Holyoke City Council Meeting June 2, 2020

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
June 2,2020

The meeting was called to order by President McGee at 07:06 PM.

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 13 (Anderson-Burgos, Bartley, Greaney, Hernandez, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Sullivan. Tallman, Vacon).

The name of Councilor Anderson-Burgos was drawn to head the roll call voting.

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

From Brenna Murphy McGee, City Clerk, MMC and Ryan Allen, Admin. Ass’t. to City Council minutes of February 4, 2020.
—> Received and adopted.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “BARR FOUNDATION CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION GRANT19-08201
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke and rehashed the previous discussions that took place regarding the Barr Grant. It was noted that the grant $275,000 money would be used to hire an experienced project manager to transition into cleaner greener energy. It was noted that this person would assist the City in doing this with an eye towards Holyoke using cleaner and cheaper energy sources. It was noted that there was some controversy because the grant language conditioned the money on the need for Holyoke to partner with Neighbor to Neighbor for their guidance in the process. Councilor Murphy stated that he feels that the grant would work better if in the language the Holyoke Gas and Electric was a full time partner in the situation. Councilor Murphy read out a communication with members of the Barr Association stating that it seemed that in order for the Holyoke Gas and Electric to be added on as full time partner in the language this could be done though it may take a bit more time for the Barr Association to add the language. Councilor Tallman spoke and stated that this grant could have a detrimental effect on businesses and noted that as it is he would not feel comfortable voting for its passage. Councilor Sullivan spoke and stated that he sees the grant as worded as a Trojan horse and that for the City to accept it would end up hurting it in the long-term. Councilor Sullivan stated that without the language putting Holyoke Gas and Electric as the dominant partner in the grant he would not vote for the grant. Councilor Greaney spoke and agreed with Councilor Sullivan.
Councilor Anderson-Burgos spoke and stated that he feels that the grant money would be well used in the City and that this would be a good way for Holyoke to explore other energy options and be ready to transition to other more sustainable and green energy options. Councilor Anderson-Burgos stated that he asked Jim Lavelle head of HG&E if there are any concerns with the City accepting the grant. Councilor Anderson-Burgos stated that Mr. Lavelle stated that he did not have concerns with the grant. Councilor Anderson-Burgos stated that he feels that scare tactics are leading some Councilors to oppose the grant. Councilor McGiverin agreed that the HG&E is not opposed to the grant and noted that there would be cooperation and collaboration between multiple departments in the City to choose a potential project manager. Councilor McGiverin spoke and stated that HG&E would not be excluded from the process but stated that it should have been mentioned as a lead in the language. Councilor McGiverin stated that he feels the Council should reach out to the Mayor in order to form a committee to assist in this process and to ensure feedback from the various stakeholders. Councilor Vacon stated that she is in support of tabling the order to see if the Barr Association is willing to entertain adding HG&E in the language as a stated partner in the grant. Councilor Vacon stated that she would vote against the grant with the language as is but would reconsider if the language was changed. Councilor Lisi stated that really feels the City should be accepting the grant money because long term the City should be looking to eliminate and reduce fossil fuel use in the City. Councilor Lisi stated that she does feel that Holyoke Gas and Electric should be brought in for discussion so that he can answer questions and give his thoughts to the Council directly. Councilor Lisi stated that she felt that by HG&E being the established Holyoke utility they would be full partners in the grant even if it is not explicitly spelled out.
Councilor Leahy stated that he feels the Council should have the opportunity to hear from Gas and Electric reps and Neighbor to Neighbor reps as well and stated that the order should be referred to the Finance Committee. Councilor Bartley spoke and stated that previously there was a motion to send the order to the Finance Committee but that it was rejected by the full Council at the last meeting. Councilor Bartley also stated that there is no language in the Barr grant that would allow for an advisory committee as had been suggested previously in the meeting. Councilor Bartley stated that the problem with the grant is that it would handcuff the City and that it should not be approved without the full cooperation and partnership of the HG&E. Councilor Murphy made a motion to refer the order back to the Finance Committee in order to bring in the Barr Association, HG&E and Neighbor to Neighbor to give information on the grant and to see if changes can be implemented in the language.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Office of Community Development FFY2019 Amended Annual Plan-Legal Notice, CARES act CDBG-CV Funds and Spreadsheet.
—> Laid on the table.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take item 31 out of order
BARTLEY Ordered, that Please advise on when City Hall and other municipal buildings will reopen to the public. Please advise as to the timetable. I’d request that information on the plan be posted to the city’s website ASAP. To date, the only posted information reads as follows, “City Hall is closed to the public due to a declared State of Emergency until further notice.
—> Received and adopted. Copy to Mayor’s Office, Whalley Computers, HPS, Holyoke Media.
Approved by the Mayor.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Councilor McGee noted that there was one person who emailed in for public comment and read out the comment to the Council:

Patti Cavanaugh 64 Cherry Hill: Please do not vote to end the use of Natural Gas in the city of Holyoke. The one thing we have going for us as taxpayers and to attract businesses, is the low cost of utilities. The Schools put the nail in the coffin and this would seal the lid of the vault.

COMMUNICATIONS

Motion was made and seconded to take item 3 and 27D as a package
From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter appointing Jeffrey A. Trask, as Emergency Management Director of the City of Holyoke effective May 11, 2020. Mr. Trask will serve a one year term; said term will expire May 2021.
—> Received.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Jeffrey Trask to serve as Emergency Management Director for the City of Holyoke
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
It was noted that the Public Safety Committee had a meeting and reviewed the resume and cover letter of Mr. Jeffrey Trask. It was noted that Mr. Trask has been working with the City all along assisting the Mayor with the COVID-19 Health Crisis. It was noted that he has experience with ISO New England doing crisis management and that he is very well qualified to work in this capacity for the City. Councilor Tallman stated that Mr. Trask is also a Fire Commissioner in the City and that his appointment would be a great benefit to the City.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

From Brenna Murphy McGee, City Clerk MMC and Ryan Allen, Admin. Ass’t. to City Council minutes of May 5, 2020.
—> Received and adopted.

From Kate Jackowski, City Tax collector, revenue comparison requested by Councilor Murphy.from May 1, 2019 – May 1, 2020.
Requested for June 1, 2019-June 1, 2020.
—> Received. Copy to Finance.

From Michael J. Heffernan, Secretary of Administration and Finance, communication re: Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Office of the Attorney General, Open Meeting Law Complaint.
Under discussion:
Councilor McGee read the contents of the OML complaint filed by Councilor Vacon. Councilor Vacon spoke and stated that she had raised objections to the meeting process being taken since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and the state guidelines being passed. Councilor Vacon stated that the City of Holyoke should be taking extra steps to be transparent instead of limiting their opportunity to participate in meetings. Councilor Vacon stated that the way the meetings have been set up seem to make it almost impossible for residents and constituents to participate in the meetings. Councilor Vacon stated that there are controls in place to allow for zoom meetings details to be published publicly and that the zoom meeting moderator has the ability to monitor and kick participants off who break the meeting rules or are disruptive. Councilor Vacon stated that she is hoping to be able to have in person Council meetings where social distancing can be practiced either in the Council Chambers or elsewhere in City Hall to allow for more transparency and public access. Councilor McGee spoke and noted that there has been progress and that the City established a public comment email address and that has been utilized for the previous meetings and that it is accessible at publiccomment@holyoke.org. It was also noted that a waiting-room aspect of zoom meetings will be utilized in order to allow for potential live constituent participation. Councilor McGee noted that he and Admin. Assistant Ryan Allen have been monitoring the public comment email address to make sure that public comments are read aloud during the public comment section of the full Council meeting. Councilor McGiverin stated that the CC should work to resolve the open meeting law complaint and stated that he feels that every measure should be taken to be as open as possible in the City Council meetings. Councilor McGiverin stated that many of the phases of reopening still are very restrictive and that people 65 and older are one of the most vulnerable groups to the COVID-19 virus. Councilor McGiverin stated that there are several Councilors that fit into that at-risk category and members of the public may also be at that age or above. Councilor McGiverin stated that it is important that the City put health and safety as a high priority in whatever it does going forward. Councilor McGee stated that they are following through with the state to see if a violation of OML has occurred. Councilor McGee gave full background of efforts made to be as transparent as possible to the public. Councilor McGee also stated that he had questioned and polled the body as to what would be good steps to allow public access to residents and that Councilors had agreed with the method currently being used. It was noted that the Law Dept. will be providing information soon.
It was noted that Laura Clampitt had submitted a public comment but that it was sent to a wrong email address;
Motion was made and seconded to go back to public comment and to read aloud the public comment that has now been submitted: Motion passed;
Public Comment:
Dear City Councilors,

I was very glad to see that the Barr Foundation grant is on the agenda for a special city council meeting tonight. I hope the text of the grant (attached to this email) will be read into the public record for tonight.

After reading the grant, I believe that this $275,000 grant is a huge opportunity for Holyoke to continue to be a leader in renewable energy. Hydroelectric power is at the roots of HG&E. I’m not sure why councilors thought that hydroelectric power wouldn’t be considered. I don’t see any language in the grant that specifies how the outcome of reducing fossil fuel energy would be attained. The grant is open ended in that respect and calls for citizen engagement. This is a chance for Holyoke to once again be a leader in the energy industry, returning to the history of the falls and canals that helped build our city. Holyoke was one of the first planned industrial cities. We have the potential to become one of the first planned green cities.

In addition to improving insulation, transportation planning, and increasing sustainably produced energy, I can see this grant tackling the trash problem in Holyoke. Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and thus if we reduce our plastic use, we can reduce our fossil fuel consumption as well. Reducing trash will help improve Holyoke’s image and make it a more attractive location for new businesses, and for visitors to existing businesses. Supporting local businesses is also a sound decision from a fossil fuel perspective – the more a product must travel to reach the consumer, the more fossil fuels utilized.

Finally, this grant has public health implications. Holyoke has one of the highest rates of pediatric asthma in the state. An analysis led by Harvard Professor Francesca Dominici showed “a statistical link between COVID-19 deaths and other diseases associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter.”

The Barr Foundation has previously made grants to HPS, and has a $95 million dollar grant making budget for 2020. I want Holyoke to maintain a good relationship with the Barr Foundation so that we can be in the running for future potential grants.

I hope you will support this grant. Help Holyoke plan for a future in which we are a leader.

Thank you for your consideration.

Laura Clampitt
182 Locust St. Holyoke, MA

—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.
Copy to Solicitor.

From Division of Local Services MA Department of Revenue, letter re: approval of $34,600 for emergency situation in the City of Holyoke COVID-19.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

From Cannabis Control Commission, administrative order allowing virtual web-based community outreach meetings.
—> Received.

Notice of Community Outreach Meeting, Thursday, June 4, 2020 (Mass Cannabis Growers Cooperative, LLC).
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

From Board of Public Works, Sewer Commission and Stormwater Authority minutes of January 21, 2020.
—> Received.

Board of Fire Commission minutes of February 20 and March 2, 2020.
—> Received.

From Kirstin Beatty of 149 Central Park Dr. Holyoke, communication regarding, reasonable accommodations for her disability and medical conditions pertaining to cell towers, close proximity antenna installations, wireless devices and WiFi.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

PETITIONS

Petition of Brad Matthews Jewelers for a renewal of a second hand license at 2225 Northampton St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of David Greenberg, (Pawn Depot) for a renewal of a second hand license at 448 Appleton St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of Tai Woong Kang, Emmanuel Jewelery for a renewal of a second hand license at 311 High St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of ecoATM, LLC for a renewal of a second hand license at 50 Holyoke St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of Kim A. Silva Holyoke Turnver In for a renewal to keep 1 Pool table and 6 Billiard table at 624 South Bridge St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of William F. Sullivan & Co. Inc. for a renewal of a Junk Dealers at 1 Jed Days Landing.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of William F. Sullivan & Co. Inc. for a renewal of a Junk Dealers License at 107 Appleton St.
—> Received and adopted.

Petition of Bold Coast Solutions LLC for a special permit for a Marijuana Establishment (7.10) at 28D Appleton St.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Petition of Vitaliy Gladysh of 73 Taylor St. for a special permit for a driveway 6.1.8.1.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

President’s Report:
Council President McGee gave information noting that starting Wed. 6/3 City Hall would have reduced staffing at City Hall on a rotating basis but that City Hall would remain closed to the public. Councilor McGee stated that there was an outburst by the Mayor’s Assistant at the last meeting and that Councilor McGee had asked that Mr. Bloomberg apologize for his outburst to the City Council. Councilor McGee stated that though he has heard that Mr. Bloomberg had reached out and apologized to Councilor McGiverin he had not heard back from Mr. Bloomberg on the subject. Councilor McGee stated that people on Council meetings need to follow proper form and decorum.
Councilor Lebron-Martinez stated that City Councilors themselves break the decorum rules and stated that these steps are not taken. Councilor Hernandez stated that Councilors should not be instigating guests that are in Council meetings or instigating each other. Councilor Vacon spoke and thanked Councilor McGee for following up with Mr. Bloomberg. Councilor Vacon stated that she felt that she dealt with Mr. Bloomberg professionally and that Mr. Bloomberg did not. Councilor Vacon stated that she did not feel that she was provocative or rude in the questions that she had at the time. Councilor Anderson-Burgos spoke and stated that the whole Council needs to be better and hold themselves to a higher standard and try harder to be more professional and courteous. Moment of silence was taken for the loss of Mr. Jim Jackowski father of Tax Collector Katie Jackowski. Councilor McGee. Councilor McGee stated that people were reaching out to Councilor President on Mr. Bloomberg outburst at the previous meeting and noted that it is his charge to enforce the Council rules. Councilor McGee cited the Council rule. Councilor Bartleys order Item 31: Referred to Mayor, Mike Bloomberg, Holyoke Media and the Schools. City Clerk gave update on the previous election numbers and how many ballots were taken out. City Council commended City Clerk Murphy-McGee and her staff for having a successful election during the current health crisis.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $104,500 to Wisteriahurst Museum for electrical upgrades.
Total budget for project $353,350.
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin spoke and gave information on the CPAC award. Councilor McGiverin gave a brief overview of the Community Preservation Act how it works and how the City Council approves the funds that are recommended by the CPA Committee. It was noted that the Kip Foley Chair of the CPA and Michael Falcetti were present at the Finance Meeting to give full explanation of the award. It was noted that $104,000 was represented in Item 25A that would be toward improvements and safety at Wistariahurst museum. It was also noted that Kate Preissler gave information on the funds and how they would be used.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $120,000 to Holyoke Housing Authority in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity on Jackson St.  Total cost $714,000. Homes to b sold to First Time Homebuyers $150,000ea.
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin gave overview of the CPA award and noted that the money would be dispersed to support Habitat For Humanity project on Jackson St. It was noted that the money would support the Hope 6 project and would fit the affordable housing category that makes it eligible for CPAC funds. It was noted that Matt Mainville gave more detailed information on the project and that the Finance Committee and the CPAC were unanimously in favor of supporting the award.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the CC approve the recommendation of the CPAC award of $25,000 for a restoration study of Lady Liberty (Veterans Park)
(Recommended by the Mayor)
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be adopted .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
Councilor McGiverin noted that the award would be for $25,000 and would be to maintain the Lady Liberty Statue that is overseen by the Veterans Commission. It was noted that the work done would be to repair the inscribed names on the statue that have now faded and are unreadable. It was noted that many people have family members that have their ancestors inscribed on the statue and that the names should be repaired so that people can go and see the repaired statue and to be able read the inscriptions.
—> Report of Committee received and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City Auditor provide more detailed information and additional discussion/insight to the Finance Committee regarding the Free Cash Calculation in which there are approximately 69 separate accounts that are considered by that Department to be an “other receivable, overdrawn account, deficit”. The negative value of these multiple cost centers total, per the Auditor’s calculation, $1,789,574.00. The Auditor should supplement its summary with documents and should be assisted by the relevant department head whose office oversaw the accounts that caused this deficit
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
Under discussion:
package: It was noted that the Finance Committee met in tandem with the Ordinance Committee in order to speak with Division of Local Services and DOR representatives. Councilor McGiverin spoke and gave an overview of discussions that took place during the meeting. It was noted that there were questions as to how the City of Holyoke “free cash” was allocated and why funds were put into the City stabilization fund. It was noted that there is an order floating around that would update and modify the City’s accounting practices and would streamline the financial offices. It was noted that the DOR representatives gave a lot of information on how this may benefit the City. Councilors took turns to speak and speak on their opinions of the financial situation the City is in and how the finances are being processed.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the city invite in Matt Andre to discuss the DOR letter attached.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
James M. Leahy
David K. Bartley
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Bernice Bowler to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission for the City of Holyoke
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
Councilor Leahy spoke on Bernice Bowler and gave information on Mrs. Bowler’s resume and work background. Councilor Leahy stated that she is very qualified for the position and was a very good appointment by the Mayor.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Christine Berge to serve on the Holyoke Historic District Commission
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
Councilor Leahy spoke on appointment of Christine Berg to the Historic Commission. Councilor Leahy stated that the Public Service Committee had a great discussion with Mrs. Berg and that she was very qualified to serve on the board.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Elana Aubrey to serve as a member of the Historical l Commission for the City of Holyoke
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
Councilor Leahy gave information on appointment of Elaina Aubrey. It was noted that the appointees background and resume made her a great fit for her appointment and noted that she is a homeowner in the City.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Jose Bayron to serve as a Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation for the City of Holyoke
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
Councilor Leahy spoke on Mr. Jose Bayron and his appointment to the Parks and Rec. Commission. It was noted that Mr. Bayron has a resume of working in IT but that he is also passionate about recreation and parks in the City and that it would seem that this is a very good appointment by the Mayor.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred Mayoral appointment of Michael Dodge to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission for the City of Holyoke
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointment be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Libby Hernandez
Rebecca Lisi
Under discussion:
Councilor Leahy spoke on Mr. Michael Dodge and his appointment to the Conservation Commission. It was noted that his appointment is a reappointment and that he works at AIC and holds a leadership position on several boards. Mr. Michael Dodge
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

LISI Ordered, that Ordered, that the City of Holyoke create a Retail Center (RC) zone taking into account both present tenancies and desired future development of such properties, with appropriate criteria to ensure proper cohesive uses and promote continued mixed commercial / retail in Holyoke.
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

LISI Ordered, that Ordered, that the City of Holyoke rezone the following parcels to Retail Center (RC) in an effort to create a cohesive regional destination district of mixed commercial / retail which all property owners will share the same regulations: 117-00-005, 174-00-013, 174-00-013A, 174-00-013B, 174-00-016, 174-00-017, 174-00-018, 174-00-020, 174-00-021, 174-00-022, 174-00-024, 176-00-010B, 176-00-010C, 176-00-013, 176-00-014, 176-00-014.1, 176-00-027, 176-00-028, 176-00-029.
—> Received and laid on the table.

LISI Ordered, that Ordered, that the City of Holyoke remove from its Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.3 “Shopping Center Districts” and any other references to said zone and replace with Retail Center (RC).
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

MCGEE, Bartley, Tallman Ordered, that Order that the public safety committee invite in representatives of the Boys and Girls club in order to get an update on the clean up efforts to the old ski house.
—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee.

MCGEE Ordered, that Order that the board of health look into blocking off areas and/or streets near restaurants to help businesses with out door space so they can provide for customer service.
—> Received and adopted.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN AND 73/100 Dollars ($7,727.73) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $3,231.35
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 4,496.38
TOTAL: $7,727.73
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $7,727.73
TOTAL: $7,727.73

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT AND 15/100 Dollars ($4,328.15) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $4,328.15
TOTAL: $4,328.15
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $4,328.15
TOTAL: $4,328.15

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($565.00) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51101 FIRE CHIEF $565.00
TOTAL: $565.00
TO:
12911-51225 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIR. STIPEND $565.00
TOTAL: $565.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWELVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY TWO AND 84/100 Dollars ($12,392.84) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $3,231.35
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 9,161.52
TOTAL: $12,392.84
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $12,392.84
TOTAL: $12,392.84

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 13–Nays 0–Absent 0.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, EIGHT THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($8,000.00) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51300 OVERTIME $8,000.00
TOTAL: $8,000.00
TO:
12101-51107 PATROLMAN $8,000.00
TOTAL: $8,000.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE AND 99 /100 Dollars ($184,245.99) as follows:

FROM:
8810-10400 STABILIZATION $184,245.99
TOTAL: $184,245.99
TO:
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS $105,030.99
12101-51900 IN-SERVICE TRAINING 2,473.00
12101-51920 EDUCATION PLAN-QUINN 7,095.00
12101-51915 EDUCATION PLAN-CONTRACT 37,474.00
12101-51400 LONGEVITY 2,296.00
12101-51410 HOLIDAY 15,103.00
12101-51300 OVERTIME 12,700.00
12101-51590 COURT APPEARANCE 1,290.00
12101-51440 SICK LEAVE BONUS 784.00
TOTAL: $184,245.99

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($1,100.00) as follows:

FROM:
11552-53180 SYSTEMS HARDWARE/SOFTWARE $1,100.00
TOTAL: $1,100.00
TO:
11212-57300 DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS $1,100.00
TOTAL: $1,100.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2020, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($21,700.00) as follows:

FROM:
11511-51102 ASSISTANT SOLICITOR $21,700.00
TOTAL: $21,700.00
TO:
11512-53010 SPECIAL COUNSEL $21,700.00
TOTAL: $21,700.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

SULLIVAN Ordered, that That the CPAC recommendation to award a grant to Canal Row LLC in the amount of $90,000 be approved.  Grant is for facade work on the former Armour & Co. building (130 Race St.). Historic Preservation category.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

VACON Ordered, that request that the dead tree in front of 419 Southampton Road be removed. It is a safety issue near the road.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Forestry.
Approved by the Mayor.

VACON Ordered, that the Mayor provide the source/s of funding to support to Statement of Intent to build a new school without a tax override or debt exclusion vote.  He stated it was a matter of priorities when seeking approval for the new school to be built.  At this time we do not have enough money to fund the Police contract the Mayor approved and many businesses remain closed or severely limited due to Covid-19.  It appears there is not adequate funding for the current budget or the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
Information needs to be provided to show  we can afford the city portion of building a new school or the Statement of Intent should be withdrawn.  Refer to Finance Committee.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee. Copy to Mayor Morse.

ANDERSON-BURGOS, McGee Ordered, that Order that the finance committee invite in the Park and Rec director, Terry Sheppard and Ms Ferriter to discuss community field developments.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee. Copy to Parks and Rec..

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

HERNANDEZ Ordered, that Follow up questions from constituent Kocayne Givner regarding CC mtg 4/21/2020 in which O’Connor street was discussed and a traffic study is in order:
*Lawler St has speed bumps, Would this be an option for O’Connor Avenue in order to deter through traffic and speeding?
*Are there plans to continue single lane traffic with bike land and parking on both sides of street
—> Received and referred to the Public Safety Committee. Copy to DPW/City Engineer.

HERNANDEZ Ordered, that Pot holes on Locust street between Appleton and Suffolk need to be addressed, see photos attached. Please add Vassar Circle and Radcliff
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

HERNANDEZ, Lebron-Martinez Ordered, that Residents/Constituents from Pine Street near Appleton have expressed concern of the increase in drug trafficking and transients in their neighborhood, parking and idling in front of their properties, and inquired as to where are the Neighborhood watch signs that are in possession of DPW, I would like to order that they are installed in an attempt to display that the community meets and is vigilant.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW. Copy to Public Safety.
Approved by the Mayor.

HERNANDEZ Ordered, that Update on Handicap sign installation for John Kelley 28 Clinton Avenue
—> Received and referred to the Ordinance Committee.

HERNANDEZ Ordered, that Would like to file an order when allowed and normality is back to have the Holyoke Police Department park their truck on the corner of Sargeant and Walnut as their is an incredible influx of heroin trafficking originating from 308 Walnut and members installed across the street from 300 Walnut Street, Coughlin Apartments. Shots fired and now Fireworks on a daily basis.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Holyoke Police Department. Copy to Public Safety.
Approved by the Mayor.

 

Adjourn at 10:53 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

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City Clerk