Event takes place on June 19, 2018 at 7:00 PM
City Hall, City Council Chambers, 536 Dwight St. Holyoke, MA 01040

AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
June 19,2018

LAID ON THE TABLE

1. FY 2019 Municipal Budget

2. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Seventy-nine thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($79,000) as follows:

FROM:
8810-10400       Stabilization Fund Cash             $79,000
                        TOTAL: $79,000
TO:
11552-53100      Software License                       $44,000
11552-53180      System Hardware                      35,000
                        TOTAL: $79,000 Recommend that the order be adopted

3. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Twenty thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($20,000) as follows:
FROM:
12941-51104      Tree Climber                 $20,000
                        TOTAL:$20,000
TO:
12942-53010      Contract Services                      $20,000
                        TOTAL:$20,000 Recommend that the order be adopted

4. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Ordered that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Seventy-five thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($75,000) as follows:
FROM:
*****-*****    Free Cash        $75,000
        TOTAL:    $75,000
TO:
11512-53010    Special Counsel        $75,000
        TOTAL:    $75,000 Recommend that the order be adopted

PUBLIC COMMENT

COMMUNICATIONS

5. From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appointing Mr. Richard A. Ahlstrom, 215 Madison West to serve as a member of the Historical Commission for the City of Holyoke; Mr. Ahlstrom will serve a three-term; said term will expire on May 1, 2021.

6. From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re-appointing Ms. Hilda Roque, 267 West Franklin St. to serve as a member of the Board of Appeals for the City of Holyoke; Ms. Roque will serve a three-year term; said term will expire on July 1, 2021.

7. From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter re: Financial Reports.

8. From Paul Payer, City Solicitor, legal opinion regarding enforcebility of a contract.

9. From Paul Payer, City Solicitor, legal opinion regarding union contracts and ordinances.

10. From Paul Payer, City Solicitor letter regarding litigation against opoid manufacturers.

11. From Bellamy H. Schmidt, Acting City Auditor, RE: Fire Contract.

12. From Hector Carrasquillo, Personnel Director letter re: Salary Study.

13. From Board of Health minutes of April 5, 2018.

PETITIONS

14. Petition from residents of Elmwood Ave. for speed humps.

15. Petition of Hothouse Holyoke, Audrey Park for a special permit for a Marijuana Manufacturing Establishment (MME) at 5B Appleton St.

16. Petition of PeoplesBank for a zone change from R-2 to BL at 1850 Northampton St.

17. Petition of The Colvest Group LTD for a zone change at 1575 Northampton St. from R-1A to BH.

18. Petition of Salmar Realty, Inc. for a special permit for a Drive thru restaurant located at 500 Easthampton Rd.

19. Petition of RISE Holdings, Inc. (Formerly GTI) special permit to amend an existing permit to allow a Marijuana Manufacturing Establishment (MME) in the existing building located at 28 Appleton St.

20. Petition of Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield, a corporation sole, for Blessed Sacrament Parish a special permit for a sign replacement at 1945 Northampton St.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

21. Ordinance Committee Reports (if any)

21A. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Petition of Walter J. Sybulski Jr. for a Zone change from R-2 to RM-40 at Russell Terrace and South St. Parcels:  Russell Terr: 111-00-072, 111-00-073, 112-00-022A, South St. 112-00-022. Recommend that the zone change application be approved

21B. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed in front of 16 East Court for Hector Reyes Recommend that the order be adopted

21C. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed in front of 195 Suffolk St. for Maria Vasquez Recommend that the order be adopted

21D. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed in front of 32 Clinton Ave. for Edward Welch Recommend that the order be adopted

21E. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that an ordinance be adopted establishing and authorizing all existing revolving funds in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, § 53E½.  The Massachusetts Municipal Modernization Act requires that, effective in FY19, all revolving funds are to be authorized by ordinance rather than an annual legislative body vote. The legislative body must still vote on or before July 1 on the amount that may be spent from each fund during the upcoming fiscal year. Recommend that the order be adopted

21F. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that an ordinance be created or current ordinances be amended to address the placement of memorials, dedications, naming rights, and related matters on public property in the City of Holyoke. Recommend that the order be adopted as amended

21G. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That ARTICLE I section 42-15 License for manufacture, storage, use, or sale of petroleum products, explosive materials, or inflammable materials, be reviewed.  Many of the license fees are outdated and out of line with the allowed volumes. Recommend that the order be adopted as amended

21H. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the city consider adopting the MA state statutes necessary to reduce the speed limit to 25 mph on residential roads. Recommend that the order be adopted

22. Finance Committee Reports (if any)

22A. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local 1693, Holyoke Firefighters Awaiting disposition

22B. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an application of Mr. Fara Bahrehmand to renew a license to operate taxi cab number 65, 09, 27, 29, and 58 upon any public way in the City of Holyoke Recommend that the applications be approved

22C. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, One hundred forty-two thousand fifty-two and 84/100 Dollars ($142,052.84) as follows:

FROM:
*****-*****           Free Cash                                                                                          $142,052.84
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $142,052.84
TO:
12201-51103      Pay-Captains                                                                                     $14,416.57
12201-51104      Pay-Lieutenants                                                                                  31,467.63
12201-51105      Pay-Firefighters                                                                                  87,851.85
12201-51110      Pay-Alarms                                                                                        8,316.79
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $142,052.84
  Referred to the full City Council without a recommendation

22D. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Forty-two thousand five hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($42,500) as follows:

FROM:
12941-51104      Tree Climber                                                                                      $42,500
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $42,500
TO:
12942-53010      Contract Forestry                                                                               $42,500
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $42,500 Recommend that the order be adopted

22E. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Five thousand one hundred fifty and 59/100 Dollars ($5,150.59) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107      Patrolmen                                                                                          $5,150.59
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $5,150.59
TO:
12101-51180      Injured on Duty                                                                                  $5,150.59
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $5,150.59 Recommend that the order be adopted

22F. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, Seven thousand two hundred  and 90/100 Dollars ($7,200.90) as follows:

FROM:
11511-51102      Pay-Asst Solicitor                                                                               $2,057.63
11511-51103      Pay-Associate Solicitor                                                                       5,143.27
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $7,200.90
TO:
11512-53190      Education and Training                                                                       $1,450.90
11512-54200      Office Supplies                                                                                  1,500.00
11512-57100      In-state Travel                                                                                    750.00
11512-57300      Dues and Subscriptions                                                                     1,500.00
11512-57600      Litigation                                                                                            2,000.00
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $7,200.90
  Recommend that the order be denied

22G. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the Assessors come in and explain their assessment process, how they determine values and growth of residential commercial and personal property. Recommend that the order has been complied with

22H. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, One hundred forty-two thousand fifty-two and 84/100 Dollars ($142,052.84) as follows:

FROM:
8810-10400       Stabilization Fund — Cash                                                                   $142,052.84
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $142,052.84
TO:
12201-51103      Pay- Captains                                                                                    $14,416.57
12201-51104      Pay-Lieutenants                                                                                  31,467.63
12201-51105      Pay-Firefighters                                                                                  87,851.85
12201-51110      Pay-Alarms                                                                                        8,316.79
                                                                                          TOTAL:                            $142,052.84 Recommend that the order be denied

22I. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2018, One hundred fifty-five thousand five hundred seventy-one and 90/100 Dollars ($155,571.90) as follows:

FROM:
8810-10400       Stabilization Fund — Cash                      $155,971.90
                        TOTAL: $155,571.90
TO:
12201-51101      Pay-Chief                      $2,408.59
12201-51102      Pay-Dep. Chiefs                        11,115.47
12201-51103      Pay-Capts.                    14,416.57
12201-51104      Pay-Lieuts.                    31,467.63
12201-51105      Pay-Firefighters             87,851.85
12201-51110      Pay-Alarms                   8,311.79
                        TOTAL: $155,571.90 Recommend that the order be denied

23. Public Safety Committee Reports (if any)

24. Public Service Committee Reports (if any)

25. Development and Governmental Relations Committee Reports (if any)

25A. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Communication from Law Dept. RE: Sun Valley Rd Awaiting disposition

25B. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that any restrictions on the deed/lot 181-00-137 on Sun Valley Rd., recently sold at auction, be reviewed and a determination made if they allow for a building on the lot. Awaiting disposition

25C. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 30B and the Holyoke Code of Ordinances procurement ordinance, the City Council declare the parcel at 55 Hamilton Street as surplus property available for disposition. Said parcel is identified by the Holyoke Board of Assessors’ records as Map 028, Block 03, Parcel 006, consisting of a vacant lot approximately 3,485 square feet in size and is more particularly described at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 4886, Page 123. On January 9, 1991 the property was awarded to the City via Land Court Decree with a Final Judgment recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 7634, Page 473.  The property is zoned as Downtown Residential District (DR) and has an assessed value of $28,100. Awaiting disposition

25D. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Communication from Alicia Zoeller of OCD RE: Final FFY 2018 CDBG allocations Awaiting disposition

25E. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council hereby: (1) Declares that the land at 416 Appleton Street (Board of Assessors’ parcel 061-02-014) has not been used for a park or open space and is not needed for such purposes. (2) Petitions the General Court of the Commonwealth for a Special Act to remove 416 Appleton Street from the Provisions of Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. (3) Proposes to substitute or swap the Article 97 designation on 416 Appleton Street, replacing it with a designation on land associated with Holyoke’s Center City Pedestrian Plaza as part of the petition to the General Court of the Commonwealth, and in compliance with state regulations enacted by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. (4) Designates 30 John Street (parcel 013-04-006); and the northernmost portion of 505 Dwight Street (parcel 013-04-003) which is approximately 4,625 square feet of vacant land, for open space and recreational purposes awaiting disposition

25F. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws and the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, vote to approve a consensual Order of Taking or Deed in Lieu of Taking in accordance with the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Holyoke and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield to acquire by right of eminent domain, in consideration for just compensation unless previously waived , a portion of parcel 014-02-001, also known as 71 Maple Street and further identified in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 612, Page 421, and Book 674, Page 422-423; to be known as parcel 014-02-003.  Awaiting disposition

25G. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws and the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, vote to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Holyoke and the Holyoke Housing Authority for the acquisition of the land identified by Board of Assessors’ Map 004, Block 01, Parcels 1 through 7 bound by Chestnut, Cabot, Elm and Hampshire Streets (the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Block). The purpose of the MOU is to secure the Block as a site for the development of a school building or a housing development if a school building is not developed.
  Awaiting disposition

26. Charter and Rules Committee Reports (if any)

27. Joint City Council and School Committee Reports (if any)

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

28. MCGEE — that the City Council give a proclamation to Kathy Anderson for her years of service to the City of Holyoke and to the Holyoke Chamber.

29. MCGEE — that the Assessor come before the city council with all information regarding the $250,000 tax abatement granted to the Mater Dolorosa church.

30. MCGEE — that the city council invite in the newly hired web company to address the problems the city is having with the system, time line to fixing, etc.

31. MCGEE — Ordered tat the Treasurer/Auditor provide a list of what union and/or non-union employees/positions have gotten raises over the past five years as well as a list of what positions have not. The positions that have not received raises please include how long it has been since they have received a raise.

32. MCGEE — that the Supervisors Union please provide a list of all employees in the union and how long they have been part of the union for.

33. MCGEE — that the Crocker communication system/phone system address the phone issues where Verizon user constituents couldn’t call into the city for services.

34. MCGIVERIN — that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.

35. MCGIVERIN — that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “Holyoke Tourism Plan” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.

36. ROMAN — The city discontinue the PVTA bus stop (Stop ID No.
BARTLEY 0459) located between Sargeant and Franklin Streets. 
There is a stop nearby. Further, this stop eliminates
needed on-street parking spaces. Refer to Ordinance
with copy to Sandra Sheehan of PVTA.

37. VACON — request that curve signs be placed on Westfield Rd. near #292.

38. VACON — That the City Council give a proclamation to Katie Seidel, owner of Hair Changes, for 40 years of continuous service in Holyoke.  Katie and previous owner, Sue Lambert, both serve as great role models for young women, showing them their dreams can become reality with skill and hard work.

39. ANDERSON-BURGOS — that the PR Salary Schedule of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to increase the salary of all PR 14 positions to PR 19.

40. ANDERSON-BURGOS — that a new position be established for Mayoral Aide – Chief of Staff

41. ANDERSON-BURGOS — that the position of Mayoral Aide – Chief of Staff be added in the PR salary schedule as PR24.

42. BARTLEY — That the Honorable City Council, extend the order approved by the City Council on August 2, 2016 which authorized the transfer of the properties (listed below) to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority for consideration of $1.00.  The authorization would not be applicable to the property at 160 Middle Water Street as this transfer occurred. The original transfer authorization and this extension are in accordance with the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority’s urban renewal plan entitled, “Connect. Construct. Create. – A Plan for the Revitalization of Center City Holyoke” which was approved by the Holyoke City Council on December 4, 2012 and by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development on February 5, 2013, vote to approve. (map and copy of 8/2/16 City Council vote attached)
 

Parcel ID
Address
Current Use
Assessed Value
URP Area #9
 
 
 
031-01-015
501 SOUTH BRIDGE ST
Land
$13,700.00
031-01-016
SOUTH BRIDGE ST
Land
$12,600.00
031-01-017
501 BRIDGE ST
 Land
$1,300.00
030-03-007
CABOT ST
Land
$4,400.00
030-03-008
61 CABOT ST
Land
$21,400.00
URP Area #3
 
 
 
004-06-009
163 SARGEANT ST
Vacant Building
$126,800.00
URP Area #10
 
 
 
047-01-011
160 MIDDLE WATER ST
Vacant Building
40,000.00

43. BARTLEY — Order that the DPW Superintendent and City Engineer look at making the top of South St (where it merges with Northampton St.) safer. This would include making sure the traffic lights on Route 5/Northampton St. aren’t regularly run. Please review the HPD accident report.

44. BARTLEY — Order that the DPW Superintendent and City Engineer look at making the bottom of South St (where it merges at High St. and intersects at Parenteau Dr., Maple St. near Whole Donut) and make this safer. Please review the HPD accident report. This would include making sure that motorists turning Left from Maple St. can do so safely and without crossing against oncoming traffic traveling down South St.

45. BARTLEY — Order the DPW and City Engineer review the top of Carlton St. and provide suggestions to allow motorists to safely travel southbound on Route 5/Northampton St. Perhaps a “do not block the box” could be installed in that area in the southbound lane.

46. BARTLEY — The City of Holyoke should consider “open checkbook” software. Refer to Mayor, his Chief of Staff and the IT Department. Communicate a recommendation to city council and any associated costs by the city council’s first meeting this Fall. This is a constituent request.

47. LEAHY — that the Honorable Holyoke City Council presents Dan “Rudy” Lengieza a proclamation. He coached Holyoke Catholic Track and Cross Country for 52 years.

48. LEAHY — that we bring the health department, fire department
BRESNAHAN and the building department into the ordinance committee
MCGEE to discuss the large amounts of boarding houses in
Holyoke, if needed create an ordinance against this.

Addendum:
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 not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law

______________________________
City Clerk