Public Safety Committee Meeting January 6, 2021

City Council

Holyoke Massachusetts

Notice of Committee Meeting

There will be a regular meeting of the committee on

Public Safety

Meeting to take place remotely on Zoom Meetings on Wednesday 1/6/21 at 6:30PM

Per order of the Chair: Terry Murphy

*** Meeting will take place remotely and can be accessed via www.zoom.us Meeting ID: 824 8993 1163 Meeting Passcode: 305141 or by call in at 1 (929)205-6099 with same Meeting ID and Password. ***

Item 1: 12/1/20 Murphy – Ordered that the public safety committee meet with representatives from the Opioid Substance Abuse task force, the health director, and Judge William Hadley, to discuss the need for a short-term residential transition program to assist individuals returning from a treatment program. The goal of this would be to improve the chances of long-term success for these individuals. The resident capacity would probably be around 20 beds.

Item 2: 11/17/20 McGee – Ordered that the public safety committee invite in Aumani Harris from Boston Medical, Healing Communities Study Coalition, in order to have a discussion about Naloxboxes as a way of reducing fatal opioid overdoses.

Item 3: 12/15/20 Murphy – Ordered that the mayor and the health director appear before the public safety committee to provide an update on the potential for the city to establish a homeless shelter, potentially at the War Memorial Building.

Item 4: 10/20/20 Hernandez – Property owners for 287-291 Elm St, Carrie and Arthu Naatz, have reached out to possible collaborate with city, HPD, and other landlords such as Tony Visone who owns 294-298 Elm ST and buildings on Walnut St adjacent to 300 Walnut St, in pursuit of installation of surveillance in an attempt to combat overall criminal activity, drug, human trafficking in these areas. I have full contact information for them both and would like to set up a meeting amongst all departments including our mayor’s office, to initiate a plan to carry out the goal.

Item 5: 12/15/20 Murphy – Ordered that the HG&E examine the possibility of putting lighting which would shine into the alleyway between High and Maple Streets, one from Sargeant St and one from Hampshire St. It that is possible to do without causing lighting to shine to apartments or homes, then please install at earliest convenience. The alleyway has had serious concerns with trash dumping and drug usage.

Item 6: 12/15/20 Bartley – Ordered that the DPW, Suez, and city engineer develop a plan to regrade the top of West Glen Street. Due to the current grading, water in not flowing to the catch basins, resulting in dangerous road conditions. Once a plan is developed, please consult with the mayor, and city council to implement financing. The departments in this order and the residents in that area (including the south end of Martin St) are aware of the needs.

Item 7: 11/17/20 McGee, Greaney – Ordered that the DPW give the public safety committee an update on the sidewalk repairs for Northampton St around Hampton Knolls Rd area and also Woods Avenue.

Item 8: 12/15/20 Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the manhole cover over the sewer drain in front of 203 West Franklin St be replaced. The resident at this location as well as others in the area have reported that it appears to be damaged and degrading. They have also reported that the damage it causes drainage issues, resulting in excess water on the sidewalk and onto the property during heavy rain.

Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos. The listing of matters are those reasonable 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.