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Agenda

Item 1: Minutes of April 14, 2026 meeting.

Item 2: PUBLIC HEARING 3-3-26 Special Permit Application of Riverside Cannabis for a cultivation facility at 1 Cabot Street (048-01-010).

Item 3: PUBLIC HEARING 1-6-26 I. Rivera – Ordered, that the Honorable City Council review the ordinance that establishes the operating time frames for cannabis dispensaries.
*Public hearing continued from 3-4-26 to 4-28-26

Item 4: PUBLIC HEARING 2-3-26 Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that we amend our zoning ordinances in order to require a certain percentage of native plantings in new construction or major rehabilitation projects and to bring ourselves into alignment with Massachusetts’ Prohibited Plant List in banning their use.
*Public hearing continued from 3-24-26 to 4-28-26

Item 5: 8-5-25 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the Ordinance Committee revise Section 74-98 of our ordinances concerning private property and vegetation to balance the need for public health and safety with emergent gardening practices focused on ecological stewardship. Revise the current language to create clarity concerning exemptions or alternative compliance measures for properties dedicated to native landscaping, pollinator habitats, or organic gardening practices.
*Tabled 3-24-26

Item 6: 2-3-26 Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that the DPW Director, Parks Director, and Conservation Director come into a sub-committee meeting to discuss the management strategies currently being used to encourage pollinators. Are we regularly using pesticides on city parks or city land? If so, which ones? Do we have any “no mow” areas put aside on city land as native plant/pollinator spaces? Are we currently planting native plants in city parks and medians?
*Tabled 3-24-26

Item 7: 3-3-26 Devine – Ordered that the Charter and Rules committee, Law Department and Parks and Recreation department check if wording in the appropriate Charter section can be changed so that city lifeguards can be given raises.

Item 8: 3-3-26 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that Sec. 54-18. on removal of shopping carts be revised to add that establishments who employ shopping carts must ensure that a locking wheel system is used and that businesses have a responsibility to maintain them/handle removal of carts. Review and revise the existing enforcement structure for carts found off property.

Item 9: 3-17-26 (referred from Joint Committee) filed by School Committee Member Lubold in the interest of student safety that the School Committee in coordination with the City Council consider adopting Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 71,” School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring Systems; Installation and Operation.”

Item 10: 1-20-26 Panitch- ORDERED, that Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to provide that all adoptions of ordinances require the affirmative votes of a simple majority of the entire membership of the council for passage, except where otherwise required by our charter or by state law. The current ordinance, which requires a two-thirds vote of councilors present and voting, is inconsistent with both our charter and with the Council Rules.

Item 11: 1-20-26 Vacon-ORDER: that the income level be increased to the maximum allowed for seniors seeking tax relief.

LAID ON THE TABLE
(Items taken up at previous meeting(s) and laid on the table. Discussion may or may not take place)

Item 12: 2-21-23 PUELLO, VACON — in accordance with the city charter, create ordinance language that confirms, no sitting city councilor shall become a member of any board or commission in city government during the term of office. To Ordinance Committee
*Tabled 11-28-23, 12-12-23, 9-11-24

Item 13: 11-7-24 Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that the fine for violating the ordinance on parking in front of driveways be increased. The amount of increase can be discussed based on what is reasonable and what is allowable.
*Tabled 3-4-26

Item 14: 12-17-24 Ocasio – Order that the City change the use of the lot at the corner of Adam and South Summer from being a 24hr parking to a Residential Parking from 5pm to 7am. Morgan School Staff Parking from 7am- 5pm.
*Referred from Joint Committee 12-10-25

Item 15: 12-17-24 Magrath-Smith – Ordered that Council separate the positions of Parks Superintendent and City Forester and make necessary changes in Ordinance in order to do so. Our current combined position is not supported by Ordinance.
*Tabled 9-24-25, 10-22-25, 11-12-25, 2-10-26, 2-24-26

Item 16: 5-6-25 From Leiha Maldonado- Sick & Dead Cats in Holyoke
*Tabled 8-6-25

Item 17: 5-6-25 Bartley, Anderson-Burgos – Holyoke ordinance chapter 14 be amended to protect the welfare of felines. The ordinance chapter can be provided by our Ad min. Asst. upon request (its approx 30 pages) or you may email me and I’ll send it along. The issue arose a result my communication with the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and its Director of the Division of Animal Health who advised, “Breeding of dogs and cats is an unregulated activity in Massachusetts.” Per the Director, there are regulations that, in fact, do pertain to canines. However, he states, “There are no such regulatory requirements for cats.” Holyoke, unlike the state, can and should protect animal health and the welfare of cats and ordain regulatory powers as needed.
*Tabled 8-6-25

Item 18: 8-5-25 Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that St. Jerome from Dwight to Sargeant be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph. Speeding has been an issue and the limit being higher than the citywide limit seems to give drivers the sense they can go much faster. Send to Ord
*Tabled 11-12-25

Item 19: 9-17-25 BARTLEY, VACON-The city council amend chapter 86 of the city’s ordinances (and elsewhere if so deemed) to allow two-wheeled vehicles (i.e. motorcycles) to park multiple like-­sized vehicles in any single public parking space as the City Engineer may determine (potentially up to three) whether metered or not metered. This shall be applicable to parking spaces in city-owned parking garages including Mayor Taupier and Mayor Proulx. The city shall allow private parking lots the option to institute a similar parking schedule for motorcycles and like-sized vehicles. Alternatively, the city allow said right to be permitted by special permit issued by the Chief of Police if other traffic standards do not allow this ordinance change. City Council consider adoption of chapter 40, section 22 of MGL.
*Tabled 11-12-25

Item 20: PUBLIC HEARING 1-20-26 Magrath-Smith -Ordered, that Council make the necessary zoning ordinance changes in order for us to clarify parking on residential properties and create an enforcement structure.
*Public hearing closed, laid on the table 4-14-26

Item 21: PUBLIC HEARING 1-20-26 Panitch, I. Rivera, J. Rivera, Thalheimer, Purcell, Anderson-Burgos, Magrath-Smith: Ordered, that the Holyoke Zoning Ordinance be amended to add a definition of “Data Center” as a use, and to clarify that this use is not allowable in any zoning district in the city.
*Public hearing closed, laid on the table 4-14-26

Item 22: 2-3-26 I. Rivera – ORDER That an Article Ill titled “Community Response Division” be added to Chapter 70 – Social Services of the Code of Ordinances.
The purpose of the Community Response Division shall be to develop, coordinate, and deliver holistic, community-centered services to residents most in need within the City of Holyoke. Working alongside the Holyoke Police Department, Holyoke Fire Department, and the Board of Health/Public Health Department, the Community Response Division will provide a collaborative, non-emergency response framework focused on prevention, stabilization, and support.
Said Article should outline:
• The mission and scope of the Community Response Division;
• Its coordination with Police, Fire, Public Health, and relevant community partners;
• Roles and responsibilities of staff or units within the division;
• Authorization to develop programs addressing behavioral health, homelessness, substance use, crisis intervention, and other community-identified needs;
• Reporting requirements, oversight mechanisms, and any necessary administrative provisions.
*Tabled 3-24-26

Item 23: PUBLIC HEARING 2-17-26 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. Full package includes zoning ordinance revisions, order #’s 1 through 41.
*Continued from 4-14-26 to 5-7-26

Item 24: 4-7-26 From Planning Department- communications that provide additional explanations and comparisons related to the zoning change package.
*Tabled 4-14-26

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE
(Per City Council Rule 9P, “Any order not acted on within 45 business days shall be deemed tabled.” Items within this section are laid on the table by virtue of being in the committee more than 45 business days. Discussion of these items is unlikely, but any item may be removed from the table upon motion of the committee.)

Item 25: 4-5-22 From Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Guide to Understanding housing choice and its opportunities.

Item 26: 12-20-22 (copy, original sent to Public Safety) Petition from Residents of Holyoke in support of a Tenant Bill of Rights.

Item 27: 3-7-23 JOURDAIN, MAGRATH-SMITH, VACON — Ordered, that the City Council work with the Treasurer to review and codify the city’s investment policy by ordinance.

Item 28: 10-17-23 From Board of Public Works, Mary L. Monahan, Chairperson letter re:  FY24 Sewer Rate.

Item 29: 3-19-24 From Melissa Lafond, communication regarding speed hump petition from September 28, 2022

Item 30: 10-1-24 Speed Hump Petition from Hampshire Street Residents.

Item 31: 10-15-24 Bartley, Anderson-Burgos, Devine, Givner, Greaney, Jourdain, Magrath-Smith, Murphy-Romboletti, Ocasio, Rivera, I., Rivera, J., Sullivan, Vacon-A moratorium be established granting Holyoke’s multi-family property owners, as defined by 780 CMR 110.7, as amended and effective 10/11/24, more time to come into compliance with MA STATE BUILDING CODE regulations. In terms of rollout, the city’s building commission, seems to have imposed an unrealistic two-month turnaround for the hundreds of property owners impacted. Note that the Building Commission, for unexplained reason(s), admittedly dropped the ball on this regulation for decades. Thus, a moratorium of 18-36 months be established to allow property owners a realistic time to hire the appropriate professionals, make necessary improvements, and then contact the Building Commission for an inspection. During said moratorium, no fines shall accrue and any fines previously imposed will be rescinded. Property owners are nevertheless obligated to complete the requirements and to timely respond to the Building Commissioner during this moratorium. For authority to create a moratorium see M.G.L chapter 143, §§3, 3A.

Item 32: 10-15-24 Bartley, Anderson-Burgos, Devine, Givner, Greaney, Jourdain, Magrath-Smith, Murphy-Romboletti, Ocasio, Rivera, I., Rivera, J., Sullivan, Vacon-As a compendium to the moratorium, an ad hoc committee comprised of representatives from the Building Commission and multi-family owners and the city council be immediately formed. The building committee shall be charged with effectively and efficiently implementing the certificate of inspection requirements and ensuring that it is more efficiently complied with after this initial roll out. Note that as properties change hands and staffing resources change and institutional memory fades this committee will make sure Holyoke doesn’t face a similar issue in the future. For authority to create an ad hoc committee see M.G.L. chapter 143, §§3, 3A.

Item 33: 11-7-24 Bartley, Ocasio, Vacon – DPW post ‘no left turn’ and ‘no U-turn’ signs at the traffic light near Brightside Ave and the jug handle. Motorists are consistently making illegal (and very dangerous) turns.

Item 34: 11-7-24 Vacon, Givner, Ocasio- ORDER: that the city engineer provide draft language for a formal program to prioritize and schedule placement of speed humps and recommend other traffic calming/safety interventions based on data collected from speed data collection via tubes or radar. That additional traffic speed data collection units be purchased as needed for the program.
Establish a method for seeking traffic safety/calming recommendations so that citizens can request measures for improvements to neighborhood traffic issues before completing a petition for a speed hump or raised crosswalk.
Please include police department input for the enforcement component.

Item 35: 1-7-25 Devine, Givner – ORDERED: that all Collective Bargaining Agreements or Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement that are sent to the City Council for passage be red-lined ONLY TO THOSE ITEMS pertaining to appropriations and that no other subjects be entertained or red lined except appropriations.

Item 36: 2-4-25 From the Office of the Governor, Public Settlements Policy – Jan. 2025

Item 37: 2-4-25 JOURDAIN, VACON – Ordered, that the City Council create an ordinance that creates a settlement policy and further prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements in the City of Holyoke consistent with what Governor Healey has done at the state level.  Please see attached policy.

Item 38: 3-18-25 Magrath-Smith, ordered that the Ordinance Committee make necessary changes in order for us to align city ordinances to the revised notification procedure for regular, sub-committee, and special meetings recently drafted in Charter and Rules.

Item 39: 4-15-25 Bartley, Magrath-Smith – To alleviate confusion, the city of Holyoke hereby adopts an ordinance to post prominent signage onto street signs if the street is an unaccepted way. In Springfield (and other municipalities), such signs are affixed to street signs and labeled “private ways.” This may help to better educate and inform the public.

Item 40: 4-15-25 Bartley, Vacon -Winter parking in Holyoke could be simplified by the following ordinance change -Ordered that during the winter months between November and· March no parking will be allowed in odd-numbered years on the side of the street with odd numbers; in even-numbered years, no parking will be allowed on street sides with even numbers.

Item 41: 5-6-25 From Residents of Elm St-Speed Hump Petition

Item 42: 6-3-25 Vacon-ORDER: That we amend our ordinance so a request for evaluation for eligibility for speed humps or raised crosswalks can be requested without a petition.

Item 43: 6-17-25 Vacon- ORDER: that speed limit on Cypress & Sequoia be lowered to 15 or 20 mph due to safety concerns similar to Bemis. They are being used as a cut through.

Item 44: 8-5-25 Petition from Residents of Sequia Dr. and Cypress Rd- application for Speed Humps

Item 45: 8-5-25 Devine, Anderson-Burgos – Ordered that 2 lanes from Linden Street onto Beech Street be designated as a left turn lane and a right turn lane and painted with the appropriate turn arrows.

Item 46: 8-5-25 MDAR – Wedgewood Terrace- Animal Health Order

Item 47: 9-17-25 Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – create an Ordinance to match Council Rule 10B. Rule 10B reads: ” The following information must be submitted to the City Council with every loan or bond order: A. A statement as of that date of the bonded indebtedness of the city, exclusive of the self-supporting bonds of the Gas and Electric Department and the Water Department. 8. A statement of the borrowing capacity remaining within the limits as set by law, after issuance of the bond being applied for.”

Item 48: 9-17-25 BARTLEY, VACON- ORDER the city start the process to review the petition to install speed humps on Kaster St. Petition attached.

Item 49: 10-21-25 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that a crosswalk be placed across Hampden Street at Arlington, to aid schoolchildren and families. There is a school bus stop at that comer.

Item 50: 10-21-25 Magrath-Smith, Jourdain – Ordered, that the City Engineer, the Planning Board, and the Department of Public Works, take the following actions:
1. Initiate the process to layout Brookwood Road as a public way under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 82.
2. Conduct the necessary surveys, inspections, and approvals required for acceptance.
3. Place the matter before the City Council for a vote to formally accept Brookwood Road as a public way.

Item 51: 12-16-25 Magrath-Smith – Ordered, that the City Council establish a Traffic Commission to oversee and coordinate citywide traffic management, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including: developing and recommending traffic regulations and ordinances and reviewing and recommending for approval traffic-related proposals (ex. signage, signalization, pedestrian improvements, and neighborhood traffic-calming measures). This Commission will include representatives from Council, Engineering, Holyoke Police Department, and DPW, and will provide regular reports to the City Council on traffic conditions, project updates, and recommended policy changes.

Item 52: 1-6-26 From Planning Department-Holyoke Zoning Ordinance Text Change-Tiny Homes

Item 53: 1-6-26 I. Rivera – Ordered, that a request for a designated handicap parking space for Maria A.Cruz, located at 91 North East Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, be referred to the Disabilities Commission for review and approval.

Item 54: 1-6-26 J. Rivera – Ordered that the DPW install a Handicap Parking Sign for Maria Cruz at 91 North East St. #PL8620282

Item 55: 1-6-26 Thalheimer-The City Engineer review parking and visual obstruction where West Glen St. meets Northampton St. When cars are parked on both sides of the street it is too narrow for more than one car to pass and is dangerous to navigate. There are also limited sight lines when turning on to Northampton St from West Glen. Please evaluate and determine whether the 20 foot limit is enough. If not, please recommend any amendments.

Item 56: 1-6-26 Magrath-Smith – Ordered that a list of all received speed hump petitions that have not been acted upon be drafted, along with a plan for Engineering to complete in-house conducting those traffic studies and submit recommendations to Council. Please include in the report the last time each road was paved, its current pavement rating, and if it is likely to be paved in the next 1, 5, or 10 years.

Item 57: 1-20-26 Purcell- Order: Request that the City of Holyoke Establish a Citizens Police Commission/Citizen Review Board.

Item 58: 1-20-26 Magrath-Smith – Ordered that the City Council adjust the sewer rate according to operational costs and revenue/deficit projections.

Item 59: 1-20-26 Purcell, Thalheimer- Order: Request that City of Holyoke establish an Office of Tenants Rights.

Item 60: 2-3-26 Thalheimer, Purcell, Pantich, J. Rivera.- Order that the Sound Permitting Ordinance be amended to designate the License Board as the granting authority for sound permits, rather than the Chief of Police. This change is intended to align the permitting process with the License Board’s established role in reviewing, issuing, and regulating licenses, while ensuring a transparent, consistent, and civilian-led decision-making process. Transferring this authority would provide clearer standards, improved accountability, and greater procedural fairness for applicants, while allowing the Police Department to focus on enforcement and public safety responsibilities rather than administrative permitting functions.

Item 61: 2-3-26 Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that DPW advises if the street sign and one way sign on Pearl at Lincoln Street should be moved back to the East side of the corner. It had been there for years and was moved to the opposite corner. If you are traveling on Lincoln towards Stop and Shop, the street sign and one way sign are not visible, as it is blocked by a beautiful, huge tree. Google street view of this corner shows the original placement of the sign (2015) vs the current placement. If it is moved back to the original location, it will be visible from both directions of travel on Lincoln.

Item 62: 2-3-26 Magrath-Smith, Ordered – that the No Parking sign outside of 127 Pearl Street be removed. 27 Pearl Street used to be a group home run by Western MA Training Consortium and housed folks who were wheelchair bound. They would be picked up by a van in the morning and brought home in the afternoon. It is no longer needed and parking on the one way side of Pearl is limited, especially in the winter.

Item 63: 2-3-26 Magrath-Smith, Ordered – at Pearl and Allyn that a WRONG WAY sign can be added on the existing post upon the advice of DPW/Engineering. One would think cars parked facing the same way on both sides would be a clear indicator of a one way street, but that is not always the case.

Item 64: 2-3-26 Vacon-ORDER: that the city ordinance be amended to combine the historical commission and the local district commission into one commission as voted by both commissions.

Item 65: 2-17-26 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.