Holyoke First News: This just in...Councilor Elaine Pluta took out nomination papers for Mayor yesterday morning at 10:30am. Holyoke First was able to obtain a brief statement from Councilor Pluta on her candidacy:
"Holyoke is going to need tough, experienced leadership to make difficult decisions on behalf of the City of Holyoke in these very challenging times. As a committed and knowledgeable public official, I can provide this leadership. My experience working on the City Council, and as a Mayoral and Congressional Aide will assist me in creating a seasoned administration for the Office of Mayor." City Councilor Elaine Pluta
Stay Tuned...More developing on this big story!
Re-Elect Holyoke's Fiscal Watchdog!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
76% of HOLYOKE FIRST Bloggers oppose a Trash Fee!
In a recent HOLYOKE FIRST Poll, 76% of Bloggers opposed Mayor Sullivan's suggestion of possibly creating a Trash Fee.
Councilor Jourdain commented on the poll, "it does not surprise me that Holyokers would be against this very bad idea." Councilor Jourdain further stated that City Hall needs to stop thinking of new ways to take the citizens money and do a better job spending the money they are being given more wisely. "Holyoke families live on a budget and so should City Hall!"
Councilor Jourdain co-filed a City Council resolution with Councilor John Whelihan to have your City Councilors take a stand on a new trash fee. The measure is currently in the Finance Committee where Jourdain and Whelihan are members. The sponsors will seek a roll call vote on the measure.
Councilor Jourdain commented on the poll, "it does not surprise me that Holyokers would be against this very bad idea." Councilor Jourdain further stated that City Hall needs to stop thinking of new ways to take the citizens money and do a better job spending the money they are being given more wisely. "Holyoke families live on a budget and so should City Hall!"
Councilor Jourdain co-filed a City Council resolution with Councilor John Whelihan to have your City Councilors take a stand on a new trash fee. The measure is currently in the Finance Committee where Jourdain and Whelihan are members. The sponsors will seek a roll call vote on the measure.
City Council goes on Record against a Gas Tax Increase!
Holyoke - The Holyoke City Council at its March 3, 2009 meeting voted 13-2 to oppose Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed 19 cents per gallon gas tax. Holyoke joined the Agawam City Council in opposing the enormous increase.
City Councilor at Large Kevin Jourdain released the following statement in opposition to the gas tax hike: "When Holyokers are hurting and doing their very best to make ends meet, now is not the time to saddle their families with more taxes." Jourdain further commented, "what makes this outrageous tax increase even worse is the fact that it is entirely designed at giving a tax break to the people of Boston and their Big Dig project which has already cost Holyokers thousands in lost tax revenues and lost transportation dollars!"
City Councilor at Large Kevin Jourdain released the following statement in opposition to the gas tax hike: "When Holyokers are hurting and doing their very best to make ends meet, now is not the time to saddle their families with more taxes." Jourdain further commented, "what makes this outrageous tax increase even worse is the fact that it is entirely designed at giving a tax break to the people of Boston and their Big Dig project which has already cost Holyokers thousands in lost tax revenues and lost transportation dollars!"
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Councilor Jourdain takes out nomination papers for Re-Election!
Friends,
On January 12th, I took out nomination papers to once again serve you as one of your eight City Councilors at Large. It has been my pleasure since 1994 to be your fiscal watchdog and advocate on the City Council. I will once again be running an energetic campaign for re-election.
Over the last two years, I created this blog as one more way to serve you, listen to your concerns and to make your City Hall a little more transparent.
There is so much uncertainity in the world and the greater national fiscal crisis is hitting home to so many of our citizens. Government resources are down and people's needs are up but like Holyokers together we will get through these trying times as we always have: better and stronger.
I feel that my leadership skills and financial acumen are needed now in City Hall more than ever. In November, we will also be electing a new Mayor and I am committed to making his or her transition as smooth as possible.
Holyoke has so much to look forward to and goals yet to be achieved. All people live at a given hour for a given purpose and our generation shall not fail to meet its highest expectations.
I wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2009. I again respectfully ask for one of your 8 votes for Councilor At Large.
Please never hestitate to call me at 538-5519 or email at kevin.jourdain@verizon.net if I can answer a question, provide you with assistance or if you have a concern.
With warmest regards,
Kevin A. Jourdain
On January 12th, I took out nomination papers to once again serve you as one of your eight City Councilors at Large. It has been my pleasure since 1994 to be your fiscal watchdog and advocate on the City Council. I will once again be running an energetic campaign for re-election.
Over the last two years, I created this blog as one more way to serve you, listen to your concerns and to make your City Hall a little more transparent.
There is so much uncertainity in the world and the greater national fiscal crisis is hitting home to so many of our citizens. Government resources are down and people's needs are up but like Holyokers together we will get through these trying times as we always have: better and stronger.
I feel that my leadership skills and financial acumen are needed now in City Hall more than ever. In November, we will also be electing a new Mayor and I am committed to making his or her transition as smooth as possible.
Holyoke has so much to look forward to and goals yet to be achieved. All people live at a given hour for a given purpose and our generation shall not fail to meet its highest expectations.
I wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2009. I again respectfully ask for one of your 8 votes for Councilor At Large.
Please never hestitate to call me at 538-5519 or email at kevin.jourdain@verizon.net if I can answer a question, provide you with assistance or if you have a concern.
With warmest regards,
Kevin A. Jourdain
Cellular phone bills targeted
Cellular phone bills targeted
Thursday, February 12, 2009
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - City officials looking to save every penny have found a place to pinch a few: cell phones.
Faced with an annual bill of approximately $50,000 for 106 phones, the city recently did what many savvy consumers are doing now - bargaining for a lower price.
According to David A. Martins, chief procurement officer for the city, Holyoke was able to negotiate an estimated 25 to 35 percent cut in its monthly cell phone bill with Sprint, the city's cell phone provided. But that bill might end up being even lower. That's because Martins is negotiating with several cell phone companies to see if the city can get an even lower rate.
"We're looking at some major cuts come July 1," Martins said Tuesday.
The issue came into the public spotlight late last month when City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain filed an order with the council to review the city's cell phone usage. As part of the order, Jourdain included the monthly cell phone bill for the period ending Dec. 12. The detailed bill included exactly how much employees spent during that one-month period.
The highest single cell phone bill was for Assessor Anthony Dulude, who's city-paid cell phone bill that month was $182.84. He was followed by:
School Superintendent Eduardo Caballo: $100.74.
Tax Collector Robert F. Kane, $85.01
City Solicitor Karen Betournay, $84.97.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, $80.08
The bill also included totals by department. The highest was the School Department. Not including Caballo, the School Department paid $1,722.47 for 48 phones (an average of $35.88 per phone) that month.
The next highest was the Police Department, which spent $490.76 on 20 phones ($24.53 per phone) that month. Next came the fire department, which spent $309.55 on 12 phones ($25.79 per phone) that month.
Other department expenditures include:
Department of Public Works, 4 phones, $178.88 total, $44.72 per phone.
Parks Department, 8 phones, $176.62 total, $22.07 per phone.
Building Department, 3 phones, $121.53 total, $40.51 per phone.
The council referred the order to review the bill to the council's Finance Committee. The committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, but no discussion about the order was expected because, Jourdain said, the council was still waiting to hear back from city department heads about the bill. The council also wants to receive detailed call-by-call records for every phone. They have already received such records from the police and school departments, Jourdain said.
"We want to make them aware of it," Jourdain said Tuesday. "Is it really necessary to have all these phones? It's a big bill."
Jourdain added, "That (the city's total monthly cell phone bill) seems like a lot of money to me... We need to question a lot of things we took for granted in the past."
Martins said Tuesday that his office began negotiating with Sprint for a lower bill before Jourdain filed the order. Still, Martins said he understands and appreciates Jourdain's concern, given the current economic climate.
Martins added that each department head decides its own cell phone budget. He simply negotiates the lowest rate possible for all the city's cell phones.
"What I do is combine them in one shared plan," he said.
Martins added he hopes to get an even lower rate for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. That's because the current business climate is so competitive given the current economic downturn.
©2009 The Republican
© 2009 MassLive.com All Rights Reserved
Thursday, February 12, 2009
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - City officials looking to save every penny have found a place to pinch a few: cell phones.
Faced with an annual bill of approximately $50,000 for 106 phones, the city recently did what many savvy consumers are doing now - bargaining for a lower price.
According to David A. Martins, chief procurement officer for the city, Holyoke was able to negotiate an estimated 25 to 35 percent cut in its monthly cell phone bill with Sprint, the city's cell phone provided. But that bill might end up being even lower. That's because Martins is negotiating with several cell phone companies to see if the city can get an even lower rate.
"We're looking at some major cuts come July 1," Martins said Tuesday.
The issue came into the public spotlight late last month when City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain filed an order with the council to review the city's cell phone usage. As part of the order, Jourdain included the monthly cell phone bill for the period ending Dec. 12. The detailed bill included exactly how much employees spent during that one-month period.
The highest single cell phone bill was for Assessor Anthony Dulude, who's city-paid cell phone bill that month was $182.84. He was followed by:
School Superintendent Eduardo Caballo: $100.74.
Tax Collector Robert F. Kane, $85.01
City Solicitor Karen Betournay, $84.97.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, $80.08
The bill also included totals by department. The highest was the School Department. Not including Caballo, the School Department paid $1,722.47 for 48 phones (an average of $35.88 per phone) that month.
The next highest was the Police Department, which spent $490.76 on 20 phones ($24.53 per phone) that month. Next came the fire department, which spent $309.55 on 12 phones ($25.79 per phone) that month.
Other department expenditures include:
Department of Public Works, 4 phones, $178.88 total, $44.72 per phone.
Parks Department, 8 phones, $176.62 total, $22.07 per phone.
Building Department, 3 phones, $121.53 total, $40.51 per phone.
The council referred the order to review the bill to the council's Finance Committee. The committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, but no discussion about the order was expected because, Jourdain said, the council was still waiting to hear back from city department heads about the bill. The council also wants to receive detailed call-by-call records for every phone. They have already received such records from the police and school departments, Jourdain said.
"We want to make them aware of it," Jourdain said Tuesday. "Is it really necessary to have all these phones? It's a big bill."
Jourdain added, "That (the city's total monthly cell phone bill) seems like a lot of money to me... We need to question a lot of things we took for granted in the past."
Martins said Tuesday that his office began negotiating with Sprint for a lower bill before Jourdain filed the order. Still, Martins said he understands and appreciates Jourdain's concern, given the current economic climate.
Martins added that each department head decides its own cell phone budget. He simply negotiates the lowest rate possible for all the city's cell phones.
"What I do is combine them in one shared plan," he said.
Martins added he hopes to get an even lower rate for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. That's because the current business climate is so competitive given the current economic downturn.
©2009 The Republican
© 2009 MassLive.com All Rights Reserved
Holyoke First Poll: Holyokers Top Priorities for 2009
Holyoke First Bloggers voted:
31% Passing Lowes and more economic development
26% A new senior center
19% The problems in Treasurer's office
19% Rebuilding the downtown
18% The school department
16% The Mayor's Race
16% Improving our image and marketing the city
15% Watching our budget & keeping down taxes
15% Library Renovation Project
14% Public Safety & Crime Prevention
9% More investment in infrastructure
Thank you for everyone who participated.
31% Passing Lowes and more economic development
26% A new senior center
19% The problems in Treasurer's office
19% Rebuilding the downtown
18% The school department
16% The Mayor's Race
16% Improving our image and marketing the city
15% Watching our budget & keeping down taxes
15% Library Renovation Project
14% Public Safety & Crime Prevention
9% More investment in infrastructure
Thank you for everyone who participated.
Friday, January 23, 2009
State probes missing excise taxes from Holyoke collector's office
State probes missing excise taxes from Holyoke collector's office
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - About $82,000 is missing from the Tax Collector's office, a department already plagued with accusations of mismanagement and sexual harassment.
The state inspector general's office is investigating to see if the problem is an accounting error or if the money has been stolen, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan.
"I'm hoping against hope this is an accounting faux pas," Sullivan said. "That doesn't seem likely."
A spokesman for Inspector General Gregory W. Sullivan declined comment saying it is against the office's policy to verify any investigations.
If the investigation shows evidence of theft, it will be turned over to state Attorney General Martha M. Coakley or Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett, Michael Sullivan said.
The money is believed to be missing from receipts from overdue vehicle excise taxes which are typically paid in person with cash or credit cards. The office took in about $770,000 last year in late payments, Sullivan said.
Most of the missing money was believed to have been paid between July and October but some is missing after that, he said.
Still, all tax accounts will be examined since financial practices in the office have been questioned by the state Department of Revenue, independent auditing company Melanson Heath & Co. and the inspector general, he said.
"It is hard to say it is from any one account because reconciliation accounting seems to be very fluid," he said.
Tax Collector Robert F. Kane said he was following a recommendation to improve financial safeguards when he found the missing money. He said he immediately reported it to Sullivan.
"I did an analysis of where they (the accounts) should be and it just didn't look right," Kane said.
Kane told Sullivan of the problem in late December. Sullivan said he immediately contacted auditors from Melanson Heath & Co. and asked them to examine the accounts. About 10 days later, the company reported they too found about $82,000 was missing.
Thursday he met with the Inspector General's office to ask them to investigate.
For years the treasurer's office and the tax collector's office has been criticized for having a lack of controls and other problems. The Inspector General's office and the Department of Revenue conducted separate financial management reviews in 2007 and 2008 and warned city officials the problems could make them vulnerable to theft.
Over the past six months, the tax collector's office has had other problems as well. The Deputy Tax Collector Jacquelynne M. Williams filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Sept. 25 alleging Kane had sexually harassed her.
Then she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city Dec. 31.
The city fired Williams a few days before Christmas for "nonattendance at work," Sullivan said. Her firing had nothing to do with the missing money, he said.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - About $82,000 is missing from the Tax Collector's office, a department already plagued with accusations of mismanagement and sexual harassment.
The state inspector general's office is investigating to see if the problem is an accounting error or if the money has been stolen, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan.
"I'm hoping against hope this is an accounting faux pas," Sullivan said. "That doesn't seem likely."
A spokesman for Inspector General Gregory W. Sullivan declined comment saying it is against the office's policy to verify any investigations.
If the investigation shows evidence of theft, it will be turned over to state Attorney General Martha M. Coakley or Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett, Michael Sullivan said.
The money is believed to be missing from receipts from overdue vehicle excise taxes which are typically paid in person with cash or credit cards. The office took in about $770,000 last year in late payments, Sullivan said.
Most of the missing money was believed to have been paid between July and October but some is missing after that, he said.
Still, all tax accounts will be examined since financial practices in the office have been questioned by the state Department of Revenue, independent auditing company Melanson Heath & Co. and the inspector general, he said.
"It is hard to say it is from any one account because reconciliation accounting seems to be very fluid," he said.
Tax Collector Robert F. Kane said he was following a recommendation to improve financial safeguards when he found the missing money. He said he immediately reported it to Sullivan.
"I did an analysis of where they (the accounts) should be and it just didn't look right," Kane said.
Kane told Sullivan of the problem in late December. Sullivan said he immediately contacted auditors from Melanson Heath & Co. and asked them to examine the accounts. About 10 days later, the company reported they too found about $82,000 was missing.
Thursday he met with the Inspector General's office to ask them to investigate.
For years the treasurer's office and the tax collector's office has been criticized for having a lack of controls and other problems. The Inspector General's office and the Department of Revenue conducted separate financial management reviews in 2007 and 2008 and warned city officials the problems could make them vulnerable to theft.
Over the past six months, the tax collector's office has had other problems as well. The Deputy Tax Collector Jacquelynne M. Williams filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Sept. 25 alleging Kane had sexually harassed her.
Then she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city Dec. 31.
The city fired Williams a few days before Christmas for "nonattendance at work," Sullivan said. Her firing had nothing to do with the missing money, he said.
$1 million Deficit: Jourdain keeps tabs on School Spending & Misguided Priorities
Holyoke school board members miffed by City Council's advice to cut raises for administrators
by The Republican Newsroom
Wednesday January 21, 2009, 8:30 PM
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The City Council is recommending school officials trim their budget by putting off raising salaries for administrators, but the School Committee said that simply won't help.
In a recent meeting, members also questioned why the City Council was getting involved in the school budget.
"I think this order is disrespectful and misguided and the response is far too polite, but we should be polite," said Margaret M. Boulais, a School Committee member.
The City Council order, which passed 14-1, recommended the School Committee freeze all salaries of administrators who earn above $75,000 a year.
Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo's response explained 90 percent of the administrators who fall into that category are vice principals and department heads who are represented by the Holyoke Teachers' Association union and have an existing contract that dictates their raises.
Even principals, who are not in a union, have multiyear contracts which cannot be broken, he said.
But City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain said he proposed the order mostly focusing on the two highest-paid employees, Carballo and Patricia A. Cavanaugh, executive director of finance and operations.
He argued the School Committee hiked Carballo's pay by $5,800 to $151,000 in October, even though this year's budget is in deficit by about $1 million.
That raise was retroactive to 2007, a year when Carballo did not see a salary hike, and the 4 percent increase was the same as teachers received.
While understanding Boulais' comment, member Mary C. Plant said she preferred to send the letter explaining the contracts to the City Council.
Jourdain said council members know the School Committee by state law oversees the School Department budget but said the City Council does have a role to play because school officials have requested extra money from the council in the past to balance the education budget.
"Their job is becoming my job because they are always coming to us to look for money," he said.
He said he is especially concerned the school administration offices have not moved from the rented floors at 57 Suffolk St. to H.B. Lawrence School, even though the School Committee voted to do so a year ago, which is estimated to save about $400,000 a year in a combination of rent, maintenance and utility costs.
The School Committee is planning to request money to finish a study to see how much money has to be spent in renovations to move the main computer server and create offices.
Jourdain said he expects serious budget cuts citywide for the next fiscal year that starts in July and he feels the School Committee, which oversees the largest portion of the budget, has to cut more.
by The Republican Newsroom
Wednesday January 21, 2009, 8:30 PM
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The City Council is recommending school officials trim their budget by putting off raising salaries for administrators, but the School Committee said that simply won't help.
In a recent meeting, members also questioned why the City Council was getting involved in the school budget.
"I think this order is disrespectful and misguided and the response is far too polite, but we should be polite," said Margaret M. Boulais, a School Committee member.
The City Council order, which passed 14-1, recommended the School Committee freeze all salaries of administrators who earn above $75,000 a year.
Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo's response explained 90 percent of the administrators who fall into that category are vice principals and department heads who are represented by the Holyoke Teachers' Association union and have an existing contract that dictates their raises.
Even principals, who are not in a union, have multiyear contracts which cannot be broken, he said.
But City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain said he proposed the order mostly focusing on the two highest-paid employees, Carballo and Patricia A. Cavanaugh, executive director of finance and operations.
He argued the School Committee hiked Carballo's pay by $5,800 to $151,000 in October, even though this year's budget is in deficit by about $1 million.
That raise was retroactive to 2007, a year when Carballo did not see a salary hike, and the 4 percent increase was the same as teachers received.
While understanding Boulais' comment, member Mary C. Plant said she preferred to send the letter explaining the contracts to the City Council.
Jourdain said council members know the School Committee by state law oversees the School Department budget but said the City Council does have a role to play because school officials have requested extra money from the council in the past to balance the education budget.
"Their job is becoming my job because they are always coming to us to look for money," he said.
He said he is especially concerned the school administration offices have not moved from the rented floors at 57 Suffolk St. to H.B. Lawrence School, even though the School Committee voted to do so a year ago, which is estimated to save about $400,000 a year in a combination of rent, maintenance and utility costs.
The School Committee is planning to request money to finish a study to see how much money has to be spent in renovations to move the main computer server and create offices.
Jourdain said he expects serious budget cuts citywide for the next fiscal year that starts in July and he feels the School Committee, which oversees the largest portion of the budget, has to cut more.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Early hopefuls take out papers
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The municipal election may be 11 months away, but the campaign season is already under way.
On Monday, the first day on which residents could take out nomination papers to run for office, several did so for several offices, including retired Police Lt. Eva M. O'Connell. She plans to run for mayor.
Four incumbent office-holders, including At-large Councilors Patricia C. Devine and Peter R. Tallman, Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch, and City Clerk Susan M. Egan, also took out nomination papers.
O'Connell is the only potential candidate to take out papers for mayor so far.
Two residents who had said they were considering runs for mayor, City Councilors Diosdado Lopez and Kevin A. Jourdain, said later they will not seek the office.
"I really landed a great job here," Jourdain said on Monday, explaining his decision. "I made a commitment to the Sisters of Providence, and it's an exciting new challenge."
Last November, Jourdain, 37, was named a senior financial analyst for the Sisters of Providence.
Lopez, 44, said he made his decision after talking with his family.
"I talked to my family, and I'm not doing it," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan repeated that he will not run for re-election in November.
"I made the decision, and it's time for me to move on," he said.
Sullivan said he hopes that several people decide to run for the post he has held since 1999.
"Maybe we'll have an exciting election season," he said.
Councilors James. M. Leahy and Elaine A. Pluta said they have not ruled out running for mayor.
"I'm still weighing my decision," Pluta said on Monday.
Leahy said he met with friends and family last week to discuss whether to run for re-election as a councilor or for mayor.
People interested in running for mayor must obtain 250 signatures by July 28, and submit them to the clerk's office.
The mayor's post pays $85,000 a year.
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The municipal election may be 11 months away, but the campaign season is already under way.
On Monday, the first day on which residents could take out nomination papers to run for office, several did so for several offices, including retired Police Lt. Eva M. O'Connell. She plans to run for mayor.
Four incumbent office-holders, including At-large Councilors Patricia C. Devine and Peter R. Tallman, Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch, and City Clerk Susan M. Egan, also took out nomination papers.
O'Connell is the only potential candidate to take out papers for mayor so far.
Two residents who had said they were considering runs for mayor, City Councilors Diosdado Lopez and Kevin A. Jourdain, said later they will not seek the office.
"I really landed a great job here," Jourdain said on Monday, explaining his decision. "I made a commitment to the Sisters of Providence, and it's an exciting new challenge."
Last November, Jourdain, 37, was named a senior financial analyst for the Sisters of Providence.
Lopez, 44, said he made his decision after talking with his family.
"I talked to my family, and I'm not doing it," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan repeated that he will not run for re-election in November.
"I made the decision, and it's time for me to move on," he said.
Sullivan said he hopes that several people decide to run for the post he has held since 1999.
"Maybe we'll have an exciting election season," he said.
Councilors James. M. Leahy and Elaine A. Pluta said they have not ruled out running for mayor.
"I'm still weighing my decision," Pluta said on Monday.
Leahy said he met with friends and family last week to discuss whether to run for re-election as a councilor or for mayor.
People interested in running for mayor must obtain 250 signatures by July 28, and submit them to the clerk's office.
The mayor's post pays $85,000 a year.
LOWES PASSES!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A proposal to build a Lowe's store in the city moved one step closer Tuesday after a vote by the City Council to rezone the property where developers want to build the store.
"I'm pleased," said Jay Fisher, development director for S.K. Properties, the West Hartford, Conn.-based company that agreed to buy the 18.2-acre parcel from Holyoke Gas & Electric for $3 million on Feb. 26 provided the land is rezoned.
The council voted 11-4 in favor of rezoning the land on Whiting Farms Road from industrial to business general. Councilors Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Elaine A. Pluta and John E. Whelihan cast the dissenting votes.
An official from Lowe's, Robert B. Jess, was at Tuesday's meeting but declined to comment on the vote. Jess serves as a senior site development manager at Lowe's Saratoga Springs, N.Y., office. At previous meetings, Jess has said the new store would create an estimated 80 full-time and 65 part-time jobs.
Construction of the new store will not begin immediately, Fisher said.
First, developers must go through the approval process, including creating a site plan for the project, Fisher said. Exactly how long the approval process will take has not been determined, Fisher said. As a result, he said he did not have a time line for when work would begin or be completed on the store.
The council was scheduled to vote on the zone change at its Dec. 16 session. But the vote was tabled because of several legal questions.
The main question the council wanted answered before Tuesday's meeting was whether condominium owners at a complex on Whiting Farms Road were considered abutters of the proposed project.
If they were so considered, City Council President Joseph M. McGiverin said there was some question about whether the condominium owners were properly notified about the public hearing.
In addition, if the condominium owners were considered abutters, they would have been able to sign a petition opposing rezoning the 18.2-acre parcel on Whiting Farms Road from industrial to business general.
On Dec. 18, the city's law department determined that only the condominium owners directly abutting the property are considered abutters.
How many people are considered abutters had a significant impact on the vote itself. That is because if 20 percent of abutters had signed a petition opposing the zone change, a "super majority" vote by the 15-member City Council would have been necessary.
Since some people removed their names from a petition submitted Dec. 12, less than 20 percent of abutters signed the document. As a result, only 10 councilors needed to vote for the zone change. A super majority would have required 12 votes.
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A proposal to build a Lowe's store in the city moved one step closer Tuesday after a vote by the City Council to rezone the property where developers want to build the store.
"I'm pleased," said Jay Fisher, development director for S.K. Properties, the West Hartford, Conn.-based company that agreed to buy the 18.2-acre parcel from Holyoke Gas & Electric for $3 million on Feb. 26 provided the land is rezoned.
The council voted 11-4 in favor of rezoning the land on Whiting Farms Road from industrial to business general. Councilors Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Elaine A. Pluta and John E. Whelihan cast the dissenting votes.
An official from Lowe's, Robert B. Jess, was at Tuesday's meeting but declined to comment on the vote. Jess serves as a senior site development manager at Lowe's Saratoga Springs, N.Y., office. At previous meetings, Jess has said the new store would create an estimated 80 full-time and 65 part-time jobs.
Construction of the new store will not begin immediately, Fisher said.
First, developers must go through the approval process, including creating a site plan for the project, Fisher said. Exactly how long the approval process will take has not been determined, Fisher said. As a result, he said he did not have a time line for when work would begin or be completed on the store.
The council was scheduled to vote on the zone change at its Dec. 16 session. But the vote was tabled because of several legal questions.
The main question the council wanted answered before Tuesday's meeting was whether condominium owners at a complex on Whiting Farms Road were considered abutters of the proposed project.
If they were so considered, City Council President Joseph M. McGiverin said there was some question about whether the condominium owners were properly notified about the public hearing.
In addition, if the condominium owners were considered abutters, they would have been able to sign a petition opposing rezoning the 18.2-acre parcel on Whiting Farms Road from industrial to business general.
On Dec. 18, the city's law department determined that only the condominium owners directly abutting the property are considered abutters.
How many people are considered abutters had a significant impact on the vote itself. That is because if 20 percent of abutters had signed a petition opposing the zone change, a "super majority" vote by the 15-member City Council would have been necessary.
Since some people removed their names from a petition submitted Dec. 12, less than 20 percent of abutters signed the document. As a result, only 10 councilors needed to vote for the zone change. A super majority would have required 12 votes.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year 2009!!
On behalf of the entire Jourdain Family to you and yours, our very best for a healthly and propserous 2009!
All the best,
Kevin
All the best,
Kevin
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Take a Ride on Mountain Park Flyer!
Take a Ride on Mountain Park Flyer! Brings back alot of great memories to the good old days at Mountain Park.
Check out the video under my "Videos worth watching" Section! (2nd one down)
Enjoy the Ride!
Check out the video under my "Videos worth watching" Section! (2nd one down)
Enjoy the Ride!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Jourdain works to stop DPW's 1st Ever Retroactive Sewer Fee Hike!
Bills contain retroactive hike
Monday, December 22, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - City sewer users might be surprised to find their latest bill includes a retroactive rate increase, something that upset one city councilor.
"The public should only have to pay on the old rate," said Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain Wednesday, referring to latest sewer use bill. "We didn't pass that rate (increase) until two weeks ago."
But, Public Works Superintendent William D. Fuqua said the department needed to raise rates as soon as possible to avoid a possible budget shortfall.
"We're concerned we are running a deficit," Fuqua said Thursday. "Further delaying (the rate increase) would have increased that risk."
On Dec. 2, the council voted 8-6 in favor of raising the sewer rates by 74 cents, or 15.8 percent, from $4.66 per 1,000 gallons to $5.40 per 1,000 gallons. The latest sewer bill mailed to residents is for use between Aug. 7 and Nov. 6, Jourdain said.
Fuqua said his department does not normally retroactively raise rates. "It's not been the practice," he said, "but there's nothing that says it can't be for retroactive use."
The retroactive increase was needed, in part, Fuqua added, because the council "took so long to set the rate." Fuqua first requested a rate increase in August. On Sept. 2, the council voted 7-6 in favor of an identical increase. But, because the motion requires a two-thirds majority vote, the increase was not approved.
Fuqua said his office had not received any complaints about the latest sewer use bill as of Thursday.
Control over who sets the city's sewer use rate has been an issue for several months. Normally, the Board of Public Works recommends a rate increase, which is then voted on by the City Council.
All that changed on Dec. 2, when the council voted 13 - 1 in favor of an ordinance which gives the council the power to adjust sewer rates instead of solely accepting or rejecting the Board of Public Works' recommendation.
"If we don't have the power to dispute the rate, what is the point of approving it," asked Councilor Rebecca Lisi at the Dec. 2 meeting.
"This way, we will have more control over the department and it will lead to more accountability and more transparency," Jourdain said at the Dec. 2 meeting.
The rate increase was needed mainly to help pay off $6 million of debt for the sewage treatment plant, and $3 million for a combined sewer overflow abatement project on Mosher Street, Fuqua has said.
©2008 The Republican
Update: Councilor Jourdain has reviewed the ordinance language with the City Clerk who agreed that the ordinance change specifically says the new rate does not take effect until adopted. It was the full intention of the City Council that this rate did not take effect until date of adoption as written in ordinance. The leadership of the DPW is attempting to twist the long held interpretation of the ordinance to your detriment.
Councilor Jourdain also has referred the matter to the Law Department for their review and legal opinion. No department of the city has ever issued retroactive rate increases and this matter is being followed very closely on your behalf as ratepayers. Now that the Council controls rate setting authority - additional remedy measures are available to the Council if this outrageous decision is allowed to stand. Updates to follow here at Holyoke First!
Monday, December 22, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - City sewer users might be surprised to find their latest bill includes a retroactive rate increase, something that upset one city councilor.
"The public should only have to pay on the old rate," said Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain Wednesday, referring to latest sewer use bill. "We didn't pass that rate (increase) until two weeks ago."
But, Public Works Superintendent William D. Fuqua said the department needed to raise rates as soon as possible to avoid a possible budget shortfall.
"We're concerned we are running a deficit," Fuqua said Thursday. "Further delaying (the rate increase) would have increased that risk."
On Dec. 2, the council voted 8-6 in favor of raising the sewer rates by 74 cents, or 15.8 percent, from $4.66 per 1,000 gallons to $5.40 per 1,000 gallons. The latest sewer bill mailed to residents is for use between Aug. 7 and Nov. 6, Jourdain said.
Fuqua said his department does not normally retroactively raise rates. "It's not been the practice," he said, "but there's nothing that says it can't be for retroactive use."
The retroactive increase was needed, in part, Fuqua added, because the council "took so long to set the rate." Fuqua first requested a rate increase in August. On Sept. 2, the council voted 7-6 in favor of an identical increase. But, because the motion requires a two-thirds majority vote, the increase was not approved.
Fuqua said his office had not received any complaints about the latest sewer use bill as of Thursday.
Control over who sets the city's sewer use rate has been an issue for several months. Normally, the Board of Public Works recommends a rate increase, which is then voted on by the City Council.
All that changed on Dec. 2, when the council voted 13 - 1 in favor of an ordinance which gives the council the power to adjust sewer rates instead of solely accepting or rejecting the Board of Public Works' recommendation.
"If we don't have the power to dispute the rate, what is the point of approving it," asked Councilor Rebecca Lisi at the Dec. 2 meeting.
"This way, we will have more control over the department and it will lead to more accountability and more transparency," Jourdain said at the Dec. 2 meeting.
The rate increase was needed mainly to help pay off $6 million of debt for the sewage treatment plant, and $3 million for a combined sewer overflow abatement project on Mosher Street, Fuqua has said.
©2008 The Republican
Update: Councilor Jourdain has reviewed the ordinance language with the City Clerk who agreed that the ordinance change specifically says the new rate does not take effect until adopted. It was the full intention of the City Council that this rate did not take effect until date of adoption as written in ordinance. The leadership of the DPW is attempting to twist the long held interpretation of the ordinance to your detriment.
Councilor Jourdain also has referred the matter to the Law Department for their review and legal opinion. No department of the city has ever issued retroactive rate increases and this matter is being followed very closely on your behalf as ratepayers. Now that the Council controls rate setting authority - additional remedy measures are available to the Council if this outrageous decision is allowed to stand. Updates to follow here at Holyoke First!
Friday, December 19, 2008
81% of Bloggers feel Leadership of Schools deserve failing grade!
In a recent Holyoke First Blog Poll, 81% of poll takers stated that they were not happy with the current leadership of the Holyoke Public Schools and feel it is time for a change.
19% felt they were doing a good job.
Thank you for all the participated in poll.
19% felt they were doing a good job.
Thank you for all the participated in poll.
Jourdain announces support for Lowes: Will cast YES vote on January 6!
Dear Constituent,
On January 6, 2009, an important vote is going to take place before the City Council that has generated a great deal of interest from throughout the city. I am speaking of course of the zone change proposal for Konover Developers to build a new Lowe's on Whiting Farms Road. The land is currently owned by the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department after it acquired the property from Holyoke Water Power and NorthEast Utilities when the G&E purchased the Dam. This beautiful 18.7 acre parcel is a gem and located in the very valuable Ingleside section of our city. The property is currently zoned for industrial uses and the developer is requesting that the City Council vote to change the zone to commerical to allow Lowe's to be built.
I attended numerous public hearings and have spoken to every neighbor that wished to speak to me. I have also listened to all Holyokers throughout the city regarding the impact of this project on the city. I am overwhelmed by the thoughtful and articulate comments made to by people of good will on both sides of the issue. Many of the people who called me, I have known for many years. I deeply value everyone's opinions on this issue but the time is near for the vote and you deserve to know where I stand on this issue.
After studying the issue carefully and weighing the pros and cons, I have decided to cast my vote of YES in favor of the zone change and allow Lowe's to come to Holyoke.
In the midst of the most fragile economy our nation has faced in 50 years that is in recession, Holyoke's workers deserve the 150+ jobs that will come from this project. The city will reap $350,000+ in new tax revenue per year. The Holyoke Gas & Electric Department will also receive $3 million which the Manager has assured me will be used for economic development of the downtown and for electric and gas rate stabilization. When Holyoke voters voted to acquire the Dam in 1995 and in the final pact that acquired this property - the sale of these lands were contemplated and deemed necessary to pay the bonds for the Dam. The Dam purchase has been a huge success for the city and so will Lowe's be.
Economic and planning officials for the city have also assured me that the will hold the developer's feet to the fire to make the necessary traffic improvements to ensure the orderly flow of traffic along Whiting Farms Road. These improvement requirements may range as high as an additional $1 million from the developer. There is currently 13,000 cars a day that travel the road according to experts. The city needs to think out of the box and think big on the long term solutions to ensure the reasonable flow of traffic through our highly desirable commerical sector at Ingleside.
I am also reminded by the fact that it will take 3 years after our approval for the opening of a Lowe's. This gives us time to get it right and put in motion a plan that will Grow Holyoke and also improve traffic and protect our neighborhoods.
It continues to be my pleasure to serve you on the City Council. Thank you for your trust and the opportunity.
On January 6, 2009, an important vote is going to take place before the City Council that has generated a great deal of interest from throughout the city. I am speaking of course of the zone change proposal for Konover Developers to build a new Lowe's on Whiting Farms Road. The land is currently owned by the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department after it acquired the property from Holyoke Water Power and NorthEast Utilities when the G&E purchased the Dam. This beautiful 18.7 acre parcel is a gem and located in the very valuable Ingleside section of our city. The property is currently zoned for industrial uses and the developer is requesting that the City Council vote to change the zone to commerical to allow Lowe's to be built.
I attended numerous public hearings and have spoken to every neighbor that wished to speak to me. I have also listened to all Holyokers throughout the city regarding the impact of this project on the city. I am overwhelmed by the thoughtful and articulate comments made to by people of good will on both sides of the issue. Many of the people who called me, I have known for many years. I deeply value everyone's opinions on this issue but the time is near for the vote and you deserve to know where I stand on this issue.
After studying the issue carefully and weighing the pros and cons, I have decided to cast my vote of YES in favor of the zone change and allow Lowe's to come to Holyoke.
In the midst of the most fragile economy our nation has faced in 50 years that is in recession, Holyoke's workers deserve the 150+ jobs that will come from this project. The city will reap $350,000+ in new tax revenue per year. The Holyoke Gas & Electric Department will also receive $3 million which the Manager has assured me will be used for economic development of the downtown and for electric and gas rate stabilization. When Holyoke voters voted to acquire the Dam in 1995 and in the final pact that acquired this property - the sale of these lands were contemplated and deemed necessary to pay the bonds for the Dam. The Dam purchase has been a huge success for the city and so will Lowe's be.
Economic and planning officials for the city have also assured me that the will hold the developer's feet to the fire to make the necessary traffic improvements to ensure the orderly flow of traffic along Whiting Farms Road. These improvement requirements may range as high as an additional $1 million from the developer. There is currently 13,000 cars a day that travel the road according to experts. The city needs to think out of the box and think big on the long term solutions to ensure the reasonable flow of traffic through our highly desirable commerical sector at Ingleside.
I am also reminded by the fact that it will take 3 years after our approval for the opening of a Lowe's. This gives us time to get it right and put in motion a plan that will Grow Holyoke and also improve traffic and protect our neighborhoods.
It continues to be my pleasure to serve you on the City Council. Thank you for your trust and the opportunity.
Inside the Rail: Jourdain wins major victory for Ratepayers!
Holyoke - At the December 2, 2008 Council meeting, there was good news and bad news for those residents who are concerned about the runaway costs of the Sewer Department and their greedy requests for more and more rate increases.
In an 8-6 vote, the Council voted to increase the current sewer rate from 4.66/1000 gallons to $5.40/1000 gallons. The Roll Call was:
Voting for the 15% increase: Brunelle, Devine, Keane, Leahy, McGee, McGiverin, O'Neill and Welch
Voting against the increase: Jourdain, Lisi, Lopez, Pluta, Tallman and Whelihan. Councilor Purington was away at an out of town meeting but had voted against the increase in committee.
The rising rates are emphasizing the depth of the mistake that was the privatization plan. Under public control, there would have been far greater stability in rates as well as transparency in the costs. Unfortunately, the public is forced to pay for the mistake of the mayor and his Council supporters on this issue even though 57% of voters rejected this approach.
Now, to the good news! The plans of the purported experts that were hired by the mayor to advocate for privatization have not come to fruition. Projections of modest increases in the sewer rates that were originally billed have now morphed into a proposed chart of unconscionable future increases that the Sewer Department wishes to thrust upon the people with rates ending in the area of 7.50-8.00/1000 gallons.
To derail this outrageous schedule that would simply crush most lower and middle income residents, Councilor Jourdain filed an amendment to Chapter 90-90 of the Holyoke Code of Ordinances that would take the rate setting authority away from the DPW and place it with the City Council. This common sense measure makes your elected City Councilors directly responsible for setting the rates and directly accountable to the voters.
Councilor Jourdain was proud to announce that his ordinance change passed 13-1 and was signed by Mayor Sullivan into law. Only Joe McGiverin voted against allowing greater accountability of the sewer rates by the City Council.
"I could not be more proud of the quick action of my colleagues on this common sense reform measure that will require Councilors to take greater control over the rising costs of the operations of the sewer plant," Councilor Jourdain stated. Jourdain remarked, "The adoption of this law is a huge victory for ratepayers who now will have greater say through their elected representatives to make sure the sewer plant does not overspend and does not overcharge."
In an 8-6 vote, the Council voted to increase the current sewer rate from 4.66/1000 gallons to $5.40/1000 gallons. The Roll Call was:
Voting for the 15% increase: Brunelle, Devine, Keane, Leahy, McGee, McGiverin, O'Neill and Welch
Voting against the increase: Jourdain, Lisi, Lopez, Pluta, Tallman and Whelihan. Councilor Purington was away at an out of town meeting but had voted against the increase in committee.
The rising rates are emphasizing the depth of the mistake that was the privatization plan. Under public control, there would have been far greater stability in rates as well as transparency in the costs. Unfortunately, the public is forced to pay for the mistake of the mayor and his Council supporters on this issue even though 57% of voters rejected this approach.
Now, to the good news! The plans of the purported experts that were hired by the mayor to advocate for privatization have not come to fruition. Projections of modest increases in the sewer rates that were originally billed have now morphed into a proposed chart of unconscionable future increases that the Sewer Department wishes to thrust upon the people with rates ending in the area of 7.50-8.00/1000 gallons.
To derail this outrageous schedule that would simply crush most lower and middle income residents, Councilor Jourdain filed an amendment to Chapter 90-90 of the Holyoke Code of Ordinances that would take the rate setting authority away from the DPW and place it with the City Council. This common sense measure makes your elected City Councilors directly responsible for setting the rates and directly accountable to the voters.
Councilor Jourdain was proud to announce that his ordinance change passed 13-1 and was signed by Mayor Sullivan into law. Only Joe McGiverin voted against allowing greater accountability of the sewer rates by the City Council.
"I could not be more proud of the quick action of my colleagues on this common sense reform measure that will require Councilors to take greater control over the rising costs of the operations of the sewer plant," Councilor Jourdain stated. Jourdain remarked, "The adoption of this law is a huge victory for ratepayers who now will have greater say through their elected representatives to make sure the sewer plant does not overspend and does not overcharge."
Inside the Rail: Council passes Resolution to School Dept: High Priced Administrators need to lead by example!
Councilor Jourdain was proud to announce that the City Council voted 14-1 on a voice vote (Councilor Devine voted no) to pass a resolution he offered to send a strong message to School Department Administrators earning over $75,000 per year: you need to lead by example.
Jourdain noted that there has been many calls for sacrifice and hiring freezes by the senior leadership of the schools at 57 Suffolk Street. Yet, despite closing multiple schools, declining enrollment and the new competition of a charter school, the Top Brass at School Headquarters earning over $75,000; specifically, the Business Administrator and the Superintendent have continued to take hefty payraises.
Everyone deserves a fair wage and a good pay but enough is enough with the six figure salaries for people who are calling on their subordinates to make sacrifices. The school committee needs to stop with the payraises for those over six figures who should have no problem managing on what they are receiving currently. Leadership demands greater sensitivity to the financial condition of the schools.
Jourdain also renewed his support for his colleagues on the Finance Committee who have been trying for months to get a written line item budget for the school department.
Jourdain noted that there has been many calls for sacrifice and hiring freezes by the senior leadership of the schools at 57 Suffolk Street. Yet, despite closing multiple schools, declining enrollment and the new competition of a charter school, the Top Brass at School Headquarters earning over $75,000; specifically, the Business Administrator and the Superintendent have continued to take hefty payraises.
Everyone deserves a fair wage and a good pay but enough is enough with the six figure salaries for people who are calling on their subordinates to make sacrifices. The school committee needs to stop with the payraises for those over six figures who should have no problem managing on what they are receiving currently. Leadership demands greater sensitivity to the financial condition of the schools.
Jourdain also renewed his support for his colleagues on the Finance Committee who have been trying for months to get a written line item budget for the school department.
Inside the Rail: Tax Classification: Jourdain defends Homeowners and wins victory for tax fairness!
At Tuesday's meeting, City Councilor Kevin Jourdain made an impassioned speech on behalf of the city's seniors and working families and fought back a bold move to place an enormous new tax increase on homeowners.
Councilor Jourdain seconded the motion of Ward 2 City Councilor Diosdado Lopez for a residential rate of $14.25 per thousand of property value. The motion passed 8-7.
Besides Lopez and Jourdain, Councilors Pluta, Lisi, Whelihan, McGee, Tallman and Brunelle fought valiantly to protect the people. Several Councilors lead by Ward 3 Councilor Tony Keane, Ward 7 Councilor Jay O'Neill and Councilor At Large Patti Devine pushed to lower the taxes of the Holyoke Mall and the remaining commerical sector and shift that burden on the homeowners.
Councilor Jourdain in advocating the lower rate for homeowners emphasized that residential values, unlike the commerical, are still above market value and based on 2007 sales even though we all know what has happened to the housing market in 2008 and what will happen in 2009.
Jourdain also pointed out that in the midst of the worst economic downturn in 50 years with unemployment rampant, homeowners simply could not afford the approximately $200 a year increase the other side had planned for them.
Councilor Jourdain stated, "I wish taxes could stay fixed this year but the Mayor's decision to raise the tax levy by $2 million for the 9th year in a row has increased the size of the pie that needs to be sliced up for both homeowners and businesses to pay." The tax rates adopted by the Council under the Lopez/Jourdain proposal for 2009 are $14.24 Residential and $35.15 Commerical/Industrial/Personal Property. The new 2009 Home and Commerical Values are now available at the Assessor's Office for people who would like to calculate their 2009 bill. The Assessor's Office phone number is 322-5550 for more information.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Holyoke Real Estate & Virtual Tour Added!
Interested in Buying a home in Holyoke or taking a Virtual Tour of the City? Here is a site to take a look at:
http://www.holyokemarealestate.com/
http://www.holyokemarealestate.com/
Thank You Veterans!
This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Holyoke Veteran's Day Ceremonies at the War Memorial. It was a beautiful event. This year is extra special because it commerates the 90th anniversary since the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, which unfortunately was not the war to end all wars.
The United Veterans of Holyoke paid tribute to 3 wonderful Holyokers this year:
Ralph Lefebvre as Veteran of the year
Ron Dietrich as Public Safety Official of the Year
Attorney Maurice Ferriter as Citizen of the Year.
Each of these fine gentlemen have made a tremendous contribution to our city, state and nation and they were all very deserving of their awards. These 3 great veterans each continue in the long lineage of fine veterans that have come from Holyoke. Holyoke holds the remarkable distinction as a smaller city of being home to 3 Congressional Medal of Honor Receipents.
Sen. Knapik, Rep. Kane, Mayor Sullivan and City Council President Joe McGiverin all extended their best wishes and presented the award receipients with additional commerations on behalf of the city and state.
The Mountain View Baptist Church Choir delivered yet another beautiful and uplifting performace in honor of both God and Country.
All in attendance also gave special recognition to a fellow Holyoker who just returned after serving 2 years in Iraq.
I have been pushing for several years now for the restoration of the Civil War monument in Veterans Park. This signature monument commerates Holyoke's War Dead from this tragic internal war to keep our nation together. Recently, the City Council passed a resolution I introduced requesting that the monument be restored from the park restoration funds Holyoke will be receiving as part of the Intra-Model project across the street. Mayor Sullivan announced today at the ceremony today that the monument is going to be restored to its former glory and the monies will be put in place to make that happen. If you see Mayor Sullivan, please be sure to thank him for supporting our veterans and preserving our monuments to their memory!
I was very proud to share in this patriotic event and extend my best wishes to all of our veterans, both past and present. If you enjoy your freedom, take a minute to thank a Vet! If you missed the event, strongly consider putting it in your calendar next year - you will be glad you did.
The United Veterans of Holyoke paid tribute to 3 wonderful Holyokers this year:
Ralph Lefebvre as Veteran of the year
Ron Dietrich as Public Safety Official of the Year
Attorney Maurice Ferriter as Citizen of the Year.
Each of these fine gentlemen have made a tremendous contribution to our city, state and nation and they were all very deserving of their awards. These 3 great veterans each continue in the long lineage of fine veterans that have come from Holyoke. Holyoke holds the remarkable distinction as a smaller city of being home to 3 Congressional Medal of Honor Receipents.
Sen. Knapik, Rep. Kane, Mayor Sullivan and City Council President Joe McGiverin all extended their best wishes and presented the award receipients with additional commerations on behalf of the city and state.
The Mountain View Baptist Church Choir delivered yet another beautiful and uplifting performace in honor of both God and Country.
All in attendance also gave special recognition to a fellow Holyoker who just returned after serving 2 years in Iraq.
I have been pushing for several years now for the restoration of the Civil War monument in Veterans Park. This signature monument commerates Holyoke's War Dead from this tragic internal war to keep our nation together. Recently, the City Council passed a resolution I introduced requesting that the monument be restored from the park restoration funds Holyoke will be receiving as part of the Intra-Model project across the street. Mayor Sullivan announced today at the ceremony today that the monument is going to be restored to its former glory and the monies will be put in place to make that happen. If you see Mayor Sullivan, please be sure to thank him for supporting our veterans and preserving our monuments to their memory!
I was very proud to share in this patriotic event and extend my best wishes to all of our veterans, both past and present. If you enjoy your freedom, take a minute to thank a Vet! If you missed the event, strongly consider putting it in your calendar next year - you will be glad you did.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Mayor seeks to select new School Superintendent on his way out the door!
Mayor Sullivan looks to tie hands of new Mayor to bring real change to schools
Mayor Sullivan announced this week that he is forming a committee to select a new School Superintendent by January 2010 when he leaves office. Traditionally, school officials who retire leave at the end of the school year; therefore, if the new Superintendent is starts prior to Mr. Carballo's departure, our cash strapped school dept. will be forced to pay two salaries during the interim.
I am also disappointed that Mayor Sullivan is seeking to make this major appointment on his way out the door and tie the hands of the new mayor from determing the head of the schools. It is the new mayor who will have to work side by side with this new person to turn the schools around.
Let us not forget that it was Mayor Sullivan that brought Mr. Carballo to lead the schools and the new Mayor should have the opportunity to bring real change to the school's leadership. After his recent pay raise, Mr. Carballo is now receiving the highest pay ever paid a Superintendent at $151,000 per year while the schools are suffering their greatest financial crisis in a generation.
The new mayor should not have to be tied to the Sullivan-Carballo approach to education. So why would we, as a city, want a lame-duck mayor picking the Superintendent and then having him or her trained by Mr. Carballo? That is not a new approach: that is same old, same old.
The Republican had a recent article on this issue, here it is below if you have not seen it already:
Holyoke school chief to retire in 2010
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo has announced he will be retiring in 2010, mostly to give the School Committee plenty of time to fine his replacement. Carballo has told committee members on several occasions he plans to retire in about 18 months. This week he repeated his plans to officials from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education who were visiting the city. At that time he will be 62 and will be ready to give up his job, which pays about $151,000 a year.
Carballo took over as Holyoke superintendent in 2002, he said. Carballo said he announced his retirement so far in advance to give city officials plenty of time to find a replacement to head up the challenging school district, which is underperforming and one of the poorest in the state.
"The mayor has already put together a working committee, I told him I will be there and help in any way I can," Carballo said. A committee of School Committee members, teachers and the City Council president has already started meeting to talk about ways to find a new superintendent, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who serves as School Committee chairman.
He said it is important to begin the process now because he would like to have a new superintendent selected by January 2010 so the new candidate can work with Carballo before taking over. "I appointed an ad-hoc committee to create a succession plan," he said.
The committee, which includes teachers, parents and politicians, was asked to develop ideas on how Holyoke can best find a superintendent. It may write a search plan proposal, but it was not a requirement, Sullivan said.
"I can say there was a lot of public input in the last process, I hope any committee is open to input from all facets of the community," he said. The School Committee will make the final decision on who is hired as the next superintendent, but it can also name search committees that can include teachers, parents and other residents, Sullivan said.
Officials from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said they are also interested in participating, Sullivan said. "I think that is fair because they are so heavily invested in the city of Holyoke," he said. Since the schools were declared underperforming the state has spent about $4.5 million on efforts to improve student scores.
Mayor Sullivan announced this week that he is forming a committee to select a new School Superintendent by January 2010 when he leaves office. Traditionally, school officials who retire leave at the end of the school year; therefore, if the new Superintendent is starts prior to Mr. Carballo's departure, our cash strapped school dept. will be forced to pay two salaries during the interim.
I am also disappointed that Mayor Sullivan is seeking to make this major appointment on his way out the door and tie the hands of the new mayor from determing the head of the schools. It is the new mayor who will have to work side by side with this new person to turn the schools around.
Let us not forget that it was Mayor Sullivan that brought Mr. Carballo to lead the schools and the new Mayor should have the opportunity to bring real change to the school's leadership. After his recent pay raise, Mr. Carballo is now receiving the highest pay ever paid a Superintendent at $151,000 per year while the schools are suffering their greatest financial crisis in a generation.
The new mayor should not have to be tied to the Sullivan-Carballo approach to education. So why would we, as a city, want a lame-duck mayor picking the Superintendent and then having him or her trained by Mr. Carballo? That is not a new approach: that is same old, same old.
The Republican had a recent article on this issue, here it is below if you have not seen it already:
Holyoke school chief to retire in 2010
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo has announced he will be retiring in 2010, mostly to give the School Committee plenty of time to fine his replacement. Carballo has told committee members on several occasions he plans to retire in about 18 months. This week he repeated his plans to officials from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education who were visiting the city. At that time he will be 62 and will be ready to give up his job, which pays about $151,000 a year.
Carballo took over as Holyoke superintendent in 2002, he said. Carballo said he announced his retirement so far in advance to give city officials plenty of time to find a replacement to head up the challenging school district, which is underperforming and one of the poorest in the state.
"The mayor has already put together a working committee, I told him I will be there and help in any way I can," Carballo said. A committee of School Committee members, teachers and the City Council president has already started meeting to talk about ways to find a new superintendent, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who serves as School Committee chairman.
He said it is important to begin the process now because he would like to have a new superintendent selected by January 2010 so the new candidate can work with Carballo before taking over. "I appointed an ad-hoc committee to create a succession plan," he said.
The committee, which includes teachers, parents and politicians, was asked to develop ideas on how Holyoke can best find a superintendent. It may write a search plan proposal, but it was not a requirement, Sullivan said.
"I can say there was a lot of public input in the last process, I hope any committee is open to input from all facets of the community," he said. The School Committee will make the final decision on who is hired as the next superintendent, but it can also name search committees that can include teachers, parents and other residents, Sullivan said.
Officials from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said they are also interested in participating, Sullivan said. "I think that is fair because they are so heavily invested in the city of Holyoke," he said. Since the schools were declared underperforming the state has spent about $4.5 million on efforts to improve student scores.
Lowe's Poll Results Final
In an overwhelming response to the question of whether a Lowe's should be located on Whiting Farms Road, the results are finally in:
Over 600 Blog Visitors cast a vote and by a thin margin, voters stated that they did not want a Lowes located on Whiting Farms Road.
Here's how you voted:
53% Voted NO
47% Voted YES
Thank you all for participating in this important poll.
Over 600 Blog Visitors cast a vote and by a thin margin, voters stated that they did not want a Lowes located on Whiting Farms Road.
Here's how you voted:
53% Voted NO
47% Voted YES
Thank you all for participating in this important poll.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Holyoke Education Turnaround Plan Criticized
The Republican
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - The State Board of Education Monday evening questioned if an investment of $4.5 million and hiring a private firm has really helped the city's underperforming schools improve. Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo met with the state board and representatives from a America's Choice Inc., the company, to discuss efforts made to improve schools since Holyoke became the first city district to be named underperforming in the state in 2004.
The review is part of a larger discussion the state board and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is having about assessing districts, holding them accountable and offering assistance as the number of failing schools across the state is growing, said Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
"We thought it would be useful to look at Holyoke in particular," since the state has been working with the district for four years and invested $4.5 million in the effort, Chester said.
Holyoke was one of two school systems to be declared underperforming in November 2004 because of its low Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems scores. Following the decision, officials for city schools and the state Department of Education developed a plan to improve performance.
A main part of the plan was to hire America's Choice on the state's recommendation. The company mainly introduced a specialized reading and writing program to the district, had a representative work full-time in the city for at least a year, trained teachers and purchased materials, Carballo said.
Smaller amounts of the money also went to provide specialized training for administrators one year and created a program for transient students, which was cut back this year because of budget cuts.
But during the presentation from the company, a Board of Education member pointed to a chart showing the English scores and questioned if hiring a private company worked.
"The ELA (English) chart is flat for '02 to '08," said Jeff Howard, a board member and president of The Efficacy Institute, of Waltham. "What should we expect to see on this chart for '09 and 2010 given the investment and the lives of the students?"
Representatives from America's Choice acknowledged that scores have remained flat and said they would have changed some things, such as concentrating more on students learning English sooner.
In his presentation, Carballo talked about constant budget cuts, which this year forced the city to close three schools and lay off dozens of teachers.
He also said the number of students who do not speak English continues to increase and transient students range from 35 percent to 45 percent in most schools. But he said many changes, including bringing in America's Choice, has been positive.
Redistricting so most students attend a school in their neighborhood and converting schools to kindergarten to grade eight has also helped. "Some things that happened in the district (were) a little bit disjointed and crazy," he said.
By JEANETTE DeFORGE jdeforge@repub.com HOLYOKE - The State Board of Education Monday evening questioned if an investment of $4.5 million and hiring a private firm has really helped the city's underperforming schools improve. Superintendent Eduardo B. Carballo met with the state board and representatives from a America's Choice Inc., the company, to discuss efforts made to improve schools since Holyoke became the first city district to be named underperforming in the state in 2004.
The review is part of a larger discussion the state board and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is having about assessing districts, holding them accountable and offering assistance as the number of failing schools across the state is growing, said Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.
"We thought it would be useful to look at Holyoke in particular," since the state has been working with the district for four years and invested $4.5 million in the effort, Chester said.
Holyoke was one of two school systems to be declared underperforming in November 2004 because of its low Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems scores. Following the decision, officials for city schools and the state Department of Education developed a plan to improve performance.
A main part of the plan was to hire America's Choice on the state's recommendation. The company mainly introduced a specialized reading and writing program to the district, had a representative work full-time in the city for at least a year, trained teachers and purchased materials, Carballo said.
Smaller amounts of the money also went to provide specialized training for administrators one year and created a program for transient students, which was cut back this year because of budget cuts.
But during the presentation from the company, a Board of Education member pointed to a chart showing the English scores and questioned if hiring a private company worked.
"The ELA (English) chart is flat for '02 to '08," said Jeff Howard, a board member and president of The Efficacy Institute, of Waltham. "What should we expect to see on this chart for '09 and 2010 given the investment and the lives of the students?"
Representatives from America's Choice acknowledged that scores have remained flat and said they would have changed some things, such as concentrating more on students learning English sooner.
In his presentation, Carballo talked about constant budget cuts, which this year forced the city to close three schools and lay off dozens of teachers.
He also said the number of students who do not speak English continues to increase and transient students range from 35 percent to 45 percent in most schools. But he said many changes, including bringing in America's Choice, has been positive.
Redistricting so most students attend a school in their neighborhood and converting schools to kindergarten to grade eight has also helped. "Some things that happened in the district (were) a little bit disjointed and crazy," he said.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Video Up Link Feature Added!
Friends, it is my pleasure to add a great new feature to Holyoke First and that is a new video uplink that will permanently be located on my blog. I will feature important and educational video works worthy of your time and thought.
Thank you again for taking the time to visit my website which is my commitment to you to keep you fully informed of my work as your elected representative, as well as, the inner workings of your city government!
Thank you again for taking the time to visit my website which is my commitment to you to keep you fully informed of my work as your elected representative, as well as, the inner workings of your city government!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Councilor Jourdain files 2 orders related to Sewer Rate Issues
These 2 Orders Filed for October 7, 2008 Meeting.
ORDER 1:
Ordered, That the following changes in Sec 90-90 be adopted:
Sec. 90-90. Sewer use charge.
(a) Generally. The City Council (board of public works) shall establish a sewer use charge by ordinance; any change in such charge shall come after a public hearing held by the City Council (board of public works), to provide the funds necessary to provide and maintain sewage treatment and sewage works, pay the debt service thereon, and maintain a reasonable reserve as determined by the City Council (board of public works), but which will not exceed 25 percent of the annual budget. The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works. The charge shall be billed to property owners on a quarterly basis at the rate determined by the City Council (board of public works), multiplied by the number of gallons of metered water charged to the property owner. The board of public works shall collect all monies due the city as a result of the sewer use charge established by this section.
(b) Rate; payment. The rate shall be $4.66 per 1,000 gallons of water metered with a minimum quarterly rate of $5.00. Said rate shall be in effect until such time as the City Council shall approve a change in rate. (board of public works requests a change in rate and such change in rate receives city council approval.) All charges or bills shall be due and payable 30 days after issue and charges or bills remaining unpaid after such due date shall be charged interest thereon at a rate of 14 percent per year as provided in M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21E.
ORDER 2:
Ordered, That the Law Department render a legal opinion if DPW has the authority to charge certain select commercial or industrial ratepayers a rate different than all other sewer ratepayers when the ordinance Sec 90-90 clearly establishes one rate for all ratepayers and further states, “The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works.”
ORDER 1:
Ordered, That the following changes in Sec 90-90 be adopted:
Sec. 90-90. Sewer use charge.
(a) Generally. The City Council (board of public works) shall establish a sewer use charge by ordinance; any change in such charge shall come after a public hearing held by the City Council (board of public works), to provide the funds necessary to provide and maintain sewage treatment and sewage works, pay the debt service thereon, and maintain a reasonable reserve as determined by the City Council (board of public works), but which will not exceed 25 percent of the annual budget. The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works. The charge shall be billed to property owners on a quarterly basis at the rate determined by the City Council (board of public works), multiplied by the number of gallons of metered water charged to the property owner. The board of public works shall collect all monies due the city as a result of the sewer use charge established by this section.
(b) Rate; payment. The rate shall be $4.66 per 1,000 gallons of water metered with a minimum quarterly rate of $5.00. Said rate shall be in effect until such time as the City Council shall approve a change in rate. (board of public works requests a change in rate and such change in rate receives city council approval.) All charges or bills shall be due and payable 30 days after issue and charges or bills remaining unpaid after such due date shall be charged interest thereon at a rate of 14 percent per year as provided in M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21E.
ORDER 2:
Ordered, That the Law Department render a legal opinion if DPW has the authority to charge certain select commercial or industrial ratepayers a rate different than all other sewer ratepayers when the ordinance Sec 90-90 clearly establishes one rate for all ratepayers and further states, “The sewer use charge shall be assessed against the owner of every property connected to the municipal sewage works.”
Councilor Jourdain files 3 orders related to the Holyoke Retirement System
On September 2, 2008, Councilor Jourdain filed 3 orders related to the Holyoke Retirement System. Included is the current Status of these orders. Updates to follow.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that a Representative of the Governor’s office and/or PERAC be invited before the Finance Committee for an informational session to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the city joining our retirement system with the state.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that the Holyoke Housing Authority and Retirement Board please provide copies to the City Council as soon as possible of all memorandum, email, minutes, legal opinions, letters, correspondence, votes, or other documents related to the elimination of John Counter’s position at the Housing Authority, his apparent “termination” and his request for an enhanced pension as a result of the elimination of his position. Please also provide the name of his former title. If any documents are being held back as not “public documents”, please indicate which documents and on what basis the document(s) is being withheld. This request is made under Section 48 of the City Charter. That this order be sent to HHA & Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that pursuant to Section 48 of the Charter that Dan Owens of the Retirement Board or his designee please provide a financial analysis for the City Council illustrating what John Counter’s pension would have been based upon: (1) a normal superannuation retirement payable now based on his age, years of service and his pay rate versus (2) the pension he will be receiving now under Ch 32, § 10 (2) (a) as a result of his position being abolished by the Housing Authority. Please give an annual breakdown as well as a lifetime payout analysis assuming benefit ends at age 85 under both scenarios. That this order be sent to the Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that a Representative of the Governor’s office and/or PERAC be invited before the Finance Committee for an informational session to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the city joining our retirement system with the state.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that the Holyoke Housing Authority and Retirement Board please provide copies to the City Council as soon as possible of all memorandum, email, minutes, legal opinions, letters, correspondence, votes, or other documents related to the elimination of John Counter’s position at the Housing Authority, his apparent “termination” and his request for an enhanced pension as a result of the elimination of his position. Please also provide the name of his former title. If any documents are being held back as not “public documents”, please indicate which documents and on what basis the document(s) is being withheld. This request is made under Section 48 of the City Charter. That this order be sent to HHA & Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
JOURDAIN Ordered, that pursuant to Section 48 of the Charter that Dan Owens of the Retirement Board or his designee please provide a financial analysis for the City Council illustrating what John Counter’s pension would have been based upon: (1) a normal superannuation retirement payable now based on his age, years of service and his pay rate versus (2) the pension he will be receiving now under Ch 32, § 10 (2) (a) as a result of his position being abolished by the Housing Authority. Please give an annual breakdown as well as a lifetime payout analysis assuming benefit ends at age 85 under both scenarios. That this order be sent to the Retirement Board with a copy to the Public Service Committee.---> Received and referred to the Finance Committee.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Jourdain announces Victory for Retirees!
City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was proud to announce that the Holyoke Retirement Board voted 4-1 on Thursday to give the 61 Holyoke retirees their annual adjustments as authorized by the City Council this year by a vote of 14-1. After 3 Retirement Board meetings spanning over 3 months, the Retirement Board took final action.
These retirees, like many Holyokers, are struggling to make ends meet and have dedicated their lives to the people of Holyoke. In their golden years, they deserve to have an annual increase to put fuel in their tanks and food on their tables. These 61 retirees each worked over 25 years for the City of Holyoke and most have counted on these funds to keep themselves going. Luckily, the retirees fought hard for their pension! Councilor Devine, Former Mayor Dunn and I were proud to lend a strong voice to make sure that the process was followed and gave these retirees a fighting chance against a tough opponent in the Mayor's office.
Holyoke first adopted the 50% retirement law in 1969 and it has been an integral part of the financial retirment security of employees who are able to provide a minimum of 25 years of service. The City Council and past Mayors have always ensured this important benefit was protected. Despite alot of pressure from the current Executive Director to walk away from this 40 year committment, the Board did the right thing.
Councilor Jourdain also commended the Retirement Board for getting an independent legal opinion on the question of the Mayor attempting to sign the law and then saying his signature did not mean anything. Attorney Thomas F. Gibson, who was hired by the Board, told the Board before the final vote that Sullivan could not qualify his signature. Therefore, his signature constituted approval. Remarkably, the Holyoke Law Department, which took over 60 days to produce an opinion, once again played politics by conjuring up a legal opinion that agreed with the Mayor. The Law Department works for the Mayor and has a long history of legal opinions that favor the Mayor. On Thursday, the Retirement Board confirmed the proposition that the Mayor could not sign the law and walk away from his own signature.
Congratulations Retirees!
These retirees, like many Holyokers, are struggling to make ends meet and have dedicated their lives to the people of Holyoke. In their golden years, they deserve to have an annual increase to put fuel in their tanks and food on their tables. These 61 retirees each worked over 25 years for the City of Holyoke and most have counted on these funds to keep themselves going. Luckily, the retirees fought hard for their pension! Councilor Devine, Former Mayor Dunn and I were proud to lend a strong voice to make sure that the process was followed and gave these retirees a fighting chance against a tough opponent in the Mayor's office.
Holyoke first adopted the 50% retirement law in 1969 and it has been an integral part of the financial retirment security of employees who are able to provide a minimum of 25 years of service. The City Council and past Mayors have always ensured this important benefit was protected. Despite alot of pressure from the current Executive Director to walk away from this 40 year committment, the Board did the right thing.
Councilor Jourdain also commended the Retirement Board for getting an independent legal opinion on the question of the Mayor attempting to sign the law and then saying his signature did not mean anything. Attorney Thomas F. Gibson, who was hired by the Board, told the Board before the final vote that Sullivan could not qualify his signature. Therefore, his signature constituted approval. Remarkably, the Holyoke Law Department, which took over 60 days to produce an opinion, once again played politics by conjuring up a legal opinion that agreed with the Mayor. The Law Department works for the Mayor and has a long history of legal opinions that favor the Mayor. On Thursday, the Retirement Board confirmed the proposition that the Mayor could not sign the law and walk away from his own signature.
Congratulations Retirees!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Congratulations to Immaculate Conception Parish!!
It was my great pleasure to represent the City of Holyoke yesterday at the Dedication Mass of the new Immaculate Conception Parish in the Flats. This Parish has been through alot of transition and turmoil over the last 6 years, but the good news is: it all paid off in the end. What a beautiful new church and the inspiring words of both Bishop McDonnell and Father Jim electrified all in attendance. The church was packed (and even flowing out the doors)! With so much enthusiasm in that room, it bodes well for the growth and progress of the Flats section of our city.
The Mass was held in the historic three languages of the Parish: French, Spanish and English. It displayed the great unity and history of our city. As a Catholic myself, I had never seen a church dedication ceremony and it was a very interesting and beautiful ritual. Holyoke is very lucky to have so many beautiful houses of worship of many faiths and if you visit Immaculate Conception you will absolutely enjoy the ornate stain glass mosaic of the Parish's history and the city's history with Jesus Christ at the center. It is located behind the altar.
After the Mass, a delicious meal was served by the Fernandez family restaurant at an outdoor reception. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful weather while sharing time together and talking about their Faith in the Church and their Faith in the future of Holyoke. I am glad I had the opportunity along with Councilors Welch and Pluta to participate in this special event.
My hats off to the Bishop, the Parish Building Committee and to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish which generously donated $1 million to make the new Church possible.
The Mass was held in the historic three languages of the Parish: French, Spanish and English. It displayed the great unity and history of our city. As a Catholic myself, I had never seen a church dedication ceremony and it was a very interesting and beautiful ritual. Holyoke is very lucky to have so many beautiful houses of worship of many faiths and if you visit Immaculate Conception you will absolutely enjoy the ornate stain glass mosaic of the Parish's history and the city's history with Jesus Christ at the center. It is located behind the altar.
After the Mass, a delicious meal was served by the Fernandez family restaurant at an outdoor reception. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful weather while sharing time together and talking about their Faith in the Church and their Faith in the future of Holyoke. I am glad I had the opportunity along with Councilors Welch and Pluta to participate in this special event.
My hats off to the Bishop, the Parish Building Committee and to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish which generously donated $1 million to make the new Church possible.
Blog Voters side with Police Officers over Mayor Sullivan!
In recent Holyoke First Blog poll, 61% of voters stated Mayor Sullivan was wrong to suspend the three Holyoke Police Officers for 15 days. 39% said he was right.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Jourdain announces Cable TV Meeting on 8/19 in City Council Chambers!
For Immediate Release
Contact:
City Councilor At Large Kevin A. Jourdain
(413) 538-5519
Holyoke – City Council Cable Television Committee Chairman Kevin Jourdain announced today that the Cable Television Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers. The agenda of the meeting will be:
1) Discussion of Comcast Lineups changes and the effects on consumers
2) The Restoration of EWTN at lowest possible cost price and a discussion of the Digital Classic Package for $20 per month
3) The 1997 agreement relative to the Holyoke Public Access Channel and the future of this channel.
4) Request to Comcast to give more notice of future changes
This meeting is open to the public and they have an opportunity to have their concerns voiced and questions answered. Stephen Fitzgibbons and Daniel Glanville from ComCast have been invited, as well as, Mayor Sullivan or his representative.
# # #
Contact:
City Councilor At Large Kevin A. Jourdain
(413) 538-5519
Holyoke – City Council Cable Television Committee Chairman Kevin Jourdain announced today that the Cable Television Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers. The agenda of the meeting will be:
1) Discussion of Comcast Lineups changes and the effects on consumers
2) The Restoration of EWTN at lowest possible cost price and a discussion of the Digital Classic Package for $20 per month
3) The 1997 agreement relative to the Holyoke Public Access Channel and the future of this channel.
4) Request to Comcast to give more notice of future changes
This meeting is open to the public and they have an opportunity to have their concerns voiced and questions answered. Stephen Fitzgibbons and Daniel Glanville from ComCast have been invited, as well as, Mayor Sullivan or his representative.
# # #
Friday, July 18, 2008
Councilor Jourdain makes statement on Mayor Sullivan's announcement
Holyoke- City Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain in a brief announcement today stated that he was surprised to hear of Mayor Sullivan's option not to seek election next year. Jourdain also stated that being Mayor is a difficult job and one that can be thankless at times. Councilor Jourdain, who has served with 3 Mayors, thanked Mayor Sullivan for his service to the city and looks forward to working with him for the remainder of his term.
While extensive work faces the city in 2008, 2009 is going to be a critical election to the future of the city. "I want to thank the many people who have already called me to encourage me to run for Mayor. It would indeed be an honor to serve. I will give strong consideration to this exciting opportunity to use my experience to make sure that Holyoke continues to prosper and that our government serves the interests of its citizens."
While extensive work faces the city in 2008, 2009 is going to be a critical election to the future of the city. "I want to thank the many people who have already called me to encourage me to run for Mayor. It would indeed be an honor to serve. I will give strong consideration to this exciting opportunity to use my experience to make sure that Holyoke continues to prosper and that our government serves the interests of its citizens."
AP: Comcast Customer Service Ratings at All-Time Low
Comcast Customer Service Ratings at All-Time Low
Associated Press
May 20, 2008
Customer satisfaction ratings for Comcast Corp. fell this year to an all-time low and rank at the bottom of cable and satellite TV providers, according to a survey released on May 20. Comcast lagged behind smaller operators such as Cablevision Systems Corp. and RCN Corp., which as a group topped the customer satisfaction ratings for the first time ever.
Comcast rated 54 out of a perfect 100 for customer satisfaction. Rapid growth for the Philadelphia-based company, which have been buying up smaller cable systems, may have added to its customer service problems, the report said.
Comcast breaks promises with Holyoke subscribers!
Holyoke - Effective July 16, 2008, ComCast has decimated the basic service package that offers local subscribers a low cost alternative to the otherwise extremely high prices they offer for the digital packages. Holyoke is disproportionately lower income versus other communities in Western Massachusetts and is especially sensitive to this change. Allegedly, they are doing this so people can buy more High Definition channels which is great but what about those who cannot afford a $50+ package. ComCast claims to be committed to the community but then does stuff like this that is strictly designed at increasing their bottom line regardless of how many people are harmed!
"God's Word is Eternal, but apparently ComCast's word is only good for 11 Years."
No less disturbing in all of this is ComCast's blatant breach of an agreement they had with the City in 1997 with respect to the broadcasting of EWTN. This widely popular Catholic Channel was promised to the people of Holyoke as far back as the 1980's with Contential Cablevision and MediaOne. Until 1997, it was broadcast 24 hours day. ComCast then made the decision that it was only going to be run it part-time by sharing the same Channel 21 with the Inspiration Network, which is a fine channel in its own right.
Quickly, ComCast put up the same straw man arguments as they are now saying nothing can be done we are just giving you what people want. So to convince them of their misguided ways and to demonstrate that Holyokers and people throughout Western Massachusetts wanted EWTN a massive organizational effort was undertaken. During that process, over 6000 signatures were collected in support of EWTN; including, over 3000 in Holyoke. Large volumes of letters and phone calls were generated, as well as, media attention.
During the process of the 1997 ComCast contract negotiations with the city, then Mayor Danny Szostkiewicz showed real leadership and reached an accord with ComCast that in lieu of a public access channel that ComCast would broadcast EWTN on Channel 23 during the switch over hours when EWTN was not playing on Channel 21. Holyoke gave up its public access channel for this specific purpose. ComCast knows this. Most communities have 3 channels for what is called PEG Access purposes. PEG Access stands for Public Access, Educational Access and Government Access. The Education channel is on Channel 12 and our Government Channel is Channel 15. In the midst of ComCast's haste to remove EWTN, they have also taken without justification our would be Public Access Channel on Channel 23. Public Access channels are required by federal law to be broadcast as part of the basic service package.
In sum, ComCast has broken their promise to broadcast EWTN and has stolen from us our public access channel effectively leaving Holyoke left holding the bag. Under no circumstances, can this be tolerated.
Thousands of our fellow Holyokers and people throughout Western MA are now being deprived of this precious religious programming. Inspiration channel has also been removed and as a result all religious programming has been removed from the more affordable basic tier. This is alarming and is disturbing especially from a company that purports to listen to its customers and is allegedly family friendly.
I encourage all Holyoke residents to call ComCast's Government Affairs Representative Stephen Fitzgibbons at (413) 730-4513 and demand EWTN be restored to the basic tier back on our public access Channel 23!
I also encourage Holyokers to call Mayor Sullivan at (413) 322-5510 and ask that he lend his support to getting ComCast to restore our public access channel so it can be used for EWTN!
If you would like more information on this issue and the on-going fight to preserve EWTN and protect our cable subscribers on fixed income, please call me at (413) 538-5519 or email me or call Paula Brunault at (413) 534-1596. Paula has been the leader on this issue for many years and we are lucky to have her fighting for us again!
"God's Word is Eternal, but apparently ComCast's word is only good for 11 Years."
No less disturbing in all of this is ComCast's blatant breach of an agreement they had with the City in 1997 with respect to the broadcasting of EWTN. This widely popular Catholic Channel was promised to the people of Holyoke as far back as the 1980's with Contential Cablevision and MediaOne. Until 1997, it was broadcast 24 hours day. ComCast then made the decision that it was only going to be run it part-time by sharing the same Channel 21 with the Inspiration Network, which is a fine channel in its own right.
Quickly, ComCast put up the same straw man arguments as they are now saying nothing can be done we are just giving you what people want. So to convince them of their misguided ways and to demonstrate that Holyokers and people throughout Western Massachusetts wanted EWTN a massive organizational effort was undertaken. During that process, over 6000 signatures were collected in support of EWTN; including, over 3000 in Holyoke. Large volumes of letters and phone calls were generated, as well as, media attention.
During the process of the 1997 ComCast contract negotiations with the city, then Mayor Danny Szostkiewicz showed real leadership and reached an accord with ComCast that in lieu of a public access channel that ComCast would broadcast EWTN on Channel 23 during the switch over hours when EWTN was not playing on Channel 21. Holyoke gave up its public access channel for this specific purpose. ComCast knows this. Most communities have 3 channels for what is called PEG Access purposes. PEG Access stands for Public Access, Educational Access and Government Access. The Education channel is on Channel 12 and our Government Channel is Channel 15. In the midst of ComCast's haste to remove EWTN, they have also taken without justification our would be Public Access Channel on Channel 23. Public Access channels are required by federal law to be broadcast as part of the basic service package.
In sum, ComCast has broken their promise to broadcast EWTN and has stolen from us our public access channel effectively leaving Holyoke left holding the bag. Under no circumstances, can this be tolerated.
Thousands of our fellow Holyokers and people throughout Western MA are now being deprived of this precious religious programming. Inspiration channel has also been removed and as a result all religious programming has been removed from the more affordable basic tier. This is alarming and is disturbing especially from a company that purports to listen to its customers and is allegedly family friendly.
I encourage all Holyoke residents to call ComCast's Government Affairs Representative Stephen Fitzgibbons at (413) 730-4513 and demand EWTN be restored to the basic tier back on our public access Channel 23!
I also encourage Holyokers to call Mayor Sullivan at (413) 322-5510 and ask that he lend his support to getting ComCast to restore our public access channel so it can be used for EWTN!
If you would like more information on this issue and the on-going fight to preserve EWTN and protect our cable subscribers on fixed income, please call me at (413) 538-5519 or email me or call Paula Brunault at (413) 534-1596. Paula has been the leader on this issue for many years and we are lucky to have her fighting for us again!
Friday, June 20, 2008
City Council makes many cuts from Budget!
On Tuesday, June 17, 2008, the City Council convened in regular session to vote on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Historically, there have not been a lot of proposed cuts other than from those of us who have been pushing for more fiscal control for many years now. However, I am very happy to report that this year was very different and I was pleasantly surprised by many of the good cuts offered by many of my colleagues.
The following cuts were approved:
$1,191,039 CUT FROM BUDGET!
The following cuts were denied:
$6,201 from Sealer of Weights and Measures payroll account
$100,000 from Snow Removal Account
$1,000,000 additional cut from Management Service Contract to United Water (8-7 vote - see additional post on this topic)
I voted for all of the cuts except for the snow removal cut and the Sealer cut.
Hats off to the City Council for a job well done on the budget this year!!
Once all of the Final Budget Numbers are finalized - I will get the new budget placed on city website for your review.
The following cuts were approved:
- $1,000 from Mayor's In-State Travel Account
- $30,000 from Law Department's Special Counsel Acount
- $76,000 from Software License / Usage Fees Account to put the line item back to what was requested by Dept Head
- $15,000 from Software Hardware/Software Maintenance Account to put the line item back to what was requested by Dept Head
- $40,000 to eliminate the Community Mediation Program in Police Dept.
- $1,000 from Education & Training budget of Emergency Management which has been combined under Fire Dept that already has $9,000 in their account.
- $50,000 to eliminate the Mayor's proposed "Early Warning Service" Phone call system.
- $37,039 to eliminate 1 of 2 vacant Carpenter positions at DPW
- $10,000 from City Hall Annex Repair & Maintenance Acct until it is decided if Mayor's proposal to tear down building is approved by City Council
- $55,000 from Highland Fire Station Repair & Maintenance Account because the account was overfunded by 1000% from last year's expenses
- $8,000 from Other Supplies Account of DPW
- $3,000 from Out-of-State Travel Account
- $75,000 from Law Dept's Claims and Damages Account
- $790,000 from Management Service Contract to United Water
$1,191,039 CUT FROM BUDGET!
The following cuts were denied:
$6,201 from Sealer of Weights and Measures payroll account
$100,000 from Snow Removal Account
$1,000,000 additional cut from Management Service Contract to United Water (8-7 vote - see additional post on this topic)
I voted for all of the cuts except for the snow removal cut and the Sealer cut.
Hats off to the City Council for a job well done on the budget this year!!
Once all of the Final Budget Numbers are finalized - I will get the new budget placed on city website for your review.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Amazing Job done by Holyoke Fire Dept and Mutual Aid!
I want to offer my personal thanks to the Holyoke Fire Department and the Fire Departments within the region for their mutual aid in the amazing job they did last night in battling the terrible Parsons Paper Fire.
Last night, my son and I went to the fire headquarters and along with hundreds of our fellow citizens and witnessed great heroism and commitment! A great deal of additional property damage and potential loss of life were spared because of their efforts. They once again showed why they are one of the best departments around and made us all very proud!
Great job Guys!
Last night, my son and I went to the fire headquarters and along with hundreds of our fellow citizens and witnessed great heroism and commitment! A great deal of additional property damage and potential loss of life were spared because of their efforts. They once again showed why they are one of the best departments around and made us all very proud!
Great job Guys!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Division of Banks approves Holyoke's new Pawnbroker Ordinance!
Holyoke- City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that the Division of Banks after a recent public hearing has approved the new ordinances related to Pawnbrokers sponsored by Councilor Jourdain. The new ordinance among other provisions also includes a provision capping interest rates that can be charged to customers to 36% per year. Prior to the ordinance, pawnbrokers were allowed to charge as much as they wanted and many in the industry have been known to charge as much as 60-80% interest.
"I am happy that Holyoke was able to put in place reasonable new limits to make sure that customers, many of whom are lower income, from being exploited and I thank the Division of Banks for approving the Common Sense reforms I put forward."
For more information on this new law, please feel free to contact me anytime.
"I am happy that Holyoke was able to put in place reasonable new limits to make sure that customers, many of whom are lower income, from being exploited and I thank the Division of Banks for approving the Common Sense reforms I put forward."
For more information on this new law, please feel free to contact me anytime.
City Council Bonds 2.5 million for Air Conditioning amid school closings and layoffs!
Holyoke - At our last meeting on June 3, the City Council voted 12-3 to pass $9.4 million in additional bonding to pay for cost overruns to the proposed Holyoke High improvements. In 2004, the City Council approved with my support over $13 million in improvements for the high school. These proposed improvements were eligible for 90% reimbursement from the state.
Since that time in October 2005, the architect for the project, Alderman & MacNeish, went bankrupt and walked off with $773,000 of Holyoke's money. According to testimony to the Finance Committee,which I am a member, they reportedly destroyed all of the paid for work product and drawings. We were told by school officials that the city's law department is pursing legal action.
Since the initial estimates for the proposed improvements to the school in 2002, there has been nearly $6 million in inflationary costs. What was remarkable to me was the fact that if the School Department knew in October 2005 that Alderman & MacNeish went bankrupt why did they not regroup and keep the project moving forward with a new architect. It appears that there was a 2 year delay and this has resulted in sizable percentage of the inflationary costs. Luckily, to the School dept's credit they were able to secure $2.6 million of additional state assistance to help cover some of the $6 million in inflation.
Meanwhile, the Holyoke Gas&Electric Dept has announced that it is closing down its steam operations in the city and to the high school. This required an additional $1 million to install a new gas boiler system. The School Dept also requested an additional $500,000 for a fire alarm system upgrade and $100,000 for a new security system. While these are smaller ticket items, one does wonder why (with the exception of the boiler) they were not put in the original package to the state so the city could have been reimbursed. All of these new costs will receive 0% reimbursement because they are new add-ons.
Although not happy we are not getting any state reimbursement, I was supportive of these additions to the original bond authorization. What I could not justify to the taxpayers was the late addition of Air Conditioning at a cost of $2.5 million to the project. First of all, as an alumni of HHS Class of 1989 myself, I survived just fine as a student without air conditioning. For the forty years the school has been open, students have lived without air conditioning. Would it be nice? Sure. But I think what students would prefer is that more of their teachers, professional staff and custodians keep their jobs then to have air conditioning at a cost of $250,000+ for 20 years on the city's credit card. On June 15, over 107 school employees will be getting pink slips.
While the School Dept. is closing 3 schools and the City has $1 million deficit to start the fiscal year, now is not the time for a luxury that will be used for the Summer months when most students will not even be there. Moreover, I asked the Principal why some of the Summer programs could not be transferred to Dean which is one of the few buildings with central air, he stated "I suppose they could."
These are lean times and we, as a city, need to be make some sacrifices instead of just bonding our future generations to the hilt. The Mayor is already proposing his 9th $2 million Tax Increase in a Row. Moreover, if Air Conditioning was a priority then it should be placed in our capital plan and a request should have been made to the state for 80% reimbursement instead of us flipping the whole bill which we cannot afford. We already have over $20 million in requested bonding under consideration for other projects. Never once was AC at the high school mentioned before.
It is for this reason that I requested a bond package without the $2.5 million for AC, but the City Council voted for the $9.4 million anyway which will now increase the $1 million deficit in the Mayor's proposed budget by at least another $1 million to cover the bond payment.
Councilors Jourdain, Keane and Lisi voted against the $9.4 million bond request as presented.
Since that time in October 2005, the architect for the project, Alderman & MacNeish, went bankrupt and walked off with $773,000 of Holyoke's money. According to testimony to the Finance Committee,which I am a member, they reportedly destroyed all of the paid for work product and drawings. We were told by school officials that the city's law department is pursing legal action.
Since the initial estimates for the proposed improvements to the school in 2002, there has been nearly $6 million in inflationary costs. What was remarkable to me was the fact that if the School Department knew in October 2005 that Alderman & MacNeish went bankrupt why did they not regroup and keep the project moving forward with a new architect. It appears that there was a 2 year delay and this has resulted in sizable percentage of the inflationary costs. Luckily, to the School dept's credit they were able to secure $2.6 million of additional state assistance to help cover some of the $6 million in inflation.
Meanwhile, the Holyoke Gas&Electric Dept has announced that it is closing down its steam operations in the city and to the high school. This required an additional $1 million to install a new gas boiler system. The School Dept also requested an additional $500,000 for a fire alarm system upgrade and $100,000 for a new security system. While these are smaller ticket items, one does wonder why (with the exception of the boiler) they were not put in the original package to the state so the city could have been reimbursed. All of these new costs will receive 0% reimbursement because they are new add-ons.
Although not happy we are not getting any state reimbursement, I was supportive of these additions to the original bond authorization. What I could not justify to the taxpayers was the late addition of Air Conditioning at a cost of $2.5 million to the project. First of all, as an alumni of HHS Class of 1989 myself, I survived just fine as a student without air conditioning. For the forty years the school has been open, students have lived without air conditioning. Would it be nice? Sure. But I think what students would prefer is that more of their teachers, professional staff and custodians keep their jobs then to have air conditioning at a cost of $250,000+ for 20 years on the city's credit card. On June 15, over 107 school employees will be getting pink slips.
While the School Dept. is closing 3 schools and the City has $1 million deficit to start the fiscal year, now is not the time for a luxury that will be used for the Summer months when most students will not even be there. Moreover, I asked the Principal why some of the Summer programs could not be transferred to Dean which is one of the few buildings with central air, he stated "I suppose they could."
These are lean times and we, as a city, need to be make some sacrifices instead of just bonding our future generations to the hilt. The Mayor is already proposing his 9th $2 million Tax Increase in a Row. Moreover, if Air Conditioning was a priority then it should be placed in our capital plan and a request should have been made to the state for 80% reimbursement instead of us flipping the whole bill which we cannot afford. We already have over $20 million in requested bonding under consideration for other projects. Never once was AC at the high school mentioned before.
It is for this reason that I requested a bond package without the $2.5 million for AC, but the City Council voted for the $9.4 million anyway which will now increase the $1 million deficit in the Mayor's proposed budget by at least another $1 million to cover the bond payment.
Councilors Jourdain, Keane and Lisi voted against the $9.4 million bond request as presented.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
City Council to vote on Yet Another Massive Sewer Hike!!!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that when the new sewer rate increase of 5.40/ 1000 gals (up 16% from the current 4.66/1000 gals and up 177% from just 2 yrs ago) comes before the City Council on June 3, he will state his clear and unequivocal opposition to this unnecessary and gauging increase.
Councilor Jourdain among others on the Council predicted prior to the November elections that "They will be in for more right after the election!" Regrettably, his prediction was true. Anticipating that many Councilors would be hiding under their desks on this rate increase to get by the election, Councilor Jourdain pushed for the Council to go on record in opposition of the predicted increase to 5.38/1000 gals, yet those who voted for the first exorbitant increase tabled the measure and would not let their constituents know where they stood.
However, because of your calls and outrage over this issue and the mandate the public sent City Hall when 57% of the voters stated they did not want the Aquarion boondoggle, support among City Councilors for Aquarion and its bogus rate predictions is finally beginning to show serious stress cracks. There is even a proposal now before the Council co-sponsored by Aquarion supporters to study getting us out of the contract.
How much longer can the supporters of this disaterous mistake continue to say with a straight face that this is the low cost alternative for Holyoke's sewer needs? How much longer can the Mayor and certain Councilors honestly keep heaping more and more rate increases on the backs of ratepayers before the ratepayers say enough is enough?
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Councilors who opposed the privatization of our sewer plant saw through the "pie in the sky" predictions and have opposed from Day One the overcharging of ratepayers beyond what was truly needed to make the $24 million in necessary improvements mandated by the EPA to the sewer plant. To pay a bond on $24 million at the 2% state rate costs approximately $1.5 million per year. Considering that according to DPW reports for every dollar increase in the rate, the city raises approximately $2 million in revenue, one wonders where all of this extra money is going? We know Aquarion is doing quite well off of us but why is this allowed?
Under public control, you had direct accountability and stable rates for decades. At 1.95/1000 gals your rate was among the lowest in the area. Under public control, with federal assistance and low interest loans your sewer rate to support the plant should never have to been more than $3.00 to $3.20 maximum per 1000 gals to make the improvements. That would have been a one-time increase. With Aquarion, every time you turn around you are getting hit with another increase and demand for more money that you cannot afford.
No one likes to pay more but when it is not justified makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow. The current rate of 4.66 is simply outrageous and to now increase it again to 5.40 is over the top. This will be a very close vote and the ratepayers and voters should let their Councilors know enough is enough.
This issue will be heating up again and please always feel free to contact Kevin regarding your thoughts on the issue. Stay tuned to Holyoke First for all of your sewer rate and other City Hall news and updates!
Councilor Jourdain among others on the Council predicted prior to the November elections that "They will be in for more right after the election!" Regrettably, his prediction was true. Anticipating that many Councilors would be hiding under their desks on this rate increase to get by the election, Councilor Jourdain pushed for the Council to go on record in opposition of the predicted increase to 5.38/1000 gals, yet those who voted for the first exorbitant increase tabled the measure and would not let their constituents know where they stood.
However, because of your calls and outrage over this issue and the mandate the public sent City Hall when 57% of the voters stated they did not want the Aquarion boondoggle, support among City Councilors for Aquarion and its bogus rate predictions is finally beginning to show serious stress cracks. There is even a proposal now before the Council co-sponsored by Aquarion supporters to study getting us out of the contract.
How much longer can the supporters of this disaterous mistake continue to say with a straight face that this is the low cost alternative for Holyoke's sewer needs? How much longer can the Mayor and certain Councilors honestly keep heaping more and more rate increases on the backs of ratepayers before the ratepayers say enough is enough?
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Councilors who opposed the privatization of our sewer plant saw through the "pie in the sky" predictions and have opposed from Day One the overcharging of ratepayers beyond what was truly needed to make the $24 million in necessary improvements mandated by the EPA to the sewer plant. To pay a bond on $24 million at the 2% state rate costs approximately $1.5 million per year. Considering that according to DPW reports for every dollar increase in the rate, the city raises approximately $2 million in revenue, one wonders where all of this extra money is going? We know Aquarion is doing quite well off of us but why is this allowed?
Under public control, you had direct accountability and stable rates for decades. At 1.95/1000 gals your rate was among the lowest in the area. Under public control, with federal assistance and low interest loans your sewer rate to support the plant should never have to been more than $3.00 to $3.20 maximum per 1000 gals to make the improvements. That would have been a one-time increase. With Aquarion, every time you turn around you are getting hit with another increase and demand for more money that you cannot afford.
No one likes to pay more but when it is not justified makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow. The current rate of 4.66 is simply outrageous and to now increase it again to 5.40 is over the top. This will be a very close vote and the ratepayers and voters should let their Councilors know enough is enough.
This issue will be heating up again and please always feel free to contact Kevin regarding your thoughts on the issue. Stay tuned to Holyoke First for all of your sewer rate and other City Hall news and updates!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Finance Committee Update on City Audit Report!
The Finance Committee has now met twice regarding my order to flesh out the problems highlighted in the recent Department of Revenue Audit Report, as well as, a full discussion of the proposed recommendations.
The Committee has meet with the City Auditor, Assessors, Tax Collector, Personnel Director and Treasurer.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 and will focus on the City Treasurer and the numerous problems in his office. There will be many areas of questions regarding his followup for past promises he has made to the City Council. In addition to the Audit report, I will certainly be inquiring of the Treasurer as to his mulitple promises to resolve the medicare accounts and the proper crediting of employee's statements.
At the conclusion of these hearings, I will be offering a large package of findings, as well as, procedural and structural changes that need to be made to city government and certain offices to make them more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. I will keep the citizens fully updated thorughout this process.
On June 2, the Finance Committee will also be discussing the proposed $9.4 million bond request to make improvements to Holyoke High School. That night we will also be getting a report from the Retirement Board regarding the unfunded pension liability issue and the overall health of the city retirement fund. It should be an excellent meeting and I will followup with Bloggers on Holyoke First with a full report.
The Committee has meet with the City Auditor, Assessors, Tax Collector, Personnel Director and Treasurer.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 and will focus on the City Treasurer and the numerous problems in his office. There will be many areas of questions regarding his followup for past promises he has made to the City Council. In addition to the Audit report, I will certainly be inquiring of the Treasurer as to his mulitple promises to resolve the medicare accounts and the proper crediting of employee's statements.
At the conclusion of these hearings, I will be offering a large package of findings, as well as, procedural and structural changes that need to be made to city government and certain offices to make them more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. I will keep the citizens fully updated thorughout this process.
On June 2, the Finance Committee will also be discussing the proposed $9.4 million bond request to make improvements to Holyoke High School. That night we will also be getting a report from the Retirement Board regarding the unfunded pension liability issue and the overall health of the city retirement fund. It should be an excellent meeting and I will followup with Bloggers on Holyoke First with a full report.
Holyoke workers fearful over checks!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE
sconstantine@repub.com
HOLYOKE - Some city employees have not seen evidence of their weekly contributions to Medicare in their annual social security statements for years, and whether the fault lies with the Social Security Administration or the city treasurer's department - or both - is unclear.
Former School Committeeman John C. Pietrzykowski complained recently that his wife's situation was brought to the attention of City Treasurer David B. Donoghue this year and last, but to no avail.
Pietrzykowski said that his wife, Theresa A., a teacher aide in the public school system for seven years, talked to Donoghue six weeks ago about her Medicare earnings not having been listed on her annual Social Security statements since 2000.
"He said 'I'll take care of it,' and never called back," Pietrzykowski said. "Seven years of this stuff going on. That's not feasible."
Donoghue said recently he had no recollection of speaking to Pietrzykowski about the matter. He said the money has been paid to the government, and the difficulty lies with the Social Security Administration. He said it was having problems with the computer disc sent from the city.
"We are working to correct that," Donoghue said.
Asked for the name of the person at the Social Security Administration with whom he is working, Donoghue said he did not know because he used a toll-free number to talk to personnel in Baltimore.
The money has been paid and the information set down in the city records, he said. Donoghue said he was willing to write a letter to the Pietrzykowskis providing the missing information.
Told about the situation, Stephen Richardson, the regional public affairs specialist in Social Security's Boston office, said the city has been working with a Social Security liaison person to resolve the problem and ensure it does not recur. He declined to speculate on how soon the issue would be resolved or say how or where the problem originated.
"It's difficult to say at which end the problem existed; that is what we are culling out," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said a number of city employees have reported the same problem, and there may be a similar situation with the majority of Holyoke's approximately 2,500 employees.
Sullivan said Donoghue has pledged to resolve the situation for the last two years and that the money has been paid.
While the mayor said he appreciates the concern and trepidation city employees may feel, he said there is little he can do.
He noted that the treasurer is an autonomous elected official, independent of the City Council and the mayor's office.
By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE
sconstantine@repub.com
HOLYOKE - Some city employees have not seen evidence of their weekly contributions to Medicare in their annual social security statements for years, and whether the fault lies with the Social Security Administration or the city treasurer's department - or both - is unclear.
Former School Committeeman John C. Pietrzykowski complained recently that his wife's situation was brought to the attention of City Treasurer David B. Donoghue this year and last, but to no avail.
Pietrzykowski said that his wife, Theresa A., a teacher aide in the public school system for seven years, talked to Donoghue six weeks ago about her Medicare earnings not having been listed on her annual Social Security statements since 2000.
"He said 'I'll take care of it,' and never called back," Pietrzykowski said. "Seven years of this stuff going on. That's not feasible."
Donoghue said recently he had no recollection of speaking to Pietrzykowski about the matter. He said the money has been paid to the government, and the difficulty lies with the Social Security Administration. He said it was having problems with the computer disc sent from the city.
"We are working to correct that," Donoghue said.
Asked for the name of the person at the Social Security Administration with whom he is working, Donoghue said he did not know because he used a toll-free number to talk to personnel in Baltimore.
The money has been paid and the information set down in the city records, he said. Donoghue said he was willing to write a letter to the Pietrzykowskis providing the missing information.
Told about the situation, Stephen Richardson, the regional public affairs specialist in Social Security's Boston office, said the city has been working with a Social Security liaison person to resolve the problem and ensure it does not recur. He declined to speculate on how soon the issue would be resolved or say how or where the problem originated.
"It's difficult to say at which end the problem existed; that is what we are culling out," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said a number of city employees have reported the same problem, and there may be a similar situation with the majority of Holyoke's approximately 2,500 employees.
Sullivan said Donoghue has pledged to resolve the situation for the last two years and that the money has been paid.
While the mayor said he appreciates the concern and trepidation city employees may feel, he said there is little he can do.
He noted that the treasurer is an autonomous elected official, independent of the City Council and the mayor's office.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Councilor Jourdain receives Award from BusinessWest!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was delighted to receive a wonderful honor from BusinessWest Magazine by being selected to their 40 under 40 Class of 2008. The 40 under 40 award recognizes the top 40 young professionals in Western Massachusetts for their achievements and contributions to their region.
Councilor Jourdain added, "I was delighted to have been selected and I am honored beyond my accomplishments. I am also very proud to be among the same class of outstanding achievers and professionals chosen for 2008. This is a very meaningful award to me and I am truly honored for this recognition!"
In addition to the award, there will also be a recognition dinner on May 22 at Chez Josef in Agawam.
The entire 40 under 40 Class of 2008 can be seen on BusinessWest's website: www.businesswest.com.
Councilor Jourdain added, "I was delighted to have been selected and I am honored beyond my accomplishments. I am also very proud to be among the same class of outstanding achievers and professionals chosen for 2008. This is a very meaningful award to me and I am truly honored for this recognition!"
In addition to the award, there will also be a recognition dinner on May 22 at Chez Josef in Agawam.
The entire 40 under 40 Class of 2008 can be seen on BusinessWest's website: www.businesswest.com.
Budget Poll Results!
Holyoke First Bloggers Poll Results on City Budget
44% said Holyoke spends too much and taxes too much
40% said Holyoke spends about right and taxes about right
16% said Holyoke spends too little and our taxes are too low.
Thanks everyone for participating!
44% said Holyoke spends too much and taxes too much
40% said Holyoke spends about right and taxes about right
16% said Holyoke spends too little and our taxes are too low.
Thanks everyone for participating!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Councilor Jourdain keeps promise and announces City Budget now On-Line!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was very happy to announce that he kept his campaign pledge to get the City Budget placed online. Councilor Jourdain commended the Holyoke G&E for their assistance with this project and the city budget is now available on the city website located at www.holyoke.org.
Councilor Jourdain added, "it is my belief that the public has the right to an open government, one that shows them where every dollar is spent and for what purpose." Councilor Jourdain knows the sacrifices our residents and business owners make to pay their taxes and deserve the right to know how those dollars are spent.
The direct link is: http://www.holyoke.org/COHbudget7_2007_6_2008.pdf
If any taxpayer ever has a question as to how their tax money is being spent, please never hesitate to contact me at 538-5519 or via email at Kevin.Jourdain@verizon.net.
Councilor Jourdain added, "it is my belief that the public has the right to an open government, one that shows them where every dollar is spent and for what purpose." Councilor Jourdain knows the sacrifices our residents and business owners make to pay their taxes and deserve the right to know how those dollars are spent.
The direct link is: http://www.holyoke.org/COHbudget7_2007_6_2008.pdf
If any taxpayer ever has a question as to how their tax money is being spent, please never hesitate to contact me at 538-5519 or via email at Kevin.Jourdain@verizon.net.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
City Council Sustains Veto and votes Counseling center zone change down!
Counseling center bid vetoed
Thursday, April 17, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A plan to rezone a piece of land to allow for construction of a counseling facility failed to make it past the City Council and mayor.
"I think it's an inappropriate place to have a facility," Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said yesterday.
Sullivan vetoed a zone change request by the council for a parcel at 15 Holy Family Road. Behavioral Health Network Inc. wanted to change the zoning for the property from Residential 1A to Business Limited.
On Tuesday, the council voted 9-6 to override Sullivan's veto. However, the override vote failed since it required a two-third's majority vote or 10 votes total.
Councilors Patricia C. Devine, Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Joseph M. McGiverin, Elaine A. Pluta, Todd Purington, Peter R. Tallman, Donald R. Welch and John P. Brunelle cast the nine votes in favor of overriding the mayor's veto. The six councilors who voted not to override the veto were Kevin A. Jourdain, Anthony M. Keane, James M. Leahy, Todd A. McGee, John J. O'Neill and John E. Whelihan.
Both sides agreed they wish more had been done to notify residents who live near the property about the zone change. In recent weeks, several councilors said they have heard from many residents who are strongly opposed.
"No one complained about it ... because no one knew about it," McGee said.
"It's too bad people are learning about it after the veto," Brunelle said.
And even among councilors who voted not to override the veto skepticism about the project was expressed. Leahy said the project sounded like a small business and questioned whether it should be operating in a residential neighborhood.
But other councilors were more strongly opposed to the project, particularly since the zone change would allow for the construction of a counseling facility. McGee noted that the proposed facility would be built near a school and housing for senior citizens.
"We're inviting them up to an area where we have the most vulnerable people," McGee said.
Jourdain agreed. "I really think you couldn't pick a worse spot to put this," he said.
But Purington defended the proposed facility, noting that Behavioral Health Network has been operating in the city for a long time. "They have been a trusted partner for many years," he said.
Purington added that the people who would be treated there "are not monsters."
Brunelle agreed. "This is not a new organization," he said. "I do believe it is something the city does need."
Behavioral Health Network Inc. has been represented by Holyoke lawyer John J. Driscoll during the zone change process. Driscoll could not be reached yesterday for comment.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A plan to rezone a piece of land to allow for construction of a counseling facility failed to make it past the City Council and mayor.
"I think it's an inappropriate place to have a facility," Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said yesterday.
Sullivan vetoed a zone change request by the council for a parcel at 15 Holy Family Road. Behavioral Health Network Inc. wanted to change the zoning for the property from Residential 1A to Business Limited.
On Tuesday, the council voted 9-6 to override Sullivan's veto. However, the override vote failed since it required a two-third's majority vote or 10 votes total.
Councilors Patricia C. Devine, Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Joseph M. McGiverin, Elaine A. Pluta, Todd Purington, Peter R. Tallman, Donald R. Welch and John P. Brunelle cast the nine votes in favor of overriding the mayor's veto. The six councilors who voted not to override the veto were Kevin A. Jourdain, Anthony M. Keane, James M. Leahy, Todd A. McGee, John J. O'Neill and John E. Whelihan.
Both sides agreed they wish more had been done to notify residents who live near the property about the zone change. In recent weeks, several councilors said they have heard from many residents who are strongly opposed.
"No one complained about it ... because no one knew about it," McGee said.
"It's too bad people are learning about it after the veto," Brunelle said.
And even among councilors who voted not to override the veto skepticism about the project was expressed. Leahy said the project sounded like a small business and questioned whether it should be operating in a residential neighborhood.
But other councilors were more strongly opposed to the project, particularly since the zone change would allow for the construction of a counseling facility. McGee noted that the proposed facility would be built near a school and housing for senior citizens.
"We're inviting them up to an area where we have the most vulnerable people," McGee said.
Jourdain agreed. "I really think you couldn't pick a worse spot to put this," he said.
But Purington defended the proposed facility, noting that Behavioral Health Network has been operating in the city for a long time. "They have been a trusted partner for many years," he said.
Purington added that the people who would be treated there "are not monsters."
Brunelle agreed. "This is not a new organization," he said. "I do believe it is something the city does need."
Behavioral Health Network Inc. has been represented by Holyoke lawyer John J. Driscoll during the zone change process. Driscoll could not be reached yesterday for comment.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Councilor Jourdain announces effort to sustain Mayor Sullivan's veto on Holy Family Road Zone Change!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that he thanked Mayor Sullivan for vetoing the proposed zone change slated for 15 Holy Family Road in order to place a mental health facility there operated by the Behavioral Health Network.
One month ago, the City Council voted 10-5 in favor of the proposal despite the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Board to deny the proposal. Mayor Sullivan vetoed the measure and the Council tabled the veto override until April 15, 2008 for further study.
Among the many reasons I oppose the zone change, they are:
1) The increased traffic demands on this secondary road that will be created by the placement of this facility would be detrimental to area.
2) It is incompatible to the neighborhood and the neighboring elementary school.
3) There are insufficent safeguards in place and presented in the proposal to ensure the safety of children and others using the nearby park.
4) Holyoke has far exceeded its capacity and ability to take on yet another non-profit, non-taxing paying social service agency and it is best suited elsewhere. Holyoke is far beyond the saturation point to healthily manage yet another facility of its type in the city.
5) There are many other far superior uses presently available to the owner of the parcel under its current zoning that would be compatible to the neighborhood and more beneficial to the neighborhood. Thereby, making it unnecessary to change the zone.
6) The opposition of the Mayor and unanimous Planning Board should be given considerable deference whenever considering a zone change.
Councilors Jourdain, Whelihan, McGee, O'Neill and Leahy were the 5 Councilors who voted NO on this zone change. I encourage citizens to voice their thoughts to the other 10 Councilors in the hope that 6 of the 15 Councilors will vote to sustain the Mayor's veto.
For more information, please do not hesitiate to call or email me.
One month ago, the City Council voted 10-5 in favor of the proposal despite the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Board to deny the proposal. Mayor Sullivan vetoed the measure and the Council tabled the veto override until April 15, 2008 for further study.
Among the many reasons I oppose the zone change, they are:
1) The increased traffic demands on this secondary road that will be created by the placement of this facility would be detrimental to area.
2) It is incompatible to the neighborhood and the neighboring elementary school.
3) There are insufficent safeguards in place and presented in the proposal to ensure the safety of children and others using the nearby park.
4) Holyoke has far exceeded its capacity and ability to take on yet another non-profit, non-taxing paying social service agency and it is best suited elsewhere. Holyoke is far beyond the saturation point to healthily manage yet another facility of its type in the city.
5) There are many other far superior uses presently available to the owner of the parcel under its current zoning that would be compatible to the neighborhood and more beneficial to the neighborhood. Thereby, making it unnecessary to change the zone.
6) The opposition of the Mayor and unanimous Planning Board should be given considerable deference whenever considering a zone change.
Councilors Jourdain, Whelihan, McGee, O'Neill and Leahy were the 5 Councilors who voted NO on this zone change. I encourage citizens to voice their thoughts to the other 10 Councilors in the hope that 6 of the 15 Councilors will vote to sustain the Mayor's veto.
For more information, please do not hesitiate to call or email me.
Councilor Jourdain files Orders for April 15th Meeting!
22. JOURDAIN -- That no parking be established 40 feet from corner of Carter St in front of 36 Anderson Avenue.
23. JOURDAIN -- That intersection at Brown and Laurel Streets be resurfaced.
24. JOURDAIN -- That the School Committee evaluate the new school uniform policy in Springfield and give due consideration to adopting a comprehensive school uniform policy.
25. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access please forward the accompanying accountant’s report referred to on the statement of expenses and revenues. That they also please describe in more detail the purpose of the expense of $1380 to MAP.
26. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access and/or Council President give an update on the new television and audio equipment for the City Council chambers. [co-filed with Pluta & McGee]
23. JOURDAIN -- That intersection at Brown and Laurel Streets be resurfaced.
24. JOURDAIN -- That the School Committee evaluate the new school uniform policy in Springfield and give due consideration to adopting a comprehensive school uniform policy.
25. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access please forward the accompanying accountant’s report referred to on the statement of expenses and revenues. That they also please describe in more detail the purpose of the expense of $1380 to MAP.
26. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access and/or Council President give an update on the new television and audio equipment for the City Council chambers. [co-filed with Pluta & McGee]
Holyoke Sun Now On-Line!
The Holyoke Sun is now available on-line!
Congratulations to them and I have added a link for my blog readers.
Congratulations to them and I have added a link for my blog readers.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Councilor Jourdain to represent Massachusetts at GOP National Convention in Minnesota!
Greenfield - Holyoke City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was elected 1 of 3 First Congressional District Delegates to the Republican National Convention to be held in Minneapolis, MN from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Councilor Jourdain attended the very heavily attended caucus and made a stirring election speech on behalf of Arizona Senator John McCain and in fondness to Gov. Mitt Romney, who Jourdain supported in the primary. It is considered a high honor to be selected a delegate by the District's caucus goers and this is Jourdain's third election as delegate in 8 years.
Councilor Jourdain has endorsed Sen. John McCain for President in November.
The First Congressional District Caucus was held this past Saturday in Greenfield. The National Convention is a unique opportunity to meet national leaders and represent the State of Massachusetts before this highly watched national forum. Councilor Jourdain will work with local media outlets to give all Holyokers an inside perspective of the Convention and the news as it develops.
Councilor Jourdain has endorsed Sen. John McCain for President in November.
The First Congressional District Caucus was held this past Saturday in Greenfield. The National Convention is a unique opportunity to meet national leaders and represent the State of Massachusetts before this highly watched national forum. Councilor Jourdain will work with local media outlets to give all Holyokers an inside perspective of the Convention and the news as it develops.
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