Holyoke City Council Meeting October 21, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
Published October 17, 2025, 2:52 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, October 21, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
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- September 17, 2025 meeting minutes
4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos – October 7, 2025 meeting minutes
LAID ON THE TABLE
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 that the following Charter Change be adopted:
Charter Sec. 39. – City solicitor.
AMEND
FROM:
The city solicitor shall perform those all legal services in which the city is interested and attend to all proceedings at law or in equity to which the city is a party, and to all claims made to the city council. For these purposes he shall have sole charge of all such matters and proceedings. He shall give in writing his legal opinion upon any of the municipal affairs of the city, upon the request of the mayor or city council, and in addition shall give his opinion upon the law relating to municipal affairs in any department, upon request made by the head of such department.
TO:
The city solicitor shall perform those legal services in the city as the city council shall establish by ordinance. He or she shall give in writing their legal opinion upon any of the municipal affairs of the city, upon the request of the mayor or city council, and in addition shall give his or her opinion upon the law relating to municipal affairs in any department, upon request made by the head of such department.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
7. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order That Charter Sections 19 and 34 be amended and elsewhere as appropriate to allow for all appointments to the Fire Commission and DPW Commission to be appointed by the Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
8. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
9. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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
Recommended that the order be adopted.
10. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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
Recommended that the order be adopted.
11. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order That section 41 of the Holyoke Charter be deleted.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
12. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
13. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that section 53 of the Holyoke Charter -Loans, bonds and notes. – be amended using the attached language.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
14. 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.
15. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that City Council adopt the attached Substitute Municipal Modernization Ordinance
Recommended that the order be received.
16. 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 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.
17. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order Charter changes related to Municipal Modernization Package be adopted.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
18. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that Rule 8M please be amended as follows:
Current:
M. Any ordinance, order, resolution, or vote involving the appropriation or expenditure of money to an amount which may exceed two hundred dollars, shall require for its passage the affirmative votes of a majority of all members of the City Council.
Every such ordinance, order, resolution, or vote shall be read twice, with an interval of at least three days between the two readings, before being finally passed; and the vote at its final passage shall be taken by roll call; provided, however, that upon and after the written recommendation of the Mayor, the City Council may pass such ordinance, order, resolution, or vote on the same day by a two-thirds yea and nay vote. {See City Charter s. 22}
New:
M. Any ordinance, order, resolution, or vote involving the appropriation or expenditure of money to an amount which may exceed two hundred dollars shall be considered as adopted by final action of the City Council only after passing the following two votes: (1) Motion to pass the first reading by a majority of all the members of the City Council, and (2) Motion to pass the second reading by a majority of all the members of the City Council on a roll call vote. Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Motion to pass the first reading and the Motion to pass the second reading occur within three days of each other then the Motion to pass the second reading shall require a two thirds majority of all the members of the City Council to be adopted. [Reference: City Charter Section 22, and MG.L. c. 44 § 1]
Recommended that the order be adopted.
19. From Deb Brunelle, Chief Assessor, request to appoint Grant Schlosstein to Board of Assessors
20. Resolution supporting local control of municipal utilities and local efforts to achieve Massachusetts low carbon emissions goals.
21. From City of Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2025
22. From Board of Fire Commissioner-Meeting Minutes from August 20, 2025
23. Notice of Community Outreach Meeting-Cannabis Courier and Manufacturer
24. Petition from Residents of Ward 1- concerns regarding crosswalk at Chestnut and Lymans Streets
25. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that City Council adopt the attached Substitute Municipal Modernization Ordinance
Recommended that the order be adopted.
26. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
27. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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
Recommended that the order be adopted.
28. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
29. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the position of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer be created and added to Schedule A
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
30. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopt the attached draft ordinance establishing the role of Parliamentarian of the City Council.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
31. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the position of combined Treasurer/Tax Collector is created by ordinance and added to Schedule A Grade 14
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
32. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application for home occupation of Kristin Fontaine for a cottage kitchen to bake bread at 1 Meadow Street (081-00-012) per sec 4.8.2.
Recommended that the special permit be granted with the following conditions:
1. That the hours of operation would be Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
2. That the applicant will provide their business certificate and their permit from the Board of health.
3. That the applicant will restrict parking of customers to the driveway.
33. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order to declare 569 South Bridge Street, Holyoke, MA (Holyoke Assessors Map 029, Block 08, Parcel 006) as surplus property. The City has been approached by an interested buyer looking to purchase the property. The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $38,700.00.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
34. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order to declare Holyoke Assessors Map 029, Block 08, Parcel 007, South Bridge Street, Holyoke, MA as surplus property. The City has been approached by an interested buyer looking to purchase the property. The property is vacant land and currently assessed at $22,800.00.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
35. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that the City approve of a sidewalk easement for Holyoke Gas & Electric adjacent to parcel 030-06-014 (150 Race Street) for the purposes of installation of electrical conduit.
36. Rivera, I-Order: That the Special Education Department within the School Department be invited to a joint meeting of the School Committee and City Council to provide an update on measures taken to mitigate turnover of specialized special education staff. Families have raised concerns regarding the constant turnover and its impact on children receiving special education services
37. Rivera, I-Order: That the Department of Public Works (DPW) place a sign at the intersection of Center Street and East Dwight Street informing drivers that autistic children reside in the neighborhood. Request submitted on behalf of a constituent.
38. Rivera, I-Order: That the Parks and Recreation Director appear before the Public Safety Committee to discuss the potential upgrade of Pina Park located in Ward 1.
39. Rivera, J-Ordered that a handicap sign be placed outside of 167 Elm St. for Zoila Diaz, handicap placard number PL000058.
40. Rivera, J.- ORDERED: That the City Clerk be invited to appear before the City Council to provide a detailed overview of campaign rules and regulations, including requirements and procedures related to election days, so that councilors and the public have clear, up-to-date information.
41. Rivera, J.- ORDERED: That the Department of Public Works, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety and the Traffic Commission, take the following actions to improve pedestrian safety:
1. Crosswalk Installation – Paint and maintain a clearly marked crosswalk in front of 598 Dwight Street to provide a safe crossing for elderly residents and other pedestrians accessing the nearby park.
2. “No Turn on Red” Signage – Install appropriate “No Turn on Red” signage at the corner of Dwight Street and Maple Street, where drivers frequently fail to stop, creating a hazard for pedestrians.
3. Pedestrian Signal Timing – Evaluate and adjust the pedestrian crossing signal at the Dwight and Maple Street intersection to include a sufficient countdown timer, ensuring that elderly pedestrians and others have adequate time to cross safely.
42. Vacon- ORDER: Place a permanent speed feedback sign on a pole on Southampton Road (near Fir Lane).
43. Vacon- ORDER: Please add “No engine brake sign st the bottom of the hill on Southampton Rd approaching Fir. Trucks are using engine brakes at the bottom of the hill to the stop sign.
44. Vacon- ORDER: Request our state delegation submit a bill similar to Senate Bill To Protect Floridians from Geoengineering and Weather Modification SB 56 by Senator Ileana Garcia prohibits chemical releases into the air, promotes public health.
45. Vacon- ORDER: Review & amend the sign ordinance as needed to reduce the increased posting of a variety of signs on public property and other changes that may be offered. Send to Ordinance Committee.
46. Bartley-The city remove tree stump in city owener tree belt proximate to 75 Elmwood Ave.
47. Bartley, Greaney, Ocasio- 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. Refer to Chater & Rules and/or Ordinance. Copy to Law Dept. Copy to Parking Advisory Committee.
48. Bartley-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. Refer to Ordinance. Copy to Parking Advisory Committee.
49. Bartley- The city of Holyoke apply to the legislature for a Home Rule petition that allows the city to expand the use of M.G.L. chapter 40, §22A ¾ which grants authority to municipalities to designate a parking space at City Hall for Veterans. If the petition is granted, the city could create a local ordinance that would designate parking for veterans at municipal buildings other than City Hall. Refer to Charter & Rules. Copy to Parking Advisory Committee.
50. Bartley-The crosswalk and pedestrian signal on Homestead Ave at HCC’s main gate remains in limbo. It’s now going on 8 years since original orders were filed. Some progress was nade under the tenure of Mike McManus but very little since. Order the City Engineer, HFD Alarm Division and DPW provide an update to City Council on when this dangerous situation will be corrected. Please respond with a communication in 30 days. Refer to Ordinance.
51. Bartley, Jourdain, Vacon, Greaney– The city council go on record to support HG&E’s resolution to the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs. Receive and Adopt. Refer to state delegation, Gov. Healy, Secy. Tepper. See resolution attached as Communication.
52. Bartley -HPD enforce compliance with Stop sign at intersection of Lawler and Martin Streets. Several complaints were recently received.
53. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWELVE THOUSAND NINETY EIGHT AND 10/100 Dollars ($12,098.10) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN $ 3,663.90
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT 3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER 5,291.46
TOTAL $12,098.10
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $12,098.10
PP #6 TOTAL $12,098.10
54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY AND 34/100 Dollars ($9,830.34) as follows:
FROM
12201-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN $ 3,663.90
12201-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT 3,142.74
12201-51105 FIREFIGHTER 3,023.69
TOTAL $9,830.34
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $9,830.34
PP#7 TOTAL $9,830.34
55. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DONATION OF $73,615 (SEVENTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTEEN AND 00/100 DOLLARS)” 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 donation. This revenue will be used towards funding to support the All-Way Stop initiative for the seven intersections listed below:
• Dwight St at Pine St
• Sargeant St at Commercial St
• Sargeant St at Elm St
• W Franklin St at Linden St
• Sargeant St at Sycamore St
• Appleton St at Elm St
• Cabot Street at Nick Cosmos Way/Commercial St
56. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($900.00) as follows:
FROM
14212-52504 PROPERTY- R&M PELLISSIER BLDG $900.00
TOTAL $900.00
TO:
14212-53009 DPW ADMIN CONTRACTED SERVICES $900.00
TOTAL $900.00
57. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “Holyoke Economic Development Industrial Corporation $30,000 (THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS) donation” 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 donation. This revenue will be used towards funding to support a contracted Brownfield Consultant. The City intends to provide matching funding through general fund contracted services appropriations for a total of $60,000 together for this service.
COMMUNICATIONS
58. Mayor Joshua Garcia-OML Complaint filed
59. From Atty Jane Mantolesky, Asst City Solicitor – Legal Opinion on Noise Reduction for Religious Organizations
60. From Atty Jane Mantolesky, Asst City Solicitor, opinion on ability to censure councilors for disruption in meetings.
61. From Yoni Glogower, Director of Conservation & Sustainability, Holyoke Mitigation Plan update – Letter to Council, Local Mitigation Plan review tool, Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, Resolution
62. From Planning Board, Notice of Decision for fast food restaurant construction at 209 South St
63. From Planning Board, Notice of Decision for signs at 235 South St
64. From Marco Crescentini, ArchitectureEL, Proposal for Chamber Renovation
65. Community Outreach Meeting Notice – November 5 2025 for ACMJ at 532 Main Street
66. From Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting- MEETING MINUTES September 29, 2025
67. From Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting-MEETING MINUTES October 6, 2025
68. From Holyoke Fire Commission, meeting minutes for September 17, 2025
69. From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, meeting minutes from April 16, 2025, May 21, 2025, July 2, 2025, July 16, 2025, August 20, 2025, September 17, 2025
PETITIONS
70. Petition from residents on Brookwood Rd. to accept as a Public Way
71. Petition of Lyman Group LLC dba Leaf Lux at 40 Lyman St. for a Marijuana Retail Establishment
72. Petition from Amelia Box of 57 Taylot St for a Special Permit for a Home Occupation for Wood Window Restoration
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
73. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted/
74. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia-communication regarding letters from DLS
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
75. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter from Division of Local Services
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
76. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia- letter from Division of Local Serivces City of Holyoke – Notice of Actions Necessary for Conformity
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
77. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Receive contract and scope with Open Architects and for Tj Plante and the Mayor to provide regular updates to the City Council on progress.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
78. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order The Mayor, Auditor, and City Treasurer provide an update to the City Council on filing of the Schedule A to the DLS.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
79. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order The Mayor, Auditor, and City Treasurer provide an update to the City Council on the closing of the FY24/25 audit and certification of free cash.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
80. 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.
81. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that City Council Rule 9.I be revised from “Subcommittees should not be allowed to meet at the same time/same night.” to “Subcommittees should not be allowed to meet at the same time/same night unless the Chairs of two or more Sub-Committees have called for a joint meeting.”
Recommended that the order be adopted, amended to state “Subcommittees should not be allowed to meet at the same time/same night unless previously approved by a vote of the full Council. If a joint committee comprises a majority of the full Council, then the Council can call a committee of the whole.”
82. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order City Council Rule 4 is hereby amended as follows: Add the following paragraph to the end of Rule 4.B. – For the sake of public transparency, Late Filed orders (as defined herein) may be added to the already published Regular Agenda and presented (a) to the members at the Regular Meeting by offering printed copies and by remittance to the members by way of electronic mail and the same shall be sent no later than 1 PM on the day the Regular meeting is scheduled and (b) to the Public via the City website and the same shall be posted no later than 1 PM of the day of a Regular City Council meeting. In any event, late -filed orders may not be appended the Regular Agenda unless for good cause and so long as written approval from both the Clerk and the President is presented to the members before the Regular meeting. Said writing shall be presented to the members at the Regular meeting and shall include reasons explaining the ‘good cause’ and signatures of both the Clerk and the President.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
83. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred a communication From Councilor Linda Vacon, OML Complaint regarding majority of Charter and Rules members meeting privately in working group
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
84. GIVNER: Ordered, 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.
85. GIVNER: Ordered, 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.
86. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that Animal Control present options for disposal of roadkill on sidewalks, streets, and city properties in general on weekends, including shifting the responsibility for picking up roadkill to a different city department, shifting the hours of workers, or hiring an on-call provider.
87. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a crosswalk be placed across Hampden Street at Arlington, to aid schoolchildren and families. There is a school bus stop at that corner.
88. Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Engineer, the Planning Board, and the Department of Public Works, take the following actions:
1. Initiate the process to layout Brookwood Road as a public way under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 82.
2. Conduct the necessary surveys, inspections, and approvals required for acceptance.
3. Place the matter before the City Council for a vote to formally accept Brookwood Road as a public way.
89. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – That the Biennial Municipal Election in the City of Holyoke for the choice of City Officers be and the same is hereby called to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in the several polling places as designated by the City Council. The polls will be opened at 7:00 am. in the forenoon and closed at 8:00 PM. in the afternoon of said day, and all the voters in the several precincts in which they are entitled to vote, between said hours, may cast their votes by voting machines and paper ballots for the election of:
Que las Elecciones Municipal (Biennial) en la Cuidad de Holyoke, para el escojer de oficiales de la cuidad, sera llevado a cabo el Martes, 4, de Noviembre 2025 en los varios barrios, designados por la Assambleista Municipal. Los precintos estaran abiertos a las 7:00 a.m. de la manana y permaneceran abierto hasta las 8:00 p.m., cuando los precintos sean designado para votar en las horas dicha y haigan dado sus votos por medio de las maquinas de eleccion o por boletos de papel, para la eleccion de:
MAYOR, to serve for the term of four years, from the first Monday in January following his election, and until his successor is qualified.
ALCALDE, para servir por un termino de cuatro anos, desde el primer Lunes de Enero, despues de las elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor sea cualificado.
CITY CLERK, to serve for the term of four years, from the first Monday in January following his election, and until his successor is qualified.
ESCRIBIENTE MUNICIPAL, para servir por un termino de cuatro anos, desde el primer Lunes de Enero, despues de las elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor sea cualificado.
ONE MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AT-LARGE to serve for the term of four years, from the first Monday in January following his/her election, and until his/her successor is qualified.
UN MIEMBRO DE EL COMITE DE ESCUELA EN-GENERAL, para servir por un termino de cuatro anos, desde el primer lunes en Enero, despues de las elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor sea cualificado.
SIX COUNCILORS AT LARGE, to serve for the term of two years, from the first Monday in January following their election, and until their successors are qualified.
SEIS, ASAMBLEISTAS EN-GENERAL, para servir un termino de dos anos, desde el primer lunes de Enero, despues de las elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor se cualificado.
ONE COUNCILOR FROM EACH WARD, by and from the voters of each ward, to serve for the term of two years, from the first Monday in January following their election, and until their successors are qualified.
UN ASAMBLEISTA DE CADA BARRIO, por los votantes de cada barrio, para servir por el termino de dos anos, desde el primer lunes de Enero despues de elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor se cualificado.
ONE MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR EACH WARD, by and from the voters of each ward, to serve for the term of two years, from the first Monday in January following their election, and until their successors are qualified.
UN MIEMBRO DE EL COMITE DE ESCUELA DE CADA BARRIO, por los votantes de cada barrio, para servir un termino de dos anos, desde el primer lunes de Enero, despues de las elecciones, O’hasta que su sucesor sea cualificado.
90. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – That the Polling Place for each of the voting precinct in the City of Holyoke for the Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, be and the same are hereby designated as follows:
ORDENA, que los lugares para cada recinto en la Ciudad de Holyoke para las Elecciones Municipal Esta que se llevaran a cabo el Martes, 2 de Noviembre 2021 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 TWO BARRIO DOS
PRECINCT A—Morgan School Gym, South Bridge St. Entrance only
RECINTO A—Gimnasio de la Escuela Morgan, en la Calle So. Bridge solamente
PRECINCT B – Falcetti Towers, 475 Maple St.
RECINTO B – Falcetti Towers, 475 de la Calle Maple
WARD THREE BARRIO TRES
PRECINCT A & B – Metcalf School, 2019 Northampton St,
RECINTO A & B – Gimnasio de la Escuela Metcalf, 2019 de la Calle Northampton
PRECINCT B – Metcalf School Gym, 2019 Northampton St.
RECINTO B –Gimnasio de la Escuela Metcalf, 2019 de la Calle Northampton
WARD FOUR BARRIOS CUATRO
PRECINCT A& B – St. Paul’s Church Parish Center, Appleton St.
RECINTO A&B – St. Paul’s Church Parish Center, en la Calle Appleton
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
WARD SIX BARRIO SEIS
PRECINCT A&B – Sullivan School 400 Jarvis Ave.
RECINTO A&B – Escuela Sullivan, 400 de la Calle Jarvis
WARD SEVEN BARRIO SIETE
PRECINCT A&B – E. N. White School Gym, 1 Jefferson St.
PRECINTO A&B– Gimnasio de la Escuela E. N. White, 1 de la Calle Jefferson
91. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that the City Council meeting of November 4, 2025 be rescheduled to November 6, 2025 due to the Municipal Election.
92. MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI – Ordered that the City install street signage identifying Bigelow Street from Cabot Street, in an effort to support nearby residents with the redirection of traffic due to ongoing Appleton Street bridge closures.
93. RIVERA, J. – ORDERED: That the City Council Rules be amended to change the current requirement during Public Comment which asks speakers to state their full residential address.
The rule shall be modified so that individuals wishing to speak during Public Comment are required to state only their name and city or town of residence (for example: “Jane Doe, Holyoke”).
Purpose:
This amendment is intended to encourage greater public participation while respecting residents’ privacy and safety. It ensures that speakers can engage in civic dialogue without fear of disclosing personal information publicly, while still confirming that they are members of the community.
94. RIVERA, J. – Order that the City Council Rules be amended to establish reasonable time limits for debate and discussion during full Council meetings.
Under this amendment:
Councilors shall be limited to no more than five (5) minutes per speaking turn on any given item.
The presiding Council President may allow one additional two (2) minute extension if requested and approved by majority consent.
The intention of this rule is to ensure that all Councilors have an equal opportunity to speak while keeping meetings efficient and respectful of time.
Purpose:
This order seeks to improve meeting efficiency, ensure fairness in discussion, and promote a more productive flow of business. It also encourages concise, focused debate while maintaining opportunities for all members to participate.
95. Vacon, Jourdain- ORDER: request our outside auditor provide an update on the status of the 2023 & 2024 audits, in person or by written update as soon as possible.
96. VACON – ORDER: that the city solicitor provide a written legal opinion re: the ruling of the solicitors office (see email from Mayor Garcia below) on the validity of the approval of order for the $137,000 transfer (item 41) on the agenda of the 10/7/25 City Council meeting. Earlier in the meeting, the item had been voted to be referred to Finance Committee. At the end of the meeting, first a vote to reconsider was required to be approved, then a vote to pass the second reading to allow the item to pass, but it appears from my review of the audio tape that only a motion to reconsider was considered and approved. It appears no Motion to pass the second reading as required by the Charter was ever stated and no vote followed the reconsideration vote. I did not vote to approve a transfer as stated in my email to our City Clerk, Admin Assist & forwarded to Attny Bissonnette on October 9, 2025. Also, City Solicitor, please provide a written opinion on the fact that based on the two voted time extensions of ten minutes each, that the vote to reconsider itself occurred a full ten minutes after the meeting had been automatically adjourned by operation of council rules. If the last minute vote occurred after adjournment then is the item still in the Finance Committee based on the valid vote from earlier in the meeting? See below: video of vote on item #41 & emails from law department & mayor. The video portion below includes the actual language.
97. VACON – ORDER: That the Board of Health provide the City Council with an update on the effects of marijuana on the physical & mental health of residents use since “legalization in MA”. Please send to Public Safety Committee.
98. Bartley- DPW install street signage for Bigelow St on the Cabot St side. Presently there’s no street sign and since both bridges are closed on the Appleton St end of Bigelow there’s no marker to identify the street. Receive, adopt, refer to DPW. Refer to public safety committee for followup.
99. Bartley- That the Dpw install a Handicap parking sign for Anny Portes of 18 Clark St
100. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIVE THOUSAND and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) as follows:
FROM
11611-51210 ELECTIONS OFFICERS $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
TO:
11612-53030 PRINT/BINDING $5,000
TOTAL $5,000
101. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWO THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($2,000) as follows:
FROM
11751-51105 SR PROJECT MANAGER $2,000
TOTAL $2,000
TO:
11751-51300 OPED OVERTIME $2,000
TOTAL $2,000
102. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,322) as follows:
FROM
14211-51103 DPW OFFICE MANAGER $3,322
TOTAL $3,322
TO:
14251-51101 FOREMAN-HIGHWAYS $2,201
14301-51106 WASTE/RECYCLE COORDINATOR 1,121
TOTAL $3,322
103. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY26 EEA MUNICIPAL VULNERABILITY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM-HOLYOKE WASTEWATER SYSTEM VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT, ADAPTION PLAN, & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, $390,000, 10% IN KIND 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.
104. Devine- Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSDOT RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACON (RRFB) PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK ASSEMBLIES DONATION, 2 ASSEMBLIES, ESTIMATED VALUE $13,250, ” 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 donation.
105. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY2026 DAM & SEAWALL PROGRAM: DESIGN & PERMIT GRANT, $250,000, 10% MATCH ($25,000)” 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.
106. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($25,000) as follows:
FROM
19121-51996 WORKERS COMP $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
TO:
DAM & SEAWALL PROGRAM: DESIGN & PERMIT GRANT MATCH $25,000
TOTAL $25,000
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
107. From Alicia Zoeller, Director of Office of Community Development, Notice of intent to request HUD release of project funds
*Added October 20, 2025, 10:55 a.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
Jourdain- The Mayor, Auditor, and City Treasurer provide an update to the City Council on the closing of the FY24/25 audit and certification of free cash.
Jourdain- The Mayor, Auditor, and City Treasurer provide an update to the City Council on filing of the Schedule A to the DLS.
Jourdain- Receive contract and scope with Open Architects and for Tj Plante and the Mayor to provide regular updates to the City Council on progress.
Sullivan-That the HG&E be invited to the next council meeting to be formally presented the Utility of the Year award from the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition and the Proclamation from the Commonwealth of MA.