Public Safety Committee Meeting April 22, 2025

Posted April 17, 2025, 11:21 a.m.

City Council
Holyoke Massachusetts
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25,
and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Public Safety

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
6:30 PM

Meeting to take place at
Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St
and can be accessed remotely on Zoom Meetings
Per order of the Chair: Jenny Rivera
Remote access via www.zoom.us
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81391571784?pwd=mc1Zn9dDn2sHl40g7E94exkD1c0tmR.1
Meeting ID: 813 9157 1784 Meeting Passcode: 298497 or by call in at 1 (646) 558-8656 with the same Meeting ID and Passcode.

Live Spanish interpretation will be available on local access channel 15 using the television’s SAP option, through the live stream on the city website, as well as on the Zoom feed by clicking the interpretation option and choosing Spanish.

Agenda

Item 1: Minutes of March 13, 2025 meeting

Item 2: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the mayor, Department of Public Works, and the parking advisory committee at the Public Safety committee to discuss the possibility of making parking enforcement a subdivision of the Traffic division.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 3: 11-7-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, JOURDAIN  – Ordered that the HR Director and Interim Police Chief come into Council to discuss the positive and negative impacts of our policy of swearing in police officers prior to their finishing the Police Academy. We request that the HR Director provide a regional comparison to other towns and cities to see if we are following best practice.

Item 4: 10-1-24 Jourdain, Givner, Rivera, I., Devine, Rivera, J. – Ordered, that the Police Chief, Board of Health Director, Mayor and Law Dept meet with the City Council to discuss improving numerous quality of life issues that we have seen or citizens have expressed concerns with us. We would like to look at current strategies and see if they are effective or what we need to change including the potential need for additional resources. We also request leadership develop a comprehensive plan including a map that they can present containing all the resources currently provided, those planned and needed to achieve both short and long term objectives.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 5: 3-18-25 I. Rivera – Order that the chief give us an update or a plan as to how what the approach is to begin tackling issues outlined in MRI audit

Item 6: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the officers working at the Holyoke Police Departments Community Service Center that could be find at 208 race St. {STEAM Building) come into public safety and discuss what the initiative has been up to, and what plans they have to strategically work on filling in the gaps where service providers are not able to be present.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 7: 4-16-24 (copy) BARTLEY, SULLIVAN, I. RIVERA – (copy) HPD enforce the STOP sign at Brown Ave and Laurel St. Receive, Adopt, Refer to HPD for implementation and send to Public Safety for a follow-up meeting in 2 months to review results.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 8: 1-21-25 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.

Item 9: 1-21-25 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.

Item 10: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, SULLIVAN, I. RIVERA – Have the HPD advise on the status of formation of a traffic bureau and a code enforcement.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 11: 11-19-24 GIVNER – With community support, order that speed trailers be moved regularly to collect speed data from rotating locations throughout the city. Trailer priority shall be given to most dangerous streets and intersection areas as listed in state, Triple A, and other professional traffic data reports. A 2-4 week period per location shall be determined ongoing. Speed data reports shall be submitted to Public safety monthly for review.

Item 12: 8-2-22 GIVNER – Order that HPD create a publicly visible calendar of speed trailers so that communities know when they can expect to see requested actions in their neighborhoods.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 13: 4-2-24 GIVNER – With community support, that the chief of police supply a written or in person update on what steps have been taken to address traffic concerns in Holyoke,
especially in wards 1,2,3,4, & 6, as REQUIRED by to our city’s Ordinance: Sec. 50-42. – Traffic squad-Designation and training of members.
The chief of police shall designate six members and such additional members as may from time to time be required to act as traffic officers. Such members shall receive and be given thorough and adequate training in the regulation and direction of traffic, in accordance with a uniform and recognized standard.
*Tabled 12-30-24

LAID ON THE TABLE
(Items taken up at previous meeting(s) and laid on the table.

Item 14: 1-3-23 GIVNER – Ordered, Per constituent requests, please conduct a traffic study on Hamden to help mitigate use as a truck route, and to address heavy traffic volume on Hamden.
Constituents have difficulty entering/exiting driveways. Also, houses shake when trucks pass. Constituents are concerned there may be infrastructure related safety issues.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 15: 5-2-23 ANDERSON-BURGOS – Order that the City Engineer investigate the installation of pedestrian safety measures at the crosswalk located on Northampton Street at Winthrop Street. This may include installations of curb extensions (aka “bump outs”) and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB).
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 16: 8-1-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer and/or VEOLIA suggest improvements to the sidewalk and catch basin near 5 Martin St. (at the corner of Westfield Rd and Martin). Owner’s contractor noted the sidewalk is too high and the design causes water to pool on parking lot; the catch basin is above-grade is not catching storm water. Owner very willing to confer with City Engineer on this matter. Refer to Public Safety Committee for a review hearing.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-31-25

Item 17: 3-1-22 PUELLO, OCASIO – Ordered, That the city engineer draft the costs and feasibility of installing two raised crosswalks on Main Street adjacent to Springdale Park.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 18: 8-2-22 BARTLEY – Ordered, The City Engineer look at on-street parking at the top of Fairmont Ave. and recommend available suggestions to relieve congestion.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 19: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW conduct the following on the ‘way finder’ signs in Smith’s Ferry: fix the damaged ‘Holyoke Country *Club’ sign on the southbound side of Rt 5 and install a new sign on the northbound side of Rt 5 as it’s been missing now for a few years. Receive, Adopt and Refer to DPW. Copy to Public Safety to follow-up in 45 days.
*Tabled 3-13-25

Item 20: 4-16-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA – (copy) DPW install “warning” sign to motorists of 3-way STOP signs at Charles St. II Washington Ave. Receive, Adopt, Refer to DPW. Send order to Public Safety for a follow-up and send communication to Admin Asst in 45 days to advise if/when installed.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 21: 5-21-24 BARTLEY, I. RIVERA, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – DPW, Emergency Management, HPD and Mayor’s office determine a safety plan to better warn truckers traveling on Main St. of the iron R/R bridge at Lyman St. Yet another collision occurred last week. Consider checking out the flashing beacons and warning signs on East Mountain Rd, Westfield.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 22: 12-17-24 OCASIO – Ordered that the City install a few signs: “No Trucks”, “Slow Down, Children”, and “No Parking Anytime” on the block across from 320 Elm St.
*Tabled 3-20-25

Item 23: 2-1-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO — The city engineer review the signaling at the Maple St / South St. / Parenteau Dr intersection.  Multiple accidents and near-accidents have occurred there over the years as motorists from Maple St turn Left against oncoming traffic on South St (heading downtown). The intersection is proximate to the former Whole Donut and the Fitzpatrick Ice Rink.  Refer to Public Safety with copy to City Engineer.
*Referred back 6-4-24, Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 24: 9-7-21 BARTLEY – Ordered, The HPS now runs two schools, side by side, on the west side of Northampton Street between Hitchcock and Lawler St. and now is the time for DPW, City Engineer, HPD, and the Mayor’s office to review and monitor this area and make some public safety decisions. Parents, Teachers and Administrators have called about derelict drivers, etc. Please refer to Public safety for a hearing and copy to HPS and the aforementioned departments.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 25: 10-3-23 BARTLEY – Ordered, The city of Holyoke work with its state delegation and federal partners to develop protective barriers along Route 91 proximate to ISO-New England. The most recent issues concern bullet holes found at ISO-NE that appear to emanate from motorists traveling on 91. The MSP and HPD are investigating and Shot-spotter detected the gunfire, according to an ISO-NE official. There is a possibility that there exists a private source of funding for the barriers and government officials are now being made aware of the potential private funds via this Order. Please note that it’s very likely that an easement from the Commonwealth would be required to build. Refer to DGR and copy to City Engineer, MA DOT District 2 (Northampton), Holyoke’s state delegation and copies to Public Safety and ISO-New England. (Couple this order with prior ones from Councilors Jourdain and Vacon and others relative to similar requests on the N- and S-bound sides of 91.)
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 26: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The fencing around the Fitzpatrick Rink -especially along the N-side of Parenteau Dr. -is disgraceful and in desperate need of repair. Please notice the glorious Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the vendor operating the rink. The vendor to its credit as done great work to repair the fence along S. Elm St. Refer to state OCR, the vendor for the Rink, and Rep. Duffy. Please copy Public Safety to follow-up on this in 60 days with a status report.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 27: 5-21-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW work with MA DOT to remove the dead trees by the US Route 91 overpass at Westfield Rd. This area is in need of some attention.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 28: 1-21-25 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.
*Tabled 3-13-25

Item 29: 3-6-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA – Ordered, that the Fire Chief communicate a written plan for supporting firefighters to successfully complete their EMT Certifications, especially for those who have previously failed to pass the exams required and are approaching the two year deadline.
*Tabled 12-4-24, 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 30: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – (copy) The DPW install a protective wraparound barrier (lattice, wire) the Holyoke Railroad platform. Unfortunately people are using this for protection from the elements but it is a very dangerous location and I don’t want anyone to stumble onto the rail tracks as recently happened in Northampton.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 31: 10-1-24 Bartley-The public safety committee invite the DPW Superintendent and City Forester to a future meeting to discuss tree trimming, tree stump removal, tree planting, and Holyoke’s tree nursery.
*Tabled 12-30-24, 3-13-25

Item 32: 11-15-22 BARTLEY — City Engineer review options to improve road safety at Queen and Cherry St. Issue: trucks exiting Queen St. are seen driving over the median strip and making an illegal left-hand turn onto Cherry St. (Rt. 202-South)
*Referred back 6-4-24, Tabled 12-30-24

Item 33: 1-18-22 GIVNER — That the city of Holyoke install storm warning lights much like those in neighboring communities. These would act to signal coming snow and other inclement weather storms, prompting residents to check our city web site as well as their preferred news sources. Storm warning lights would also act as a parking ban notification in an effort to assist our overextended police department.
*Tabled 1-24-22, 12-30-24

Item 34: 8-1-23 I. RIVERA – Ordered, that reps of Holyoke Housing come in and provide and update to residents at Toeofert apartments regarding a letter residents received about the possible removal or remodel of the parks in the area.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 35: 8-1-23 (referred from Charter and Rules 6-18-23) From City Solicitor letter re: Provisions of charter impacted by implementation of a Police Commission
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 36: 10-4-22 BARTLEY, JOURDAIN, MCGEE, TALLMAN – Ordered, The city engineer please recommend on-street parking improvements on the north-side of South St. between 485 South St. (Elmwood Towers) and Russell Terrace and the south-side of South St. from Taino’s Restaurant to the old fire station. (Order is suggested by local business owners.)
Refer to Public Safety and Mayor.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 37: 10-4-22 GIVNER, MALDONADO VELEZ – Order to install city-wide signage reflecting state law that requires cars to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 38: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW repair the “Hampshire St” street sign located at corner of Pine St. Sign is damaged. Receive, Adopt and Refer. Copy to Public Safety for follow-up in 45 days.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 39: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW consider resurfacing the roadbed on Woodland St. Multiple constituents (and their letter carrier) requesting.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 40: 6-18-24 BARTLEY, J. RIVERA – Order for installation of a Perimeter Fence and Implementation of a Pay-to-Park System at the Main Street Parking Lot Across from 299 Main Street as well as the Canal St lot across from GTL Additionally, to provide paid parking permits to businesses located on Main Street and Canal St.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 41: 6-18-24 MAGRATH-SMITH, I. RIVERA, GIVNER, MURPHY-ROMBOLETTI, J. RIVERA, SULLIVAN – Ordered, that Section 34 of the Holyoke City Charter be amended to establish a Police Commission by virtue of a Special Act in Accordance with the provisions of Articles of Amendment, Article II, Section 8 of the Massachusetts Constitution.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 42: 9-4-24 BARTLEY – The law department provide an update to CC as to the reason a 2022 HPD cruiser (with 30,000 miles+/-) has been sitting at Marcotte Ford for the last 12 months. My understanding is an officer had an accident as a result of a mechanical defect and the car was towed back to the dealer where continues to sit unused.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 43: 10-15-24 Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that speed humps be placed on Old Jarvis based on the recommendation of the traffic study completed in 2008.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 44: 10-15-24 Magrath-Smith-Ordered, that the consulting City Engineer, DPW Director, and Police Chief provide an update as to traffic calming measures being taken on Bemis, including a timeline for the placement of permanent speed humps, and the number of speeding tickets taken the last two months.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 45: 9-5-23 JOURDAIN – Parks dept please install a motion sensor system and/or improved camera system and/or improved security plan at the Pouliot pool for use when the pool is in season.  After hours security needs to be dramatically improved.  Please let City Council and Mayor know if funding is required.

ADMINISTRATIVELY LAID ON THE TABLE
(Per City Council Rule 9P, “Any order not acted on within 45 days shall be deemed tabled.” Items within this section are laid on the table by virtue of being in the committee more than 45 days.)

Item 46: 1-7-25 From Andrea Johansen, letter regarding proposed lithium battery site in Westfield.

Item 47: 2-4-25 Vacon- ORDER: That installation of a crosswalk near #64 County Rd be evaluated for improved safety.

Administrative Assistant: Jeffery Anderson-Burgos
The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Agenda subject to change up to two business days (48 hours) prior to posted meeting time.