[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6602802,"mediaKeyId","3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed","parentId",3022664,"title","Votes at a glance: Holyoke council actions April 15","audioSeconds",2248,"startMs",739000,"endMs",2987000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed&start=739&end=2987","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed/thumbnail_739000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6602802/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Holyoke-council-actions-April-15","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602802-ccd192eaa71e25923520d0b0558f813b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205318&Signature=bwOVD5vv4Gg01q9jF8Xhbv1I9plo96i~8jtz4UY9u3CggZ1LzflFI5vuSXHJ0NcFAykVgTALhlbJAeYKQqALCj2Ndi9Lg6AQxwmP3D8yxS7Z1u8SWTnhQ-Yt2impycIcu4FUBKmyjXgFTUSncYX~hLg3liMDNSIXN3lyB2gBwT0uOHIDLxqSBCKWr8nOXhNiCZVNHsv8QmpGbkeyeCZGjFbJbRpZfspZfWWFpNH1gXTpVKFvpZUjEqQk-2zUwLkK4Gyto-j7Tv~03nhB77WFWembt4zKTfz4qE4tjBlKUq2zsWN0GJ6sllcUmSqNIJPtl7-9NDjPA1H3VogAJ3hbOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Holyoke City, MA","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","At its April 15 meeting, the Holyoke City Council recorded the following formal actions (motions, votes, and referrals) during a meeting that included public comment, committee reports and several suspended-rules votes.

Key adoptions and grants
- Resolution supporting Westfield on a 219-unit lithium battery-storage proposal (Item 51): Adopted by unanimous roll call; clerk recorded all present councilors as voting yes. (See full article for details.)
- Ordinance on administrative leave, codifying state-law approach to suspension without pay and clarifying application to collective bargaining (Item 8): Passed on roll call, 12-1 (Bartley recorded as the lone no).
- Acceptance of a $777,000 state grant for levee design, outreach and a seed construction project (Item 71): Unanimously accepted; council directed DPW and engineering to proceed with temporary and design work.

Transfers and budget items (selected)
- Transfer of $108,695.56 from Cannabis Stabilization to Solicitor Claims and Damages (agenda item removed from Finance Committee and advanced): Council voted to remove from committee and passed first and second readings; roll-call approval recorded.
- Transfers to cover firefighter injured-on-duty pay periods and other personnel moves, including the transfer associated with item 72 for injured-on-duty for three firefighters: Passed by roll call (unanimous where recorded).
- Transfers to cover hazmat overtime and hazmat team (Item 29), and other small departmental transfers for radios, elections, and supplies: Approved by the council and referred to Finance where required.

Appointments and reappointments
- Reappointments to boards and commissions (Items 10\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000): Several reappointments were approved at once (items 10\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 through 16): Joe McGivern; Carl Eager; Callinan/Flanagan; Antonio Quinones (and others listed on the agenda) were reappointed to three-year terms; the Cultural Council reappointments (Christopher Fournier, Nevaeh Rodriguez, Timothy Damon) were also approved.

Committee actions and referrals
- Ordinance Committee: Gave leave to withdraw for two orders related to creating a finance department and adopting MGL chapter 43C approach (items 24 and 25) while pursuing an alternative solicitor-recommended approach.
- Development, Government Relations and Rules (DGR): Recommended compliance on orders inviting the state delegation to discuss regional issues including tolling and youth-policy bills; recommended referral of several late-file items for staff follow-up.

Other notes
- The council approved several clerical and procedural committee reports, received communications from the law department and the auditor, and moved a number of routine items to committee for further study.
- The meeting included multiple public-comment speakers on redevelopment, historical restoration funding, and the Westfield battery-storage proposal.

If you need staff contacts, the clerk and the appropriate committee chairs were instructed to handle referrals and to post updated packets and redactions where applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Holyoke City Council 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Holyoke City Council took multiple formal actions April 15, including adopting a Westfield-support resolution on battery storage, passing an administrative-leave ordinance, approving a $777,000 levee grant, and approving a series of transfers, reappointments and departmental requests.","taxTitle","Holyoke City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",52807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602807,"Council accepts $777,000 state grant for levee repairs; members urge quick action during spring flood season",86,2901000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed&start=2901&end=2987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed/thumbnail_2901000.jpg","/articles/6602807/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-accepts-777000-state-grant-for-levee-repairs-members-urge-quick-action-during-spring-flood-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602807-3b8a63c082d53b2a2c3bdf629a83978f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205318&Signature=gsN2Ivc041Mn9XvNsb~WmEWBBzAO2rnWx7ocam2BMo8iWraC1Heq~LgZC2c1BrlHAwoVKU~XjBwVNwSPYEFMcWEnxF0gnWGbiSvPVs03bSix-DJntsbW6xFC-FjeQtb0tdvsNl0ivXT4fVDuN~73PrGOJDd7rhYlE018mUrwZGTct6V3Vg8Fl22rw01LQjGRUD5PEmDfIKOBXn4d73mpqMO0CLe8jdaf68iRIzbHixU1-WlX1rdyCP6qsFjXpf43GUz1vj4DnY--beGvwQdWOEek~7Q5mLIa~X8gaY2DdBpOO-DS~gAb1lqaCZG1KAJ-ElKUuMTf48WyPJmRKqP7vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council voted unanimously April 15 to accept a $777,000 grant from the state (noted at meeting as an EOEA best-value grant) to support design, repair and a seed construction project on the city's levee and flood-defense system.

Councilors described the funds as time-sensitive: members said the grant covers design work and a seed project that can be used this spring and that a damaged section of flood wall requires a temporary barrier while permanent repairs proceed. Councilors also noted ongoing Army Corps of Engineers reviews and urged staff to move quickly.

Councilor Sullivan, speaking in favor of acceptance, said the grant is \"critical right now\" during spring flood season and noted a recently damaged section of flood wall that staff characterized as burned and temporarily open. \"We really need to get moving even a couple of weeks right now during flood season,\" he said during council debate.

Action and implementation: The council suspended the rules to take final action on the grant at the April 15 meeting and approved acceptance by roll call; the clerk recorded a unanimous vote. The council asked the mayor's office and the relevant public-works and engineering staff to proceed with grant implementation, including design and temporary measures to protect vulnerable sections of the levee while securing longer-term repairs.

Background: The grant was presented as a no-match state award to help Holyoke update levee design work, carry out public outreach associated with planning, and fund a seed project identified through community input. Councilors said the award will support the city's ongoing flood-preparedness work and complement federal reviews.","Holyoke City Council accepted a $777,000 EOEA grant April 15 for design and repair work on levees and flood defenses; councilors urged immediate implementation because of spring flood risks and an open section of flood wall.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602812,"Council adopts ordinance codifying state rules on administrative leave for employees accused of misconduct",240,2372000,2612000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed&start=2372&end=2612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed/thumbnail_2372000.jpg","/articles/6602812/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Council-adopts-ordinance-codifying-state-rules-on-administrative-leave-for-employees-accused-of-misconduct","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602812-b1cf28a12ef228d7573effd8b5f2d95d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205318&Signature=VoK9CBzzxKpteFyqywZmJAivHDFqUsoy-XPN68lejZC9iA~VpMC9JF8QLXfYHIuknSrMpNHoNlzHHgzflBl4RGBEUWQ7rBkjJv6KOQTaCYE3xQMzoqgrKIJsoYicj3ckbgra09CFHKlrI5SsE40GIQEPjafL9pPtRbKjPNAVLigZyO~x-8N67Xuo-DTFwqOzgnvFCVDNrtIw-a5VNPi9~Nk60ygTtXHEgMa29xrSU1zXlDm6OjKMmu-rjuFYIHWmtzDfF0TDnxoyUoqCIodbLstpnrsdZaG-Du84Dgb-xDn2TTc9O~MYhMc5sKZ9iKOszo9HnabSzjml18uaek9v0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Holyoke City Council voted 12-1 on April 15 to adopt an ordinance that codifies how the city handles administrative leave for employees who face criminal or misconduct allegations.

The ordinance clarifies that, consistent with state law, an appointing authority may suspend an employee without pay in certain cases and explains when the ordinance does and does not apply to positions covered by collective-bargaining agreements. The measure passed after committee review and a recommendation that it be sent to the full council without a recommendation.

Why it matters: Councilors said the change simply puts local ordinance language in alignment with existing state requirements so city practice and the municipal code reflect the same standard for suspension without pay. Councilor Jardine, who reported out the ordinance from the Ordinance Committee, said the law department issued a legal opinion and provided guidance on the measure's application and exclusions.

Council debate and vote: The ordinance cleared first and second reading at the April 15 meeting after brief discussion in committee. Questions addressed included the ordinance's interplay with collective bargaining agreements and whether elected officials are covered. The council approved the ordinance on a roll-call vote of 12 in favor and 1 opposed. Councilor Bartley was recorded as the lone no vote.

Text and next steps: The ordinance adds specific language to local code to ensure the city's written rules align with the state law standard for suspending an employee without pay pending adjudication. The measure takes effect on adoption and will be posted by the clerk as part of the city's codified ordinances; the law department issued an opinion that informed the committee's edits and clarifications.

Councilors said they plan to monitor enforcement and to consult with the law department and collective-bargaining representatives to implement the ordinance consistently.","The council voted 12-1 April 15 to adopt an ordinance that aligns Holyoke\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's handling of administrative leave with state law, including language on suspension without pay and application to collective-bargaining agreements.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602817,"Holyoke council adopts resolution backing Westfield on large battery-storage proposal",394,367000,761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed&start=367&end=761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3022664-984c7ec2b1bde87a8eb9c4af8464cbed/thumbnail_367000.jpg","/articles/6602817/Holyoke-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Holyoke-council-adopts-resolution-backing-Westfield-on-large-battery-storage-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602817-b9e4660994f5a258eff5340416e9fca0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205318&Signature=JMUvl4dkULxt-ThOZuPq9oo7uVbYqA1YW56DrTgxe-lptb5wJPdZ2znBG50KDJtDL1qMXXfW8dL4nl11shPqBhL3Qp4VtITOVWZJrnp0KmyuVbFNWn2c2MLHA1tyM8a2hPbp2NV3pv5DL~jHjIvcmU6L2hI5t26ESglM6A3nuNkQXZh-TGgHhXSJzWOj4x--5oiURbNNoPk4WepcOlJSDFhf61Hx2~VvSqnO89vC~PYskOq--CLQx46bVZlMdx63OreLnU8bVd6JY89bQdhD2X2zaF3-Tn1kOKEy5Nf~ckyB1275n~Wcq8gtPNEHkJUP1JG0jonYpzd2k7jsw8xpuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Holyoke City Council on April 15 adopted a resolution in support of the City of Westfield\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's effort to gather public comment and to request state review of a 219-unit lithium battery storage proposal near the Bonds Aquifer.

The unanimous vote, taken after more than an hour of discussion and public comment, directs the city clerk to forward the resolution and public-hearing information so nearby communities can submit comments before the state siting board\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's April 29 remote hearing and the May 13 written-comment deadline.

Why it matters: Westfield's proposed project is larger than facilities Holyoke has permitted, and councilors said its placement near regional aquifers and in low-lying valley topography raises public-safety and air-quality concerns if a battery fire occurs. Proponents of the resolution said coordinated local responses and timely filings will give affected communities a stronger voice to the Energy Facilities Siting Board.

Dan Alley, a Westfield city councilor who addressed Holyoke during the public-comment period, described the Westfield project as 219 standalone lithium battery units \"about 20 feet long\" and warned of risks he characterized as regional: \"A lithium fire cannot be extinguished and will burn, for 2 to 5 days.\" Alley also said the siting board's public comment period closes May 13 and urged cities to submit resolutions and written comments before then.

Several Holyoke councilors said the City should support Westfield's request while continuing local review of battery facilities proposed inside Holyoke. \"We have to be thoughtful,\" Councilor McGrath Smith said, noting local topography and prior incidents: \"There's a reason why we have the highest rates of asthma in this valley...You cannot put a lithium fire out with water. You just have to let it burn. And that means that all of the toxicity of that is gonna go into the air.\" Councilor Sullivan and others said the Westfield proposal is much larger than the small units already operating in Holyoke and that coordinated action across the valley is appropriate.

Council action and next steps: The council suspended the usual rules to take up and adopt the resolution during the April 15 meeting. Councilor Bacon made the motion to adopt; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. The clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor (all present councilors voted yes). The resolution instructs the clerk and city staff to forward materials and to file the adopted resolution with the appropriate state entities so Holyoke's views are available for the April 29 hearing and the May 13 comment deadline.

Context: The Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) process includes both written comment and remote public hearings; several Western Massachusetts communities, including Westfield, have sought a moratorium or additional siting safeguards for large-scale lithium battery projects sited near important water resources. Holyoke councilors said the city also needs a local, holistic discussion about standards and ordinances for battery storage inside its boundaries.

The council asked staff to bring a related discussion to the Development, Government Relations and Rules committee for a comprehensive review of Holyoke's approach to battery storage and to potentially craft local policy changes.","Holyoke City Council voted unanimously April 15 to adopt a resolution supporting neighboring Westfield\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's request for public comment and urging careful review of proposed large lithium battery storage near a regional aquifer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Holyoke council actions April 15

Council accepts $777,000 state grant for levee repairs; members urge quick action during spring flood season

Council adopts ordinance codifying state rules on administrative leave for employees accused of misconduct

Holyoke council adopts resolution backing Westfield on large battery-storage proposal