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Agenda

Item 1: 8-5-25 Devine- Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the REVISED “FY2023 SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL, $197,850, LOCAL FUNDS $24,570 / IN KIND MATCH $15,000” 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.
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 2: 9-2-25 DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($55,000) as follows:
FROM
11751-51105 SR PROJECT MANAGER $55,000
TOTAL $55,000
TO:
11751-51223 DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST $55,000
TOTAL $55,000

Item 3: 8-5-25 DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO AND 11/100 Dollars ($9,342.11) as follows:
FROM
12401-51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11
TO:
12402-53050 INSPECTIONS-ELECTRIC $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 4: 8-5-25 Devine- Ordered, that the amount of THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,250.00) be authorized from the BUILDING Department’s ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS (12402-53050) appropriation in fiscal year 2026 for services rendered in fiscal year 2025 which were unencumbered at the 2025 fiscal year end.
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 5: 8-5-25 Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSACHUSETTS SAFE & SUCCESSFUL YOUTH INITIATIVE (SSYI), $709,700, 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.
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 6: 8-5-25 Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY23 COPS OFFICE ANTI-HEROIN TASK FORCE PROGRAM, $10,000, 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.
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 7: 8-5-25 DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($250,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51117 DISPATCH $ 50,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 50,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 100,000
12101-51103 CAPTAINS 50,000
TOTAL $250,000
TO:
12101-51300 HPD OVERTIME $250,000
TOTAL $250,000
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 8: 8-5-25 Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that the City Council approve for their consideration $15,000 from the CPA budget to be used for “small grants” as outlined in the attached letter from the Holyoke Community Preservation Committee.

Item 9: 8-5-25 From Community Preservation Act Committee-FY26 Operating Budget
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 10: 8-5-25 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Council consider for its approval the FY26 budget from the Holyoke Community Preservation Committee. Note, this is the last budget that will be funded under the previous 1.5% surcharge. The FY27 budget will decrease by approximately one-third.
*Tabled 8-11-25

Item 11: 9-2-25 DEVINE – ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Eight Million Six Hundred Ninety One Thousand Four Hundred and Five ($8,691,405) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Kelly Elementary School Roof, located at 216 West St, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 68,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, 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 may be eligible 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 M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that 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 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.

Item 12: 9-2-25 DEVINE – ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Four Million Four Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-Seven ($4,498,497) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Lt. Elmer J. McMahon Elementary School Roof, located at 75 Kane Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 35,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, 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 may be eligible 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 M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that 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 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.

Item 13: 9-2-25 DEVINE – ORDERED: That the City appropriate the amount of Twelve Million Nine Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Seven Dollars ($12,945,697) for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Holyoke High School Roof, located at 500 Beech St, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 168,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, 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 may be eligible 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 M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that 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 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.

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

Item 14: 3-4-25 Jourdain, Vacon- Ordered, that the Treasurer, Auditor and Mayor please come to the Finance Committee to discuss why the Schedule A year end reconciliation for Fiscal Year 2024 has not yet been filed with the State. Failure to make this end of year filing timely potentially jeopardizes our future state aid payments, cash flow and the certification of our free cash. This filing was due on November 30 and is still unfiled. It should be noted that it was filed many months late last year and appears to be late again. Let’s discuss please how we can get this back on track.
*Tabled 6-25-25

Item 15: 3-19-24 MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that the City Council invite the Mayor, Police Department and relevant financial department heads to a future meeting of the Finance Committee to provide an update on the status of the off-duty police account and former vendor Off-Duty Blue.
*Tabled 4-3-24, 5-15-24, 8-12-24, 9-11-24

Item 16: 11-7-24 – Murphy-Romboletti- In an effort to provide clarity for all councilors and the public, ordered that the law department provide guidance or a memo that outlines the number of votes required for different items related to finance, ordinances, real estate and other relevant voting topics.
*Tabled 1-14-25

Item 17: 11-7-24 – Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the law department provide a legal opinion on the number of votes required to make transfers from a special stabilization fund.
*Tabled 1-14-25

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE

Item 18: 11-7-24 – Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the City Solicitor, Auditor, and Treasurer develop and present a clear policy regarding the use of the remaining collected cannabis fees, outlining a process for billing hours to the cannabis fund for work done by city employees connected to cannabis-related activities, such as:
1. Inspections of cannabis businesses
2. Processing of licensing and excise payments for cannabis businesses
3. Cannabis-related educational programming in schools
4. Safe driving and DUI prevention campaigns related to cannabis use also develop and present guidance on the use of cannabis fees for capital improvements or equipment (including related labor costs to support those projects and purchases) that is consistent with offsetting the impact of cannabis-related activities.

Item 19: 11-7-24 – Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the City Solicitor develop and present a clear policy regarding acceptable fees that can be levied against future cannabis businesses related to concrete, specific impacts of cannabis businesses where they exist.

Item 20: 11-7-24 – Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered that the HR Director come into Finance to present which HR functions are being completed by which Departments, Commissions, or Boards with a goal of seeking out areas where we can become more consistent or streamline processes and positions in the future with the goal of enhancing a more centralized HR function in our city.

Item 21: 11-7-24 From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2023 Signed MOU HPD RollKall

Item 22: 11-7-24 From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2021 Signed MOU HPD RollKall

Item 23: 11-7-24 HPD – OffDutyBlue Services Agreement

Item 24: 12-3-24 BARTLEY -Ordered, the mayor be requested to act on the bond study from last year and put together a plan to demo the old police station.

Item 25: 4-1-25 From Health Benefit Trust meeting, meeting minutes from December 4, 2024, January 13, February 24, and March 10, 2025

Item 26: 5-20-25 Devine, J. Rivera- Ordered that the Commission on Disabilities be invited to the Finance Committee to discuss MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G which will officially set aside funds from Handicap Parking Violation fines into an Independent Budget.

Item 27: 6-3-25 Rivera, I- Order that the Mayor along with the director of the office of Community Development present on the current amount dollars currently accumulated via the Opioid class action law suit and how the city plans to allocate/spend the funding.

Item 28: 6-3-25 Rivera, I- Order that 5% of Cannabis revenue be set aside specifically for capital improvements within and around the communities that the industry is held in.

Item 29: 6-3-25 Letter from David Conti, FY2026 Water Rates and Maintenance Charge

Item 30: 6-3-25 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Engineer provide a list of approximate costs for often-requested services around traffic calming evaluations, temporary speed humps, permanent speed humps, flashing lights, and stop sign placement. Additionally, provide an updated list of such measures voted on by Council but awaiting available appropriation. Lastly, provide clarity on which budgetary line items such appropriations would be made out of in comparison to the financial cost of current pending work that has been approved by Council.