Holyoke City Council Meeting December 4, 2018

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
December 4,2018

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

The Clerk called the roll. Absent members: 0 Present Members 13 (Anderson-Burgos, Bartley, Bresnahan, Leahy, Lebron-Martinez, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, Roman, Sullivan, Tallman, Vacon, Valentin).

The name of Councilor Lebron-Martinez was drawn to head the roll call voting.

Moment of silence was held for George HW Walker Bush 41st President of the United States whom had passed away.

LAID ON THE TABLE

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, twenty two thousand five hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($22,500) as follows:

FROM:
11511-51101 Pay-Solicitor $22,500
TOTAL: $22,500
TO:
11511-51102 Pay-Assistant Solicitor $22,500
TOTAL: $22,500

have considered the same and Recommend the order be adopted.

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
—> Received and laid on the table.

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

COMMUNICATIONS

From City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee, minutes of the November 20, 2018 City Council meeting
—> Received and adopted.

From Ward 2 City Councilor Nelson Rafael Roman, letter of resignation
Councilor Roman stepped up to the podium to speak. Councilor Roman spoke on his gratitude to the City of Holyoke and stated that though he had past struggles the City of Holyoke was always there to lift him up. Councilor Roman announced that he would be resigning from his City Council position to take up a new job opportunity elsewhere. Councilor Roman thanked the people of Holyoke and Ward 2 for putting their trust in him and electing him to the City Council. Councilor Roman went on to thank each individual Councilor and commended each on the work they do. City Council members spoke briefly on the process for appointing a replacement for Councilor Nelson Roman.
—> Received.

From Assistant City Solicitor Crystal Barnes, Resignation and Replacement
—> Received and referred to the Public Service Committee.

From Assistant City Solicitor Crystal Barnes, Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local 1693, Holyoke Firefighters.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take item 28 out of order:
BRESNAHAN Ordered, that Order that the city solicitor and the auditor file the memorandum of understanding with the Holyoke fire department union immediately so it can be voted on by the city Council in 2018
—> Received and adopted.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take late file C out of order:
From Tanya Wdowiak City Auditor, Free Cash
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take late file D out of order:

MCGEE Ordered, that Order that the city invite in Matt Andre to discuss the DOR letter attached.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take late file B out of order:
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FFY 2019 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND EQUIPMENT PROGRAM” 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.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
Under Discussion: It was noted that Sgt. John Hart was on hand to address the Council and give information about the grant. It was noted that the grant was time sensitive and was related to traffic enforcement and equipment. It was noted that the grant was for the amount of $13,200. Councilor McGiverin stated that the grant puts extra patrols out on the street during holidays to patrol for impaired driving and other issues that might take place.
—> 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.

From Community Preservation Act Committee, rules of the Community Preservation Act Committee
—> Received.

PETITIONS

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 7-9 as a package
Petition for Pole and Wire Locations (HGED) to locate a line of wires, cables, poles and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
One (1) 40′ Class II poles on 25 Pinehurst Rd corner of Dunn Ave, Holyoke MA
—> Received.

Petition for Pole and Wire Locations (HGED) to locate a line of wires, cables, poles and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
One (1) 40′ Class II poles on 34 Pinehurst Rd corner of Dunn Ave, Holyoke MA
—> Received.

Petition of Pole and Wire Locations (HGED) to locate a line of wires, cables, poles and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
One (1) 40′ Class II poles across the street from 20 & 24 Dunn Ave, Holyoke MA
—> Received.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Council President Todd McGee reminded everyone that there are barrels to allow for Councilors or the public to donate coats to those in need. Councilor McGee stated that there is a great need for coats in the City and encouraged people to donate.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 11A-11C as a package
The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that bond counsel be invited in to discuss effects and options available in bonding for two new middle schools. The possibilities of longer term bonding, early retirement options, and alternatives to a debt exclusion need to be explored.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
Joseph M. McGiverin
James M. Leahy
Peter R. Tallman
Michael J. Sullivan
Todd McGee
Councilor McGiverin spoke and gave rundown of the meeting that took place in finance. It was noted that there were a number of stakeholders that were in for that meeting including Bond Council Cinder McNerny and other various reps from the City finance departments and the Schools. Councilor McGiverin gave overview of the discussion speaking about the financial status of the City of Holyoke and also gave bonding options for the school construction project. Councilor McGiverin also spoke on charter school reimbursement formula and stated that the hope is that the state delegation can work on behalf of the City help get more of the reimbursement owed to the City. Councilor Vacon spoke and stressed the importance of having a financial plan to stabilize debt and to sustain the stabilization fund. Councilor Vacon also spoke on information gained about the City’s A plus bond rating and noted that rating is actually not as good as the average and that the City should plan to reach AA rating which is really the standard for municipalities. Councilor Bartley thanked Co. McGiverin for having a great meeting. Councilor Bartley stated that right now the City does not have a plan right now for the new schools, only a proposal. Councilor Bartley stated that right now there is no money set aside for the schools. Councilor Bartley also stated that as of right now the City does not even control the two sites on which the schools would be built. Councilor McGiverin stated that it was proposed that two to three schools would be closed if the project went forward with a possible savings of around 3 million dollars.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City Assessor provide an opinion on the effect of two new middle schools on property values. The addition of new middle schools will make Holyoke a more desirable place to raise a family.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

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

The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the School Department prepare a summary of potential savings (or additional costs) associated with the addition of two new middle schools.  Also, what other grants may be available and what actions are being taken.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

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

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred City Council review Mayoral appointee Mark Cutting to serve as a member of HEDIC
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M. McGiverin
Jossie M Valentin
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Councilor Leahy spoke on Mr. Mark Cutting and his resume stating that he is qualified to be on HEDIC:
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred City Council review of Mayoral appointee Rachel Graber to the Library Board of Directors
have considered the same and Recommend that the appointee be confirmed .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M. McGiverin
Jossie M Valentin
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Councilor Leahy spoke and gave information on Rachel Graber noting that she had a great resume and was well qualified to serve on the Library Board of Directors.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopt a resolution to support local control over municipal clean energy standards and portfolios
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M. McGiverin
Jossie M Valentin
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 13D-13E as a package
The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order that the Mayor coordinate with HG&E and the Holyoke Police Dept. to provide a training to all municipal employees for how to identify and deal with cyber threats
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with
.

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M. McGiverin
Jossie M Valentin
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Councilor Leahy spoke and stated that Jim Lavelle was present for the meeting. Councilor Lisi spoke and gave the reason she filed the order to help the HG&E work to carve out exemptions to allow for hydro power to count for state mandated portfolios.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order that the HG&E along side the HPD develop a protocol for identifying, reporting, and alerting City Hall employees of possible cyber threats and how to avoid them.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order has been complied with .

Committee Members:
James M. Leahy
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M. McGiverin
Jossie M Valentin
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Councilor Leahy spoke and stated that Mr. Curt Jonas from Gas and Electric and James Lavelle from HG&E both spoke on the orders and how training is done to help protect cyber security. Councilor Lisi spoke on her order and the importance of having training and various other exercises to ensure that the City is safe from cyber attacks and phishing schemes.
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order That the Honorable City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30B and the Holyoke Procurement Ordinance, vote to accept an offer of $10,000.00 from the Holyoke Housing Authority to purchase and redevelop 144 High Street. The property is identified in the Holyoke Assessor’s Records as Map 013, Block 02, Parcel 004, consisting of an approximate 5,460 square foot building situated on 3,354 square feet of land.  The property is zoned as Downtown Business (BC) and has an assessed value of $82,400.
have considered the same and Recommend that the order be given leave to withdraw .

Committee Members:
David K. Bartley
Michael J. Sullivan
Jossie M Valentin
Peter R. Tallman
Nelson R. Roman
Councilor Bartley spoke on the order and noted that the Holyoke Housing Authority withdrew the offer and therefore the order should be given leave withdraw
—> Report of Committee received and recommendation adopted.

ORDERS AND TRANSFERS

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2019, four thousand four hundred seventy seven and 56/100 Dollars ($4,477.56) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51107 Patrolmen $4,477.56
TOTAL: $4,477.56
TO:
12101-51180 Injured on Duty $4,477.56
TOTAL: $4,477.56

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Alex B Morse, Mayor
Received and adopted Councilor McGiverin spoke and noted that these orders are for injured on duty and are sent to the Council as an accounting mechanism to keep the Council in the loop as far as these transactions go.
—> Passed two readings and Adopted on a call of the roll of the yeas and nays –Yeas 12–Nays 0–Absent 1 (Leahy).
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 18-23 as a package
MCGIVERIN Ordered, that the amount of eleven thousand nine hundred eighty one and 00/100 Dollars ($11,981.00) be authorized from the Mayor’s Office Department’s City Liability & Damage Insurance’s (19402-57400) appropriation in fiscal year 2019 for services rendered in fiscal year 2018 which were unencumbered at the 2018 fiscal year end.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FFY2019 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program Grant” 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.
To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2017 Emergency Management Preparedness Grant” 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.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that the amount of three thousand five hundred forty one and 20/100 Dollars ($3,541.20) be authorized from the Board of Health Department’s Advertising (15102-53430) appropriation in fiscal year 2019 for services rendered in fiscal year 2018 which were unencumbered at the 2018 fiscal year end.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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

MCGIVERIN Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “DONATION – 14 GLOCK 21 FIREARMS / 12 BALLISTIC VESTS” 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.

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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 2019, nineteen thousand five hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($19,500.00) as follows:

FROM:
14261-51106 DPW Police Mechanic $19,500.00
TOTAL: $19,500.00
TO:
12102-52410 Police M/V Repairs $19,500.00
TOTAL: $19,500.00

To the City Council:
I hereby recommend the passage of the above order at the meeting of your Council to be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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

VACON Ordered, that the following actions take place to strengthen the financial condition of our City as per recommendations by our financial advisor Cinder McNerney:
-That a debt management stabilization fund be established.
-That a financial plan to improve the bond rating from A+ to AA be established
-That a minimum of 10% of the budget be maintained in the stabilization fund with a goal of increasing the fund to 15% of the budget prior to funds being used from the fund for other than emergency purposes.
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that The catch basin at West Glen and Martin Streets does not appear to properly function. Please repair ASAP.  Refer to DPW, City Engineer and Suez.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW.
Approved by the Mayor.

Motion was made and seconded to suspend the necessary rules and take items 26-27 as a package
BARTLEY Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 30B and the Holyoke Code of Ordinances procurement ordinance, the City Council declare the parcel at 106-108 Main Street as surplus property available for disposition. Said parcel is identified by the Holyoke Board of Assessors records as Map 006, Block 08, Parcel 012, consisting of a vacant 7,020 square foot apartment style building with 4 – 8 units which is more particularly described in a deed recorded at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 13618, Page 243. On November 9, 2018 the property was awarded to the City via Land Court Decree with a final judgment recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 22440, Page 85.  The property is zoned Highway Business (BH) and has an assessed value of $112,000.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

BARTLEY Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 30B and the Holyoke Code of Ordinances procurement ordinance, the City Council declare two parcels on James Street as surplus property available for disposition. The parcels are identified as follows:
2 James Street, Assessors Map 082, Block 00, Parcel 059, consisting of a vacant 1,512 single family style building which is more particularly described in a deed recorded at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 11719, Page 67.  On October 30, 2018 the property was awarded to the City via Land Court Decree with a final judgment recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 22423, Page 460.  The property is zoned Downtown Residential (DR) and has an assessed value of $82,900.
and
James Street, Assessors Map 082, Block 00, Parcel 060, consisting of approximately 8,500 square feet of land and is more particularly described at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 6025, Page 217.  On May 15, 2018 the property was awarded to the City via Land Court Decree with a Judgment recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds Book 22172, Page 578.  The property is zoned as Downtown Residential (DR) and has an assessed value of $4,700.
—> Received and referred to the Development and Governmental Relations Committee.

LEAHY Ordered, that the Honorable Holyoke City Council present a proclamation to Michael Plaisance for his 31 years at the Springfield Republican newspaper and for covering Holyoke for 15 of those years!
—> Received and adopted.

MCGEE Ordered, that the DPW and/or the Water Department plow Old Easthampton Road and the parking area to the reservoir.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the DPW and Water Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGEE Ordered, that the HPD enforce the no parking areas along Jarvis Ave and Old Easthampton Road.  There have been several complaints of illegal parking and traffic issues due to the illegal parking.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Holyoke Police Department.
Approved by the Mayor.

MCGEE, Bresnahan, Vacon Ordered, that with the change over in the Auditor’s position and prior accounting issues the city hire former auditor Brian Smith on a consultant basis.  This request/discussion was confirmed in a prior Finance committee hearing.
—> Received and adopted. Referred to the Auditor.

LATE FILED ORDERS & COMMUNICATIONS

From Mayor Alex Morse, communication of Stabilization Fund Policy
—> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.

 

 

Adjourn at 08:31 PM.
A true record
ATTEST:

______________________________
City Clerk