The city budget funds the operating expenses for the Country Club and all proceeds are returned to the city coffers.

CHICOPEE - To prepare for the golf season, the City Council agreed to lease new electric golf carts, upgrade the barn where the carts are parked and purchase new maintenance vehicles for the golf course.

The $88,535 expense will be added to the about $152,200 the City Council earlier agreed to spend to replace mowers at the Chicopee Country Club.

City Councilor James K. Tillotson said the expenses will make it difficult for the course to break even this summer.

Last year about 30,000 rounds of golf were played at the Country Club and it did not break even. With the additional expenses, Tillotson said 40,000 rounds will have to be played at the course for it to cover all the expenses this year.

The City Council voted 12-0 to spend the money to replace the carts and for the other expenses, saying they were needed.

Tillotson said golf is a competitive business and it is important to keep the course well-maintained and the equipment up-to-date to attract more people to play in Chicopee rather than other courses across Western Massachusetts.

In 2014 the city also installed a new about $1.8 million irrigation system at the course to replace one that was so old the pipes were constantly leaking.

"This is a marketing tool for our course," Mayor Richard J. Kos said when proposing spending the money.

The course's existing carts are eight years old. Course employees have carefully maintained them to extended the life of them beyond the expected four years. But now many need seats recovered, the tires are going bald and some of the clutches are wearing out. In addition about 20 of the 70 carts have some safety issues, Director of Golf Michael O'Neil said.

The city will trade in the old carts and lease the new carts for $50,645 annually for four years. At the end of the four years, the golf course will own the carts.

The lifespan of the batteries for the carts is four years but O'Neil said he expects them to last a year or more longer than that.

The city is trading in gas carts and the new ones will be electric. The City Council agreed to allocate $20,000 to renovate the cart barn at the course to add charging stations for the carts.

"It's all about getting more bang for your buck," Kos said. "These carts are more energy-efficient and will last longer than their gas counterparts. I appreciate the Council's support on this measure."

The Golf commissioners have voted to increase the cost of cart rentals by $1 to increase the money the course brings it. Currently the course earns about $250,000 on cart rentals in a season, O'Neil said.

The city budget funds the operating expenses for the Country Club and all proceeds in turn are returned to the city coffers, Kos said.

City Councilor Gerard Roy said he is in favor of replacing the carts and asked if solar panels can be added to the roof of the cart barn to save more money.

He also aired concerns about the fact that the course closed on Nov. 30, while most competing courses in Western Massachusetts stayed open later because of the warm temperatures this year.

O'Neil said one of the problems with staying open later is nothing is growing and the course cannot recover from the wear and tear created by the play, even though it is warm enough to play.

The city is hoping to open the course on Friday this year.

A Stony Hill Road resident was injured while trying to extinguish a grease fire on a stove Wednesday afternoon.

WILBRAHAM -- A Stony Hill Road resident was injured while trying to extinguish a grease fire on a stove Wednesday afternoon.

Fire Capt. Joshua Mullen said Thursday that the person was transported to a hospital, but he did not know the extent of the injuries.

Oil that caught fire on a stove in Wilbraham injured a resident and caused $50,000 in damage.Wilbraham Police 

The fire reported at 4 p.m. caused $50,000 in damage to the kitchen.

A post on the Wilbraham Police Department Facebook page said the resident suffered burns and smoke inhalation. Police said that emergency responders saw heavy smoke coming from the home when they responded.

Mullen said the resident threw a pot of water on the burning oil as he fled the house.

"It knocked most of it down," Mullen said. "It was not out when we got there, but it wasn't freely burning."

Generally, throwing water on an oil fire is discouraged because it could cause the oil to splatter.

Mullen said if the fire is contained to a pan or pot, putting a lid on it is the simplest way to put it out. Baking soda will also extinguish a small grease fire and fire extinguishers also work.

But if the fire gets as large as the one on the stove in this home, he said, the best course of action is just to get out of the house.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires and injuries.

Wednesday is the final day for bills in the Massachusetts Legislature to be released from committee and sent to the full House and Senate for debate.

Officially, Wednesday was the final day for bills in the Massachusetts Legislature to be released from committees, where the bills are worked on with input from lobbyists and the public, and sent to the full House and Senate for debate.

Practically, lawmakers routinely grant extension orders giving committees more time to complete their work. Committees have asked for extensions on dozens of bills.

Here's a look at a few bills that have been released from committee or that are still pending.

GMO labeling: The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture last week gave a unanimous favorable recommendation to a bill regulating the labeling of genetically modified organisms in food. GMO food products contain ingredients produced through genetic engineering, often for reasons such as making them more resistant to pesticides.

Debate over the bill pitted consumer groups against business groups. Groups representing the agriculture industry argued that the bill would impose costly requirements, and GMOs have not been tied to any health or safety risks. Consumer groups argued that little research has been done on the long-term affects of GMOs, and consumers have the right to know what they are eating and buying.

The bill that passed the committee would implement mandatory GMO labeling, but only once five other northeastern states, including one on Massachusetts' border, enact a mandatory labeling law. The total population of those states must be at least 20 million. Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont have already passed GMO labeling legislation.

The bill would also ban companies from labeling a product "natural" if it is produced with GMOs.

"A consumer's right to know is of paramount importance as we continue to work with the medical community to understand the health impacts of GMOs," said State Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, Senate chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Spouse as caregiver: The Committee on Elder Affairs gave a favorable recommendation to a bill, S.372, that would add a spouse to the list of family members who can be paid through MassHealth as a caregiver for an elderly or disabled family member. Under current law, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles can be paid as a personal care attendant, but a spouse cannot. Several other states have allowed a spouse to be classified as a paid caregiver.

Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, which supports the bill, said the bill "finally recognizes that spouses can play a key role in keeping a loved one living at home."

Energy: Although 100 House members signed a letter asking for an "expeditious" resolution to a debate over financial incentives for solar net metering, the bill remains in committee. So does a bill proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker to expand the use of hydroelectric power. Lawmakers are working on an omnibus energy bill. House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, has said an energy bill could emerge in April. These are among the bills that have gotten deadline extensions.

Northampton police and firefighters were also dispatched to the bank at 4 p.m. after an employee answered a call "that made the teller uncomfortable."

NORTHAMPTON -- The Massachusetts State Police bomb squad responded to a potential threat at Greenfield Savings Bank on King Street Wednesday.

Northampton police and firefighters were also dispatched to the bank at 4 p.m. after an employee answered a call "that made the teller uncomfortable," according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Laura Newberry | laura.newberry@masslive.com 

Police determined there was no bomb at the location, the Gazette said.

The bank and parking lot were closed for an hour.

A food truck painted with an enormous red lobster and promising "Wicked Good Seafood" has been stolen.

SHARON -- A food truck painted with an enormous red lobster and promising "Wicked Good Seafood" has been stolen.

Sharon, Massachusetts Police said Wednesday that the Maine-ly Lobstah food truck was reported stolen.

Police shared a photo of it on the department Facebook page and asked anyone who has seen it or has information about the theft to contact Detective Anthony Lucie at (781) 784-1588.

According to the truck's website, it was run by Boston's Baddest Burger and Sandwich Company, a catering and food truck company based in Canton. It's Facebook page said the Maine-ly Lobstah truck part of the business is closed. 

Police confirmed the truck was still missing Thursday morning, but a message left seeking additional information on how the truck disappeared had not been returned Thursday morning.

Related: How does the McDonald's lobster roll compare to a Cape Cod lobster roll?

 

The committee which plans the annual event needs more members if the celebration is to continue for another year.

LUDLOW - The committee which organizes the annual town Celebrate Ludlow celebration needs more members if the festival is to continue for another year, Selectman William Rooney said.

The committee has only three members and that is not enough to organize and run the celebration, Rooney said.

"The committee is getting smaller," Rooney said. "We can't run this event with three or four people."

"Should we continue? These are serious questions," Rooney said at the Tuesday selectmen meeting.

He added that the crowds lately have not been as good, and they are coming later.

The three members on the Celebrate Ludlow Committee said they want to make another attempt to plan Celebrate Ludlow which is held the last Saturday in July, but they need additional help.

There are currently three members on the committee: chairman Christine Peacey, Vicki Authier and Rebecca Paul.

Paul said the festival still generates funds which help the non-profits in town to operate.

The committee needs to look for more workers, Rooney said.

James Marceau, treasurer for the Exit 7 Players, a local theater group, said that the non-profits in recent years have not been getting as good a return on their fundraising efforts.

Residents have been coming later, even though the event begins in the afternoon. Most residents come in the evening and stay for the fireworks, he said.

He said more activities would have to be provided to get residents to come in the afternoon.

Peacey said that all civic groups who raise money at Celebrate Ludlow should appoint a member to serve on the planning committee. She said those who are most active could run the most popular fundraisers such as selling the popular fried dough, French fries and onion rings.

Selectman Aaron Saunders said Celebrate Ludlow also needs a marketing plan which makes use of the media and social media sites such as Facebook.

He said that if Celebrate Ludlow is discontinued, it will be difficult to bring it back.

Rooney said his father, the late William Rooney and James Cavallo began Celebrate Ludlow in 1999 and he and his sister, Maureen, got involved in 2000.

He said events such as Celebrate Ludlow may have "a shelf life." Wilbraham several years ago discontinued its Peach Festival, partly due to a lack of volunteers.

"If the crowds come later, there is limited time for non-profits to make money, he said.

Rooney said the event costs $20,000 to run, and where Town Meeting once appropriated $10,000 for the event, in recent years it has only appropriated $3,000.

The Celebrate Ludlow Committee will meet again with the Board of Selectmen on April 5th to decide if there is enough of a committee for Celebrate Ludlow to go forward this year.

Selectmen Chairman Carmino Fernandes said she hopes the town is able to keep Celebrate Ludlow alive.

Anyone interested in serving on the Celebrate Ludlow Committee should contact Christine Peacey at 413-250-9552 or by emailing her at csurr2002@yahoo.com.

A new East Longmeadow eagle scout improved on the town dog park.

EAST LONGMEADOW — A newly declared Eagle Scout in East Longmeadow achieved the rank on Sunday, after having completed a project that protects local dog owners and their pets from the elements.

 

Between October and November, Holden, a 17-year-old senior at East Longmeadow High School, organized and built a wind shelter at the East Longmeadow Bark Park at Heritage Park.

"I wanted to do something that would help my community and something I would enjoy," said Holden, a dog owner who frequents the park.

Fenced off right next to a parking lot, the dog park is often very windy due to a lack of trees, Holden said. This exacerbates cold or rainy weather.

After spending about 10 months seeking approval from Town Hall, and soliciting donations of supplies from local businesses, Holden was ready to assemble a crew and carry out his plan.

Holden drew up plans for a seven-foot structure made of lumber, which would stand next to the parking lot at a 45-degree angle, he said. Building and erecting the wind guard took several weekends. Once finished, officials who oversee the park immediately expressed their gratitude.

"I received a letter from the dog park saying that they received many compliments about it," Holden said. "People said they enjoy it and it's needed."

At Sunday's ceremony, Holden was added to the select list of Boy Scouts who reach the rank of Eagle Scout. About 7 percent of Boy Scouts complete the tasks necessary for the achievement, according to the Boy Scouts of America.

Next fall, Holden will start his college career at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Scouting, he said, has provided him with a number of skills he expects will help him through college and life.

"I think it taught me good leadership skills, skills to survive on my own and to help other people," Holden said.

Western Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop Douglas Fisher among writers of statement saying "violent forces" are being released by this season's political campaigning.

SPRINGFIELD – The country's Episcopal bishops are "troubled by the violent forces being released by this season's political rhetoric," saying it is causing Americans to "turn against their neighbors" and, drawing on biblical references that seem directed at billionaire and Republican front runner Donald Trump in particular, "to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege."

"In a country still living under the shadow of the lynching tree, we are troubled by the violent forces being released by this season's political rhetoric," the bishops said in a statement released Monday evening.

"Americans are turning against their neighbors, particularly those on the margins of society. They seek to secure their own safety and security at the expense of others. There is legitimate reason to fear where this rhetoric and the actions arising from it might take us."

The statement, whose authors included Western Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop Douglas Fisher, compared this to the worshiping of the golden calf and the crucifixion of Christ.

"In this moment, we resemble God's children wandering in the wilderness. We, like they, are struggling to find our way. They turned from following God and worshiped a golden calf constructed from their own wealth" the statement reads.

"The current rhetoric is leading us to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege. We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else."

In a separate statement to the press, Fisher said it was "essential that our religious leaders speak out."

"At a time when the political discourse in our great nation is often at the level of playground taunts, and a time when immigrants and the poor are being scapegoated," Fisher said, "it is essential that our religious leaders speak out and appeal to our intrinsic goodness as people created in God's image."

The bishops' statement called for "prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail and we will not betray our true selves."

The statement was released during the Lenten retreat of the House of Bishops, one of the Church's governing bodies, along with the House of Deputies. The meeting was held at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, Texas, March 11 through 15.

The issue has been brought to the City Council several times over the years, the most recent two years ago by Councilor David A. Flaherty.

WESTFIELD - The City Council indicated Thursday night it is ready for serious debate on the issue of extending the elected terms of office for mayor and City Council from two to four years.

That debate actually started Thursday night when the council's Legislative and Ordinance Committee introduced a motion to send a Home Rule petition to the state Legislature asking for a change Westfield's Charter and allow four year terms.

After considerable debate on the format and whether a public hearing or election ballot referendum be sought, the City Council agreed to send the matter back to the Legislative and Ordinance Committee for further study. Councilor Ralph Figy, L&O chairman, then announced the matter will be up for discussion in his committee March 29 at 6 p.m. in City Hall.

Councilors appeared to be split in any final decision Thursday night.

Ward 5 Council Robert Paul Sr. said he "needs to know the will of the people" before he could vote and suggested that the council schedule a public hearing on the matter.

Other councilors like Dan Allie suggested a referendum could be placed on this year's Presidential Election Ballot.

Several councilors questioned if the change would apply to the mayor and all 13 City Councilors at the same time or just the mayor with staggered four-year terms for City Council members.

Details on how any changes would be made after the city had approval form the state Legislature to change the Westfield City Charter, Figy had said when he presented the original motion for council approval.

Councilors Cindy Harris and Matthew T. VanHeynigen indicated they could support the four year term proposal because under the currently two-year term a "considerable amount of time" is spent on campaigning rather than legislative work for the city.

St. Patrick's Day was celebrated a Brennan's in Holyoke, Massachusetts on March 17, 2016.

HOLYOKE - Brennan's Pub on High St. in Holyoke was the site of a St. Patrick's Day celebration in the Paper City on Thursday.

Some danced to the Irish music of the Boston Blackthorne band, but most tipped a few back to celebrate the day.

Holyoke also hosts the St. Patrick's Day Road Race on Saturday, March 19th, where runners will race through the city.

And thousands are expected for the famed St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, March 20th.

The raid took place Thursday morning, March 17, at an apartment at 24 New South St., according to authorities.

NORTHAMPTON — Authorities raided a city apartment Thursday morning, seizing drugs and arresting two people, but they didn't immediately release the suspects' names or indicate what type of narcotics were recovered.

Northampton Police Capt. John Cartledge told the Daily Hampshire Gazette that city and state police took two people into custody – a Northampton man and a Springfield man – after raiding an apartment at 24 New South St.

The joint investigation was handled by city police and state troopers assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney's Anti-Crime Task Force, Cartledge told the Northampton newspaper. More information about the raid was expected to be made publicly available Friday, he said.

The New South Street apartment is located in a three-story clapboard-style building directly behind the Academy of Music on Main Street.

MAP showing approximate location of Northampton drug raid:

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile fired from a site north of Pyongyang.

SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea defied U.N. resolutions by firing a medium-range ballistic missile into the sea on Friday, Seoul and Washington officials said, days after its leader Kim Jong Un ordered weapons tests linked to its pursuit of a long-range nuclear missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile fired from a site north of Pyongyang flew about 800 kilometers (500 miles) before crashing off the North's east coast.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it wasn't known what type of missile was fired, but a South Korean defense official, requesting anonymity citing department rules, said it is the first medium-range missile launched by the North since April 2014 when it fired two.

A senior U.S. defense official said the Pentagon can confirm the missile launch, saying it appears to be a Rodong missile fired from a road-mobile launcher. The official said the test violated multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from engaging in any ballistic and nuclear activities.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said later Friday its surveillance equipment detected the trajectory of a suspected second missile fired from a site where the North's confirmed first launch occurred. A Joint Chiefs of Staff statement said the object later disappeared from South Korean radar at an altitude of 17 kilometers (10 miles) and that it was trying to find out if a missile had been fired or something else was captured by the radar.

Friday's launch came amid a heightened international standoff over the North's weapons programs in the wake of its nuclear test and long-range rocket launch earlier this year.

In recent weeks, North Korea threatened pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Washington and Seoul and test-fired short-range missiles and artillery into the sea in response to tough U.N. sanctions imposed over its nuclear test and rocket launch. The North says it needs nuclear weapons to cope with what it calls U.S. military threats.

On Tuesday, North Korea's state media said Kim had ordered tests soon of a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying warheads. Kim issued that order while overseeing a successful simulated test of a re-entry vehicle aimed at returning a nuclear warhead into the atmosphere from space so it could hit its intended target, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency.

This led South Korean analysts to suspect that the North would likely fire a missile soon to test the re-entry technology. Some analysts also predicted the North might fire a missile carrying an empty warhead, which contain trigger devices but lack plutonium or uranium, to see if those warhead's parts can survive the high pressure and temperatures upon re-entry into the atmosphere and if they could detonate at the right time.

Outside experts said it is a key remaining technology that North Korea must master to achieve its goal of developing a long-range missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. South Korean defense officials said earlier this week that North Korea had yet to develop the re-entry technology, so it still does not have a functioning intercontinental ballistic missile.

It was not clear if Friday's launch was meant to test a re-entry vehicle or other weapons technologies or was just intended as a show of force against Washington and Seoul.

North Korea is thought to have a small arsenal of atomic bombs, but South Korean officials and many outside experts say they are not small enough to place on missiles that can strike faraway targets.

Analyst Lee Choon Geun at South Korea's state-funded Science and Technology Policy Institute said the North can probably place nuclear warheads on its shorter-range Scuds and medium-range Rodong missiles, which would put South Korea and Japan under its striking range. Other analysts question that.

The North began to develop ballistic missiles in the 1970s by reverse-engineering Soviet-made Scuds it acquired from Egypt. After several failures it put its first satellite into space aboard a long-range rocket launched in December 2012. Its second successful satellite launch occurred this February. The U.N., the U.S. and others say the launches were a banned test of missile technology. Ballistic missiles and rockets used for satellite launches share similar bodies, engines and other technology.

Experts say a militarized version of the rocket the North used to put its second satellite into orbit in February would potentially have the range to reach the U.S. mainland. However, there are questions as none of North Korea's possible candidates for an intercontinental ballistic missile have been tested "end-to-end," from launch through re-entry and warhead delivery, to show they actually work.

The Korean Peninsula officially remains in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. The U.S. deploys about 28,500 troops in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea.

The driver police say caused the crash that killed Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Clardy on Wednesday had previously had his license suspended, driving records show.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now.

1) Man leaps from 3rd floor in Worcester courthouse [Michael D. Kane]

2) East Longmeadow selectmen stun townsfolk by ousting chairman, making interim administrator Gregory Neffinger's appointment permanent, hiring new police chief [Sean Teehan] Photo gallery above

3) Driver in crash that killed Mass. State Trooper Thomas Clardy previously had license suspended [Lindsay Corcoran]

4) Springfield Central High School coaches meet on the field, marry by the ocean in Rhode Island [Sarah Platanitis]

5) Northampton troopers find 230 bags of heroin after suspect whispers 'I don't think they found all the stuff in the car' [Laura Newberry]

After weeks of speculation, Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe is expected to announce his bid for Hampden County Sheriff on Friday.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ After weeks of speculation, Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe is expected to announce his bid for Hampden County Sheriff on Friday.

Ashe, who previously said he was considering a run to replace outgoing Sheriff Michael Ashe, is expected to throw his hat into the ring as a Democrat during an evening speech before supporters at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield.

The 49-year-old councilor, who is not related to the current sheriff, said in February he would only enter the contest after careful deliberation.

He, however, offered that his 16 years as a Springfield elected official, 10 years of working for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department and eight years of working for the Worcester County Sheriff's Department make him a good fit to take over the position.

Ashe would be the fifth candidate to enter the Hampden County sheriff race, which has heated up in recent weeks.

Democrats Michael Albano, the former Springfield Mayor and a Governor's councilor; Nick Cocchi, a deputy superintendent with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department; and Jack Griffin, a retired addiction specialist with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, have all taken out nomination papers for the race.

James Gill, an assistant deputy superintendent in the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, meanwhile, has pulled nomination papers to run as an independent.

According to Secretary of State William Galvin's office, Ashe had not taken out nomination papers as of Thursday afternoon.

Although several candidates are vying to replace Sheriff Ashe, who announced he would not seek re-election to the office he's held since 1974, only Cocchi has received his backing.

The outgoing sheriff, meanwhile, has raised concerns about Albano's campaign, saying he believes the governor's councilor has "violated the people's trust."

Albano, who was politically wounded by the FBI corruption investigation at Springfield City Hall, attributed the remark, in part, to a "sign of desperation" from the Cocchi campaign.

Cocchi, in turn, cried dirty politics earlier this week after emails surfaced suggesting the controversial Francis G. Keough III, was involved in at least one strategy meeting and other aspects of his campaign.

The sheriff hopeful said Attorney Shawn Allyn, an ally of Albano, had taunted him and texted members of his team copies of correspondence intimating Keough was part of the campaign -- something which Cocchi has denied.

Democratic Hampden County sheriff candidates who collect enough signatures to make the ballot will square-off in a primary on Sept. 8. The general election will take place on Nov. 8.

Check back with MassLive.com later as The Republican plans to be at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield when Ashe makes his announcement.

Holyoke city councilors are trying to figure out how to protect homeowners and be welcoming to businesses in devising regulations and tax agreements for solar-panel installations.

HOLYOKE -- The discussion lasted about two hours and if it wasn't for references to "apples to apples" and "Joe Banana" and "the surface of Mars," nap time might have ensued.

The City Council Ordinance Committee March 8 continued discussing proposed agreements from Mayor Alex B. Morse between the city and a solar-power installation developer that would net the city payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) at five locations.

The agreements call for SHR Energy Management of Weston, Connecticut, a solar energy developer, to pay the city $5,000 per megawatt generated by each solar installation a year. Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity.

Councilors were trying to figure out in questioning Brian C. Beauregard, superintendent of the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department's (HGE) electric division, Chief Assessor Anthony Dulude and others whether the proposed $5,000 PILOT agreements were good. Or bad. Or could be made better.

Here are five takeaways from the meeting, according to officials who spoke during it and information they distributed:

1. The arguments officials have made that the $5,000 PILOT agreements are good deals seem to make sense:

Based on the projected amount of energy the five solar sites combined would generate, the city would receive $16,250 in additional tax revenue, thanks to the solar-panel installations, or a PILOT of $3,250 per site.

Plus, since the use of the land would be changing, to commercial uses, the higher, commercial tax rate would apply on those parcels. The tax rate here is $19.12 per $1,000 valuation for residential property and $39.86 per $1,000 valuation for commercial property.

On some sites the city is currently receiving nothing in terms of taxes such as Forestdale West Cemetery in West Holyoke, which is tax-exempt. A 2-acre solar-power facility has been approved there by the Planning Board and is planned for installation in the spring.

A factor in the proposed agreements is that power from such solar sites would be sold to the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department (HGE) at an acquisition cost lower than elsewhere in the market.

Such low-cost acquisitions help HGE maintain some of the lowest electric rates and one of the smallest carbon footprints for an electric distribution company in the region.

To make the project financially viable for the city, HGE and the developer, the city negotiated to receive a PILOT. Such solar projects probably wouldn't happen if a company were subject to paying the regular personal property taxes on the solar equipment instead of a PILOT arrangement.

Given the difficult history of some of the properties targeted for solar installations, the PILOT allows the city to get a higher income stream than what it receives on the land now, in the absence of the solar installation, and in the future had it opted for the property tax option.

It is tempting but inaccurate to compare the $5,000 PILOT in the proposed agreements with higher PILOTS other cities and towns get from solar projects. Numerous factors like distribution and transmission costs and land idiosyncrasies affect such tax agreements, officials said.

"It's not apples to apples," Beauregard said.

While rate-payers in those communities will be enjoying revenue from the seemingly higher solar PILOT agreements, they also are paying more money on their electricity bills than do customers of the HGE, which has the lowest rates, Beauregard said.

2. The arguments officials have made that the $5,000 PILOT agreements are bad deals seem to make sense:

City Council President Kevin A. Jourdain said the size of the PILOT agreements other cities and towns are getting compared to Holyoke's is jarring.

It didn't make sense for Holyoke to settle for $5,000 per megawatt of energy produced at the solar installations when Ashburnham was getting $25,000, Southbridge $14,219, Chicopee $10,000, Whately $8,403 and Warren $7,000, for example, he said.

"It's been intimated to us that, $5,000, that's the going rate, but that doesn't seem to be the case as you look at the averages of all these other communities," Jourdain said. "Every single one is higher than $5,000."

"As a community we've got to make sure we are getting every buck that is due this wonderful community of ours, so I can't support $5,000. But, let's talk about other numbers."

Also, he said, the PILOT agreements as proposed lack key information. Specifics are absent about adjustments for inflation, a processing fee and a decommission bond, which would be money set aside to remove a potentially unsightly solar-panel array when it becomes obsolete, he said, "Something that looks like something from the surface of Mars."

Beauregard said earlier in the meeting that the need for decommissioning of solar installations has been considered, but Jourdain said the five proposals before the City Council lack such language.

Morse said the proposed $5,000 PILOT agreements are the same ones the city has been using for solar installations for four years. Keeping the PILOT at $5,000 helps the HGE charge its low rates, he said.

"There are different interests and needs in order to make a project happen here," he said.

Then Beauregard discussed items like net metering surcharge, reaching caps, kilowatt hours, wholesale energy prices, transmission and capacity costs, peak shaving benefits, the all-in rate and a nominal fee is nominal.

"That was a tremendous amount of information, I think, for all of us that aren't in the electrical production business, tough to digest," Councilor at Large Michael J. Sullivan said.

"I apologize," Beauregard said with a grin.

"That's OK," Sullivan said.

In short, Sullivan said, was it accurate to say the Holyoke $5,000 PILOT agreement is lower than those of other communities because HGE customers pay lower rates than those in other communities?

"Absolutely, and we want to keep it that way," Beauregard said.

3. Councilors must decide how much government regulation to establish:

Besides the PILOT agreements, the City Council Ordinance Committee is considering whether to restrict where solar-power installations can be located.

Such facilities would be limited to industrial and business zones by right, but proposals to permit them in a residential zone, aside from at individual homes, would require a special permit issued by the City Council, under the proposal.

The special permit process allows the City Council to hold public hearings about a proposal to let residents, business owners and others air views and concerns about a proposal's advantages and disadvantages.

The council in awarding a special permit can establish conditions on the holder of the permit.

Councilors disagreed whether regulating solar installations by special permit amounted to a government safeguard or obstacle.

Ordinance Committee member Rebecca Lisi said that residents' concerns about living within sight of an array of solar panels seem to call for strengthening the existing ordinance regarding screening and buffering, and then enforcing those rules, not requiring pursuit of a special permit.

"At the end of the day I just feel that a special permit from the City Council is just going to slow down the permitting process and is going to make us appear business-unfriendly, as we are often categorized," Lisi said.

"What we need is to perhaps have some stronger ordinance language for the smaller parcels (that are more likely to be abutting residential properties) but the special permit doesn't seem to be the logical solution to the issues that are being raised by the neighbors," she said.

Ordinance Committee Chairwoman Linda L. Vacon, who proposed the special permit order for solar installations, said the city has the authority to impose such limits to ensure the public welfare

"We are definitely well within our rights to be looking at how these particular projects are implemented in the city," Vacon said.

Jourdain agreed. The special permit process is a way for government to protect residents from a project that could reduce their quality of life, he said.

"That's what we do here, that's how government works, so I think this is just obviously common sense," he said.

Residents who buy homes have as much of an investment in Holyoke as an out-of-town business considering locating here, he said.

"I really don't care about Joe Banana from Walla Walla, Washington. I appreciate his business. But Mary and John and the three kids, I do care a hell of a lot more about them over on Rock Valley Road, so I want to make sure they're happy if they're going to be living next to whatever it is you're going to put there," Jourdain said.

Morse said the option of having solar power here is important. It is an attraction the city can offer a business that is considering a relocation, as long as such an option isn't accompanied by a regulation such as a special permit process that could be seen as a bureaucratic obstacle, he said.

"I just want to be sure that we're not being reactive to the sense that we prevent other solar developers from wanting to do business with the city in the first place ...," Morse said.

City officials are responsible both for protecting homeowners' investments and welcoming new businesses and jobs, he said.

4. Residents have made clear they're not thrilled about seeing an array of solar panels outside their windows:

Charles Bluemer of Rock Valley Road owns a 15-acre property adjacent to land owned by Forestdale Cemetery. He expressed concern about the solar facility going in there.

It is important that the city require buffer zones to protect homeowners from eyesores, he said.

"It does something not just to the neighborhood, but it does something to the total property values. I hope that the regulations will be written in such a way that buffer zones and distances from the property are taken into consideration," Bluemer said.

The special permit and enforcing its conditions are needed in each individual case, he said.

"Everyone promises to comply with all of the regulations, and they're going to comply with the minimum they have to do," he said.

Elizabeth Burns of Rock Valley Road said promises get made that developers will be required to install buffers.

"But who monitors that? I guess I just want to make sure that somebody follows up on that," Burns said.

Another concern is whether residents who live near such an array of solar panels need to fear that a project permitted at a certain number of acres could expand, she said.

5. It has happened before and it will happen again:

The Ordinance Committee continued to March 22 its considerations of the five proposed solar PILOT agreements and the proposal that calls for subjecting solar plans to special permit evaluation.

"I look forward to the committee taking action on this at the next meeting on the 22nd," Vacon said.

Here are the Holyoke City Council Ordinance Committee agenda items regarding the proposed solar-power installations and PILOT agreements:

• Ordered that the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Ryan & Boudreau LLC c/o Robert Baker, and in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, for payment in lieu of taxes ("PILOT") of certain personal property tax obligations.
• Ordered that the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Dinn Brothers, Inc., and in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, for payment in lieu of taxes ("PILOT") of certain personal property tax obligations.
• Ordered that the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Forestdale Cemetery Association, and in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, for payment in lieu of taxes ("PILOT") of certain personal property tax obligations.
• Ordered that the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and O'Connell Development Group, and in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, for payment in lieu of taxes ("PILOT") of certain personal property tax obligations.
• Ordered, that Ordered that the City Council approve and ratify an agreement between the City of Holyoke and Rita M. Lawler, Trustee of the Timothy J. Lawler Trust of 76 Alvord Place, South Hadley and David A. Begley and Estelle A. Begley Trustees of the Begley Family Realty Trust and in accordance with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 38H, for payment in lieu of taxes ("PILOT") of certain personal property tax obligations for a solar facility located on property at Martin St.. Map 120 Parcel 11, Holyoke, MA.

Information about the solar-tax proposals from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse given to city councilors:

Americans spent just over $60 billion on their pets last year, a record fueled by a big jump in what owners shelled out for services like grooming, boarding and training.

Each week, MassLive showcases pets available for adoption at shelters at rescue organizations in Western Massachusetts.

With the participation of the shelters listed below, many animals should be able to find a permanent home.

We also provide some pet related news items that we hope you will enjoy.

Americans pony up for pets

By SUE MANNING
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Americans spent just over $60 billion on their pets last year, a record fueled by a big jump in what owners shelled out for services like grooming, boarding and training.

Two age groups drove the increase: millennials, because of their lifestyle, and baby boomers, because of their age, said Bob Vetere, president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association.

Those groups in particular often look to others to keep their pets exercised and looking and feeling good. They also tend to hire pet-sitters and use boarding services.

Americans spent $5.4 billion on such pet services last year, up nearly 12 percent from 2014, according to the association's annual report released Thursday at the Global Pet Expo trade show in Florida. Here are some of its other findings:

Pet owner Tron Oliver holds Rocket, his York terrier, after filling a veterinarian prescription at the PetSmart Midtown store in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Americans spent just over $60 billion on their pets in 2015, a record fueled by a big jump in what owners shelled out for services like grooming, boarding and training.Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press 

By having others care for their pets, are owners not showing as much love as they used to?

"No, no, no," Vetere said. "I don't see this as a way people are trying to farm out their love for a pet. I think it's a way of increasing exposure to loving people."

The spike in service spending is expected to moderate in 2016 but still increase nearly 6 percent, more than any other area of pet spending.

More pills, fewer vet visits

The proliferation of reality TV shows featuring veterinarians like "The Incredible Dr. Pol" and "Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet" have focused more attention on the profession.

But the spending report found people are turning more to pharmacies, pet stores and food supplement stores for products to increase their animals' health and longevity.

Medications are being refined and mass marketed, increasing their quality and availability.

Spending on pet supplies and medication increased nearly 4 percent, compared with a 2.5 percent hike for veterinary services.

"If a pet is sick or injured, today's owner will run to the vet, but routine visits to the vet are down," Vetere said.

Live long and prosper

Americans are spending more to take care of their pets, but they aren't buying as many pets to begin with.

People in the U.S. spent about $2.1 billion on animals last year, down 1.4 percent from 2014. It was the second year in row that sales fell, and a third dip is expected in 2016, though the decline should moderate.

Reasons for the drop: Pets are living longer. The oldest baby boomers are reaching 70 and not replacing their animal companions.

Also, a growing number of cities across the country have banned the sale of dogs in pet stores in efforts to put puppy mills out of business.

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Dakin Humane Society reduces spay fee by $25 this month

SPRINGFIELD - During the month of March, Dakin Humane Society is reducing the regular cost of female dog spay surgery by $25 as part of its "spay date" promotion.

The surgeries are conducted at Dakin's Community Spay/Neuter Clinic at 171 Union St. in Springfield, and appointments may be booked by calling (413) 781-4019. To take advantage of the discount, callers must reference "spay date" when booking the surgery.

Corey Kurtz, interim director of development and marketing at Dakin, says "Pet parents who take this step are not only helping their dog's long-range health outlook, they're joining in the fight against animal homelessness. Our Clinic has conducted more than 66,000 spay/neuter surgeries in its seven years of operation, and we've got highly-qualified veterinarians who can help. Springtime is when people and their dogs will be outside more and coming into contact with each other, so it's an ideal time to consider spay surgery for female dogs."

Dakin, a local non-profit organization that relies solely on contributions from individuals and businesses that care about animals to bring its services to the community, treats about 20,000 animals a year. For more information, visit www.dakinhumane.org.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS SHELTERS:

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society
Address: 163 Montague Road, Leverett
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 548-9898
Website: www.dpvhs.org

Address: 171 Union St., Springfield
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 781-4000
Website: www.dpvhs.org

The following is a video of Trudy, a dog available for adoption at the T.J. O'Connor Animal Adoption and Control Center in Springfield.

Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center
Address: 627 Cottage St., Springfield
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Thursday, noon-7 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 781-1484
Website: tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

Westfield Homeless Cat Project
Address: 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield
Hours: Adoption clinics, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Website: http://www.whcp.petfinder.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfieldhomelesscatprojectadoptions

Westfield Regional Animal Shelter
Address: 178 Apremont Way, Westfield
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 564-3129
Website: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ma70.html

Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter and Adoption Center
Address: 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 676-9182
Website: http://fcrdogkennel.org/contact.html

Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility
Address: 11 Depot St., Southwick
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 569-5348, ext. 649
Website: http://southwickpolice.com/chief-david-a-ricardis-welcome/animal-control/

Berkshire Humane Society
Address: 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 447-7878
Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/

Purradise Feline Adoption
Address: 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington
Hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Friday,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Telephone: (413) 717-4244
Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/contact-us/

"Sit on that chair and don't make any noise or I'll knock another tooth out," Mark Provenzano, 21, of Chicopee, told the victim after sucker punching him during a party at a Cumberland Street apartment, according to the arrest report.

SPRINGFIELD - Two brothers are being held on $10,000 bail each after allegedly assaulting a couple at a Springfield house party and then refusing to let them leave for two hours.

"Sit on that chair and don't make any noise or I'll knock another tooth out," Mark Provenzano, 21, of Chicopee, told the male victim after sucker punching him at a Cumberland Street apartment on March 5, according to the arrest report.

During the party, Provenzano allegedly took the man's hat and then struck him in the face when he asked for it back. The victim's girlfriend was shoved and repeatedly punched after she tried to grab the hat back from Provenzano, the report said.

When the couple tried to leave, Provenzano stopped them, saying: "You two aren't going anywhere," according to the report.

Provenzano and his brother, Kevin Provenzano, 19, also of Chicopee, were arrested this week and charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault.

Flanked by four court officers, they pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday in Springfield District Court as their mother watched from the gallery.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski asked for cash bail, citing the new offenses and the brothers' criminal history.

Mark Provenzano is on probation in Hampden Superior Court for kidnapping and assault charges and on bail in Chicopee, Westfield and Eastern Hampshire District Court in pending cases, Szafranski said.

Kevin Provenzano also has a case pending in Eastern Hampshire District Court, Szafranski said.

The prosecutor asked Judge Judge William Boyle to revoke the brothers' release in their pending cases and impose $10,000 bail for Mark Provenzano and $5,000 for Kevin Provenzano on the new charges.

A neighbor called police around 3 a.m. after hearing arguing and a loud thump coming from an apartment at 54 Cumberland St., according to Szafranski and the arrest report.

When police arrived, they heard a child crying inside; they kicked the door down
after the occupants refused to open it; by then, the couple and their alleged assailants had left, the report said.

Police were later called to Baystate Medical Center to speak to the two assault victims; the male, who was missing a tooth and had blood stains on his shirt, told police Mark Provenzano had taken his hat during the party and refused to return it, the report said.

After repeated requests for the hat, Provenzano struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. "He was hit so hard he fell to the kitchen floor and upon standing up observed blood on the floor," the report said.

At that point, both brothers began punching the victim. When his girlfriend grabbed the hat back from Mark Provenzano, she was punched several times and pushed into a cabinet, she told police.

The couple told police they were held against their will for two hours; they escaped out the back door when police began pounding on the front door, the report said.

Defense lawyer Brandon Freeman, representing Kevin Provenzano, opposed the bail request.

The younger Provenzano is mentioned only once in the arrest report, said Freeman, adding that police never interviewed the party's host or other "objective" witnesses to the incident.

He works full time at a pool company in Ludlow, and is the prime caretaker for his 85-year-old grandmother, Freeman said.

An intern defense lawyer representing Mark Provenzano asked for his release, saying the kidnapping charge was excessive given the circumstances of the alleged assault.

"We're not talking about weapons, or drugs or gang rivalries. We're talking about a hat," said Adwoa Nkrumah, adding that her client also plays an important role in caring for his elderly grandmother.

Like his younger brother, Mark Provenzano grew up in the area, has strong family ties and poses no flight risk, Nkrumah said.

At the prosecutor's request, Boyle set bail at $10,000 for Mark Provenzano and revoked bail in his three open cases.

He doubled the bail request for Kevin Provenzano, setting the figure at $10,000, and revoked his release in the open case in Eastern Hampshire District Court.

Even if they post bail on the new charges, the Provenzanos will remain in jail for at least 90 days due to the bail revocations.

As the brothers were led from the courtroom, their mother called out "I love you" and began sobbing.

Solar farms are regulated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the city cannot ban them.

CHICOPEE - The city wants to tighten up its site plan review process for solar farms in response to residents' complaints about the latest proposal to install the electric-generating panels on the long-closed landfill on Burnett Road.

Solar farms are regulated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the city cannot reject a proposal to have one installed.

But City Councilor Timothy S. McLellen, who represents the Burnett Road area, said he researched the issue and has found at least one other community which has an ordinance that is designed to regulate them some.

"We want to tighten our site plan review process with solar farms," he said.

While the city cannot ban solar farms, it can require companies to plant trees or install fences around the property to screen the panels from neighbors. It can also regulate access to the locations and require other things to protect the neighborhoods, McLellan said.

The City Council sent to the proposal to the Planning Board. That group will now create a new ordinance or tighten up existing regulations.

The effort to improve the ordinance came after a February Planning Board meeting where the Boston-based Southern Sky Renewable Energy unveiled plans to build a two-megawatt solar farm on the capped landfill on Burnett Road.

A number of residents protested the idea, saying it would be an eyesore, lower property values and some simply said they don't want it. Planning officials however explained the meeting was simply informational and they could not reject the plans.

This is the second time Chicopee residents have protested a proposal to build a solar farm in the city.

Citizens Energy Corp., of Boston, leased about 30 acres of vacant land at the corner of Pendleton Street and Memorial Drive from St. Stanislaus Basilica and installed about 10,000 solar panels in 2012.

That proposal brought mixed reviews from neighbors. Some said it would create an eyesore while others said they liked the fact the low-impact development would prevent a big box store or something else from being built on the property near Memorial Drive.

The city is also in the process of demolishing about 120 vacant homes off Outer Drive near Westover Air Reserve Base and is planning to lease that property to be used as a solar farm. Residents have so far spoken in favor of the plan.

Visitors to the Holyoke St. Patrick's events can find spaces at parking garages, on main and side streets and in some private lots, as well as at Holyoke Community College, from which a shuttle will run for Saturday's road-race spectators.

HOLYOKE -- Thousands of vehicles and visitors will pour into the city for the Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race Saturday and the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Sunday, and yet, parking doesn't have to be a nightmare.

The key is to arrive early for both events -- the more time allowed, the better the chances of getting a parking space closer to the action, officials said.

Also: Don't be afraid to park blocks away from the events and walk, the distance facilitating a faster get-away because of separation from the crowds when it's time to leave, they said.

The two downtown parking garages will be open Saturday and Sunday at $5 for all day parking. But the two garages combined, the Ernest Proulx on Dwight Street (430) and the William Taupier on Suffolk Street (375), offer only 805 spaces.

Parking also is available downtown around Lyman and High streets -- an area of focus on both days -- with on-street spaces and in private parking lots that probably will charge a fee. But those parking spots fill fast.

Among the private lots that may be available are those at Open Square Way, City Hall at 536 Dwight St., across from the United Postal Service on Dwight Street, and Mater Dolorosa School, 25 Maple St.

Side streets off the main roads that are featured in both days' events remain popular parking spots, though it might take some driving around to find a space on both busy days. Spaces on side streets are available on a first-come basis and as long as visitors don't block private driveways.

Like last year, a free shuttle will be available on road race day for those who want to park at Holyoke Community College.

Police Capt. Manuel Febo said the city welcomes visitors and requests that they exercise planning and patience. He suggested the tactic of parking blocks and away and walking.

"I would say get there early," Febo said.

The 41st St. Patrick's 10K (6.2-mile) Road Race begins at 1 p.m. at Maple and Lyman streets at 1 p.m.

"On-street parking is available on all city streets but is limited to first-come basis. Please obey all posted signs and temporary signs posted by the Holyoke Police Department," the road race website said.

Lyman Street will be closed to traffic Saturday at 8 a.m. and the parts of Hampden and Maple streets in that area will be closed to traffic around 9 a.m., Febo said.

On road-race day, those who want to skip the hunt for a space can park at Holyoke Community College (HCC) on Homestead Avenue and take a free shuttle to Mater Dolorosa School near the race's starting point, the road race website said.

The first shuttle will leave HCC at 9 a.m. Those who want to be at the starting line for the beginning of the race must be at the college no later than noon to catch the shuttle, the website said.

The last shuttle will run at 5 p.m., the website said.

The parade is the weekend's rock star. It pulls in hundreds of thousands of visitors and this year's is the 65th straight.

The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. from the Kmart plaza at Northampton Street and Whiting Farms Road.

The 3-mile journey goes down Northampton Street, right on Beech Street, right on Appleton Street and left on High Street to its end on Hampden Street three to four hours later.

Police will close Northampton Street (Route 5) from Hitchcock Street south to the Kmart plaza to all traffic at 10:30 a.m. Sunday unless someone is escorted by police, Febo said.

At 11 a.m., Northampton Street from the Yankee Pedlar Inn at Beech Street south to the Kmart plaza will be closed to traffic, he said.

Barriers in the form of police cruisers and wooden horses will be posted at certain spots to block traffic.

All of the streets that comprise the routes for the road race and the parade will be closed to traffic while those events are taking place. Most will reopen by around 3 or 4 p.m. on both days as the race and the parade recede from each street. But High and Maple streets downtown will stay closed to traffic later on both days because those areas fill with people as the events end there later on both days, Febo said.

The shuttle and use of the parking garages worked well last year, said William D. Fuqua, general superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

The city received $2,325 in revenue from parking at the Proulx garage and $1,550 from the Taupier garage on last year's road race and parade days, he said.

Nick Cocchi's campaign for Hampden County sheriff continued to pick up support this week, with a local law enforcement union endorsing his bid.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ Nick Cocchi's campaign for Hampden County sheriff continued to pick up support this week, with a local law enforcement union endorsing his bid.

According to a release from Cocchi's campaign, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 583 Hampden Police Department voted unanimously to back the Ludlow Democrat's sheriff bid.

IBPO Local 583 Union President Officer Scott Trombly praised Cocchi's work as a deputy superintendent with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department.

"We believe your continued commitment to the sheriff's department for the last 21 years and your education in the field's of business and government are the qualities we need from the next sheriff," he wrote in the union's letter of endorsement.

Trombly added that IBPO Local 583 looks forward to working with Cocchi as the new Hampden County sheriff, saying it believes together they can make the law enforcement community and society better.

"You are the man to achieve that goal," he said.

Cocchi, who noted his campaign has been working hard to hear from public safety officials across the county, said he was proud to receive the union's unanimous vote of endorsement.

"It is important to me that they know what I hope to do both for, and with them, to support our mutual mission in every corner of this county," he said in a statement. "All of the local law enforcement unions I've met with, from the rank-and-file to the supervisory level, from Ludlow and Wilbraham to Westfield and Tolland, have reminded me that we need to have each other's backs in the work we do to defend and protect, as well as to educate the public and prevent crime."

The endorsement is among many Cocchi's campaign has received in recent months. Others throwing their support behind his bid for sheriff include: the Hampden County Sheriff's Department Law Enforcement Division, Local 404 of the Teamsters union and the Hampden County Superior Corrections Officers Association.

Cocchi has also received formal endorsements from state Rep. Brian Ashe, Hampden County Register of Deeds Donald Ashe and Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst, among others.

Outgoing Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr. has also actively campaigned for Cocchi.

While Cocchi has been racking up endorsements, fellow Hampden County sheriff hopeful Michael Albano, a former Springfield mayor and current governor's councilor, has announced he would "not seek the endorsement of any elected official" during his campaign.

Aside from Cocchi and Albano, Jack Griffin, a retired addiction specialist with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, and James Gill, an assistant deputy superintendent in the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, have also entered the sheriff's race.

Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe, meanwhile, is expected to announce his bid for Hampden County sheriff Friday evening.