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Dear Ward 3 residents and other friends,
The City Council on Feb. 5 approved the request for a mid-year appropriation of $290,317 for Northampton Public Schools in an 8-1 vote, with Ward 6 Councilor Christopher casting the sole no vote.
Here are some key facts about how we reached that vote: The Northampton School Committee in a Jan 22 meeting voted to ask School Superintendent Dr. Portia Bonner to request a mid-year appropriation for NPS in the amount of $790,175, which she did. Ultimately, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra submitted a financial order requesting approval of $290,317, noting that $123,000 of the request was already covered by state reimbursement dollars and $91,050 of that money would be covered by the Capital Improvement Plan, also known as the CIP. This means the order submitted by the mayor and approved by the council covered $285,808 less than the requested items.
By way of historical context, last year, in March, the City Council unanimously approved a midyear appropriation of $294,883.02.
Flashlight collection
Several weeks ago, I mentioned concerns raised by constituents about the safety of people walking to and from the CSO shelter on Industrial Drive in the dark and my intention to launch a collection of flashlights (and possibly reflective tape or vests) that could be given to shelter guests to increase safety. If you would like to donate the above items, please email me at lloisel@northamptonma.gov, and I'll let you know where to drop them.
This is a stopgap measure until a more coordinated look at sidewalks and lighting given the increase in pedestrian traffic can take place.
Pothole reporting
Despite the fact that we are still in the thick of winter, pothole season arrives early in these parts. If you see a pothole, you can report it through this form on the DPW page of the city website.
Legislative Matters Committee
This committee is charged with reviewing making recommendations to the full council on ordinances, orders, resolutions and council rules. I serve on this committee along with Council President Rachel Maiore, At Large Councilor Garrick Perry and Ward 6 Councilor Chris Stratton. At our organizational meeting Feb. 9, I was elected to chair the committee and Councilor Perry was elected vice chair.
The committee also took up a proposed ordinance to add an all-way stop at the intersection of Finn and Prospect streets. The study supporting this proposed ordinance can be viewed here.
The committee voted 3-1 to send this ordinance back to the City Council with a positive recommendation. I expect the item will be on the March 5 council agenda.
Office hours
Finally, a note about office hours. I will be in the City Council office across from the City Clerk's suite on the first floor of City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m., and expect to offer weekly office hours on Thursdays, with times to be announced. Feel free to stop by.
As always, if you know of anyone who might want to receive this occasional newsletter, please forward this on. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email laurieforward3@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Ward 3 City Councilor Laurie Loisel
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