Holyoke City Council Meeting January 6, 2026

Published January 2, 2026, 12:38 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, January 6, 2026
7:00 PM

AGENDA

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC COMMENT

REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

1. June 11, 2024, September 4, 2024, and April 15, 2025 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and ready for partial release as of September 17, 2025

2. December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 17, 2025

3. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from December 16, 2025.

LAID ON THE TABLE

4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos – October 7, 2025 meeting minutes

5. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke shall create an Administrative and Finance Department. Said acceptance shall be subject to implementation by city ordinance and any necessary amendments to the City Charter. This order shall be referred concurrently to Charter and Rules and Ordinance to be considered jointly, with recommendations regarding implementation to be reported back to the City Council jointly. See attached: Municipal Modernization Act of 2025.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

6. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Special permit application of Lyman Group LCC at 40 Lyman Street (038-02-001.1) to replace the existing retail marijuana special permit issued to Leaf Lux on December 1, 2020, including a request to waive certain submission requirements.
Recommended that the special permit amendment be granted with the following conditions:
1. Prior to the permit being issued by the Building Department, there shall be a written and signed approval from the Chief of Police of the site security plan.
2. In the event of any changes to the approved plan or transfer of ownership, the applicant will be required to come back to the City Council for review and approval prior to implementation and file an amendment to the special permit.
Additionally, all prior conditions placed on the previous special permit, including:
3. That the owner of the building always pay the commercial property tax rate to the extent allowed by federal, state, and local laws for the duration of the Special Permit.
4. That the business retains a minimum 30% Holyoke residents for non-security jobs.
5. That the hiring preference be given to security personnel that are retired Holyoke police or are a retired member of another police department that now lives in the city of Holyoke.
6. There shall be no marijuana consumption allowed on site.
7. There shall be no deliveries of retail or medical marijuana from the site to individual homes, residences, or people,
8. That the hours of operation be set according to City ordinances.
9. That the applicant shall follow recommendations of the OPED letter, dated November 15, 2020, and the letter from the City Engineer.

7. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City examine and study the Schedule A increases that were recommended by the salary study completed in 2014, so that we can implement salary adjustments that are competitive and more aligned with neighboring municipalities in order to retract and retain City employees.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

COMMUNICATIONS

8. List of Appointments 2026

9. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter  reappointing Ms. Bernice Bowler of 26 Claren Dr to serve on the Conservation Commission.  Ms. Bowler will serve a three-year term expiring on February 1, 2026

10. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter  appointing Mr. John Whelihan  of 19 McLellan Drive to serve on the Board of Appeals.  Mr. Whelihan will replace Mr. Paul Burns-Johnson and will the remainder of his term expiring July 1, 2027.

11. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball-legal opinion on transfer orders to increase Personal Services Lines

12. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball-Law Department Business Report 2025

13. From Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos- List of orders disposed of at end of 2024-25 term

14. From Conservation Commission, August 28, 2025  meeting minutes

15. From Board of Fire Commission- meeting minutes from November 19, 2025

16. Notice of Decision-Leave to Withdraw without Prejudice-81-89 Suffolk St.

17. From Planning Department-Holyoke Zoning Ordinance Text Change-Tiny Homes

18. From Planning Department-Zoning text, review, and amend sign ordinance

PETITIONS

19. Petition from William Lyle III of 79 Merrick Ave for a renewal of a Home Occupation for Lyle Electric

20. Petition from Marisul Figueroa of 222 West Franklin St. for a renewal of a Home Occupation for Polished A Salon

21. Petition from Karen Spear of 778 Homestead Ave for a renewal of a Home Occupation for New York Nails

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

22. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the two handicap parking spots on the west side of Ivy Ave be removed. The residents where they are located have stated nobody in their building uses them and the spots limit on street parking. There is also no record of a resident with a handicap placard applying for them.

23. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the City Engineer review Old Jarvis Ave to address traffic safety concerns of several residents, including vehicles traveling at high speeds and large trucks traveling on the street on a regular basis. Residents are asking for consideration of a truck exclusion, making it a one way, and/or barriers at one end making it a dead end. Residents have expressed that speed humps were installed 15 years ago, but they did not prevent speeding.

24. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the Police Department be requested to increase enforcement of parking distance ordinances and statutes, including driveways, crosswalks, and intersections. Various safety concerns due to vehicles violating these laws have been brought to the attention of councilors, leading to orders being filed to address these individually. It would make more sense if these laws were better enforced to get better awareness and compliance rather than having signs installed and stripes painted in individual situations.

25. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that lines be painted in front of 36 Anderson Ave at the intersection with Carter to make clear there is no parking within 20 feet of the intersection. Vehicles have been parking there on a regular basis, creating issues with vehicles such as snow plows to turn onto the street safely. The need for more enforcement of this issue more broadly will be addressed in a separate order.

26. Devine-ordered that the City Council present Maria Pagan a proclamation for her 40 years of service to the City of Holyoke.

27. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, EIGHT THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($8,900.00) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 PAY-POLICE SERGEANT                 $8,900.00
TOTAL $8,900.00
TO:
12101-51450 PAY-SETTLEMENT/SIGN BONUS               $8,900.00
TOTAL            $8,900.00

28. Devine- ORDERED that Chapter 32, section 90, a,c,d of the pension law (regarding half-pay) be sent to the Finance Committee for discussion with the Retirement Board.

29. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that best practices concerning filing orders be discussed and consensus sought.

30. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that the necessary changes in Ordinance be made in order to establish a Finance Department and the roles and responsibilities of its members.

31. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that the Council holistically review and approve minimum qualifications for all job descriptions for an established Finance Department based on the long-time DLS guidance to ensure internal controls, clear lines of accountability, and appropriate education and skill-level.

32. Devine, Magrath-Smith- ORDERED: (170 Mountain View Drive) That the Fire Department under the direction of the Fire Chief investigate the danger of having at least 40 cars in the front driveway, including those on the lawn.  In addition, the backyard contains upwards of 40–45 cars as well as several on the lawn.
Do these cars present a hazard should the HFD need to enter the property in case of a fire?  Do these cars present a danger if their gas tanks are full, leaking, unregistered ? The Health Department (Tim Rivers) along with the Law Department have issued a letter both regular and certified mail regarding the number of cars parked on the property.

33. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that the City Council adjust the sewer rate according to operational costs and revenue/deficit projections.

34. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that a list of all received speed hump petitions that have not been acted upon be drafted, along with a plan for Engineering to complete in-house conducting those traffic studies and submit recommendations to Council. Please include in the report the last time each road was paved, its current pavement rating, and if it is likely to be paved in the next 1, 5, or 10 years.

35. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a standing agenda item be added to the Council agenda to allow for tracking the progress of ordinances being changed in Municode. This will allow us to ensure that our ordinance changes are being accurately recorded.

36. Murphy-Romboletti – Ordered, that 3 salary reports for calendar year 2025 be provided to the City Council as an update to the past reports and shall be published by the Council Admin on the City website: the top 100 salaries for the City of Holyoke, the top 100 salaries for the Holyoke Public Schools, and a report of salaries for elected officials. Reports should not include confidential identifying information such as social security numbers.

37. Panitch, Thalheimer- ORDERED, that HEDIC or its representatives provide the Council an update on the status of the two land parcels on Whiting Farms Road currently under contract to Cesar Ruiz and/or the USA International Sports Complex Group, and that the Law Department provide the Council with information about the status and likely consequences of the tax title litigation identified as Land court docket no. 2023TL00052 City of Holyoke v. David Begley et al., including information about how long the litigation is likely to last, and how the parcel will be managed should the City acquire it.

38. Panitch- ORDERED, that Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to provide that all adoptions of ordinances require the affirmative votes of a simple majority of the entire membership of the council for passage, except where otherwise required by our charter or by state law. The current ordinance, which requires a two-thirds vote of councilors present and voting, is inconsistent with both our charter and with the Council Rules.

39. Panitch- ORDERED, that Council Rule 8K be amended to provide that except where otherwise required by the Charter or state law, any enactment, amendment, or repeal of an ordinance shall be by majority vote of all members of the City Council. This change is needed to restore consistency with the city charter and with the code of ordinances.

40. Panitch- ORDERED, that Council Rule 8D be struck in its entirety, that Rule 8F be amended to read, “In all cases the President shall have the privilege of discussing all matters before the Council and of voting thereon.,” and that Rule 8 be renumbered accordingly. The revised rule would serve the public’s interest in their elected Councilor being able to participate fully in the Council’s decisions, and is consistent with the practice of the Council’s committees and with the rules of other city boards and commissions

41. Rivera, J.- Ordered that the DPW install a Handicap Parking Sign for Maria Cruz at 91 North East St.  #PL8620282

42. Rivera, I.-Ordered, that the Honorable City Council review the ordinance that establishes the operating time frames for cannabis dispensaries.

43. Rivera, I.-Ordered, that a designated percentage of cannabis tax revenue be set aside to fund cannabis-related inspections and investigations, ensuring that the industry complies with the standards outlined in its special permits.

44. Rivera, I- Ordered, that a request for a designated handicap parking space for Maria A. Cruz, located at 91 North East Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, be referred to the Disabilities Commission for review and approval.

45. Thalheimer- The City Engineer review parking and visual obstruction where West Glen St. meets Northampton St. When cars are parked on both sides of the street it is too narrow for more than one car to pass and is dangerous to navigate. There are also limited sight lines when turning on to Northampton St from West Glen. Please evaluate and determine whether the 20 foot limit is enough. If not, please recommend any amendments. Refer to Ordinance, copy to City Engineer.

46. Thalheimer- The City Engineer review visual obstruction for drivers entering Westfield Road from both Woodland St and Hitchcock St. and consider mirrors for increased visibility and safety, especially as Westfield Road is used with great frequency. If mirrors are unsuitable, please provide other suggestions. Refer to Public Safety, copy to City Engineer and DPW.

47. Thalheimer- The condition of the sidewalk on Northampton St between West Glen and Clark Streets is virtually impassable especially for persons with disabilities. Refer to Public Safety, copy to DPW.

48. Thalheimer- The crosswalk and pedestrian signal on Homestead Ave at HCC’s main gate are an ongoing unresolved issue.  Even though there are flashing yellow lights, drivers do not stop for pedestrians in that crosswalk. Public Safety and the City Engineer review possibilities including 1) installation of a sign that says “state law, yield to pedestrians in crosswalk” at enough distance from crosswalk for drivers to see it and respond accordingly  2) a push-button flashing light that alerts drivers to a pedestrian who is in the crosswalk  3) reduced speed in the area of the crosswalk on Homestead at the HCC main entrance 4) redesigning or relocating the crosswalk to a safer and more visible location. Refer to Public Safety, copy to DPW and the Mayor.

49. Thalheimer- Please evaluate the current level of noise pollution and resonance on Chapin St due to the combination of HVAC units on Holyoke Hospital and the new Peck school and recent tree clearing in the neighborhood. Residents are reporting pronounced humming, buzzing, and vibration in their homes in the vicinity. What can be done to mitigate the noise from those HVAC units, given that the trees that had previously muffled the noise have been cleared? Refer to DGR (?), copy to DPW and the Mayor.

50. Vacon- ORDER:  that the executive session minutes of the city council be reviewed for possible release.

51. Vacon- ORDER:  the Board of Health provide the City Council with a summary of and an opinion of recent studies documenting the negative effects of cannabis with high THC levels.
A new study indicates severe mental health problems resulting from high THC cannabis with little evidence to support the advertised benefits.

52. Vacon- ORDER:  that the City Solicitor provides the written legal opinion as voted by the city council 11/6/25

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

53. From Grant Schlosstein, Board of Assessors, communication regarding CPA tax billing issue.
*Added January 6, 2026, 1:09 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

Bartley, Sullivan- Per recommendation of city engineer at public safety meeting of 12/15/25, an ordinance be created and sign installed that NO PARKING on the southerly side of the street from Mowry Ave to a point 50 feet easterly. Refer to Ordinance.

Bartley, Greaney- Per the written commentary from the city engineer at public safety meeting of 12/15/25, the condition of Woodland ST is “below the average road safety rating” and should be resurfaced. Refer to DPW Superintendent, City Engineer to add Woodland ST to the list of city-owned streets to be resurfaced no later than FY27. For the public record the City Engineer wrote: Current Road Surface Rating (RSR) for this street is 60 which is below the average RSR of City-owned streets. Roadway repaving on this street, as with every City-owned streets, is included in each year’s assessment of areas in need for annual pavement repair. Streets paved in FY26 were all below an RSR of 60