Holyoke City Council Meeting June 3, 2025

posted May 30, 2025, 12:30 pm

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, June 3, 2025
7:00 PM

AGENDA

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. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos- meeting minutes from May 20, 2025.

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

4. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that Hampden Street Streetscape Improvements from Waldo St to Nonotuck St block are made based on the recommendations of the city engineer, with necessary changes made in Ordinance to support necessary upgrades.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

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

6. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order With community support, order that the following section of our Codes of Ordinances and charter be updated to reflect use of email as sufficient for special meeting notice.
Sec. 12. – Special meetings of city council.
The Mayor or City Council President may at any time call a special meeting of the city council by public posting through the city website along with written notifications thereof, together with a statement of the subjects to be considered thereat, to be deposited in the post office, postpaid and addressed to the persons to be notified, at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting, or to be left at the usual place of residence of each member of the council, by email at least forty-eight hours before the time appointed for such meeting.  (Acts 1965, c. 187; Acts 1992, c. 189)
Recommended that the order be adopted.

7. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that if someone is putting in an RFP through the city for a property that is up for sale and the applicant has outstanding issues with the Board of Health, Building Department, or any other city department having to do with other properties they own, that they are not eligible to win the bid for the RFP.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

8. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City accept Lynn Ann Drive and Richard Eger Drive as public ways.
Recommended that Richard Eger be accepted as a public way and Lynn Ann Drive be accepted as a public way, pending recommendation of the Board of Public Works.

9. Proposed FY2026 City Budget

 

COMMUNICATIONS

10. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing several members to serve on the Recycling Advisory Committee.  Members will serve a three-year term expiring August 2026.

11. Letter from David Conti, FY2026 Water Rates and Maintenance Charge

12. From Board of Fire Commissioners, meeting minutes from April 16, 2025

13. From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority- Memo to Council encl Meeting Minutes 2.19.2025, 3.19.2025, 3.27.2025 and 4.2.2025

 

PETITIONS

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

14. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that Vcare on High Street be allocated an additional parking spot. This request is necessitated by the increase in participants and the operation of two vans for transportation. Many of these participants are elderly individuals who rely on wheelchairs, electric scooters, and walkers. This action is essential to ensure their safety and accessibility.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

15. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order With community support, Order that temporary speed humps be placed on Taylor Street to be followed by permanent speed humps for resident safety. This is a densely populated and highly trafficked through street due to its proximity to a grocery store and its one way direction. Petition attached
Recommended that the order be referred to the mayor to request funding for study.

16. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that flashing stop signs be placed at the intersection of Jackson and Commercial Streets.
Recommended that the order be received.

17. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The City determine a more efficient manner to remove Handicap/Disability signs.  Perhaps a database should be maintained by the Clerk.  City addresses with Handicap/Disability signs in front of a parcel’s address should maintained and made public.  Further, for example, on an annual basis, each addressee with such a sign should be notified and must affirm whether or not the sign should remain.  Refer to Ordinance for a follow-up.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to add a section for Short Term Rentals, in addition to amending Section 2 DEFINITIONS, and any other sections that may apply to this use.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to add a Section for Tiny Houses, in addition to amending Section 2 DEFINITIONS, and any other Sections that may apply to this use.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order As per the property manager’s request from Lyman Terrace Apartments, we are requesting three parking spots for the staff in front of 17 Hampden Street, along with signs indicating “Parking for Lyman Terrace Staff.”
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

21. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Directors of the Board of Health, Zoning, Planning, and the Animal Control Officer and Law Department meet with the Ordinance Committee to discuss Ordinance Sec. 14-12 as it relates to #2 Hens, specifically the keeping of hens DEFINITIONS, SPECIAL PERMIT PROCESS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS, GENERAL REGULATIONS, VIOLATIONS and any and all regulations whether State or Federal that may be pertinent.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

22. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From MacMillan Law Offices, Refund of Community Impact Fees Paid Pursuant to HCA with Holyoke 420 LLC
Recommended that the order be received and referred to the Law Department.

23. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order
1. That the Mayor is authorized to sign Donation Certificates for the following temporary easements on City-owned property to  facilitate the construction and maintenance of roadway and related improvements for the “Resurfacing and Related Work on Cabot Street and Race Street (City Center Connector) State Project #609065” Project, understanding that said easements will be for a duration of five (5) years and recorded on land records such that said easements will remain in effect in the event the City chooses to sell any of these properties before the termination of the five (5) year period:
Deed Reference (Book-Page)            Parcel Address           Map/Block/Parcel       Title Holder
16564-387       Cabot St          030-03-007      City of Holyoke
Easement ID   Type    Size (S.F. ±)
TE-24  Temporary (5 years)   482
Combined Value of Easements          Donated $0.00
Deed Reference (Book-Page)            Parcel Address           Map/Block/Parcel       Title Holder
16826-128       61 Cabot St     030-03-008      City of Holyoke
Easement ID   Type    Size (S.F. ±)
TE-25  Temporary (5 years)   684
Combined Value of Easements          Donated $0.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

24. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order
1. That the Holyoke City Council introduce and read into record a proposed Order of Taking, to be acted upon at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting to be held on June 3, 2025, authorizing the eminent domain takings of seven (7) permanent easements and fifty (50) temporary easements for purposes of obtaining the necessary access and rights of way for the construction and maintenance of roadway and related improvements for the “Resurfacing and Related Work on Cabot Street and Race Street (City Center Connector) State Project #609065” Project (the “Project”), from certain owners of record of land abutting the Project in the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts;
2. That proposed payment for damages, totaling $58,200 for all easements,  be made using Chapter 90 funds;
3. That this item be referred to the Finance Committee for review and hearing on May 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM, in accordance with Section 78-83 of the City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances, such that the Finance Committee may recommend final action be taken to approve said Order of Taking by City Council at the upcoming meeting of June 3, 2025; and
4. That City Council be informed that affected property owners have been made aware of said proposed meeting dates by means of USPS First Class mailing.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. 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

26. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application of Holyoke Retail, LCC at 1504 Northampton Street to construct a drive through facility as accessory to proposed retail bank per 7.1.6.5.
Awaiting disposition

27. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order For earmarked funding, order that the Councilors review and approve attached updates to City Council chambers.
Awaiting disposition

28. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order That the Historical Commission be invited to the DGR Meeting on June 2nd to determine whether any demolition to be done in the future in the City Council chambers are not against historical norms.
Awaiting disposition

29. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order hat 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

30. 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

31. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Assistant Solicitor Jane Mantolesky, letter regarding St. Vincent Lots
Awaiting disposition

32. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order to declare Parcel Holyoke Assessors Map 010, Block 01, Parcel 002, Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA as surplus property.  The City has been approached by an abutter looking to purchase the property to secure the same and make it more visually appealing.  The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $13,500.00.
Awaiting disposition

33. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred 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.
Awaiting disposition

34. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the council invite the DPW director of Chicopee to speak on their refuse pickup system that was developed several years ago and what the cost benefits are to their community.
Awaiting disposition

35. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that representatives of the Water Department come in to DGR and elaborate on processing fee attached to payment when using a credit/debit card when processing payment. Constituents have raised concerns on how much the are being charged on top of their water bill.
Awaiting disposition

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

36. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($6,806.64) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 CAPTAIN                    $3,663.90
12201-51104 LIEUTENANTS              3,142.74
TOTAL            $6,806.64
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $6,806.64
PP#24 TOTAL            $6,806.64

37. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year EIGHTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY SIX AND 00/100 Dollars ($83,656) as follows:
FROM
11511-51202 PT ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR             $83,656
TOTAL            $83,656
TO:
11511-51201 PT ASSISTANT SOLICITOR                           $83,656
TOTAL            $83,656

38. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL CULTURAL DISTRICT INVESTMENT GRANT, $15,000, 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.

39. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWELVE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($12,759,860) as follows:
FROM
19141-51999 HEALTH INSURANCE                        $12,759,860
TOTAL            $12,759,860
TO:
10002-59753 TR TO DENTAL INS TRUST               $     315,000
10002-59790 TR TO HEALTH INS TRUST                12,444,860
TOTAL $12,759,860

40. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY SIX AND 14/100 Dollars ($48,596.14) as follows:
FROM
14251-51104 PAY HIGHWAY HMEO                       $48,596.14
TOTAL            $48,596.14
TO:
16502-52300 PARKS WATER & SEWER                $48,596.14
TOTAL            $48,596.14

41. Devine- ORDERED To Police Chief Keenan: What are the current procedures for cash seizures?

42. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Engineer provide a list of approximate costs for often-requested services around traffic calming evaluations, temporary speed humps, permanent speed humps, flashing lights, and stop sign placement. Additionally, provide an updated list of such measures voted on by Council but awaiting available appropriation. Lastly, provide clarity on which budgetary line items such appropriations would be made out of in comparison to the financial cost of current pending work that has been approved by Council.

43. Magrath-Smith- Ordered, that the City Council review the FY26 Paving Program memo and consider how best to address our most pressing roadwork.

44. Magrath-Smith- Ordered, that City Council consider the possibility of structuring a standardized relocation bonus for positions with a residency requirement.

45. Rivera, I- Order that 5% of Cannabis revenue be set aside specifically for capital improvements within and around the communities that the industry is held in.

46. Rivera, I- Order that the honorable city council amend and restructure ordinance 74-36 (Recycling advisory committee) which reads: There is established a recycling advisory committee. The committee, as requested, shall provide advice, assistance and recommendations to the board regarding the recycling program. The committee shall be appointed by the mayor, confirmed by the city council, and shall consist of at least nine persons with a demonstrated interest in recycling, at least six of whom are residents of Holyoke. At least one member chosen shall be a user of or familiar with the city’s recycling drop-off center, one member shall represent the private real estate industry (apartment management), and one member shall be a designee of the Holyoke Housing Authority. One member shall represent the business community, and one member shall represent nonprofit institutions. The term shall be three years. The director of public works, or his designee, shall be an ex officio member of the committee, per request of the Commission of the Department of Public Works, as well as the Chair of the Recycling Committee.

47. Rivera, I- Order that the Mayor along with the director of the office of Community Development present on the current amount dollars currently accumulated via the Opioid class action law suit and how the city plans to allocate/spend the funding.

48. Rivera, I- Order that DPW and the Mayor develop an overflow trash system allowing residents to purchase bags locally that would allow for overflow trash to be collected.

49. Rivera, I- Order that honorable city council amend ordinance 38-73 (8) Enumeration of prohibited noises. Drums, loud speakers, and similar devices. To read:
The use of a drum, loudspeaker or any other sound-producing instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention to any election campaign, performance, show or sale or display of merchandise by the creation of noise, except where authorized by special permit to be issued by the city Licensing board with recommendations from the Chief, who shall make reasonable rules and regulations therefor.

50. Rivera, I- Order that the Board of Health Commission along with the director come in and elaborate as to how the cap on issuing new tobacco licenses and ban on social consumption align with the city’s economic master plan.

51. Vacon- ORDER:  That a list of requests for permanent speed humps, temporary speed humps and raised crosswalks be created, posted on our city website & updated periodically.

52. Vacon- ORDER:  That we amend our ordinance so a request for evaluation for eligibility for speed humps or raised crosswalks can be requested without a petition.

53. Vacon, Jourdain- ORDER:  that a public hearing for residents to to speak on the budget be set for 6pm on June 9, 2025, at the beginning of the regular budget hearing, in the spirit of MGL ch 44 Section 32.

54. Vacon- ORDER:  That a sign “SLOW “hidden or blind driveways ahead” or similar wording be placed on Lower Westfield Rd on the hill near the Homestead Ave intersection for drivers proceeding up the hill toward the Elks.

55. Vacon- ORDER:  If consolidation of voting sites to one per ward occurs, then increase the daily stipend for election workers from 150/day to 170-180/day and staff each voting location in compliance with 950 CMR 53.01.

56. Vacon, Greaney, Sullivan, Jourdain, Bartley & Ocasio ORDER:  that the City Council adopts the attached resolution in support of HG&E.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

57. Mayor’s Updated DPW Admin Budget Page 32
*Added June 3, 2025, 12:12 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

Murphy-Romboletti – KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that the CITY OF HOLYOKE, a municipal corporation duly established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and having its usual place of business at 536 Dwight Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040 (hereinafter referred to as the Grantor), for consideration of One ($1.00) Dollar in hand paid by the Grantee to the Grantor, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, grants to VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC., (formerly known as New England Telephone and Telegraph Company) a New York corporation, having its principal place of business at 6 Bowdoin Square, 9th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, its successors and assigns, (hereinafter referred to as the Grantee) with quitclaim covenants, the perpetual right and easement to lay, construct, reconstruct, operate, maintain, replace and remove LINES for the transmission of intelligence and telecommunications upon, over, under and across land of Grantor, as more particularly shown on a plan of land entitled “Preliminary Site Plan, Holyoke Junior High School, Holyoke, Massachusetts,” dated October 18, 1967 (last revised April 28, 1970), prepared by Caolo & Bienieck Associates, Inc., which is recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 125, Pages 80-83. Said property is also shown on a drawing which is attached hereto and marked “Attachment A,” with said land being located in the City of HOLYOKE, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
The above granted rights being more particularly described as the perpetual right within the land of Grantor to lay, construct, reconstruct, operate, maintain, replace and remove underground cables, pipes, conduits, manholes, and such surface testing terminals, pedestals, repeaters, markers, and other appurtenances with wires and/or cables therein as the Grantee may from time to time desire within a strip of land ten (10) feet in width the center line of which is marked “T” on Attachment A, all of which shall become permanent upon placement of the aforementioned facilities, with the right to cut down and keep trimmed all trees, bushes, underbrush and growth including the foliage thereon as the Grantee may from time to time deem necessary for the safe operation of said lines.
The Grantee shall have the right to connect such conduits, manholes, cables and wires with the poles, conduits, cables and wires which are located, or which may be placed in parcels of land, private, public ways or streets within, adjacent or contiguous to the aforesaid premises, with the right to serve Grantor and others. Permission is herein granted to enter said private way, strips of land and premises for all the above purposes.
The herein granted right and easement is more particularly described as that certain strip(s) of land situated within and along said Grantor’s land for Grantee to install the necessary cables, wires, conduit, equipment and facilities as described above to be owned, operated and maintained exclusively by said Grantee for the transmission and distribution of intelligence and communication by electricity or otherwise to serve Grantor’s property and others. It is also agreed that any cables, lines, poles, equipment and appurtenant facilities and each and every part thereof, whether fixed to the realty or not, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Grantee, its successors and assigns, as its interest appears.
It is agreed that the exact location of the facilities shall be established by the installation and placements of said facilities within said easement area. It is mutually agreed that the parties shall not unreasonably interfere with each other’s use of the easement area. Grantor shall have the right to use the easement area herein granted for any purpose not inconsistent with the rights granted to Grantee hereunder.
Also with the further perpetual right and easement from time to time to renew, repair, replace, add to, maintain, operate, patrol and otherwise change said underground system and each and every part thereof and to make such other excavation or excavations as may be reasonably necessary in the opinion and judgment of Grantee, its successors and assigns. However, said Grantee, its successors and assigns, will properly backfill said excavation or excavations and restore the surface of the land to as reasonably good condition as said surface was in immediately prior to the excavation or excavations thereof.
For Grantor’s title, see Quitclaim Deed recorded with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 3556, Page 545 on May 9, 1970.

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