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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 April 7, 2026

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

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

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

6. 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.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

7. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter reappointing Michael J Sullivan of 43 Park Slope to serve as a member of the HEDIC board. Mr. Sullivan will serve a three-year term expiring June 30, 2029.

8. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter reappointing Stephen Fay of 218 Pleasant St. as a member of the Local Historical Commission.  Mr. Fay will serve a three-year term expiring July 1, 2029.

9. From Assistant City Solicitor Jane Mantolesky- Opinion Regarding Mayoral Appointment of Temporary City Treasurer

10. From Kelly Curran, HR Director, Auditor Recruitment Update 2026

11. From Kelly Curran, HR Director, Update on City MMA Recruitment and Selection Process

12. From CliftonLarsonAllen LLP-update on city’s cash reconciliations

13. From the CPA Committee- FY26 Recommendations to City Council

14. From Various Residents-letter and petition regarding zoning package

15. City Council Notice of Decision, Special permit application, Holyoke Mall, Dicks House of Sport at 50 Holyoke St

 

PETITIONS

16. Petition from Brad Matthew Jewelers-renewal of a Second Hand License at 2225 Northampton St.

17. Petition from Peter Hannoush-renewal of a Second Hand License at 50 Holyoke St.

18. Petition from Ivory Billiards for 17 pool tables at 151 Chestnut St.

19. Petition from Colleen Hannigan of 5 Brightwood Ave for a Nonconforming Structure (4.7.5)

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

21. 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 “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.
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, 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
Recommended that the order be adopted.

23. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order 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
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, 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
Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED ELEVEN AND 56/100 Dollars ($25,911.56) as follows:
FROM
11511-51103 PAY-ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR                     $25,911.56
TOTAL            $25,911.56
TO:
19412-57630 CLAIMS-GENERAL                $25,911.56
TOTAL             $25,911.56
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

26. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that Mayor Garcia & Open Architects/TJ Plante provide an update on the status of 2023, 2024 & 2025 financial reconciliations & free cash.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

27. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the Board of Health provide the City Council with an update on the effects of marijuana on the physical & mental health of residents use since “legalization in MA”.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.
28. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication From Board of Health Director Tim Rivers-letter regarding cannabis use
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

29. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication From Board of Health Director Tim Rivers- HPS Curriculum and Programs Addressing Substance Use Awareness
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

30. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that Animal Control present options for disposal of roadkill on sidewalks, streets, and city properties in general on weekends, including shifting the responsibility for picking up roadkill to a different city department, shifting the hours of workers, or hiring an on-call provider.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

31. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication From Board of Health- Animal Control response to road kill order.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

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

33. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication From Conservation Commission, August 28, 2025 meeting minutes
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

34. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order be referred to the Board of Public Works.

35. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order that Paul Burns-Johnson be interviewed for his (already approved) appointment to the Planning Board by the Public Service Committee (as was done with Grant Schlosstein post appointment).  A review of the records by our Administrative Assistant indicates, although it was thought an interview took place in Public Service prior to his initial appointment to the Board of Appeals, it was approved by the city council without being referred to committee.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

36. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a Letter of appointment for Mr. Kevin A. Rice of 52 Fairfield Avenue to serve on the Local Historic District Commission. Mr. Rice will replace Mr. Stephen Fay and will finish the remainder of Mr. Fay’s term expiring July 1, 2028.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

37. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a letter appointing Ms. Susan Brouillette of 179 Morgan St. to serve on the Local Historic District Commission. Ms. Brouillette will replace Mr. David Owen and will serve the reminder of his term, expiring July 1, 2028.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

38. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a letter appointing Mr. Henry N. Martinez-Cartagena of 59 Chestnut St. Apt 4 to serve as a Commissioner on the Park and Rec.  Mr. Marinez-Cartagena will replace Mr. Moquin and will serve the remainder of his term expiring June 30, 2027.
Recommended that the appointment be confirmed.

39. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred an order Request that Holyoke begin the process of developing a position of Poet Laureate for the City of Holyoke. A Poet Laureate is a poet appointed by a government or other conferring institution who uses the role to foster public appreciation of poetry and literary arts, and to advance culture, literacy, and creative expression.. Many of our neighboring communities have named Poet Laureates through their arts organizations; Holyoke’s could be a collaborative effort between the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, the Mayor’s Office, the Tourism Advisory Committee, and/or other community organizations. As Holyoke bolsters its business economy, we must boost our creative economy as well.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

40. The Committee on Public Service to whom was referred a letter appointing Jeff Burkott and Davin Pasek as the Fence Viewer Committee.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

41. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

42. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

43. Vacon- ORDER: that the City Council adopt MGL Chapter 60 Section 3d and a fund be established to accept voluntary donations, designated on motor vehicle excise tax bills.  This fund is established for the purpose of defraying the real estate taxes of elderly and disabled persons of low income. This is requested in light of recent high tax increases, to help with affordability issues threatening the ability of homeowners to remain in their homes, even after mortgages are paid off.

44. Anderson-Burgos-Ordered that the DPW install a Handicap Parking Sign for Yaritz Garcia or 122 Leary Dr. #PL9650718

45. Devine- ORDERED:  That the City Council present proclamations to the HHS girls basketball team for receiving the Eileen Monaghan Sportsmanship Award.

46. Devine-ORDERED that any person who is a realtor or owns a real estate business who is appointed by the Mayor to the Planning Board and confirmed by the City Council SHALL recuse themselves from any zoning vote that would enrich them or their business unless they receive written approval from the State Conflict of Interest department.

47. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, THREE HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT AND 58/100 Dollars ($338.58) as follows:
FROM
12102-53190 EDUCATION & TRAINING                  $338.58
TOTAL             $338.58
TO:
19202-57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL                    $338.58
TOTAL              $338.58

48. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, SIX THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($6,000.00) as follows:
FROM
15452-53010 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES            $6,000.00
TOTAL            $6,000.00
TO:
0510-52420 R&M-OTHER                 $6,000.00
TOTAL             $6,000.00

49. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES FIREFIGHTER SAFETY EQUIPMENT, $23,500.00, 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.

50. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that the City Council review the CPA Financial Report.

51. Magrath-Smith – Ordered that the City Council review and approve the proposed 2026 funding recommendations from the Community Preservation Act Committee.

52. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the City Council discuss and possibly amend Rule 2A so that regular meetings of the full city council would start at 6:30pm unless otherwise noted.

53. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the City Council consider adding a new rule to Section 2: Meetings, that if a councilor attends regular meetings of the City Council remotely for more than two consecutive meetings, a written explanation shall be provided to the Council President. Councilors who choose to participate remotely will be asked to participate with their camera on.

54. Murphy-Romboletti- Order that sections 2-35 (b) (i), (ii), and (iv) of the code of ordinances be deleted to allow for hiring new employees above the mid range.

55. Murphy-Romboletti – Ordered that Rule 2A be suspended for the May 19th City Council meeting to allow the meeting to begin at 6:30 p.m. for the mayor’s State of the City address and budget presentation. This is meant as a more efficient alternative to calling a special meeting.

56. Panitch, Thalheimer-Ordered, that the City Council review Holyoke’s municipal rules, ordinances, and any related materials that may be discovered during the process of review, relating to notices to citizens of proposed changes in the Zoning Ordinance and publication of such notices, and make such amendments to our ordinances and rules that may be found desirable in light of that review. While required notices are set forth in state law, a review of our local ordinances, etc., may reveal inefficiencies that are not required by said state law.
This order is intended to be broadly construed to cover any public notice requirements, with respect to any other matters, that may be found to be affected by such municipal rules or ordinances.
Receive and send to Ordinance, with a copy to the Law Department.

57. Panitch, Thalheimer: Ordered, That the Council revisit and comprehensively revise the noise provisions of Chapter 83 of the Holyoke Code of Ordinances to reflect contemporary circumstances and address noise issues in the City of Holyoke.

58. Purcell-Ordered, that the Honorable City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 30B and the Holyoke Code of Ordinances procurement ordinance, declare 141 West Street (Assessors Map 033, Block 02, Parcel 008) as surplus property available for disposition. The property was acquired via a judgement in a tax lien case in 2023. It is approximately 6,534 square feet, zoned Downtown Residential and has an assessed value of $39,000.

59. Rivera, I.-Ordered, that the Honorable City Council recognize Ricardo Rodriguez for his induction into the Ocean State Grand National Hall of Fame in Warwick, Rhode Island, and that the Council issue a proclamation in his honor. Mr. Rodriguez, founder of Holyoke Kenpo, has dedicated many years to working with youth in the City of Holyoke. Through his instruction and mentorship, he has helped young people develop discipline, character, and confidence while providing a positive and supportive environment for personal growth. His commitment to mentoring youth and strengthening the community has had a lasting impact on many families throughout Holyoke.

60. Thalheimer — Invite any and all interested members of the Commission on Disability to come to a meeting of the Public Safety committee for a conversation highlighting the work that they are doing in Holyoke and recently raised concerns around parking and accessibility.  Send to Public Safety.

61. Thalheimer, Panitch — Request HPD to provide the Public Safety committee with a copy of any and all current/active loudspeaker permit applications for Wyckoff Country Club (with any personally identifying information such as DOB and SSN etc. redacted). Send to Public Safety.

62. Thalheimer, Panitch — Request License Board to provide the Public Safety committee with a copy of any and all current/active Entertainment permit applications for Wyckoff Country Club (with any personally identifying information such as DOB and SSN etc. redacted), including a list of any conditions attached to said permit(s), if any.  Send to Public Safety.

63. Vacon- Greaney- ORDER:  that city council go to the first ballot to elect a treasurer at the April 21, 2026 city council meeting in accordance with our current charter.  Our city council appointed Collector has indicated interest in the Treasurer/Collector position.  A majority of the city council has had the opportunity to interview our Collector. This appointment would legally establish the Treasurer position & for practical purposes combines the positions, while waiting for further charter changes that will be sent to the state legislature in a home rule petition.  Transition changes can happen in coordination with other ordinance changes.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

64. Petition of Cypress Acquisitions, LLC c/o MacDermid Reynolds & Glissman P.C for alteration of a nonconforming structure at 2201 Northampton Street per 4.7.3
*Added April 21, 2026, 4:40 p.m