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:

• 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:

• 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

• 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:

• 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.