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City Council

Name: Holyoke City Council
Start: 2026-10-06
Location: Holyoke, MA

October 6, 2026 Final

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 55 items

The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that the City Council review the history, authorization, and all aspects of the use of Flock cameras in Holyoke, and of any other automated license plate technology (ALPR) that may be deployed or under consideration for deployment, in order to determine whether legislation is necessary to address any civil rights and privacy issues that may be implicated by the presence of this technology and to enact such legislation should it prove to be needed. The information needed for this review shall include but not be limited to to the city's contract with Flock, including details of any amendments thereto; information showing who authorized the installation and when, for what reasons; how much the contract costs the city and where it is in the budget; where the data from these ALPRs is or may be shared or queried; for how long it is preserved; how it is safeguarded from abuse and access for improper purposes or by unauthorized persons; and whether Holyoke's and Flock's terms and practices are in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding the sharing of data, particularly with federal agencies. The Holyoke Police Department and the Law Department are requested to provide all relevant data to the City Council to assist in this review. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
Vacon- ORDER: When a legal notice is sent to citizens for a zone change, a summary explaining the effect of & rationale for the change, (similar to a ballot question summary) is provided with the notice.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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. Awaiting disposition
Petition from Roxanne Roman of 76 Elmwood Ave for a zone change from RA to R-2 to develop two duplexes on the vacant parcel
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Zone change application from BG (business general) to DR (downtown residential) of Irfan Raheel at 172 Sargeant Street (060-06-001) to allow for second floor residential use. Recommended that the zone change be granted.
Vacon- ORDER: That Columbus Day & Indigenous People Day be named together in our ordinance.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the DPW install a Handicap Sign for Luis Davila of 240 Walnut St. #PL8720803 Recommended that the order be adopted.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Planning Board be invited to appear in person if possible to the September meeting of the Ordinance Committee. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Charter and Rules to whom was referred an order : That a new City Council rule be enacted as follows: During a City Council meeting if a councilor wants to take up an agenda item out of order that whenever possible let the President know PRIOR to the item being taken out of order. Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order that city council takes steps to support neighborhoods who wish to establish a neighborhood watch to help prevent crime. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that ordinance sections 2-38 and 2-39 be revised to replace "Columbus Day" with "Indigenous Peoples' Day." Recommended that the order be adopted.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that Council make the necessary zoning ordinance changes in order for us to clarify parking on residential properties and create an enforcement structure. Recommended that the order be given a leave to withdraw.
Purcell- Order that a School Bus Stop sign be installed at the intersection of Linden St, and Dwight St. on the North side of Linden.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a crosswalk be added across Northampton Street at River Terrace.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that a crosswalk be added across Hampton Knolls where it intersects with Northampton Street.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order 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). Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the handicap parking sign located at 107 Brown Ave be removed as the tenant who originally requested and utilized it has moved and the space is no longer needed. Recommended that the order be adopted.
The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order Invite the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative to an upcoming Public Safety meeting for a conversation highlighting the work that they are doing in Holyoke to create safe, healthy & economically viable neighborhoods through information sharing, identifying at-risk youth, referrals and community efforts. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Honorable City Council review the ordinance that establishes the operating time frames for cannabis dispensaries. Recommended that the order be adopted.
The Committee on Public Safety to whom was referred an order The City of Holyoke prohibit the use of GLOVE (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) gloves. Classified as a CD3 (conductive distraction and de-escalation device), these devices work differently from other incapacitation devices (stun guns, tasers) by shocking the skin to cause neuro-peripheral disruption rather than using probe projectiles or higher voltage neuro-muscular disruption. In other words, it inflicts localized pain on subjects in order to enforce compliance rather than muscular disruption provided by other devices. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council review Section 38-71 of the Holyoke Code of Ordinances and amend it as necessary to remove outdated exemptions therein.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that our winter parking ordinance be revised as necessary for clarity, functionality, and flexibility based on constituent and DPW needs.Awaiting disposition
Vacon- ORDER: that our auditor submit the audit plan as previously voted by the city council and appear at Finance Committee to present the audit plan. Send to Finance Committee & Auditor.
Vacon- ORDER: request the Board of Health to provide a report on the status of removal of kratom products from all stores in accordance with the statewide ban in effect as of 8/26226.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That an ordinance be created that will require an annual registration, liability insurance and an official Massachusetts license plate for high speed motorized bicycles.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council review Holyoke's municipal rules, ordinances, and any related materials that may be discovered during the process of review, relatiing 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. Recommended that the order has been complied with.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an 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.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the fines be increased for illegal dumping, especially construction equipment and garbage on a sidewalk or street that has not been recycled. The word “rubbish”shall mean solid waste consisting of both combustible and non combustible wastes such as paper, wrappings, newsprint, cardboard, tin cans, yard clippings, leaves, glass, plastics (as in nip bottles) and bedding.Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council amend City Ordinance 6-2 Drinking Alcoholic Beverage on Public Street, Section (a) changed to include the following wording. "The drinking of alcoholic beverages by any persons while, upon any way or in any place to which the public has a right of access, or upon any way or in any place to which members of the public have access as invitees or licensees"Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order 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.Awaiting disposition
Rivera, I.-Ordered, that a designated percentage of cannabis tax revenue be set aside to fund cannabis-related inspections and investigations, ensuring that the industry complies with the standards outlined in its special permits. **This order is expected to be pulled from the finance committee due to technical difficulties which did not allow the finance committee to meet on September 28, 2026. Sent to the Finance Committee on January 6,, 2026.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the Ordinance Committee increase the fines for any and all ordinances dealing with blocking driveways, crosswalks and parking too close to intersections, and any other citable offenses listed on the attached sample parking ticket. Fines shall be increased to $75 and up to $150.Any violation of the parking ban shall be a fine of $150.In addition, if warranted, a payment plan may be implemented for low income and elderly residents.Awaiting disposition
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.
DEVINE - Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2027, TWO HUNDRED NINETY-ONE THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED TWELVE AND 91/100 ($291,912.91) as follows: FROM 8815-10400 CANNABIS STABILIZATION $291,912.91 TOTAL $291,912.91 TO: 19412-57630 CLAIMS-GENERAL $291,912.91 TOTAL $291,912.91 **This order is expected to be pulled from the finance committee due to technical difficulties which did not allow the finance committee to meet on September 28, 2026. Sent to the Finance Committee on September 15, 2026.
Vacon- ORDER: The Board of Registrars/City Clerk audit the November 2025 votes (to determine the cause of a 6 vote machine over count in Ward 1 & determine if there were discrepancies in other wards). Audit the September 2026 election to verify the # of voters who checked in is equal to the final machine vote tally for each ward. If there is a discrepancy that a manual count of the paper ballots be completed to ensure one vote per voter with no duplicate votes. (during the voting machine test this summer, it was observed that duplicate vote counts occurred when a ballot was accidentally re-entered & counted twice (ie when kicked out after being initially counted by the machine because there was a write in vote on the ballot). A written report of findings to ensure the integrity of our voting process be provided to the city council & the public.
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order That regulations be created through the Holyoke Police Department and/or an ordinance be created in accordance with MGL c90, s 1E as it relates to as "pocket bikes", "mini bikes", "mini motorcycles", "motorized skateboards" and any other two-wheeled tandem or three-wheeled devices, that has handlebars, designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, powered by an electric or gas powered motor that is capable or propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and is not defined as a motor vehicle or motorcycle under the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall be considered as a "motorized scooter".Awaiting disposition
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred an order that the City Council President establish by ordinance a temporary ad-hoc committee to expire/sunset by June 30, 2027 to study and provide an analysis on the potential impacts of commercial data center development in Holyoke, including electrical demand, water consumption, environmental impacts, tax revenue, economic development opportunities, zoning considerations, public safety concerns, and best practices adopted by other municipalities, and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding potential zoning and permitting requirements. This Ad-Hoc Committee shall include one member from: Holyoke Gas and Electric Holyoke Water Works or Member of Water Commission Massachusetts Green High-Performing Computing Center Planning Board Conservation Commission Office of Planning and Development Community Member or Resident appointed by the City Council President City CouncilAwaiting disposition
DEVINE - Ordered, that there be and is hereby appropriated by transfer in the fiscal year 2027, SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND 00/100 Dollars ($750,000.00) as follows:FROM8815-10400 CANNABIS STABILIZATION $750,000.00 TOTAL $750,000.00TO:19442-57087 EZEKIEL’S PLAN 2.0 $750,000.00TOTAL $750,000.00**This order is expected to be pulled from the finance committee due to technical difficulties which did not allow the finance committee to meet on September 28, 2026. Sent to the Finance Committee on September 15, 2026.
From City of Holyoke Health Benefit Meeting Minutes July 15, 2026
Petition from various residents in support of changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day
From Mayor Joshua Garcia- letter appointing Mr. Stephen Fay of 218 Pleasant St. to serve as an alternate of the new Historical Commission. Mr. Fay's term will expire on July 1, 2029.
From Mayor Joshua Garica-letter appointing Ms. Rebecca Lisi of 25 Reservation Rd. to serve on the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority. Ms. Lisi will replace Mr. Thomas Creed and will serve the remainder of his term, expiring November 1, 2026.
December 9, 2024 Finance Committee Executive Session Minutes - Reviewed and withheld in entirety as of September 17, 2025
The Committee on Ordinance to whom was referred a Petition of Paola M. Rosado Freytiz of 71 Brown Ave Apt 1 for street vendor license for food truck at 1810 Northampton Street. Recommended that the license be granted with the condition that the truck be parked far enough to prevent line of sight issues for vehicles entering Northampton Street from Forer Avenue.
Rivera, J.-ORDERED: That the Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools be invited to appear before the appropriate committee of the City Council to discuss public safety within the Holyoke Public Schools, with particular attention to Holyoke High School, including current safety measures, recent concerns or incidents, and the steps being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors.
June 11, 2024, September 4, 2024, and April 15, 2025 Executive Session Minutes - Reviewed and ready for partial release as of September 17, 2025
Devine, Panitch - ORDERED: that the relevant provisions of Chapter 86, Traffic and Vehicles, be amended to provide that the intersection of Dwight Street and Maple Street southeast bound be designated No Right Turn On Red, and that a "No Turn On Red" sign be posted at that corner. Send to Ordinance, with a copy to the DPW and City Engineer.
Devine - ORDERED that the Building and Health departments forward copies of the recent citations given to Motel 6 and the Budget Inn on Northampton Street to the City Council through our Administrative Assistant to be distributed to City Councilors.
DEVINE – Ordered, that the amount of THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT AND 72/100 DOLLARS ($3,658.72) be authorized from the WAR MEMORIAL Department’s R & M - BLDGS. & GROUNDS (16932-52500) appropriation in fiscal year 2027 for goods/services received in fiscal year 2026 which were unencumbered at the 2026 fiscal year end.

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