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One of the larger City Departments, the Department of Public Works is responsible for providing many essential city services. These include street and sidewalk maintenance, repaving and repair, engineering and design, refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection, winter road salt application and snow removal, forestry operations, sewage treatment, and the operation and maintenance and repair of City owned Parks and Public Buildings.
Contact: William D. Fuqua, General Superintendent /
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Matthew J. Sokop, PE, City Engineer /
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David Beaudoin, Superintendent of Outdoor Works
Address: 63 Canal Street, Holyoke MA. 01040
Office Hours: 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday
Telephone: 413-322-5645
Fax: 413-539-6807
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Department of Public Works is to provide prompt, reliable service to the residents and businesses of Holyoke, delivered in a professional, customer-friendly, attentive, and efficient manner.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT
FAY, SPOFFORD & THORNDIKE, LLC: CITY PARKING GARAGE ASSESSMENT
Condition Assessment Document pages 1-12 (Link)
Condition Assessment Document pages 13-27 (Link)
Condition Assessment Document pages 28-42 (Link)
Condition Assessment Document pages 43-49 (Link)
* * * *Preparing for Snow Season* * * *
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE The City of Holyoke Department of Public Works vehicle maintenance division prepares year round to handle the onslaught of winter weather that will affect more than 174 miles of roadways under its jurisdiction. Each fall, snow removal vehicles and equipment are inspected and put through an extensive maintenance check and repair program.
STORM ACTION PLAN The DPW has a plan in place to clear City streets in a manner that provides the most mobility to the community as allowed by available resources. The level of storm intensity and duration dictate the frequency and type of treatment. Public safety is the number one priority when clearing snow and ice from Holyoke’s Streets. The primary mission of each operation is to clear snow and ice as expeditiously and economically as possible. Our goal is to restore safe motorist and pedestrian travel and facilitate Fire and Police responses to emergencies.
STREET PRIORITY Since not all streets can be addressed at the same time; streets are salted and plowed in a specific order. Primary routes are the first to be addressed because they link the city’s police, fire, and emergency services. Secondary routes are next, to allow safe two-way traffic. Residential streets are the last to be attended to, however, in all situations, the DPW will work to address every residential street as soon as possible and as resources allow. Closely adhering to the Winter Parking Bans is of utmost importance as on street parking is one of the biggest obstacles to snow removal during snow plowing efforts.
WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS (Link) REGLAMENTOS de ESTACIONAMIENTO INVERNAR (Link)
WINTER SAND IS AVAILABLE -- To assist in complying with City Ordinance for the removal of snow and ice from all city sidewalks, the DPW makes sand available for Holyoke Residents in the lot next to the Fitzpatrick Skating Ring on Maple Street. It's located to the right of the rink near the swimming pool. If the sand has been depleted please call the DPW at 322-5645 and we will deliver more sand as soon as possible.
How do I dispose of my Christmas Tree?
 As a service provided by your DPW, Christmas Trees will be picked up at curbside during January. Christmas Trees will be collected on your regular trash day. Your Christmas Tree will be recycled so it needs to be totally cleaned. Please remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel, and ensure there are no plastic bags on the tree. You can also drop your tree off at the Yard Waste Facility. For hours-of-operation see "Yard Waste Drop-Off Site Information." (Link)
The Yard Waste Facility is not open on Holidays
 HOLYOKE GETS PAID TO RECYCLE: Did you know that the City of Holyoke received $65,534.42 for our Recycling efforts during 2008 and $34,917.38 in 2009. The tonnage recycled also equates to a cost savings in Refuse Fees. It pays us to Recycle! (Read the Entire Article Here)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS & SERVICES & OTHER INFORMATION 
◊ THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS (Link)
◊ SEWER COMMISSION (Link)
◊ STORMWATER AUTHORITY (Link)
◊ STORMWATER REGULATIONS (Link)
◊ STORMWATER and RUNOFF POLLUTION (Link)
◊ ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (Link)
◊ CITY FORESTER
◊ PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (Link)
◊ HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY (Link)
◊ HOLYOKE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY -- UNITED WATER (Link)
◊ HOLYOKE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY BROCHURE (Link)
DPW SERVICES
Yard Waste Drop-Off Site Information (Link)
NOTE: As of Monday, November 8, 2010 the Yard Waste facility Hours-of-Operation are 8am until 4pm Monday through Friday. The Yard Waste facility is also open on Weekends from 8 am until 4 pm.
The Yard Waste Facility is not open on Holidays
“TRASH BAGS“ Did you know it is against City Ordinance to place trash at curbside unless it is placed in a 35-gallon residential rubbish container? Per City Ordinance Article IV, Sec. 74-93. Refuse receptacles; bulk containers:
- Residential rubbish receptacles will be watertight containers with tight fitting covers of metal or other durable rodent-proof material. Containers which are to be manually emptied will be no larger than 35 gallons, able to be lifted, when full, by one person, and have two intact handles.
- Each container must be securely covered at all times during put-out. Containers must not be overloaded so that the lid will not fit securely.
Your compliance with this ordinance will help to prevent litter and keep our City clean.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Composting Information (Link)
- Contractor Guidance (Link)
- Got Books Program (Link)
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Mercury and other Household Hazardous Waste Collection Information (Link)
- Permit Information (Link)
- Residential Driveway Information (Link)
- Residents Guide to Safe Communities (Link)
- Sewers, Catch Basins and Drains Questions (Link)
- Sewer, Catch Basin Service Call Request (Link) Fill in the form and fax to United Water at 536-5213.
- Sewer Bill Questions (Link)
- Street Lights: How to report when a Street light is out (Click here)
POTHOLES -- How do I get a pothole repaired? Call the Pothole Hotline at 322-5680 and let us know where the pothole is located. It will be put on a list and scheduled to be repaired as soon as possible.
Proper Use and Disposal of Needles and Syringes (Link)
Mass Health and Human Services Medical Waste Information (Link)
 State Sanitary Code: (M.G.L.) Chapter 111, Section 127A. Improper disposal of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste may result in penalties of up to $25,000 or two years in a corrections facility. "BE AWARE" Effective July 1, 2010, State Medical Waste Regulations forbid the disposal of Needles, Syringes, and Sharps Containers in household garbage or recycling bins. Contact the City of Holyoke Board of Health at 322-5595 for a list of disposal sites or click on the following (Link)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Proper Disposal of Lancets, Needles, Syringes, and Sharps Containers (FAQs Link)
 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT - Part of the DPW under the direction of the City Engineer, this department provides support, assistance, and oversight for new development and redevelopment applicants to ensure compliance with City standards and local, state, and federal law. Supports internal customers for the operations and maintenance of city facilities. Supports public inquiries for traffic issues and other general information.
- New development planning and final engineering review
- Sewer connection and Driveway permit approval
- Subdivision map review and administration
- Construction Project inspection
- Driveway Permit application review and approval
- Speed and traffic volume surveys and record keeping
- Maintenance of citywide addresses
- Maintain citywide maps of infrastructure, including sewer, and drainage systems.
- Respond to public information requests
CITY MAPS --- If you need to research information concerning these maps and records you can call the Department of Public Works at 322-5645.
DEPARTMENT LOCATION --- The Engineering Department is located at the City Hall Annex, 20 Korean Veterans Plaza, Room 300, Holyoke MA. 01040-5078. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
BOARD of PUBLIC WORKS // SEWER COMMISSION // STORM WATER AUTHORITY
Per Holyoke Code of Ordinances: The board of public works shall have cognizance, direction and control: (a) of the construction, location, repair, care and lighting of streets, ways and sidewalks; (b) of the construction, alteration, repair and care of public buildings; (c) of the construction, alteration, repair and care of main drains or common sewers; (d) of the construction, alteration, repair, care and maintenance of public bridges; (e) of the care, superintendence and management of the public grounds, except public parks, belonging to said city, and of the shade and ornamental trees growing therein. The said board may require that no person or corporation authorized by the city council to dig up any public street or sidewalk in said city shall begin such digging before furnishing to such board of public works security satisfactory to them to restore such streets or sidewalks to their former condition. The said board of public works, except as herein otherwise provided, shall have exclusively the powers and be subject to the liabilities and penalties imposed by law upon road commissioners of towns.
♦ ♦ SEWER COMMISSIONERS POLICY (Link)
♦ ♦ STORMWATER REGULATIONS (Link)
♦ ♦ STORMWATER ORDINANCE (Link)
MEMBERS MEETING LOCATION
David Moore, Chairman Conference Room
Richard Berrena,Vice Chairman Department of Public Works
Jose Garcia, Commissioner 63 Canal Street, Holyoke, MA
Meeting Schedules: The Board of Public Works / Sewer Commission / Stormwater Authority Meeting Schedules are listed on the City Public Meetings and Hearings Calendar (Link)
Current Meeting Minutes can be accessed at the following (Links):
Board of Public Works Minutes_BPW_04.04.11.doc
Sewer Commission Minutes_Sewer_04.04.11.doc
Stormwater Authority Minutes_Stormwater_04.04.11.doc
NOTE: Minutes to previous meetings are available by calling the DPW at 322-5645
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION / OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
- Holyoke's Stormwater Rebate Program Press Release (Link)
- Holyoke's Stormwater Rebate Program (Bilingual Brochure)
- Connecticut River Stormwater Committee Public Service Announcement (Link)
- Connecticut River Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) Fact Sheet (Link)
- Think Blue Massachusetts (Link)
- Stormwater Information Sheet (Link)
- Beautiful Home Landscapes that Protect Our Water Greenscapes.org
CITY LAWS AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
- HOLYOKE CODE OF ORDINANCES (Link)
- PERSONAL OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM FORM (Link)
HOMEOWNER'S GUIDANCE
1. Did you know a permit is required to construct a new driveway or to repave, resurface or modify an existing driveway? Access City Driveway Standards here: (Link). Permits and Fees are explained below.
2. Any resident or a contactor working for a resident of the City requires a permit for any road excavations for sewer line or water line connections, a new driveway or changes to an existing driveway. A permit is also required for sidewalk sales, block parties, demonstrations, parades or races, posting of signs, projections in or over a street or sidewalk, street or sidewalk occupancy. See the "Permits and Fee Schedule" below or call the Department of Public Works at 322-5645 for more information.
PERMITS
- Permits and Fee Schedule (Link)
- Driveway Permit Application (Link)
- Sanitary Sewer Entrance Fees (Link)
- Sewer Connection Permit (Link)
- Road Opening Permit Policy (Draft)
- Road Opening Permit (Electronic Form Coming Soon)
- Trench Permit (Link) Fill-out on line and Print or Print and fill-out for filing.
CONTRACTOR GUIDANCE WHEN WORKING IN THE CITY OF HOLYOKE
REQUIRED PERMITS
- DRIVEWAY PERMIT: A permit is required to construct a new driveway or to pave, resurface or modify an existing driveway.
- ROAD EXCAVATION PERMIT: A road-opening permit is required for any type of excavation within the roadway or City Right-of-Way.
- TRENCH PERMIT: All excavators must obtain a permit prior to the creation of a trench made for a construction-related purpose on public or private land or rights-of-way in accordance with Chapter 82A of the Massachusetts General Laws. A trench is defined as an excavation 3 feet or more in depth and less than 15 feet wide.
ALL PERMITS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DPW AT THE CANAL STREET OFFICE. (Electronic Permit applications are available in the Permit paragraph above).
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS
- City Driveway Standards (Link)
- Driveway Permit Application (Link)
- Trench Safety Regulations (Link)
- Grading and Soil Erosion Control Ordinance (Link)
- Construction Activities and Stormwater Discharge (Link)
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) (Link)
- Road Opening ePermit Application (Coming Soon)
- Repairing a Street Paved 5 Years or Less after Trench Excavation (Link)
- Infa-Red Pavement Repair Specifications (Link)
CONTRACTOR WORKPLACE SAFETY - The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) offers a free consultation service designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their worksites, improve their safety and health program, assist in training employees, and possibly qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections. (Read More)
YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND HOW YOU CAN DO YOUR PART 
"PVPC MEDIA RELEASE" Webinar Getting Your Lawn Off Drugs (Information Link)
RECYCLING:
- Recycle more at Earth 911: http://www.earth911.org/recycling
- Keep America Beautiful: http://www.kab.org/
- Massachusetts DEP: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/
- Plastic Bag Recycling: (Link)
- Empty Aerosol Cans That CAN Be Accepted: (Link)
HAZARDOUS WASTE:
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Household Hazardous Waste: (Link)
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Homeowner Oil Spill Cleanup Guide (Link)
Holyoke Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - Scheduled to take place on Saturday June 11, 2011. Additional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days may be scheduled as budgetary constraints allow. Call (413) 322-5645 extension 5138 for further information.
COMPOSTING:
- Composting Information: (Link)
- The DPW has home composting containers available for a $25.00 fee at our office at 63 Canal Street.
- Information about these items can be found at www.state.ma.us/dep
- Compost is available to Holyoke Homeowners during certain times in the Summer. The Compost Pile is located at the Yard Waste Facility on Berkshire Street. You can call the DPW for further information.
- Home Composting (Brochure)
- Don't Trash Grass (Brochure)
For those Do-It-Yourselfers here are Compost Bin Construction Plans: (Plans Link)
JONES FERRY RIVER ACCESS CENTER (Boat House 6.4.09)(Boat House 6.4.09)
ANIMAL PROBLEMS: Any individual wanting to report a nuisance or dead animal can call the City Animal Control Officer at (413) 322-5595
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For Residents 
