AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENT

LAID ON THE TABLE

1. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Police Department be allowed to hire a Crime Analyst past the Grade 10 mid-range (which is $70,407) to $78,000.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

2. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FORTY-EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX AND 15/100 Dollars ($48,826.15) as follows:

FROM                         TO
11211   51276  MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS      21,631.74
11211   51104  MAYOR’S PAY-CAFO                                     716.19
15431  51103  VETERAN’S PAY – INVESTIGATOR             6,002.88
15431  51101  VETERAN’S PAY – COMMISSIONER           2,240.00
15431  51500  VETERAN’S VACATION BUYBACK             2,000.00
15431  51510  VETERAN’S SICK LEAVE BUYBACK          5,000.00
11521  51102  PAY – PERSONNEL ASSISTANT                  11,235.34
12401  51102  ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER                                                 3,132.93
12401  51103  CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES                                                       2,828.00
12401  51107  ZONING OFFICIAL                                                                            2,222.00
11751  51108  ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING                                         4,560.00
11751  51102  ASST DIR OF ECONOMIC DEV                                                       4,560.00
11751  51105  SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER                                                        2,222.00
11751  51106  PLANNER 1                                                                                        1,090.00
12441  51101  SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES                                       2,525.00
11711   51101  CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR                                         3,030.00
14211  51108  SAFETY OFFICER                                                                            2,020.00
15411  51103  ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA                                                        2,222.00
15411  51101  DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING                                                    3,030.00
15431  51105  NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER                                                       1,560.99
16301  51101  DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY                                             2,899.14
15101  51101  DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH                                                     1,632.00
15101  51202  ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER                                                          2,020.08
16911  51101  DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST                                                         2,828.00
16911  51103  CITY HISTORIAN                                                                              2,222.00
16301  51103  ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC                                               2,222.00
48,826.15                    48,826.15
Recommended that the order be denied.

3. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Settlement agreement by and between the City of Holyoke and Holyoke Professional Supervisors Association
Recommended that the order be denied.

4. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Redlined Settlement agreement by and between the City of Holyoke and Holyoke Professional Supervisors Association
Recommended that the order be denied.

COMMUNICATIONS

5. From Mayor Garcia, letter appointing Mr. David P. Owen of 12 Mason Rd. to serve as a member of the Historical Commission.  Mr. David Owen will serve a three year term expiring January 2028.

6. From Mayor Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Beverlyn Blanchard of 46 St. Kolbe Dr. to serve as a member of the Library Board of Directors. Ms. Blanchard will serve a three year term expiring February 2028.

7. From Mayor Garcia, letter reappointing Brenna Levitin of 48 Vernon St. to serve as a member of the Library Board of Directors.  Ms. Levitin will serve a three year term, expiring February 28, 2028.

8. From Mayor Garcia and Superintendent Soto, a Joint statement affirming the rights of immigrants

9. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from January 21, 2025

10. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball, legal opinion on votes and transfer request

11. From Executive Director of the Holyoke Retirement Anthony Dulude, Notice of Retirement meeting to Elect to Grant Retiree COLA (no action needed by the City Council)

12. From Alicia Zoeller, CDBG Allocation Spreadsheet

13. From Sean Sheedy, Maintenance Admin for Holyoke Public Schools, 2-4-2025 SOI ARP PROJECTS HPS

14. From Sean Mangano, School Committee Finance Subcommittee 12.12.24

15. From the Office of the Governor, Public Settlements Policy – Jan. 2025

16. From Harry Montalvo, President of Board of Directors Greater Chamber of Commerce, EM 1-29-25 announcement

17. From harry Montalvo, President of Board of Directors Geat Chamber of Commerce, Chamber letter

18. From Mary Monahan, Chair of Board of Public Works, letter to council TSS & BOD

19. From Mary Monahan, Chair of Board of Public Works, follow up to funding request for levee repairs

20. From Board of Fire Commission, meeting minutes from December 16, 2024.

21. From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, minutes from November 13 and 20th

PETITIONS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

22. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City create the position of a municipal hearings officer to hear appeals by offenders of the State Building Code made pursuant to MGL c. 148A, Section 2 and that a stipend be determined for said position
Recommended that the order be adopted.

23. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the Vacant Building fee be adjusted to take into account the size (SF) of the building.  Currently, a flat fee is assessed which is not reflective of the burden to the city and it’s taxpayers.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

24. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that no group homes, profit or non-profit, be allowed within the city limits of Holyoke, Ma without the approval of the Holyoke City Council.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that when the use a building is changing requiring permits from city departments but not City Council approval, a communication be sent to the City Council informing of the change. This can help councilors keep constituents informed so that concerns can be addressed.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

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, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($145.00) as follows:
FROM
15102-57300 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS – BOARD OF HEALTH             $  75.00
15102-54220 SUPPLIES OTHER – BOARD OF HEALTH                   70.00
TOTAL $145.00
TO:
11752-57300 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS-PLANNING                   $145.00
TOTAL             $145.00
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 HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($350,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN              $250,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                  50,000
12101-51117 DISPATCH                       50,000
TOTAL             $350,000
TO:
12101-51300 OVERTIME                  $350,000
TOTAL             $350,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.

28. 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 “FY24 MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM GRANT, $9,500, 50% IN KIND 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.

29. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWO HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY NINE AND 63/100 Dollars ($293,439.63) as follows:
FROM
8810-10400 GENERAL STABILIZATION                 $186,557.87
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION                       106,881.76
TOTAL             $293,439.63
TO:
14253-58002 HIGHWAY- CAPITAL OUTLAY MV                $293,439.63
TOTAL             $293,439.63
Recommended that the order be referred back to the Council without recommendation.

30. 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 FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($24,780) as follows:
FROM
0075-10400 VACANT BUILDING REVOLVING FUND                     $24,780
TOTAL $24,780
TO:
12401-51201 PROPERTY MAINT/DEMO SUPERVISOR               $24,780
TOTAL $24,780
Recommended that the order be adopted.

31. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council consider a rule addition to to RULE 6C (DECORUM/SPEAKING) adding the following words as a second paragraph:
“No Councilor shall speak more than 4 minutes during debate.  The President/and or the City Council Administrative Assistant shall keep track of the minutes. A (1) one minute reminder shall be given at the 3 minute mark during debate.”
Recommended that the order be adopted, amending “4 minutes during debate” to “3 minutes at a time during debate.”

32. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Rule 9J be edited to remove the first two sentences, so that it reads, “If legal form is not provided 48 hours prior to the meeting, upon objection of any member of the City Council, the matter will be tabled until the next meeting.”
Recommended that the order be adopted.

33. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order  that rule 9P be amended to remove the reference to items being tabled if they are not taken up in 45 days.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

34. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council reconsider our vote to appoint the City Treasurer rather than have it be and elected position and further take the necessary steps to combine the Treasurer and Tax Collector positions into one office.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

35. Jourdain- The Superintendent of Schools discuss his recent memo on affirming the rights of immigrants with the Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee.

36. Jourdain- Ordered, that the City Clerk meet with the City Council to discuss the potential streamlining of poll locations in Wards 1, 2 and 5 as we have already done in Wards 3, 4, 6 and 7.  All of these other Wards seem to function fine with one polling location and it would be a potential cost savings and less administrative burden to use the one location per ward method.

37. Jourdain, Vacon- Ordered, that the City Council adopt the following Special Act and then place the question on the November 2025 ballot.

38. Jourdain, Vacon- The Superintendent of Schools please update the Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee on any updated plans for the School Dept headquarters in light of their decision not to go forward with proposed High Street location.

39. Jourdain- Ordered, that the City Council create an ordinance that creates a settlement policy and further prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements in the City of Holyoke consistent with what Governor Healey has done at the state level.  Please see attached policy.

40. Rivera, J.-Order that Davin Pasek (Zoning Official), a representative from the Law Department, Nicole Maisonet from Vcare, and Tammie Kozuch from Holyoke Health Center to attend a city council meeting to discuss Ordinance 6.4.6#6 and explore potential changes to the ordinance.

41. Vacon- ORDER:  That installation of a crosswalk near #64 County Rd be evaluated for improved safety.  Refer to DPW, City Engineer & Public Safety

42. Vacon- ORDER:  that the portion of Westfield Road from Doyle Drive to the traffic light at Apremont Highway be evaluated with recommendations made for safety improvements, due to a number of recent accidents in the area.  Refer to DPW, city engineer and Sgt. Zurheide & the Traffic Enforcement Grant Committee

43. Bartley- The Holyoke City Council continue its now 11-year tradition by issuing proclamations to the President, its award winners and the colleens of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and the award winners of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Woman & Man of the Year; Christian Charity awardee).  Both the Parade Committee and AOH have deep roots in Holyoke.  The council President set aside the start of the city council regular meeting of March 18, 2025 to issue the proclamations and the city council suspend its rules and allow the Presidents of both organizations to address the City Council that night.  Receive and Adopt.  Refer to our administrative assistant to coordinate the event, copy Parade Committee and AOH, and Councilor Devine to produce the proclamations.

44. Bartley, Sullivan- The DGR committee invite the Valley (Holyoke) Blue Sox owner/president (Matt Drury) and its new manager (Endy Morales) to a future meeting to preview the Summer 2025 season.  Matt’s in his 3d  season as owner and this will be Endy’s first season as the Blue Sox’ head coach.  Endy wore #40 when playing for the Blue Sox and that number is retired.  Receive and refer to DGR and to our Admin. Asst. to coordinate the meeting.  Copy to Park Commission.

45. Bartley- The City of Holyoke and the Holyoke City Council continue its tradition (first instituted in 2019) by renewing and/or celebrating that the month of March is “Irish American Heritage Month” and promote the same for 2025 and in future years.  Receive and Adopt.

46. Bartley- The Parks Commission forward the proposed lease between the City and the Blue Sox to city council for its review and approval asap (ie preferably prior to the start of the 2025 baseball season).  Receive and Refer to DGR.  Copy to the Parks Commission.  Copy to City Forester and DPW.  Copy to the Law Dept.

47. Bartley- The City of Holyoke (esp the Mayor) consider permanently funding the Municipal Hearing Officer position by way of the Vacant Building reservation fund.  Refer to Ordinance, the Mayor, and Law Dept.

48.       Bartley- The Law Dept. in its next ex. Session, provide to city council an update on the pending sexual harassment lawsuit in US District Court.  The parties to the suit are three female students (Plaintiffs) and staff & students (Defendants) at Holyoke High School.  I was unaware of any such lawsuit prior to reading a newspaper article dated 1/24/25.

49. Bartley- The City Treasurer and/or Auditor send a communication to City council on the financial status of the Community Preservation Fund by the first meeting in March.  The motion is to receive and adopt.

50. Bartley- The city ordinances shall be amended to order the city Treasurer and/or Auditor to send an annual communication to City Council on the financial status of the Community Preservation Fund by the council’s first meeting in March.  Items to be included are: the most recent account balance; where the funds are deposited or invested; the dates and the amounts of any deposits either from the Commonwealth or the Municipality or any other source; the dates and the amounts of any withdrawals // payments in support the CPA’s mission.  Please also separately delineate any payroll or consultant information.  Refer to Ordinance.

51. Bartley- The Parks Commission send a communication to City council by first meeting in March on the fund balance of the Scott’s Tower account.  I also encourage the Commission to do this annually.  Receive, Adopt and Refer to Parks Commission.

52. Bartley- The City Engineer review the feasibility of a mid-block crosswalk on Homestead Ave. proximate to the secondary entrance to HCC.  (This entrance is N of the main gate).  If it is feasible and if there is financing to install (you would need to make it ADA compliant) then please send a report to Ordinance.  If not feasible, please send a communication to City Council by its first meeting in May 2025.  Receive and Adopt.  Refer to Engineer.  Refer to Ordinance.

53. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE AND 52/100 Dollars ($9,981.52) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN                     $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS              6,317.62
TOTAL             $9,981.52
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY (PP #15)            $9,981.52
TOTAL             $9,981.52

54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN              $  50,000
12101-51117 DISPATCH                       50,000
TOTAL             $100,000
TO:
12102-53010 MAP/DATA MAINTENANCE              $100,000

55. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($80,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANTS              $40,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN                40,000
TOTAL             $80,000
TO:
12102-53010 MAP/DATA MAINTENANCE              $80,000

56. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY SIX AND 00/100 Dollars ($83,656) as follows:
FROM
11511-51201 PT ASSISTANT SOLICITOR               $83,656
TOTAL $83,656
TO:
11511-51202 PT ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR               $83,656
TOTAL             $83,656

57. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY THREE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($33,000) as follows:
FROM
14101-51105 SR CIVIL ENGINEER             $ 17,000
14251-51102 HOISTING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR                          16,000
TOTAL             $33,000
TO:
14102-53010 PROF ENGINEERING SERVICES                 $33,000
TOTAL             $33,000

58. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWO HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY NINE AND 63/100 Dollars ($293,439.63) as follows:
FROM
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION                     $293,439.63
TOTAL             $293,439.63
TO:
14253-58002 HIGHWAY- CAPITAL OUTLAY MV                $293,439.63
TOTAL             $293,439.63

59. 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, $24,081, 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.

60. Devine- That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Kelly Elementary School located at 216 West Street Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, 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 of Holyoke has applied 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 and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or 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 if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, 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 of Holyoke 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

61. Devine- That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred Thousand($100,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Lt Elmer J McMahon Elementary School located at 75 Kane Road Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, 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 of Holyoke has applied 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 and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or 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 if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, 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 of Holyoke 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

62. Devine- That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand($75,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Lt Clayre Sullivan Elementary School located at 400 Jarvis Avenue Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential partial roof replacement, 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 of Holyoke has applied 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 and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or 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 if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, 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 of Holyoke 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

63. Devine- That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand ($150,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Holyoke High School located at 500 Beech Street Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential roof replacement, 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 of Holyoke has applied 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 and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or 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 if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, 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 of Holyoke 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

64. Devine- That the City of Holyoke appropriates the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand($75,000) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of conducting a Schematic Design Study at Maurice A Donahue Elementary School located at 210 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke MA 01040 for a potential partial roof replacement, 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 of Holyoke has applied 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 and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, Chapter 70B, or 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 if the MSBA’s Board of Directors votes to invite the City to collaborate with the MSBA on this proposed repair project, any project costs the City of Holyoke incurs in excess of any grant that may be approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Holyoke; and that, if invited to collaborate with the MSBA on the proposed repair project, 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 of Holyoke 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.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

65. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding St. Vincent Lots
*Added February 3, 2025, 12:33 p.m.

66. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND 22/100 Dollars ($21,600.22) as follows:                                                                                      FROM               TO
11211   51276   MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS            21,600.22
15411   51103   ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA                                                 2,222.00
15411   51101   DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING                                              3,030.00
11711   51101   CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR                                    3,030.00
12441   51101   SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES                                  2,525.00
16301   51101   DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY                                        2,899.14
16301   51103   ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC                                         2,222.00
14211   51108   SAFETY OFFICER                                                                    2,020.00
15101   51101   DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH                                               1,632.00
15101   51202   ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER                                                    2,020.08
21,600.22          21,600.22
*Added February 4, 2025, 4:38 p.m.

67. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, EIGHT THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO AND 93/100 Dollars ($8,182.93) as follows:
FROM               TO
12401   51101   LOCAL INSPECTOR                                     8,182.93
12401   51102   ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER                                       3,132.93
12401   51103   CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES                                            2,828.00
12401   51107   ZONING OFFICIAL                                                                 2,222.00
8,182.93            8,182.93
*Added February 4, 2025, 4:38 p.m.

68. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ELEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY TWO AND 00/100 Dollars ($11,342.00) as follows:                                                                         FROM               TO
11751   51106   PLANNER I                                                                  11,342.00
11751   51108   ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING                                              4,560.00
11751   51102   ASST DIR OF ECONOMIC DEV                                                           4,560.00
11751   51105   SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER                                                             2,222.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                          11,342.00          11,342.00
*Added February 4, 2025, 5:03 p.m.

69. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,050.00) as follows:
FROM               TO
16911   51104   ENTERPRISE COORDINATOR                                5,050.00
16911   51101   DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST                                                          2,828.00
16911   51103   CITY HISTORIAN                                                                               2,222.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5,050.00            5,050.00
*Added February 4, 2025, 5:03 p.m.

70. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY AND 99/100 Dollars ($1,560.99) as follows:
FROM               TO
15431   51104   INVESTIGATOR                                                             1,560.99
15431   51105   NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER                                                             1,560.99                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1,560.99            1,560.99
*Added February 4, 2025, 5:03 p.m.