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.
