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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 March 17, 2026 meeting

 

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, letter reappointing various members to serve as Commissioners of the Council on Aging

7. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter reappointing Mr. George Mettey of 7 Hemlock Drive to service as a Fire commissioner. Mr. Mettey will serve a three-year term expiring May 13, 2029.

8. From Holyoke Police Department-monthly traffic reports from various locations

9. From Disabilities Commission-communication regarding winter parking bans

10. From Planning Department- communications that provide additional explanations and comparisons related to the zoning change package.

11. From Schermerhorn’s Restaurant-communications regarding re-construction, located at 224 Westfield Road, Holyoke.

12. From Jenee King, Holyoke resident, letter regarding Council vote on air raid siren

13. From Board of Fire Commission-meeting minutes from February 2, 2026

14. From Holyoke Conservation Commission- meeting minutes from 2-12-26 and 3.12.26

15. From Planning Board- meeting minutes October 14, 2025

16. Planning Board NOD for Site Plan Review, ISO New England at 115 Whiting Farms Rd

17. Planning Board NOD for Special Permit to exceed fence height, ISO New England at 115 Whiting Farms Rd

18. Planning Board NOD for Multiple Principal Structures, ISO New England at 115 Whiting Farms Rd

19. From Lauren Niles, Holyoke Planning Board, recommendation for parking on residential properties proposal

20. From Lauren Niles, Holyoke Planning Board, review of Riverside Cannabis special permit

21. From Lauren Niles, Holyoke Planning Board, recommendation for creation of an RC district.

22. From Lauren Niles, Holyoke Planning Board, recommendation for data centers zoning ordinance

 

PETITIONS

23. Petition from Tai Kang for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 311 High St.

24. Petition from EcoATM for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 250 Westfield Rd.

25. Petition from EcoATM for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 50 Holyoke St.

26. Petition from EcoATM for a renewal of a Second Hand License at 2261 Northampton St.

27. Petition from William F. Sullivan and Co. Inc for a renewal of a Junk Dealer’s License at 1-3 Jed Days Landing

28. Petition from William F. Sullivan and Co. Inc for a renewal of a Junk Dealer’s License at 107 Appleton St.

29. Petition from Amanda and Marcos Garcia for a renewal of a Home Occupation at 25 Brenton Lane.

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

30. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the ordinance for the Weights and Measures fee schedule be updated per the recommendations of the Director.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

31. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the city adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the use of SGARs on City-owned properties.
Recommended that the order be adopted, and that the Board of Health be requested for a written plan on transitioning to alternatives.

32. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council would adopt a resolution in support of Senate Bill 2721 and House Bill 965: An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

33. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Petition of Dario Tara-Ramones-zone change at 131 Westfield Rd. Holyoke
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw without prejudice.

34. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That section 38-73 (a) of the code of ordinances be amended to add the following;
(11) Sounding or permitting the sounding of any signal from any bell, chime, whistle, or similar device, intended primarily for nonemergency purposes from any place, for more than 3 minutes in any 7 day period.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

35. 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 “SFY26 PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, $47,149.95, 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.

36. 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 “SFY26 COMMONWEALTH PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, $13,900.00, 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.

37. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the project team involved in the chamber renovation project come into a Finance Committee meeting to discuss project scope and costs. This discussion is intended to provide an opportunity to brief councilors on the project, discuss questions and concerns, and gain insight ahead of the team submitting an appropriation request.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

38. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application of Holyoke Mall Company – Pyramid Companies at 50 Holyoke Street (176-00-Lot 10C) to raise the roof height of approximately 50,000 sq ft of the former Sears to accommodate layout for Dick’s House of Sport project per sec 5.3.1.
Recommended that the special permit be granted.

39. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the City Council approve the Resolution for the Certified Housing Development Incentive Program Project including a Local Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Agreement with 103 Lyman LLC for the downtown market rate housing development at 103 – 105 Lyman Street (Assessors Map  037, Block 05, Parcel 007).
Recommended that the order be adopted.

40. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that the sale of Holyoke Assessors Parcel 006-08-012, 106 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA to Alan Schneider, or his nominee, for $5,800.00 authorized by the City Council on September 17, 2025, be amended to reflect that the City will receive $4,800.00 after payment of $1,000.00 to the Buyer’s broker.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

41. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Request for Consideration of FY 2025-2026 Opioid Grant Applications
Recommended that the committee’s allocation recommendations be adopted.

42. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a request for reprogramming of 2025 CDBG funding, updated DGR recommendations for 2026 CDBG funding.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

43. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application for home occupation of Mustafa Ibic at 60 Westfield Road (122-00-017) for Custom Tailor tailor shop per 4.8.2.
Recommended that the application be given a leave to withdraw.

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

44. Thalheimer, Rivera, I. — Order that in collaboration with Parks & Recreation and the Office of Conservation and Sustainability, the existing garden at Laurel Park be evaluated for the possibility of being transformed into a pollinator garden / native species garden.

45. Thalheimer, Panitch, Purcell — Invite Veterans Services Department Director Laddy Rua to an upcoming Public Safety meeting for a conversation highlighting the services they provide and render in Holyoke to support veterans, especially those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Send to Public Safety.

46. Vacon- ORDER: That HG&E add a street light between 80 & 82 Meadowbrook Road as requested by residents in the neighborhood.

47. Vacon- ORDER:  that a written legal opinion be provided regarding the authority of the Mayor to make a temporary appointment of Treasurer when it is in direct conflict with our charter that calls for the city council to make a three (3) year appointment of a qualified treasurer.  Include in the opinion:  Should any appointment meet minimum qualifications for the position as established by ordinance?
Also opine on the authority of the mayor to extend any temporary position beyond 60 days.  We have now been in violation of our charter for over one year and we should follow our charter until it is legally changed.

48. Vacon- ORDER:  the city council appoint a qualified Treasurer in accordance with our charter as voted in January 2025.  The HR Director post the position with the minimum qualifications. The position has now been vacant since February 2026 & the 60 day appointment has expired.

49. Vacon- Order: that in accordance with Section 86-95 of the Holyoke Code of Ordinances, 90 degree diagonal parking be established on the southerly side of Westfield Road at the 224 Westfield Rd property beginning at a point approximately 510 feet easterly of Bray Park Drive to a point 85 feet farther east.

50. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that Anderson Street be added to the street paving list as the poor conditions of the road need to be addressed.

51. Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the handicap sign in front of 332 Sargeant Street be removed as the resident no longer lives there.

52. Devine-Ordered, that the City Council give a proclamation to the entire DPW Staff for their excellent work done during the Parade Weekend 2026.

53. Devine- Ordered that the Planning Board and Planning Department submit all minutes of all discussions of the proposed changing of certain zones that will be discussed on April 14, 2026.  Please submit these minutes prior to April 14, 2026.  Send a copy to the Law Department.

54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,150.00) as follows:
FROM
12102-55830 CLOTHING REIMBURSEMENT                    $3,000.00
12102-54220 SUPPLIES-OTHER                     150.00
TOTAL            $3,150.00
TO:
12101-51830 PAY-CLOTHING ALLOW/ADVANCE             $3,150.00
TOTAL             $3,150.00

55. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($9,750.00) as follows:
FROM
14261-51902 AUTO TEMP CO-OP                 $4,750.00
14261-51105 EVT MECHANIC                         5,000.00
TOTAL    $9,750.00
TO:
14262-54800 MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL                      $4,750.00
14262-52410 R&M-VEHICLES                           3,000.00
14262-55835 TOOL REIMBURSEMENT                      1,500.00
14262-54830 SUPPLIES-MOTOR VEHICLES                            500.00
TOTAL               $9,750.00

56. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($10,500.00) as follows:
FROM
16931-51102 PAY-BUILDING CUSTODIAN            $10,500.00
TOTAL            $10,500.00
TO:
16932-52500 R&M-BLDGS & GROUNDS                $10,500.00
TOTAL             $10,500.00

57. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, $2,000,000.00, 25% MATCH (WAIVED)” 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.

58. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($4,200.00) as follows:
FROM
15432-53190 EDUCATION & TRAINING                $4,200.00
TOTAL            $4,200.00
TO:
19202-57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL                   $4,200.00
TOTAL             $4,200.00

59. Magrath-Smith –Ordered that TJ Plante, Rory Casey, and other relevant financial officers be invited into the Finance Committee to give a detailed update on the work done so far to reconcile our accounts for the last three years and implement the structural and procedural changes outlined in the Municipal Modernization Act.

60. Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that the purchase price for the property located at Easthampton Road, Parcl No.144-00-057 be reduced from $7,500 and $4,500 in light of the survey costs incurred by the abutter since the agreed-upon price. See attached letters from the abutter and her lawyer.

61. Murphy-Romboletti – Ordered, that the City Council approve the Amendment to the Special Tax Assessment Agreement with Valley Malt LLC for the development that is occuring at their 4 North Bridge Street property.  The Special Tax Assessment Agreement was originally approved by the City Council on September 5, 2023.
(Amendment attached)

62. Purcell: Order that Handicap Parking sign located at 14-16 School St be relocated closer to the Driveway switching it to where the no parking and speed limit sign is. Ordinance Committee & DPW

63. Purcell-Ordered that a handicap sign be installed at 186 Pine St. for Chicki Masciola.  Handicap placard #PL9760684.