Public Safety Committee Meeting March 6, 2023

City Council
Holyoke Massachusetts

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25,
and Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Public Safety

Monday, March 6, 2023
6:00 PM

Meeting to take place at
Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can be accessed remotely on Zoom Meetings
Per order of the Chair: Israel Rivera

Remote access via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89990019296?pwd=UHZaY01WMHYvRGNVN3RiaFoxSkJ2Zz09
Meeting ID: 899 9001 9296 Meeting Passcode: 083039 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with the same Meeting ID and Passcode.

Agenda

Item 1: 10-4-22 MALDONADO VELEZ, RIVERA_I, GIVNER — Ordered, that an RFP be created to study a community responder model type program that is outside of the Police Dept but works in collaboration with that department as one of several contributing partners.
*Tabled 11-21-22

Item 2: 10-18-22 RIVERA_I — That the police department provide an update on what steps and systems are being put in place to ensure that shot spotter will work effectively and efficiently when the new technologies installed.
*Tabled 11-21-22

Item 3: 11-15-22 ANDERSON-BURGOS — Order that Chief Pratt come in to discuss a possible gun drop off program.
*Tabled 1-10-23

Item 4: 1-3-23 MALDONADO VELEZ, RIVERA_J — Order that the Chief of Police, business owners, and residents that live in those communities are invited to discuss safety measures to prevent shootings.  We would also like to invite the licensing board to discuss the process of what happens when a licensed business has incidents that heavily impact public safety. The purpose of this order is to provide the public some transparency given the recent shooting at the Unicorn Inn and to advise the City Council on any legislative steps we can take.

Item 5: 1-17-23 RIVERA_I, JOURDAIN, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, TALLMAN — Order that the honorable city council invite in the chief of police to discuss whether or not the department has a “Traffic Squad”, ordinance references the designation of 6 officers that are required to act as traffic officers. Constituents are concerned with drivers that speed, eat stop signs, etc…
Investment in a “Traffic Squad” as city ordinance states, should help tremendously with mitigating some of our constituent concerns.
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.

Item 6: 10-4-22 VACON — Ordered, that our City Engineer evaluate and determine the installation of a crosswalk. The crossing guard stands on the corner of Kane and Knollwood Circle. This is a request from school staff and our School Committee member.

Item 7: 9-7-21 VACON — Ordered, that traffic calming measures be recommended by our City Engineer for Bray Park Drive and access to the plaza. Install temporary speed humps on Bray Park Drive to slow traffic.

Item 8: 11-1-22 VACON — Ordered, that our city engineer evaluate the intersection of Evergreen and Bray Park Drive for improvements due to safety concern.

Item 9: 1-3-23 MCGEE, RIVERA_I — Ordered, that the Mayor be invited to a Public Safety meeting for presentation of the Police Department audit.

Item 10: 2-21-23 From Mayor Joshua Garcia, Police Audit documents

Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos

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 may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Also one or two items may require the committee to enter into executive session at this meeting. Agenda subject to change up to two business days (48 hours) prior to posted meeting time.