City Council 4/1/2025
En Español
AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC COMMENT
REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
1. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from March 18, 2025
2. November 1, 2022, December 5, 2023, and February 6, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and partially released as of September 4, 2024
3. January 22, 2024 and June 11, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 4, 2024
4. November 19, 2024 Executive Session and December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Yet to be reviewed
LAID ON THE TABLE
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 a Zone change application – Tiago Martins & Jeffrey Dias at 736 Dwight St from BL to DR to develop properties with duplex/triplex apartments.
Recommended that the zone change be granted.
8. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Zone change application – Tiago Martins at 712-718 Dwight St from BL to DR to develop properties with duplex/triplex apartments.
Recommended that the zone change be granted.
9. 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.
10. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Sec 86-6 be updated from $200 to $1000 for consistency with state law.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
11. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Ordinance be created that requires the police to report all damage to city property greater than $1,000 from a motor vehicle accident to the City Council, Mayor and Law Dept. Further, that the DPW, Mayor and Law Dept have an affirmative duty to pursue collection action against the insurance carrier and/or operator or other responsible party to make the City whole for damage to city property resulting from motor vehicle accidents. City needs to have an ordinance establishing a policy in this matter to help ensure uniformity of enforcement.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
COMMUNICATIONS
12. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Marilyn Sanabria of 20 Resnic Blvd. Ms. Sanabria will serve a five year term, expiring April 1, 2030.
13. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball communication regarding Litigation and PILOT payments at 11 Yale St
14. From Assistant City Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, Ltr re Special Permits
15. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky – Ltr re Administrative Leave Ordinance
16. From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky- McGonigle v. Governor, 418 Mass. 147
17. From Assistant City Solicitor Kathy Degnan Haynes Construction Wayfinders Temporary License Agreement
18. From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: Grant Completion Form FY24 Student & Senior SAFE Fund 1686
19. From Councilor Linda Vacon, OML Complaint
20. From Councilor Meg Magrath-Smith-E-bike battery explodes in Holyoke apartment, prompting fire officials to issue safety advisory
21. From MacMillan Law Offices, Refund of Community Impact Fees Paid Pursuant to HCA with Holyoke 420 LLC
22. From Jenny MacKay, Partner from SVP Employee Benefits Consulting, communication regarding Health Insurance Broker
23. From Board of Fire Commissioners, meeting minutes from February 24, 2025
24. From Health Benefit Trust meeting, meeting minutes from December 4, 2024, January 13, February 24, and March 10, 2025
PETITIONS
25. Petition from Thomas Lucchsesi of 300 College Highway Southampton, renewal of 17 pool tables
26. Petition of Eco ATM for a renewal of Second Hand License at 250 Westfield Rd.
27. Petition of Eco ATM for a renewal of Second Hand License at 2261 Northampton St.
28. Petition of Eco ATM for a renewal of Second Hand License at 50 Holyoke St.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
29. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order CC establish by ordinance a minimum sewer fee to be paid to the City upon the sale of any real estate closing. Currently none exists though a $5.00 fee was the norm. The present actual rate is $7.50/1000 gallons. Refer to Ordinance. Copy Board of Public Works, Legal for their input. FYI – this is not to be a revenue raiser but would be monies to cover city expenses to coordinate this time-consuming work.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
30. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The City of Holyoke develop a personnel policy for the handling of administrative leave and codifying the rules into Ordinance as recommended by the Personnel Dept including but not limited to when employees should or should not be placed on paid leave or unpaid leave. The current process appears lacking objective standards. Taxpayers should also be protected to ensure people who should not be out on paid administrative leave are placed on unpaid administrative leave.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
31. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the no parking sign at 14 Arthur St please be removed. Per DPW must go to ordinance.
Recommended that the order be denied.
32. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Request the implementation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Mosher and Bowers Streets.
Recommended that the engineer’s recommendation to not implement a three way stop be accepted.
33. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The DPW install a crosswalk for the city parking lot on N. Canal St. across from GTI.
Recommended that the order be referred to the Department of Public Works, and a letter be sent to the mayor requesting an appropriation from impact fee funds if allowed.
34. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the DPW/Engineer consider putting stop signs at Joanne/Bemis, Drake/Bemis, Mt. Tom/Bemis and West Meadowview/Bemis.
Recommended that the engineer’s recommendation to not install the stop signs be accepted.
35. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Per constituent requests, that a right turning lane be designated on Hamden at the corner of Pleasant St in an effort to enhance traffic flow.
Recommended that the engineer’s recommendation to close out the order be accepted.
36. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That a Legal opinion be issued to clarify allowed uses of marijuana impact fee money. For example, if odor from a facility is a problem in the community can the money be used for mitigation?
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
37. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, letter of Veto regarding order on reporting damages:
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That an ordinance be created that requires a department head to report (with an incident report explaining the cause) of any loss in their department over $250 in value to the City Council and Mayor within 30 days Recommended that the order be adopted, as amended for losses over $500.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
38. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the setting of the sewer rate be returned from the City Council to the DPW Commission where it had been previously determined.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
39. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the DPW Commission return to reviewing and setting the Sewer Rate.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
40. 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.
41. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order for the city engineer to install 2 raised crosswalks on Samosett St., neighbors are complaining about speeding up and down Samosett St.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
42. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order By constituent requests, order that crosswalks be installed from the parking lot on canal serving businesses in the block between Water and Appleton streets.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
43. 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.
44. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Denis Luzuriaga of 6 Pinehurst Rd., to serve as a Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority. Mr. Luzuriaga will replace Mr. Jose Maldanado-Velez and will serve the remainder of his term expiring April 1, 2029.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
45. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Samuel Mateo, Jr. of 26 Orchard St to serve as a Commissioner of the License Board. Mr. Mateo will replace Mr. Michael Moriarty. His term will expire on October 1, 2026.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.
46. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That tapestry please consider providing (at minimum) quarterly needle collection data to the city council in communications. Constituents continue to find needles on the sidewalk surrounding Lawrence school and its playground.
Awaiting disposition
47. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that board of Health and tapestry reps come into public safety and discuss the importance of Narcan.
Awaiting disposition
48. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that Health Commissioners representing the board of health come into DGR and discuss the Tobacco license issuance policy and how it may or may not align with the city’s economic development plans around supporting small business growth and tourism.
Awaiting disposition
49. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the board of health/ health Commission please be invited to attend to discuss if changes are possible to the changes to the Tobacco license issuance policy that supports common sense economic growth on a case-by-case basis and also protects public health.
Awaiting disposition
50. 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
51. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Per constituent requests, please address safety concerns of motorists traveling on the Locust St (between Hampshire St and Cabot St.) to the corner of Cabot St. Parking to corner on Cabot in front of Health Center obstructs the view of vehicles crossing or turning on to Cabot.
Awaiting disposition
52. 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
53. 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.
Awaiting disposition
54. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that representatives of the Holyoke mall come into public safety and talk about what they are doing to address safety concerns of residents regarding the back upper parking deck. Residents have been complaining of feeling the deck shake, and as of recent noticing a gap between cement panels that seems to be growing.
Awaiting disposition
55. 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
56. 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
57. 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
58. 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.
Awaiting disposition
59. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW conduct the following on the ‘way finder’ signs in Smith’s Ferry: fix the damaged ‘Holyoke Country *Club’ sign on the southbound side of Rt 5 and install a new sign on the northbound side of Rt 5 as it’s been missing now for a few years.
Awaiting disposition
60. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW install “warning” sign to motorists of 3-way STOP signs at Charles St. // Washington Ave.
Awaiting disposition
61. 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
62. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW install TEMPORARY NO PARKING signs on the South side of the South St. X-walk from Elmwood Towers. Please do so immediately so that seniors have a clearer pathway to see vehicles prior to crossing. Leave them installed until the Pedestrian Traffic light is repaired.
Awaiting disposition
63. 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
64. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Mayor, Engineer, and DPW Director update the Council on the status of completing Northampton Street between Lincoln Street and the Mount Tom Access Road, including fully paving the road to include a bike lane, and replacing sidewalks. In many places, the sidewalks are deteriorated or blocked by utility poles.
Awaiting disposition
65. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Request to prioritize Homestead Ave. from Westfield Rd to Lower Westfield Rd be re-paved due to high truck traffic volume & many rough repairs on the roadway.
Awaiting disposition
66. 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
67. 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
68. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Mayor in conjunction with the HPD and disabilities commission give an update on making the HPD building handicap accessible.
Awaiting disposition
69. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that a flashing beacon signal be installed by the Fire dept. at Springdale and Main for pedestrians crossing into the park. This will provide a fix as we await the results of a traffic study to address the traffic light. Fire already has them available and this would have zero cost on the city as Fire install themselves. Fire has been excellent in dealing with this issue.
Awaiting disposition
70. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW please provide the City Council a copy of our current agreement for the receipt of our recycling materials with the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)? Please also provide the City Council with the statistical data on our recycling program. How much recycling plastics/glass/metal vs paper in CY 2018, CY 2019, CY 2020, and CY 2021 has the city received in and recycled with the MRF during these time periods. Please also provide these statistics for any of our recycling that has been brought to places other than the MRF such as another vendor, straight into the landfill as trash, or other possibilities if any? Please provide us the statistics of regular trash we have collected during these time periods by way of comparison to see what percentage recycle is vs the total volume of all collections. Please provide these reports the City Council and come in to City Council and discuss the current state of the city’s recycling program.
Awaiting disposition
71. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order With community support, Order that initiatives be discussed and created to encourage convenience store and fast food store owners to install trash receptacles and sponsor trash collection throughout the city of Holyoke. It is clear that much of our city’s trash is from fast food restaurants and corner stores. These entities must be invited to be a part of the community they profit from by supporting quality of life initiatives that increase business support.
Awaiting disposition
72. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order the city of Holyoke work with its state delegation and federal partners to develop protective barriers along Route 91 proximate to ISO-New England. The most recent issues concern bullet holes found at ISO-NE that appear to emanate from motorists traveling on 91. The MSP and HPD are investigating and Shot-spotter detected the gunfire, according to an ISO-NE official. There is a possibility that there exists a private source of funding for the barriers and government officials are now being made aware of the potential private funds via this Order. Please note that it’s very likely that an easement from the Commonwealth would be required to build.
Awaiting disposition
73. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The fencing around the Fitzpatrick Rink – especially along the N-side of Parenteau Dr. – is disgraceful and in desperate need of repair. Please notice the glorious Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the vendor operating the rink. The vendor to its credit as done great work to repair the fence along S. Elm St.
Awaiting disposition
74. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW work with MA DOT to remove the dead trees by the US Route 91 overpass at Westfield Rd. This area is in need of some attention.
Awaiting disposition
75. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order ORDER: At the 1-91 dedicated exit lane to the mall, consider the installation of flexible lane delineators to prevent people from illegally crossing the solid line across the bike lane.
Awaiting disposition
76. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW, Engineer and HGE come to a City Council meeting to explain why there are meters in the front of buildings and homes.
Awaiting disposition
77. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW please draft a plan or update on current actions taken on the Emerald Ash Borer tree infestation emergency affecting South Holyoke’s Green Ash trees.
Awaiting disposition
78. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Fire Chief communicate a written plan for supporting firefighters to successfully complete their EMT Certifications, especially for those who have previously failed to pass the exams required and are approaching the two year deadline
Awaiting disposition
79. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order ORDERED: That the Mayor issue an Executive Order temporarily suspending all fines related to 110.7 Periodic Inspection of the MA State Building Codes for a 6 month period until all records have been completely reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Further ordered that all current fines already paid should be rescinded or held in escrow until all records have been reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Awaiting disposition
80. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order DPW // City Engineer please consider providing suggestions on entering WESTFIELD RD from both WOODLAND ST and HITCHCOCK ST. Mirrors have previously been suggested and dismissed so please provide an alternative solution. These are constituent requests.
Awaiting disposition
81. 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
82. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the DPW Director and Parks and Rec Director come into Council to give a report on addressing the issue of the Pulaski Park wall deteriorating, the trees and shrubbery behind the wall not being removed due to issues with Mass DOT and various railroad companies, and what progress is being made in returning Pulaski Park to the “view park” it was designed to be.
Awaiting disposition
83. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The public safety committee invite the DPW Superintendent and City Forester to a future meeting to discuss tree trimming, tree stump removal, tree planting, and Holyoke’s tree nursery.
Awaiting disposition
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
84. Ocasio- Order that the DPW and Engineer take a look at the Playground on Auther St. Branches are breaking and falling down.
85. Ocasio- Ordered that the DPW and Engineer replace back the curb that was there before they paved Rt 5. Behind 61 Author St. there is water running going on to the property from Rt. 5 and there is no drain
86. Ocasio- Ordered that DPW or Park and Rec replace the picnic table at South Bridge Park.
87. Ocasio- Ordered that the DPW or Park and Reck put a dog poop station at South Bridge St Park.
88. Ocasio- Order that the Board of Health and Fire Dept do an inspection on the Water Front on Main St. due to LA Familia Food truck being close to fence near Dog Day Care at 514 Main St
89. Ocasio- Ordered that the DPW clean up branches and debris on 5 Owen St. It is a fire hazard.
90. Ocasio- Ordered that the DPW and Engineer pave Owen Pl. and install a drain. Currently there is no drain.
91. Ocasio- Ordered that the City have the owner or of 5 Owen Place come in and give us an update on this property.
92. Ocasio- Order that the city and/or owner of 5 Owen Pl come in and discuss who is responsible for the damage on the back fence of 544 Hampden St.
93. I. Rivera – Ordered that an ordinance be adopted authorizing newly hired employees to be paid above the mid range upon approval of the City Council.
94. Devine, Sullivan – Ordered that the Board of Public Works be invited into a Finance meeting to discuss roof repair projects
Sec. 37.of Title VII states The board of public works shall have cognizance, direction and control: … (b) of the construction, alteration, repair and care of public buildings; …
The Board is aware of some challenges and issues associated with this project. These include interior damage due to roof leaks and the presence of mold. Before the contract closes out, and with acknowledgment of our responsibility, we propose a discussion with the Finance Committee and all City representatives to the project to assure that work meets all expectations.
95. Devine- ORDERED that a public hearing be held inviting the Planning Department, Health and Conservation Departments and the Ordinance Committee to hear the “Pros and Cons” of the possibility of including any additional wording to the “Keeping Backyard Hens” ordinance.
96. Devine- Ordered: that the Mayor be authorized to exceed the medium range hiring salary for the purpose of hiring a new Director of Public Works. This authorization shall expire upon said hiring and shall apply to no other positions.
97. 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#18 TOTAL $6,806.64
98. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE AND 59/100 Dollars ($7,373.59) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS 3,709.69
TOTAL $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $7,373.59
PP#19 TOTAL $7,373.59
99. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWELVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($12,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS $12,000
TOTAL
TO:
12201-51302 HAZ MAT OVERTIME $ 7,000
12201-51910 HAZ MAT TEAM 5,000
TOTAL $12,000
100. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “EOEEA MUNICIPAL VULNERABILITY PREPAREDNESS (MVP) 2.0 PLANNING GRANT, $102,420, 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.
101 DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($38,600) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $38,600
TOTAL $38,600
TO:
15412-52500 COA R&M BUILDING $38,600
TOTAL $38,600
102. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SEVENTY EIGHT THOUSAND AND 50/100 Dollars ($78,000.50) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY $78,000.50
TOTAL $78,000.50
TO:
12203-58002 FIRE- CAPITAL OUTLAY EQUIPMENT $78,000.50
TOTAL $78,000.50
103. Givner- Handicap application for Ageorgina Reyes of 292 Pine St. #3
104. Magrath-Smith, I. Rivera, Murphy-Romboletti — Ordered, that the City of Holyoke accept and adopt the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 43C, Section 12, entitled “Optional Forms of Municipal Administration”, for the purpose of creating a Finance Department as outlined in the statute. 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.
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
105. From Superintendent Anthony Soto EM – Receiver – Metcalf Working Group
*Added March 31, 2025, 12:13 p.m.
106. Murphy-Romboletti: Ordered that the Director of Public Works be moved from Grade 14 to Grade 15 of Schedule A.
As reasons: The current grade 14 is $85,921.00-$102,391.00-$118,
Grade 15 is $94,521.00-$112,627.00-$130,
That grade 15 is clearly more appropriate given the fact that the City Engineer/Assistant Director is currently earning $125,000.00 and is getting paid more than than the Director can be paid right now.
*Added April 1, 2025, 9:00 p.m.
