Public Safety Committee Meeting November 21, 2022

City Council
Holyoke Massachusetts

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25,
and Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Public Safety

Monday, November 21, 2022
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: Israel Rivera

Remote access via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88088292475?pwd=cHRIMlVrVXc0cXcyVVhXM1hVQkRuQT09
Meeting ID: 880 8829 2475 Meeting Passcode: 289084 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with the same Meeting ID and Passcode.

Agenda

Item 1: 10-18-22 RIVERA_I — That the disabilities commission come into public safety and explain the process of a resident applying for a handicap space, as well as how the spaces are identified to the particular resident that was granted the space.

Item 2: 11-1-22 RIVERA_J, MALDONADO-VELEZ — Ordered, that the mayor and the flex squad be invited  in to discuss what it is, as well as its effectiveness and what steps they’re taking to make sure that the neighborhoods are cleaned, not just on private property but public property as well.

Item 3: 11-1-22 MALDONADO-VELEZ — That an Office of Tenants Protection be created. This will be housed under the Board of Health, or appropriate department, which will work on holding landlords accountable and making sure all residents of Holyoke are living safe conditions.

Item 4: 2-15-22 GIVNER — That the Holyoke Board of Health publicizes an email/ phone number to receive health related complaints ie. odor nuisance complaints generally in regard to manufacturing and commercial businesses.

Item 5: 10-18-22 RIVERA_I — That the city explore using cannabis impact fee funds to improve sidewalks on the following streets: Main Street, North Bridge St., Lyman Street, and center St.

Item 6: 10-4-22 MALDONADO-VELEZ — Ordered, that the city provide an update on any antiracism and diversity training already in place for employees, and update on how it can be improved.

Item 7: 10-18-22 RIVERA_I — That the parks and recreation and DPW give us an update on the project and remodeling of Springdale Park.

Item 8: 1-18-22 RIVERA_I, TALLMAN — that the city council invite the Mayor, Community Development, Parks & Recreation Department as well as Public health to a Public Safety committee meeting to discuss developing so form of community coalition around addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and youth programming.
*Tabled 3-29-22

Item 9 10-18-22 RIVERA_I — That the police department provide an update on what steps and systems are being put in place to ensure that shot spotter will work effectively and efficiently when the new technologies installed.

Item 10: 10-4-22 MALDONADO-VELEZ, RIVERA_I — Ordered, that an RFP be created to study a community responder model type program that is outside of the Police Dept but works in collaboration with that department as one of several contributing partners.

Item 11: 6-21-22 JOURDAIN, TALLMAN — That the PVTA be requested to replace their bus shelter on South Street at the South Street shopping plaza.  Bus riders have gone some time without the prior shelter.
*Tabled 8-8-22, 9-19-22

Item 12: 3-15-22 MCGEE — that the legal department review the alley way near 5 Fairfield Ave to determine if it is city property and that the DPW repair the fence and alley from its vehicles going through.  See attached photo.
*Tabled 3-29-22, 6-27-22, 9-19-22

Item 13: 6-21-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS — That the DPW seek an alternative solution for rock salt. Salt is corrosive to vehicles and roads and can contaminate drinking water and be toxic to wildlife.
*Tabled 8-8-22

Item 14: 10-18-22 GIVNER — With Community support, Order to increase trash can minimum to 50 gallons for municipal pickup service, as our DPW accommodates piles of trash bags in lieu of required current 35 gallon size. This in an effort to increase can use participation in order to mitigate the health hazards of torn and rummaged through piled bags for pickup.

Item 15: 10-4-22 MALDONADO-VELEZ, RIVERA_I — Ordered, that the Mayor create and fund a Public Safety Department, suggesting a beginning budget of $500,000 for FY24.

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.

• DOCX

Download