Holyoke City Council Meeting September 2, 2025

Published August 27, 2025, 12:52 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/85914960000?pwd=QVBqSkJvd0pSZENmNFdDbnVXTnVTUT09
Meeting ID: 859 1496 0000 Meeting Passcode: 657908 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with same Meeting ID and Passcode.

Live Spanish interpretation will be available on local access channel 15 using the television’s SAP option, through the live stream on the city website, as well as on the Zoom feed by clicking the interpretation option and choosing Spanish.

Tuesday, September 2, 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. August 5, 2025 meeting minutes

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Bartley-City Council suspend its Rule 2-A., cancel its second meeting in September currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025 and reschedule it.  The reason for this request is that this date is set aside by The Big E as its traditional Salute to Holyoke / Salute to Rhode Island.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

8. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Jeff Burkott and Davin Pasek as the Fence Viewer Committee.

9. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Dr. David Owen to serve on the Local Historic District Commission.  Mr. Owen will serve a three-year term expiring July 1, 2028.

10. From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, report on condition of Old Bassett Rd for fire trucks

11. From Holyoke Health Benefit Committee, meeting minutes from June 2, 2025

12. From Board of Fire Commissioners, meeting minutes from July 23, 2025

 

PETITIONS

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

13. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Special permit application of Sixan MA LLC at 15 Main Street (033-06-022) a recreational marijuana retail establishment per sec 7.10.
Recommended that the special permit be granted, carrying over the conditions from the previous owner.

14. 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, and
Recommended that changes to Police Matron and Substitute Nurse in Salary Schedule C be adopted.

15. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That Department heads be given the authority to hire Schedule A positions above mid-range up to no more than max without needing further approval from CC due to special circumstances.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.

16. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that an ordinance be adopted authorizing newly hired employees to be paid above the mid range without approval of the City Council.
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council without recommendation.

17. 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.

18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Mayor be authorized to exceed the medium range hiring salary for the purpose of hiring a new Director of Public Works. This authorization shall expire upon said hiring and shall apply to no other positions.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Director of Public Works be moved from Grade 14 to Grade 15 of Schedule A.
As reasons: The current grade 14 is $85,921.00-$102,391.00-$118,862.00.
Grade 15 is $94,521.00-$112,627.00-$130,733.00.
That grade 15 is clearly more appropriate given the fact that the City Engineer/Assistant Director is currently earning $125,000.00 and is getting paid more than than the Director can be paid right now.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a Handicap sign be installed at 3 Vernon St. for Angel Lopez
Recommended that the order be adopted.

21. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the City Solicitor be given the authority to hire a paralegal above mid range up to no more than max without needing further approval from CC due to special circumstances.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

22. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City of Holyoke establish, in the Schedule A, a Homeless and Housing Liaison position.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

23. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order hat the Police Department be allowed to hire a Crime Analyst past the Grade 10 mid-range (which is $70,407) to $78,000.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

24. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred a communication From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, Ambulance transport services feasibility study final report
Recommended that the order be referred to the full Council for referral to the Public Safety Committee.

25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year EIGHTY THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY SIX AND 00/100 Dollars ($83,656) as follows:
FROM
11511-51202 PT ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR             $83,656
TOTAL            $83,656
TO:
11511-51201 PT ASSISTANT SOLICITOR              $83,656
TOTAL $83,656
Recommended that the order be returned to the Auditor.

26. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order HPS add signage to the west side of the Wm. Peck School stating the school’s name.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

27. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred a communication From City Councilor Kevin Jourdain-School Budget Advisory Report 1 from School Budget Advisory Group
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

28. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order that the Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee review with School leadership the final school budget for FY 26 and the final appropriations from the state.  Committee also review expected state and federal grants to be received during the upcoming fiscal year.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

29. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred a communication From Superintendent Anthony Soto EM – Receiver – Metcalf Working Group
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

30. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order From DESE Interim Commissioner Patrick Tutwiler- Final Cover Memo for HPS Exit Assurances – Eng Sp
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

31. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order From DESE- Final Exit Assurances Holyoke – updated post-mtg
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

32. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred a communication From Councilor Jourdain-communication for Joint Committee agenda – request to discuss resource officers for New Peck Middle School
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

33. The Committee on Joint Committee of City Council and School to whom was referred an order Joint Committee on City Council and School Committee review with School leadership the opening of the new Peck School and ensure everything is remaining on track.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

34. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Joseph Charles Mazzola to serve on the Local Historic District Commission.  Mr. Mazzola will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028. Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

35. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia- letter appointing Ms. Heather Leenders of 11 Robert Drive to serve on the Commission on Disabilities. Ms Leenders will serve a three-year term, expiring March 2028.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

36. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Meghan Connolly of 9 McMahon Drive to serve on the Library Board. Ms. Connolly will replace Mr. Thoomas Gilchrist and will serve the remainder of his term expiring February 2027.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

37. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia- letter appointing Ms. Meghan Connolly of 9 McMahon Drive to serve on the Library Board of Directors.  Ms. Connolly will replace Mr. Thomas Gilchrist and will serve the remainder of his term expiring February 2026.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

38. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Margaret Whitehead of 160 Pearl St. to serve on the Library Board. Ms. Whitehead will replace Ms. Blanchard and will serve a three year term expiring February 2028.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

39. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Christian Carde-Guzman of 203 W Franklin St  to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Mr. Carde-Guzman’s term will expire June 30, 2026.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

40. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Mr. Christopher Gauthier to serve on Local Historic District Commission.  Mr. Gauthier will serve a three-year term expiring on July 1, 2028.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

41. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a communication From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Laddy Rua of 15 Portland St. to serve as the Director of Veterans Services.  Effective date April 28, 2025.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

42. 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 opinion upon the law relating to municipal affairs in any department, upon request made by the head of such department.
Awaiting disposition

43. 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.
Awaiting disposition

44. 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. Awaiting disposition

45. 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.
Awaiting disposition

46. 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
Awaiting disposition

47. 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
Awaiting disposition

48. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order That section 41 of the Holyoke Charter be deleted.
Awaiting disposition

49. 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.
Awaiting disposition

50. 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.
Awaiting disposition

51. 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.
Awaiting disposition

52. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that City Council adopt the attached Substitute Municipal Modernization Ordinance
Awaiting disposition

53. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order The City of Holyoke amends any charter, ordinance and any other regulations relative to its Tax Collector and combines the office with its City Treasurer so long as a charter change to appoint rather than elect Holyoke’s City Treasurer is approved by the legislature and Holyoke voters.
Awaiting disposition

54. 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)
Awaiting disposition

55. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council Charter & Rules committee discuss the Council’s long history of interpretation relative to Section 22 of the Charter that a vote to pass the first and then a vote to pass the second reading are required before final passage may occur under the provisions of that Section.  That the Council also continue to follow our current procedure if and until the Council votes to change that procedure and understanding of Section 22 through a lawful method to be determined up to and including a possible Charter Change.
Section 22 of the Charter
Sec. 22. – Power as to laying out, etc., of streets; damages; ordinances, etc., involving expenditures in excess of two hundred dollars.
The city council shall, with the approval of the mayor, have exclusive authority and power to order the laying out, locating anew or discontinuing of all streets and ways and highways within the limits of the city, and to assess the damage sustained by any person thereby, and further, except as herein otherwise provided, to act in all matters relating to such laying out, locating anew, altering or discontinuing. Any person aggrieved by the assessment of his damages, or other action of the city council under this section, shall have all the rights and privileges now allowed by law in such cases in appeals from decisions of the selectmen of towns. 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 the 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.
Awaiting disposition

56. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order Charter changes related to Municipal Modernization Package be adopted.
Awaiting disposition

57. 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]
Awaiting disposition

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

58. Bartley- The city council issue a proclamation to  DONOVAN’S  on both its 25th anniversary in business and the 10th anniversary of the present owners (owners: Justine & Frank).  A celebration weekend is planned at the Irish restaurant for Sept. 13-14, 2025.  Receive and Adopt.  (I’ll get us the date to make the presentation at the restaurant.)

59. Bartley- The DPW review the standard “no parking from here to curb” signs on both sides of West Glen St. where it meets Northampton St.  There should be no parking within 20’ of the curb.  Residents are concerned about the narrow roadway when cars are parked on both sides. Receive and Adopt.  Refer to DPW.

60. Bartley- The City Engineer develop plans to slow traffic proximate to Elmwood Towers on South St.  Residents are pleased that the pedestrian traffic light and the street markings are in place but feel motorists are still traveling too fast and it’s making for a dangerous section.  Please note – in 2024 there was a pedestrian fatality at South St./Charles St.

61. Bartley- The City Engineer review the parking situation on West Glen St. where is meets Northampton St.  Residents feel with cars on both sides of the street it’s too narrow a gap for more than one car to pass and is dangerous for first responders to navigate. Please determine whether the 20’ limit enough.  If not, please recommend any amendments.  Refer to Ordinance and City Engineer.  Please send a report prior to council by December 1 or sooner.

62. Bartley- 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.

63. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FORTY SEVEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY NINE AND 36/100 Dollars ($47,269.36) as follows:
FROM
12101-51103 FIRE CAPTAIN            $12,300.24
12101-51104 FIRE LIEUTENANT                   26,328.61
12101-51105 FIREFIGHTER                8,640.51
TOTAL            $47,269.36
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $47,269.36
TOTAL            $47,269.36

64. DEVINE – Ordered, 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

65. DEVINE ORDERED: 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

66.

DEVINE ORDERED: 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

67. DEVINE ORDERED: 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

68. Devine- ORDERED the the Law Department provide an opinion as to what the decibel level should be when a religious group receives a permit to organize on their property with the following questions to be answered:
1) Are there specific hours and days that must be complied with?
2) What is the loudest decibel level that is allowed on religious property or other non-religious groups?
3) What is the charge, if any for a permit for religious or non-religious events?
4) Are there any fines if any group violates their permit?
5) is there a limit as to the number of people allowed under a permit?

69. Givner, Anderson Burgos – Ordered that the City enact the proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance approved by the Planning Board.

70. GIVNER – Ordered 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.

71. Givner- Ordered, 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).

72. GIVNER – Ordered 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.

73. Magrath-Smith- ordered that Old Bassett Road be paved by the City of Holyoke.

74. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that the City Engineer and DPW report on the frequent flooding on Longfellow as to its severity and planned improvements to prevent future flooding.

75. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that the City Engineer report on possible improvements at the entrance to the Woodmar Glen neighborhood in order to safeguard life and property. Two bad car accidents in the last year have caused the neighborhood to have to pay to replace their sign twice.

76. Magrath-Smith- Ordered that the DPW remove the handicap sign at 71 Waldo St.  The sign is no longer needed.

77. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that West Cherry be paved by the City of Holyoke.

78. Magrath-Smith – ordered, that Cedar Hill Road be accepted as a public road. If it cannot be accepted, ordered that it be paved by the City of Holyoke.

79. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the position of combined Treasurer/Tax Collector is created by ordinance and added to Schedule A Grade 14

80. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the city council issue a proclamation to Susan Turcotte Moriarty for being recognized as a Distinguished Bar Advocate by the Hampden County Bar Association.

81. Vacon- ORDER: that a portable speed feedback sign be installed on or near pole #39on Homestead Ave. as drivers are traveling at high speeds in the area per report.

82. Vacon- ORDER:  that DPW/engineer evaluate lower Charles Hill Rd & recommend action to improve safety due to a reported concern that cars parked at the lower end near Homestead Ave. are reducing the road to only one lane for vehicles, entering into and exiting from Charles Hill, increasing the risk for accidents.

83. Vacon- ORDER: That a salary range be established for the Treasurer position, as the appointment of the position (rather than elected)was approved by voters.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

84. From Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, letter regarding upcoming needs and initiatives
*Added August 28, 2025, 4:25 p.m.

85. From Dept of Conservation and Recreation, 957 Homestead Ch 61A Notice
*Added August 29, 2025, 1:23 p.m.

86. From Anthony Dulude, Holyoke Retirement Board, request that Treasurer pay federal taxes monthly instead of annually.
*Added August 29, 2025, 1:23 p.m.

87. (Late filed due to Clerk) From Councilor Sullivan- House Bill #3754
*Added September 2, 2025, 10:52 p.m.

88. 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.
*Added September 2, 2025, 10:52 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

DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY SIX AND 64/100 Dollars ($24,146.64) as follows:
FROM
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS            $  4,261.81
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                 3,689.65
12101-51107 PATROLMEN               16,195.18
TOTAL            $24,146.64
TO:
12101-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $24,146.64
TOTAL            $24,146.64

DEVINE – Ordered, 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