This Week in Politics June 22, 2022
Proclamations
José García from the city’s Department of Public Works, for three decades of dedication.
Holyoke High Varsity Volleyball Knights, for a championship season, 15-1
Robert Peirent, retiring City Engineer whose work made everyone’s else’s easier.
Public Comment
Former City Councilor Libby Hernández on removing salary cap for DPW director.
Former City Councilor Patricia Devine on opposing Item 45, a motion submitted by City Councilor At-Large Kevin Jourdain: That the Fire Chief and Fire Commission please provide the following information to the City Council within 30 days: Do any fire personnel of all ranks work second jobs that exceed 30 hours per week? If yes, how many? How does the department manage those second full-time obligations when Ordinance 2-35 states that fire class of the public safety group are supposed to be working a 48 hour schedule? After the report is received, please invite in the Chief and Commission to discuss if appropriate.
A resident on the hardships that increasing property taxes causes for some people.
LGBTQ Pride in Holyoke
City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos applauds the recently held LGBTQ Pride event. About 800 people attended this event, in large part organized by fellow City Councilor José Maldonado Vélez.
A New City Committee to Help Promote The City
Council approves the establishment of a Tourism Advisory Committee.
The scope of the Committee is to:
1. Create and market a new brand for Holyoke,
2. Initiate permit reform for events, public gatherings, beautification, and public art.
3. Annually monitor and report the progress of tourism initiatives to Mayor and City Council.
4. Review infrastructure maintenance program.
5. Coordinate business communications and Holyoke tourism opportunities into one marketing effort.
6. Establish and support signature destinations and districts such as a Puerto Rican Cultural District on Main Street and The Canal District.
7. Promote ecotourism and outdoor recreation.
8. Make recommendations for a financial and human resources plan.
9. Recommend annual updates to the Holyoke Tourism Strategic Plan.
The Committee will utilize the Holyoke Tourism Strategic Plan. The Committee will, from time to time, update and revise the plan as they find necessary.
The Committee should comprise one representative appointed by each of the following agencies: Holyoke Local Cultural Council, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Holyoke Office of Planning & Economic Development, Holyoke City Council, Holyoke Historical Commission, and Wistariahurst Museum. A minimum of five (5) and up to eight (8) at-large members will be nominated and recommended by the Committee and appointed by the Mayor for a three-year term. Recommended that the order be adopted, as amended to require that one of the at-large members be a youth member.
Council Asks For Update from MIFA
Council took up an order that the representatives of MiFA Victory Theater come before the Public Service subcommittee to discuss how the theater stands in funding and an expected opening of the Theater Awaiting disposition. More about MiFA here.
City Council Takes Summer Off
City Council President Todd McGee reminds all that the City Council going on Summer Recess and that the July 5, July 19 and August 16, 2022 meetings be cancelled.Also, the City Council meeting of September 6. 2022 be cancelled due to the State Primary Election.
City Council Agenda for June 22, 2022 here.
Complete Coverage of City Council meeting here.
