Holyoke fires Council on Aging employee after finding $17,500 missing

Holyoke fires Council on Aging employee after finding $17,500 missing


By Mike Plaisance, The Republican The Republican

HOLYOKE – An employee of the Council on Aging has been fired and about $17,500 that was determined to be missing has been recovered, officials said Monday.

Police Chief Anthony R. Scott and City Treasurer Jon D. Lumbra said Friday their departments both investigated the case in March.

City Solicitor Lisa A. Ball said Monday no arrests have been made and the investigation has ended. Scott declined to say why no arrests were made and referred questions to Ball.

She declined to identify the employee but said funds were recovered by claiming money from the employee’s retirement account.

“There was a matter that was brought to my attention. The employee was disciplined and the city was made whole,” Ball said.

The case involved meals provided to senior citizens at the War Memorial, 310 Appleton St., through the School Department lunch program, she said. Such meals are provided for a fee at various off-school sites.

The case raises questions about oversight. Kathleen A. Bowler, executive director of the Council on Aging, School Superintendent David L. Dupont hadn’t returned calls seeking comment as of late Monday afternoon.

School Committee member Devin M. Sheehan said he will raise the issue at Monday’s School Committee meeting and request an extensive audit of the lunch program.

“This is concerning School Department funds. It’s the School Department’s money. I don’t know why this is being treated so hush-hush,” Sheehan said.

Of the current enrollment of about 5,900 students, more than 70 percent qualify for free meals in the schools because of the city’s high poverty rate.

The number of students who eat breakfast in the schools varies per building, from a low of 10 percent at Holyoke High School to a high of 66 percent at E.N. White School, according to figures from the start of the school year.

Lunch participation is higher district wide, with a low of 37 percent at Metcalf School to a high of 94 percent at Morgan School.

The city recently changed lunch vendors fromChartwells School Dining Services, of Braintree, to Sodexo Group, of Gaithersburg, Md., Sheehan said.

Under the school lunch vendor contract, the city is supposed to get a yearly profit of $150,000 in revenue from the sales of meals, officials have said.

© 2011 masslive.com. All rights reserved.

Councilor Jourdain sworn in as Attorney At Law in Massachusetts and Connecticut!

City Councilor Kevin Jourdain, upon graduating law school Magna Cum Laude, passed both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Bar exams this Summer.  On November 1, Councilor Jourdain was sworn into the Connecticut Bar in a beautiful ceremony in Hartford, CT. On November 29, he was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in another magnificant ceremony in Historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA.

Councilor Jourdain opened the Law Office of Kevin A. Jourdain, Esq. located at 472 Appleton Street in Holyoke in shared space with the great law firm of Brunault, Proulx and McGuinness.  If anyone may be in need of legal services or advice, please do not hesitate to contact him at (413) 539-8000 for assistance.

70% of Holyoke First Readers oppose a $300 fine for feeding a cat

In an exclusive Holyoke First poll, Holyoke First readers opposed by a 70-30 margin, the imposition of a proposed $300 fine for the feeding of a stray cat.

Meeting Notes from June 15, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes from June 15, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Points:

• City Council adopted the FY 2011 Fiscal Year Budget on a vote of 11-3.  Councilors Keane, Vacon and Welch voted NO.  Councilor McGee was absent.
• There were numerous amendments which I will detail in a future Holyoke First posting.

• City Council adopted a new ordinance relative to the feeding of stray or feral cats by a 13-1 vote.  Councilor Devine voted NO.  Councilor McGee was absent.  
• Kathy Anderson and the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority requested a joint meeting on Holyoke's new Urban Renewal Plan with the Redevelopment Committee of the City Council.  The meeting was held on August 30, 2010 and was a very productive meeting.  The new Urban Renewal Plan will be released in Spring 2011.
• The much discussed Chicken Ordinance proposed by Councilors Purington and Lisi was given leave to withdraw.
• The City Council approved $30,000 to repair the stain glass windows in City Hall
• The City Council approved $31,500 for a new ride around truck for the Building Commissioner.  The vehicle requested is a Hybrid Ford Escape with off road capabilities.  The vehicle is very high end and well beyond that which is needed to get him around for his inspections. He certainly does not need a four wheel off road vehicle for his appointments.  Nevertheless, the City Council approved the funding by a vote of 11-3. Most Holyoke taxpayers do not get the pleasure of affording such a luxurious vehicle so neither should our department heads.  Councilors Jourdain, Vacon and Vega voted NO.  Councilor McGee was absent.  Subsequent to this vote, I have requested the Purchasing Director to review the proposal to ensure we need to spend this much and he said he will get something to meet the department's needs for the best price.
• The City Council unanimously adopted the full funding needed to fund our much needed new Senior Center to be located at the former site of the Anne McHugh School on Sargeant Street.

Meeting Notes from June 1, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes from June 1, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items:

• City Council accepted the provisions of the Holyoke Canal Walk Phase 2 Grant to continue the work on the Holyoke Canal Walk which is blossoming under Mayor Pluta's leadership to becoming a nice revitalization project to our downtown.  This will help Holyoke showcase its unique mills and canal system.
• City Council received a report from the Redevelopment Committee that I chair regarding how the Cisco Group will be establishing a pilot neighborhood revitalization project in the city and will also being helping the city to think of innovative ways for us to improve our technology infrastructure within the city.
• City Council requested that the Mayor fill the numerous vacancies to the Reserve Police Officers list.  These Reserve Officers significantly help in our overall public safety strategy and the list is nearly exhausted.
• DPW was requested by me to install a flagpole and flag at the new Jones Ferry River Access Center to make sure the USA is properly respected at our new facility.
• City Council adopted a resolution recognizing Tim Moskal for his great accomplishment of becoming an Eagle Scout.
• The City Council adopted along with the School Committee a joint committee of 6 members with 3 members from each body to discuss important initiatives and issues of the 2 bodies.
• Subsequent to the meeting, President of City Council Joe McGiverin appointed Councilors Jourdain, O'Neill and Vega to serve as the Council's representatives.

Meeting Notes from May 18, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes from May 18, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items

• City Council received a letter from the Board of Assessors that the Holyoke Geriatric Authority is $60,000 in arrears on their Property Tax Payment for the Years 2009-2010.
• City Council passed a new ordinance prohibiting the sale, exchange and distribution of cigarette lighters and matches to minors and prohibiting the self service display of cigarette lighters and matches on a 13-1 vote.  Councilor Welch voted NO and Councilor O'Neill was absent.

Meeting Notes for May 4, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes for May 4, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items:

• The City Council approved up to $5.5 million in bonding for a new Holyoke Public Library.  The vote was 14-1 with only Councilor Devine voting NO
• Odette Czaplicki was re-appointed by the Mayor and unanimously confirmed by the City Council to another 3 year term on the Board of Registrars of Voters.

Holyoke Fireworks Set for Friday July 2 !!!

The City of Holyoke, through our sponsor the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department, will be celebrating our Nation's Independence Day in style.  Holyoke Community College will once again host our Independence celebration beginning at 6pm on Friday, July 2.  As soon as it gets dark, get ready for the best fireworks show in the area!

I wish you and your family a relaxing and happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Meeting Notes for March 16, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes for March 16, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items:

• Pat Higgins was confirmed to another 5yr term on the Holyoke Housing Authority Commission.  Pat has a long and proud history on behalf of the people of the city and I was proud to vote for him.
• Gordon Alexander, Bruce Mitchell and Carol Walsh were appointed to 3 year terms on the Historical Commission.
• Sandra Swan was appointed to a 1 year term to the Council on Aging Commission
• Council passed a new ordinance prohibiting trucks from using their engine brakes in the city by a vote of 11-4.  I opposed this bad idea because City Councilors know nothing about operating tractor trailer trucks and have no business telling trucks how to operate their braking and safety systems in Holyoke or anywhere else.  Trucks have brakes for reason and to use them when needed. The vote on this measure was as follows:
• YES: Devine, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, O'Neill, Purington, Tallman, Welch
• NO: Jourdain, Leahy, Vacon, Vega
• City Council unanimously approved the Redevelopment Committee recommendations to Mayor Pluta for the use of Community Development Block Grants Funds in the amount of $1.343 million and HOME Grant Funds of $1.208 million. My Redevelopment committee members worked on these recommendations and came up with a great work product that was thoughtful and effective.

Meeting Notes from March 2, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes from March 2, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items:

• Election of 2 year seat on the Whiting Street Fund. Maria Burke elected on first ballot. Maria Burke received 10 votes.
• Election of 1 year seat on the Whiting Street Fund. John Pietrzykowski elected with 9 votes on 2nd ballot.
• Creation of a new temporary Munis Administrator Position to oversee the upgrades of the Munis system in city government. The position was approved by a vote of 12-3. The votes was as follows:
• YES: Devine, Jourdain, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, Murphy, Purington, Tallman, Vacon, Vega and Welch
• NO: Keane, Leahy, O'Neill
• City accepted a grant for $350,000 for the Smart Growth Zoning Incentive from the state that can be used to update Master Plan and help with downtown revitalization
• A special permit was approved to allow a Taco Bell to be located in K-Mart Plaza.  K-Mart also promised to repair their parking lot as part of the project.
• We approved a proclamation for Auxilary Police Chief Ron Dietrich recognizing his 50 years of dedicated service to the city.  He is a great guy.
• Councilors Lopez and Purington filed an order to address the feeding of feral cats.

Meeting Notes from February 16, 2010 Meeting

Meeting Notes for February 16, 2010 Meeting

Noteworthy Items:

• Attorney Lisa Ball of Holyoke was confirmed as City Solicitor on a vote of 11-2. The votes was as follows:
• YES: Jourdain, Keane, Leahy, McGiverin, Murphy, O'Neill, Purington, Tallman, Vacon, Vega and Welch
• NO: Devine, McGee
• ABSENT: Lisi, Lopez

Kevin Jourdain earns Juris Doctorate from Massachusetts School of Law

On June 4, 2010, City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain will receive his Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude, from the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover. Councilor Jourdain stated, "It is a great relief to complete my studies and I especially thankful to my family who were so supportive of me throughout the last three years. I received a top notch education and have gained an even deeper appreciation for the laws of our great state and nation."

Holyoke Community College Awards City Councilor Kevin Jourdain with its 2010 Distinguished Service Award!

I was very grateful for a great honor from a great school that has a special place in our community and to me personally.  Holyoke is very lucky indeed to have such a wonderful college community of bright students and eneregtic staff and faculty in our midst.

There was a very kind inscription to the DSA award in the program:

"The odds were against you when you ran for Holyoke City Councilor at age 21. You were inexperienced and unconnected, just a few months past your own college commencement cerenmony. But along with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics, you had faith in yourself and faith that the city you loved could overcome its challenges. So you pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, handed out campaign fliers. In January 1994, you became the youngest Councilor ever elected. You have held the position ever since, even while earning a Master of Business Administration degree and Juris Doctorate, even while starting a family that now includes three children under age seven, even while advancing as a finance professional to your current position of senior financial analyst for the Sisters of Providence Health System.  During your tenure, tens of millions of dollars have been spent to renovate Holyoke's schools, fire stations, ball fields, sidewalks, sewers, and roads.  A new library has been planned.  An $80-$100 million computer center has been slated to open in the future, projected to make Massachusetts a leader in high performance computing for scientists and bring as many as 1,000 jobs to the region.  Federal High-Speed rail funds have been secured to develop a train station that will put Holyoke on the Amtrak line between New Haven and St. Albans, Vermont.  Renovationsare nearly complete in the former fire department headquarters on Maple Street; soon the building will reopen as the four-story Holyoke Multimodal Transportation Center, housing a new bus terminal, a daycare and preschool program, and an adult literacy program run by HCC.  With investments like these, you have revitalized Holyoke and positioned it for continued growth.  At the same time, you have been a fiscal watchdog, taking care to build a rainy day reserve and avoiding excessive bonds that would compromise the city's financial future.  In short, you've performed an impressive financial balancing act for the city, and you've repeated it with equal success for HCC. When former Governor Romney asked you to become a college trustee in 2006, you quickly agreed to support an institution you had long admired as a partner in building your city and region.  You supported vital spending at HCC, such as initiatives to reach out to more minority students in your city; you simultaneously protected rainy day funds and worked hard to keep student fees as low as possible.  You were part of the grand opening for the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development and played a vital role in shaping it as a major regional resource.  In 2008, BusinessWest named you one of the "Top 40 Young Professionals under 40 in Western Massachusetts." We second that nomination today, acknowledging you as one of Holyoke's most dedicated public servants and presenting you with a 2010 Distinguished Service Award."

Councilors Jourdain and Vacon file Common Sense Substitute Amendment to Proposed $300 Cat Feeding Ban

Sec. 14-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:

Animal: Any living creature, including domestic or exotic (i.e. dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, goat, pig, fowl, ferret, iguana, snake, etc.).

Animal control officer/inspector of animals: Any person designated by the board of health who is responsible for enforcing and implementing the Holyoke Code of Ordinances and state and federal law relating to the control, impoundment, and disposition of animals.

Animal exhibition: Any spectacle, display, act or event other than circuses, in which animals are used.

Animal shelter: Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

At large: When an animal strays off the premises of the owner, and is not under the control of the owner or a member of owner's immediate family either by leash, cord, chain or other restraint. Any animal found to be outside of its natural habitat and not under the owner's control shall be deemed to be at large.

Circus: A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.

Commercial animal establishment: Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibition or kennel.

Dangerous dog or animal: Any dog or animal that:

1. Inflicts bite(s) without causing serious bodily injury on human or
domestic animals without provocation on public or private property;
2. Chases or approaches a person on public or private property without provocation, in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
3. In the opinion of the animal control officer, constitutes a threat to public health or safety; or has exhibited a tendency to do any act which might endanger the safety, health or well-being of any person or animal without sufficient provocation for such act;
4. Possesses a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or other animals without provocation.

Grooming shop: Any commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped or otherwise groomed.

Guard dogs: Dogs which meet the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 129, § 39b.

Humane officer: Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a county government, a municipal government or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties under M.G.L.A. c. 147, § 10.

Kennel: Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs, or engages in training dogs for guard or sentry purposes, or every pack or collection of more than three dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.

Licensing authority: The city clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.

Owner: Any person, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.

Pet: Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.

Physical restraint: Dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet and controlled by an adult physically capable of controlling such dog.

Rendering center: A facility that properly disposes of sick, injured or deceased animals in a humane fashion.

Serious bodily injury: Bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement or loss or impairment of bodily function.

Veterinary hospital or clinic: Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.

Vicious dog or animal:
1. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed a human being without provocation on public or private property.
2. Any dog or animal that has inflicted serious bodily injury on or killed another animal without provocation on public or private property.
3. Any dog or animal harbored on property known for drug trafficking or gang activity or on property where such activity is taking place and used specifically for the protection of illicit, illegal or criminal activities.
4. Any dog or animal trained, owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting other animals.
5. Any dog or animal for which the animal inspector or the director of health has a verified report of having attacked or bitten any person and caused serious bodily injury shall be considered a vicious dog or animal.
6. A dog or animal will not be classified as "vicious" if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time of attack, was unlawfully on the property with the intent to commit a crime or tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog or animal, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or animal or if the dog or animal was defending or protecting its owner from unjustified attack or assault.

Wild animal: Any raccoon, skunk, fox, lynx, and other similar warm-blooded animal and poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles, normally found in the wild.

Zoological park: Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species of domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership, corporation or government agency.


Sec. 14-17 Nuisances Prohibited
(a) No owner shall knowingly allow a public nuisance to be created on his/her property as the result of any animal(s), domestic or wild.
(b) Animals shall be considered a public nuisance including, but not limited to, the following instances:
(1) Any animal or group of animals that molest or attack passerby, passing vehicles or other animals without provocation.
(2) Any animal or group of animals that trespass repeatedly on school grounds or private property; are repeatedly at large three or more times; or damage private or public property.
(3) Any animal or group of animals which through accumulated waste or other reason cause offensive odors detectable from any right-of-way- or adjoining properties.
(4) Any animal or group of animals which tests positive for a transmittable disease such as feline leukemia or parvo and interact with other animals in such a manner as to increase the likelihood of the spread of the disease.
(5) Any animal or group of animals which bark, whine, howl or makes any noises natural to its species in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion so as to disturb the peace. Any individual or group who allows a dog to bark so as to disturb the peace shall be subject to the fines set forth in Section 54-15 (bb) of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances.

(c) If any of the above circumstances are found upon complaint received by the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health and confirmed upon inspection, the Animal Control Officer or the Board of Health or its agents may issue a written order to the person or persons having control of the premises to correct the offending conditions.

(d) This section shall be enforced in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, § 21D. Unless otherwise provide for herein, any person who fails to comply with a written order or any other provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10.00 per day for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense and $100.00 for the third and each subsequent offense. Each day that the violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition to any civil or criminal penalties, any license to keep animals may be revoked.

(e) Upon the issuance of a 3rd offense, the animal control officer or board of health and/or their agents shall remove the offending animal that is creating a nuisance as defined by this section.




Section 14-18 Outdoor Feeding and/or Sheltering of Feral or Stray Cats

(a) Outdoor feeding and or sheltering permitted. The outdoor feeding and/or sheltering of feral or stray cats is hereby permitted on any public or private property unless the feeding and/or sheltering shall create a nuisance as defined in Section 14.17.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section,
Feeding shall mean the provision of food, water or other substance left outside of any building or structure.

Feral cat shall mean one that exists in an untamed state, or one that has returned to an untamed state and is no longer considered domesticated, or one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by its prior owner.

Stray cat shall mean one that was previously residing in a domesticated home and has been abandoned by it’s prior owner.

Sheltering shall mean the provision of any type of shelter, whether temporary or permanent that a cat may enter, outside of the primary structure on the property.

(c) Penalties and Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the Board of Health, the Animal Control Officer and their agents in accordance with Sections 14-6 and 14-7 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances and the procedures set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 40, Sec. 21D.
i. Following an investigation by the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer or their agents, anyone who is found to be feeding and/or sheltering feral or homeless cats in violation of this section shall immediately be issued a cease and desist order.

ii. In the event that a person fails to comply with a cease and desist order, the Board of Health, Animal Control Officer and their agents shall have the right to seize and remove any feral or homeless casts from the property.

Holyoke City Council Portrait circa 1948

Thought you might enjoy this great picture of the Holyoke City Council taken circa 1948 inside the Council chambers.  For those that think 15 Councilors is too many, you might notice that there were quite a few councilors more than 15 in those days.

Finance Committee reviews Library Construction Proposals

Holyoke City Council Finance Committee takes $15 million step toward a new library


By Mike Plaisance, The Republican

April 22, 2010, 9:32PM

HOLYOKE – The City Council will vote on May 4 whether to approve borrowing $15 million to renovate the Holyoke Public Library under a plan councilors referred to the mayor on Thursday.
But officials said among the numerous issues to be resolved are how much control the city would have over the library, which currently is a private, nonprofit corporation.

The discussion came in a two-hour meeting of the council Finance Committee at City Hall.

The $15 million is a figure needed to trigger receipt of tax credits that will be sold to investors to help fund the library renovation. The $15 million is not necessarily the amount that the city will borrow and have to pay interest on over a 20-year loan, officials said.

Most of the project, in fact, would be paid for not with borrowing but with a state grant, funds from the library endowment and fund-raising, officials said.

The motion the council Finance Committee approved by a vote of 4-0 caps the city’s actual borrowing commitment at $5.5 million.

Still, councilors said, the city is taking on a burden of debt, however important the library project.

“Just so everyone’s clear about this: That’s an enormous payment. This is a very serious commitment on the part of the city,” committee member Kevin A. Jourdain said.

“It’s a tremendous amount of money” for a worthy project, council President Joseph M. McGiverin said.

Said Terry Plum, president of the library board of directors: “The library and the city have been partners for 100 years, so I’m looking at this as a new partnership.”

But, he said, time is tight.

The library board has a $4.5 million grant from the state Board of Library Commissioners. But the grant is contingent on library officials demonstrating by June 15 that they can raise the rest of the money and that the community supports the project. The community support includes City Council authorization for borrowing, officials said.

The 108-year-old library at 335 Maple St. has various problems. There's water damage from leaks, mold and air quality issues, cracks in the stone exterior and inadequate space for children’s services, public computers and archives.

The plan is to increase the current 25,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet. A final decision has yet to be made about whether that means building a new library or an addition to the existing one.

One of the concerns of councilors about the library project is the uncertainty about exactly how much money can be expected from investors willing to buy the tax credits. Such credits are attractive to investors because in return for the cash they pay into a project, they later get a federal tax reduction, or credit.

The larger the investment from those buying tax credits, the lower the financial burden on the city and the less the library’s board of directors must tap into the $5 million endowment, officials said.

The committee’s motion was referred to Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, who supports the project. Proposals for borrowing money must come from the mayor.

The motion also sets as a condition a requirement that the documents detailing the borrowing contain a surety, or pledge, that the library board will commit $2.5 million to the project either from fund-raising or the endowment.

The Holyoke Public Library gets a yearly appropriation from the city of more than $500,000 to cover salaries of the 21-person staff and utilities.

Discussions have included the possibility of the city taking over the library as a new department, given the city's financial commitment to the project.

But Plum and other officials, including Councilor John J. O'Neill said Thursday the preference would be for some separation to be maintained with a governance consisting of a board with a majority of members appointed by the mayor.

© 2010 masslive.com. All rights reserved.

Updated Story on OCD Audit

Holyoke awaits audit decision


Sunday, April 25, 2010

By MIKE PLAISANCE

mplaisance@repub.com

HOLYOKE - The city is still waiting to hear whether it must repay federal grants used to build seven duplexes, but one councilor says the city should attempt to get the money from the developer if a repayment is ordered.

"It's a big problem," Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez said recently.

Lopez has filed an order to place the responsibility for $288,000, which the federal government says was overpayment on construction of seven duplexes, on the nonprofit Olde Holyoke Development.

Olde Holyoke Development received 26 of the 39 loans processed here under one of the programs audited by the Housing and Urban Development department. Olde Holyoke officials said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all federal guidelines and regulations.

The audit issued on Nov. 23 found that there was "ineligible, unreasonable or unnecessary" use of $3.87 million in federal funds in relation to construction and demolition. The audit covered July 2006 to June 2009.

City officials say the Community Development Office has abided by federal rules and that some of the disagreements are due to the city and the federal agency using different calculation formulas.

Lopez' order to have Olde Holyoke Development be responsible if a repayment is ordered is being studied in the Redevelopment Committee.

William H. Murphy, administrator of the city Community Development Office, told councilors a few weeks ago that it would be about a month before the city learns whether it must repay any money.

Spokeswoman Rhonda M. Siciliano said the federal agency is continuing the review of the Holyoke audit and doesn't have a time frame for when that will be done.

The audit said building the duplexes should have cost about $1.75 million, based on the calculations of "a specialist with expertise in estimating construction costs," but the city paid more than $2 million.

The audit said the federal appraiser in determining what the seven duplexes should have cost used the "universal standards" of data from the Marshall & Swift company, of Los Angeles, Calif. The company's Web site says it provides the most current and accurate building cost data available.

Murphy, Deputy Administrator Linda B. McQuade and Richard P. Courchesne, Olde Holyoke Development president, said construction costs for the duplexes were based on the real costs of home construction in this area. The costs also included Energy Star upgrades, which consist of guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, they said.

The auditor said the appraiser's determinations included the maximum allowable calculations for energy efficiencies.

In response to Lopez' order about repayment being the obligation of Olde Holyoke Development, Courchesne said everything was done properly. Every home his organization built has a mortgage and a promissory note, he said.

"In the 30 years we've been working with the city, they've never paid anything back to HUD and my opinion is they won't have to this time, either," Courchesne said.

Between 1975 and 2009, Olde Holyoke Development built 158 homes, mostly duplexes, that have a total assessed value of nearly $21 million, he said.

McQuade declined to comment specifically on Lopez' order. But she said the city and Olde Holyoke Development abided by all regulations, despite the audit's findings, and she was eager for a resolution to the 16-month-long review.

"I'd like it to be over with. They walked into the office in December 2008, so, yes, I'll be happy when it's over with," McQuade said.

Chairman Kevin A. Jourdain said the Redevelopment Committee will deal with the issue again once federal officials determine the finalized audit.


Lopez' proposal to have Olde Holyoke Development pay the bill if money must be returned could be an option, Jourdain said, but that will depend on what the federal government ultimately decides was done wrong.


"If it's something Olde Holyoke did, then that's a reasonable request," but not if the fault lies with the city, Jourdain said.

Councilor at Large Aaron M. Vega said he was concerned about the questions the audit raises about how federal money is used.

"And you don't know, is it just the tip of the iceberg, is there more out there?" Vega said.

The dispute between city and federal officials over how funding was used leaves councilors confused, Ward 1 Councilor Donald R. Welch said.

"It's an interpretation of words, and I'm not an auditor, so it's hard to say," Welch said.

Another dispute between the federal auditor and the city again lies with the seven duplexes Olde Holyoke Development built using city-issued Community Development Block Grants. The auditor said the city exceeded by nearly $1 million the allowed subsidies to Olde Holyoke Development.

But McQuade said the auditor failed to account for the approximately $700,000 that the eventual owners of the properties paid to buy them.

The remaining $332,105 was devoted to demolition costs, a use which a 1979 amendment to regulations allowed despite the auditor's assertion that use of the money to raze buildings was prohibited, McQuade said.

The Community Development Office is adamant they did things right and monitored Olde Holyoke Development, she said.

"The $330,000 was for demolition," McQuade.

Attorney Lisa Ball appointed City Solicitor

Attorney Lisa Ball of Holyoke was appointed to the Top Legal Job in the city by Mayor Pluta. She is slated to come up for a confirmation vote on February 16, 2010.   As promised in my previous meeting notes, I have attached Mayor Pluta's appointment letter and Attorney Ball's clearance letter from the Ethics Commission to serve in this capacity.

Meeting Notes from February 2, 2010 City Council Meeting

The City Council did not meet at its regularly scheduled meeting of January 19, 2010 because of the special US Senate election which elected Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA).  The Council met on February 2, 2010 and items of note are as follows:

Olivia Mausel was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Historical Commission.
John McAndrew was confirmed for his re-appointment to a 3 year term to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Marilyn Sanabria was confirmed for her re-appointment to a 5 year term to the Holyoke Housing Authority

The Mayor appointed Lisa Ball of Holyoke to be the new City Solicitor and her appointment was referred to the Public Service Committee for an interview.  Attorney Ball also filed an Ethics Commission statement with the Council which I will post on Holyoke First for review by the citizens.

Council approved a $30,000 Transfer request to fund the on-going Fiscal Year 2008 audit of the Treasurer's office.

Council approved a $6,000 Transfer request for additional part-time assistance in the Treasurer's office.

Council approved bond re-authorization for $2.8 million in municipal bonds at lower interest rates for the purpose of saving the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges.

Council approved 2 new taxi cab licenses for a taxi company in the city named Aaron's Transportation.

Council adopted a Resolution filed by Councilor Lisi in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility bill (H-833).  This law is already in effect in 20 states and the law is designed to enhance recycling efforts in the Commonwealth.  The Council resolution was a non-binding order encouraging adoption of the law by the state legislature.  The Resolution was adopted by a vote of 8 yea and 5 nay.  The roll call was:
Yes: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Devine, McGee, Murphy, Vacon, Welch
Absent: Leahy, Purington

The Council adopted a resolution commending James Lavelle, Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric for receiving Buisness West's "Top Entrepreneur Award" for 2009. 

Councilor Jourdain Appointed Chairman of Redevelopment Committee!

City Council President Joseph McGiverin announced his appointments to all of the 5 Standing Committees of the City Council.  President McGiverin announced the return of 3 Chairs and the selection of 2 new Chairs.  He selected Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez to chair the Ordinance Committee and Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain to chair the Redevelopment Committee.  Councilor Jourdain released the following statement upon selection for this important post, "Firstly, I have served with Councilor McGiverin for the past 16 years and I am very thankful to him for selecting me for this important chairmanship.  The City of Holyoke's future is tied to its ability to grow and develop.  The Redevelopment Committee will oversee a continued re-birth of our community economically and civicly and I am honored to support the numerous projects, such as the new high tech computing center, that are coming to Holyoke. I look forward to working with the other members of the committee and City Council, as well as, Mayor Pluta to deliver real results for the people of our great city!"  Councilors Lopez and Jourdain are 2nd and 3rd respectively in seniority on the City Council behind President McGiverin.  Councilor Jourdain also pointed out that he maintained his important seat on the powerful Finance Committee and will continue his Fiscal Watchdog role on that committee.

The 2010-2011 Committee Assignments

Ordinance: Lopez, O'Neill, Keane, Purington, Lisi
Finance: McGee, Tallman, Leahy, O'Neill, Jourdain
Public Safety: Devine, Tallman, Purington, Vega, Murphy
Public Service: Leahy, Welch, Lisi, Murphy, Vacon
Redevelopment: Jourdain, Welch, Keane, Vacon, Vega
(The first name listed is Chair and the second name listed is Vice-Chair)

Ad-Hoc Cmte on Personnel: McGiverin, Devine, Purington

Meeting Notes for January 5, 2010 Meeting

Our First Meeting as a newly constituted City Council with our 3 new members of Brenna Murphy, Aaron Vega and Linda Vacon was held on January 5, 2010.  Of note at the meeting was:

The City Council reappointed Deborah Brunelle as Assessor for a 3 year term.
Mark Naidorf was re-appointed to a 3 year term on the Water Commission.

The Council received a request from Mayor Pluta to create a PR24 position ($55,000) to create a 18 month assignment for a new Munis Administrator position.  This new position was sent to the Ordinance Committee.  It is argued that this position is needed in order to enable the city to upgrade its current Munis software and fully open up all of the many accountability features of the powerful Munis software program.

An additional request from the City Treasurer for $30,000 to continue the auditing of the Treasurer's office books was referred to the Finance Committee.

The City Council re-adopted its standing rules from last term for this term.  There was a discussion about changing the meeting time from 7:30pm to 7:00pm. An order to do this is currently in the Ordinance Committee. A motion was made to remove the time change order from committee by Councilor Devine. Her motion was defeated by a vote of 7 yea and 8 nay (10 was required).
Roll Call as follows:
Yes: Devine, Leahy, McGee, Murphy, O'Neill, Tallman, Vega
No: Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGiverin, Purington, Vacon, Welch

Here's a Picture of Your New Holyoke City Council for 2010-2011!

Credit: Dennis Hohenberger

Inauguration Day Schedule January 4, 2010

The Inauguration of City Officials will take place on Monday, January 4, 2010.

The Schedule is:

9:00am Blessing Mass at Holy Cross Church

10:00am Inauguration Ceremony at City Hall

I hope that you can attend. You will enjoy this special ceremony very much as we celebrate the greatness of Holyoke and our democracy!

Mayor-Elect Pluta announces Inaugural Ball Plans

The Honorable Mayor-Elect Elaine Pluta announced that she is hosting the 2010 Inaugural Ball on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 6pm to 11pm. The Ball will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House located at 500 Easthampton Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040. The event is Semi-Formal attire and a donation of $60 per person in requested.

Governor on hiring spree while cutting programs for Holyoke Soliders' Home

Critics slam Deval Patrick over hiring spree

1,300 jobs filled in ’09
By Joe Dwinell and Hillary Chabot
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
http://www.bostonherald.com

The Patrick administration filled more than 1,300 state jobs this year - including a librarian for cons, a painter for hospitals and a “game biologist” - in a hiring frenzy that has watchdogs questioning whether the governor has a tight grip on hiring in the face of a dire fiscal crisis.

A Herald payroll analysis also indicates scores of the lucky job-seekers also gave generously to Gov. Deval Patrick’s election campaign.

The hiring flurry is alarming state budget observers who slammed the governor for dishing out plum posts - including 20 that carry salaries of $100,000 or more - with no apparent rhyme or reason.

“In the middle of this fiscal meltdown there should be a close scrutiny of new hires, and that doesn’t seem to be reflected here,” said Michael Widmer, executive director of the business-based Massachusetts Taxpayers Association.

The list of new hires obtained by the Herald shows jobs spread out across executive offices:

A $78,000-a-year teacher and a $47,400-a-year librarian for the Department of Correction, two of 200 prison employees hired;

A $31,000-a-year painter for the Department of Public Health, which also added a physician specialist for $210,500 - the top-paid hire this year;

A $44,307-a-year game biologist for the Department of Fish and Game;

And a $206,000-a-year commissioner of higher education and a $117,000 elementary education administrator.

In all, the state has added $46 million in new hires from January to November, the Herald review shows.

The governor’s aides defended their actions, noting that the administration has since laid off 236 of the recent hires.

“The vast majority of new workers have been hired to backfill necessary or critical positions,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez in a statement.

He added the governor has cut his own staff by 15 and is working with unions on other concessions, including up to nine days of furloughs.

All told, Gonzalez said the governor has eliminated 1,930 positions, “far exceeding” his goal set last fall in response to a $600 million budget gap.

Still, critics say Patrick’s seemingly haphazard hiring process is flawed.

“It’s frustrating. The administration is slow to do what is being done in the private sector,” said House Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading).

“Where is the paper trail?” Jones added, saying new hires may be needed in some cases, but the process is not transparent.

The Herald review also shows that dozens of the new hires contributed to Patrick’s campaign, including six who have given $1,000 and more since 2006.

A Patrick aide told the Herald those who gave to the governor’s war chest and scored jobs share “a common vision for ways we can move the commonwealth forward.”

The DOC librarian, an aide argued, fills the “bare-minimum requirement” to educate cons to avoid being bounced back inside. And it comes as DOC must trim $6.7 million off its books.

Other department spokesmen argued yesterday the crime lab technicians, swine-flu investigators and guards just hired are all that’s keeping the germs and bad guys from gaining ground during a grim economy.

Mass. Taxpayers Association director Michael Widmer criticizes Patrick administration for hiring 1,300 new workers during budget crisis
By The Associated Press
December 15, 2009, 1:01PM

BOSTON – A government watchdog group is criticizing the administration of Gov. Deval L. Patrick for hiring more than 1,300 new state workers making a combined $46 million this year even as the state faces a $600 million budget gap.

Michael J. Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, told the Boston Herald there needs to be better scrutiny of new state hires during a financial crisis.

The Herald reported Tuesday that 20 of the new hires are making six-figure salaries, and six gave $1,000 or more to the Democratic governor’s campaign.

A Patrick aide defended the hires, saying most were made to fill critical positions and more than 230 have since been laid off. Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez says the governor has eliminated 1,930 state positions since last fall.

December 15, 2009 City Council Meeting Notes

The City Council meet on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:30pm and had the following important issues before it:

(1) There was a special dedication to our deceased colleague John E. Whelihan in recognition of his 32 years on the City Council with a special plaque presented to his wife, Mildred Whelihan and City Councilor John "Jay" G. Whelihan.  Jay Whelihan served out the duration of his father's term and donated his entire salary to the Council on Aging. Jay is an exceptionally bright individual who the city is very lucky indeed to have now serving us on the Charter Commission.

(2) There was a special presentation and award presented to retiring Fire Chief David Lafond.  Dave was joined by his beautiful family and received the well earned praise of a very long and distinguished career in the city's fire service.  Dave served on the fire department for 31 years and 15 years as Fire Chief.

(3) Tax Classification and Rate Setting - There was a full discussion and a series of votes, here is how they broke down:

Starting with the lowest rate for homeowners, Councilor Whelihan and I made a motion for residential rate of 14.93 and commerical rate of 36.85.  The vote was as follows:

Yes - Jourdain, Lopez, Pluta, Tallman, Whelihan
No - Brunelle, Devine, Keane, Leahy, Lisi, McGee, McGiverin, O'Neill, Purington, Welch

Councilor Devine offerred the rate pushed by the Chamber of Commerce which would have raised residential rates to 15.20 and commerical rate to 36.21.  The votes was as follows:

Yes - Devine, Keane, Leahy, McGiverin, O'Neill, Purington, Tallman
No - Brunelle, Jourdain, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, Pluta, Welch, Whelihan

Councilor O'Neill offered the highest rate on residential all night with the residential rate of 15.56 and a commerical rate of 35.35

Yes - Keane, McGiverin, O'Neill, Purington
No - Brunelle, Devine, Jourdain, Leahy, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, Pluta, Tallman, Welch, Whelihan

The final vote that was approved was one notch over what I originally proposed with a residential rate of 15.02 and Commerical Rate of 36.64.

Yes - Brunelle, Jourdain, Keane, Leahy, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, Pluta, Purington, Tallman, Whelihan
No - Devine, McGiverin, O'Neill, Welch

(4) The Council approved a Special Act drafted by Councilor Pluta creating new powers for the police to monitor and rid our streets of gangs by preventing gang loitering.  This adopted Special Act requires the approval of the state legislature and it was forwarded to them after we adopted it. We also included an amendment that stated if they amended it, they need our prior approval before it can become law.

On adoption of the new tougher laws against gang loitering:

Yes - Jourdain, Keane, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, O'Neill, Pluta, Purington, Tallman, Welch, Whelihan
No - Brunelle, Devine, Leahy

(5) The Council approved $110,000 for additional Special Counsel funds to be appropriated as follows:
$4393.70 for Real Time Court Reporting
$64,399.32 for Sullivan, Hayes and Quinn
$41,144.18 for Brodeur-McGan & Associates

I requested at the meeting that Atty. Lisa Brodeur-McGan provide to the Council the amount of costs related to her recent motion to withdraw the opposition counsel in the matter of Thomas Moriarty vs. City of Holyoke.  Judge Sweeney wrote an opinion posted on Holyoke First in June 2009 that reported this motion was made in bad faith and she acted inappropriately representing the city.  The judge awarded the opposition counsel for Mr. Moriarty legal fees because of her actions.  This Friday, December 18, 2009, Judge Sweeney ultimately awarded $31,097 that Atty. Brodeur-McGan and/or the defendants (including the city, Mayor Sullivan, Attorney Proulx) must pay within 90 days.  I have placed the most recent order also on the Holyoke First site.

Atty. Brodeur-McGan stated at the Council meeting that part of the money she was requesting was related to this motion. She was unsure how much and stated that she would have to get back to us.  I made a motion to table the $110,000 request in order to obtain this information.  The Council opposed my motion and decided to go forward and approve the entire package.

The vote to approve the $110,000 including the funds to Atty. Brodeur-McGan related to the motion she was admonished for by Judge Sweeney was as follows:

Yes - Devine, Keane, Leahy, Lisi, Lopez, McGee, McGiverin, O'Neill, Pluta, Purington, Tallman, Welch, Whelihan

No - Brunelle, Jourdain

(6) An application came in for a new Taco Bell to be located at 2199 Northampton Street.  It was sent to the ordinance committee.

(7) A $5.5 million bond request for a new library and/or renovation came before the Council and it was sent to the Finance Committee for review.

(8) Numerous orders were sent to the Redevelopment Committee to discuss the recent HUD audit from the US Housing and Urban Development department.  This 50 page report is linked to from the Holyoke First site.

City Lawyer and Defendants ordered to pay $31,097 in Legal Fees - Click on Page to see Enlarged Version!

New HUD Audit Released: Holyoke told to repay hundreds of thousands in federal funds

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development released an audit of the city's use of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds two weeks ago and I was able to locate the link.

I have added the link to the report in the Link Sections of my site.

December 1st Meeting Notes

At the City Council's Meeting of December 1st, the following noteworthy happenings occurred:

$50,000 to fund the Charter Commission

The Council approved $50,000 appropriation to fund the newly approved Charter Commission. The vote was 12-2 with Councilors Leahy and Brunelle voting no. Councilor Whelihan abstained from voting because he is a member of the Charter Commission. I voted for the Charter Commission money because the voters approved its creation. Charter Commission proponent Councilor Jay O'Neill stated that the Commission could cost as much as $200,000. $200,000 is alot of money and I will be watching to make sure that this number does not happen. I think this is on the very high end and I have complete confidence in Commission Chairman Carl Eger's commitment to control costs.

Council approves new convenience store to be located at 582 South St.

On a 10-5 vote, the City Council lead by the Ward 3 Councilor Tony Keane approved another convenience store on South St. The Council ignored the wishes of the Elmwood neighbors and the fact that would-be convenience store is poorly located with poor egress and parking on site. The store will be allowed to operate from 5am until 11pm. Numerous prior applicants have over promised in the past to clean up the location and make it a go but have never followed through. It is not surprising because the location is suited to be a gas station and repair shop and not a high traffic convenience store.

The owners in the past had the opportunity to expand the property to make it suitable for a convenience store when the house burned down behind the facility and the property came for sale. However, the other lot was not purchased and instead Peoples Bank purchased it and made a parking lot.
The 5 Councilors who voted against this bad idea were Kevin Jourdain, John Whelihan, Patti Devine, Jim Leahy and Donald Welch.

Request of Police Department

Councilor Todd McGee filed an order requesting that the Chief of Police return $132,000 of the $150,000 he received for overtime now that his department has been awarded a $132,000 grant. The Council adopted the order and referred to the Mayor and Chief Scott.

Other actions

Permits:

Approved a new telecommunication tower for Pocket Communications to be located on top of 48 Holy Family Rd
Renewed a Special Permit for a home office for Jorge Burgos located at 44 Gilman Street.

Budgetary:

Approved $10,000 for boarding up dangerous buildings

Approved $5,403 to repair City Hall Telephone System damaged in a lightening strike

Approved $52,000 for City Property & liability Insurance

Approved acceptance of $227000 federal grant for Holyoke Fire Department to be used for overtime needs.

Denied use of $200,000 of city funds for fire department overtime

Approved $1,150,000 to balance FY 2010 budget from certified free cash

Sent to Committee:

Request from Law Department for another $110,000 to pay for outside legal counsel; including, $41,000 for Sullivan, Hayes and Quinn and $27,000 for Lisa Brodeur-McGan. The request was placed in one order instead of broken down into separate orders for each firm. Lisa Brodeur-McGan's firm is under additional scrutiny from the City Council in light of the sanction she has been handed by Judge Constance Sweeney. (see prior post on this)

Request of Councilor Devine to start City Council Meetings at 7pm instead of 7:30pm. (please vote in Holyoke First poll)

Jourdain Wins Re-Election & Thanks Voters! Offers support to Mayor-Elect Pluta!

HOLYOKE- City Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain captured 4383 votes in final election balloting for the office of City Councilor At Large. He finished 2nd overall of the 13 candidates who vied for the 8 At-Large seats. Jourdain was proud to have come in first place in numerous wards throughout the city. "The outpouring of support from across the city feels good because it really shows that the voters appreciate the 110% effort I have been working hard to give them on the City Council!" Jourdain continued that he was extremely thankful for the honor to serve and committed to work hard then ever to make sure that City Hall and the policies that come from it are responsive to the needs of all of the people of the city.

Councilor Jourdain also congratulated Mayor-elect Elaine Pluta and Treasurer-elect Jon Lumbra on their hard fought victories. He also singled out with special congratulations to Mr. Daniel Boyle and his excellent campaign team for their hard fought and clean race for Mayor. "Elaine and Dan really did Holyoke proud with the clean and issue based campaigns they both ran for Mayor."

Now that Holyoke has chosen its new leader, Councilor Jourdain promised on Day One to work side by side Mayor-Elect Pluta to provide her the support she needs to be successful. "I am very excited about Elaine's opportunity to lead Holyoke. She is a wonderful lady and a true public servant. Her Mayorship promises to be something very special and I can't wait to get going on January 4th!"

Holyoke Election Results

Vote '09 - Holyoke Election Results

Precincts reporting: 14 of 14

MAYOR

Elaine A. Pluta: 4,794 W
Daniel C. Boyle: 3,245

CITY CLERK

Susan M. Egan (I): 5,065 W
Anthony Soto: 2,836

CITY TREASURER

David B. Donoghue (I): 3,545
Jon D. Lumbra: 4,118 W

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE (EIGHT SEATS)

William J. Bevan: 2,477
Kevin A. Jourdain (I): 4,371 W
Wesley Kulig: 1,752
Patricia C. Devine (I): 4,084 W
Peter R. Tallman (I): 4,335 W
Rory P. Casey: 2,352
John P. Lecca: 2,407
Rebecca Lisi (I): 3,825 W
Jason P. Ferreira: 2,507
Aaron Vega: 2,833 W
Joseph M. McGiverin (I): 4,444 W
James M. Leahy (I): 3,677 W
Brenna E. Murphy: 4,165 W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 1

Donald R. Welch (I): 267 W
Sylvia Robello: 162

CITY COUNCIL WARD 2

Diosdado Lopez (I): W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 3

Anthony Martin Keane (I): W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 4

Timothy W. Purington (I): W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 5

John P. Burnelle (I): 853
linda L. Vacon: 898 W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 6

Todd McGee (I): W

CITY COUNCIL WARD 7

John J. O'Neill (I): W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE AT-LARGE

Michael Moriarty: W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 1

Gladys Lebron-Martinez (I): W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 2

Yvonne Garcia (I): W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 3

Dennis W. Birks Jr.: W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 4

Cesar A. Lopez: W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 5

James A. Rossmeisl: 576
Devin Michael Sheehan: 1,040 W

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 6

William R. Collamore (I):

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD 7

Margaret M. Boulais (I):

CHARTER COMMISSION

Harld F. Brunault: 2,192 W
Daniel B. Bresnahan: 3,103 W
Wilfredo Melendez: 1,627
Elizabeth A. Budd: 1,416
Matthew J. Sokop: 1,226
Helene A. Florio: 1,649
Christopher Kulig: 1,769 W
Carl Eger Jr.: 2,479 W
John M. Gurvitch: 491
Gordon Paul Alexander: 914
Richard P. Purcell: 1,027
John Patrick Counter Sr.: 1,482
Sheryl Young Quinn: 1,959 W
John G. Whelihan: 2,793 W
Gary J. Gresh: 1,109
Andrew L. Melendez: 1,649 W
James P. Lavelle Sr.: 2,802 W
Helen F. Norris: 2,878 W
Robert R. Authier Sr.: 1,277
Richard A. Berrena: 1,162
James A. Sutter: 1,528
David M. Silverman: 1,266

QUESTION

"Shall a commission be elected to amend the Charter for the City of Holyoke?"

Yes: 4,131 W
No: 1,552

Council approves Jourdain's senior tax exemption proposal

Holyoke City Council approves changes to allow more senior citizens to qualify for property tax break
By Michael Plaisance
October 20, 2009, 9:39PM
HOLYOKE – The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved changes that will let more senior citizens qualify for a property tax exemption, such as lowering the eligibility age to 67 from 70.

The 15-0 vote at City Hall included an increase of the per-person exemption to $750 from the current $550, with the changes to take effect on July 1. Other changes included in the council vote affected income levels and asset totals to help more senior citizens qualify for the tax break.

The goal is the changes will alert more senior citizens that the exemption is available because while the state allows the city 259 such exemptions, currently only 79 senior citizens are receiving it, Councilor at Large Kevin A. Jourdain said.

Councilor Jourdain's Candidate Profile from The Republican Newspaper

Holyoke City Council candidate: Kevin A. Jourdain
By The Republican Newsroom
October 26, 2009, 5:13PM

Elective office sought: Holyoke City Councilor-at-Large

Age: 37

Web site: holyokefirst.blogspot.com

Occupation and employer: Senior financial analyst, Sisters of Providence Health System

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science and economics, UMass-Amherst, 1993; master’s degree, business administration Anna Maria College, 1999; juris doctor candidate, Massachusetts School of Law, 2010

Elective offices held: City Councilor-at Large, 1993-Present

Memberships: Knights of Columbus Council 90 and 4th Degree; Holy Cross Parish; Friends of the Holyoke Council on Aging and Senior Center

List any relatives now employed by state, federal or local government: None


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why are you running for office?

Because Holyoke voters need a fiscal watchdog in their city government who will make sure that our government is transparent and accountable to the voters while also making sure our budget is balanced with correct priorities without raising taxes. As the senior most member of the Finance Committee, I hold an MBA and work as a senior financial analyst in private sector, I understand how municipal finance works. As a lifelong Holyoker, husband and father with a family, I owe my beloved city, my time and energy to make sure it reaches its greatest potential for the benefit of our next generation.

What are your qualifications for the post?

City Councilor At Large 16 years, senior member of the Finance Committee, Chairman of Cable TV Committee,Vice Chairman of Public Service Committee, former trustee of Holyoke Community College, former supervisor on Board of Supervisors of T.J. O’Connor Animal Control Center

What are the key issues facing your community?

Economic development; private sector job creation; keeping a balanced city budget; preventing tax and sewer rate increases, and ensuring top quality city services such as police and fire protection. I also strongly support building a new senior center in Holyoke and I am leading the effort on the City Council to make it a reality. I have also been a leader for millions of dollars worth of new infrastructure improvements in our city; including, scores of new roads and sidewalks and I will continue to lead this effort.

Explain why you will or will not vote for the question on the ballot asking whether a charter commission should be established to study if changes should be made in city’s form of government.

I have no objection with having a charter commission provided it is not composed of individuals with a preset agenda. Certain valid things could stand fixing although there are other ways to do it without spending a lot of time and money on a charter commission. In the last 100 years, the Charter has been amended by the mayor and City Council dozens of times to accommodate the changing needs of the city. There has never been one change from a charter commission even when the city did one in 1973. A Charter Commission could be very good and could address a number of issues potentially. However, my chief concern is I oppose the current mayor’s foolish idea to create a charter commission to eliminate the office of mayor on his way out the door and return Holyoke to effectively a town form of government with an unelected city manager. This is absolutely ridiculous and makes one wonder why it took him 10 years to come to the conclusion his job was not needed. I strongly support a leadership of the city that is elected and directly accountable to the people of Holyoke and not to bring in some hired gun to tell us all what to do. Every mayor prior to the current one believed in our strong mayoral form of government. Voters should beware and ask lots of tough questions.

Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s top fiscal adviser is warning of a “perfect storm” of budget problems, raising the possibility of another round of emergency cuts to cities and towns. Should schools or police be immune from potential cuts or should all departments share the burden?

Holyoke must not lay off any teachers, police or fire personnel period. Our kids’ education and the community’s public safety are fundamental obligations that must never be compromised. I am proud to say that under my leadership on City Council, I have supported the creation of a $10 million stabilization fund plus a healthy free cash reserve of $5.8 million to weather these painful cuts without raising your taxes. Holyoke will be OK because we have been prepared. Holyoke’s budget has some areas of bloat that could be trimmed in order to give back some funds in order to avoid layoffs to core personnel. As your fiscal watchdog, I voted against this last budget because it was not lean enough. I have the fin’ancial skills and experience necessary to make sure our budget remains balanced no matter what the state throws at us. I will also be a voice to tell Boston: no more unfunded mandates.

“Revitalizing downtown” and “bringing in new business to boost the economy” are cliches heard around election time. Why should voters believe you are the one that can make that happen, and please be specific. Why should voters believe you are the one that can make that happen and please be specific.

I agree talk is cheap. Voters must look at all the candidates’ records. I have a strong track record of being supportive of economic development in the city. I have supported the development of the city’s infrastructure and dam acquisition so that we could take advantage of large new projects coming to Holyoke such as the new $100 million data center to the downtown. I have been a good ambassador for the city and it was one of the reasons the Business West newspaper last year chose me one of the Top 40 Young Professionals under 40 in Western Massachusetts. Under my watch, I have supported millions in grants and projects that help business. I have supported hundreds of special permits, zone changes, land transfers, land acquisitions, redevelopment plans, tax incremental financing agreements during my years of service on the council. I will put my record up against anyone on the issue of support for business. Holyoke needs to remain business friendly and we can also do it in a way the respects and protects neighborhoods. As your councilor, I have always struck the right balance.

Jourdain files Ordinance to prevent Holyoke Elected Officials from owing back taxes

While it may seem obvious that all elected officials should pay their taxes and utility bills, as we have come to learn this is not always the case.  Unfortunately, when one does not pay, it calls into question before voters whether there are others of us who have not paid.  I can tell you unequivocally I always pay my property taxes and utility bills.

I have also filed an Ordinance that will prevent any candidate for municipal office from running for city office if they owe personal property taxes or utlity bills.  This ordinance will be taken under consideration at our October 20, 2009 meeting. It will likely be referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Under current law, no person is allowed to hold a license in the city unless they receive clearance from the Tax Collector. Elected officials should also be held to this standard that we created for everyone else.

Under my proposal, a candidate would have to get a letter from Tax Collector stating that they are fully paid prior to being allowed to take out nomination papers.

Jourdain opposes Teacher Layoffs while Mayor raises Taxes!

Jeanette Deforge did a nice job on a story today about the schools that I would like to share with you.

The good news for laid off teachers and for the parents is Sullivan is gone on January 4th. At that time, hopefully the City Council and new Mayor can develop a reasonable compromise for some additional funds for our schools. I have also explained to some of the school committee members that one of the conditions for extra funds requires that they fufill their prior commitment to move their headquarters out of Suffolk Street and into Lawrence School. This will save $400K. That alone could pay for 8 teachers.

In a related development, Mayor Sullivan setup the hiring process for the new Superintendent so that we have the new one being trained by Mr. Carballo and the city will incur an additional 6 months salary. Why would we want to hire a new Superintendent who is so lacking in skills as they actually need to be trained by their predecessor? This is the first I have ever heard of this in any job. This would be like Sullivan staying for 6 months to train the new Mayor.

Mayor Sullivan has raised our tax levy $20 million a year since he took office resulting in $110 million in additional taxes over his tenure yet cannot manage his budget so as to avoid layoffs. Our children suffer by increased class sizes and the situation is unaceptable. Unfortunately, he will not listen. As your fiscal watchdog, I will continue to demand better of our city government and in just a few short months will work closely with the new Mayor to hopefully turn this trend around.

Holyoke board wants more teachers
Sunday, October 18, 2009
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The School Committee has been forced to return $900,000 to the city, but School Committee members are hoping to receive some extra money to hire more teachers.

Current programs or teachers will not have to be cut more because the money that was returned was never allocated to be spent in this year's $76.6 million budget, said Patricia A. Cavanaugh, executive director of finance and operations for the school department.

The funding formula set by the Education Reform Law of 1993 requires each community to spend a certain amount of money on schools, which is a percentage of the amount of state assistance. Since Holyoke is one of the poorest communities in the state, 90 percent of the school budget is funded with state assistance.

This year when the amount of state assistance proposed by the House was later cut by the Senate, the amount of money the city had to contribute was also reduced.

In a recent School Committee meeting, members said they are still encouraged by requests from the City Council to submit information about class sizes and the number of teachers who were laid off this year.

The request was proposed by City Council member Kevin A. Jourdain, who said he was concerned about large class sizes he is seeing in his children's classrooms at Lt. Clayre P. Sullivan School. He said he might support adding money into the school budget to decrease class size.

"Class sizes are crazy. Now we have a way to get teachers and paras (paraprofessional teaching assistants) back to the schools," said Dennis W. Birks Jr.

But Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who also serves as School Committee chairman, said the City Council does not have the authority to allocate money for the schools or any other place.

The city charter says only the mayor can propose an allocation. The City Council must accept the proposal for it to happen. It can also reduce the allocation or reject it.

Sullivan said he will not support any requests to spend additional money on the schools. He said he would object to taking money from the city's about $9 million savings account, saying there is no way to sustain the amount so it would just cause more cuts the next year.

"There is no money," he said.

Additionally, revenue for the state is much lower than predicted and the governor has warned cities and towns they may see mid-year budget cuts, Sullivan said.



©2009 The Republican
© 2009 MassLive.com All Rights Reserved.

Jourdain Endorsed By Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO!!

Holyoke - City Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain was very proud this week to receive the endorsement of the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.  "In these tough economic times, where the real unemployment rate surges on 17%, it is nice to know that one of the strongest voices for Holyoke's working families has recognized my hard work on their behalf and have joined my campaign for re-election."

Councilor Jourdain was very appreciative of the endorsement and continues to work hard to be the voters' Fiscal Watchdog on the City Council so that all Holyoke families benefit from a financial responsbile city government that meets their needs.

Jourdain shows leadership on schools: supports lower class sizes!

Bigger classes trigger concern
Friday, September 25, 2009
By JEANETTE DeFORGE
jdeforge@repub.com
HOLYOKE - The City Council is requesting information about class sizes and the number of teachers who were laid off, with the idea of restoring some teacher positions if funding is available.

In August, the City Council voted on an order to request information on teacher layoffs and class sizes. The School Committee received the order and discussed it in their meeting this week.

"What does this City Council order mean?" asked School Committee member Dennis W. Birks Jr.

He and other members said they hoped it may mean the City Council is willing to assist in replacing some of the positions cut when the school budget of about $76 million was adopted in June. A total of 106 jobs were eliminated through layoffs, resignations and retirements. They included teachers, administrators, custodians and teacher assistants.

By state law, the city is required to spend a minimum amount of money on the schools and it typically does not spend more, but it can with mayoral and City Council approval. The state funds about 90 percent of the school budget.

"The is a step in the right direction," Birks said. "We will need the help."

City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain said he filed the order more as a parent of children who are in kindergarten, first-grade and pre-school in the public schools. He said he sees class sizes increasing in Lt. Clayre P. Sullivan School, where his two older children are students.

The city's free cash fund, which is money left unspent at the end of the fiscal year, is available and Jourdain said the City Council may be able to use some of that to rehire some teachers reduce class sizes.

"My order is focused on teachers," he said. Adding he knows other employees, such as custodians, are also important but he wanted to focus specifically on the classroom.

But Jourdain said his order is two-fold. He also wants to push school officials to move quickly from offices rented at 57 Suffolk St. to the half-empty H.B. Lawrence School. While it is estimated to cost $870,000 to renovate the school to create offices, the move would save $400,000 a year in rent and other expenses and would be recouped in two years.

He is also pushing the committee to decide if it will use the vacant John J. Lynch School or if it can be turned over to the city and sold.

School Committee members said they are concerned about how budget cuts have affected educational programs across the city.

Committee member Michael J. Moriarty said parents have complained to him about a third-grade class with 30 students and health classes in some of the kindergarten through eighth-grade schools have been severely cut.

While extra money would be welcome, the City Council cannot by law tell the School Committee how to spend the funds, said Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, who also serves as the committee chairman.

Pluta, Lumbra score victories in Preliminary Election!

Election Results from September 22, 2009 Primary:

Turnout 4573 (19%)

Mayor

Elaine Pluta 2,224
Daniel Boyle 1,292
Eva O'Connell 499
Antonio Colon 487

Treasurer

Jon D. Lumbra 1,781
David B. Donoghue 1,544
John C. Pietrzykowski 1,057

Councilor Jourdain's Re-Election Kickoff on September 17th!

Dear Friend,

Another Election Year is upon us and these are exciting times in the City of Holyoke. We will be welcoming in a new Mayor and there are some openings on the City Council. Incredibly, at the youthful age of 37, I am now the 3rd most senior member of the City Council and the Most Senior member of the important Finance Committee.

For 16 years, I have been your fiscal watchdog and the best friend of Holyoke’s taxpayers. During my tenure, I have kept the devil at the door in order to root out government waste and abuse in order for you to enjoy a city government that is more responsive to your needs and less taxing on your pocketbooks. I am a leader who is always prepared and always vigilant in the defense of Holyoke’s important priorities and basic common sense. During these times of fiscal uncertainty, Holyoke voters know they can turn to me as the most qualified candidate for Councilor At Large on fiscal issues.

I have worked hard to expand our tax base with key support for new economic development while also being a good ambassador of the city and improving our reputation throughout the state and region. In 2008, Business West Magazine chose me as one of the Top 40 Young Professionals in Western Massachusetts under the age of 40. Experience counts and no one in the last two decades has a better record of constituent service, unquestioned integrity and unwavering commitment to the people of our city.

In order to continue my work on the City Council, I need your support! Fundraising for better or worst is the lifeblood of any campaign. Unfortunately, the cost of campaigns, like everything else, continues to go up. I have always been able to count on you and this is why I am asking for you to join me for my Re-election Kickoff and fundraiser.

Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain’s Re-Election Kickoff

Thursday, September 17, 2009

6pm – 9pm

The Wherehouse?

109 Lyman Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

Suggested donation: $20 per person


Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by sending your contribution to The Jourdain Committee; PO Box 10383; Holyoke, MA 01041-1983. (There is a response card attached below for your convenience - just double click it and print it) I am looking forward to a big crowd but if you cannot attend, please strongly consider a generous donation to make our campaign victorious. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer on the campaign, please call me at (413) 538-5519.

It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Holyoke on the City Council, let us make sure they have the type of leadership they deserve in their city government by making sure I am re-elected on November 3rd!

See you September 17th and thank you again for all of your past support!

With warmest regards,

Kevin A. Jourdain

Jourdain sponsors order to provide new Property Tax Relief for Holyoke's Seniors

Holyoke – Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain announced that he has co-sponsored an order with City Councilor At Large John G Whelihan to dramatically increase the eligibility of senior property tax exemptions in the City of Holyoke so that an additional two hundred seniors will be potentially eligible for eligible for critically needed tax relief. “For 16 years, I have fought for affordable and stable residential property tax rates, as well as, curb the growing cost of city government,” said Jourdain.

“Unfortunately, the city has continued to increase its tax levy each year and it is hurting many of our seniors who are on fixed income, this order will come as welcome news that some relief is on the way,” added Jourdain. For the Fiscal Years 2000-2009, the tax levy, which is set solely by the Mayor, has been increased by $2 million per year causing average single family tax bills to increase $1200 per year.

M.G.L. Ch 59 §5(41C) establishes the state allowances for senior tax exemptions and who is eligible. Councilor Jourdain proposes to amend the eligibility allowances to the maximum allowable under the statute as follows:

1) That the eligibility age be reduced from 70 to 65
2) That the Income Limits be raised to $20,000 for singles and $30,000 for married persons from $18,000 for singles and $25,000 for married couples.
3) That the Asset Limits be raised to $40,000 for singles and $55,000 for married persons from $35,000 for singles and $37,000 for married couples.
4) Asset Deductions be allowed for up to a 4-Family for number of units in the home from up to a 3-Family home under current Holyoke law.
5) That the Exemption allowed be increased from $500 to $750.

Statistically, because of the current lower eligibility limits only 79 people in Holyoke currently qualify for the current $500 tax exemption. The City of Holyoke is permitted to distribute 259 exemptions of $500 and get a full 100% reimbursement from the state. Therefore, except for adjusting the amount of the exemption to $750, adjustments 1-4 in the Jourdain-Whelihan proposal comes at no cost to the city.

Because of the rising average single family tax bills, the current elderly tax exemption of $500 has lost much of its impact because it used to account for 30% of their tax bill but now only reduces 18% of the bill. By increasing the exemption to $750, the exemption would account for 28% of their bill and provide some real relief that will come as seniors on fixed income with limited assets could sorely use. “While Social Security is giving no raises, Holyoke must remain affordable to our seniors who are often caught between a rock and hard place when they try to make ends meet, this order will provide hundreds of dollars in new relief for each senior” said Jourdain.

With the city preparing to certify millions in new free cash in addition to $9 million in stabilization fund, the small cost of $250 (because state pays first $500) to help 259 of our most needy seniors keep their homes would cost only $64,750 if every senior who qualified took exemption. “Our seniors built Holyoke and when they are in need we need to make sure we are there for them,” said Jourdain.

The Jourdain proposal would begin July 1, 2010 if adopted by the City Council. At the meeting, the Jourdain-Whelihan order was referred to the Finance Committee for a committee meeting with the Assessors. Councilor Jourdain also added, “I am very proud to co-sponsor this order with Jay Whelihan, his father and I adopted the last adjustment 6 years ago and his father would certainly have supported this order because he was always a champion for our seniors.”

CBS 3 Does Followup Story on Holyoke Library Computer Controversy

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/51361147.html
By Matthew Campbell
Story Published: Jul 21, 2009 at 11:18 PM EDT
Story Updated: Jul 21, 2009 at 11:18 PM EDT
Weeks after a CBS 3 Springfield investigation uncovered an alleged child porn cover-up, the Holyoke library has made changes.
New computers, equipped with state of the art firewalls is the response from the Holyoke Library after their computers were infiltrated by child porn.
"It will prevent any changes and any downloading onto our computers," says library director, Maria Pagan.
Back in December, Holyoke resident Michael Houle, was indicted for accessing child porn on the library's computer.
It took three days before someone finally went to police.
It was librarian Carla Wessells. She spoke exclusively to CBS 3 Springfield earlier this month, alleging a cover-up took place.
"She kept saying over and over, the police are going to want to know a name. And she told me to just relax," Wessels said in that interview.
Tuesday at a board meeting, the library denied a cover up, but admitted there were gaps in their safety policies.
Now they're correcting them.
"Between the new computers and state of the art software, this is a step forward," Pagan says.
Patrons can see the changes as new signs are posted on the walls.
A new safety security manual was revised and approved by the Holyoke Police Department.
Appleton Street officials say the city's library matches or beats the safety at any other library in the state.
"Keeping it simple like that eliminates any questions about what needs to be done," says Holyoke Police Lt. Denise Duguay.
In August, all employees will undergo mandatory training on what to do if someone abuses the library computers again.
"I think it's a good start. There may be employees that weren't sure how to handle the situation so I think the training is always a good start," says resident Melissa Rogers.
Residents again feel safe to bring their kids to the Maple Street library, but aren't sure the director, the one accused of a cover up, should go unpunished.
"The first thing she should've done is bring it to somebody's attention and that should've been the police," says Brenda Cruz.
However, the library, admits no wrong.
In a telephone interview with Board president Ellen Moriarty, she says, nothing will be done to Maria because "she's served the board well."
No matter how residents are feeling, it appears that the controversy will end here.
The board is run independently from the city, so all decisions, including this one, can't be challenged.

Councilor Jourdain seeks input from citizens on 2009 Priority Road Repair List!

For Immediate Release

July 27, 2009

HOLYOKE – City Councilor At Large Kevin A. Jourdain announced today that he is seeking input from the citizens of Holyoke regarding which streets they believe should be placed on the DPW’s 2009 Priority List. The DPW annually develops a Priority List for road resurfacing and related work. The City anticipates spending approximately $700,000 this year which is funded through our Chapter 90 State Aid for Highways. Every year, Councilor Jourdain makes it a point to seek the input from his constituents in developing the city’s Priority List. “Over the years, I have been very successful in getting scores of streets in need of resurfacing and sidewalk replacement placed on the DPW’s Priority List,” said Jourdain. Councilor Jourdain is the most senior member of the Finance Committee and has secured tens of millions of dollars in new streets and sidewalks during his tenure on the City Council. “I continue to put my experience to work for the taxpayers by making sure their needs are met.”

If a constituent knows of a street or sidewalk that needs to be replaced, please contact him at (413) 538-5519 or email him at Kevin.Jourdain@verizon.net.

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