Holyoke City Council Meeting November 18, 2025
Published November 14, 2025, 2:13 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, November 18, 2025
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 November 6, 2025 meeting
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.
COMMUNICATIONS
6. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter appointing Ms. Cheryl Figueroa to the Valley Opportunity Council
7. From Law Department-Vote to Accept and Adopt MGL Chapter 40, Section 22A 3/4
8. From Auditor Tanya Wdowiak: Mayor’s Supplemental Budget Pages Revised 11/12/2025
9. From Victoria Houle, Asst City Engineer, Final Memo on Center City 110 Agreement
10. From City Councilor Linda Vacon- Open Meeting Law Complaint
11. From Parker O’Brien, Planner I, communication regarding 6409 Verizon 2025-25
12. From Tapestry, Holyoke quarterly report April 1 to Sept 30, 2025
PETITIONS
13. From Residents in Ward 7-Neighborhood Petition to Address Noise Complaints
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
14. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council establish minimum eligibility requirements (such as a four your degree in accounting/finance & 3 years successful management experience), for appointment as Treasurer prior to the initial appointment-(if voters approve the appointment
Recommended that the order be adopted.
15. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That a salary range be established for the Treasurer position, as the appointment of the position (rather than elected)was approved by voters.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
16. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The city designate four parking spots in front of the police dept as “Police Business Only.”
Recommended that the order be adopted.
17. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The speed limit on Laurel Street be reduced to 25 MPH.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order If the local option is adopted, the City of Holyoke create by ordinance a designated parking place for Veterans at City Hall to be used in compliance with chapter 40, §22A ¾.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The city of Holyoke adopts M.G.L. chapter 40, §22A ¾ which grants authority to municipalities to designate a parking space at City Hall for Veterans.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW remove the handicap sign at 43 King St. It is no longer needed.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
21. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the Treasurer, Auditor and Mayor please come to the Finance Committee to discuss why the Schedule A year end reconciliation for Fiscal Year 2024 has not yet been filed with the State. Failure to make this end of year filing timely potentially jeopardizes our future state aid payments, cash flow and the certification of our free cash. This filing was due on November 30 and is still unfiled. It should be noted that it was filed many months late last year and appears to be late again. Let’s discuss please how we can
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
22. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Assistant City Solicitor Kathleen Degnan-Holyoke PARC Grant Resolution Phase II Anniversary Hill
Recommended that the order be adopted.
23. 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 “EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PARKLAND ACQUISITIONS AND RENOVATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES GRANT: SCOTT TOWER, $425,000, NO MATCH” 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.
24. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a Petition from Ronald Diaz for a Livery Service at 400 Hillside Ave.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From City Auditor, Tanya Wdowiak, Mayor’s FY2026 Supplemental Budget Communication and Budget Book
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council.
26. 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 “COMPLETE STREETS GRANT – RACE STREET, $285,631.88, NO MATCH” 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.
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 “MASS PRESERVATION PROJECT – CITY HALL STAINED GLASS WINDOWS GRANT, $65,000, NO MATCH” 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 in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSDOT CENTER CITY CONNECTOR 3 PROJECT GRANT, $5,341,978.91, NO MATCH” 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.
29. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City Council invite the Mayor, Police Department and relevant financial department heads to a future meeting of the Finance Committee to provide an update on the status of the off-duty police account and former vendor Off-Duty Blue.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
30. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order In an effort to provide clarity for all councilors and the public, ordered that the law department provide guidance or a memo that outlines the number of votes required for different items related to finance, ordinances, real estate and other relevant voting topics.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
31. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2023 Signed MOU HPD RollKall
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
32. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia- 2021 Signed MOU HPD RollKall
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
33. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication OffDutyBlue Services Agreement
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
34. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Health Benefit Trust meeting, meeting minutes from December 4, 2024, January 13, February 24, and March 10, 2025
Recommended that the order be received.
35. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
36. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Petition from Francisco Grabiel Velez Vega of 214 Elm St. for a Street Vendor License
Awaiting disposition
37. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Edward Owen-Communication request to renew License Agreement
Awaiting disposition
38. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Home occupation application of Amelia Box for a wood window restoration business at 57 Taylor Street (073-00-007) per sec 4.8.2.
Awaiting disposition
39. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority’s urban renewal, approves the transfer of ownership of South Bridge Street Parcel 007 (Assessors Map 029, Block 08, Parcel 007) to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority for consideration of $1.00 for the South Holyoke Homes development. Said parcel is vacant land approximately 4,908 square feet in size, zoned Downtown Residential and has an assessed value of $22,800.
Awaiting disposition
40. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority’s urban renewal plan, approves the transfer of ownership of 569 South Bridge Street (Assessors Map 029, Block 08, Parcel 006) to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority for consideration of $1.00 for the South Holyoke Homes development. Said parcel is vacant land approximately 5,130 square feet in size, zoned Downtown Residential and has an assessed value of $38,700.
Awaiting disposition
41. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The city of Holyoke adopt a ‘home rule petition’ to designate reduced motor vehicle speed within areas proximate to senior housing. This would be similar to the reduced speed limits within School Zones. In addition, the City Council adopt a resolution to submit to the state Legislature to adopt such a law statewide. Draft resolution attached.
Awaiting disposition
42. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, Ambulance transport services feasibility study final report
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
43. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Fire Chief communicate a written plan for supporting firefighters to successfully complete their EMT Certifications, especially for those who have previously failed to pass the exams required and are approaching the two year deadline
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
44. Vacon- ORDER: The City Solicitor provides the annual Law Department Business Report. The most recent report appears to be from 8/2/24.
45. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT AND 69/100 Dollars ($3,898.69) as follows:
FROM
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT $3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER 755.95
TOTAL $3,898.69
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $3,898.69
PP#10 TOTAL $3,898.69
46. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIVE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE AND 07/100 Dollars ($5,265.07) as follows:
FROM
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT $3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER 2,645.73
TOTAL $5,265.07
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $5,265.07
PP#9 TOTAL $5,265.07
47. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($300,000) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER $300,000
TOTAL $300,000
TO
12201-51300 OVERTIME
$300,000
TOTAL $300,000
48. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FFY26 MUNICIPAL ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM, $45,000, 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.
49. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “SFY26 EDWARD J. BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANT GRANT PROGRAM, $18,344, 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.
50. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2026 STATE 911 DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH GRANT PROGRAM, $24,500, 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.
51. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSTRAILS PROGRAM GRANT: CT RIVER PATHWAY, $239,000, $61,000 CASH 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.
52. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, SIXTY ONE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($61,000) as follows:
FROM
1376-10400 SMART GROWTH ZONING GRANT $61,000
TOTAL $61,000
TO:
MASSTRAILS PROGRAM GRANT: CT RIVER PATHWAY – GRANT MATCH $61,000
TOTAL $61,000
53. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000) as follows:
FROM
16931-51102 BUILDING CUSTODIAN $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
TO:
16932-52500 R&M BUILDINGS & GROUNDS $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND AND /100 Dollars ($155,000) as follows:
FROM
0430-10400 SALE OF REAL ESTATE $155,000
TOTAL $155,000
TO:
12403-58002 CAPITAL OUTLAY-BLDGS $155,000
TOTAL $155,000
55. DEVINE — Ordered, that there be and is hereby raised and appropriated in the fiscal year 2026, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000) as follows:FROM
2026 TAX LEVY $100,000
TOTAL $100,000
TO:
11212-57807 SPECIAL ARTICLE – CRISIS RELIEF FUND $100,000
TOTAL $100,000
56. Magrath-Smith-that a crosswalk be added across Hampton Knolls Road at Northampton St.
57. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a crosswalk be added across Northampton Street at River Terrace.
58. Magrath-Smith-ordered that the roles and responsibilities given to different subcommittees in the rules be revised for clarity, purpose, and functionality.
59. Magrath-Smith, ordered – that the City formally recognize and issue a proclamation congratulating the HCC Women’s Volleyball Team on their recent New England Championship.
60. Magrath-Smith and Devine – Ordered, that all public board and commission meetings be recorded and publicly shared.
61. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a crosswalk be added across Hampton Knolls where it intersects with Northampton Street.
62. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that incoming Councilors-Elect be invited into chambers for the remaining Council meetings in this term.
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 – Ordered that proclamations be presented for the 2025 Veterans Day ceremony award winners.
Veteran of the Year: Michael Washut
Citizen of the Year: Mrs. Lori McKenna
Public Safety Award: Jay Parnell
Business of the Year: Pics Pub
BARTLEY, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA – Ordered that the DPW fix the pothole outside of 116 West Street.