Among the items that drew the most discussion at the City Council meeting last week:

The reappointment of longtime community advocate Ms. Theresa Cooper-Gordon, Kuji, as a Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority raised concerns among some councilors who would want an opportunity to ask her questions even though she has been in public service to the city for many years.

To those councilors, Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos: said:  “I find it a bit odd that this specific person be sent to the Public Service (Committee)…because I’ve seen us vote right away without questions.”

For a person’s candidacy appointment or an issue to be sent to the committee is a longstanding tradition so that those committee members can further review the candidate or issue and present to the full city council their vote on the matter.

Still, Councilor Anderson-Burgos insisted that in this case, with this particular candidate, the inclination of other councilors to slow down her re-appointment was a reflection of, he said, “cherry-picking.”

City Council President McGee assured that sending nominations, even re-appointments, to committee, is not unusual. In the end, the re-appointment of Ms. Gordon Cooper was sent to the Public Service Committee.

The Council also sent to the committee a proposal for all council sub-committee meetings — Finance, Public, Service, Ordinance, etc. — to have Spanish-language interpretation services available.

The council considered the establishment of a Police Commission. Cpiuncilors also spoke at length about two-vehicle accidents involving the mayor. The mayor was not at fault in either accident, according to the police.

The councilors also discussed special permits regarding Jay’s Bed & Breakfast on Dwight Street. The original permit limited activities on the property to be strictly related to the business — breakfast for guests only.

Neighbors had complained about noise from concerts and events at the B&B, lack of parking, and other issues.

In the end, Jesús Candelario, owner of the B&B, opted to see the business, and the request for a special permit with more options was withdrawn.

To view the documents the councilors had for this meeting, click here.