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AGENDA

AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
6:30 PM

AGENDA

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

1. Mayor Garcia’s State of the City address

2. Proposed FY2027 City Budget

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

REGULAR AND PENDING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

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

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

5. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos-meeting minutes from May 5, 2026

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

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

7. 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.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

8. From Mayor Joshua Garcia-letter regarding the Holyoke Gas and Electric LNG Infrastructure and Resiliency Project

9. From Mark Lubold, Chair of Board of Public Works-communicaton regarding sewer rate

10. From Daniel O’Sullivan, Update on Holyoke Media Board

11. Planning Board NOD Sign Size, Quantity Special Permit – HCCC at 2200 Northampton St

12. Planning Board Recommendation – Zoning ordinance change for cannabis operating times

13. Planning Board NOD Sign Size Special Permit – Dicks Sporting Goods at 50 Holyoke St

14. City Council NOD – Wrights Block LLC for reconstruction of nonconforming structure at 106-120 High St

 

PETITIONS

15. Petition of Various Residents-request for postponement of the zone changes

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

16. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

17. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that the City Council authorize a 5-year contract for VoIP services.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

18. 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 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
Recommended that the order be returned to the Auditor.

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, 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
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, FORTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($40,000.00)as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS                  $40,000.00
TOTAL             $40,000.00
TO:
12101-54221 SUPPLIES-AMMUNITION                  $40,000.00
TOTAL             $40,000.00
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 NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVEN AND 83/100 Dollars ($1,977.83)as follows:
FROM
12102-53190 EDUCATION & TRAINING                 $1,977.83
TOTAL            $1,977.83
TO:
19202-57200 OUT OF STATE TRAVEL                   $1,977.83
TOTAL             $1,977.83
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, THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($3,150.00)as follows:
FROM
12102-55830 CLOTHING REIMBURSEMENT                     $1,347.80
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS                  1,802.20
TOTAL            $3,150.00
TO:
12101-51830 PAY-CLOTHING ALLOWANCE                     $3,150.00
TOTAL             $3,150.00
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, TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($210,000.00)as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS                  $210,000.00
TOTAL            $210,000.00
TO:
12102-55860 PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT               $ 40,000.00
12102-52100 ENERGY-GAS/OIL/ELECTRIC                         70,000.00
12102-54220 SUPPLIES-OTHER                 100,000.00
TOTAL            $210,000.00
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, ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO AND 20/100 Dollars ($1,652.20)as follows:
FROM
12102-55830 CLOTHING REIMBURSEMENT                     $1,652.20
TOTAL             $1,652.20
TO:
12101-51505 PAY-TIME OWED BUYBACK             $1,652.20
TOTAL             $1,652.20
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, EIGHTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($80,000.00)as follows:
FROM
12101-51105 PAY-POLICE SERGEANT                  $80,000.00
TOTAL            $80,000.00
TO:
12102-52410 R & M-VEHICLES                   $30,000.00
12102-54830 SUPPLIES-MOTOR VEHICLES                        50,000.00
TOTAL             $80,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

26. 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 HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00)as follows:
FROM
12101-51117 PAY-E-911 DISPATCHERS               $ 90,000.00
12101-51203 PAY-E-911 DISPATCHERS (PT)                       10,000.00
TOTAL            $100,000.00
TO:
12102-53010 DATA MAINTENANCE SERVICES                $100,000.00
TOTAL             $100,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

27. 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 HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($150,000.00)as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS                  $150,000.00
TOTAL             $150,000.00
TO:
12101-51300 PAY-OVERTIME                     $150,000.00
TOTAL             $150,000.00
Recommended that the order be adopted.

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

29. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Invite Alianza to an upcoming Public Safety meeting for a conversation highlighting the work that they are doing in Holyoke to end domestic and intimate partner violence and to speak about their new prevention initiative, Basta Ya!
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

30. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that representatives of the DPW and Holyoke’s Emergency Response team join the Public Safety Committee for an in-depth presentation on the city’s snow response protocols, and a lessons-learned analysis based on Holyoke’s response to the past two major snow events. This analysis is intended to (1) better inform the public and the Council about the details of how snow removal is managed in the city; (2) correct misunderstandings, if any; (3) provide an opportunity for a public exchange of information among the relevant city departments, the public, and councilors; and (4) provide the Council and the public the information and tools we need to be better partners for our emergency responders and DPW professionals.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

31. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred a communication From Disabilities Commission-communication regarding winter parking bans.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

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

33. The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order That the temporary speed humps be installed on Upland Rd as indicated by the engineer evaluation.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

34. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the City Council adopt a Home Rule Petition petitioning for the right to locally prevent the sale and use of S-GARs despite state preemption.
Recommended that the order be adopted.

35. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order that the Holyoke City Council petition the General Court to amend the residency requirement set forth in Section 45 of the Holyoke Charter as it relates to elected officials. The current provision requires that a candidate for elected office have been a resident of the city for the prior two years, and should be reviewed for both the desirability of the policy and its consistency with state law.
Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.

36. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

37. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order 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.
Recommended that the order be adopted, to be effective as of the next fiscal year.

38. The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an 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.
Recommended that the order has been complied with.

39. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application of Wayne Versace for a nonconforming structure to construct an attached deck and install a rear entry door at 5 Brightwood Ave per 4.7.5.
Awaiting disposition

40. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred a Special permit application 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
Awaiting disposition

41. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order 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.
Awaiting disposition

 

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

42. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the Holyoke City Council recognize Carl Eger and Tom Creed for their decades of service to the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority and the City of Holyoke.

43. Thalheimer — Request an update from City Engineer and DPW regarding plan and timetable for traffic calming initiatives on Laurel Street, given ongoing and longstanding concerns about safety and severity of accidents, why speed humps are not suitable for the roadway despite constituent request, impacted line-of-sight issues at Willow and Laurel, and increased enforcement from HPD for speeding and failure to stop at stop signs. Send to Public Safety.

44. Sullivan- Order to Increase Schedule A, Grade 17 from a minimum of $115,000, mid of $137,500, maximum of $160,000 to a minimum of $165,000, mid of $187,500, maximum of $210,000.  Increasing this Grade will improve recruitment and attract highly qualified applicants for the position of Chief Financial Administrative Officer

45. Vacon- ORDER:  that HR provides a copy to city council of the employment offer to Cheryl Allen, including salary offer (in compliance with our ordinance & schedule A).

46. Vacon- ORDER:  that city council takes steps to support neighborhoods who wish to establish a neighborhood watch to help prevent crime. Refer to Public Safety Committee & the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative.

47. Vacon- ORDER:  Based on a review of the public record, the order filed on Feb 17, 2026 (item #37), is not supported by any vote documented in minutes of the Planning Board of 2/10/26 to recommend amendments to the zoning ordinance and send them to the city council. (see Planning Board minutes from 2/10/26 posted on holyoke.org -dated 3/26/26 below).
#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.
Therefore, the proposed zoning amendments were not properly on the 2/17/26 agenda of the city council as a recommendation voted by the Planning Board in accordance with MGL Chapter 40A Section 5.
The public hearing needs to be closed, in light of no documented vote by the Planning Board on 2/10/26.  The final master plan needs to be approved by the Planning Board (as requested by petition by over 100 residents), prior to considering & voting to recommend zone change proposals to the city council.
Of note, the Planning Board is a public body & is obligated to comply with the Open Meeting Law. (M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25)
Minutes of the Planning Board pertaining to the proposed zone changes have been requested during the two public hearings (April 14, 2026 & May 7, 2026).  Only minutes from October 14, 2025 (dated 3/26/26) have been provided to the City Council that pertain to the proposed zone changes at this time.

48. Vacon- ORDER:  that a review of executive session minutes be done for the purpose of releasing appropriate minutes to the public.

49. Devine- ORDERED that the Planning Board be invited to appear in person if possible to the September meeting of the Ordinance Committee.

50. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($21,667.00) as follows:
FROM
14211-51106 PAY-SUPT. OUTDOOR WORKS                   $21,667.00
TOTAL             $21,667.00
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING                  $13,333.50
14102-53100 OTHER CONTRACT SERVICES                   8,333.50
TOTAL             $21,667.00

51. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($21,667.00) as follows:
FROM
12201-51105 PAY-FIREFIGHTERS             $21,667.00
TOTAL             $21,667.00
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING                  $13,333.50
14102-53100 OTHER CONTRACT SERVICES                        8,333.50
TOTAL             $21,667.00

52. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN AND 00/100 Dollars ($21,667.00) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PAY-PATROL OFFICERS                  $21,667.00
TOTAL             $21,667.00
TO:
14102-53010 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING                  $13,333.50
14102-53100 OTHER CONTRACT SERVICES                        8,333.50
TOTAL             $21,667.00

53. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY26 SAFE AND SENIOR SAFE, $13,300.00, 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.

54. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2026, NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY AND 77/100 Dollars ($9,730.77) as follows:
FROM
11351-51103 PAY-PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT                     $9,730.77
TOTAL             $9,730.77
TO:
11321-51101 PAY-COMPTROLLER            $9,730.77
TOTAL             $9,730.77

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS

55. From Ward 7 School Committee Member Eleanor Wilson-letter of resignation.
*Added May 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

56. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the City Council and the School Committee convene in a joint meeting for the purpose of appointing a new Ward 7 School Committee member.
*Added May 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

57. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the Human Resources Department publicly post and advertise the vacancy for the position of Ward 7 School Committee member for the purpose of soliciting interested applicants to fill the unexpired term.
*Added May 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

58. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered- That the City Council receive and adopt the recommendation from the Board of Public Works for a sewer rate of $9.11.
*Added May 19, 2026, 11:47 a.m.