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AGENDA

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

1. June 11, 2024, September 4, 2024, and April 15, 2025 Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and ready for partial release as of September 17, 2025

2. December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes – Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 17, 2025

3. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos-meeting minutes from February 3, 2026

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

4. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos – October 7, 2025 meeting minutes

5. Vacon- ORDER: The city council requests City Councilor At-Large Israel Rivera to recuse himself on votes affecting the police department while on probation & ethics/conflicts of interest complaints are pending.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

6. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, DPW Director signed offer for Michael Gallagher

7. From Mayor Joshua Garcia- communication regarding CAFO Committee

8. From Office for Community Development-FY2025-2026 Opioid Fund Response Schedule

9. FFY2026 Community Development Block Grant Applications (Proposal Book), FFY2026 Spreadsheet and Annual Plan Calendar.

10. From Health Benefit Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2025 and December 15, 2025

11. RISE Holyoke – Notice of Community Outreach Meeting (March 2025)(1)

12. From Holyoke Redevelopment Authority-Annual Meeting Report, various meeting minutes and various Executive Session meeting minutes

 

PETITIONS

13. Petition from Holyoke Mall Company, LP-Pyramid Companies for a Special Permit for 5.3.1 roof height of the former Sears

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

14. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that an ordinance be drafted regulating the number of cars that can be parked on a residential property.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

15. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The city ordinances shall be amended to order the city Treasurer and/or Auditor to send an annual communication to City Council on the financial status of the Community Preservation Fund by the council’s first meeting in March. Items to be included are: the most recent account balance; where the funds are deposited or invested; the dates and the amounts of any deposits either from the Commonwealth or the Municipality or any other source; the dates and the amounts of any withdrawals // payments in support the CPA’s mission. Please also separately delineate any payroll or consultant information.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

16. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That the Dpw install a Handicap parking sign for Anny Portes
Recommended that the order be denied.

17. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a handicap sign be placed outside of 167 Elm St. for Zoila Diaz, handicap placard number PL000058.
Recommended that the order be denied.

18. The Committee on Ordinance 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 given a leave to withdraw.

19. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THIRTEEN MILLION FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY NINE AND 00/100 Dollars ($13,421,739.00) as follows:
FROM
10002-59754 TRANS TO HEALTH INS TRUST $13,421,739.00
TOTAL $13,421,739.00
TO:
10002-59790 TRANS TO HEALTH INS TRUST $13,421,739.00
TOTAL $13,421,739.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

20. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($350,000.00) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS $250,000.00
12101-51117 PAY-E911 DISPATCHERS 100,000.00
TOTAL $350,000.00
TO:
12101-51300 PAY-OVERTIME $350,000.00
TOTAL $350,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

21. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, ONE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($1,000.00) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS $1,000.00
TOTAL $1,000.00
TO:
12101-51910 PAY-STIPENDS $1,000.00
TOTAL $1,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

22. 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 FOUR THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($54,000.00) as follows:
FROM
14101-51105 PAY-SR. CIVIL ENGINEER $54,000.00
TOTAL $54,000.00
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING $54,000.00
TOTAL $54,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

23. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (EOHED) ONE STOP, $265,000.00, 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.

24. 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 THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) as follows:
FROM
60402-53012 MANAGEMENT SERVICE CONTRACT $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
TO:
60402-53011 PROF SERVICES-OTHER $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order That Chapter 43, section 90, a,c,d of the Pension Law (regarding half-pay) be sent to the Finance Committee for discussion with the Retirement Board.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

26. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

27. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Public Safety Committee meet with the Police Chief or designee as soon as possible to discuss and possibly regulate motorized scooters.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

28. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order HPD closely monitor and enforce the “no parking” ordinance, signs and striping proximate to 485 South St. Thank you to DPW for adding the striping on short notice to delineate the no parking. Refer to HPD and DPW. Refer to Public Safety for follow-up with HPD.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

29. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the Police Department be requested to increase enforcement of parking distance ordinances and statutes, including driveways, crosswalks, and intersections. Various safety concerns due to vehicles violating these laws have been brought to the attention of councilors, leading to orders being filed to address these individually. It would make more sense if these laws were better enforced to get better awareness and compliance rather than having signs installed and stripes painted in individual situations.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

30. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the Honorable City Council respectfully invites the Chief of the Holyoke Police Department, or their designee, to appear before the Committee on Public Safety to provide an update to the October 6, 2025 general overview of the Department’s policies, procedures, and training regarding potential interactions with federal immigration authorities, in order to (1) support transparency, public understanding; and continued mutual trust between the community and the police department, while maintaining public safety; (2) ensure that the Council has the information it needs to effectively support the Police Department in its mission to protect the community; and (3) review the impact of existing and proposed state law and practice regarding immigration law and enforcement. Refer to Public Safety, with a copy to the Chief of Police.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
31. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

32. 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 given a leave to withdraw.

33. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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. }
Recommended that the order be referred to the Ordinance Committee with a recommendation to add veteran parking at City Hall and the Senior Center.

34. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order Rule 8 be amended by adding a new Rule 8.P:
In case of the failure of the mayor to transmit to the city council a written recommendation for an appropriation for any purpose not included in the annual budget, which is deemed necessary by the council, after having been so requested by vote thereof, said council, after the expiration of seven days from such vote, upon its own initiative may make such appropriation by a vote of at least two thirds of its members, and shall in all cases clearly specify the amount to be expended for each particular purpose, but no appropriation may be voted hereunder so as to fix specific salaries of employees under the direction of boards elected by the people, other than the city council. [Reference: MG.L. c. 44 § 33] The annual budget shall include sums sufficient to pay the salaries of officers and employees fixed by law or by ordinance. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of any city charter, no ordinance providing for an increase in the salaries or wages of municipal officers or employees shall be enacted except by a two thirds vote of the city council, nor unless it is to be operative for more than three months during the calendar year in which it is passed. No new position shall be created or increase in rate made by ordinance, vote or appointment during the financial year subsequent to the submission of the annual budget unless provision therefor has been made by means of a supplemental appropriation. No ordinance, vote or appointment creating a new position in any year in which a municipal election is held shall be valid and effective unless said ordinance, vote or appointment is operative for more than three months during said municipal election year. [Reference: MG.L. c. 44 § 33A] Recommended that the order be adopted, as amended to add the language to Appendix A of the City Council Rules.

35. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order amend Rule 6E by adding the following: that no member of the City Council shall make references to or about another member but in respectful terms whether inside or outside the City Council Chambers including on social media. That the City Council also taken into consideration this time how the City’s social media policy should help guide our final rule.
Recommended that the order be denied.

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

36. Murphy-Romboletti – Ordered that the ordinance for the Weights and Measures fee schedule be updated per the recommendations of the Director.

37. Panitch- Ordered: that the City Council amend the Zoning Ordinance as proposed by the Planning Board by a vote of February 10, 2026, and fully described in the attached package dated February 12, 2026. These are for the most part technical amendments designed to rationalize and streamline processes for special permits under the Zoning Ordinance, to clarify and add definitions where necessary, and to simplify and rationalize our zoning districts. Receive and refer to Ordinance.

38. Panitch- Ordered that the Honorable Holyoke City Council petition the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to amend Section 45 of the Holyoke Charter to reflect the residency clause set by ordinance. Receive and refer to Charter & Rules.

39. Panitch- Ordered that the Honorable Holyoke City Council petition the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to amend Section 15 of the Holyoke Charter to reflect the new appointing authorities to financial departments be set by ordinance. Receive and refer to Charter & Rules.

40. Panitch- Ordered that the Honorable Holyoke City Council petition the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to amend Section 6 of the Holyoke Charter to remove all references to the city treasurer. Receive and refer to Charter & Rules.

41. Panitch-Ordered that the Law Dept review the Charter and previously adopted Special Act to identify any additional changes in order to reflect the recent adoption of the Municipal Modernization Act. Receive and refer to Charter & Rules.

42. Panitch- Ordered that the Honorable Holyoke City Council petition the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to amend Section 46 of the Holyoke Charter to reflect the residency clause set by ordinance. Receive and refer to Charter & Rules.

43. Panitch- Ordered that the Law Department and City Council review Section 22 of the Holyoke Charter to consider amendments to clarify its language, and to examine whether provisions therein related to the $200 threshold for applicability, and for voting procedure and thresholds, should be revised or eliminated.

44. PURCELL: Order that the City Of Holyoke install a Street Light at the Corner of Linden Street and Suffolk Street on the even side of Linden St. COPY to Public Safety HGE

45. Purcell- Order that the Handicap Sign be removed from 894 Dwight St. Holyoke, MA. The resident no longer resides at that location. Copy to the DPW, Disabilities Commission.

46. Rivera, I.- That the City Council hereby invites local service providers, nonprofit organizations, municipal departments, faith-based institutions, and community-based agencies that work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness to attend and participate in a public hearing.
The purpose of this public hearing is to present and review existing initiatives, programs, and services currently serving the unhoused population within the city and region, to identify gaps in service delivery, and to explore opportunities for coordination, collaboration, and system-level improvements.
Be it further ordered, that representatives from these organizations be encouraged to provide testimony, data, and recommendations regarding current strategies, challenges, outcomes, and best practices in addressing homelessness and housing instability

47. Rivera, I.-Ordered that the Council review and revise the ordinance on the Parking Advisory Board based on the recommendations of their committee.

48. Vacon- ORDER: A city councilor charged with a crime shall be removed from any leadership position on the city council. When there is an apparent conflict of interest with pending charges/complaints, the city councilor shall be removed from membership of any committee that has jurisdiction over the subject of conflict. The purpose of this order is to establish a consistent & fair response when any councilor is charged with a crime.

49. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($15,000.00) as follows:
FROM
12403-58002 CAP OUTLAY-BUILDINGS $15,000.00
TOTAL $15,000.00
TO:
12402-53010 OTHER CONTRACTED SERVICES $15,000.00
TOTAL $15,000.00

50. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, EIGHTEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($18,250.00) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS $18,250.00
TOTAL $18,250.00
TO:
19131-51999 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION $18,250.00
TOTAL $18,250.00

51. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL-CULTURAL DISTRICT INVESTMENT, $15,000.00, 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.

52. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) as follows:
FROM
8815-10400 CANNABIS STABILIZATION $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
TO:
19442-53003 SOLICITOR LEGAL SERVICES $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00

53. Devine, Anderson-Burgos, Magrath-Smith, Rivera, J.– Ordered that the Ordinance Committee increase the fines for any and all ordinances dealing with blocking driveways, crosswalks and parking too close to intersections.
Fines shall be increased to $75 and up to $150.
Any violation of the parking ban shall be a fine of $150.
In addition, if warranted, a payment plan may be implemented for low income and elderly residents.

54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) as follows:
FROM
19161-51999 F.I.C.A.-MEDICARE $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00
TO:
19131-51999 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION $50,000.00
TOTAL $50,000.00

55. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($55,800.00) as follows:
FROM
11381-51102 PAY-ASSISTANT C.P.O. $55,800.00
TOTAL $55,800.00
TO:
11461-51107 PAY-REVENUE COLLECTION SPCLST $17,100.00
11451-51132 PAY-PAYROLL SPECIALIST 4,100.00
11451-51101 PAY-TREASURER 7,200.00
11351-51101 PAY-AUDITOR 6,400.00
19202-57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL 21,000.00
TOTAL $55,800.00

56. Devine- Ordered that the City Council approve the temporary use agreement for the Race St project as attached.

57. Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that the Clerk and the Law Department draft a list of ordinances that they have a record of being changed in the past that were never presented to Municode and thus not in the current “Adopted Ordinances Not Yet Codified” queue.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

58. Sullivan, Devine – Ordered that the Ordinance Committee meet asap to change the City of Holyoke Zoning Ordinance, Section 4.0 Use Regulations; 4.1 General., Appendix A, Zoning; 6.5 Performance Standards so that the Air Riad Siren located at 109 Lyman Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts be allowed to continue to operate every Friday at 12 pm.
*Added February 17, 2026, 11:45 a.m.