City rec department to host spring break activities
March 16-20 will mark spring break for Holyoke Schools, and the City of Holyoke recreation department has three activities planned to keep kids busy and promote some of the area’s facilities.
On Monday, the department will sponsor a 1 p.m. showing of “Sonic the Hedgehog” at the Peerless Theatre.
On Wednesday, the sponsored activity is 1-3 p.m. swimming at the Holyoke pool. Kids 7 years old and younger will need to be accompanied by an adult.
On Friday, spring break will wrap up with a 1 p.m. showing of “The Call of the Wild” at the Peerless.
Recreation director Victoria Dunker emphasized that, although only the kids will receive free admission to the three activities, adults are welcome to attend at the regular cost.
In addition to receiving information about the spring break plan, Holyoke City Council members were updated on several other department details at their March 3 meeting.
With the $5,000 grant from Phillips County Recreation District, Dunker purchased three sets of new soccer goals at a total of $4,450 and a paint sprayer and paint for $200. Lines are painted on four fields before each game during the department’s soccer season. Remaining grant money will be used to purchase soccer uniforms.
Dunker also reported that soccer registration is open through Monday, March 16. She is still looking for soccer coaches and expects to have a high school team this year.
The 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted last month brought in just over $1,000 profit. Council members approved payment of $606 to Dragon Booster Club who receives 60% of the tournament’s profit each year for co-hosting.
Work continues on airport master plan
The independent fee estimate by Rood & Associates was recently received by the City. The estimate came in at $353,510. Given that the cost from Armstrong Consultants was $330,089, it is well within the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Division of Aeronautics.
With that requirement checked off, Holyoke City Council approved the signing of a record of negotiations letter. Council members also approved the mayor’s signature on a disadvantaged business enterprise program policy statement.
These steps will allow Armstrong Consultants to start working on projects for the airport’s master plan.
Officials report
Superintendent Mark Brown reported that the electric department finished the upgrade to the power line in the alley of the 300 block of south Belford and Bowman avenues. Next the department was scheduled to complete a pole replacement in the 700 block of east Denver and Carnahan streets.
The water and sewer department has been working on the alfalfa sprinkler system, getting ready to start irrigating. It has also been working on quarterly water testing for wells. Street crews have been picking up branches, fixing pot holes and fixing a fence at the airport. With the nice weather, crews were also able to run the street sweeper.
Brown noted that the cemetery received its new mower and that the three new pickups were expected to arrive within the week.
Police Chief Doug Bergstrom reported that Holyoke Police Department, including code enforcement, handled or generated 236 calls for service Feb. 18-27. There were two animal complaints, 10 municipal code violations and one dog at large.
Attorney Al Wall reported that he will be meeting with Brown and council member Kevin Scott to work on an RV park ordinance to present to the council for its consideration.
Other business
In other business at the March 3 meeting, city council members:
— Adopted Ordinance 1-2020, establishing the prohibition of fireworks within the corporate limits of Holyoke.
— Accepted Allen Reuter’s bid of $57,840 per year for a three-year lease of 240 acres of irrigated farm ground located 2 miles south of Holyoke.
— Renewed liquor licenses for Cobblestone Inn and Suites, The Skillet and Holyoke Golf Club. Local fees were waived for the golf club.
— Allowed for the annual contribution of $10,900 to Phillips County Economic Development.
— Received a report that council members Gene Bittner and Steve Moore were scheduled to meet with Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department on March 5 to discuss the new fire shed.
— Allowed for City employees to attend a March 25 weather spotter class.
— Approved a $320 ad to run in the Explore magazine.