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Date: 2/7/2023
EASTHAMPTON – The Easthampton City Council recognized the start of Black History Month and the challenges that still face minorities in its Feb. 1 meeting.
Vice President Salem Derby read a proclamation regarding Black History Month, noting that Black history is American history. President Homar Gomez followed, reminding residents that Black History Month can’t just be a “check mark in our calendars.”
“We should start putting actions where we put our words,” said Gomez.
Councilor Owen Zaret, chair of the Public Safety Committee, took a moment to address the recent death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN. Five Memphis police officers face charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, among others, in the case. Zaret said he feels passionate about making sure that all Easthampton residents are safe.
“There are no words to describe this senseless loss of life,” said Zaret. He noted that he had reached out to the Police Department to discuss the case and make sure that Easthampton is being proactive regarding such situations. He also discussed that there have been 20 mass shootings in our country since the council’s last meeting on Jan. 18 and shootings have also hit very close to home, with one fatal shooting happening at Holyoke Mall on Jan. 28.
“We will keep talking until we have solutions,” said Zaret.
Financial news
Due to last week’s snow storm, the Finance Committee meeting to discuss the transfer of $3 million from free cash to various stabilization accounts was postponed to Feb. 8. The matter was continued to the Feb. 15 City Council meeting.
The City Council also voted to submit its fiscal year 2024 budget to the mayor. Although there are a couple new line items, there is no significant change to the overall city budget.
The council voted to establish a donation account for the Mountain View School.
Upcoming Public Hearings
The council plans to host a public hearing at its Feb. 15 meeting to discuss three transfers of funds from free cash to various other town accounts to fund a wide range of costs, such as various firefighter and police officer needs and maintenance across the town.
It also plans to host a public hearing at its March 1 meeting to discuss an update on the vacant storefront ordinance.