Public Safety Committee Meeting October 28, 2025

Published October 24, 2025, 3:30 p.m.

City Council
Holyoke Massachusetts
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25,
and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Public Safety

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
6:30 PM

Meeting to take place at
Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can be accessed remotely on Zoom Meetings
Per order of the Chair: Jenny Rivera
Remote access via zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84132732733?pwd=S9I0qutWw3RSqnsb134TUukRCPvA7c.1
Meting ID: 841 3273 2733 Meeting Passcode: 780038 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with the 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

Item 1: Minutes of March 31, 2025 meeting.

Item 2: 6-17-25 DEVINE – ORDERED: that the Public Safety Committee meet with the Police Chief or designee as soon as possible to discuss and possibly regulate motorized scooters.

Item 3: 9-2-25 MAGRATH-SMITH, DEVINE – Ordered that Old Bassett Road be paved by the City of Holyoke.

Item 4: 9-2-25 MAGRATH-SMITH, DEVINE – 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.

Item 5: 9-2-25 MAGRATH-SMITH – Ordered, that West Cherry be paved by the City of Holyoke.

Item 6: 9-2-25 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.

Item 7: 8-5-25 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Ordered that the DPW replace the stop sign on Linden at Mackenzie with a flashing stop sign.

Item 8: 1-7-25 From Andrea Johansen, letter regarding proposed lithium battery site in Westfield.

Item 9: 8-1-23 I. RIVERA – Ordered, that reps of Holyoke Housing come in and provide and update to residents at Toeofert apartments regarding a letter residents received about the possible removal or remodel of the parks in the area.
*Tabled 12-30-24

LAID ON THE TABLE
(Items taken up at previous meeting(s) and laid on the table.

Item 10: 3-18-25 I. Rivera – Order that the chief give us an update or a plan as to how what the approach is to begin tackling issues outlined in MRI audit
*Tabled 4-22-25

Item 11: 1-21-25 VACON – ORDER: At the 1-91 dedicated exit lane to the mall, consider the installation of flexible lane delineators to prevent people from illegally crossing the solid line across the bike lane.
*Tabled 3-13-25

Item 12: 1-21-25 VACON – ORDER: the PD provide enforcement activities by Holyoke and/or State Police re: truck traffic during restricted hours at night and drivers exceeding speed limits on Homestead Ave.
*Tabled 4-22-25

Item 13: 1-21-25 VACON – ORDER: that our Police Department address the illegal drag racing on Bobala Drive and coordinate with West Springfield police as able to stop this activity.
*Tabled 4-22-25

Item 14: 12-17-24 OCASIO – Ordered that the DPW, Engineer and HGE come to a City Council meeting to explain why there are meters in the front of buildings and homes.
*Tabled 3-31-25

Item 15: 12-17-24 OCASIO – Ordered that the City install a few signs: “No Trucks”, “Slow Down, Children”, and “No Parking Anytime” on the block across from 320 Elm St.
*Tabled 3-20-25

Item 16: 10-15-24 Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that speed humps be placed on Old Jarvis based on the recommendation of the traffic study completed in 2008.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 17: 10-15-24 Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that the consulting City Engineer, DPW Director, and Police Chief provide an update as to traffic calming measures being taken on Bemis, including a timeline for the placement of permanent speed humps, and the number of speeding tickets taken the last two months.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 18: 10-1-24 Bartley-The public safety committee invite the DPW Superintendent and City Forester to a future meeting to discuss tree trimming, tree stump removal, tree planting, and Holyoke’s tree nursery.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 19: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The DPW install a protective wraparound barrier (lattice, wire) the Holyoke Railroad platform. Unfortunately people are using this for protection from the elements but it is a very dangerous location and I don’t want anyone to stumble onto the rail tracks as recently happened in Northampton.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 20: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – The law department provide an update to CC as to the reason a 2022 HPD cruiser (with 30,000 miles+/-) has been sitting at Marcotte Ford for the last 12 months. My understanding is an officer had an accident as a result of a mechanical defect and the car was towed back to the dealer where continues to sit unused.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 21: 6-18-24 BARTLEY, J. RIVERA – Order for installation of a Perimeter Fence and Implementation of a Pay-to-Park System at the Main Street Parking Lot Across from 299 Main Street as well as the Canal St lot across from GTL Additionally, to provide paid parking permits to businesses located on Main Street and Canal St.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 22: 6-18-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA, GIVNER, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – Ordered, that Section 34 of the Holyoke City Charter be amended to establish a Police Commission by virtue of a Special Act in Accordance with the provisions of Articles of Amendment, Article II, Section 8 of the Massachusetts Constitution.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 23: 5-21-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – DPW, Emergency Management, HPD and Mayor’s office determine a safety plan to better warn truckers traveling on Main St. of the iron R/R bridge at Lyman St. Yet another collision occurred last week. Consider checking out the flashing beacons and warning signs on East Mountain Rd, Westfield.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 24: 5-21-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW work with MA DOT to remove the dead trees by the US Route 91 overpass at Westfield Rd. This area is in need of some attention.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 25: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW conduct the following on the ‘way finder’ signs in Smith’s Ferry: fix the damaged ‘Holyoke Country *Club’ sign on the southbound side of Rt 5 and install a new sign on the northbound side of Rt 5 as it’s been missing now for a few years. Receive, Adopt and Refer to DPW. Copy to Public Safety to follow-up in 45 days.
*Tabled 3-13-25

Item 26: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The fencing around the Fitzpatrick Rink -especially along the N-side of Parenteau Dr. -is disgraceful and in desperate need of repair. Please notice the glorious Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the vendor operating the rink. The vendor to its credit as done great work to repair the fence along S. Elm St. Refer to state OCR, the vendor for the Rink, and Rep. Duffy. Please copy Public Safety to follow-up on this in 60 days with a status report.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 27: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA – (copy) DPW install “warning” sign to motorists of 3-way STOP signs at Charles St. II Washington Ave. Receive, Adopt, Refer to DPW. Send order to Public Safety for a follow-up and send communication to Admin Asst in 45 days to advise if/when installed.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 28: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW repair the “Hampshire St” street sign located at corner of Pine St. Sign is damaged. Receive, Adopt and Refer. Copy to Public Safety for follow-up in 45 days.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 29: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW consider resurfacing the roadbed on Woodland St. Multiple constituents (and their letter carrier) requesting.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 30: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW // City Engineer please consider providing suggestions on entering WESTFIELD RD from both WOODLAND ST and HITCHCOCK ST. Mirrors have previously been suggested and dismissed so please provide an alternative solution. These are constituent requests.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-31-25

Item 31: 3-6-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA – Ordered, that the Fire Chief communicate a written plan for supporting firefighters to successfully complete their EMT Certifications, especially for those who have previously failed to pass the exams required and are approaching the two year deadline.
*Tabled 12-4-24, 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 32: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the officers working at the Holyoke Police Departments Community Service Center that could be find at 208 race St. {STEAM Building) come into public safety and discuss what the initiative has been up to, and what plans they have to strategically work on filling in the gaps where service providers are not able to be present.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 4-22-25

Item 33: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the mayor, Department of Public Works, and the parking advisory committee at the Public Safety committee to discuss the possibility of making parking enforcement a subdivision of the Traffic division.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 4-22-25

Item 34: 10-3-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The city of Holyoke work with its state delegation and federal partners to develop protective barriers along Route 91 proximate to ISO-New England. The most recent issues concern bullet holes found at ISO-NE that appear to emanate from motorists traveling on 91. The MSP and HPD are investigating and Shot-spotter detected the gunfire, according to an ISO-NE official. There is a possibility that there exists a private source of funding for the barriers and government officials are now being made aware of the potential private funds via this Order. Please note that it’s very likely that an easement from the Commonwealth would be required to build. Refer to DGR and copy to City Engineer, MA DOT District 2 (Northampton), Holyoke’s state delegation and copies to Public Safety and ISO-New England. (Couple this order with prior ones from Councilors Jourdain and Vacon and others relative to similar requests on the N- and S-bound sides of 91.)
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 35: 8-1-23 (referred from Charter and Rules 6-18-23) From City Solicitor letter re: Provisions of charter impacted by implementation of a Police Commission
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 36: 8-1-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer and/or VEOLIA suggest improvements to the sidewalk and catch basin near 5 Martin St. (at the corner of Westfield Rd and Martin). Owner’s contractor noted the sidewalk is too high and the design causes water to pool on parking lot; the catch basin is above-grade is not catching storm water. Owner very willing to confer with City Engineer on this matter. Refer to Public Safety Committee for a review hearing.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-31-25

Item 37: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Order that the City Engineer investigate the installation of pedestrian safety measures at the crosswalk located on Northampton Street at Winthrop Street. This may include installations of curb extensions (aka “bump outs”) and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB).
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 38: 1-3-23 GIVNER – Ordered, Per constituent requests, please conduct a traffic study on Hamden to help mitigate use as a truck route, and to address heavy traffic volume on Hamden.
Constituents have difficulty entering/exiting driveways. Also, houses shake when trucks pass. Constituents are concerned there may be infrastructure related safety issues.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 39: 11-15-22 BARTLEY — City Engineer review options to improve road safety at Queen and Cherry St. Issue: trucks exiting Queen St. are seen driving over the median strip and making an illegal left-hand turn onto Cherry St. (Rt. 202-South)
*Referred back 6-4-24, Tabled 12-30-24

Item 40: 11-15-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO – Ordered, City Engineer consider the following road improvements on Main St. in Springdale: in lieu of replacing the traffic light, install a raised crosswalk and solar-powered pedestrian signal. Copy to Mayor, Community Development, HFD Commissioners and Alarm Division.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-31-25

Item 41: 10-4-22 BARTLEY, JOURDAIN, MCGEE, TALLMAN – Ordered, The city engineer please recommend on-street parking improvements on the north-side of South St. between 485 South St. (Elmwood Towers) and Russell Terrace and the south-side of South St. from Taino’s Restaurant to the old fire station. (Order is suggested by local business owners.)
Refer to Public Safety and Mayor.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 42: 10-4-22 GIVNER, MALDONADO VELEZ – Order to install city-wide signage reflecting state law that requires cars to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 43: 8-2-22 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer look at on-street parking at the top of Fairmont Ave. and recommend available suggestions to relieve congestion.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 44: 3-1-22 PUELLO, OCASIO – Ordered, That the city engineer draft the costs and feasibility of installing two raised crosswalks on Main Street adjacent to Springdale Park.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 45: 2-1-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO — The city engineer review the signaling at the Maple St / South St. / Parenteau Dr intersection.  Multiple accidents and near-accidents have occurred there over the years as motorists from Maple St turn Left against oncoming traffic on South St (heading downtown). The intersection is proximate to the former Whole Donut and the Fitzpatrick Ice Rink.  Refer to Public Safety with copy to City Engineer.
*Referred back 6-4-24, Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 46: 1-18-22 GIVNER — That the city of Holyoke install storm warning lights much like those in neighboring communities. These would act to signal coming snow and other inclement weather storms, prompting residents to check our city web site as well as their preferred news sources. Storm warning lights would also act as a parking ban notification in an effort to assist our overextended police department.
*Tabled 1-24-22, 12-30-24

Item 47: 9-7-21 BARTLEY – Ordered, The HPS now runs two schools, side by side, on the west side of Northampton Street between Hitchcock and Lawler St. and now is the time for DPW, City Engineer, HPD, and the Mayor’s office to review and monitor this area and make some public safety decisions. Parents, Teachers and Administrators have called about derelict drivers, etc. Please refer to Public safety for a hearing and copy to HPS and the aforementioned departments.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE
(Per City Council Rule 9P, “Any order not acted on within 45 days shall be deemed tabled.” Items within this section are laid on the table by virtue of being in the committee more than 45 days.)

Item 48: 9-2-25 BARTLEY (copy) – 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.

Item 49: 9-2-25 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.

Item 50: 8-5-25 VACON – ORDER: that the conservation commission provide minutes of the process & summary of discussion & votes for the wetlands enforcement order at 77 Mayer Drive and provide any appeal process available to neighbors/abutters.

Item 51: 8-5-25 BARTLEY – Constituent (business) request.  Ordered that the city engineer, DPW Highway Dept., develop a plan to install safety measures at the Northampton St. (Rt 5) and Beech St. (Rt 202) intersection.  Specifically, create and implement a plan so that motorists traveling N on Rt. 5 who are turning right on red onto Rt. 202 North allow motorists traveling S on Rt. 5 who are turning Left on a green arrow onto Rt. 202 to turn safely.  Per constituent, too many close calls.

Item 52: 6-17-25 OCASIO – Ordered that the City put a “No Parking” sign in front of the old Fire Station building on Main St. People park half on the street/sidewalk so people can’t use the sidewalks. Police need to enforce and ticket them.

Item 53: 6-17-25 OCASIO – Ordered that the City address concerns and/or come up with a plan to stop individuals from using their apartments as storage for mini motorcycles etc. This is very dangerous for residents living in buildings.

Item 54: 4-1-25 OCASIO – Order that the city and/or owner of 5 Owen Pl come in and discuss who is responsible for the damage on the back fence of 544 Hampden St.

Item 55: 2-4-25 Vacon- ORDER: That installation of a crosswalk near #64 County Rd be evaluated for improved safety.

Item 56: 9-5-23 JOURDAIN – Parks dept please install a motion sensor system and/or improved camera system and/or improved security plan at the Pouliot pool for use when the pool is in season.  After hours security needs to be dramatically improved.  Please let City Council and Mayor know if funding is required.

Item 57: 8-5-25 (Referred from Finance 9-2-25) From Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, Ambulance transport services feasibility study final report

Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos
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 may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Agenda subject to change up to two business days (48 hours) prior to posted meeting time.