Holyoke City Council Meeting September 17, 2025
7:00 pm City Hall Holyoke
536 Dwight St, Holyoke 01040
published September 15, 2025, 12:35 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/82409881714?pwd=Bkt3ajXGbFOvrkZwQq7i0po4OHn8pz.1
Meeting ID: 824 0988 1714 Meeting Passcode: 687561 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
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
7:00 PM
AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
1. — June 11, 2024 and September 4, 2024 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and ready for partial release as of August 5, 2025
2. — December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of August 5, 2025
3. April 15, 2025 Executive Session minutes – not yet reviewed.
4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from September 2, 2025
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 Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Adam Mulcahy and Christina Guesk-Notification of Intent to sell under MGL
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
7. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a communication From Kestrel Land Trust, letter regarding right of first refusal for Mountain Road parcel under Chapter 61A
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
8. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That schedules B and C of ordinance 2-35 be updated as appropriate with competitive salaries to attract and retain employees.
Recommended that changes to the Mayor, Council, and Council President in Salary Schedule B be referred to the full Council without recommendation.
*Updates to Schedule C adopted September 2, 2025
9. — The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the residency requirement for the CPO/Purchasing Director position be removed.
Recommended that the order, through a waiver option, be adopted.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. — The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that section 13 of the Holyoke Charter – Rules of city council; president pro tempore; method of sitting; journal; roll-call votes; quorum; general powers; no compensation. – 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 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.
14. — 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.
15. — 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.
16. — 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.
17. — 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.
18. — 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. — 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.
23. 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.
24. (Late filed due to Clerk) From Councilor Sullivan- House Bill #3754
COMMUNICATIONS
25. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball, Settlement Agreement between The City of Holyoke and the UPSEU Holyoke Public Works Supervisors Local 424, Unit MADIV111
26. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball, Settlement by and between the City of Holyoke and NAGE R1-180 Clerical Union
27. FROM CITY AUDITOR, TANYA WDOWIAK: MAYOR’S FY2026 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET COMMUNICATION AND BUDGET BOOK
28. Letter from Laura Wilson, Chair of Parking Advisory Board
29. From Yoni Glogower, Conservation Commission, Letter regarding Ch 61A for 957 Homestead
30. From Davin Pasek, letter to DGR Committee for 203 West Franklin SP application
31. BOH permit for 1 Meadow Street home bakeryand Business certificate for 1 Meadow Street home bakery
32. Summary of Certified Project & Special Tax Assessment Application for AM Lithography
33. Health Benefit Meeting Minutes-July 21, 2025
34. FROM CITY AUDITOR, TANYA WDOWIAK: FY2026 GENERAL FUND AND SEWER ENTERPRISE YEAR TO DATE EXPENSE VS BUDGET REPORTS AS OF 9-15-2025
PETITIONS
35. Petition to Accept Old Bassett Road as a Public Way
36. Petition from Edward Owen of 78 Hell St. West Springfield for a zone change at 120 Front St. Current Zone BC Proposed Zone IG
37. Petition from Rev Randell Bessette of 1810 Northampton St. for a Second Hand License.
38. Petition from Francisco Grabiel Velez Vega of 214 Elm St. for a Street Vendor License
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
39. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Personnel Department and Law Department work in conjunction to update the following ordinances to reflect a modern Human Resources Department:
Article I
30-1 (a), 82-4 (c), 82-5 (c)
Article II Division I
2-40 (a), 2-43 (e) (k), 2-64, 2-66 b (3), 2-67 (a), 2-69 (h)
Article II Division II
2-86
Article II Division VI
2-182 b (3) e (2)
Article Ill Division II
2-311 a, b, c, d, 2-312 a, b (21), 2-313, 2-314
Article IV
2-422 (b)
Recommended that the order be adopted.
40. 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 REVISED “FY2023 SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL, $197,850, LOCAL FUNDS $24,570 / IN KIND MATCH $15,000” 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.
41. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($55,000) as follows:
FROM
11751-51105 SR PROJECT MANAGER $55,000
TOTAL $55,000
TO:
11751-51223 DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST $55,000
TOTAL $55,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
42. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO AND 11/100 Dollars ($9,342.11) as follows:
FROM
12401-51103 CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11
TO:
12402-53050 INSPECTIONS-ELECTRIC $9,342.11
TOTAL $9,342.11
Recommended that the order be adopted.
43. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the amount of THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,250.00) be authorized from the BUILDING Department’s ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS (12402-53050) appropriation in fiscal year 2026 for services rendered in fiscal year 2025 which were unencumbered at the 2025 fiscal year end.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
44. 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 “MASSACHUSETTS SAFE & SUCCESSFUL YOUTH INITIATIVE (SSYI), $709,700, 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.
45. 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 “FY23 COPS OFFICE ANTI-HEROIN TASK FORCE PROGRAM, $10,000, 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
46. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($250,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51117 DISPATCH $ 50,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 50,000
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 100,000
12101-51103 CAPTAINS 50,000
TOTAL $250,000
TO:
12101-51300 HPD OVERTIME $250,000
TOTAL $250,000
Recommended that the order be adopted.
47. 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 referred to the full Council without recommendation.
48. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Community Preservation Act Committee-FY26 Operating Budget
Recommended that the order be adopted.
49. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City Council consider for its approval the FY26 budget from the Holyoke Community Preservation Committee. Note, this is the last budget that will be funded under the previous 1.5% surcharge. The FY27 budget will decrease by approximately one-third.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
50. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City appropriate the amount of Eight Million Six Hundred Ninety One Thousand Four Hundred and Five ($8,691,405) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Kelly Elementary School Roof, located at 216 West St, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 68,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
51. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City appropriate the amount of Four Million Four Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-Seven ($4,498,497) Dollars for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Lt. Elmer J. McMahon Elementary School Roof, located at 75 Kane Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 35,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
52. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That the City appropriate the amount of Twelve Million Nine Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Seven Dollars ($12,945,697) for the purpose of paying costs of a replacement of the Holyoke High School Roof, located at 500 Beech St, Holyoke, MA 01040. This replacement consists of the removal of existing EPDM roof and installing 168,000 SF of PVC membrane during the summer of 2026, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”), which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of Mayor Joshua Garcia.
To meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City; provided that any grant that the City may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) eighty percent (80%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City and the MSBA.
FURTHER ORDERED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all of the bonds or notes authorized to be issued pursuant to this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as may be required for such purposes.
FURTHER ORDERED: That there shall be no change in the purpose of this bond authorization without prior vote of approval by the Holyoke City Council
Recommended that the order be adopted.
53. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Petition from Raul Montes of 33 Mountainview St. Springfield for a Street Vendor Permit
Recommended that the petition be granted with the following conditions:
That the hours of operation would be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
That the applicant confirm approval from the Board of Health and that the applicant confirm that the fee to the Board of Health has been paid.
54. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special Permit Application for Home Occupation of Robert Rose at 414 Hillside Ave Suite 167 (124-00-108) for a custom fabrication shop per sec 4.8.2.
Recommended that the permit be given a leave to withdraw without prejudice.
55. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special Permit Application for Home Occupation of Ella Sussman and Tyrone Obanner at 1-9 Martin Street (122-00-018) for a psychotherapy/psychiatric outpatient mental health practice per sec 4.8.2.
Recommended that the permit be given a leave to withdraw without prejudice.
56. 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:
That the hours of operation would be Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
That the applicant will provide their business certificate and their permit from the Board of health
57. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application of Christian Carde-Guzman to construct a front yard driveway at 203 West Franklin Street (077-03-009) per sec 6.1.8.1.
Recommended that the permit be granted.
58. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the reverter requirement for the transfer of the property located at 689 Main Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts be removed from the conditions related to the transfer of the property from Jahjan, LLC to Richard Kowalski, or his assignee, for the development of a self storage facility. The City Council approved the transfer in May, 2024, however a reverter requirement was included.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
59. 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted, acknowledging that the property is no longer needed for a public purpose.
60. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council authorize a sale of Holyoke Assessors Parcel 010-00-002, Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA to Jose A. Santos Suarez for $1,000.00. After the property was declared by the City Council to be surplus on October 6, 2020, the City sent notices to abutters that the property was available for sale. The City received a response from Mr. Santos Suarez as the only responding abutter. The property is valued under the procurement threshold.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
61. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council approves the Resolution for the Certified Project Application and Special Tax Assessment (STA) Agreement with AM Lithography Corporation for the purpose of the company’s property acquisition and expansion in Holyoke. The acquisition, expansion and STA apply to the following: 100 Appleton St., 110 Appleton St. and Appleton St. parcel 010 (Map 031, Block 01, Parcels 008, 009, and 010).
Recommended that the order be adopted.
62. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council authorize a sale of Holyoke Assessors Parcel 006-08-012, 106 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA to Alan Schneider, or his nominee, for $5,800.00. After the property was declared by the City Council to be surplus on February 5, 2019, the City sent notices to abutters that the property was available for sale. The City received a response from Mr. Schneider as the only responding abutter. The property is valued under the procurement threshold.
Recommended that the order be adopted.
63. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order From Dept of Conservation and Recreation, 957 Homestead Ch 61A Notice
Recommended that the right of first refusal option not be exercised.
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
64. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR AND 91/100 Dollars ($944.91) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 FIREFIGHTER $944.91
TOTAL $944.91
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $944.91
PP #5 TOTAL $944.91
65. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINETEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR AND 5/100 Dollars ($19,544.05) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 2,506.98
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 17,037.07
TOTAL $19,544.05
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $19,544.05
TOTAL $19,544.05
66. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE AND 11/100 Dollars ($12,595.11) as follows:
FROM
12101-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN $ 3,663.90
12101-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT 6,285.48
12101-51105 FIREFIGHTER 2,645.73
TOTAL $12,595.11
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $12,595.11
PP #5 TOTAL $12,595.11
67. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY THREE AND 53/100 Dollars ($21,643.53) as follows:
FROM
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS $ 1,704.72
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 1,844.83
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 18,093.98
TOTAL $21,643.53
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $21,643.53
TOTAL $21,643.53
68. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, EIGHTEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY AND 39/100 Dollars ($18,450.39) as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 SERGEANTS 3,581.40
12101-51107 PATROLMEN 14,878.99
TOTAL $18,450.39
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY $18,450.39
TOTAL $18,450.39
69. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASS DOT LOCAL BOTTLENECK REDUCTION PROGRAM, $390,149.30, 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.
70. Devine — The city designate four parking spots in front of the police dept as “Police Business Only.”
71. GIVNER: 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.
72. GIVNER: 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.
73. Jourdain, Devine- Ordered, that a Proclamation be issued by the City Council recognizing William “Ronnie” Collamore for his 48 years of service to the city and that we share this proclamation with him at the street naming ceremony for him.
74. Jourdain, Devine- Ordered, that “No large commercial vehicles allowed” signs be installed at the beginning of Linden Street at Hampden Street/end of Mueller Bridge off ramp. Residents are being overwhelmed with many tractor trailer and large dump trucks on Linden Street cutting through their neighborhood and these drivers should find more appropriate alternative routes.
75. Magrath-Smith and Jourdain – create an Ordinance to match Council Rule 10B. Rule 10B reads: ” The following information must be submitted to the City Council with every loan or bond order: A. A statement as of that date of the bonded indebtedness of the city, exclusive of the self-supporting bonds of the Gas and Electric Department and the Water Department. B. A statement of the borrowing capacity remaining within the limits as set by law, after issuance of the bond being applied for.”
76. Rivera, J.- ORDERED, that the Department of Public Works and the City Engineer take the necessary steps to install additional stop signs as follows:
1. That the intersection of Cabot Street and Race Street be designated as a FOUR-WAY STOP INTERSECTION due to the high number of accidents at this location. Currently, stop signs exist only on Race Street crossing Cabot Street. Additional stop signs shall be installed on Cabot Street, both for traffic traveling uphill and downhill, to complete the four-way stop.
2. That the intersection of Sergeant Street and Race Street be designated as a THREE-WAY STOP INTERSECTION. At present, there is a stop sign on Race Street at this intersection. Additional stop signs shall be installed on Sergeant Street, for traffic traveling both uphill and downhill, to complete the three-way stop.
FURTHER ORDERED, that appropriate signage and roadway markings be installed as soon as practicable to improve safety for residents, pedestrians, and motorists.
77. Sullivan-Ordered that the Holyoke City Council adopt a resolution in support of House Bill #3754 An Act Relative to Traffic Regulation Using Road Safety Cameras. This bill is specifically crafted to target red light violations only.
78. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, ONE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($137,500) as follows:
FROM
11211-51104 CAFO $137,500
TOTAL $137,500
TO:
11212-53009 MAYOR’S CONTRACTED SERVICES $137,500
TOTAL $137,500
79. Vacon- ORDER: add a rule that any city councilor named by a speaker during public speak has 2 minutes to respond at the end of public speak.
80. BARTLEY- The city council amend chapter 86 of the city’s ordinances (and elsewhere if so deemed) to allow two-wheeled vehicles (i.e. motorcycles) to park multiple like-sized vehicles in any single public parking space as the City Engineer may determine (potentially up to three) whether metered or not metered. This shall be applicable to parking spaces in city-owned parking garages including Mayor Taupier and Mayor Proulx. The city shall allow private parking lots the option to institute a similar parking schedule for motorcycles and like-sized vehicles. Alternatively, the city allow said right to be permitted by special permit issued by the Chief of Police if other traffic standards do not allow this ordinance change. Refer to Ordinance, Police Chief, C.E., Parking Enforcement Director at DPW, and Parking Advisory Board.
81. BARTLEY- Due to multiple calls and complaints from both residential and commercial property owners and tenants, ORDER the DPW and the Mayor rescind the recent ban on the collection of recycling. Receive and adopt. Refer to DGR for follow-up.
82. BARTLEY- The city’s engineer and its law department review the definition of “motorized scooter” in Chapter 86-1 of city ordinances and advise the City council on whether the definition should be amended. Refer to Ordinance committee, C.E., Law Dept., Parking Advisory Board.
83. BARTLEY- ORDER that an Ordinance be passed to allow those businesses whose collection of recycling and waste was recently banned to be reinstituted. Refer to ORDINANCE and copy Bd of public works
84. BARTLEY- ORDER the city start the process to review the petition to install speed humps on Kaster St. Petition attached. Refer to C.E., Ordinance.
LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS
85. From Edward Owen, request to withdraw zone change application for 120 Front Street, with attached Building Department zoning verification letter.
*Added September 17, 2025 1:55 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
From Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, letter regarding upcoming needs and initiatives
From Dept of Conservation and Recreation, 957 Homestead Ch 61A Notice
From Anthony Dulude, Holyoke Retirement Board, request that Treasurer pay federal taxes monthly instead of annually.
(Late filed due to Clerk) From Councilor Sullivan- House Bill #3754
ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered, that the reverter requirement for the transfer of the property located at 689 Main Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts be removed from the conditions related to the transfer of the property from Jahjan, LLC to Richard Kowalski, or his assignee, for the development of a self storage facility. The City Council approved the transfer in May, 2024, however a reverter requirement was included.