Holyoke City Council Meeting May 6, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Posted May 2, 2025, 1:41 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/85914960000?pwd=QVBqSkJvd0pSZENmNFdDbnVXTnVTUT09
Meeting ID: 859 1496 0000 Meeting Passcode: 657908 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.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
1. — November 1, 2022, December 5, 2023, February 6, 2024, and June 11, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and partially released as of April 15, 2025
2. — January 22, 2024, September, 4, 2024 Executive Session and December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of April 15, 2025
3. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from April 15, 2025
LAID ON THE TABLE
4. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that Hampden Street Streetscape Improvements from Waldo St to Nonotuck St block are made based on the recommendations of the city engineer, with necessary changes made in Ordinance to support necessary upgrades.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
5. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, minutes of February 18, 2025 meeting.
6. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order With community support, order that the following section of our Codes of Ordinances and charter be updated to reflect use of email as sufficient for special meeting notice:
Sec. 12. – Special meetings of city council.
The Mayor or City Council President may at any time call a special meeting of the city council by public posting through the city website along with written notifications thereof, together with a statement of the subjects to be considered thereat, to be deposited in the post office, postpaid and addressed to the persons to be notified, at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting, or to be left at the usual place of residence of each member of the council, by email at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting. (Acts 1965, c. 187; Acts 1992, c. 189)
Awaiting disposition
7. — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that if someone is putting in an RFP through the city for a property that is up for sale and the applicant has outstanding issues with the Board of Health, Building Department, or any other city department having to do with other properties they own, that they are not eligible to win the bid for the RFP.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
8. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City accept Lynn Ann Drive and Richard Eger Drive as public ways.
Recommended that Richard Eger be accepted as a public way and Lynn Ann Drive be accepted as a public way, pending recommendation of the Board of Public Works.
COMMUNICATIONS
9. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Laddy Rua of 15 Portland St. to serve as the Interim Director of Veterans Services. Effective date April 28, 2025
10. From Treasurer Rory Casey-reports on top 100 salaries, top 100 salaries for the schools and salaries of elected officials
11. From DESE Interim Commisioner Patrick tutwiler- Final Cover Memo for HPS Exit Assurances – Eng Sp
12. From DESE- Final Exit Assurances Holyoke – updated post-mtg
13. From Leiha Maldonado- Sick & Dead Cats in Holyoke
14. From Adam Mulcahy and Christina Guesk-Notification of Intent to sell under MGL
15. From Residents of Elm St-Speed Hump Petition
16. From Board of Fire Commissioners- 2024 Holyoke Fire Department Annual Report
17. From City of Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting, meeting minutes from March 24, 2025
18. From Board of Fire Commission-meeting minutes from March 19, 2025
PETITIONS
19. Petition of Peter Hannoush of 1769 Riverdale St. West Springfield for a renewal of a Second Hand Licnese at 50 Holyoke St.
20. Petition of of Game Stop for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 50 Holyoke St.
21. Petition of David Greenberg of Pawn Depot at 448 Appleton St. for a renweal of a Pawn Broker Licnese
22. Petition of The Mass Cannabis Growers Cooperative LLC of 1 Cabot St. for Marijuana Manufacturing Establishment
23. Petition of Holyoke Retail LLC for a Drive-Through Facility (7.1.6.5) at 1504 Northampton St.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
24. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW install a Handicap sign for Susana Morales at 361 Chestnut St
Recommended that the order be adopted, amending Ana Rodriguez to Susana Morales at the request of the Disabilities Commission.
25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-53420 POSTAGE – REG OF VOTERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
26. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-52700 EQUIPMENT $2,000
11612-54200 OFFICE & PROF SUPPLIES 1,000
TOTAL $3,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
27. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,000) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
TO:
11612-53030 PRINTING/BINDING $3,000
TOTAL $3,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
28. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,800) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $3,800
TOTAL $3,800
TO:
14222-52519 R&M PUBLIC LIBRARY $3,800
TOTAL $3,800
Recommended that the order be adopted.
29. 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 “2024 MASSDEP RECYCLING DIVIDENDS/SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS RECOVERY PROGRAM, $7,800, 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.
30. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the amount of NINE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($945.00) be authorized from the DPW-PROPERTY Department’s R&M SENIOR CENTER (14222-52505) appropriation in fiscal year 2025 for services rendered in fiscal year 2024 which were unencumbered at the 2024 fiscal year end.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
31. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN AND 89/100 Dollars ($847.89) as follows:
FROM
12101-51510 SICK LEAVE BUYBACK $847.89
TOTAL $847.89
TO:
12101-51323 SNOW/OTHER OVERTIME $197.89
12102-55860 PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT 650.00
TOTAL $847.89
Recommended that the order be adopted.
32. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($145,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN $125,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 20,000
TOTAL $145,000
TO:
12103-58000 CAP OUTLAY-MOTOR VEHICLES $145,000
TOTAL $145,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
33. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($30,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51915 EDUCATION PLAN $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
TO:
12102-55860 PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT $30,000
TOTAL $30,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
34. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 FIFTY TWO THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($52,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51103 CAPTAINS $52,000
TOTAL $52,000
TO:
12102-52420 R&M OTHER $52,000
TOTAL $52,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
35. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($20,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51920 QUINN INCENTIVE $14,000
12101-51900 IN SERVICE TRAINING 6,000
TOTAL $20,000
TO:
12102-54221 SUPPLIES-AMMUNITION $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
36. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the HR Director and Interim Police Chief come into Council to discuss the positive and negative impacts of our policy of swearing in police officers prior to their finishing the Police Academy. We request that the HR Director provide a regional comparison to other towns and cities to see if we are following best practice.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
37. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Police Chief, Board of Health Director, Mayor and Law Dept meet with the City Council to discuss improving numerous quality of life issues that we have seen or citizens have expressed concerns with us. We would like to look at current strategies and see if they are effective or what we need to change including the potential need for additional resources. We also request leadership develop a comprehensive plan including a map that they can present containing all the resources currently provided, those planned and needed to achieve both short and long term objectives.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
38. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order HPD enforce the STOP sign at Brown Ave and Laurel St.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
39. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Have the HPD advise on the status of formation of a traffic bureau and a code enforcement.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
40. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order With community support, order that speed trailers be moved regularly to collect speed data from rotating locations throughout the city. Trailer priority shall be given to most dangerous streets and intersection areas as listed in state, Triple A, and other professional traffic data reports. A 2-4 week period per location shall be determined ongoing. Speed data reports shall be submitted to Public safety monthly for review.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
41. — The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that HPD create a publicly visible calendar of speed trailers so that communities know when they can expect to see requested actions in their neighborhoods.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
42. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order With community support, that the chief of police supply a written or in person update on what steps have been taken to address traffic concerns in Holyoke, especially in wards 1,2,3,4, & 6, as REQUIRED by to our city’s Ordinance:Sec. 50-42. – Traffic squad—Designation and training of members.
The chief of police shall designate six members and such additional members as may from time to time be required to act as traffic officers. Such members shall receive and be given thorough and adequate training in the regulation and direction of traffic, in accordance with a uniform and recognized standard.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
43. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Assistant City Solictor Kathy DegnanHaynes Construction Wayfinders Temporary License Agreement
Awaiting disposition
44. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Alicia Zoeller from Office of Community Development-request for Consideration of FY2024 CDBG
Awaiting disposition
45. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that Alicia Zoeller from the Office of Community Development be invited into a DGR meeting to present 2025 ARPA funding proposals for consideration and recommendations.
Awaiting disposition
46. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Alicia Zoeller, Office of Community Development, American Rescue Plan Act Grant Update
Awaiting disposition
47. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that V-Care and the City Engineer be invited into DG&R in order to discuss the companion order in Ordinance Committee concerning the issue of V-Care’s request of an additional parking spot. The Ordinance Committee respectfully requests information from DG&R to best understand what may be needed to do in Ordinance; are there suitable alternatives to a second designated parking lot through the use of existing bus lanes, vehicle staging procedures, or alleyway use, or is a second designated short-term parking space at set hours recommended.
Awaiting disposition
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
48. Rivera J- Ordered that a Handicap sign be placed 50 North Bridge St. for Nelson Vega
49. Vacon, Magrath-Smith- ORDER: That the ordinance for battery storage be reviewed, and revised language be considered for small & large scale battery storage projects, due to new information documenting safety concerns.
50. Anderson-Burgos- Ordered that a Handicap sign be placed at 330 Jarvis Ave for Keri Padua.
51. Bartley-The city council issues a proclamation to encourage all of us to support the advocates of mental health and those in need of their support. Further, the Holyoke City council congratulates The Support Network on its 30th anniversary in supporting individuals in such need. (See attached flyer.)
52. Bartley- This is a follow-up to the Feb 3, 2025 letter late-filed communication from Atty Jane Mantolesky. (See attached letter). Ordered that the city council implores the Office of Planning & Econonomic Development to put this city-owned parcel (known as the St. Vicent St. lots) out to bid for the purpose of developing between one and three residential properties. The City council ORDERS that OPED put these out to bid right away but with a date no later than June 17, 2025.
53. Bartley- Holyoke ordinance chapter 14 be amended to protect the welfare of felines. The ordinance chapter can be provided by our Admin. Asst. upon request (its approx 30 pages) or you may email me and I’ll send it along. The issue arose a result my communication with the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and its Director of the Division of Animal Health who advised, “Breeding of dogs and cats is an unregulated activity in Massachusetts.” Per the Director, there are regulations that, in fact, do pertain to canines. However, he states, “There are no such regulatory requirements for cats.” Holyoke, unlike the state, can and should protect animal health and the welfare of cats and ordain regulatory powers as needed. Refer to Ordinance, Animal Control Officer, Board of Health.
54. Bartley, Greaney, Vacon, Jourdain, Occasio, Sullivan- In honor of his induction to the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of fame, class of 2025, the Holyoke City Council issue a proclamation to our colleague from Ward 2 and the City’s former mayor, Terrence Murphy. FYI: induction is 6/5/25, 6 pm, Wyckoff CC banquet hall.
55. Devine- ORDERED: That the DPW create a street sign at the corner of Appleton and Crescent Streets for Rev.Miguel A. Cruz Way
56. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($35,000) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $35,000
TOTAL $35,000
TO:
15412-52500 COA R&M BUILDING $35,000
TOTAL $35,000
57. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY TWO AND 60/100 Dollars ($5,652.60) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $5,652.60
TOTAL $5,652.60
TO:
14222-52502 R&M CITY HALL $5,652.60
TOTAL $5,652.60
58. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($29,425.00) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $27,546.90
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION 1,878.10
TOTAL $29,425.00
TO:
14222-52502 R&M CITY HALL $29,425.00
TOTAL $29,425.00
59. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE 00/100 Dollars ($6,335) as follows:
FROM
14301-51102 PAY-REFUSE HMEO $6,335
TOTAL $6,335
TO:
14301-51300 REFUSE OVERTIME $6,335
TOTAL $6,335
60. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE THOUSAND SIXTY SIX AND 54/100 Dollars ($3,066.54) as follows:
FROM
12941-51104 TREE CLIMBER $3,066.54
TOTAL $3,066.54
TO:
12941-51300 FORESTRY OVERTIME $3,066.54
TOTAL $3,066.54
61. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FORTY FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE AND 58/100 Dollars ($45,525.58) as follows:
FROM
12941-51104 TREE CLIMBER $45,525.58
TOTAL $45,525.58
TO:
12942-53010 CONTRACTED FORESTRY SERVICES $45,525.58
TOTAL $45,525.58
62. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($27,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS $27,000
TOTAL $27,000
TO:
12201-51300 OVERTIME $20,000
12201-51301 ARSON OVERTIME 1,000
12201-51302 HAZ MAT OVERTIME 6,000
TOTAL $27,000
63. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 TEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY SIX AND 34/100 Dollars ($10,946.34) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN $10,946.34
TOTAL $10,946.34
TO:
12201-51102 DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF $ 2,214.95
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT 8,476.42
12201-51109 ASST SUPER OF FIRE ALARMS 254.97
TOTAL $10,946.34
64. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 FORTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($45,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $45,000
TOTAL $45,000
TO:
12201-52410 R&M VEHICLES $25,000
12202-54800 MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL 20,000
TOTAL $45,000
65. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($6,806.64) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,142.74
TOTAL $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $6,806.64
PP#21 TOTAL $6,806.64
66. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($6,806.64) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,142.74
TOTAL $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $6,806.64
PP#22 TOTAL $6,806.64
67. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000) as follows:
FROM
11211-51104 CAFO $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
TO:
19202-57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
68. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($20,000) as follows:
FROM
14101-51105 SR CIVIL ENGINEER $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
69. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 FIREFIGHTER SAFETY EQUIPMENT GRANT PROGRAM (ROUND 2), $11,660, 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.
70. Givner- For earmarked funding, order that the Councilors review and approve attached updates to City Council chambers.
71. Jourdain- Rule 8 be amended by adding a new Rule 8P:
In case of the failure of the mayor to transmit to the city council a written recommendation for an appropriation for any purpose not included in the annual budget, which is deemed necessary by the council, after having been so requested by vote thereof, said council, after the expiration of seven days from such vote, upon its own initiative may make such appropriation by a vote of at least two thirds of its members, and shall in all cases clearly specify the amount to be expended for each particular purpose, but no appropriation may be voted hereunder so as to fix specific salaries of employees under the direction of boards elected by the people, other than the city council. [Reference: MG.L. c. 44 § 33]
The annual budget shall include sums sufficient to pay the salaries of officers and employees fixed by law or by ordinance. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of any city charter, no ordinance providing for an increase in the salaries or wages of municipal officers or employees shall be enacted except by a two thirds vote of the city council, nor unless it is to be operative for more than three months during the calendar year in which it is passed. No new position shall be created or increase in rate made by ordinance, vote or appointment during the financial year subsequent to the submission of the annual budget unless provision therefor has been made by means of a supplemental appropriation. No ordinance, vote or appointment creating a new position in any year in which a municipal election is held shall be valid and effective unless said ordinance, vote or appointment is operative for more than three months during said municipal election year. [Reference: MG.L. c. 44 § 33A]
72. Jourdain- Personnel Director please provide the City Council with a list of all residency required positions and certification that all applicable employees are in compliance with our Charter and ordinance residency requirements.
73. Jourdain- That the Mayor, City Clerk and Auditor please come to the Finance Committee to discuss the city’s compliance with MGL Ch. 41 Section 17 and Holyoke City Charter Section 52. MGL Ch. 41 Section 17 requires the following: “Every officer of a city who makes or executes a contract on behalf of the city shall furnish said contract or a copy thereof to the city clerk and the city auditor within one week after its execution; and the city clerk shall keep such contract or copy on file, open to public inspection during business hours. Such contracts or copies shall be kept in a book by themselves or in several books, arranged according to the subject of the contract, or in other convenient form, and an index to the subject matter of the contracts and to the names of the contractors shall be made semi-annually, and shall also be open to public inspection in some convenient form. All allowances under and additions to such contracts, or copies thereof, shall be filed with the city clerk and the city auditor, together with a sworn statement of the officer making such allowances or additions that the same are correct and in accordance with the contract. A city clerk or other city officer failing to comply with this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars.”
Moreover, Holyoke City Charter Section 52 requires, “All contracts made by any department of the city shall, when the amount involved is five hundred dollars or more, be in writing, and no such contract shall be deemed to have been made or executed until the approval of the mayor is affixed thereto. All such contracts shall be accompanied by a bond, with sureties satisfactory to the board or committee having the matter in charge, or by a deposit of money or other security for the faithful performance of such contracts; and such bonds or other security shall be deposited with the city auditor until the contract has been carried out in all respects; and no such contract shall be altered except by a written agreement of the contractor, the sureties on his or their bond, and the officer making the contract, with the approval of the mayor affixed thereto.”
Can the City Clerk’s office create an on-line database in pdf format for the public inspection of all city contracts exceeding $500 in value? City Auditor please advise if the holders of all said contracts are providing a bond and if it is only being released in accordance with the Charter?
74. Jourdain- Rule 8 be amended by adding a New Rule 8.O as follows:
No sum appropriated for a specific purpose shall be expended for any other purpose, and no expenditure shall be made nor liabilities incurred by or in behalf of the city until an appropriation has been fully voted by the city council, sufficient to meet such expenditure or liability, together with all prior unpaid liabilities which are payable out of such appropriation, except in accordance with the recommendation of the mayor to the city council, approved by the yea and nay vote of two-thirds of the council: provided, however, that after the expiration of the financial year and until the passage of the annual appropriations liabilities payable out of a regular appropriation to be contained therein may be incurred to an amount not exceeding one third of the total of such appropriation for the preceding year. Every bill, pay roll or other voucher covering an expenditure of money shall be approved by the signatures on the back of such bill or voucher of the majority of the board or committee having control of or incurring such expenditure, and after such approval such bills, pay rolls or vouchers shall be turned over to the auditor. The financial year shall begin with the first day of July in each year. The provisions of this section shall apply throughout the entirety of the financial year. [Reference: City Charter Section 49, MG.L. c. 44 § 56A and MG.L. c. 44 § 33B]
75. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that we clarify our home occupation permit ordinance regarding the allowable number of virtual employees.
76. Magrath-Smith- Ordered, 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.”
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
77. MAGRATH-SMITH – An order to declare Parcel Holyoke Assessors Map 144, Block 00, Parcel 057, Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA as surplus property. The City has been approached by an abutter looking to purchase the property to combine the lots and build a home on the same. The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $8,500.00.
*Added May 5, 2025, 4:35 p.m.
78. GIVNER – An order to declare Parcel Holyoke Assessors Map 010, Block 01, Parcel 002, Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA as surplus property. The City has been approached by an abutter looking to purchase the property to secure the same and make it more visually appealing. The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $13,500.00.
*Added May 5, 2025, 4:35 p.m.
79. Bartley- DPW patch Hitchcock St (western end near Westfield Rd) as soon as possible as the road is in poor condition and then please repave this section of the road once DPW is able.
*Added May 5, 2025, 4:35 p.m.
80. From Councilor Kevin Jourdain, amended home rule petition for recall provision ballot question
*Added May 6, 2025, 6:43 p.m.
81. I. RIVERA – That the honorable city council provide a proclamation to Jesus Morales on behalf of the council for being recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke as their Youth of the Year.
*Added May 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
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 Alicia Zoeller from Office of Community Development-request for Consideration of FY2024 CDBG