Committee refers Councilor Rivera's mission, vision and core-values orders to DGR for review

The Holyoke Public Service Committee on Nov. 20 voted unanimously to send three related orders from Councilor Israel Rivera — a proposed vision statement, a mission statement and a list of core values for the City Council — to DGR for review and to forward that recommendation to the full City Council.

Rivera said the intention of his filings was to provide a starting point for a council-level mission and vision aligned with the city's goals. Reading from a draft, Rivera offered a mission that begins: "The mission of the Holyoke City Council is to provide transparent, accountable, and community centered legislation leadership for all residents of Holyoke." He told the committee he shared a draft document via email and sought more time and input from other council members.

Members discussed options (sending to full council, tabling, or referral to DGR). Rivera said sending the items to DGR would give more members time to review while keeping progress moving. Councilor Graney moved to send Items 4–6 to DGR and the motion was seconded by Chair Burgos; the committee voted 3-0 in favor. A staff member clarified the referral will appear with a recommendation on the next full City Council meeting agenda and DGR would take up the referral thereafter.

Separately, Item 3 was kept on the table because Jeff Burkhart was not present to participate in that discussion.

The referral does not adopt the mission or vision; it sends the draft language for broader review and discussion in DGR and at the full council level.