Holyoke City Council Meeting December 16, 2025
Published December 12, 2025, 12:50 p.m.
Meeting will take place at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can also be accessed remotely via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83675284572?pwd=eUowdmxXVUJlMGJTaHJ3L0VFQ2IzUT09
Meeting ID: 836 7528 4572 Meeting Passcode: 845022 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with same Meeting ID and Passcode.
Live Spanish interpretation will be available on local access channel 15 using the television’s SAP option, through the live stream on the city website, as well as on the Zoom feed by clicking the interpretation option and choosing Spanish.
AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENT
REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
1. June 11, 2024, September 4, 2024, and April 15, 2025 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and ready for partial release as of September 17, 2025
2. December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 17, 2025
3. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos-meeting minutes from December 2, 2025.
LAID ON THE TABLE
4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos – October 7, 2025 meeting minutes
5. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke shall create an Administrative and Finance Department. Said acceptance shall be subject to implementation by city ordinance and any necessary amendments to the City Charter. This order shall be referred concurrently to Charter and Rules and Ordinance to be considered jointly, with recommendations regarding implementation to be reported back to the City Council jointly. See attached: Municipal Modernization Act of 2025.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
COMMUNICATIONS
6. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter appointing Ms. Karen Betournay of 751 Hampden St. to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority. Ms. Betournay will replace Mr. Carl Eger and will serve a five-year term expiring November 1, 2030.
7. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter appointing Mr. Henry N. Martinez-Cartagena of 59 Chestnut St. Apt 4 to serve as a Commissioner on the Park and Rec. Mr. Marinez-Cartagena will replace Mr. Moquin and will serve the remainder of his term expiring June 30, 2027.
8. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter appointing Mr. Scott Geiger of 63 Cherry Hill to serve as a Commissioner of the Planning Board. Mr. Geiger will replace Mimi Panitch and will serve the remainder of her term expiring June 30, 2026.
9. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter appointing Mr. Paul E. Burns-Johnson of 15 Steven Dr to serve as a Commissioner on the Planning Board. Mr. Burns-Johnson’s term will serve a five-year term expiring on June 30, 2030.
10. From Assistant City Solicitor Kathleen Degnan-Linda Vacon response OML transfer
11. From City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain-communication regarding tax rate
12. FY2026 Updated Budget with supplemental appropriations
13. Planning Board Recommendation, Zone change application for 9 Martin Street from R-2 to BG
14. Planning Board NOD, Special Permit for Wireless Telecommunications Facility at 0 Chmura Drive
15. From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority-meeting minutes from October 15, 2025
16. From HEDIC-meeting minutes from October 23, 2025
PETITIONS
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
17. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Special permit amendment of F&M Hideway, Inc / Schermerhorn’s Restaurant at 224 Westfield Road (157-00-072) to reduce the number and total square footage of signage from the previously issued special permit.
Recommended that the special permit amendment be granted.
18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Special permit application of Lyman Group LCC at 40 Lyman Street (038-02-001.1) to replace the existing retail marijuana special permit issued to Leaf Lux on December 1, 2020, including a request to waive certain submission requirements.
Recommended that the special permit amendment be granted with the following conditions:
1. Prior to the permit being issued by the Building Department, there shall be a written and signed approval from the Chief of Police of the site security plan.
2. In the event of any changes to the approved plan or transfer of ownership, the applicant will be required to come back to the City Council for review and approval prior to implementation and file an amendment to the special permit.
Additionally, all prior conditions placed on the previous special permit, including:
3. That the owner of the building always pay the commercial property tax rate to the extent allowed by federal, state, and local laws for the duration of the Special Permit.
4. That the business retains a minimum 30% Holyoke residents for non-security jobs.
5. That the hiring preference be given to security personnel that are retired Holyoke police or are a retired member of another police department that now lives in the city of Holyoke.
6. There shall be no marijuana consumption allowed on site.
7. There shall be no deliveries of retail or medical marijuana from the site to individual homes, residences, or people,
8. That the hours of operation be set according to City ordinances.
9. That the applicant shall follow recommendations of the OPED letter, dated November 15, 2020, and the letter from the City Engineer.
19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Zone change application from R-2 to BG of Ella Sussman at 9 Martin Street (122-00-018) to change the existing use of its unit from a residential use to solely a commercial use for the operation of the applicant’s part-time psychiatric nurse business.
Recommended that the application be given a leave to withdraw without prejudice.
20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City examine and study the Schedule A increases that were recommended by the salary study completed in 2014, so that we can implement salary adjustments that are competitive and more aligned with neighboring municipalities in order to retract and retain City employees.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
21. 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 “MASS CLEAN WATER TRUST OVERFLOW & STORMWATER GRANT, $250,000, NO MATCH” 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.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
22. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED TWELVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($7,712) as follows:
FROM
2601-10400 TNC RIDESHARE FUND $7,712
TOTAL $7,712
TO:
11752-53010 OPED CONTRACTED SERVICES $7,712
TOTAL $7,712
Recommended that the order be adopted.
23. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
TO:
12202-52410 R & M VEHICLES $25,000.00
12202-54830 SUPPLIES MOTOR VEHICLE 25,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.
24. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINETEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FORTY NINE AND NO/100 Dollars ($19,449.00) as follows:
FROM
12102-52500 R & M BLDGS/GROUNDS $19,449.00
TOTAL $19,449.00
TO:
12103-58000 CAP OUTLAY M/V $19,449.00
TOTAL $19,449.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.
25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby raised and appropriated in the fiscal year 2026, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000) as follows:
FROM:
2026 TAX LEVY $100,000
TOTAL $100,000
TO:
11212-57807 SPECIAL ARTICLE – CRISIS RELIEF FUND $100,000
TOTAL $100,000
Recommended that the order be returned to the Auditor.
26. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Charter and Rules holistically review and reorganize how information on sub-committees is presented in the rules for the sake of clarity in Section 9.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
27. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that City Council Rule 9.I be revised from “Subcommittees should not be allowed to meet at the same time/same night.” to “Subcommittees should not be allowed to meet at the same time/same night unless the Chairs of two or more Sub-Committees have called for a joint meeting.””
Recommended that the order be adopted, as amended.
28. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the roles and responsibilities given to different subcommittees in the rules be revised for clarity, purpose, and functionality.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
29. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order The City consider installation of flashing Crosswalk signals at the two crosswalks proximate to Metcalf.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
30. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred a communication From Christina Schilling, email regarding speeding in school zones
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
31. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order That the Special Education Department within the School Department be invited to a joint meeting of the School Committee and City Council to provide an update on measures taken to mitigate turnover of specialized special education staff. Families have raised concerns regarding the constant turnover and its impact on children receiving special education services
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
32. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order that the City change the use of the lot at the corner of Adam and South Summer from being a 24hr parking to a Residential Parking from 5pm to 7am. Morgan School Staff Parking from 7am- 5pm.
Recommended that the order be referred to the Parking Advisory Committee, copied to the Ordinance Committee.
33. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred a communication From Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colon, School Comm Vice Chair, letter regarding Superintendent Search Screening Committee
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
34. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order the HPS now runs two schools, side by side, on the west side of Northampton Street between Hitchcock and Lawler St. and now is the time for DPW, City Engineer, HPD, and the Mayor’s office to review and monitor this area and make some public safety decisions. Parents, Teachers and Administrators have called about derelict drivers, etc
Awaiting disposition
35. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the city of Holyoke install storm warning lights much like those in neighboring communities. These would act to signal coming snow and other inclement weather storms, prompting residents to check our city web site as well as their preferred news sources. Storm warning lights would also act as a parking ban notification in an effort to assist our overextended police department.
Awaiting disposition
36. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The city engineer review the signaling at the Maple St / South St. / Parenteau Dr intersection. Multiple accidents and near-accidents have occurred there over the years as motorists from Maple St turn Left against oncoming traffic on South St (heading downtown). The intersection is proximate to the former Whole Donut and the Fitzpatrick Ice Rink.
Awaiting disposition
37. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the city engineer draft the costs and feasibility of installing two raised crosswalks on Main Street adjacent to Springdale Park.
Awaiting disposition
38. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The City Engineer look at on-street parking at the top of Fairmont Ave. and recommend available suggestions to relieve congestion.
Awaiting disposition
39. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The city engineer please recommend on-street parking improvements on the north-side of South St. between 485 South St. (Elmwood Towers) and Russell Terrace and the south-side of South St. from Taino’s Restaurant to the old fire station. (Order is suggested by local business owners.)
Awaiting disposition
40. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order to install city-wide signage reflecting state law that requires cars to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Awaiting disposition
41. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order City Engineer review options to improve road safety at Queen and Cherry St. Issue: trucks exiting Queen St. are seen driving over the median strip and making an illegal left-hand turn onto Cherry St. (Rt. 202-South)
Awaiting disposition
42. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order City Engineer consider the following road improvements on Main St. in Springdale: in lieu of replacing the traffic light, install a raised crosswalk and solar-powered pedestrian signal.
Awaiting disposition
43. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Per constituent requests, please conduct a traffic study on Hamden to help mitigate use as a truck route, and to address heavy traffic volume on Hamden.
Constituents have difficulty entering/exiting driveways. Also, houses shake when trucks pass. Constituents are concerned there may be infrastructure related safety issues.
Awaiting disposition
44. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City Engineer investigate the installation of pedestrian safety measures at the crosswalk located on Northampton Street at Winthrop Street. This may include installations of curb extensions (aka “bump outs”) and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB).
Awaiting disposition
45. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The City Engineer and/or VEOLIA suggest improvements to the sidewalk and catch basin near 5 Martin St. (at the corner of Westfield Rd and Martin). Owner’s contractor noted the sidewalk is too high and the design causes water to pool on parking lot; the catch basin is above-grade is not catching storm water. Owner very willing to confer with City Engineer on this matter. R
Awaiting disposition
46. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW consider resurfacing the roadbed on Woodland St. Multiple constituents (and their letter carrier) requesting.
Awaiting disposition
47. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW, Emergency Management, HPD and Mayor’s office determine a safety plan to better warn truckers traveling on Main St. of the iron R/R bridge at Lyman St. Yet another collision occurred last week. Consider checking out the flashing beacons and warning signs on East Mountain Rd, Westfield.
Awaiting disposition
48. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The DPW install a protective wraparound barrier (lattice, wire) the Holyoke Railroad platform. Unfortunately people are using this for protection from the elements but it is a very dangerous location and I don’t want anyone to stumble onto the rail tracks as recently happened in Northampton.
Awaiting disposition
49. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order for installation of a Perimeter Fence and Implementation of a Pay-to-Park System at the Main Street Parking Lot Across from 299 Main Street as well as the Canal St lot across from GTI. Additionally, to provide paid parking permits to businesses located on Main Street and Canal St.
Awaiting disposition
50. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that speed humps be placed on Old Jarvis based on the recommendation of the traffic study completed in 2008.
Awaiting disposition
51. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the consulting City Engineer, DPW Director, and Police Chief provide an update as to traffic calming measures being taken on Bemis, including a timeline for the placement of permanent speed humps, and the number of speeding tickets taken the last two months.
Awaiting disposition
52. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City install a few signs: “No Trucks”, “Slow Down, Children”, and “No Parking Anytime” on the block across from 320 Elm St.
Awaiting disposition
53. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That installation of a crosswalk near #64 County Rd be evaluated for improved safety.
Awaiting disposition
54. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City put a “No Parking” sign in front of the old Fire Station building on Main St. People park half on the street/sidewalk so people can’t use the sidewalks. Police need to enforce and ticket them.
Awaiting disposition
55. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Constituent (business) request. Ordered that the city engineer, DPW Highway Dept., develop a plan to install safety measures at the Northampton St. (Rt 5) and Beech St. (Rt 202) intersection. Specifically, create and implement a plan so that motorists traveling N on Rt. 5 who are turning right on red onto Rt. 202 North allow motorists traveling S on Rt. 5 who are turning Left on a green arrow onto Rt. 202 to turn safely. Per constituent, too many close calls.
Awaiting disposition
56. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City Engineer report on possible improvements at the entrance to the Woodmar Glen neighborhood in order to safeguard life and property. Two bad car accidents in the last year have caused the neighborhood to have to pay to replace their sign twice.
Awaiting disposition
57. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the Department of Public Works, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety and the Traffic Commission, take the following actions to improve pedestrian safety:
1. Crosswalk Installation – Paint and maintain a clearly marked crosswalk in front of 598 Dwight Street to provide a safe crossing for elderly residents and other pedestrians accessing the nearby park.
2. “No Turn on Red” Signage – Install appropriate “No Turn on Red” signage at the corner of Dwight Street and Maple Street, where drivers frequently fail to stop, creating a hazard for pedestrians.
3. Pedestrian Signal Timing – Evaluate and adjust the pedestrian crossing signal at the Dwight and Maple Street intersection to include a sufficient countdown timer, ensuring that elderly pedestrians and others have adequate time to cross safely.
Awaiting disposition
58. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication Petition from Residents of Ward 1- concerns regarding crosswalk at Chestnut and Lymans Streets
Awaiting disposition
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
59. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that HPD and DPW develop a list of 10-15 points across the city which would benefit from permanent speed limit reminders to the public and present a plan for installing permanent speed radar signs at those points.
60. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a plan be presented to Public Safety concerning how See-Click-Fix can be effectively implemented through DPW, Engineering, and Council, including how it can be made prominent on the city website, how councilors can log issues from constituents, what communication structure can be used to respond to people who log issues, and how a public-facing report can be shared online showing the status of issues that were logged. Consider also if a “Driving Speed/Traffic Complaint” category can be added.
61. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a monthly standing order be added to Public Safety meetings where the committee reviews the See-Click-Fix Report and the status of logged issues.
62. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Council establish a Traffic Commission to oversee and coordinate citywide traffic management, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including: developing and recommending traffic regulations and ordinances and reviewing and recommending for approval traffic-related proposals (ex. signage, signalization, pedestrian improvements, and neighborhood traffic-calming measures). This Commission will include representatives from Council, Engineering, Holyoke Police Department, and DPW, and will provide regular reports to the City Council on traffic conditions, project updates, and recommended policy changes.
63. Rivera, J.- Ordered the DPW install a handicap sign at 330 Maple St. Apt 19 for Jose A. Reyes. Handicap Placard #PL9380041
64. Bartley, Ocasio- The DGR committee invite Frank Martinez, Ex. Director, from Enlace de Familias to meet with the committee to hear updates from Enlace’s perspective relative to the two recent fires in Holyoke that displaced so many families and caused their lives to be upturned. Felix was contacted by the maker of this order and agreed to appear in committee as soon as the DGR chair can arrange a date/time and his email confirmation is attached to this order.
65. Bartley, Vacon- The city council accept the attached news article published in the Republican on 12/11/25 concerning the status of the City’s finances and the order I filed to hear from our elected leaders about the plan to hire qualified persons to reconcile the city’s ledgers. DLS informed the city in a letter dated 11/17/25 that the present situation is “catastrophic.” Refer to Finance Committee.
66. Bartley, Vacon- The law department update the city council as soon as possible regarding the litigation filed in Massachusetts Land Court regarding the Elmwood Forest. (The law dept., to date, still has not informed the council of its litigation to take by way of tax title foreclosure the acreage in the Elmwood Forest. See Land court docket no. 2023TL00052 City of Holyoke v. David Begley et al). The council and the public should be aware that a lawsuit was filed by seven residents (the Plaintiffs) of the City of Holyoke and served upon the City’s law dept and the City filed a motion to dismiss that is scheduled for a hearing 1/12/2026. Both the amended complaint of the Plaintiffs and the motion to dismiss of the City of Holyoke are attached to this Order. The docket no. is 25MISC000718.
67. Bartley, Vacon- The city council accept the attached e-mail from DLS with an update on the process to contract with a vendor to correct the catastrophic condition of the City’s finances. Refer to Finance.
68. Bartley- Thank you to all of Elmwood and Ward 3 for allowing me to represent you for the last 14 years. Motion to Receive.
69. Devine- Ordered that the City Council give thanks and a Proclamation to the following: Municipal Departments
For the assistance of the following in fighting the 2 recent fires and assisting those in need:
Holyoke Fire Department
Holyoke Police Department
Holyoke Water Department
Holyoke Gas and Electric
Holyoke DPW
Holyoke Emergency Management Department
Holyoke Community Emergency Response Team
Holyoke School Department
Holyoke Health Department
Cataldo Ambulance EMS
Holyoke Elected Officials
Holyoke War Memorial Commission
70. Devine-Ordered that the City Council adpt the attached resolution regarding Increased Transparency in Board Communication with Citizens.
71. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTEEN THOUSAND THIRTY EIGHT AND 76/100 Dollars ($15,038.76) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANT $7,271.05
12101-51107 PATROL 7,767.71
TOTAL $15,038.76
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $15,038.76
TOTAL $15,038.76
72. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THIRTEEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR AND 99/100 ($13,934.99) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANT $6,902.09
12101-51107 PATROL 7,032.90
TOTAL $13,934.99
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $13,934.99
TOTAL $13,934.99
73. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY TWO AND 74/100 Dollars ($3,142.74) as follows:
FROM
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT $3,142.74
TOTAL $3,142.74
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $3,142.74
PP#11 TOTAL $3,142.74
74. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT AND 48/100 Dollars ($5,788.48) as follows:
FROM
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT $3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER 2,645.74
TOTAL $5,788.48
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $5,788.48
PP#12 TOTAL $5,788.48
75. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2026 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM, $12,967.16 NO MATCH” 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.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
76. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2026 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT SUPPORT & INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM, $306,443.00 NO MATCH” 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.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.
77. Devine: ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Six Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Twelve ($636,812) Dollars, which is in addition to the $4,498,497 previously appropriated, for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Lt. Elmer J. McMahon Elementary School Roof, located at 75 Kane Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 35,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council.
78. Devine- ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Five Million Seven Hundred Fifty Three Thousand Four Hundred Eighteen Dollars and No Cents ($5,753,418) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of partial roof replacement and code-required upgrades at the Maurice A. Donahue Elementary School, located at 200 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing PVC roof and installing 43,000 SF of PVC membrane, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council.
79. DEVINE – ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Six Million Seven Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and No Cents ($6,739,962) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of partial roof replacement and code-required upgrades at the Lt. Clayre Sullivan Middle School, located at 400 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing PVC roof and installing 50,000 SF of PVC membrane, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council.
Addendum:
Per City Council rule 2B, meeting shall end by 10 PM unless an extension is approved by a two-thirds majority of those present. If any items remain, those items will be added to the beginning of the next regular meeting.
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
LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter regarding shift factor for tax rate.