Holyoke Veterans Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Meeting, 8/15/25

Meeting Minutes

A. Call to Order 10:03 a.m.

• Reminded members that the use of AI for note taking or recording at DCAMM meetings is prohibited except in limited cases as approved by the General Counsel.

Members in Attendance:

Members Present:

• Karen Courtney
• Andrea Gayle Bennett
• Bonnie Borch-Rote (Amanda LaCroix|proctor)
• Laddy Rua
• Liseth Velez (Micala Britto)
   

Members Absent:

• Marcony Almeida-Barros
• Colton Andrews
• Rubens Boursiquot
• Maxime Charles
• John Cruz
• Micheal Euvrard
• Colleen Fonseca
• Aisha Miller
• Nicole Obi
• Debora Olson
• Michael Rybicki
• Mary-dith Tuitt

Confirmed that all present can hear and participate.

B. Administrative Matters

• Charles Kelsey thanked the participants for joining the virtual meeting. With gratitude for lending their time and talents to the AIDC, Charles Kelsey inquired if anyone had any topics to place on the next agenda. Charles Kelsey informed the group that he had reached out to Rubens Borrisquot who requested to stay on as a committee member. Charles introduced new AIDC committee member, Laddy Rua, Director of Veterans Services, City Holyoke.

C. No vote was taken to approve meeting minutes due to lack of committee members to establish a quorum.

D. DCAMM project overview and schedule update
Nathalie Assens provided the updates

• Officially announced that the proejct is still on track and making progress. Phase 1 substantial completion date is scheduled for this fall 2026.
• Progress photographs were shared with the committee, including aerial photos of north and south side façade.
• Roofing and metal panel installation has completed. Additional duct work has been installed.
• Masonry work is ongoing and compete on the south side.
• Drywall installation, painting and taping is ongoing.
• Mock-ups of nurse station, resident room and bathrooms is ongoing.
• Elevator installation is ongoing.

E. Update from Commodore/Walsh

• Karellis Rivera reported no changes from previous month. All contract values and payments to diverse firms through June 2025 presented. All workforce goals are being exceeded with it being specifically noted that women particpation has increased as more tradespeople begin to work on the project. Commodore|Walsh hosted students from Springfield Community College. They will commence weekly tours in the fall.

F. Outreach Update

• Suzzette Waters from DCAMM was recognized to provide updates on recent and upcoming outreach initiatives. Suzette Waters mentioned an SDO/DCAMM Construction Opportunity Event scheduled for Oct 8, 2025.

G. Public Question/Comment Period

• No questions from the public. Charles Kelsey asked committee members about potential scheduling conflicts with an upcoming veterans memorial celebration. No action was taken.

H. Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn moved at 10:22 a.m.
  Reminder: Next meeting is Friday, September 19th at 10AM (virtual)
  For additional information, including video recordings, approved minutes, and presentations on the Holyoke Veterans’ Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion & Diversity Committee webpage.