Holyoke Veterans Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Meeting, 9/19/25

Meeting Minutes

A. Call to Order 10:04 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:

• Marcony Almeida-Barros
• Karen Courtney
• John Cruz
• Bonnie Borch-Rote (Amanda LaCroix|proctor)
• Dr. Aisha Miller
• Allysa Benaflew-Ramos (for Nicole Obi, BECMA)
• Debora Olson
• Michael Rybicki
• Laddy Rua
• Liseth Velez (Micala Britto)
   

Members Absent:

• Colton Andrews
• Andrea Gayle Bennett
• Rubens Boursiquot (Undecided)
• Maxime Charles
• Micheal Euvrard
• Colleen Fonseca (Abandoned)
• Mary-dith Tuitt

 Confirmed that all present can hear and participate.

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 for consideration. Cancellation of future meetings.
• Question: If there is veteran’s event that conflicts with AIDC meeting, does the committee want to cancel the meeting in advance knowing that many members will not be there to participate?
• Answer: Yes. Fine with most members.

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

C. Vote to approve July and August 2025 Meeting Minutes.

• Meeting minutes prepared by DCAMM team shared with Committee members for review.
• July Motion: Yes John Cruz Second: Yes Deb Olsen
• August Motion: Yes Dr. Asia Miller Second: Yes John Cruz

D. Update from Commodore/Walsh

• Nathalie Assens provided updates, Work in progress:
• Aerial photos of north and south side façade
• Geothermal well area, ADA walkway
• Metal panel and AHU installation
• Masonry work ongoing
• Drywall installation, painting and taping is ongoing on lower levels
• Mock-ups of nurse station, resident room and bathrooms
• Elevator installation is ongoing

Karellis Rivera reported no changes from previous month. All contract values and payments to diverse firms through July 2025 presented. All workforce goals are being exceeded. Commodore|Walsh will host in the future Mass Girls in Trade conferences and career fairs.

E. Outreach Update

• Suzzette Waters from DCAMM was recognized to provide updates on recent and upcoming outreach initiatives. Suzette Waters mentioned Construction Opp Event Oct 8, 2025.

F. Public Question/Comment Period

• No questions from the public. Dr. Aisha Miller inquired about the 10/8/ DCAMM Construction Opportunity outreach event.
• Second roll call conducted.

H. Adjournment

• Request for motion to adjourn, moved at 10:31.
  Reminder: Next meeting Friday, October 17th at 10AM (virtual)
  For additional information, including video recordings, approved minutes, and presentations on the Holyoke Veterans’ Home Reconstruction Access, Inclusion & Diversity Committee webpage.