City’s water, wastewater systems to be studied
Holyoke’s water and wastewater systems will soon be reviewed for improvement recommendations. At its Nov. 2 meeting, Holyoke City Council approved Element Engineering LLC to conduct the study for $15,800.
This came after council members held a work session Sept. 7 to discuss issues related to the city’s water, including elevated nitrate levels in the cemetery well and the ongoing issue of flushable wet wipes causing problems with the wastewater system.
At the Nov. 2 meeting, council member Gene Bittner asked if the study included pinpointing where the elevated nitrate levels are coming from. He said the study could potentially help the city know where to put monitoring wells.
City Superintendent Mark Brown said that could cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars and may not provide a clear answer, but he will talk to Element Engineering to see if they have any ideas or suggestions about finding out the cause of the elevated nitrate levels.
Council updated on Holyoke Community Childcare Initiative
Having committed $15,000 to the Holyoke Community Childcare Initiative over three years at $5,000 per year last December, council members approved the first $5,000 payment of the city’s pledge Nov. 2.
At their Aug. 17 meeting, council members voted to support HCCI in its application for the Department of Local Affairs Energy Impact Grant for $600,000.
At last week’s meeting, Trisha Herman, project coordinator/executive director of HCCI, updated council members on the project’s progress. The council continued its support for HCCI, with Brown saying he will put together a list of things the city can do to help and present it to the council at the Nov. 16 meeting.
Herman, Brown and council members discussed the possibility of the city helping by doing things like waiving building permit fees, tap fees or helping with labor.
Additionally, the council voted to proceed with creating a purchasing policy and procedure to be put in place for the child care facility since DOLA wants that in writing for the project.
Herman said she and Mayor Orville Tonsing will be traveling to Golden on Wednesday, Dec. 8, for a hearing where they will present their case for the DOLA grant.
She said DOLA wants to see city support when it comes to the financial and infrastructure aspects of projects. She added that there is a point system used in the decision-making process that is based on the project’s readiness, committed funds and more.
She told the council that HCCI has about $1.7 million in pledges and grants, and that the total cost of the project is $2.5 million. If the $600,000 DOLA grant is received, then the plan is to raise funds from the community — a campaign that was put on hold when COVID-19 hit — for the remainder.
John Schneider expresses thanks
Attending the meeting just 11 days after having a health concern, council member John Schneider thanked Police Chief Doug Bergstrom for helping him that day.
“You guys probably all know I kind of flatlined here a week ago Friday, and protect and serve,” he said, acknowledging Bergstrom, “if it wasn’t for Doug, I wouldn’t be here, so thank you very much, Doug.”
He continued, thanking council members and the city for all of the prayers, phone calls, goodie baskets and well-wishes he has received during his recovery.
Full-time city employees to receive double holiday bonus
Originally on the agenda as $100 holiday bonuses to full-time city employees, council members ultimately voted to double the amount so they would net $200.
Schneider noted that the city is down to two out of five police, lost a 32-year employee when Connie Holtzman retired, has been short three to four people all year and is still dealing with COVID-19.
“We’ve got a heck of a crew, and I would like to see us just double what was proposed, where they would net $200. I think it’s a small gesture to say ‘Thank you’ to a great staff,” said Schneider.
Council hears reports
Brown updated council members on the airport lighting project. City personnel worked at the airport to move dirt and level it to the right height to allow for the precision approach path indicator lights to be moved 100 feet closer to each end of the runway.
He said that the project is ahead of schedule, and he was hopeful that it would be finished in the next couple of weeks as long as the weather holds.
Brown reported that a moving truck snagged a service drop and snapped a power pole in the alley between the 300 blocks of South Interocean and South Campbell avenues. The city has since replaced the pole.
The street department has finished the concrete project in the alley behind the post office, and water and sewer crews have been blowing out sprinkler systems and working on broken meters.
Bergstrom reported that HPD handled or generated 48 calls for service from Oct. 15-28, including five animal complaints under code enforcement.
Other business
In other business at the Nov. 2 meeting, council members:
— Witnessed Cathy Edge take the oath of office as a new council member.
— Paid the annual maintenance fee of $5,191 for aviation support and maintenance services.
— Appointed Garold Roberts to finish a vacated term on the Holyoke Housing Authority until July 2023.
— Held a 20-minute executive session for the purpose of receiving legal advice.
— Held a one-hour budget work session after the meeting.