc).
*Referred back 6-4-24, Tabled 9-10-24

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE
(Per City Council Rule 9P, “Any order not acted on within 45 days shall be deemed tabled.” Items within this section are laid on the table by virtue of being in the committee more than 45 days. Discussion of these items is unlikely, but any item may be removed from the table upon motion of the committee.)

Item 25: 2-16-21 MURPHY – (copy) Ordered that the DPW fix the paving on Race Street near Sargeant Street especially where Handicap entrance to the building is located. The depression continues to puddle and pose a safety hazard to customers trying to enter the business.

Item 26: 4-20-21 GREANEY – Ordered, the Holyoke City Council invite a Medical professional from Holyoke Medical Center or Baystate Health to discuss the pros and cons of Marijuana usage and its effect on the community.

Item 27: 5-18-21 MURPHY, BARTLEY, GREANEY, LEAHY, MCGEE, VACON – Ordered that the Public Safety Committee invite in the Chief of Police, West Springfield Police representative to discuss and address the illegal drag racing on city streets and come up with solutions to better address these issues.

Item 28: 6-1-21 Communication from Kirstin Beatty in regards to State Pesticide Spraying Issue and Resolution.

Item 29: 6-15-21 ANDERSON-BURGOS – (copy) Ordered, that the city engineer and/or HPD study the traffic and increase enforcement on Northampton St between Beech and West Franklin. Residents and businesses on the street and the side streets between that stretch have complained about difficulty pulling onto the street due to speeding traffic.

Item 30: 9-7-21 From residents of Norwood Terrace, petitioning the City of Holyoke for improvements to the east sidewalks on the dead end portion of the street.

Item 31: 9-7-21 BARTLEY – Ordered, The HPS now runs two schools, side by side, on the west side of Northampton Street between Hitchcock and Lawler St. and now is the time for DPW, City Engineer, HPD, and the Mayor’s office to review and monitor this area and make some public safety decisions. Parents, Teachers and Administrators have called about derelict drivers, etc. Please refer to Public safety for a hearing and copy to HPS and the aforementioned departments.

Item 32: 9-7-21 BARTLEY – Ordered, The Public Safety and ordinance committee review the “access road” to Peck School for on street parking recommendation. Peck school administration has safety concern about the ability of 54 school buses to turn down the access road to the school.

Item 33: 9-7-21 HERNANDEZ – Ordered, Intersection at West Franklin and Linden has a crosswalk that is routinely ignored creating a dangerous circumstance for our pedestrians, can a study be conducted to place flashing lights and or a middle signage that creates urgency to stop for pedestrians. Traffic needs to slow down in our City.

Item 34: 11-16-21 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered, that the City Engineer work with the Public Safety committee to discuss and attempt to mitigate traffic concerns near the Ridgewood and Summit intersection that are a concern for residents, particularly during the winter months. A constituent stated that with the Community Field gate open where vehicles exit onto Summit and turn onto Ridgewood, visibility going up or down the hill is marginal with the potential of a tragic incident. There was a request to add caution signage or even a stop sign at the exit.

Item 35: 1-18-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered that the sidewalk in front of 211 West Franklin St be repaired. The roots from the tree in front of the house has raised the sidewalk making it difficult to transport their disabled child.

Item 36: 3-1-22 PUELLO – Ordered, That the city engineer draft the costs and feasibility of installing two raised crosswalks on Main Street adjacent to Springdale Park.

Item 37: 4-5-22 GIVNER – Ordered, With community support: That the city revisit existing traffic light projects and consider rotaries in their place. Traffic circles require no lights and therefore no maintenance cost. They are also less expensive to build than traffic light intersections. They are proven to deter speeding as they require reduced speed upon approach, during use, and returning to travel lanes. They force driver attention adding to overall safety. Other U.S. research has shown that roundabouts lead to 37% less collisions and 90% less fatalities than traffic lights. Conversion to roundabouts also lead to quicker traffic flow, with a reduction in delays of anywhere between 20% and 89%. Our neighboring communities have studies reflecting a wide range of benefits to traffic circles and roundabouts including the following:
“A 2001 Institute study of 23 intersections in the United States reported that converting intersections from traffic signals or stop signs to roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 80 percent and all crashes by 40 percent. Similar results were reported by Eisenman et al.: a 75 percent decrease in injury crashes and a 37 percent decrease in total crashes at 35 intersections that were converted from traffic signals to roundabouts. Studies of intersections in Europe and Australia that were converted to roundabouts have reported 41-61 percent reductions in injury crashes and 45-75 percent reductions in severe injury crashes.
Because roundabouts improve the efficiency of traffic flow, they also reduce vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. In one study, replacing a signalized intersection with a roundabout reduced carbon monoxide emissions by 29 percent and nitrous oxide emissions by 21 percent. 9 In another study, replacing traffic signals and stop signs with roundabouts reduced carbon monoxide emissions by 32 percent, nitrous oxide emissions by 34 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 37 percent, and hydrocarbon emissions by 42 percent. 10 Constructing roundabouts in place of traffic signals can reduce fuel consumption by about 30 percent. 9, 11 At 10 intersections studied in Virginia, this amounted to more than 200,000 gallons of fuel per year. 8 And roundabouts can enhance aesthetics by providing landscaping opportunities.”
https://www.northamptonma.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=151

Item 38: 6-21-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered, That HPD come to a Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss patrolling of West Franklin St. There is a significant amount of speeding accidents and trucks cutting through.

Item 39: 6-21-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS – (copy) Ordered, That HPD patrol Florence Ave. The residents feel unsafe with all the vehicles that have been cutting through and speeding recently.

Item 40: 8-2-22 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer look at on-street parking at the top of Fairmont Ave. and recommend available suggestions to relieve congestion.

Item 41: 8-2-22 I. RIVERA – Ordered, That the city engineer research if a stop sign could be placed at the end of Willow St. where it meets Brown Ave.

Item 42: 8-2-22 GIVNER – Order that HPD create a publicly visible calendar of speed trailers so that communities know when they can expect to see requested actions in their neighborhoods.

Item 43: 10-4-22 From David R. Pratt Chief of Police letter regarding remarks made on the September 1, 2022 City Council meeting.

Item 44: 10-4-22 BARTLEY, JOURDAIN, MCGEE, TALLMAN – Ordered, The city engineer please recommend on-street parking improvements on the north-side of South St. between 485 South St. (Elmwood Towers) and Russell Terrace and the south-side of South St. from Taino’s Restaurant to the old fire station. (Order is suggested by local business owners.)
Refer to Public Safety and Mayor.

Item 45: 10-4-22 GIVNER, MALDONADO VELEZ – Order to install city-wide signage reflecting state law that requires cars to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Item 46: 10-18-22 PUELLO – (copy) Ordered, That a flashing beacon signal be installed by the Fire dept. at Springdale and Main for pedestrians crossing into the park. This will provide a fix as we await the results of a traffic study to address the traffic light. Fire already has them available and this would have zero cost on the city as Fire install themselves. Fire has been excellent in dealing with this issue.

Item 47: 10-18-22 JOURDAIN – (copy) Ordered, that the DPW please provide the City Council a copy of our current agreement for the receipt of our recycling materials with the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)? Please also provide the City Council with the statistical data on our recycling program. How much recycling plastics/glass/metal vs paper in CY 2018, CY 2019, CY 2020, and CY 2021 has the city received in and recycled with the MRF during these time periods. Please also provide these statistics for any of our recycling that has been brought to places other than the MRF such as another vendor, straight into the landfill as trash, or other possibilities if any? Please provide us the statistics of regular trash we have collected during these time periods by way of comparison to see what percentage recycle is vs the total volume of all collections. Please provide these reports the City Council and come in to City Council and discuss the current state of the city’s recycling program.

Item 48: 11-15-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO – Ordered, City Engineer consider the following road improvements on Main St. in Springdale: in lieu of replacing the traffic light, install a raised crosswalk and solar-powered pedestrian signal. Copy to Mayor, Community Development, HFD Commissioners and Alarm Division.

Item 49: 1-3-23 GIVNER – Ordered, Per constituent requests, please conduct a traffic study on Hamden to help mitigate use as a truck route, and to address heavy traffic volume on Hamden.
Constituents have difficulty entering/exiting driveways. Also, houses shake when trucks pass. Constituents are concerned there may be infrastructure related safety issues.

Item 50: 1-3-23 GIVNER, TALLMAN – Ordered, Per constituent requests, please address safety concerns of motorists traveling on the Locust St (between Hampshire St and Cabot St.) to the corner of Cabot St. Parking to corner on Cabot in front of Health Center obstructs the view of vehicles crossing or turning on to Cabot.

Item 51: 1-17-23 PUELLO – (copy) Ordered, That the city engineer please explore the feasibility of installing a divider(s) at the top of Saint Vincent street. Concerns have been raised about vehicles being able to turn safely.

Item 52: 2-7-23 GIVNER – Ordered, With Community support, That the City Forrester provide a safety action plan and timeline for annual maintenance/tree trimming at intersections throughout the city.

Item 53: 2-7-23 TALLMAN – Ordered, That the City Engineer consider a Do Not Block the Box at 56 Jackson St. Since the state started detouring traffic for the 391 construction project, it has been difficult at times to exit and enter the premises for employees and customers at all businesses located at 56 Jackson St

Item 54: 2-21-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered, that the City Engineer provide feedback to address traffic safety issues at the intersection of Linden, Anderson, and MacKenzie. Drivers have been observed frequently driving through, often speeding through the stop sign on Linden. Recently a vehicle hit a house right at that corner.

Item 55: 4-18-23 VACON, BARTLEY, JOURDAIN – (copy) Ordered, that we seek assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to evaluate and address the longstanding truck traffic problems on Homestead Avenue.
Background information:
In Massachusetts, setting up a truck exclusion zone requires the permission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works (MDPW).
This in turn requires a study that documents truck traffic levels and justifies excluding trucks from the streets affected. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVC) can help local governments evaluate truck traffic problems and develop strategies for dealing with them. If truck exclusion appears to be a reasonable solution, the PVC can assist local officials in performing the required study.
Truck exclusion zones can be authorized only if a suitable alternate route is available for truck traffic.
The link to the full article from PVC:
https://www.pvpc.org/sites/default/files/manage_truck_traff.pdf

Item 56: 5-2-23 From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz Vehicle Maintenance report for Holyoke Fire Department for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022.

Item 57: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Order that the City Engineer investigate safety measures at the intersection of West Franklin and St Jerome. Residents are expressing concern about vehicles speeding around the bend, which is especially concerning considering the poor line of sight around it.

Item 58: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Order that we look into having security cameras installed at Rohan Park. Constituents that live near the park have reported illegal activities after dusk, including vandalism of private property. Send to public safety copy HPD and Parks and Rec.

Item 59: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Order that the City Engineer investigate the installation of pedestrian safety measures at the crosswalk located on Northampton Street at Winthrop Street. This may include installations of curb extensions (aka “bump outs”) and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB).

Item 60: 5-16-23 VACON – (copy) Ordered, that our engineer evaluate the Whiting Farms Rd, Farnum and Tokeneke intersections to determine if a traffic light is warranted.

Item 61: 5-16-23 MCGEE, ANDERSON-BURGOS – (copy) Ordered, that the police department station a car on McKenzie near the intersection of Portland and McKenzie in order to prevent cars ignoring all the stop signs on McKenzie, Magnolia, Lawler, Martin and Portland Streets before someone gets hurt. There are cars and trucks completely ignoring the stop signs, particularly on Magnolia up Portland.

Item 62: 5-16-23 From Fire Chief Kadlewicz, Holyoke Fire Department Brush Fire Prevention Plan.

Item 63: 6-6-23 PUELLO – Ordered, That the police chief please provide reports for second, most recent, accident involving mayor vehicle.

Item 64: 6-6-23 From Carl Rossi, Director Department of Public Works letter re:  2019 Partial City-Wide Traffic Signal Replacement Project.

Item 65: 6-6-23 GIVNER – By recommendation of the City Engineer, that there be a traffic study of the Hampden St corridor from 202 to Nonotuck, as well as the Dwight St Corridor from Nonotuck to Beech Street. These areas are heavily walked, biked, used for street parking on both sides of each street section. The random two lane blocks of Hampden between Lincoln and Pleasant streets, along with two lane blocks of Dwight between Nonotuck and School Streets inspire motorists to speed, pass one another, ignore pedestrians in crosswalks, and endanger bike, scooter, and one wheel riders. Bike lanes and designated street parking areas exist beginning at 845 Hamden and at Parker St on Dwight. All traffic calming measures should be explored and implemented throughout these corridors.

Item 66: 6-6-23 I. RIVERA – Order that the city engineer out Willow street in the traffic study list. Constituents are concerned about speeding and the volume of cars going up and down the street and would like to explore a variety traffic calming measures that could help make the street safer.

Item 67: 6-20-23 JOURDAIN, MALDONADO VELEZ, PUELLO, I. RIVERA, J. RIVERA, TALLMAN – (copy) Ordered, DPW install a crosswalk on Cabot Street at South Summer Street on the Westerly corner in front of Capri Pizza so people can safely walk across the street in this heavy traffic area. There are no nearby crosswalks. Ideally this would be a raised sidewalk with appropriate signage but at a minimum a crosswalk with appropriate signage including in the median.

Item 68: 6-20-23 VACON – (copy) Ordered, that our city engineer evaluate the area at Sullivan School for the addition of a crosswalk. This is a constituent request.

Item 69: 6-20-23 I. RIVERA – (copy) Order for the city engineer to install 2 raised crosswalks on Samosett St., neighbors are complaining about speeding up and down Samosett St.

Item 70: 6-20-23 BARTLEY – (copy) Ordered, The DPW install signage proximate to 33 Edbert Dr alerting motorists of an Autistic person in the area.

Item 71: 6-20-23 PUELLO, JOURDAIN, I. RIVERA, VACON – Ordered, That the police department please provide an update on all traffic citations issued since January 2023.

Item 72: 8-1-23 I. RIVERA – Ordered, that reps of Holyoke Housing come in and provide and update to residents at Toeofert apartments regarding a letter residents received about the possible removal or remodel of the parks in the area.

Item 73: 8-1-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer and/or VEOLIA suggest improvements to the sidewalk and catch basin near 5 Martin St. (at the corner of Westfield Rd and Martin). Owner’s contractor noted the sidewalk is too high and the design causes water to pool on parking lot; the catch basin is above-grade is not catching storm water. Owner very willing to confer with City Engineer on this matter. Refer to Public Safety Committee for a review hearing.

Item 74: 8-1-23 PUELLO, I. RIVERA – Ordered, That the DPW please draft a plan or update on current actions taken on the Emerald Ash Borer tree infestation emergency affecting South Holyoke’s Green Ash trees.

Item 75: 8-1-23 (referred from Charter and Rules 6-18-23) From City Solicitor letter re: Provisions of charter impacted by implementation of a Police Commission

Item 76: 8-1-23 I. RIVERA – Ordered, that representatives of the Holyoke mall come into public safety and talk about what they are doing to address safety concerns of residents regarding the back upper parking deck. Residents have been complaining of feeling the deck shake, and as of recent noticing a gap between cement panels that seems to be growing.

Item 77: 9-5-23 From MassDOT Replacement of Bridges, Route 141 (Appleton Street) over first level and second level canals.

Item 78: 9-5-23 GIVNER – With community support, Order that initiatives be discussed and created to encourage convenience store and fast food store owners to install trash receptacles and sponsor trash collection throughout the city of Holyoke. It is clear that much of our city’s trash is from fast food restaurants and corner stores. These entities must be invited to be a part of the community they profit from by supporting quality of life initiatives that increase business support.

Item 79: 9-5-23 GIVNER, TALLMAN – Ordered, With community support, Order that temporary speed humps be placed on Taylor Street to be followed by permanent speed humps for resident safety. This is a densely populated and highly trafficked through street due to its proximity to a grocery store and its one way direction.
Petition attached.

Item 80: 10-3-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The city of Holyoke work with its state delegation and federal partners to develop protective barriers along Route 91 proximate to ISO-New England. The most recent issues concern bullet holes found at ISO-NE that appear to emanate from motorists traveling on 91. The MSP and HPD are investigating and Shot-spotter detected the gunfire, according to an ISO-NE official. There is a possibility that there exists a private source of funding for the barriers and government officials are now being made aware of the potential private funds via this Order. Please note that it’s very likely that an easement from the Commonwealth would be required to build. Refer to DGR and copy to City Engineer, MA DOT District 2 (Northampton), Holyoke’s state delegation and copies to Public Safety and ISO-New England. (Couple this order with prior ones from Councilors Jourdain and Vacon and others relative to similar requests on the N- and S-bound sides of 91.)

Item 81: 10-17-23 Petition of Ward 5 residents for a crosswalk on Kane Road

Item 82: 10-17-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, In light of the enhanced work by HPD to take back our streets, please enforce citywide stop sign ordinances and please regularly send a Police to monitor compliance at Brown Ave. – Laurel St. (3-way stop sign regularly ignored) and Lawler – Martin Sts. (2-way stop regularly ignored).

Item 83: 10-17-23 PUELLO, VACON – Ordered, That tapestry please consider providing (at minimum) quarterly needle collection data to the city council in communications. Constituents continue to find needles on the sidewalk surrounding Lawrence school and its playground.

Item 84: 11-21-23 MCGEE – Ordered, That a youth task force be established with a stipend program to incentivize teens through stipend payments to participate in community wide civic engagements and volunteerism around anti violence/ anti gun activities as well as character and leadership skill development. Refer to public safety but invite in boys and girls club, Girls Inc, Enlace to discuss

Item 85: 11-21-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – (copy) Ordered, that the DPW/Engineer review better placement and/or address the tree obstructing the stop sign at the intersection of St Jerome as it meets West Franklin. Residents traveling on West Franklin have expressed concern about drivers going through the stop sign and believe it may be due to not seeing it until last the second.

Item 86: 11-21-23 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that the DPW look into traffic calming and increased safety measures for the intersection of Sargeant Street & St. Jerome Ave. Residents have complained that cars regularly ignore the 4-way stop signs and would like the City to explore installing flashing lights or raised crosswalks.

Item 87: 11-21-23 VACON – (copy) Ordered,  the PD provide an update summary of enforcement activities by Holyoke and/or State Police re: truck traffic at night and drivers exceeding speed limits on Homestead Ave.

Item 88: 11-21-23 VACON – (copy) Ordered, At the 1-91 dedicated exit lane to the mall, install flexible lane delineators to prevent people from illegally crossing across the solid line across the bike lane.

Item 89: 11-21-23 Petition for Speed Humps on Sargeant and St. Jerome Streets.

Item 90: 11-21-23 PUELLO – Ordered, That the DPW please explore adding a sidewalk/walking area along the hill of Lower Westfield road beginning at Ingleside. Concerns have been raised about the lack of space on the hill incline for residents to walk safely.

Item 91: 12-5-23 TALLMAN – Ordered, that Sean Sheedy from DPW review maintenance issues/needs at the Senior Center.

Item 92: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ – 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. Send to Public Safety with a copy to Ordinance.

Item 93: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ – An order that the Holyoke City Council declare that Housing is a Human Right, which means everyone regardless of income, history of criminal justice involvement, mental health status, substance use, race, sexual orientation, immigration status, physical ability, sex, gender, religion, and veteran status deserve safe and affordable dignified housing.

Item 94: 12-19-23 MALDONADO VELEZ – Order that we create pathways for community ownership of property (land trusts, condominium conversion, cooperative housing etc). Send to Public Safety with a copy to Ordinance.

Item 95: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the 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 96: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the officers working at the Holyoke Police Departments Community Service Center that could be find at 208 race St. {STEAM Building) come into public safety and discuss what the initiative has been up to, and what plans they have to strategically work on filling in the gaps where service providers are not able to be present.

Item 97: 1-22-24 JOURDAIN, OCASIO – (copy) Ordered, DPW also install a flashing signal/stop sign for cars to stop at the crosswalk at Cabot and South Summer Street so residents can safely cross Cabot Street.

Item 98: 3-6-24 From Mayor Joshua Garcia, communication regarding two orders filed by Councilor Ocasio

Item 99: 4-2-24 GIVNER – With community support, that the chief of police supply a written or in person update on what steps have been taken to address traffic concerns in Holyoke,
especially in wards 1,2,3,4, & 6, as REQUIRED by to our city’s Ordinance: 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 100: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW // City Engineer please consider providing suggestions on entering WESTFIELD RD from both WOODLAND ST and HITCHCOCK ST. Mirrors have previously been suggested and dismissed so please provide an alternative solution. These are constituent requests.

Item 101: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW repair the “Hampshire St” street sign located at corner of Pine St. Sign is damaged. Receive, Adopt and Refer. Copy to Public Safety for follow-up in 45 days.

Item 102: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW conduct the following on the ‘way finder’ signs in Smith’s Ferry: fix the damaged ‘Holyoke Country *Club’ sign on the southbound side of Rt 5 and install a new sign on the northbound side of Rt 5 as it’s been missing now for a few years. Receive, Adopt and Refer to DPW. Copy to Public Safety to follow-up in 45 days.

Item 103: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, SULLIVAN, I. RIVERA – Have the HPD advise on the status of formation of a traffic bureau and a code enforcement.

Item 104: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, SULLIVAN, I. RIVERA – (copy) HPD enforce the STOP sign at Brown Ave and Laurel St. Receive, Adopt, Refer to HPD for implementation and send to Public Safety for a follow-up meeting in 2 months to review results.

Item 105: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The fencing around the Fitzpatrick Rink -especially along the N-side of Parenteau Dr. -is disgraceful and in desperate need of repair. Please notice the glorious Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the vendor operating the rink. The vendor to its credit as done great work to repair the fence along S. Elm St. Refer to state OCR, the vendor for the Rink, and Rep. Duffy. Please copy Public Safety to follow-up on this in 60 days with a status report.

Item 106: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW consider resurfacing the roadbed on Woodland St. Multiple constituents (and their letter carrier) requesting.

Item 107: 5-21-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW work with MA DOT to remove the dead trees by the US Route 91 overpass at Westfield Rd. This area is in need of some attention.

Item 108: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA – (copy) DPW install “warning” sign to motorists of 3-way STOP signs at Charles St. II Washington Ave. Receive, Adopt, Refer to DPW. Send order to Public Safety for a follow-up and send communication to Admin Asst in 45 days to advise if/when installed.

Item 109: 5-21-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – DPW, Emergency Management, HPD and Mayor’s office determine a safety plan to better warn truckers traveling on Main St. of the iron R/R bridge at Lyman St. Yet another collision occurred last week. Consider checking out the flashing beacons and warning signs on East Mountain Rd, Westfield.

Item 110: 5-21-24 GIVNER – By constituent requests, order that crosswalks be installed from the parking lot on canal serving businesses in the block between Water and Appleton streets.

Item 111: 5-21-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW install TEMPORARY NO PARKING signs on the South side of the South St. X-walk from Elmwood Towers. Please do so immediately so that seniors have a clearer pathway to see vehicles prior to crossing. Leave them installed until the Pedestrian Traffic light is repaired. Receive, Adopt and Refer to DPW. Send order to Public Safety for a follow-up to ensure compliance.

Item 112: 6-18-24 BARTLEY, J. RIVERA – Order for installation of a Perimeter Fence and Implementation of a Pay-to-Park System at the Main Street Parking Lot Across from 299 Main Street as well as the Canal St lot across from GTL Additionally, to provide paid parking permits to businesses located on Main Street and Canal St.

Item 113: 6-18-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA, GIVNER, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – Ordered, that Section 34 of the Holyoke City Charter be amended to establish a Police Commission by virtue of a Special Act in Accordance with the provisions of Articles of Amendment, Article II, Section 8 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

Item 114: 8-6-24 From Various residents- letter regarding maintaining all quality of life policing methods

Item 115: 8-6-24 VACON – ORDER: That a permanent sign indicating “traffic light ahead” be placed before the curve on Westfield Rd approaching Apremont Hwy going toward Westfield. That a sign indicating “traffic light ahead” be placed on Westfield Rd for traffic approaching from Westfield toward Holyoke
Receive and refer to DPW engineer to evaluate and determine if warranted and proper placement

Item 116: 8-6-24 GIVNER – By request of several business owners, update Graffiti ordinances 7 4-100 & 74-101 to transfer law enforcement responsibilities onto HPD instead of property owners. OR, give building owners warnings with a grace period of a specified number of days to clean up the graffiti BEFORE being fined. Building owners are currently fined for Graffiti creation on their property. This seems unfair as building owners are not tagging their own property and cannot control unlawful acts happening to their property.

Item 117: 9-4-24 From Interim City Engineer- Bray Park Dr. Update

Item 118: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The DPW install a protective wraparound barrier (lattice, wire) the Holyoke Railroad platform. Unfortunately people are using this for protection from the elements but it is a very dangerous location and I don’t want anyone to stumble onto the rail tracks as recently happened in Northampton.

Item 119: 9-4-24 OCASIO – Order to request the MVD to come to city council and explain what is legal and not legal for Handicap signs for residents.

Item 120: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – The law department provide an update to CC as to the reason a 2022 HPD cruiser (with 30,000 miles+/-) has been sitting at Marcotte Ford for the last 12 months. My understanding is an officer had an accident as a result of a mechanical defect and the car was towed back to the dealer where continues to sit unused.

Item 121: 9-5-23 GIVNER – Ordered, With community support, Order that the BOH provide the Public Safety subcommittee with either a presentation or written outline of what laws exist to protect property owners from damage by overgrowth of trees and other greenery from neighboring homeowners.

Item 122: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that board of Health and tapestry reps come into public safety and discuss the importance of Narcan.

Item 123: 6-20-23 J. RIVERA – Ordered, that That the city review and recommend 3-way or 4-way stop signs at all these intersections Samosett & Bower Streets, Samosett & West Streets, Samosett & Center Streets, Samosett & North East Streets, Bower & East Dwight Streets, Bower & Mosher Streets, Bower & Lyman Streets, Lyman & Grover Streets, Lyman & Center Streets, Lyman & Northeast Streets due to the ongoing traffic issues.
Holyoke Police Department do a review of all the intersections for all ongoing traffic issues.

Item 124: 10-3-23 GIVNER – Ordered, With community support, Order to create “don’t block the box” street markings and signage at Beacon St on Pleasant St, for safety. This area sees congestion and confusion during morning and afternoon school traffic commuting times. Residents have expressed concern for children as they are picked up and dropped off by school buses.

Item 125: 3-6-24 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Order – that the City accept Lynn Ann Drive and Richard Eger Drive as public ways.

Item 126: 9-18-24 I. RIVERA – Order that HPD explore costs and new funding avenues so the department can invest in body cams. With the climate that police have to work in today, it is only fair they and the people they aim to serve are protected.

Item 127: 9-18-24 MAGRATH-SMITH – Ordered that the DPW Director and Parks and Rec Director come into Council to give a report on addressing the issue of the Pulaski Park wall deteriorating, the trees and shrubbery behind the wall not being removed due to issues with Mass DOT and various railroad companies, and what progress is being made in returning Pulaski Park to the “view park” it was designed to be.

Item 128: 9-18-24 From Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarms Jake Thibeault, letter regarding repairs on South Street

 

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. Agenda subject to change up to two business days (48 hours) prior to posted meeting time.