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AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENT

LAID ON THE TABLE

1. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Police Department be allowed to hire a Crime Analyst past the Grade 10 mid-range (which is $70,407) to $78,000.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

COMMUNICATIONS

2. List of Council Appointments 2025

3. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Tiffany Espinosa of 30 Amherst St Holyoke to serve as a member of the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority.  Ms. Espinosa will replace Mr. Jorge Colon and will serve the remainder of his term expiring November 1, 2029.

4. From Mayor Joshua Garcia, letter appointing Ms. Mary O’Connor of 55 Mayer Drive in Holyoke to serve as a member of the Holyoke Historical Commission.  Ms. O’Connor will serve a three year term expiring on January 6, 2028.

5. From City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary and Admin. Assistant Jeffery Anderson-Burgos, meeting minutes from January 7, 2025

6. From City Solicitor Lisa Ball, Holyoke Police Chief Contract

7. From Assistant City Solicitor Jane Mantolesky- Notice of Sale – Old Rock Valley Road

8. From Tanya Wdowiak, City Auditor, response to order asking for information on revolving funds

9. From Mary Monahan, Chair of Board of Public Works, Funding request to Rep Duffy for levee repair

10. From R Levesque Associates, agreement to waive 65 day time frame to open public hearing on special permit application for 37 Appleton Street – Proposed Motor Vehicle Repair Garage filed on November 19, 2024

11. From R Levesque Associates, agreement to waive 90 day time frame to act on special permit application for 209 South Street – Proposed Coffee Shop/Drive-thru Restaurant filed on June 6, 2023 and public hearing closed on October 28, 2024

12. Board of Public Works minutes, March 2021 – December 2021

13. Board of Public Works minutes, January 2022 – December 2022

14. Board of Public Works minutes, January 2023 – December 2023

15. Board of Public Works minutes, January 2024 – November 2024

PETITIONS

16. Petition from Amanda and Marcos Garcia of 25 Brenton Lane for a Home Occupation for  Accounting Remote Work

17. Petition from Alan Fini for a Special Permit for a Family Cemetery (9.3) at 2 Fini Rd. Holyoke

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

18. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order  that the City install a raised crosswalk (or other appropriate alternative) on Nick Cosmos Way in front of the Boys & Girls Club to ensure pedestrian safety for residents, kids and staff accessing the park.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

19. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order  that DPW install a 15-minute parking sign in front of the Stop and Go variety store at the corner of Hillside Avenue and Cherry Street.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

20. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order Handicap Placard Application for Margarita Roldan of 150 Linden St.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

21. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order  he DPW install a Handicap sign for Estela Acosta 171 Beech St.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

22. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order the DPW install a Handicap sign for Rebecca Ganieary of 322 Linden St.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

23. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order The DPW install a handicap sign for Yulitza Diaz Garcia of 45 Congress Ave

Recommended that the order be adopted.

24. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order  the DPW install a handicap sign for Hector Torres at 184 Sargeant St.

Recommended that the order be adopted.

25. The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW install a Handicap sign at for Hector Torres of 184 Sargeant St.

Recommended that the order has been complied with.

26. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($10,500) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN   $10,500
TOTAL    $10,500
TO:
12102-53010 MAP/DATA MAINT    $10,500
TOTAL    $10,500

Recommended that the order be adopted.

27. 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 “SFY25 SHANNON COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVE (CSI) GRANT PROGRAM, $606,446.54, 25% IN KIND 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.

28. 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 “SFY2025 COMMONWEALTH PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE GRANT, $30,000, 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.

29. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order  that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($30,000) as follows:
FROM
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION   $30,000
TOTAL    $30,000
TO:
16932-52500 WAR MEMORIAL R&M BUILDING   $30,000
TOTAL    $30,000

Recommended that the order be adopted.

30. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FIFTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($15,000) as follows:
FROM
14251-51104 PAY-HMEO                  $15,000
TOTAL             $15,000
TO:
14222-52505 R&M SENIOR CENTER                      $15,000
TOTAL $15,000

Recommended that the order be adopted.

31.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 “MA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH/PARTNERS FOR A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY – CAPACITY BUILD RACIAL EQUITY, $10,000, 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.

32. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, FORTY-EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX AND 15/100 Dollars ($48,826.15) as follows:

FROM             TO

11211   51276  MAYOR’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS      21,631.74
11211   51104  MAYOR’S PAY-CAFO                                     716.19
15431  51103  VETERAN’S PAY – INVESTIGATOR             6,002.88
15431  51101  VETERAN’S PAY – COMMISSIONER           2,240.00
15431  51500  VETERAN’S VACATION BUYBACK             2,000.00
15431  51510  VETERAN’S SICK LEAVE BUYBACK          5,000.00
11521  51102  PAY – PERSONNEL ASSISTANT                  11,235.34
12401  51102  ASST BUILDING COMMISSIONER                                     3,132.93
12401  51103  CHIEF INSPECTOR OF WIRES                                           2,828.00
12401  51107  ZONING OFFICIAL                                                                2,222.00
11751  51108  ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING                             4,560.00
11751  51102  ASST DIR OF ECONOMIC DEV                                           4,560.00
11751  51105  SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER                                            2,222.00
11751  51106  PLANNER 1                                                                            1,090.00
12441  51101  SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES                           2,525.00
11711   51101  CONSRVTN & SUSTNBLTY DIRECTOR                             3,030.00
14211  51108  SAFETY OFFICER                                                                2,020.00
15411  51103  ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – COA                                            2,222.00
15411  51101  DIRECTOR COUNCIL ON AGING                                        3,030.00
15431  51105  NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER                                           1,560.99
16301  51101  DIRECTOR PARKS/REC FORESTRY                                 2,899.14
15101  51101  DIRECTOR BOARD OF HEALTH                                         1,632.00
15101  51202  ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER                                              2,020.08
16911  51101  DIRECTOR WISTARIAHURST                                             2,828.00
16911  51103  CITY HISTORIAN                                                                  2,222.00
16301  51103  ASST DIRECTOR OF PARKS & REC                                   2,222.00

48,826.15        48,826.15

Recommended that the order be denied.

33. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Settlement agreement by and between the City of Holyoke and Holyoke Professional Supervisors Association

Recommended that the order be denied.

34. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred an order Redlined Settlement agreement by and between the City of Holyoke and Holyoke Professional Supervisors Association

Recommended that the order be denied.

35. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special permit application of Marcel Gavel to operate a vehicle exhaust repair and welding business at 54 Commercial Street (018-01-15).
Recommended that the special permit be granted with the following conditions:
1. That the hours of operation will be Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.;
2. That there will be no overnight parking;
3. That there will be no engine work on site;
4. That there will be no vehicles stores inside;
5. That there will be no hazardous waste storage in site.

36. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Special Permit Application of Daniel LaFlamme (Daniel’s Truck Center Inc) to operate a light truck repairing and detailing center at 41 Temple St (085-00-012) per sec. 7.2.13(a).
Recommended that the special permit be granted with the following conditions:
1. That the hours of operation will be Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
2. That the lighting cannot be detrimental to the neighborhood;
3. That the petitioner will address all open questions on the Planning Department letter dated December 10, 2024.

37. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order The DGR committee invite the District 8 Governor’s Councilor to a future DGR meeting.  Tara Jacobs of Adams currently represents Holyoke in this office.  Her predecessor appeared in committee ca. 2017.

Recommended that the order has been complied with.

38. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order that OPED please provide an update on the former K-Mart plaza.  On the main door to the former retailer is contact information for what appears to be a new owner.  Please reach out to them and circle back to city council.  Per its web site:  For other inquiries, please call Transformco at (847) 286-2500 and please see its website www.transformco.com.

Recommended that the order has been complied with.

39. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order Resolution that the Holyoke City Council, which represents the greatest number of Puerto Ricans per capita than any other community in the country outside the island, votes to condemn the “floating island of garbage” statement made at the political rally of a candidate seeking to represent every American – including those who live in and come from Puerto Rico. This statement was insulting, ignorant, and dismissive of the culture and contributions of Puerto Ricans.

Recommended that the resolution be adopted.

40. The Committee on Development and Governmental Relations to whom was referred an order  Resolution in Support of Eviction Sealing to Promote Housing Opportunity and Mobility (Attached).

Recommended that the order has been complied with.

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS

41. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETEEN AND 44/100 Dollars ($29,619.44) as follows:
FROM
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS            $  4,120.92
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                  3,567.68
12101-51107 PATROLMEN                21,930.84
TOTAL             $29,619.44
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $29,619.44
TOTAL             $29,619.44

42. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THIRTY TWO THOUSAND SEVENTY ONE AND 58/100 Dollars ($32,071.58) as follows:
FROM
12101-51104 LIEUTENANTS            $  4,120.92
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                  3,567.68
12101-51107 PATROLMEN                24,382.98
TOTAL             $32,071.58
TO:
12201-51180 INJURED ON DUTY               $32,071.58
TOTAL             $32,071.58

43. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($350,000) as follows:
FROM
12101-51107 PATROLMEN              $250,000
12101-51105 SERGEANTS                  50,000
12101-51117 DISPATCH                       50,000
TOTAL             $350,000
TO:
12101-51300 OVERTIME                  $350,000
TOTAL             $350,000

44. Murphy-Romboletti- Ordered that the City Council issue a proclamation in recognition of “Girl Day” on February 20 to present to Girls Inc of the Valley, as part of a day of recognition to inspire girls to consider careers in engineering and other STEM fields.

45. Rivera, J.-As per the property manager’s request from Lyman Terrace Apartments, we are requesting three parking spots for the staff in front of 17 Hampden Street, along with signs indicating “Parking for Lyman Terrace Staff.”

46. Vacon- ORDER: At the 1-91 dedicated exit lane to the mall, consider the installation of flexible lane delineators to prevent people from illegally crossing the solid line across the bike lane.
Refer to Public Safety and Sgt. Zurheide and the Traffic Enforcement Grant Committee

47. Vacon- ORDER: that our Police Department address the illegal drag racing on Bobala Drive and coordinate with West Springfield police as able to stop this activity.Refer to PD, Sgt. Zurheide and the Traffic Enforcement Grant Committee

48. Vacon- 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.
Refer to Public Safety, Sgt. Zurheide and the Traffic Enforcement Grant Committee

49. Vacon- ORDER:  Request to prioritize Homestead Ave. from Westfield Rd to Lower Westfield Rd be re-paved due to high truck traffic volume & many rough repairs on the roadway.

50. Vacon, Jourdain- ORDER: that the law department come into compliance with Ordinance  2-156 and the auditor confirms that the rates of pay are in compliance with the ordinance & schedule A.

51. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($145.00) as follows:
FROM

15102-57300 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS – BOARD OF HEALTH             $  75.00
15102-54220 SUPPLIES OTHER – BOARD OF HEALTH                   70.00
TOTAL $145.00
TO:
11752-57300 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS-PLANNING                   $145.00
TOTAL             $145.00

52. Devine-Ordered, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Sec. 53A, the City Council hereby accepts the provisions of the “FY24 MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM GRANT, $9,500, 50% IN KIND 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.

53. DEVINE – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWO HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY NINE AND 63/100 Dollars ($293,439.63) as follows:
FROM
8810-10400 GENERAL STABILIZATION                 $186,557.87
8811-10400 CAPITAL STABILIZATION                       106,881.76
TOTAL             $293,439.63
TO:
14253-58002 HIGHWAY- CAPITAL OUTLAY MV                $293,439.63
TOTAL             $293,439.63

54. Greaney, Ocasio – Ordered that flashing stop signs be placed at the intersection of Jackson and Commercial Streets.

LATE FILED ORDERS AND COMMUNICAITONS

55. SULLIVAN – Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2025, TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY AND 00/100 Dollars ($24,780) as follows:
FROM

TO: