At least 1 of the drugs involved in the investigation into the Holyoke Police and Fire departments was suboxone, which is used to treat opiate addiction.

Updated at 5:50 p.m. to include details about a state police stop that was a factor in the resignations of Bauer and Girard; comments from Capt. Frederick Seklecki, supervisors union president, on how collective bargaining will be needed to establish drug testing as a policy; and information about hire dates and salaries for Bauer and Girard.

Updated at 5:24 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2014 to include sources familiar with the investigation identifying the firefighter who has resigned as Thomas Bauer and the police officer who has resigned as Jamie Girard.

HOLYOKE — An ongoing criminal drug investigation has resulted in the resignations of a firefighter and a police officer and a vow by officials Monday to establish drug testing for all city police and firefighters.

The scope of the investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, such as how many firefighters and police it might involve, was unclear, as officials at a City Hall press conference refused to identify the firefighter and police officer who resigned.

Sources who know details of the investigation said that firefighter Thomas R. Bauer resigned Friday and that Police Officer Jamie G. Girard has resigned in relation to the investigation.

Bauer began as a firefighter June 11, 2007 and his yearly salary is $49,336, Personnel Administrator Robert Judge said.

Girard was hired as a patrolman Feb. 1, 2009, said Judge, though The Republican and MassLive.com ran a story in January 2013 about the hiring of five new officers, including Jamie G. Girard. His yearly salary is $50,350, Judge said.

Holyoke Police Chief James M. Neiswanger said at the press conference a police officer was confronted late last week in relation to the investigation and submitted his resignation Monday. That came after the officer refused Neiswanger's order that he undergo a drug test, the chief said.

At least one of the drugs in the probe is suboxone, a medication approved for opiate addiction, Neiswanger said.

"The Holyoke Police Department and the Holyoke Fire Department do not tolerate drug usage by any of our employees, and we take a very aggressive stance on that issue," Neiswanger said.

Besides the state police investigation, internal investigations by the respective departments are taking place, officials said.

Fire Chief John A. Pond was in Florida on a pre-arranged trip, officials said. First Deputy Chief Robert Shaw represented the Fire Department at the press conference.

"As far as the investigation, it's ongoing. I really don't have any comment. We're doing the best we can with what we've got," Shaw said.

As a result of the state police investigation and the employees' resignations, Mayor Alex B. Morse said he will pursue drug testing of all police and firefighters. That will include both an immediate testing of all employees and establishment of a recurring testing policy, said Rory Casey, Morse chief of staff.

"We have a zero-tolerance for drug use by first-responders like police and firefighters in the city of Holyoke," Morse said.

Union officials said having members tested won't happen without collective bargaining because testing involves a change to their contracts.

"We'd have to sit down and bargain that," said Capt. Frederick J. Seklecki, president of Local 409 Holyoke Police Supervisors, International Brotherhood of Police Officers.

"We'll sit down and we'll talk with the unions," Neiswanger said.

Doing drug tests of all police would cost about $10,000, he said.

In the Police Department, Neiswanger said an officer can be ordered to undergo a drug test based on reasonable suspicion. He defined that as an employee showing behavior such as unusual physical mannerisms, including falling down, odd work performance and the employee's own admission, he said.

If the department drug-tests one officer randomly, Neiswanger said, the contract requires that the department then test all officers randomly.

The Fire Department policy on drug testing is less clear than the one for police, though the department obviously doesn't tolerate drug usage, Shaw said. Morse said later he believed the Fire Department could cite the same "reasonable suspicion" standard as the Police Department in ordering a drug test.

Mark G. Mastroianni, Hampden County district attorney, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment on matters such as the name of a man stopped by state police Wednesday in relation to drug dealing in the case.

Morse said city officials first learned of the state police investigation "into a limited number of public employees" Wednesday night.

State police had been staking out a man in relation to drug dealing. Upon stopping him Wednesday, they learned he was en route to make a delivery to a firefighter here "who suffered from a prescription pill addiction," Neiswanger said.

State police contacted city police and the Fire Departrment "command structure" then was notified. The man who had been stopped proceeded to meet with the firefighter and police then questioned the firefighter, he said.

"The firefighter ... invoked his right to remain silent," Neiswanger said.

Fire Department officials sent the firefighter home, he said.

Neiswanger said he spoke Thursday with the police officer whom he said wound up resigning on Monday.

"I personally spoke with the employee and placed him on paid leave," said Neiswanger, who said he also took custody of the officer's department-issued gun.

Neiswanger ordered the officer to go to the Work Connection medical services facility at Holyoke Medical Center for a drug test Friday and the officer refused, he said.

"Drugs, unfortunately, exist in Holyoke. But they can't exist in the Police Department and they can't exist in the Fire Department," said Neiswanger, who wouldn't say how many police or firefighters might be targeted in the investigation.

"It's an ongoing investigation," he said.

Although the state payment has not come, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent the town a $384,177 check on Nov. 26, 2012.

BELCHERTOWN – No topic has been discussed more at selectmen meetings the past two years than the freak October 2011 storm that dumped up to 2 feet of snow in the region, caused trees and branches to snap power lines, and left thousands without power for more than a week.

That is because Belchertown was promised $144,525 in state reimbursement for storm damage, but has yet to receive the money.

Although the state payment has not come, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent the town a $384,177 check on Nov. 26, 2012.

According to town administrator Gary Brougham, damage from the Oct. 29, 2011, storm left 98 percent of this town of 15,000 without electricity.

After numerous calls to the state department of transportation, and meetings with the legislative delegation, Brougham recently wrote a letter to the town’s legislators formally asking them to intervene.

That letter, sent three months ago, recounts efforts made by Belchertown public works director Steve Williams to obtain the state reimbursement.

“Our Director of Public Works has made numerous attempts to establish the whereabouts of this funding and a reasonable timeline to bring this matter to a close. Unfortunately he has had several different versions of a story to the effect staff is reviewing the federal contractor claims . . . or any number of other excuses,” Brougham wrote.

“At this point, and recognizing it is now April 2014, I am seeking your assistance in obtaining Belchertown’s eligible costs reimbursement as soon as possible,” the town administrator wrote to Sen. Gale Canderas, D-Wilbraham, and Rep. Denise Andrews, D-Orange. The Brougham letter is dated April 1.

In an interview last week Brougham confirmed the money had still not arrived.

Days after Elliot Rodger killed six people in a rampage in Isla Vista, Calif., his estranged parents released an anguished statement, expressing their distress as they grappled with the final chapter of their 22-year-old son’s long struggle with emotional problems.

Do you have news or a news tip to submit to MassLive.com for consideration? Send an email to online@repub.com.

While the EPA rule would require a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by 2030,Massachusetts is already 40 percent below 1990 levels and on track to have cut power plant emissions by 50 percent by 2020.

By MATT MURPHY

BOSTON - Massachusetts, one of nine states participating in a seven-year-old regional emissions cap and trade program, is well ahead of the proposed greenhouse gas reduction goals rolled out Monday by the Obama administration in an attempt to curb pollutants blamed for climate change nationwide.

The Environmental Protection Agency, helmed by Massachusetts native Gina McCarthy, on Monday released a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels over the next 15 years. The federal regulations would give states the ability to craft their own plans to meet the goals, including regional cap and trade programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative which Massachusetts participates in.

“This very much validates the effort we’ve been taking with RGGI the last 10 years with all the planning,” Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Cash said.

While the EPA rule would require a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by 2030, Cash said Massachusetts is already 40 percent below 1990 levels and on track to have cut power plant emissions by 50 percent by 2020. Greenhouse gas emissions were relatively flat in Massachusetts between 1990 and 2007 when the state joined RGGI.

“The initial numbers are looking like we are well on the path to compliance,” Cash said.

Cash said the new EPA rules could spur more East Coast and mid-Atlantic states to join RGGI, which he said would create a larger market that could drive energy costs down further. “We don’t really know, but we’re curious who might be calling now to join,” Cash said.

In 2011, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pulled his state out of the compact, which currently includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Electricity prices declined 8 percent across the region and 11 percent in Massachusetts since RGGI started in 2008, according to a report published by Environment Northeast.

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat and the author of climate change legislation in Congress, met last week with Pope Francis and Vatican leaders to stress the importance of fighting climate change globally. He praised the EPA rules as both an economic opportunity for his home state and a win in the fight against pollution.

“This is the beginning of the end of America’s long, dirty power plant era. These new carbon-cutting targets will shift the American clean energy revolution that has already started into overdrive, creating jobs and cutting the pollution that threatens our health, our environment, and our future,” Markey said in a statement Monday. “Massachusetts is already a leader in developing and deploying clean energy technology and these new rules will increase the demand for businesses in our state.”

The Patrick administration celebrated the move on Monday, noting that overall statewide greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 16 percent since 1990, and the cap-and-trade program has generated $252 million in proceeds from the sale of carbon credits that the state has reinvested in energy efficiency and clean-technology programs.

“I applaud EPA’s new carbon rules, which will unleash clean energy innovation and reduce energy costs while protecting our environment and public health. This is a critical step in moving the nation toward a clean energy future, one that we’ve already embraced in Massachusetts with great results,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement released as he was traveling in Dubai on an international trade mission.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week warned that the EPA rule would lower the country’s gross domestic product by $51 billion annually and lead to higher energy prices and a quarter of a million fewer jobs created annually through 2030.

“Today’s regulations issued by EPA add immense cost and regulatory burdens on America’s job creators. They will have a profound effect on the economy, on businesses, and on families. The Chamber will be actively participating in EPA’s input process on these regulations, and will be educating our members and affiliates about their impacts,” the Chamber said in a statement Monday.

Massachusetts energy officials said gross state product has grown nearly 70 percent since 1990, including continued growth since the end of the recession despite the implementation RGGI.

Under the Global Warming Solutions Act, Massachusetts has its own target for reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. While Cash said the state appears to be on track to meet the federal goals for Massachusetts under the proposed EPA regulation, the administration has been pushing for legislation that require utilities to solicit long-term contracts of 20 to 25 years for renewable energy and open the market to large scale hydro-power project.

Opponents worry that the legislation would open the door for Hydro-Quebec, a large-scale hydroelectric generation facility in eastern Canada, to export large amounts of energy to Massachusetts, clogging the market for locally produced wind and solar projects.

The Patrick administration is also participating in an eight-state effort to put 3.3 million zero emission vehicles on the road by 2025, which includes rebates for consumers to purchase electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles and efforts to build out electric vehicle charging stations.

Cash said he believed Massachusetts would be able to meet its targets without the statutory changes proposed for long-term contracting and hydro-power, even though at a hearing in April Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia described the bill (H 3968) as essential to meeting future energy demands with clean sources that would allow Massachusetts to hit its emission reduction goals. “Massachusetts is at an energy crossroads and we need to secure our energy future,” Sylvia said.

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships said that in its first three years RGGI led to $1.3 billion in lifetime energy bill savings for utility customers, helped train 2,400 workers in clean energy job skills, and generated $545 million in auction proceeds that went directly to state efficiency programs.

“We believe programs like RGGI present strong evidence that aggressive actions on climate and clean energy can result in significant economic growth, job creation, cleaner energy deployed in their region, and an improved environment,” said New England Clean Energy Council President Peter Rothstein.

Monday the owners of the Mount Tom Power Station announced the coal-burning plant will close in October.

Updates a story posted Monday at 3:04 p.m.

HOLYOKE — The future of the Mount Tom Power Station and its employees is unknown now that owners have announced that the 52-year-old plant will officially close in October.

The plant, located off Route 5, has been operating off-and-on for three years. Monday officials for GDF SUEZ Energy North America announced the plant will shut down permanently in October and the 28 employees will lose their jobs.

The decision to close the controversial plant is economic. It is difficult for an older coal-burning plant to be operated efficiently, especially when compared to the newer plants that operate on less-expensive natural gas, said Carol Churchill, communications manager for GDF SUEZ.

“We are trying to determine what we are going to do with the facility and determine what needs to be done as part of that,” she said.

One of the possibilities is to consider converting the plant to solar facility, she said.

“We are looking at solar and other options. We are investigating it right now,” Churchill said.

The company will be working with a variety of agencies, including the state Department of Environmental Protection, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the city of Holyoke as it moves forward to close the facility and reuse the property, Churchill said.

The future of the 28 employees is also unclear. They include licensed power engineers, mechanical and maintenance employees, said Brian E. Kenney, the business manager and financial secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International 455.

The union contract, which expires in October, has a provision for a severance package, but the union will be negotiating to further mitigate the negative impacts of people losing their jobs, Kenney said.

“These employees are life-long career people and those jobs are cradle-to-grave jobs and they will be tough to replace,” he said.

A number of the employees have worked there many years and are close to having enough time in to earn their full pension. Kenney said he hopes to be able to help them so they do not lose a large amount of their retirement.

One of those people is Clancy Kaye, a mechanic from Holyoke, who has worked at the plant for 32 years.

“I’m a few years away from retirement; there are five or six of us in the age group,” he said.

They are hoping they can remain on with the company, possibly in the capacity of closing the plant, so they can retire with a full pension, which would be 40 percent of their current pay.

GDF SUEZ operates a number of other power-generation plants across the country, including a number of hydroelectric plants in New England, and will encourage employees to apply to vacant positions in those companies. The Mount Tom plant is the only coal-burning plant in the northeast, Churchill said.

But Kenney said so far the only vacancies they know of are positions in plants in Texas. Since many of the employees in Holyoke are older and well-established in their communities moving will not be an attractive option.

The ceremony will be held in Springfield Symphony Hall.

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow High School Class of 2014 graduation is scheduled to take place later this evening. Here are the details:

Name of high school:
Longmeadow High School

Number of graduates:
229

Date and time of graduation:
Monday, June 2, 7 p.m.

Location of graduation:
Symphony Hall, Springfield

Expected speakers at graduation:
Principal Larry Berte
Superintendent of Schools Marie Doyle
Class President Tyler Famiglietti

"Ace the Test" tells of a student who scores a stellar grade after eating school breakfast.

EASTHAMPTON - A group of Easthampton High School students have won second prize in a statewide video contest designed to promote the benefits of school breakfast programs.

The video "Ace the Test" uses stop motion to tell the story of a failing student who achieves a stellar test grade after eating a school breakfast. Easthampton students Morgan Tabb, Leah Stabile, Kelly Boisjolie and Rachel Mastorakis won a $300 prize for their efforts.

In March, students were asked to submit a short video that encouraged others to eat a healthy school breakfast. Submissions had to feature a school cafeteria scene and show a reimbursable school breakfast containing milk, meat or meat substitute, vegetables or fruit, and whole grain.

"School Breakfast: Eat. Film. Screen." is sponsored by the non-profit Project Bread and by the Massachusetts Department of Education through its child nutrition outreach program.

Outreach director Ashley Krebs says school breakfast programs keep students full and healthy so they can focus and succeed in school.

Now in its fourth year, the video contest received a record 104 submissions from high schools across Massachusetts.

First place honors went to students at the Landmark School in Beverly for their video "Healthy Days Breakfast."

Eighteen current or former employees have joined the class action suit filed by Springfield lawyer Suzanne Garrow.

SPRINGFIELD – The Key Program Inc., a Framingham-based human service contractor, has agreed to pay more than $400,000 to settle a class action lawsuit filed by two Greater Springfield women claiming they were illegally denied overtime pay while working there.

Lawyers for the Key Program and the two former employees asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman last month to approve a settlement requiring the Key Program to pay $430,500 to resolve all claims, including an estimated $129,000 in legal fees.

As part of the agreement, the Key Program would admit no wrongdoing, according to documents filed by the agency in U.S. District Court.

Neiman, who held a hearing with both parties last week, has scheduled another one for June 18 to review the proposed settlement.

The case dates back to July 2012 when former employees Teressa Williams, of Springfield, and Redempter Isiaho, of Chicopee, sued the Key Program in U.S. District Court, alleging they were denied overtime pay after being improperly classified as overtime-exempt employees.

The plaintiffs, who worked as outreach and tracking case workers, said they were expected to work 45 hour weeks, and to be on call for up to 16 additional hours each week. Despite routinely working 45-plus hour weeks, the plaintiffs never received overtime pay, the suit states.

Eighteen current or former employees joined the class action suit filed by Springfield lawyer Suzanne Garrow.

Neither Garrow nor Key Program lawyer James Musgrave could be reached for immediate comment Monday.

In addition to the Key Program, the agency’s president, William Lyttle; Wesley Cotter, chief operating officer; and Michael Kan, treasurer, were named in the suit.

Founded in 1974, the non-profit agency initially contracted with the Department of Youth Services to provide residential and outreach services to troubled youths as the state was closing down so-called reform schools; the agency now provides mental health and family services, and has three programs in Springfield.

About 85 percent of its budget comes from the state agencies, including the state Department of Children and Families.

One of the girls told a detective they were trying to become "proxies" of Slender Man, a mythological demon-like character.

WAUKESHA, Wis. -- Two 12-year-old southeastern Wisconsin girls stabbed their 12-year-old friend nearly to death in the woods to please a mythological creature they learned about online, prosecutors say.

Both girls were charged as adults with first-degree attempted homicide Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court; they each face up to 60 years in prison if convicted. A court commissioner set bail at $500,000 cash per child. According to a criminal complaint, the girls had been planning to kill their friend for months and finally made the attempt in a park on Saturday morning, after a slumber party.

One of the girls told a detective they were trying to become "proxies" of Slender Man, a mythological demon-like character they learned about on creepypasta.wikia.com, a website about horror stories and legends. They planned to run away to the demon's forest mansion after the slaying, the complaint said.

"I recognize their young ages but it's still unbelievable," Court Commissioner Thomas Pieper said during one of the girls' initial court appearances Monday.

The victim suffered 19 stab wounds; one missed a major artery near her heart by a millimeter, doctors told police. She was in stable condition Monday. The court documents did not provide her name.

The Associated Press isn't naming either girl who is charged because at least one of their attorneys plans to pursue moving her case into juvenile court, where proceedings are secret.

Both girls appeared in court wearing shackles and jail jumpsuits. They were surrounded by sheriff's baliffs, who towered over them. Family members of one of the girls wept openly as reporters snapped photographs. The other girl's family sat stone-faced.

According to the criminal complaint, one of the girls told an investigator they began planning to kill their friend in December. The other girl told police they decided to kill her so they could become proxies of Slender Man, who would accept them and let them live with him in his mansion in the Nicolet National Forest.

The other girl said she sees Slender Man in her dreams. She said he watches her and can read her mind and teleport.

"It's extremely disturbing as a parent and as chief of police," Waukesha Police Chief Russell Jack said at a news conference ahead of the court appearances Monday.

The girls invited their friend to a slumber party on Friday evening, the complaint said. They planned to kill her during the night so they wouldn't have to look into her eyes, one girl told police, and then run away. They decided to put it off, but the next day, during a hide-and-seek game in a wooded park, they attacked their friend with a knife. One girl told the other to "go ballistic, go crazy," according to the complaint.

The victim began to scream that she hated them and started stumbling away, one of the girls told police.

The girls left the victim lying in the woods. She crawled to a road where a bicyclist found her lying on the sidewalk. Police arrived and she gave them the name of one of the girls who attacked her.

She was rushed into surgery, police said.

One of the girl's attorneys, Donna Kuchler, asked Pieper to remove reporters from the courtroom because she planned to attempt to get her client waived into juvenile court. Pieper refused. Kuchler escorted the girl's family out of the courtroom, telling reporters only that the family was horrified at what happened.

The other girl's attorney, Joseph Smith Jr., led her family out of court. He declined to comment.

Both girls are due back in court on June 11 for a status conference.

Harry, whose story gained national attention, was reportedly thrown out of a car and then hit by a vehicle in Chicopee on May 21.

SPRINGFIELD — Harry, a 7-pound schnauzer/Yorkshire terrier, reported thrown from a car in Chicopee and then run over, is recovering at the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

Harry and Sonny, a 4 ½-pound Chihuahua who was also abandoned with serious injuries, are recovering from orthopedic surgery at the Thomas J. O'Connor Center, according to Melinda Thomas, development director for the Thomas J. O’Connor Foundation.

Harry, whose story gained national attention, was reportedly thrown out of a car and then hit by a vehicle in Chicopee on May 21. Within five days of sending out an “email blast,” the foundation raised $4,270 to fund complicated surgery to repair Harry’s fractured pelvis. A TV station in Miami collected more than $600 for Harry after his story was picked up by a national wire service and read on the news.

A person who said he saw Harry thrown from a moving vehicle and run over brought the dog to the center. Thomas said the report is being investigated.

Sonny, found abandoned and injured, is recovering with the help of the Thomas J. O'Connor Foundation.Submitted photo 

Three days after Harry was found, an animal control officer discovered Sonny abandoned in a box near the campus of Holyoke Community College. The dog was brought to the O’Connor facility where he required surgery to repair two broken knees. The Thomas J. O’Connor Foundation was able to fund Sonny's $1,200 surgery with a donation from a family foundation, Thomas said.

Years ago, before the nonprofit TJO Foundation stepped in to take on fund-raising, animals like Harry and Sonny may not have been given another chance, Thomas said. Now, with partners and friends throughout the community, the foundation is able to meet just about any challenge.

“TJO foundation is an amazing resource for homeless animals,” Thomas said. “We don’t often get requests for two major surgeries in three days,” she said. “But we will beg and scramble if we have to – whatever it takes to give these animals a better future.”

Since July, the foundation has funded 13 major surgeries, she said.

Thomas said 3,500 animals are brought to the Thomas J. O’Connor center each year. Lost animals are returned to their owners, but the center handles 1,000 adoptions a year, Thomas said.

Shelter veterinarian Lauren Atkins provides medical attention for animals including spaying and neutering, biopsies, diagnostic tests and blood work. But complicated cardiac and orthopedic surgery requires the services of a specialist, Thomas said.

Offers from people hoping to adopt the animals are pouring in. But It will be a while before both dogs will be available for adoption, Thomas said.

Right now, they need to rest and recover, she said.

The grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance comes from a program designed to promote community development and tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts.

EASTHAMPTON — A historic building that once housed Easthampton's town government and now serves as the city's arts headquarters will get a facelift, thanks to a $133,000 state tourism grant.

The money will renovate the lobby of the old Town Hall, ripping up faded linoleum floors in favor of wood, installing architecturally-appropriate front doors, and updating restrooms that have seen better days.

The grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance comes from a program designed to promote community development and tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts.

State Senator Donald Humason joined local officials and arts advocates on the steps of the 1869 building Monday to present the award check to CitySpace, a non-profit which manages the city-owned building.

Humason said arts and tourism funding suffered cuts in the fiscal 2015 state budget as it emerged from the Senate Ways and Means Committee, but that some money was restored during the amendment process.

"Arts and culture are so important to towns like Easthampton, Southampton, and Holyoke," said Humason. "I felt it was important to be able to support this."

Monday, arts leaders said renovating the old Town Hall brings a threefold benefit to the city.

"We're restoring a building that's an important part of Easthampton's history, providing a home for the arts, and creating a place for the community to gather," said Burns Maxey, the city's arts coordinator and a CitySpace board member. "We're very excited about this."

CitySpace has complete its Phase 1 mission to fill the first floor with arts organizations, board president Ed Check said Monday. Tenants include the Big Red Frame framing shop and the Elusie Gallery, the Flywheel Arts Collective, and Easthampton City Arts+, an arts leadership organization governed by a coordinating committee and supported by public and private donations.

The planned lobby restoration is part of Phase 2, a follow-up to last year's comprehensive assessment of the building funded by a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant.

Eventually, Phase 3 will renovate the Great Hall on the building's second floor. Transforming the former ballroom and meeting hall into a community performance space could cost up to a million dollars, said Check, in part because of the need to install an elevator to meet accessibility requirements.

Check said the second floor of the Town Hall once hosted policeman balls, basketball games, and lengthy town meetings, and that the space is "magnificent."

Maxey said the current grant award is about maintaining the building and providing a positive experience for visitors. "We're looking at the old Town Hall as a destination location," she said. "We have lots of events that happen here, but the facilities are really not up to par."

Maxey thanked Easthampton city planner Jessica Allan for informing CitySpace about the grant opportunity, and said the entire volunteer board helped with the application process.

Mayor Karen Cadieux waxed nostalgic when asked for comment, saying she misses working in the building.

"My office used to be right off the front entryway," said Cadieux. "It's a beautiful building, but all you have to do is open the doors and take one look at those floors and see why this grant is needed."

CitySpace has been in charge of the old Town Hall since 2006, when local government moved from the 43 Main Street edifice to a newly-purchased municipal building at 50 Payson Ave. Cadieux worked in the old Town Hall during her years as administrative assistant to former Mayor Michael Tautznik.

The Longmeadow High School Class of 2014 graduated yesterday, June 2nd, with a ceremony held at Springfield Symphony Hall.

The Longmeadow High School class of 2014 graduated yesterday with a ceremony held at Springfield Symphony Hall.

Here is the list of graduates:

Khalifa Mohammad Bilal Ahmed
Carly Ann Albano
Luke Alexandru
Efrat Armon
Benjamin Alex Aronson
Minahel Atif
Brooke Ruth Baevsky
Trevor Anthony Bajek
Frank Angelo Barbieri
Alexander Stratos Berardi
Caroline Nicole Bialas
Molly Rebecca Biron
Manon Margot Blackman
Abigail Marie Boyle
Bahar Bozorgzadeh
Isabella Youkun Brady-Prankus
Samuel Joseph Bray
Leah Molly Brush
Camille Marie Burger
Danielle Marie Burns
Madelynn Faith Burt
Karissa Marie Butera
Brendan Michael Callan
Alexa L. Cambi
Molly Rose Carolan
James Patrick Casey
Mary Alice Chamberlain
Parneet Kaur Chhatwal
Hannah Chick
Maxwell John Chipouras
Martin Joseph Clayton
Sarah Louise Clough-Segall
Chloe J. Connery
Griffin Thomas Connors
Joseph Matthew Consolini Jr.
Matthew Fredrick Cooper
Mckenzie Marie Copland
Micaela Jean Corbett
Christopher Kamari Cosby
Caci Lynne Cosenzi
Emily Rose Couture
Lillian Mae Curley-Swannie
Matthew Grady Cuscovitch
Austin Brinnel D'Agostino
Colby Daboul
Nicholas Stephen Daboul
Cameron Joseph Danalis
Elizabeth Denise Deshaies
Andrew James Desrochers
Liam James Dillon
Jake Stockton Ditmar
Jacob Joseph Dragone
Matthew Leonard Draymore
Brian David Dussault
John Rocco Falcone
Alicia Paige Famiglietti
Brittany Faith Famiglietti
Nicole Francesca Famiglietti
Tyler William Famiglietti
Harrison Ross Farris
Faranack Fazaeli
Daniel Evan Fein
Gabrielle Olivia Fernandes
Taylor Gisele Filiault
Madeline Bergin Fitzpatrick
Emily Nora Flahive
Haleigh Elizabeth Franz
Jacob Charles Freedman
Tyler Christopher Gagne
Matthew Sean Garrity
Kaitlynn Elizabeth Geier
Michelle Helen George
Leif Michael Gerchberg
Luke Jarrett Gerweck
Eric Ross Gibson
Sarah Belle Glick
Matthew Edward Goldstein
Emily Samantha Goodman
Gillian Ro Goodrich
Hannah Frey Gordon
Mary Katherine Blackler Grow
Travis James Guzzo
Mary Elizabeth Haines
Michael Andrew Hanson
Ashley Marie Heeb-Schnell
Kate Lu Heenan
Mary Grace Henshaw
Michael Charles Hepper
Andrew James Hinman
Christian Alexander Hughes
Griffin Patrick Hurley
Haley Rose Jagodowski
Shubham Pranay Kanake
Presia Monique Kegler
Drew Patrick Kelleher
Nicholas Brian Kennedy
Jason Knight
Aamani Kottamasu
Katie Elizabeth Kratovil
Rachel Beth Kronick
Mayank Kumar
Mariana Katherine Lachiusa
Elise Schmidt LePage
Reid Alexander Leveillee
Elizabeth Peninah Levson
Tajmah'Nae Dontia Lewis
Christine Li
Alina Jadyn Libowitz
Justin Allen Liu
Zachary Adam Londergan
Savannah Taylor Loreto
Zachary Raymond Lukas
James Russell MacCormick
Amir Esmaeil Mani
Zoe Irit Maniaci
Jake Anthony Manzi
Campbell James Marchant
Mary Elizabeth Marchese
Anthony David Martin
Eric Michael Mau
Madeline Augusta Maurer
Ian Andrew Maynard
Ryan William McAdoo
Connor Patrick McCarthy
Michael Jean McCarthy
Samantha Kathleen McCarthy
Ryan James McCoy
Colin Francis McDermott
Mary Margaret McDonald
Jacquelynn Mary McIntyre
Caroline Margaret McKenna
Molly Clarke McKeown
Theodore J. McLean
Alison Mary Melchionna
Michael Downes Metcalf
Alec Matthew Metropoulos
Mimi Kawala Mgawe
Shayne Penn Michelman
Bridget Machiko Miller
Hayley Rebecca Miller
Mary Catherine Miller
Michael Joseph Mishol
William Mitchell
Joseph Kennedy Montana
Rachel Marie Moore
Robert Austin Moore
Sarah Beth Moriarty
Michael David Mueller
Aviva Masha Muhlmann
Taylor Elayne Naglieri-Langlois
Conor Greer Nash
Omar Jamal Natour
Madison Elaine Neal
Griffin Lee Nelson
Carly Margaret Neville
Kimberly Xuan Nguyen
Mika Lian Nizinski
Teagan Frances Northrup
Jack Alexander Nystrom
Darby Joseph O'Connor
James Travers O'Donnell
Kaylee Elizabeth O'Donnell
Caroline Maye O'Reilly
Carlie Elizabeth Ollari
John Patrick Overstreet
William Wex Palkovic
Cailin Fitzgerald Pandolfi
Nikolas Andrew Papoutsakis
Nicholas Jehangir Patel
Catherine Power Patton
Erica Marie Paul
Brenna Hope Percy
Connor Joseph Perry
Ilana Tamar Peskin
Marija Petrovic
Michael Kleppel Plumb
Katherine Mary Poisson
Adam David Pollack
Michael Rory Porcello
Jordan Alexandra Pyers
Andrew Michael Quirk
Ramisa Rahman
Imam Anwer Raj
Isabella Vogel Ravanesi
Hannah Nicole Rembrandt
Kulsoom Rizvan
Syed Mahmud Rizvi
Gabrielle Leigh Robinson
Kathleen Claire Roffo
Jose Victor Diaz Roule
Jessica Marie Rourke
Jordyn Lynn Roy
David Michael Ruyffelaert
John David Ryan
Owen Michael Ryan
Devin Glenn Samuelson
Kristina Mairead Schafer
Michelle Hailee Schein
Michael Warren Scuderi
Jillian Amy Scyocurka
Joseph Louis Selden
Joshua Adam Shrair
Zoe Paige Siegel
Brandon Lee Simmons
Emily Baker Simon
Bo Allen Sjoberg
Emilee Rose Smith
Myles Campbell Smith
Luke Joseph Sopet
Andrew Arthur Stone
Tamari Melaunae Streeter
Rajesh Carson Susai
Elizabeth Ann Suschana
Tyler Warren Thomas
Patrick Ian Thompson
Nicholas George Tougias
Zachary Elias Tougias
Jonathan Aaron Travers
Shannon May Tzeng
Claudia Ann Volk
Abigail Marie Wagner
Michael James Walen
Sarah Ann Wasilewski
Rachel Alexandra Wetstone
John Harrison Wheaton
Benjamin Xavier White
Yu-Ting Yu
George Rui Yuan
Valerie Lorraine Zavalunov
Rachel Elizabeth Zeller
Hannah E. Zwaan

In total, $86,479,174.17 of the $93.64 million overall budget is derived from the city’s operating budget, which includes the school department, fire, police, municipal departments, and other services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The city council approved $93.6 million for the fiscal 2015 budget proposed by Mayor Edward C. Sullivan through a series of votes Monday, which saw over 50 people in attendance.

 

“Over the past several months I have worked closely with our department heads to examine current operations and to generate ideas for cost savings, efficiencies, and additional revenue streams,” Sullivan said.

The budget was initially burdened with a $2.4 million shortfall from decisions made by the previous administration, which has been resolved with the help of $3.7 million in free cash one-time available surplus funds.

Overall, there has been an increase of $4 million for the entire budget since last year, he said. Despite the $2.4 million deficit, the actual tax impact is a 1.86 percent decrease.

The 2015 budget has made extensive use of free cash to fund projects such as $700,000 for street maintenance and other costs including $1.35 million for a debt service stabilization fund.

“This is one of the first and only times that we haven’t bonded for capital projects,” said Brian Griffin, vice-president of the city council. “We’ve used free cash for bonding purposes.”

The idea behind the debt service fund is to build up reserve funds over the next two years before the bonding costs of the new library and high school come into the budget, said Sharon Wilcox, chief financial officer.

In total, $86,479,174.17 of the $93.6 million overall budget is derived from the city’s operating budget, which includes the school department, fire, police, municipal departments, and other services.

The city’s $86.4 million operating budget was approved with 8-in favor and 1 opposed.

Nearly half of the city’s operating budget, $40.7 million, is derived from the school department, she said.

“I really scrutinized this budget to make some cuts and this is the most impressive use of our money in a long time,” said George R. Kelly, a veteran city councilor who is serving his sixth term on the council.

Other allocations in the budget include the water, sewer, and ambulance funds, and Community Preservation Act funds.

The council, which refers to itself as the Town Council, has had dozens of meetings with Mayor Sullivan and other municipal departments throughout the past months on the topic of the budget, said John R. Sweeney, city council president.

One of the reason is people are using less water and therefore paying lower fees to the city.

CHICOPEE – Water conservation efforts by residents and businesses, combined with an increase in infrastructure improvement projects, are causing water rates to increase by 20 percent.

The Board of Water Commissioners voted in April to raise water rates from the existing $3 for every 100 cubic feet of water used to $3.60 per 100 cubic feet. The rates are to go into effect at the start of the fiscal year on July 1, said Alan Starzyk, Water Department superintendent.

The minimum fee charged to residents will also increase from $10 to $20.

“Because sewer fees have been going up people are using less water and that means we have to make more revenue to meet our budget,” Starzyk said.

Sewer rates have been rapidly rising mostly because of a federal Environmental Protection Agency mandate requiring the city to stop dumping raw sewage into the Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers. Officials have spent more than $120 million separating sewer pipes from storm drains and the entire project is expected to top $225 million.

Since the work began, sewer rates and fees have increased dramatically and are to rise again to $5.40 per 100 cubic feet on July 1. Rates are $6.20 per 100 cubic feet of water above 1,000 cubic feet of usage.

Sewer rates based on the amount of water used by a household, Starzyk said.

“Ten to 15 years ago Chicopee was using an average of 7 million gallons a day. Last year our average came down to 5.2 million gallons. We lost one-third of the water and it translated to losing that amount of revenue,” he said.

Water use continues to drop. Monthly water use reports show that residents and businesses used a half-million gallons less than they did before, Starzyk said.

At the same time rates paid to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which supplies water to the city through the Quabbin Reservoir, will increase by 3 percent this year and have been rising by 9 and 10 percent over the past few years, Starzyk said.

Half of the water budget goes to buying water. The rest goes to paying staff, maintenance and other costs.

At the same time, the Water Department has been trying to replace aging pipes, which have frequently burst throughout the city, mainly in conjunction with sewer separation projects. The idea is it saves money in engineering fees and paving fees to do both projects at the same time because the pavement is already ripped up, Starzyk said.

There are 270 miles of water pipes in the city and between 60 and 70 percent of the pipes are at least 50 years old. Some are 100 years old or more, he said.

The Board of Water Commissioners has bonded for an about $3.3 million to replace water pipes in 14 to 15 streets in north Willimansett, where a sewer separation project is also happening. But the biggest project, to install a new pipe that brings in all the water to the city, will cost $9 million, he said.

Even with low-interest loans from the state, which are expected but not granted yet, and having water employees doing much of the work, the two projects will increase the annual fees for interest and principal on bonds by $800,000 a year, Starzyk said.

Although the Board of Water Commissioners have the sole authority to approve rate increases, Starzyk has asked to appear before the City Council Tuesday to inform them of the increases.

The proposed moratorium on pawn shops follows a police sting in May that found some shops in alleged flagrant violation of city regulations.

SPRINGFIELD – The City Council gave first-step approval Monday to a proposed two-year moratorium on new pawn shops and junk dealers, saying it is important to keep the industry in check.

“I think the city is adequately served with the current number of pawn shops we have,” Councilor Thomas Ashe, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said Tuesday. “This is the next logical step to address an industry we know is troubled.”

Ashe said he believes there are up to 30 pawn show and junk dealers in Springfield, regulated by city ordinance.

In May, police said a sting of pawn shops found some shops in flagrant violation of city regulations. Three pawn shops lost their licenses for buying or selling items improperly, and five others faced fines, police said.

Thomas AsheFile photo / The Republican 

In February, the council amended the regulations on pawn shops and junk dealers, requiring them to hold secondhand jewelry and goods for at least 30 days, rather then 10 days to assist police investigations into housebreaks and stolen property.

In addition, the ordinance added regulations for shops to have electronic records of merchandize to assist police investigations.

Council President Michael Fenton, the lead sponsor, of the moratorium, praised the council vote. Final passage could occur at the next regular council meeting June 16.

“We came a long way with this legislation and this is just the latest example of this council’s progressive and hard working approach to government," Fenton said.

The moratorium, as proposed, would not affect license renewals for existing businesses.

The mayor said he made the decision he felt was best for the city.

HOLYOKE -- The answer to the question of why Heather G. Egan received $45,000 in an exit agreement when she quit as city solicitor April 29 remained elusive Tuesday after Mayor Alex B. Morse made remarks that were intended to address the issue.

Morse maintained the position that on the advice of lawyers he was unable to discuss why the exit agreement was made and why it included a payment because Egan's privacy rights must be protected.

"To do otherwise would open the city to additional liability," Morse told a special meeting of the City Council at City Hall.

"Good employees deserve confidentiality. City employees need to be able to trust the mayor. I cannot violate that trust," he said.

Morse said in the brief statement he understood the frustration of councilors who feel their questions about the Egan payment have been unanswered.

He also said he realized the exit agreement might have harmed the trust between himself and the City Council.

He disputed councilors' arguments that he might have exceeded his authority in forging the agreement. Making transfers from the personal service line items in the municipal budget don't require City Council approval, he said.

Councilors said at a meeting of the board's Finance Committee May 28 the Egan agreement and the silence around it raised questions taxpayers deserve to have answered.

For example, Councilor at Large Daniel B. Bresnahan said, "It appears the solicitor left because there's something the mayor may or may not have asked her to do. It just seems that common sense said she must have something on him or he must have something on her, although she didn't pay him to leave, he paid her to leave."

Morse said he made the decision he felt was right for the city.

"I understand that many of you, as well as members of the larger public, have questions that you want answered. As chief executive of this city, I have the responsibility to represent not only the taxpayers but also the employees that work for Holyoke, which can understandably be a delicate and conflicting balance to uphold," Morse said.

"While I always prefer for our executive and legislative bodies to work in concert, I know that this particular situation could only be resolved by the steps I took," he said.

Councilors were unable to ask Morse questions after his remarks. Council President Kevin A. Jourdain said the mayor will be asked to attend a Finance Committee meeting to field such questions.

Scheduling precluded councilors asking questions because City Council budget reviews were set for 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday followed by the council's regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Still, some councilors said they should have had the chance to question Morse.

"It's unfortunate that after the mayor's very brief statement we weren't allowed to ask any questions, such as why would you as mayor give away $45,000 to an employee who resigned?" Councilor at Large James M. Leahy said,.

"The taxpayers want to know. He said that he's concerned about trust between his office and ours. There wasn't anything new from this statement. That's a shame. Taxpayers want answers," he said.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse statement on Egan settlement. uploaded by Patrick Johnson

Participants are invited to sample a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as wine, beer, cheese and chocolates. Musican Mariam Massaro and the Gaia Star Band will perform.

SOUTH HADLEY – Gaylord Memorial Library, which relies on donations to fund many of its operations, plans to holds its major annual fundraiser on Saturday.

The libaray’s wine, cheese and chocolate social will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church at Kidder Hall, 7 Woodbridge St. from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to sample a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as wine, beer, cheese and chocolates.

Musican Mariam Massaro and the Gaia Star Band are scheduled to perform.

A potpourri of raffle items are on sale along with a great silent auction.

All proceeds benefit the library.

Advance tickets are available at Gaylord Library, 47 College St., or Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St., for $20, or $35 for a pair. They are also available at the door for $25. Contact the library at 538-5047.

The library opened 110 years ago in a ceremony that included a quartet singing French composer Charles Gounod’s “Send out thy light and thy truth.”

In 1968 the independent library merged with the municipal South Hadley Public Library, until 1995. It has operated independently since then. A study is currently underway researching the pros and cons of once again operating as a branch of the public library.

Town officials estimate the building needs close to $1 million of work to properly rehabilitate.

GRANBY - Selectmen approved the sale – for $1 -- of the former town hall, also known as Kellogg Hall, to a private, not for profit citizens group of Granby residents at Monday’s meeting. There had been no takers the previous two attempts to sell it.

Town officials moved out of the large, rambling, 125-year-old three-story, Victorian-era building in 2010 -- when it became a safety hazard. At the time, Town Meeting declined to authorize $80,000 to begin essential repairs.

Town officials estimate the building needs close to $1 million of work to properly rehabilitate.

The citizens group, Granby Preservation Society, Inc., says they will raise the money, have it restored in an historically appropriate way in time for the town’s 250th anniversary in 2018, and rent out space.

“Our focus, at this point, by our 250th anniversary, we would like this building functioning. Our approach is incremental,” the GPS’s vice president Gary Phelps told the Select Board. He said the purchase “is a major step for us.”

Members of Granby Preservation Society include, from left, Cindy Gaspari, Vice President Gary Phelps, and Christine KumiegaJIM RUSSELL PHOTO 

Other members of the GPS, including Cindy Gaspari and Christine Kumiega attended the meeting.

In interviews, the women said there are a lot of ideas to consider, once the property is put back in shape.

Among the things they would like to see happen is using the wall space for artists to display their work; renting out the building for social events, as well as renting it to tenants who are running a business.

Selectmen said they hope the building is painted soon, and Phelps said that is one of the first things they plan to do.

Town administrator Chris Martin confirmed the purchase, saying: “We got a money order for $1” from the GPS.

Kellogg Hall JIM RUSSELL PHOTO 

The board voted 3-0 to accept the GPS bid, contingent on the organization provided the necessary paperwork to show they are a non-profit organization.

Tax-deductible donation to underwrite the repairs can be made to The Granby Preservation Society, P.O. Box 1021, Granby, MA 01033.

As of 3 p.m., an estimated 316 voters had cast their ballots.

LONGMEADOW — The annual town election is underway in Longmeadow, as voters seize the opportunity to decide who will represent them on various town boards and committees.

As of 3 p.m., an estimated 316 voters had come to the Longmeadow Community House, which is located on 735 Longmeadow Street, and cast their ballot.

There are 11,521 eligible voters in the town, meaning that approximately 3 percent of the town’s voting population has taken part in the election thus far.

The only contested race being decided today is for School Committee. Michelle Carrazza Grodsky, the incumbent, is facing off against Heather LaPorte. The winner will earn a one-year seat on the committee.

"If (voters) have any last-minute questions about what I hope for the schools, and what my credentials are, I'm out here," said Carrazza Grodsky. "I'm just cheering, and being part of the spirit of the election."

Several other candidates for various offices are running uncontested. Michael Clark, Elizabeth Bone and John J. Fitzgerald are looking to be re-elected for fresh three-year terms on the School Committee; Marie Angelides is up for another three-year term on the town Select Board; Edward Kline is seeking another five-year term as part of the town’s Housing Authority.

A seat on the town’s Planning Board is also up for grabs. No candidates are listed on the ballot, however, meaning the winner will be nominated and selected via write-in.

Special election day parking is available to the side of the Community House.

The polls will remain open until 8 p.m.

Most members of the Legislature recognize the importance of early education in the development of children, Welch said.

BOSTON — As legislators prepare for a debate on the state budget, a provision calling for a pay hike for early childhood educators sought by early education leaders is back on the table for debate, according to state Sen. James T. Welch, D-West Springfield.

A Senate amendment calls for the appropriation of $9.5 million that would give pre-kindergarten teachers a salary hike of approximately 5 percent. The average salary is now about $30,000.

The House Ways and Means Committee failed to include a similar amendment in its budget recommendations last month.

Welch said the measure will go to a legislative conference committee before the full Legislature votes on the budget.

The Legislature has until June 30 to act on the budget.

Most members of the Legislature recognize the importance of early education in the development of children, Welch said.

Welch said the House and Senate serve as a kind of "ying and yang" during the budget process. "Sometimes the House puts something in that we want, and sometimes we put in something they want. Hopefully we find middle ground and ultimately do a good job spending the people's money."

Early childhood educators including the Massachusetts Association of YMCAs and Square One in Springfield, have been lobbying for a salary hike for educators and funds to expand access to early childhood education to children across the commonwealth.