This Week in Politics April 19, 2022
CITY COUNCIL
The following are selected highlights from this week’s City Council meeting. View the full agenda HERE.
Moment of silence for Justin Chávez, creator of the “Made in Holyoke” signs. Motion made by City Councilor At-Large Israel Rivera.
Includes comments by Helene Florio of the Holyoke Taxpayers Association , imploring the council to not use public funds for a private purpose (funds for Girls Inc.). Also, Anne Thalheimer, former candidate for Ward 3, rejecting the characterization of her by Ward 3 City Councilor David Bartley as an “it” and a “nightmare.” Jason Montgomery also spoke against such language used by a sitting city councilor about a constituent who happened to be a contender for the same seat.
The City Council discussed an order that the current buffer in the marijuana ordinance (200 feet from any other use…) be reviewed and revised to schools, residences etc. to ensure opportunities for new marijuana businesses and to ensure continued development opportunities for established local business in accordance with city’s master plan, Connect, Construct, Create.
Motion to present longtime business leader and city booster Gary Rome with a proclamation celebrating 25th anniversary running auto dealership.
RECOGNITION OF FORMER COUNCILOR
City Council President Todd McGee gives a shout out to former City Councilor Patty Devine for donating her time and talent to making City Council proclamations.
PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL DISTRICT
Discussion on creating a Puerto Rican Cultural District in South Holyoke.
SHOULD THE TAX COLLECTOR BE APPOINTED OR ELECTED?
An order was sent to charter and rules to evaluate if there should be a ballot question on whether tax collector should be appointed or elected position. This will be take up at the next Charter and Rules Committee Meeting.
FULL LIST OF CITY COUNCILORS: https://www.holyoke.org/city-council-members/
