Finance committee tables $2.53 million transfer for claims pending executive session

The Holyoke Finance Committee on March 25 tabled a solicitor request to transfer $2,525,911.56 from the city's associate solicitor account into the general claims account and directed the law department to schedule an executive session so councilors can receive more information.

Attorney Bissonnette told the committee the transfer would move the remaining balance from the part‑time associate solicitor line into claims to cover such items as travelers' deductibles for vehicle and property coverage and several pending claims. She said the account has paid about $30,434 and still owes roughly $12,216; pothole and tree claims listed on the order totaled about $36,005.80, which would leave only about $8,000 in the associate solicitor line under the current appropriation.

Bissonnette advised that some matters cited in the order'including an MCAD (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) claim related to a former DPW head and a separate cannabis‑related case referenced as the "4/20" litigation'could not be discussed in public because they relate to ongoing proceedings. "That would have to be discussed in executive session as it pertains to another open case," she said.

Councilor Sullivan moved to table the transfer pending additional information; that first motion resulted in a tie (two yes, two no) and failed. Councilor McGrath Smith then moved to reconsider and to table the item; the committee approved that motion on roll call, 4–0. Chair instructed Attorney Bissonnette to notify the law department that the matter is tabled and to coordinate an executive session so members can hear further details.

The vote leaves the transfer unresolved until the committee meets in executive session. The solicitor said any discussion of the specific litigation would come under executive‑session privileges because of the open cases cited. The committee did not approve the appropriation at the March 25 meeting.