City Councilor Kevin Jourdain, upon graduating law school Magna Cum Laude, passed both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Bar exams this Summer. On November 1, Councilor Jourdain was sworn into the Connecticut Bar in a beautiful ceremony in Hartford, CT. On November 29, he was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in another magnificant ceremony in Historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA.
Councilor Jourdain opened the Law Office of Kevin A. Jourdain, Esq. located at 472 Appleton Street in Holyoke in shared space with the great law firm of Brunault, Proulx and McGuinness. If anyone may be in need of legal services or advice, please do not hesitate to contact him at (413) 539-8000 for assistance.
Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
70% of Holyoke First Readers oppose a $300 fine for feeding a cat
In an exclusive Holyoke First poll, Holyoke First readers opposed by a 70-30 margin, the imposition of a proposed $300 fine for the feeding of a stray cat.
Meeting Notes from June 15, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes from June 15, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Points:
Noteworthy Points:
- City Council adopted the FY 2011 Fiscal Year Budget on a vote of 11-3. Councilors Keane, Vacon and Welch voted NO. Councilor McGee was absent.
- There were numerous amendments which I will detail in a future Holyoke First posting.
- City Council adopted a new ordinance relative to the feeding of stray or feral cats by a 13-1 vote. Councilor Devine voted NO. Councilor McGee was absent.
- Kathy Anderson and the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority requested a joint meeting on Holyoke's new Urban Renewal Plan with the Redevelopment Committee of the City Council. The meeting was held on August 30, 2010 and was a very productive meeting. The new Urban Renewal Plan will be released in Spring 2011.
- The much discussed Chicken Ordinance proposed by Councilors Purington and Lisi was given leave to withdraw.
- The City Council approved $30,000 to repair the stain glass windows in City Hall
- The City Council approved $31,500 for a new ride around truck for the Building Commissioner. The vehicle requested is a Hybrid Ford Escape with off road capabilities. The vehicle is very high end and well beyond that which is needed to get him around for his inspections. He certainly does not need a four wheel off road vehicle for his appointments. Nevertheless, the City Council approved the funding by a vote of 11-3. Most Holyoke taxpayers do not get the pleasure of affording such a luxurious vehicle so neither should our department heads. Councilors Jourdain, Vacon and Vega voted NO. Councilor McGee was absent. Subsequent to this vote, I have requested the Purchasing Director to review the proposal to ensure we need to spend this much and he said he will get something to meet the department's needs for the best price.
- The City Council unanimously adopted the full funding needed to fund our much needed new Senior Center to be located at the former site of the Anne McHugh School on Sargeant Street.
Meeting Notes from June 1, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes from June 1, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items:
Noteworthy Items:
- City Council accepted the provisions of the Holyoke Canal Walk Phase 2 Grant to continue the work on the Holyoke Canal Walk which is blossoming under Mayor Pluta's leadership to becoming a nice revitalization project to our downtown. This will help Holyoke showcase its unique mills and canal system.
- City Council received a report from the Redevelopment Committee that I chair regarding how the Cisco Group will be establishing a pilot neighborhood revitalization project in the city and will also being helping the city to think of innovative ways for us to improve our technology infrastructure within the city.
- City Council requested that the Mayor fill the numerous vacancies to the Reserve Police Officers list. These Reserve Officers significantly help in our overall public safety strategy and the list is nearly exhausted.
- DPW was requested by me to install a flagpole and flag at the new Jones Ferry River Access Center to make sure the USA is properly respected at our new facility.
- City Council adopted a resolution recognizing Tim Moskal for his great accomplishment of becoming an Eagle Scout.
- The City Council adopted along with the School Committee a joint committee of 6 members with 3 members from each body to discuss important initiatives and issues of the 2 bodies.
- Subsequent to the meeting, President of City Council Joe McGiverin appointed Councilors Jourdain, O'Neill and Vega to serve as the Council's representatives.
Meeting Notes from May 18, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes from May 18, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items
Noteworthy Items
- City Council received a letter from the Board of Assessors that the Holyoke Geriatric Authority is $60,000 in arrears on their Property Tax Payment for the Years 2009-2010.
- City Council passed a new ordinance prohibiting the sale, exchange and distribution of cigarette lighters and matches to minors and prohibiting the self service display of cigarette lighters and matches on a 13-1 vote. Councilor Welch voted NO and Councilor O'Neill was absent.
Meeting Notes for May 4, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes for May 4, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items:
Noteworthy Items:
- The City Council approved up to $5.5 million in bonding for a new Holyoke Public Library. The vote was 14-1 with only Councilor Devine voting NO
- Odette Czaplicki was re-appointed by the Mayor and unanimously confirmed by the City Council to another 3 year term on the Board of Registrars of Voters.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Holyoke Fireworks Set for Friday July 2 !!!
The City of Holyoke, through our sponsor the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department, will be celebrating our Nation's Independence Day in style. Holyoke Community College will once again host our Independence celebration beginning at 6pm on Friday, July 2. As soon as it gets dark, get ready for the best fireworks show in the area!
I wish you and your family a relaxing and happy Fourth of July Weekend!
I wish you and your family a relaxing and happy Fourth of July Weekend!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Meeting Notes for March 16, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes for March 16, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items:
Noteworthy Items:
- Pat Higgins was confirmed to another 5yr term on the Holyoke Housing Authority Commission. Pat has a long and proud history on behalf of the people of the city and I was proud to vote for him.
- Gordon Alexander, Bruce Mitchell and Carol Walsh were appointed to 3 year terms on the Historical Commission.
- Sandra Swan was appointed to a 1 year term to the Council on Aging Commission
- Council passed a new ordinance prohibiting trucks from using their engine brakes in the city by a vote of 11-4. I opposed this bad idea because City Councilors know nothing about operating tractor trailer trucks and have no business telling trucks how to operate their braking and safety systems in Holyoke or anywhere else. Trucks have brakes for reason and to use them when needed. The vote on this measure was as follows:
- YES: Devine, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, O'Neill, Purington, Tallman, Welch
- NO: Jourdain, Leahy, Vacon, Vega
- City Council unanimously approved the Redevelopment Committee recommendations to Mayor Pluta for the use of Community Development Block Grants Funds in the amount of $1.343 million and HOME Grant Funds of $1.208 million. My Redevelopment committee members worked on these recommendations and came up with a great work product that was thoughtful and effective.
Meeting Notes from March 2, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes from March 2, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items:
Noteworthy Items:
- Election of 2 year seat on the Whiting Street Fund. Maria Burke elected on first ballot. Maria Burke received 10 votes.
- Election of 1 year seat on the Whiting Street Fund. John Pietrzykowski elected with 9 votes on 2nd ballot.
- Creation of a new temporary Munis Administrator Position to oversee the upgrades of the Munis system in city government. The position was approved by a vote of 12-3. The votes was as follows:
- YES: Devine, Jourdain, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Purington, Tallman, Vacon, Vega and Welch
- NO: Keane, Leahy, O'Neill
- City accepted a grant for $350,000 for the Smart Growth Zoning Incentive from the state that can be used to update Master Plan and help with downtown revitalization
- A special permit was approved to allow a Taco Bell to be located in K-Mart Plaza. K-Mart also promised to repair their parking lot as part of the project.
- We approved a proclamation for Auxilary Police Chief Ron Dietrich recognizing his 50 years of dedicated service to the city. He is a great guy.
- Councilors Lopez and Purington filed an order to address the feeding of feral cats.
Meeting Notes from February 16, 2010 Meeting
Meeting Notes for February 16, 2010 Meeting
Noteworthy Items:
Noteworthy Items:
- Attorney Lisa Ball of Holyoke was confirmed as City Solicitor on a vote of 11-2. The votes was as follows:
- YES: Jourdain, Keane, Leahy, McGiverin, Murphy, O'Neill, Purington, Tallman, Vacon, Vega and Welch
- NO: Devine, McGee
- ABSENT: Lisi, Lopez
Kevin Jourdain earns Juris Doctorate from Massachusetts School of Law
On June 4, 2010, City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain will receive his Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude, from the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover. Councilor Jourdain stated, "It is a great relief to complete my studies and I especially thankful to my family who were so supportive of me throughout the last three years. I received a top notch education and have gained an even deeper appreciation for the laws of our great state and nation."
Holyoke Community College Awards City Councilor Kevin Jourdain with its 2010 Distinguished Service Award!
I was very grateful for a great honor from a great school that has a special place in our community and to me personally. Holyoke is very lucky indeed to have such a wonderful college community of bright students and eneregtic staff and faculty in our midst.
There was a very kind inscription to the DSA award in the program:
"The odds were against you when you ran for Holyoke City Councilor at age 21. You were inexperienced and unconnected, just a few months past your own college commencement cerenmony. But along with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics, you had faith in yourself and faith that the city you loved could overcome its challenges. So you pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, handed out campaign fliers. In January 1994, you became the youngest Councilor ever elected. You have held the position ever since, even while earning a Master of Business Administration degree and Juris Doctorate, even while starting a family that now includes three children under age seven, even while advancing as a finance professional to your current position of senior financial analyst for the Sisters of Providence Health System. During your tenure, tens of millions of dollars have been spent to renovate Holyoke's schools, fire stations, ball fields, sidewalks, sewers, and roads. A new library has been planned. An $80-$100 million computer center has been slated to open in the future, projected to make Massachusetts a leader in high performance computing for scientists and bring as many as 1,000 jobs to the region. Federal High-Speed rail funds have been secured to develop a train station that will put Holyoke on the Amtrak line between New Haven and St. Albans, Vermont. Renovationsare nearly complete in the former fire department headquarters on Maple Street; soon the building will reopen as the four-story Holyoke Multimodal Transportation Center, housing a new bus terminal, a daycare and preschool program, and an adult literacy program run by HCC. With investments like these, you have revitalized Holyoke and positioned it for continued growth. At the same time, you have been a fiscal watchdog, taking care to build a rainy day reserve and avoiding excessive bonds that would compromise the city's financial future. In short, you've performed an impressive financial balancing act for the city, and you've repeated it with equal success for HCC. When former Governor Romney asked you to become a college trustee in 2006, you quickly agreed to support an institution you had long admired as a partner in building your city and region. You supported vital spending at HCC, such as initiatives to reach out to more minority students in your city; you simultaneously protected rainy day funds and worked hard to keep student fees as low as possible. You were part of the grand opening for the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development and played a vital role in shaping it as a major regional resource. In 2008, BusinessWest named you one of the "Top 40 Young Professionals under 40 in Western Massachusetts." We second that nomination today, acknowledging you as one of Holyoke's most dedicated public servants and presenting you with a 2010 Distinguished Service Award."
There was a very kind inscription to the DSA award in the program:
"The odds were against you when you ran for Holyoke City Councilor at age 21. You were inexperienced and unconnected, just a few months past your own college commencement cerenmony. But along with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics, you had faith in yourself and faith that the city you loved could overcome its challenges. So you pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, handed out campaign fliers. In January 1994, you became the youngest Councilor ever elected. You have held the position ever since, even while earning a Master of Business Administration degree and Juris Doctorate, even while starting a family that now includes three children under age seven, even while advancing as a finance professional to your current position of senior financial analyst for the Sisters of Providence Health System. During your tenure, tens of millions of dollars have been spent to renovate Holyoke's schools, fire stations, ball fields, sidewalks, sewers, and roads. A new library has been planned. An $80-$100 million computer center has been slated to open in the future, projected to make Massachusetts a leader in high performance computing for scientists and bring as many as 1,000 jobs to the region. Federal High-Speed rail funds have been secured to develop a train station that will put Holyoke on the Amtrak line between New Haven and St. Albans, Vermont. Renovationsare nearly complete in the former fire department headquarters on Maple Street; soon the building will reopen as the four-story Holyoke Multimodal Transportation Center, housing a new bus terminal, a daycare and preschool program, and an adult literacy program run by HCC. With investments like these, you have revitalized Holyoke and positioned it for continued growth. At the same time, you have been a fiscal watchdog, taking care to build a rainy day reserve and avoiding excessive bonds that would compromise the city's financial future. In short, you've performed an impressive financial balancing act for the city, and you've repeated it with equal success for HCC. When former Governor Romney asked you to become a college trustee in 2006, you quickly agreed to support an institution you had long admired as a partner in building your city and region. You supported vital spending at HCC, such as initiatives to reach out to more minority students in your city; you simultaneously protected rainy day funds and worked hard to keep student fees as low as possible. You were part of the grand opening for the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development and played a vital role in shaping it as a major regional resource. In 2008, BusinessWest named you one of the "Top 40 Young Professionals under 40 in Western Massachusetts." We second that nomination today, acknowledging you as one of Holyoke's most dedicated public servants and presenting you with a 2010 Distinguished Service Award."
Councilors Jourdain and Vacon file Common Sense Substitute Amendment to Proposed $300 Cat Feeding Ban
Sec. 14-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
Animal: Any living creature, including domestic or exotic (i.e. dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, goat, pig, fowl, ferret, iguana, snake, etc.).
Animal control officer/inspector of animals: Any person designated by the board of health who is responsible for enforcing and implementing the Holyoke Code of Ordinances and state and federal law relating to the control, impoundment, and disposition of animals.
Animal exhibition: Any spectacle, display, act or event other than circuses, in which animals are used.
Animal shelter: Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At large: When an animal strays off the premises of the owner, and is not under the control of the owner or a member of owner's immediate family either by leash, cord, chain or other restraint. Any animal found to be outside of its natural habitat and not under the owner's control shall be deemed to be at large.
Circus: A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.
Commercial animal establishment: Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibition or kennel.
Dangerous dog or animal: Any dog or animal that:
1. Inflicts bite(s) without causing serious bodily injury on human or
domestic animals without provocation on public or private property;
2. Chases or approaches a person on public or private property without provocation, in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
3. In the opinion of the animal control officer, constitutes a threat to public health or safety; or has exhibited a tendency to do any act which might endanger the safety, health or well-being of any person or animal without sufficient provocation for such act;
4. Possesses a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or other animals without provocation.
Grooming shop: Any commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped or otherwise groomed.
Guard dogs: Dogs which meet the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 129, § 39b.
Humane officer: Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a county government, a municipal government or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties under M.G.L.A. c. 147, § 10.
Kennel: Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs, or engages in training dogs for guard or sentry purposes, or every pack or collection of more than three dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.
Licensing authority: The city clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.
Owner: Any person, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.
Pet: Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.
Physical restraint: Dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet and controlled by an adult physically capable of controlling such dog.
Rendering center: A facility that properly disposes of sick, injured or deceased animals in a humane fashion.
Serious bodily injury: Bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement or loss or impairment of bodily function.
Veterinary hospital or clinic: Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.
Vicious dog or animal:
1. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed a human being without provocation on public or private property.
2. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed another animal without provocation on public or private property.
3. Any dog or animal harbored on property known for drug trafficking or gang activity or on property where such activity is taking place and used specifically for the protection of illicit, illegal or criminal activities.
4. Any dog or animal trained, owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting other animals.
5. Any dog or animal for which the animal inspector or the director of health has a verified report of having attacked or bitten any person and caused serious bodily injury shall be considered a vicious dog or animal.
6. A dog or animal will not be classified as "vicious" if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time of attack, was unlawfully on the property with the intent to commit a crime or tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog or animal, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or animal or if the dog or animal was defending or protecting its owner from unjustified attack or assault.
Wild animal: Any raccoon, skunk, fox, lynx, and other similar warm-blooded animal and poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles, normally found in the wild.
Zoological park: Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species of domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership, corporation or government agency.
Sec. 14-17 Nuisances Prohibited
(a) No owner shall knowingly allow a public nuisance to be created on his/her property as the result of any animal(s), domestic or wild.
(b) Animals shall be considered a public nuisance including, but not limited to, the following instances:
(1) Any animal or group of animals that molest or attack passerby, passing vehicles or other animals without provocation.
(2) Any animal or group of animals that trespass repeatedly on school grounds or private property; are repeatedly at large three or more times; or damage private or public property.
(3) Any animal or group of animals which through accumulated waste or other reason cause offensive odors detectable from any right-of-way- or adjoining properties.
(4) Any animal or group of animals which tests positive for a transmittable disease such as feline leukemia or parvo and interact with other animals in such a manner as to increase the likelihood of the spread of the disease.
(5) Any animal or group of animals which bark, whine, howl or makes any noises natural to its species in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion so as to disturb the peace. Any individual or group who allows a dog to bark so as to disturb the peace shall be subject to the fines set forth in Section 54-15 (bb) of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances.
(c) If any of the above circumstances are found upon complaint received by the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health and confirmed upon inspection, the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health or its agents may issue a written order to the person or persons having control of the premises to correct the offending conditions.
(d) This section shall be enforced in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, § 21D. Unless otherwise provide for herein, any person who fails to comply with a written order or any other provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10.00 per day for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense and $100.00 for the third and each subsequent offense. Each day that the violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition to any civil or criminal penalties, any license to keep animals may be revoked.
(e) Upon the issuance of a 3rd offense, the animal control officer or board of health and/or their agents shall remove the offending animal that is creating a nuisance as defined by this section.
Section 14-18 Outdoor Feeding and/or Sheltering of Feral or Stray Cats
(a) Outdoor feeding and or sheltering permitted. The outdoor feeding and/or sheltering of feral or stray cats is hereby permitted on any public or private property unless the feeding and/or sheltering shall create a nuisance as defined in Section 14.17.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section,
Feeding shall mean the provision of food, water or other substance left outside of any building or structure.
Feral cat shall mean one that exists in an untamed state, or one that has returned to an untamed state and is no longer considered domesticated, or one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by its prior owner.
Stray cat shall mean one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by it’s prior owner.
Sheltering shall mean the provision of any type of shelter, whether temporary or permanent that a cat may enter, outside of the primary structure on the property.
(c) Penalties and Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the Board of Health, the Animal Control Officer and their agents in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, Sec. 21D.
i. Following an investigation by the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer or their agents, anyone who is found to be feeding and/or sheltering feral or homeless cats in violation of this section shall immediately be issued a cease and desist order.
ii. In the event that a person fails to comply with a cease and desist order, the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer and their agents shall have the right to seize and remove any feral or homeless casts from the property.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
Animal: Any living creature, including domestic or exotic (i.e. dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, goat, pig, fowl, ferret, iguana, snake, etc.).
Animal control officer/inspector of animals: Any person designated by the board of health who is responsible for enforcing and implementing the Holyoke Code of Ordinances and state and federal law relating to the control, impoundment, and disposition of animals.
Animal exhibition: Any spectacle, display, act or event other than circuses, in which animals are used.
Animal shelter: Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At large: When an animal strays off the premises of the owner, and is not under the control of the owner or a member of owner's immediate family either by leash, cord, chain or other restraint. Any animal found to be outside of its natural habitat and not under the owner's control shall be deemed to be at large.
Circus: A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.
Commercial animal establishment: Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibition or kennel.
Dangerous dog or animal: Any dog or animal that:
1. Inflicts bite(s) without causing serious bodily injury on human or
domestic animals without provocation on public or private property;
2. Chases or approaches a person on public or private property without provocation, in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
3. In the opinion of the animal control officer, constitutes a threat to public health or safety; or has exhibited a tendency to do any act which might endanger the safety, health or well-being of any person or animal without sufficient provocation for such act;
4. Possesses a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or other animals without provocation.
Grooming shop: Any commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped or otherwise groomed.
Guard dogs: Dogs which meet the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 129, § 39b.
Humane officer: Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a county government, a municipal government or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties under M.G.L.A. c. 147, § 10.
Kennel: Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs, or engages in training dogs for guard or sentry purposes, or every pack or collection of more than three dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.
Licensing authority: The city clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.
Owner: Any person, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.
Pet: Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.
Physical restraint: Dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet and controlled by an adult physically capable of controlling such dog.
Rendering center: A facility that properly disposes of sick, injured or deceased animals in a humane fashion.
Serious bodily injury: Bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement or loss or impairment of bodily function.
Veterinary hospital or clinic: Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.
Vicious dog or animal:
1. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed a human being without provocation on public or private property.
2. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed another animal without provocation on public or private property.
3. Any dog or animal harbored on property known for drug trafficking or gang activity or on property where such activity is taking place and used specifically for the protection of illicit, illegal or criminal activities.
4. Any dog or animal trained, owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting other animals.
5. Any dog or animal for which the animal inspector or the director of health has a verified report of having attacked or bitten any person and caused serious bodily injury shall be considered a vicious dog or animal.
6. A dog or animal will not be classified as "vicious" if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time of attack, was unlawfully on the property with the intent to commit a crime or tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog or animal, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or animal or if the dog or animal was defending or protecting its owner from unjustified attack or assault.
Wild animal: Any raccoon, skunk, fox, lynx, and other similar warm-blooded animal and poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles, normally found in the wild.
Zoological park: Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species of domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership, corporation or government agency.
Sec. 14-17 Nuisances Prohibited
(a) No owner shall knowingly allow a public nuisance to be created on his/her property as the result of any animal(s), domestic or wild.
(b) Animals shall be considered a public nuisance including, but not limited to, the following instances:
(1) Any animal or group of animals that molest or attack passerby, passing vehicles or other animals without provocation.
(2) Any animal or group of animals that trespass repeatedly on school grounds or private property; are repeatedly at large three or more times; or damage private or public property.
(3) Any animal or group of animals which through accumulated waste or other reason cause offensive odors detectable from any right-of-way- or adjoining properties.
(4) Any animal or group of animals which tests positive for a transmittable disease such as feline leukemia or parvo and interact with other animals in such a manner as to increase the likelihood of the spread of the disease.
(5) Any animal or group of animals which bark, whine, howl or makes any noises natural to its species in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion so as to disturb the peace. Any individual or group who allows a dog to bark so as to disturb the peace shall be subject to the fines set forth in Section 54-15 (bb) of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances.
(c) If any of the above circumstances are found upon complaint received by the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health and confirmed upon inspection, the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health or its agents may issue a written order to the person or persons having control of the premises to correct the offending conditions.
(d) This section shall be enforced in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, § 21D. Unless otherwise provide for herein, any person who fails to comply with a written order or any other provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10.00 per day for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense and $100.00 for the third and each subsequent offense. Each day that the violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition to any civil or criminal penalties, any license to keep animals may be revoked.
(e) Upon the issuance of a 3rd offense, the animal control officer or board of health and/or their agents shall remove the offending animal that is creating a nuisance as defined by this section.
Section 14-18 Outdoor Feeding and/or Sheltering of Feral or Stray Cats
(a) Outdoor feeding and or sheltering permitted. The outdoor feeding and/or sheltering of feral or stray cats is hereby permitted on any public or private property unless the feeding and/or sheltering shall create a nuisance as defined in Section 14.17.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section,
Feeding shall mean the provision of food, water or other substance left outside of any building or structure.
Feral cat shall mean one that exists in an untamed state, or one that has returned to an untamed state and is no longer considered domesticated, or one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by its prior owner.
Stray cat shall mean one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by it’s prior owner.
Sheltering shall mean the provision of any type of shelter, whether temporary or permanent that a cat may enter, outside of the primary structure on the property.
(c) Penalties and Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the Board of Health, the Animal Control Officer and their agents in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, Sec. 21D.
i. Following an investigation by the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer or their agents, anyone who is found to be feeding and/or sheltering feral or homeless cats in violation of this section shall immediately be issued a cease and desist order.
ii. In the event that a person fails to comply with a cease and desist order, the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer and their agents shall have the right to seize and remove any feral or homeless casts from the property.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Holyoke City Council Portrait circa 1948
Thought you might enjoy this great picture of the Holyoke City Council taken circa 1948 inside the Council chambers. For those that think 15 Councilors is too many, you might notice that there were quite a few councilors more than 15 in those days.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Finance Committee reviews Library Construction Proposals
Holyoke City Council Finance Committee takes $15 million step toward a new library
By Mike Plaisance, The Republican
April 22, 2010, 9:32PM
HOLYOKE – The City Council will vote on May 4 whether to approve borrowing $15 million to renovate the Holyoke Public Library under a plan councilors referred to the mayor on Thursday.
But officials said among the numerous issues to be resolved are how much control the city would have over the library, which currently is a private, nonprofit corporation.
The discussion came in a two-hour meeting of the council Finance Committee at City Hall.
The $15 million is a figure needed to trigger receipt of tax credits that will be sold to investors to help fund the library renovation. The $15 million is not necessarily the amount that the city will borrow and have to pay interest on over a 20-year loan, officials said.
Most of the project, in fact, would be paid for not with borrowing but with a state grant, funds from the library endowment and fund-raising, officials said.
The motion the council Finance Committee approved by a vote of 4-0 caps the city’s actual borrowing commitment at $5.5 million.
Still, councilors said, the city is taking on a burden of debt, however important the library project.
“Just so everyone’s clear about this: That’s an enormous payment. This is a very serious commitment on the part of the city,” committee member Kevin A. Jourdain said.
“It’s a tremendous amount of money” for a worthy project, council President Joseph M. McGiverin said.
Said Terry Plum, president of the library board of directors: “The library and the city have been partners for 100 years, so I’m looking at this as a new partnership.”
But, he said, time is tight.
The library board has a $4.5 million grant from the state Board of Library Commissioners. But the grant is contingent on library officials demonstrating by June 15 that they can raise the rest of the money and that the community supports the project. The community support includes City Council authorization for borrowing, officials said.
The 108-year-old library at 335 Maple St. has various problems. There's water damage from leaks, mold and air quality issues, cracks in the stone exterior and inadequate space for children’s services, public computers and archives.
The plan is to increase the current 25,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet. A final decision has yet to be made about whether that means building a new library or an addition to the existing one.
One of the concerns of councilors about the library project is the uncertainty about exactly how much money can be expected from investors willing to buy the tax credits. Such credits are attractive to investors because in return for the cash they pay into a project, they later get a federal tax reduction, or credit.
The larger the investment from those buying tax credits, the lower the financial burden on the city and the less the library’s board of directors must tap into the $5 million endowment, officials said.
The committee’s motion was referred to Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, who supports the project. Proposals for borrowing money must come from the mayor.
The motion also sets as a condition a requirement that the documents detailing the borrowing contain a surety, or pledge, that the library board will commit $2.5 million to the project either from fund-raising or the endowment.
The Holyoke Public Library gets a yearly appropriation from the city of more than $500,000 to cover salaries of the 21-person staff and utilities.
Discussions have included the possibility of the city taking over the library as a new department, given the city's financial commitment to the project.
But Plum and other officials, including Councilor John J. O'Neill said Thursday the preference would be for some separation to be maintained with a governance consisting of a board with a majority of members appointed by the mayor.
© 2010 masslive.com. All rights reserved.
By Mike Plaisance, The Republican
April 22, 2010, 9:32PM
HOLYOKE – The City Council will vote on May 4 whether to approve borrowing $15 million to renovate the Holyoke Public Library under a plan councilors referred to the mayor on Thursday.
But officials said among the numerous issues to be resolved are how much control the city would have over the library, which currently is a private, nonprofit corporation.
The discussion came in a two-hour meeting of the council Finance Committee at City Hall.
The $15 million is a figure needed to trigger receipt of tax credits that will be sold to investors to help fund the library renovation. The $15 million is not necessarily the amount that the city will borrow and have to pay interest on over a 20-year loan, officials said.
Most of the project, in fact, would be paid for not with borrowing but with a state grant, funds from the library endowment and fund-raising, officials said.
The motion the council Finance Committee approved by a vote of 4-0 caps the city’s actual borrowing commitment at $5.5 million.
Still, councilors said, the city is taking on a burden of debt, however important the library project.
“Just so everyone’s clear about this: That’s an enormous payment. This is a very serious commitment on the part of the city,” committee member Kevin A. Jourdain said.
“It’s a tremendous amount of money” for a worthy project, council President Joseph M. McGiverin said.
Said Terry Plum, president of the library board of directors: “The library and the city have been partners for 100 years, so I’m looking at this as a new partnership.”
But, he said, time is tight.
The library board has a $4.5 million grant from the state Board of Library Commissioners. But the grant is contingent on library officials demonstrating by June 15 that they can raise the rest of the money and that the community supports the project. The community support includes City Council authorization for borrowing, officials said.
The 108-year-old library at 335 Maple St. has various problems. There's water damage from leaks, mold and air quality issues, cracks in the stone exterior and inadequate space for children’s services, public computers and archives.
The plan is to increase the current 25,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet. A final decision has yet to be made about whether that means building a new library or an addition to the existing one.
One of the concerns of councilors about the library project is the uncertainty about exactly how much money can be expected from investors willing to buy the tax credits. Such credits are attractive to investors because in return for the cash they pay into a project, they later get a federal tax reduction, or credit.
The larger the investment from those buying tax credits, the lower the financial burden on the city and the less the library’s board of directors must tap into the $5 million endowment, officials said.
The committee’s motion was referred to Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, who supports the project. Proposals for borrowing money must come from the mayor.
The motion also sets as a condition a requirement that the documents detailing the borrowing contain a surety, or pledge, that the library board will commit $2.5 million to the project either from fund-raising or the endowment.
The Holyoke Public Library gets a yearly appropriation from the city of more than $500,000 to cover salaries of the 21-person staff and utilities.
Discussions have included the possibility of the city taking over the library as a new department, given the city's financial commitment to the project.
But Plum and other officials, including Councilor John J. O'Neill said Thursday the preference would be for some separation to be maintained with a governance consisting of a board with a majority of members appointed by the mayor.
© 2010 masslive.com. All rights reserved.
Updated Story on OCD Audit
Holyoke awaits audit decision
Sunday, April 25, 2010
By MIKE PLAISANCE
mplaisance@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The city is still waiting to hear whether it must repay federal grants used to build seven duplexes, but one councilor says the city should attempt to get the money from the developer if a repayment is ordered.
"It's a big problem," Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez said recently.
Lopez has filed an order to place the responsibility for $288,000, which the federal government says was overpayment on construction of seven duplexes, on the nonprofit Olde Holyoke Development.
Olde Holyoke Development received 26 of the 39 loans processed here under one of the programs audited by the Housing and Urban Development department. Olde Holyoke officials said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all federal guidelines and regulations.
The audit issued on Nov. 23 found that there was "ineligible, unreasonable or unnecessary" use of $3.87 million in federal funds in relation to construction and demolition. The audit covered July 2006 to June 2009.
City officials say the Community Development Office has abided by federal rules and that some of the disagreements are due to the city and the federal agency using different calculation formulas.
Lopez' order to have Olde Holyoke Development be responsible if a repayment is ordered is being studied in the Redevelopment Committee.
William H. Murphy, administrator of the city Community Development Office, told councilors a few weeks ago that it would be about a month before the city learns whether it must repay any money.
Spokeswoman Rhonda M. Siciliano said the federal agency is continuing the review of the Holyoke audit and doesn't have a time frame for when that will be done.
The audit said building the duplexes should have cost about $1.75 million, based on the calculations of "a specialist with expertise in estimating construction costs," but the city paid more than $2 million.
The audit said the federal appraiser in determining what the seven duplexes should have cost used the "universal standards" of data from the Marshall & Swift company, of Los Angeles, Calif. The company's Web site says it provides the most current and accurate building cost data available.
Murphy, Deputy Administrator Linda B. McQuade and Richard P. Courchesne, Olde Holyoke Development president, said construction costs for the duplexes were based on the real costs of home construction in this area. The costs also included Energy Star upgrades, which consist of guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they said.
The auditor said the appraiser's determinations included the maximum allowable calculations for energy efficiencies.
In response to Lopez' order about repayment being the obligation of Olde Holyoke Development, Courchesne said everything was done properly. Every home his organization built has a mortgage and a promissory note, he said.
"In the 30 years we've been working with the city, they've never paid anything back to HUD and my opinion is they won't have to this time, either," Courchesne said.
Between 1975 and 2009, Olde Holyoke Development built 158 homes, mostly duplexes, that have a total assessed value of nearly $21 million, he said.
McQuade declined to comment specifically on Lopez' order. But she said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all regulations, despite the audit's findings, and she was eager for a resolution to the 16-month-long review.
"I'd like it to be over with. They walked into the office in December 2008, so, yes, I'll be happy when it's over with," McQuade said.
Chairman Kevin A. Jourdain said the Redevelopment Committee will deal with the issue again once federal officials determine the finalized audit.
Lopez' proposal to have Olde Holyoke Development pay the bill if money must be returned could be an option, Jourdain said, but that will depend on what the federal government ultimately decides was done wrong.
"If it's something Olde Holyoke did, then that's a reasonable request," but not if the fault lies with the city, Jourdain said.
Councilor at Large Aaron M. Vega said he was concerned about the questions the audit raises about how federal money is used.
"And you don't know, is it just the tip of the iceberg, is there more out there?" Vega said.
The dispute between city and federal officials over how funding was used leaves councilors confused, Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch said.
"It's an interpretation of words, and I'm not an auditor, so it's hard to say," Welch said.
Another dispute between the federal auditor and the city again lies with the seven duplexes Olde Holyoke Development built using city-issued Community Development Block Grants. The auditor said the city exceeded by nearly $1 million the allowed subsidies to Olde Holyoke Development.
But McQuade said the auditor failed to account for the approximately $700,000 that the eventual owners of the properties paid to buy them.
The remaining $332,105 was devoted to demolition costs, a use which a 1979 amendment to regulations allowed despite the auditor's assertion that use of the money to raze buildings was prohibited, McQuade said.
The Community Development Office is adamant they did things right and monitored Olde Holyoke Development, she said.
"The $330,000 was for demolition," McQuade.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
By MIKE PLAISANCE
mplaisance@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The city is still waiting to hear whether it must repay federal grants used to build seven duplexes, but one councilor says the city should attempt to get the money from the developer if a repayment is ordered.
"It's a big problem," Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez said recently.
Lopez has filed an order to place the responsibility for $288,000, which the federal government says was overpayment on construction of seven duplexes, on the nonprofit Olde Holyoke Development.
Olde Holyoke Development received 26 of the 39 loans processed here under one of the programs audited by the Housing and Urban Development department. Olde Holyoke officials said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all federal guidelines and regulations.
The audit issued on Nov. 23 found that there was "ineligible, unreasonable or unnecessary" use of $3.87 million in federal funds in relation to construction and demolition. The audit covered July 2006 to June 2009.
City officials say the Community Development Office has abided by federal rules and that some of the disagreements are due to the city and the federal agency using different calculation formulas.
Lopez' order to have Olde Holyoke Development be responsible if a repayment is ordered is being studied in the Redevelopment Committee.
William H. Murphy, administrator of the city Community Development Office, told councilors a few weeks ago that it would be about a month before the city learns whether it must repay any money.
Spokeswoman Rhonda M. Siciliano said the federal agency is continuing the review of the Holyoke audit and doesn't have a time frame for when that will be done.
The audit said building the duplexes should have cost about $1.75 million, based on the calculations of "a specialist with expertise in estimating construction costs," but the city paid more than $2 million.
The audit said the federal appraiser in determining what the seven duplexes should have cost used the "universal standards" of data from the Marshall & Swift company, of Los Angeles, Calif. The company's Web site says it provides the most current and accurate building cost data available.
Murphy, Deputy Administrator Linda B. McQuade and Richard P. Courchesne, Olde Holyoke Development president, said construction costs for the duplexes were based on the real costs of home construction in this area. The costs also included Energy Star upgrades, which consist of guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they said.
The auditor said the appraiser's determinations included the maximum allowable calculations for energy efficiencies.
In response to Lopez' order about repayment being the obligation of Olde Holyoke Development, Courchesne said everything was done properly. Every home his organization built has a mortgage and a promissory note, he said.
"In the 30 years we've been working with the city, they've never paid anything back to HUD and my opinion is they won't have to this time, either," Courchesne said.
Between 1975 and 2009, Olde Holyoke Development built 158 homes, mostly duplexes, that have a total assessed value of nearly $21 million, he said.
McQuade declined to comment specifically on Lopez' order. But she said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all regulations, despite the audit's findings, and she was eager for a resolution to the 16-month-long review.
"I'd like it to be over with. They walked into the office in December 2008, so, yes, I'll be happy when it's over with," McQuade said.
Chairman Kevin A. Jourdain said the Redevelopment Committee will deal with the issue again once federal officials determine the finalized audit.
Lopez' proposal to have Olde Holyoke Development pay the bill if money must be returned could be an option, Jourdain said, but that will depend on what the federal government ultimately decides was done wrong.
"If it's something Olde Holyoke did, then that's a reasonable request," but not if the fault lies with the city, Jourdain said.
Councilor at Large Aaron M. Vega said he was concerned about the questions the audit raises about how federal money is used.
"And you don't know, is it just the tip of the iceberg, is there more out there?" Vega said.
The dispute between city and federal officials over how funding was used leaves councilors confused, Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch said.
"It's an interpretation of words, and I'm not an auditor, so it's hard to say," Welch said.
Another dispute between the federal auditor and the city again lies with the seven duplexes Olde Holyoke Development built using city-issued Community Development Block Grants. The auditor said the city exceeded by nearly $1 million the allowed subsidies to Olde Holyoke Development.
But McQuade said the auditor failed to account for the approximately $700,000 that the eventual owners of the properties paid to buy them.
The remaining $332,105 was devoted to demolition costs, a use which a 1979 amendment to regulations allowed despite the auditor's assertion that use of the money to raze buildings was prohibited, McQuade said.
The Community Development Office is adamant they did things right and monitored Olde Holyoke Development, she said.
"The $330,000 was for demolition," McQuade.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Attorney Lisa Ball appointed City Solicitor
Attorney Lisa Ball of Holyoke was appointed to the Top Legal Job in the city by Mayor Pluta. She is slated to come up for a confirmation vote on February 16, 2010. As promised in my previous meeting notes, I have attached Mayor Pluta's appointment letter and Attorney Ball's clearance letter from the Ethics Commission to serve in this capacity.
Meeting Notes from February 2, 2010 City Council Meeting
The City Council did not meet at its regularly scheduled meeting of January 19, 2010 because of the special US Senate election which elected Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA). The Council met on February 2, 2010 and items of note are as follows:
Olivia Mausel was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Historical Commission.
John McAndrew was confirmed for his re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Marilyn Sanabria was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 5 year term to the Holyoke Housing Authority
The Mayor appointed Lisa Ball of Holyoke to be the new City Solicitor and her appointment was referred to the Public Service Committee for an interview. Attorney Ball also filed an Ethics Commission statement with the Council which I will post on Holyoke First for review by the citizens.
Council approved a $30,000 Transfer request to fund the on-going Fiscal Year 2008 audit of the Treasurer's office.
Council approved a $6,000 Transfer request for additional part-time assistance in the Treasurer's office.
Council approved bond re-authorization for $2.8 million in municipal bonds at lower interest rates for the purpose of saving the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges.
Council approved 2 new taxi cab licenses for a taxi company in the city named Aaron's Transportation.
Council adopted a Resolution filed by Councilor Lisi in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility bill (H-833). This law is already in effect in 20 states and the law is designed to enhance recycling efforts in the Commonwealth. The Council resolution was a non-binding order encouraging adoption of the law by the state legislature. The Resolution was adopted by a vote of 8 yea and 5 nay. The roll call was:
Yes: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Devine, McGee, Murphy, Vacon, Welch
Absent: Leahy, Purington
The Council adopted a resolution commending James Lavelle, Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric for receiving Buisness West's "Top Entrepreneur Award" for 2009.
Olivia Mausel was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Historical Commission.
John McAndrew was confirmed for his re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Marilyn Sanabria was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 5 year term to the Holyoke Housing Authority
The Mayor appointed Lisa Ball of Holyoke to be the new City Solicitor and her appointment was referred to the Public Service Committee for an interview. Attorney Ball also filed an Ethics Commission statement with the Council which I will post on Holyoke First for review by the citizens.
Council approved a $30,000 Transfer request to fund the on-going Fiscal Year 2008 audit of the Treasurer's office.
Council approved a $6,000 Transfer request for additional part-time assistance in the Treasurer's office.
Council approved bond re-authorization for $2.8 million in municipal bonds at lower interest rates for the purpose of saving the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges.
Council approved 2 new taxi cab licenses for a taxi company in the city named Aaron's Transportation.
Council adopted a Resolution filed by Councilor Lisi in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility bill (H-833). This law is already in effect in 20 states and the law is designed to enhance recycling efforts in the Commonwealth. The Council resolution was a non-binding order encouraging adoption of the law by the state legislature. The Resolution was adopted by a vote of 8 yea and 5 nay. The roll call was:
Yes: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Devine, McGee, Murphy, Vacon, Welch
Absent: Leahy, Purington
The Council adopted a resolution commending James Lavelle, Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric for receiving Buisness West's "Top Entrepreneur Award" for 2009.
Councilor Jourdain Appointed Chairman of Redevelopment Committee!
City Council President Joseph McGiverin announced his appointments to all of the 5 Standing Committees of the City Council. President McGiverin announced the return of 3 Chairs and the selection of 2 new Chairs. He selected Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez to chair the Ordinance Committee and Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain to chair the Redevelopment Committee. Councilor Jourdain released the following statement upon selection for this important post, "Firstly, I have served with Councilor McGiverin for the past 16 years and I am very thankful to him for selecting me for this important chairmanship. The City of Holyoke's future is tied to its ability to grow and develop. The Redevelopment Committee will oversee a continued re-birth of our community economically and civicly and I am honored to support the numerous projects, such as the new high tech computing center, that are coming to Holyoke. I look forward to working with the other members of the committee and City Council, as well as, Mayor Pluta to deliver real results for the people of our great city!" Councilors Lopez and Jourdain are 2nd and 3rd respectively in seniority on the City Council behind President McGiverin. Councilor Jourdain also pointed out that he maintained his important seat on the powerful Finance Committee and will continue his Fiscal Watchdog role on that committee.
The 2010-2011 Committee Assignments
Ordinance: Lopez, O'Neill, Keane, Purington, Lisi
Finance: McGee, Tallman, Leahy, O'Neill, Jourdain
Public Safety: Devine, Tallman, Purington, Vega, Murphy
Public Service: Leahy, Welch, Lisi, Murphy, Vacon
Redevelopment: Jourdain, Welch, Keane, Vacon, Vega
(The first name listed is Chair and the second name listed is Vice-Chair)
Ad-Hoc Cmte on Personnel: McGiverin, Devine, Purington
The 2010-2011 Committee Assignments
Ordinance: Lopez, O'Neill, Keane, Purington, Lisi
Finance: McGee, Tallman, Leahy, O'Neill, Jourdain
Public Safety: Devine, Tallman, Purington, Vega, Murphy
Public Service: Leahy, Welch, Lisi, Murphy, Vacon
Redevelopment: Jourdain, Welch, Keane, Vacon, Vega
(The first name listed is Chair and the second name listed is Vice-Chair)
Ad-Hoc Cmte on Personnel: McGiverin, Devine, Purington
Meeting Notes for January 5, 2010 Meeting
Our First Meeting as a newly constituted City Council with our 3 new members of Brenna Murphy, Aaron Vega and Linda Vacon was held on January 5, 2010. Of note at the meeting was:
The City Council reappointed Deborah Brunelle as Assessor for a 3 year term.
Mark Naidorf was re-appointed to a 3 year term on the Water Commission.
The Council received a request from Mayor Pluta to create a PR24 position ($55,000) to create a 18 month assignment for a new Munis Administrator position. This new position was sent to the Ordinance Committee. It is argued that this position is needed in order to enable the city to upgrade its current Munis software and fully open up all of the many accountability features of the powerful Munis software program.
An additional request from the City Treasurer for $30,000 to continue the auditing of the Treasurer's office books was referred to the Finance Committee.
The City Council re-adopted its standing rules from last term for this term. There was a discussion about changing the meeting time from 7:30pm to 7:00pm. An order to do this is currently in the Ordinance Committee. A motion was made to remove the time change order from committee by Councilor Devine. Her motion was defeated by a vote of 7 yea and 8 nay (10 was required).
Roll Call as follows:
Yes: Devine, Leahy, McGee, Murphy, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, Purington, Vacon, Welch
The City Council reappointed Deborah Brunelle as Assessor for a 3 year term.
Mark Naidorf was re-appointed to a 3 year term on the Water Commission.
The Council received a request from Mayor Pluta to create a PR24 position ($55,000) to create a 18 month assignment for a new Munis Administrator position. This new position was sent to the Ordinance Committee. It is argued that this position is needed in order to enable the city to upgrade its current Munis software and fully open up all of the many accountability features of the powerful Munis software program.
An additional request from the City Treasurer for $30,000 to continue the auditing of the Treasurer's office books was referred to the Finance Committee.
The City Council re-adopted its standing rules from last term for this term. There was a discussion about changing the meeting time from 7:30pm to 7:00pm. An order to do this is currently in the Ordinance Committee. A motion was made to remove the time change order from committee by Councilor Devine. Her motion was defeated by a vote of 7 yea and 8 nay (10 was required).
Roll Call as follows:
Yes: Devine, Leahy, McGee, Murphy, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, Purington, Vacon, Welch
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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