Citywide cleanup will be this spring

Though a specific date has not yet been set, Holyoke City Council members approved scheduling a citywide cleanup this spring at the March 1 meeting. There has not been a citywide cleanup for the past two years due to COVID-19 and personnel shortages, respectively.

Resident discusses recycling

Ashley Shofner approached the council to speak about recycling in Holyoke. She said she is grateful that recycling is available but focused on its accessibility in terms of having recycling pickup services.

She said recyclable items could potentially be sorted by high schoolers who need volunteer hours, or it could develop a new job opportunity.

She also said a schedule could be established, such as the first week of the month being for plastic only, the second for glass and the third for cardboard, for example.

Shofner added that she’s open to other advice and noted that through her work as a physical therapist at Melissa Memorial Hospital, she knows that some of her patients are very interested in recycling pickup.

“I know this is a luxury topic,” she said, “but this is Holyoke — pride and progress. And sustainability for our future is progress.”

City Superintendent Mark Brown suggested that her next step should be to discuss the topic with Phillips County Landfill manager Bill Andrews, who works with the Phillips County commissioners.

Council hears reports

Brown reported that during the recent cold spell, there were temperature control issues at the city pool.

He worked with Engineered Controls and recommended installing powered louvered vents to redirect outside air to inside air when it gets that cold so the temperature can be maintained inside the building. Brown will present a bid from Engineered Controls to the council when he receives it, and the project would be in the summer.

Water and sewer crews have been installing new water service at the water fill station in the 100 block of North Baxter Avenue. He was hopeful that it will soon be ready for use.

Brown reported that the flight check for the precision approach path indicator lights for the airport lighting project was scheduled for Wednesday, March 2, which completes the project.

Street crews have been screening the lightweight rock that was picked up during last year’s seal coat program. Brown said he will be putting out bids for hauling the new rocks for this year’s seal coating. The street sweeper has also been running, and electric crews have updated the lighting for the cemetery sign and directory.

Police Chief Doug Bergstrom reported that Holyoke Police Department handled or generated 125 calls for service from Feb. 11-24, including three animal complaints and eight municipal code violations under code enforcement. He added that the yard at 129 S. Bowman Ave. has been cleaned up.

City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Olofson reported that Scott Szabo of Lauer, Szabo & Associates, PC will be in Holyoke March 21-23 for the city’s 2021 audit.

Recreation director Victoria Dunker said soccer registration was scheduled to begin Friday, March 4, which will be open to kids who turn 5 by April 1 up to high schoolers.

Other business

In other business at the March 1 meeting, council members:

— Approved the purchase of four computers from Printers Paper and More for the city office for $8,100.

— Renewed health and dental insurance with Colorado Employer Benefit Trust.

— Renewed the liquor license for Holyoke Golf Club and waived the local fees.

— Held a 52-minute executive session to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations.