City Council 1/19/2021

Agenda:

LAID ON THE TABLE

1. Petition for pole and wire locations:

The GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT requests permission 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 1 pole in alley next to 215 Essex St, Holyoke MA

2. Petition for pole and wire locations:

The GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT requests permission to locate an underground line of wires, cables, equipment and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
 One (1) pad mount switch on corner of Walnut St & Appleton St, Holyoke MA

3. Petition for pole and wire locations:

The GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT requests permission to locate an underground line of wires, cables, equipment and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
 One (1) terminal cabinet on corner of Linden St & Appleton St, Holyoke MA

4. Petition for pole and wire locations:

The GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT requests permission to locate an underground line of wires, cables, equipment and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way or ways:
 One (1) terminal cabinet on corner of Lyman St & Saint Kolbe Dr, Holyoke MA

5. an order that the bonding for the 10 priority intersections and funding for the traffic light installations be reviewed in Finance Committee

PUBLIC COMMENT

COMMUNICATIONS

6. From Mayor Alex B. Morse letter appointing Dr. Stephanie N. Marcotte, Ed. D 20 Easthampton Rd. Apt F1 to serve as a member on the Library Board of Directors for the City of Holyoke: Ms. Marcotte will replace Ms. Rachel Garber and will serve a three-year term; said term will expire in February 2024.

7. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee and Admininstrative Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, minutes from the December 1st and 15th and January 5th City Council meetings.

8. From Holyoke Coalition Of the HEALing Communities Study to install Naloxbox units in public areas across the City of Holyoke.

9. From Board of Fire Commission minutes of November 19, 2020.

10. From Whitng Street Reservoir Study Committee, minutes of December 17, 2020 and January 5, 2021.

PETITIONS

11. Petition of EMB Natural Ventures LLC for a Marijuana Manufacturing Establishment (MME) at 140 Middle Water St.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

12. Ordinance Committee Reports (if any)

12A. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a permanent speed feedback sign be placed near 300 Westfield Road to reduce speeding by drivers in the area. This is a persistent safety issue in the area. Recommended that the order be adopted

12B. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the posted speed limits for Main Street Sec 86-212 be replaced with the following:
Main Street Northbound. Beginning at Route 5 and Ingleside Street, then northerly on Main Street; 0.45 miles at 35 miles per hour, 0.25 miles at 20 miles per hour to create a safety zone extending 100 feet north of the Dean School property, 2.4 miles at 30 miles per hour ending at Canal Street and Race Street; the total distance being 3.1 miles.
Main Street Southbound. Beginning at Canal Street and Race Street, then southerly on Main Street, 2.4 miles at 30 miles per hour, 0.25 miles at 20 miles per hour to create a safety zone beginning 100 feet north of the Dean School property, 0.45 miles at 35 miles per hour ending at Route 5 and Ingleside Street; the total distance being 3.1 miles. Recommended that the order be adopted

12C. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that in an effort to enhance food access and security for our residents during these uncertain times that we expedite a backyard chicken ordinance as well as review of the permitting process for community gardens to ensure that it facilitates easy access and use of such sites Recommended that the order be adopted, with an amendment that the special permit fee be waived.

12D. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the city adopt the MA recommended changes to the floodplain ordinances. Recommended that the order be adopted

13. Finance Committee Reports (if any)

13A. 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 “FY2021 SENATOR CHARLES E. SHANNON, JR., COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVE (SHANNON CSI)” 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. Recommended that the grant be accepted

13B. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke appropriate the amount of Two-hundred Seventy thousand ($270,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Feasibility Study to identify improvements and updates to:
Building roof replacement at the Lt. Clayre Sullivan Elementary School, a 112,000 square foot school building originally constructed in 1960, and located at 400 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, Massachusetts,
Building roof replacement at the Maurice A. Donahue School, a 70,550 square foot school building originally constructed in 1972 and located at 210 Whiting Farms Rd., Holyoke, Massachusetts, and
Building roof replacement at the E.N. White School, a 63,965 square foot school building constructed in 1958 and located at 1 Jefferson Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the City of Holyoke may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of The Holyoke City Council.
To meet this appropriation the City Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City of Holyoke acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke, and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Feasibility Study Agreement that may be executed between the City of Holyoke and the MSBA.
Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any ‎such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may ‎be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with G.L. c. 44, ‎‎§20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like ‎amount. ‎
The City Treasurer is authorized to file an application with the appropriate officials of The ‎Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Commonwealth”) to qualify under Chapter 44A of the ‎General Laws any and all bonds or notes of the City authorized by this order and to provide such ‎information and execute such documents as such officials of the Commonwealth may require in ‎connection therewith. recommended that the order be adopted

13C. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an memo from Jim Lavelle regarding PILOT agreement, dated 12/29/21 Recommended that the order has been complied with

13D. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order 2020 PILOT Adjustment Recommendation, dated 4/29/20 Recommended that the order has been complied with

13E. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Minutes of Gas & Electric Commission Meeting, dated 4/29/20 Recommended that the order has been complied with

13F. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the mayor and the purchasing director as well as the manager of the HG&E appear before the finance committee to discuss current plans regarding the expansion of the electric vehicles within the city fleet. Do we have a specific plan in terms of how many and what type of vehicles as well as when we might be doing this? Do we have plans for having sufficient rapid-recharging stations? There are some reports which indicate while the initial investment might be greater, the long-term effect is reduced fuel expenses, less carbon dioxide emissions, and in some cases, vehicles that had a longer usable lifespan. Recommended that the order has been complied with

14. Public Safety Committee Reports (if any)

14A. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW give the public safety committee an update on the sidewalk repairs for Northampton St around Hampton Knolls Rd area and also Woods Avenue. Recommended that the order has been complied with

14B. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW, Suez, and city engineer develop a plan to regrade the top of West Glen Street. Due to the current grading, water in not flowing to the catch basins, resulting in dangerous road conditions. Once a plan is developed, please consult with the mayor, and city council to implement financing. The departments in this order and the residents in that area (including the south end of Martin St) are aware of the needs. Recommended that the order has been complied with, with a referral to the Finance Committee

14C. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the HG&E examine the possibility of putting lighting which would shine into the alleyway between High and Maple Streets, one from Sargeant St and one from Hampshire St. It that is possible to do without causing lighting to shine to apartments or homes, then please install at earliest convenience. The alleyway has had serious concerns with trash dumping and drug usage. Recommended that the order has been complied with

14D. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the manhole cover over the sewer drain in front of 203 West Franklin St be replaced. The resident at this location as well as others in the area have reported that it appears to be damaged and degrading. They have also reported that the damage it causes drainage issues, resulting in excess water on the sidewalk and onto the property during heavy rain. Recommended that the order has been complied with

14E. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the public safety committee invite in Aumani Harris from Boston Medical, Healing Communities Study Coalition, in order to have a discussion about Naloxboxes as a way of reducing fatal opioid overdoses. Recommended that the order has been complied with

15. Public Service Committee Reports (if any)

16. Development and Governmental Relations Committee Reports (if any)

17. Charter and Rules Committee Reports (if any)

18. Joint City Council and School Committee Reports (if any)

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

19. LEBRON-MARTINEZ — That the city council thru the appropriate committee invite Dr. Vazquez Matos current superintendent to give us an update about the status of the schools during this pandemic and future plans for students of HPS.

20. MCGEE — Ordered that the City Council Administrative Assistant appointment be a two year appoint that coincides with the City Council terms.

21. MCGEE — Order that the Receiver/Superintendent and/or Mayor’s Office provide the City Council the MOU on the homeless shelter.

22. MCGIVERIN — that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2021, FIFTEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FORTY THREE AND AND 55 /100 Dollars ($15,243.55) as follows:

FROM:
12101-51105 SERGEANTS $3,295.98
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,807.08
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 8,140.49
TOTAL: $15,243.55
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $15,243.55
TOTAL: $15,243.55

23. MCGIVERIN — that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2021, SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY THREE AND 00 /100 Dollars ($75,823.00) as follows:

FROM:
11511-51101 PAY-SOLICITOR $75,823.00
TOTAL: $75,823.00
TO:
11512-53010 SPECIAL COUNSEL SERVICES $75,823.00
TOTAL: $75,823.00

24. MCGIVERIN — that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2021, FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY AND 29/100 Dollars ($4,820.29) as follows:

FROM:
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $2,156.31
12201-51104 LIEUTENANT 2,663.98
TOTAL: $4,820.29
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $4,820.29
TOTAL: $4,820.29

25. MCGIVERIN — that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2021 HOLYOKE CITY HALL STAINED GLASS WINDOW PHASE III; CONTRACT AMOUNT $50,000, CONTRACT END DATE 06/30/2021, 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.

26. MCGIVERIN — that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “GREENING THE GATEWAY CITIES MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE, AMOUNT $20,000, CONTRACT END DATE 06/30/2021, IN KIND MATCH $5,210” 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.

27. MURPHY — Ordered that the city council go on record in support of the school committee objecting to the creation of a homeless shelter at the Dean School gymnasium. It has come to my attention that students still use the gym during school hours, and that the school committee and others had not been involved in discussing the impact of this move on students and staff at Dean. While supporting a shelter, the belief is that this is not the right location to do so.

28. MURPHY — Ordered that the city council encourage the mayor to appropriate a percentage of the yearly interest from the stabilization account in order to make sure that projects needed around the city will be funded and completed as soon as possible. Projects such as West Glen St, estimated at $35,000-$40,000, sidewalks on Woods Ave, and potentially on Northampton St, the intersection of Apremont Hwy and Rock Valley Rd, sidewalk on St Jerome and Dwight St corner should be included, as well as other sidewalks etc. The goal of this is to get these projects which impact the quality of life throughout the city not be delayed because of lack of funds, when in fact the stabilization fund continues to grow.

29. MURPHY — The DPW come up with an action plan to collect the litter all along both sides of Rt 5 from McDonald’s to the West Springfield town line, along both sides of Lower Westfield Rd. from Northampton St. to the bridge, along Whiting Farms Rd.from Northampton St. to Gordon Dr., and along Westfield Rd from Woodland St to Michigan Ave. Refer to DPW and Suez; copy to DGR for a future meeting.

30. SULLIVAN — Ordered that, in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Growing Holyoke, LLC for payment in lieu of taxes (“PILOT”) of certain personal property tax obligations for the property located at 150 Whiting Farms Road

31. SULLIVAN — Ordered that, in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Jackson Canal, LLC, for payment in lieu of taxes (“PILOT”) of certain personal property tax obligations for the property located at 84 Sargeant Street

32. SULLIVAN — Ordered that, in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Scannell Solar, LLC, for payment in lieu of taxes (“PILOT”) of certain personal property tax obligations for the property located at 75 Appleton Street

33. VACON — that a department that has over $100,000 of unreconciled grant funds resulting in a reduction of free cash to the city, will be subject to any legal remedy to return the same amount of funds to the city within the next fiscal year.

34. BARTLEY — That Dr. Alberto Vazquez Matos, HPS’ Receiver, appear before the DGR committee.

35. BARTLEY — DPW and City Engineer provide an update on the potential
MURPHY to sell lots for housing at the top of St. Vincent
St. Refer to DPW, City Engineer. Copy to DGR for
a future meeting.

36. BARTLEY — Ordered, that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 30B and the Holyoke Code of Ordinances procurement ordinance, declare 60 Hamilton Street (Assessors Map 028, Block 04, Parcel 016) as surplus property available for disposition. Said parcel is identified by the Holyoke. The property is approximately 5,749 square feet in size, zoned Highway Business and has an assessed value of $23,000.

37. BARTLEY — Ordered, that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority’s urban renewal plan entitled, “Connect. Construct. Create. – A Plan for the Revitalization of Center City Holyoke” which was approved by the Holyoke City Council on December 4, 2012 and as amended on December 15, 2020, vote to approve the transfer of 60 Hamilton Street (Assessors Map 028, Block 04, Parcel 016) to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority for consideration of $1.00. Said parcel is approximately 5,749 square feet in size, Highway Business and has an assessed value of $23,000.

38. BARTLEY — Ordered, that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority’s urban renewal plan entitled, “Connect. Construct. Create. – A Plan for the Revitalization of Center City Holyoke” which was approved by the Holyoke City Council on December 4, 2012 and as amended on December 15, 2020, vote to approve the transfer of 55 Hamilton Street (Assessors Map 028, Block 03, Parcel 006) to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority for consideration of $1.00. Said parcel is approximately 3,485 square feet in size, zoned Downtown Residential, has an assessed value of $31,500 and was declared surplus property on June 26, 2018.

39. HERNANDEZ — To invite the Chief of Police to discuss the plan that the department has in place in case there is any domestic terrorism in our City and if there are any changes to the current plan that were prompted since the attach on Capital Hill, this past 1/6/2021.

40. HERNANDEZ — I would like to have this workshop being offered for Youth mental health as part of the communication section (See info below).

YMHFA is an education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents and builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. This course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 8-18.

This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:
2.5 hours of pre-work, self-paced
5.5 hour live, virtual course (includes 1 hour of breaks)
The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. They worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.

Addendum:
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.