Holyoke City Council Meeting August 5, 2025

published August 1, 2025, 12:10 p.m.

Meeting will take place at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can also be accessed remotely via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85914960000?pwd=QVBqSkJvd0pSZENmNFdDbnVXTnVTUT09
Meeting ID: 859 1496 0000 Meeting Passcode: 657908 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with same Meeting ID and Passcode.

Live Spanish interpretation will be available on local access channel 15 using the television’s SAP option, through the live stream on the city website, as well as on the Zoom feed by clicking the interpretation option and choosing Spanish.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
7:00 PM

AGENDA

AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL

AUGUST 5, 2025

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

1.         — November 1, 2022, December 5, 2023, February 6, 2024, and June 11, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and partially released as of April 15, 2025

2.         — January 22, 2024, September, 4, 2024 Executive Session and December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of April 15, 2025

3.         April 15, 2025 Executive Session minutes – not yet reviewed.

4.         From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos- meeting minutes from June 17, June 23, and June 30, 2025.

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

5.         From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, minutes of February 18, 2025 meeting.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

6.         From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Stephen Fay to serve on the Local Historic Commission.  Mr. Fay will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.

7.         From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Helene Busby of 90 Brookline Ave to serve on the Board of Park and Rec. Ms. Busby will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028.

8.         From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Ms. Lauren Niles to serve as on the Local Historic District Commission.  Ms. Niles will serve  three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.

9.         From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Jeremy Smith of 485 Hillside Ave to serve on the Library Board.  Mr. Smith will serve a year year term expiring in February 26, 2026.

10.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. R. Andrew Parker of 170 Mountain View Dr. to serve on the Library Board. Mr. Parker will service a two-year term expiring February 2027.

 

11.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. Josh Knox of 40 Morgan St to serve on the Board of Appeals.  Mr. Knox will serve a three-year term expiring July 1, 2028.

12.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Christopher Gauthier to serve on Local Historic District Commission.  Mr. Gauthier will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.

13.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Margaret Whitehead of 160 Pearl St. to serve on the Library Board. Ms. Whitehead will replace Ms. Blanchard and will serve a three year term expiring February 2028.

14.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Joseph Charles Mazzola to serve on the Local Historic District Commission.  Mr. Mazzola will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.

15.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Meghan Connolly of 9 McMahon Drive to serve on the Library Board. Ms. Connolly will replace Mr. Thomas Gilchrist and will serve the remainder of his term expiring February 2027.

16.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Lauren Niles to serve as an Alternate of the Historical Commission.  Ms. Niles will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.

17.       From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Christian Carde-Guzman of 203 W Franklin St  to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Mr. Carde-Guzman’s term will expire June 30, 2026.

18.       From Councilor Bartley- Editorial – re Elmwood Forest

19.       From Councilor Barltey-Viewpoint – Garcia

20.       From Councilor Jourdain-communication for Joint Committee agenda – request to discuss resource officers for New Peck Middle School

21.       From City Auditor Tanya Wdowiak:  FY2025 & FY2026 YTD General Fund and Sewer Enterprise Budget vs Actual Expense Reports

22.       From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, Ambulance transport services feasibility study final report

23.       MDAR – Wedgewood Terrace- Animal Health Order

24.       From Attorney Generals Office-OML 2025-100 – Holyoke City Council

25.       From Community Preservation Act Committee-FY26 Operating Budget

26.       City of Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting- SIGNED TRUST MINUTES June 2, 2025

27.       From Board of Fire Commission- meeting minutes from May 21, 2025 and June 18, 2025.

28.       Grant Completion Form – FY24 MEMA Program $9,500 grant

29.       Grant Completion Form –  FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Program Round 2 $11,660 grant

30.       Grant Completion Form – FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Program Round 1 $24,081 grant

 

PETITIONS

31.       Petition from Residents of Sequia Dr. and Cypress Rd- application for Speed Humps

32.       Petition of Christian Carde Guzman of 203 W Franklin St for a special permit for driveway construction

33.       Petition from Raul Montes of 33 Mountainview St. Springfield for a Street Vendor Permit

34.       Petition from Kristin Fontaine of 1 Meadow St. for a Home Occupation for a Cottage Kitchen.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

35.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special Permit Application of Alan Fini for the creation of a Fini family cemetery at 2 Fini Road (179-00-003) per 9.3.
Awaiting disposition

36.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special Permit Application for Home Occupation of Robert Rose at 414 Hillside Ave Suite 167 (124-00-108) for a custom fabrication shop per sec 4.8.2.
Awaiting disposition

37.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a  Special Permit Application for Home Occupation of Ella Sussman and Tyrone Obanner at 1-9 Martin Street (122-00-018) for a psychotherapy/psychiatric outpatient mental health practice per sec 4.8.2.
Awaiting disposition

38.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special Permit Application of LN Berneche, Inc for a motor vehicle repair garage in the IG zone at 37 Appleton Street (036-01-002) per sec 7.2.13 (a).
Awaiting disposition

39.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Adam Mulcahy and Christina Guesk-Notification of Intent to sell under MGL
Awaiting disposition

40.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Kestrel Land Trust, letter regarding right of first refusal for Mountain Road parcel under Chapter 61A
Awaiting disposition

41.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Clerk meet with the City Council to discuss the potential streamlining of poll locations in Wards 1, 2 and 5 as we have already done in Wards 3, 4, 6 and 7.  All of these other Wards seem to function fine with one polling location and it would be a potential cost savings and less administrative burden to use the one location per ward method.
Awaiting disposition

42.       The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order In an effort to promote efficiency while upholding quality of life standards, Order that the City Council invite department heads involved with permitting in to review special permit processes. Incomplete applications regularly come before DGR.  The current process is incredibly inefficient wasting 8-10 hours, per applicant, in efforts from the Clerk’s office, the Planning department, the Planning Board, building department, as well as City council and subcommittees. Our permitting Ordinance should be reviewed and updated if needed.
Awaiting disposition

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

43.       Vacon- ORDER:  that the conservation commission provide minutes of the process & summary of discussion & votes for the wetlands enforcement order at 77 Mayer Drive and provide any appeal process available to neighbors/abutters.
Send to Public Safety

44.       Vacon- ORDER:  that the temporary speed humps approved for Upland Road (for the petition that was filed in 2021), be installed as soon as possible.  When the speed humps are installed, the engineer re-evaluate the need for “no parking” areas on Upland Rd. that were installed while waiting for the speed humps.  Some residents are requesting the removal of the “no parking” areas.

45.       Vacon- ORDER: that a portable speed feedback sign be installed on or near pole #52 on County Road as drivers are traveling at high speed in the area per multiple reports.

46.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that St. Jerome from Dwight to Sargeant be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph. Speeding has been an issue and the limit being higher than the citywide limit seems to give drivers the sense they can go much faster  Send to Ord.

47.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the DPW replace the stop sign on Linden at Mackenzie with a flashing stop sign.
Refer to public safety.

48.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the City Engineer review Jarvis Avenue near Jarvis Heights to see if some of the no parking section that stretches from Alma to Cherry can be changed. There is a resident who needs handicap parking closer to their home because the available handicap parking in the complex is a long distance away.

49.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that a new streetlight be installed proximate to 230 West Franklin Street at the corner of Sycamore.

50.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the sidewalk on the west side of St Jerome be repaired as the sidewalk is in very poor condition, forcing anyone in a wheelchair to go into the street.

51.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the HPD monitor Linden Street from Sargeant to Mackenzie for speeding. Several constituents have expressed frustration with drivers speeding.

52.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the trees on West Franklin from St Jerome to Beech be trimmed. Constituents have expressed concern about driving out of side streets and having their line of sight impaired by the trees.

53.       Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the sidewalks on on both sides of Sycamore between West Franklin and Mackenzie Ave be redone. They are so narrow that a standard wheelchair does not fit and their conditions are a safety hazard.

54.       Bartley, Rivera, I.- The speed limit on Laurel Street be reduced to 25 MPH.  Refer to Ordinance, City Engineer.

55.       Bartley-City Council suspend its Rule 2-A., cancel its second meeting in September currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 and reschedule it.  The reason for this request is that this date is set aside by The Big E as its traditional Salute to Holyoke / Salute to Rhode Island.

56.       Bartley- HPS add signage to the west side of the Wm. Peck School stating the school’s name.  Refer to Joint Committee.

57.       Bartley- Constituent (business) request.  Ordered that the city engineer, DPW Highway Dept., develop a plan to install safety measures at the Northampton St. (Rt 5) and Beech St. (Rt 202) intersection.  Specifically, create and implement a plan so that motorists traveling N on Rt. 5 who are turning right on red onto Rt. 202 North allow motorists traveling S on Rt. 5 who are turning Left on a green arrow onto Rt. 202 to turn safely.  Per constituent, too many close calls.  Refer to City Engineer and public safety committee.

58.       Bartley- The City Council issue a proclamation to the memory of USAF Major William H. Lloyd Jr., Holyoke resident, Vietnam War combat veteran (350 combat missions), and person who designed and created Holyoke’s Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans’ Park.  He lived to 89.  He passed away 7/15/2025.  The proclamation can be presented to the War Memorial Commission at its upcoming Veterans’ Day service.

59.       Bartley, Vacon- ORDER The sidewalk on the west side of Holyoke Street (street leading to the Mall) is difficult to navigate due to the vegetation overgrowth.  DPW plans to cut the vegetation back; ordered that a communication be sent by DPW to city council advising of status.

60.       Devine- ORDERED:  an addition to the sidewalk list: ordered that the sidewalk in front of Holyoke Media on Suffolk Street be repaired.

61.       Devine- That Pouliot Pool be opened until after Labor Day if possible.

62.       Devine, Magrath-Smith-Ordered that the Fire Department drive up Old Basset Road and report back as to the status of the road in relation to the larger fire trucks/engines re: safety/turning around, water etc.  The report should reference whether the road should be paved.

63.       Devine, Vacon-ORDERED: that a proclamation be given to Gary Rome in recognition of being named the 2025 Hyundai dealer of the year and the Board of Excellence award from Hyundai.

64.       Devine, Magrath-Smith-Ordered that if Basset Road is declare a state road, then the State should pave it asap.

65.       Devine- ORDERED: That the DGR Committee meet with the owner of 689 Main Street (Assessors Map 055 Block 00, Parcel 009) to discuss the minutes of 5/21/2024 which seem to reflect that the DGR Committee and full council voted to remove any reverter clause that was previously released on this property.

66.       Devine-Ordered that forestry department trim the 2 trees on the tree belt in front of 202 Locust Street.  Thank you.

67.       Devine- ORDER that the Council approve the changes to Holyoke Code of Ordinances Chapter 86 Schedule IV: Stop Streets associated with implementation of all-way stop control at the following locations as detailed in the memorandum of changes associated with the MassDOT All-Way Stop Control (ASWC) Program prepared by the Assistant City Engineer, dated July 29, 2025:
•           Appleton Street at Elm Street
•           Cabot Street at Nick Cosmos Way
•           Dwight Street at Pine Street
•           Sargeant Street at Commercial Street
•           Sargeant Street at Elm Street
•           Sargeant Street at Sycamore Street
•           West Franklin Street at Linden Street

68.       Devine- The City issue a proclamation for Marilyn Turgeon who is retiring on July 15.  She has been with the City for over 40 years!

69.       Devine-ORDERED that the ordinance committee review the ordinance for repairing cars on city streets or in driveways, particularly the changes that were made a few years ago that allowed certain repairs to be made on the street or in driveways.

70.       Devine, Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that 2 lanes from Linden Street onto Beech Street be designated as a left turn lane and a right turn lane and painted with the appropriate turn arrows.

71.       Devine- ORDER that the various traffic schedules contained in Holyoke Code of Ordinances Chapter 86 Article IX be updated as detailed in the memorandum of changes required by the upcoming City Center Connector Project prepared by the Assistant City Engineer, dated July 29, 2025.

72.       DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO AND 11/100 Dollars ($9,342.11) as follows:
FROM
12401-51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES                     $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11
TO:
12402-53050 INSPECTIONS-ELECTRIC                 $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11

73.       Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSACHUSETTS SAFE & SUCCESSFUL YOUTH INITIATIVE (SSYI), $709,700, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.

74.       Devine- Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the REVISED “FY2023 SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL, $197,850, LOCAL FUNDS $24,570 / IN KIND MATCH $15,000” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.

75.       Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2026 COMMUNITY MITIGATION FUND, $294,000, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.

76.       Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY23 COPS OFFICE ANTI-HEROIN TASK FORCE PROGRAM, $10,000, NO MATCH” grant and authorizes the establishment of a Fund or other method appropriate for the accounting of the receipts and expenditures of all resources associated with the administration of said grant.
Sec 2-509 – Grant Reporting
Any city department, of which has received grant funding by approval of the city council pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, or any other authorizing criteria, shall within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 60 days from the conclusion of said grant, generate a detailed report which outlines the planned outcomes with the documented actual results. Said report shall be submitted to the city clerk for addition to the city council’s next agenda.

77.       Devine- Ordered, that the amount of THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,250.00) be authorized from the BUILDING Department’s ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS (12402-53050) appropriation in fiscal year 2026 for services rendered in fiscal year 2025 which were unencumbered at the 2025 fiscal year end.

78.       Devine- ORDER that the Council approve the changes to Holyoke Code of Ordinances Chapter 86 Schedule IV: Stop Streets associated implementation of stop control on local side streets intersection Homestead Ave between Westfield Rd and Cherry St as detailed in the memorandum prepared by the Assistant City Engineer, dated July 29, 2025.

79.       Givner- order that Ward 4 polling location switch to YMCA from St. Paul’s Church Parish, 485 Appleton St to improve accessibility.

80.       Givner- In service of health and safety, order to install no parking pavement paint and signage at both sides of the driveway to the building at 156 Oak St. The building dumpster is accessed through the driveway. Service vehicles are unable to access dumpsters, due to uniforced minimum parking distance to driveway violations, causing health concerns and fees to the property owner.

81.       Greaney – Ordered that the Board of Health Director come before the City Council ASAP to discuss the department’s operations.

82.       Jourdain- Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee review with School leadership the final school budget for FY 26 and the final appropriations from the state.  Committee also review expected state and federal grants to be received during the upcoming fiscal year.

83.       Jourdain- Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee review with School leadership the opening of the new Peck School and ensure everything is remaining on track.

84.       Jourdain-That the City Council issue a proclamation to Brian Harris recognizing his 42 years of dedicated service to the City of Holyoke and the Holyoke School Department.  The City Council thanks Brian for his dedication to our schools, students and athletes for so many years and we wish him much success and a happy healthy retirement.

85.       Jourdain-That a section of Pine Street extended from Resnic Blvd to the back parking lot of the high school be dedicated and named “Ronald Collamore Way” in honor of Ronald Collamore and his over four decades of service to the Holyoke public schools as a member of the School Committee.  Please see attached highlighted map for a further description.

86.       Jourdain- That Ordinance 2-421 regarding times when meetings are to be conducted be amended to add the elected multi-member bodies of city including the City Council and School Committee.

87.       Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that the City Council approve for their consideration $15,000 from the CPA budget to be used for “small grants” as outlined in the attached letter from the Holyoke Community Preservation Committee.

88.       Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Council consider for its approval the FY26 budget from the Holyoke Community Preservation Committee. Note, this is the last budget that will be funded under the previous 1.5% surcharge. The FY27 budget will decrease by approximately one-third.

89.       Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the Ordinance Committee revise Section 74-98 of our ordinances concerning private property and vegetation to balance the need for public health and safety with emergent gardening practices focused on ecological stewardship. Revise the current language to create clarity concerning exemptions or alternative compliance measures for properties dedicated to native landscaping, pollinator habitats, or organic gardening practices.

90.       Magrath-Smith – An order to declare Parcel Holyoke Assessors Map 144, Block 00, Parcel 057, Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA as surplus property. The City has been approached by an abutter looking to purchase the property to combine the lots and build a home on the same. The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $8,500.00.

91.       Murphy-Romboletti-Ordered That the Polling Place for each of the voting precinct in the City of Holyoke for the Preliminary Election to be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, be and the same are hereby designated as follows:
ORDENA, que los lugares para cada recinto en la Ciudad de Holyoke para las Elecciones Preliminar Esta que se llevaran a cabo el Martes, 16 de Septiembre 2025 sea y al igual, por este medio designado lo siguente:
WARD ONE   BARRIO UNO
PRECINCT A – Rosary Towers Recreation Room 21 Bowers St..
RECINTO A—Rosary Towers Recreation Room  21 de la Calle Bowers
PRECINCT B— Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.
RECINTO B— Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
WARD FIVE   BARRIOS CINCO
PRECINCT A – Lt. Elmer J. McMahon School Gym, Kane Rd.
RECINTO A—Gimnasio de la Escuela McMahon, en la Calle Kane
PRECINCT B – Maurice A. Donahue School Gym, Whiting Farms Rd.
RECINTO B—Gimnasio de la Escuela Donahue, en la Calle Whiting Farms

92.       Murphy-Romboletti Ordered That the Preliminary Election in the City of Holyoke for the choice of City Officers be, and the same is hereby called to be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in one polling place as designated by the City Council.  The poll will be opened at 7:00 a.m. in the forenoon and closed at 8:00 p.m. of said day, and all the voters in ward 1 and ward 5 in which they are entitled to vote, between said hours, may cast their votes by voting machines and paper ballots for the election of:
CITY COUNCILOR WARD ONE(1)
SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD FIVE (5)

93.       Rivera, J- Order that the City of Holyoke install a handicap parking sign in front of 34 North Summer Street, where Mr. Jose Guzman resides. Additionally, that the pedestrian crosswalk lines near this address be repainted to ensure safety for residents and pedestrians in the area.

94.       Rivera, J- Ordered That the City of Holyoke place appropriate signage designating a “Loading and Unloading Zone for Deliveries” at the side entrance of the Cayey Social Club, located on Hamilton Street, which serves as the delivery access point for the club located at 273 Main Street.  This designation is being requested to facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of supplies to the Cayey Social Club and to prevent congestion or improper parking in the area.

 

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

95.       DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($24,146.64) as follows:
FROM
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS            $  4,261.81
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                 3,689.65
12101-51107 PATROLMEN               16,195.18
TOTAL            $24,146.64
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $24,146.64
TOTAL            $24,146.64
*Added August 4, 2025, 1:00 p.m.

96.       DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($250,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51117 DISPATCH                  $  50,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                 50,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN               100,000
12101-51103 CAPTAINS                      50,000
TOTAL            $250,000
TO:
12101-51300 HPD OVERTIME                     $250,000
TOTAL            $250,000
*Added August 4, 2025, 1:00 p.m.

 

Addendum:
Per City Council rule 2B, meeting shall end by 10 PM unless an extension is approved by a two-thirds majority of those present. If any items remain, those items will be added to the beginning of the next regular meeting.
The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the chair which may be
discussed at the meeting.
Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be
brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law

LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

June 17, 2025:
From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter regarding Municipal Modernization Act

From Kestrel Land Trust, letter regarding right of first refusal for Mountain Road parcel under Chapter 61A

June 30, 2025:
JOURDAIN – Ordered that section 13 of the Holyoke Charter – Rules of city council; president pro tempore; method of sitting; journal; roll-call votes; quorum; general powers; no compensation. – be amended using the attached language.

JOURDAIN – Ordered that section 14 of the Holyoke Charter – Transactions by council or members in behalf of city prohibited, except in case of veterans’ aid – be amended using the attached language.

JOURDAIN – Ordered that section 22 of the Holyoke Charter – Power as to laying out, etc., of streets; damages; ordinances, etc., involving expenditures in excess of two hundred dollars.- be amended using the attached language.

JOURDAIN – Ordered that section 24 of the Holyoke Charter -Presentation of ordinances, orders, etc., to mayor; approval; veto; passage over veto – be amended using the attached language.

JOURDAIN – Ordered That section 41 of the Holyoke Charter be deleted.

JOURDAIN – Ordered that ​section 49 of the Holyoke Charter – Transfers of appropriations; authorization of expenditures without appropriation; approval of bills, pay rolls and vouchers; fiscal year. – be amended using the attached language.

JOURDAIN – Ordered that ​section 53 of the Holyoke Charter -Loans, bonds and notes. – be amended using the attached language.