Public Safety Committee Meeting March 31, 2025

Posted March 27, 2025, 1:12 p.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 2023,
notice is hereby given of a meeting of the committee on
Public Safety

Monday, March 31, 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/83503880323?pwd=4Grbc0EyrsGTEFnlfoZdMM7xZD9sMy.1
Meeting ID: 835 0388 0323 Meeting Passcode: 033386 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 December 4, 2024 meeting
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 2: Minutes of December 30, 2024 meeting

Item 3: 10-17-23 PUELLO, VACON – Ordered, That tapestry please consider providing (at minimum) quarterly needle collection data to the city council in communications. Constituents continue to find needles on the sidewalk surrounding Lawrence school and its playground.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 4: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that board of Health and tapestry reps come into public safety and discuss the importance of Narcan.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 5: 6-4-24 I. RIVERA – Order that Health Commissioners representing the board of health come into DGR and discuss the Tobacco license issuance policy and how it may or may not align with the city’s economic development plans around supporting small business growth and tourism.
*Tabled 9-10-24, 12-30-24

Item 6: 6-18-24 BARTLEY – That the board of health/ health Commission please be invited to attend to discuss if changes are possible to the changes to the Tobacco license issuance policy that supports common sense economic growth on a case-by-case basis and also protects public health. Refer to public safety. (This order was given leave to withdraw 5/14/24 but I’m refiling it.)
*Tabled 9-10-24, 12-30-24

Item 7: 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

Item 8: 1-3-23 GIVNER, TALLMAN – Ordered, Per constituent requests, please address safety concerns of motorists traveling on the Locust St (between Hampshire St and Cabot St.) to the corner of Cabot St. Parking to corner on Cabot in front of Health Center obstructs the view of vehicles crossing or turning on to Cabot.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 9: 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

Item 10: 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

Item 11: 8-1-23 I. RIVERA – Ordered, that representatives of the Holyoke mall come into public safety and talk about what they are doing to address safety concerns of residents regarding the back upper parking deck. Residents have been complaining of feeling the deck shake, and as of recent noticing a gap between cement panels that seems to be growing.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 12: 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

Item 13: 11-15-22 BARTLEY, PUELLO – Ordered, City Engineer consider the following road improvements on Main St. in Springdale: in lieu of replacing the traffic light, install a raised crosswalk and solar-powered pedestrian signal. Copy to Mayor, Community Development, HFD Commissioners and Alarm Division.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 14: 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

Item 15: 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

Item 16: 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.

Item 17: 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

Item 18: 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

Item 19: 5-21-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW install TEMPORARY NO PARKING signs on the South side of the South St. X-walk from Elmwood Towers. Please do so immediately so that seniors have a clearer pathway to see vehicles prior to crossing. Leave them installed until the Pedestrian Traffic light is repaired. Receive, Adopt and Refer to DPW. Send order to Public Safety for a follow-up to ensure compliance.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 20: 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.

Item 21: 1-7-25 MAGRATH-SMITH – Ordered, that the Mayor, Engineer, and DPW Director update the Council on the status of completing Northampton Street between Lincoln Street and the Mount Tom Access Road, including fully paving the road to include a bike lane, and replacing sidewalks. In many places, the sidewalks are deteriorated or blocked by utility poles.

Item 22: 1-21-25 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.

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

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

Item 25: 8-6-24 DEVINE – Ordered that the Mayor in conjunction with the HPD and disabilities commission give an update on making the HPD building handicap accessible.
*Tabled 12-4-24, 12-30-24

Item 26: 10-18-22 PUELLO, OCASIO – (copy) Ordered, That a flashing beacon signal be installed by the Fire dept. at Springdale and Main for pedestrians crossing into the park. This will provide a fix as we await the results of a traffic study to address the traffic light. Fire already has them available and this would have zero cost on the city as Fire install themselves. Fire has been excellent in dealing with this issue.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 27: 10-18-22 JOURDAIN – (copy) Ordered, that the DPW please provide the City Council a copy of our current agreement for the receipt of our recycling materials with the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)? Please also provide the City Council with the statistical data on our recycling program. How much recycling plastics/glass/metal vs paper in CY 2018, CY 2019, CY 2020, and CY 2021 has the city received in and recycled with the MRF during these time periods. Please also provide these statistics for any of our recycling that has been brought to places other than the MRF such as another vendor, straight into the landfill as trash, or other possibilities if any? Please provide us the statistics of regular trash we have collected during these time periods by way of comparison to see what percentage recycle is vs the total volume of all collections. Please provide these reports the City Council and come in to City Council and discuss the current state of the city’s recycling program.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 28: 9-5-23 GIVNER – With community support, Order that initiatives be discussed and created to encourage convenience store and fast food store owners to install trash receptacles and sponsor trash collection throughout the city of Holyoke. It is clear that much of our city’s trash is from fast food restaurants and corner stores. These entities must be invited to be a part of the community they profit from by supporting quality of life initiatives that increase business support.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 29: 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

Item 30: 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

Item 31: 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

Item 32: 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.

Item 33: 12-17-24 OCASIO – Ordered that the DPW, Engineer and HGE come to a City Council meeting to explain why there are meters in the front of buildings and homes.

Item 34: 8-1-23 PUELLO, I. RIVERA – Ordered, That the DPW please draft a plan or update on current actions taken on the Emerald Ash Borer tree infestation emergency affecting South Holyoke’s Green Ash trees.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 35: 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

Item 36: 10-15-24 DEVINE, J. RIVERA – (copy) Devine, Rivera, J.-ORDERED:  That the Mayor issue an Executive Order temporarily suspending all fines related to 110.7 Periodic Inspection of the MA State Building Codes for a 6 month period until all records have been completely reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Further ordered that all current fines already paid should be rescinded or held in escrow until all records have been reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
*Tabled 10-24-24, 12-30-24

Item 37: 4-16-24 BARTLEY – (copy) DPW // City Engineer please consider providing suggestions on entering WESTFIELD RD from both WOODLAND ST and HITCHCOCK ST. Mirrors have previously been suggested and dismissed so please provide an alternative solution. These are constituent requests.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 38: 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

Item 39: 9-18-24 MAGRATH-SMITH – Ordered that the DPW Director and Parks and Rec Director come into Council to give a report on addressing the issue of the Pulaski Park wall deteriorating, the trees and shrubbery behind the wall not being removed due to issues with Mass DOT and various railroad companies, and what progress is being made in returning Pulaski Park to the “view park” it was designed to be.
*Tabled 12-30-24

Item 40: 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

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

Item 41: 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 42: 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 43: 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 44: 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 45: 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 46: 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 47: 1-2-24 I. RIVERA – Order that the honorable city council request that the 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 48: 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 49: 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

Item 50: 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 51: 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 52: 4-16-24 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 53: 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 54: 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 55: 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 56: 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 57: 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 58: 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 59: 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 60: 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 61: 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 62: 1-7-25 From Andrea Johansen, letter regarding proposed lithium battery site in Westfield.

Item 63: 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 64: 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 65: 11-19-25 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.

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.