Chicopee public meetings in 2023
9 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council - Ordinance Committee
The Ordinance Committee approved an isolated stop sign at the intersection of Dorothy Avenue and Manning Street. It approved parking prohibitions on Broadway, Clarion, Edgewood, Clairmont, Taylor, Pleasant, and Asinof streets. The committee postponed the proposed no‑truck sign for Ludlow Road pending further review. It also approved a speed‑limit change to 25 mph on Irene Street and the installation of rumble strips at Irene and Ingham Streets.
- Approved isolated stop sign at Manning Street (Dorothy Ave) – motion passed
- Postponed no‑truck sign for Ludlow Road – motion passed
- Approved replacement of 30 mph signs with 25 mph on Irene Street – motion passed
- Approved installation of rumble strips on Irene Street at Ingham Street – motion passed
- Approved parking prohibition on Broadway from Alvord Avenue to 65 ft south – motion passed
- Approved parking prohibition on Clarion Avenue (West side) from Edgewood Ave to 65 ft south – motion passed
- Approved parking prohibition on Edgewood Avenue (South side) from Clairmont Ave to 65 ft west – motion passed
- Approved parking prohibition on Taylor Street (North side) from Sheridan St to 160 ft east – motion passed
Library
The Trustees approved a contract for a Tactile Images art exhibit for the blind and low-vision community. The board also updated policies regarding hotspot returns and meeting room eligibility for non-profits.
- Approved $6,000 contract for Tactile Images exhibit in May 2024 (3-0)
- Approved HotSpot agreement update to charge full cost if device is 21 days overdue
- Approved Room Reservation Policy requiring non-profits to hold 501(c)(3) status
- Accepted June 5, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Accepted June 2, 2023 financial report (3-0)
- Accepted April 27, 2023 Friends meeting minutes (3-0)
- Accepted Director's Report (3-0)
Planning Board
The Board adopted the Chicopee Comprehensive Plan and approved a definitive site plan for a new Dunkin Donuts. Several ordinance amendments were recommended for denial due to lack of representation. The Board also recommended approval for a zone change on Marion St. and a liquor license alteration on Springfield St.
- Approved and adopted the Comprehensive Plan (4-0)
- Approved Definitive Site Plan for Dunkin Donuts at 1599 Memorial Dr. (3-1)
- Recommended approval of zone change from Business B to Residential A on Marion St. (4-0)
- Recommended approval of liquor license alteration for The Rumbleseat (4-0)
- Recommended denial of Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-66 Burnett Road (4-0)
- Recommended denial of Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-50 Signs (4-0)
- Recommended denial of Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-51 Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage (4-0)
- Tabled frontage waiver for 35 Whitin Ave. to October 5, 2023 (4-0)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission approved a request to replace existing penstocks at the Chicopee Falls Hydroelectric facility on Main St. The board also approved the minutes from the August 2, 2023 meeting. A property owner was advised to submit a restoration plan for a site under an enforcement order by September 20, 2023.
- Issued Negative 5 and Negative 6 Determinations for penstock replacement at Main St. (7-0)
- Approved August 2, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0, 2 abstentions)
City Council - License Committee
The License Committee approved a junk dealer license application for a consignment business specializing in dance and gymnastics apparel. Approval is contingent upon the applicant providing a signed lease and a parking plan to the Clerk's office.
- Approved junk dealer license for Prestige Dance & Sports Consignment at 720 Memorial Drive with restrictions (5-0)
- Approved minutes of August 14, 2023 (5-0)
City Council - Mayor's Briefing
The City Council approved several appropriations for public safety equipment, DPW vehicles, and facility maintenance. The council also accepted multiple state and federal grants for energy efficiency, digital equity, and climate vulnerability studies.
- Approved $365,400 for Chicopee TV salaries and equipment
- Approved $240,710.50 for Police weaponry equipment
- Approved $310,000 for Fire Station #4 apron and parking lot repaving
- Approved $215,490 for a new forestry chipper
- Approved $102,925.15 for DPW Parks vehicles and $142,500 for a new backhoe
- Approved $116,600 USDOE grant for City Hall lighting updates
- Approved $105,000 MBI grant for digital equity planning
- Approved employment agreement for Chief Human Resource Officer Stephen Zajchowski
City Council
The City Council unanimously approved several Mayor's appropriations for vehicle purchases, HVAC replacements, and public safety equipment. The Council also accepted three grants for City Hall lighting, digital equity planning, and climate vulnerability assessment.
- Approved $365,400 for Chicopee TV salaries and equipment (Unanimous)
- Approved $146,370 for Main Library HVAC controller replacement (Unanimous)
- Approved $119,642 for Fire Station #8 HVAC controller replacement (Unanimous)
- Approved $240,710.50 for Police weaponry equipment (Unanimous)
- Approved $310,000 for Fire Station #4 apron and parking lot repaving (Unanimous)
- Approved $215,490 for a Forestry Department tree chipper (Unanimous)
- Approved $116,600 USDOE grant for City Hall lighting updates (Unanimous)
- Approved $105,000 MBI grant for digital equity planning (Unanimous)
City Council - Zoning Committee
The Zoning Committee approved three land-use applications, including a zone change to allow a commercial electrical contractor at 41 Robbins Road. Two special permits were granted for mixed-use residential units in business buildings. The committee also approved the July 26, 2023, meeting minutes.
- Approved special permit and parking waiver (6 to 3 spaces) for mixed-use building at 520 Chicopee Street
- Approved zone change from Business A to IPUD II for 2.0621 acres at 41 Robbins Road
- Approved special permit with fire code conditions for two apartments at 873 Grattan Street
- Approved July 26, 2023, meeting minutes
City Council - Human Resources Committee
The committee approved the mayoral appointment of Anthony Gallant to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Appointments for the Housing Authority and Council on Aging were postponed. The committee also approved the minutes from May 9, 2023.
- Approved mayoral appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
- Postponed mayoral appointment of Yadira I. Medina to Housing Authority (5-0)
- Postponed mayoral appointment of Audrey L. Monroe to Council on Aging (5-0)
- Approved May 9, 2023 minutes (5-0)