Holyoke City Council Meeting May 20, 2025

Posted May 15, 2025, 2:00 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/83675284572?pwd=eUowdmxXVUJlMGJTaHJ3L0VFQ2IzUT09
Meeting ID: 836 7528 4572 Meeting Passcode: 845022 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.

AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May, 20, 2025
7:00 PM

AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW install a Handicap sign for Susana Morales at 361 Chestnut St
Recommended that the order be adopted, amending Ana Rodriguez to Susana Morales at the request of the Disabilities Commission.

7. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the HR Director and Interim Police Chief come into Council to discuss the positive and negative impacts of our policy of swearing in police officers prior to their finishing the Police Academy. We request that the HR Director provide a regional comparison to other towns and cities to see if we are following best practice.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

8. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Police Chief, Board of Health Director, Mayor and Law Dept meet with the City Council to discuss improving numerous quality of life issues that we have seen or citizens have expressed concerns with us.  We would like to look at current strategies and see if they are effective or what we need to change including the potential need for additional resources.  We also request leadership develop a comprehensive plan including a map that they can present containing all the resources currently provided, those planned and needed to achieve both short and long term objectives.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

9. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order HPD enforce the STOP sign at Brown Ave and Laurel St.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

10. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Have the HPD advise on the status of formation of a traffic bureau and a code enforcement.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

11. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order With community support, order that speed trailers be moved regularly to collect speed data from rotating locations throughout the city. Trailer priority shall be given to most dangerous streets and intersection areas as listed in state, Triple A, and other professional traffic data reports. A 2-4 week period per location shall be determined ongoing. Speed data reports shall be submitted to Public safety monthly for review.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

12. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that HPD create a publicly visible calendar of speed trailers so that communities know when they can expect to see requested actions in their neighborhoods.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

13. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order With community support, that the chief of police supply a written or in person update on what steps have been taken to address traffic concerns in Holyoke, especially in wards 1,2,3,4, & 6, as REQUIRED by to our city’s Ordinance:Sec. 50-42. – Traffic squad—Designation and training of members.
The chief of police shall designate six members and such additional members as may from time to time be required to act as traffic officers. Such members shall receive and be given thorough and adequate training in the regulation and direction of traffic, in accordance with a uniform and recognized standard.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

14. From Councilor Kevin Jourdain, amended home rule petition for recall provision ballot question

15. Proposed FY2026 City Budget

 

REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

16. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jefferey Anderson-Burgos- Meeting Minutes from May 6, 2025

17. 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

18. 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

 

COMMUNICATIONS

19. From City Auditor, Tanya Wdowiak:  FY2025 General Fund & Sewer Enterprise Budget to Actual Reports to 5-15-2025

20. From Budget Advisory Group- FY26 Budget Recommendations Memo

21. From Wildweeds Corp and Bulrush LLC and Oasis of Tranquility- Community Outreach Meeting at 1 Cabot St. on May 26, 2025

22. From Exceptional Grow LLC- Community Outreach Meeting at 1 Cabot St on June 2, 2025

 

PETITIONS

23. Petition of Blue Fox Brands Inc- Special Permit Application Amendment for Marijuana Manufacturing Establishment at 1 Cabot St.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

24. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY SEVEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($27,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTERS                     $27,000
TOTAL $27,000
TO:
12201-51300 OVERTIME                 $20,000
12201-51301 ARSON OVERTIME                   1,000
12201-51302 HAZ MAT OVERTIME                 6,000
TOTAL            $27,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 TEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FORTY SIX AND 34/100 Dollars ($10,946.34) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN            $10,946.34
TOTAL $10,946.34
TO:
12201-51102 DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF            $ 2,214.95
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT                   8,476.42
12201-51109 ASST SUPER OF FIRE ALARMS                         254.97
TOTAL            $10,946.34
Recommended that the order be adopted.

26. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025 FORTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($45,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER            $45,000
TOTAL $45,000
TO:
12201-52410 R&M VEHICLES                      $25,000
12202-54800 MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL                     20,000
TOTAL            $45,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.

27. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2025 FIREFIGHTER SAFETY EQUIPMENT GRANT PROGRAM (ROUND 2), $11,660, 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

28. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($35,000) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY                          $35,000
TOTAL $35,000
TO:
15412-52500 COA R&M BUILDING                          $35,000
TOTAL            $35,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.

29. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY TWO AND 60/100 Dollars ($5,652.60) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY                          $5,652.60
TOTAL $5,652.60
TO:
14222-52502 R&M CITY HALL                      $5,652.60
TOTAL            $5,652.60
Recommended that the order be adopted.

30. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($29,425.00) as follows:
FROM
13003-58000 SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY                          $27,546.90
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION                        1,878.10
TOTAL $29,425.00
TO:
14222-52502 R&M CITY HALL                      $29,425.00
TOTAL            $29,425.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

31. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE 00/100 Dollars ($6,335) as follows:
FROM
14301-51102 PAY-REFUSE HMEO            $6,335
TOTAL            $6,335
TO:
14301-51300 REFUSE OVERTIME             $6,335
TOTAL            $6,335
Recommended that the order be adopted.

32. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE THOUSAND SIXTY SIX AND 54/100 Dollars ($3,066.54) as follows:
FROM
12941-51104 TREE CLIMBER                      $3,066.54
TOTAL            $3,066.54
TO:
12941-51300 FORESTRY OVERTIME                     $3,066.54
TOTAL            $3,066.54
Recommended that the order be adopted.

33. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($20,000) as follows:
FROM
14101-51105 SR CIVIL ENGINEER             $20,000
TOTAL $20,000
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES                      $20,000
TOTAL            $20,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.

34. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Stephen Superba – Email regarding Police Department Cash Seizures
Recommended that the order be received and referred to Police Chief.

35. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City replace the Traffic Light that was on Vernon St and Main St. And know longer there due to car accident.  Safety issue kids walking to and from  Dean Tech,cars speeding.
Recommended that the order be adopted and referred to the Law Department, Mayor, Alarm Division, and DPW.

36. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Mayor and DPW please replace the traffic light at the corner of Main Street and Vernon Street as soon as possible.  The City Council has requested it be replaced multiple times after it was hit in a traffic accident on July 1, 2022.  It should not be removed because of alleged expense to replace.  Mayor and Law dept please also provide us with what collection efforts including lawsuits that may have been filed against the operator who damaged the light controls to reimburse the city for the damage before any applicable statute of limitations expires. Please also advise if the city has any potential insurance coverage for this claim.  Finance should meet to discuss with all parties involved.
Recommended that the order be adopted and referred to the Law Department, Mayor, Alarm Division, and DPW.

37. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From City Auditor, Tanya Wdowiak, Community Preservation Fund financial status: EOY2024 Department of Revenue CP2 form and FY2025 YTD fund report to 2-28-2025
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

38. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council reconsider and then rescind their vote of May 21, 2024 on agenda item #25 filed buy Jourdain, Vacon, Devine, Sullivan, Bartley and Greaney re: pending HOUSE No. 2747 , an ACT granting a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

39. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order That the police department please provide a list, with events and dollar amounts that have received police details/paid overtime during the last 6 months. Private businesses popular with leadership, making profit should not have their OT details paid for by tax dollars when public community events have had to budget their own funds in the past.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

40. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the mayor consider establishing a Holyoke Urban Forest and Tree Committee.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

41. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that we invite our US Congressional and Senatorial Representatives to a DGR meeting.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

42. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The Mayor develop a schedule of projects/programming to the CC’s DGR committee to be funded via marijuana stabilization funds. If possible, please send said schedule on a quarterly or semi-annual basis in order to promote consistent and efficient project development.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

43. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the Development & Government Relations Committee invite the development team from Wayfinders to provide an update on the Library Commons project and other upcoming projects within the City.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

44. Anderson-Burgos- Ordered, that we revisit a discussion about city councilors having Holyoke email addresses. Issues are coming up with some councilors having to delete emails because inboxes are full, and potentially losing emails that are subject to records requests.

45. Anderson-Burgos-Ordered, that the DPW install 2 blinking stop signs at the 4 way stop at the Parker St and Beacon Ave intersection. The 2 blinking stop signs should replace the 2 stop signs located at the intersection on Beacon Ave.

46. Devine- ORDERED:
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

47. Devine, J. Rivera- Ordered that the Commission on Disabilities be invited to the Finance Committee to discuss MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G which will officially set aside funds from Handicap Parking Violation fines into an Independent Budget.

48. Devine- ORDERED
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 ten (10) permanent easements, one (1) permanent utility easements, and fifty three (53) 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 $59,000 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.

49. Devine- Ordered: 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.

50. Givner- In service of the public and to clarify procedure, order that ordinanceSec. 78-57. – Speed humps be reviewed and updated to reflect the need for funding allocation and a traffic study as part of the process. The ordinance should be updated to include street type, traffic count, funding allocation, and need for resident signature amount and type, in that order. A created petition available from the Clerk’s office should include wording on street type, traffic count, funding allocation, and the need for signatures.
-Public Safety (Invite Victoria Houle) / Copy to DPW

51. Jourdain- Ordered, that Council adopt the attached recall provision Special Act for four year elected officials in the City of Holyoke amended as request by the Mayor.

52. Jourdain, Vacon-Ordered, that City Council adopt the attached Substitute Municipal Modernization Ordinance

53. Jourdain- Ordered, that the City Council adopt the attached Special Act to remove future fire chiefs from civil service for the purpose of preserving the longstanding residency requirement for our Fire Chief as embodied in our ordinances.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

54. 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.
*Added May 19, 2025, 1:08 p.m.

55. Email regarding speeding
*Added May 19, 2025, 1:08 p.m.

LATE FILES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

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.

GIVNER – 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.

Bartley- DPW patch Hitchcock St (western end near Westfield Rd) as soon as possible as the road is in poor condition and then please repave this section of the road once DPW is able.

From Councilor Kevin Jourdain, amended home rule petition for recall provision ballot question

I. RIVERA – That the honorable city council provide a proclamation to Jesus Morales on behalf of the council for being recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke as their Youth of the Year.