Chicopee public meetings in 2023

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to consider several new and transferred common victualer (food service) licenses, including for McKinstry Gardens, Petro's, Doc's Place, and Exquisite Cafe. The board will also review 2024 license renewals, noting that some businesses have closed and others owe taxes or lack certificates of inspection. The agenda includes a large list of establishments for renewal across various license categories.

• New common victualer licenses: McKinstry Gardens (753 Montgomery St), Petro's (351 Front St), Exquisite Cafe (218 ½ Exchange St)
• New mobile common victualer licenses: Doc's Place (1264 Granby Rd), Dulce Ambicion by Maria Cakes
• Change of officers/directors for Pride (167 Chicopee St)
• 2024 renewals: Exchange Street Station and Geraldine's noted as closed; Lucky Strike (703 Grattan St) to apply for new license
• Common victualers with taxes owed: Castillo's Restaurant, House of Koolada's, Lids Liv Well

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will discuss and possibly vote on an ordinance amendment to delete language from Chapter 275-51 regarding the storage of inoperable or unregistered motor vehicles. The committee will also review minutes from its November 29 meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM on December 20, 2023, in the Council Chambers at City Hall Annex.

• Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-51 Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage: delete language 'or inoperable or not currently registered or with a current state inspection sticker' (sponsor: Councilor William Courchesne, Ward 7)
• Minutes from November 29, 2023 meeting

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on December 20, 2023, to discuss two main items: an extension of conditions for continued flood control system maintenance, and a notice of intent for removing PCB-impacted soils at Szot Park. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, signing bills, and updates on enforcement orders and erosion control.

• Extension of Order of Conditions (MassDEP File #133-274) for flood control maintenance, applicant: City of Chicopee DPW Flood Control
• NOI for removal of PCB-impacted soils (6-12 inches deep) at Szot Park, Abbey Memorial Dr., with clean soil and native seed replanting
• Update on responses to Enforcement Orders on McKinstry Ave.
• Update on erosion control at 129 Dejordy Lane
• Minutes from November 15, 2023 and sign bills

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting to conduct routine board business. The agenda includes approving previous minutes, expense warrants, and various retirement-related applications.

• Approval of November 15, 2023, Board Minutes
• Appointment of 2024 Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Review of retirement, membership, and transfer applications
• Review of PERAC Memos #26, #27, #28, and #29

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council regarding several Mayoral Orders for fund appropriations and the acceptance of donations. These items include funding for library salaries, public works accounts, and human resources expenses.

• $21,563.79 appropriation to Library Salary Accounts from the Stabilization Fund
• $286,600.00 appropriation to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Roads & Sidewalks from the Stabilization Fund
• $150,000.00 appropriation to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Safety Improvements from the Stabilization Fund
• $40,000.00 appropriation to D.P.W. Wastewater Special Account for Settlement of Claims
• $25,000.00 appropriation to D.P.W. Water Special Account for Settlement of Claims

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars of Voters is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, review November registration statistics, and discuss correspondence and new business including the 2024 calendar and a computer system update from the Secretary of State. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 21, 2023
• November registration statistics including address and party affiliation changes
• Correspondence on national passport processing times and certification
• Discussion of 2024 calendar and Secretary of State computer system update

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider several mayoral appropriations from the Stabilization Fund, including $286,600 for roads and sidewalks, $150,000 for safety improvements, and smaller amounts for library salaries, wastewater and water claims, and HR expenses. They will also vote on accepting donations and grants, including $19,000 for the library and $7,369 for the Council on Aging, and approve numerous 2024 license renewals for auto dealers, repair shops, and other businesses.

• Appropriation of $286,600 for D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Roads & Sidewalks
• Appropriation of $150,000 for D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Safety Improvements
• Accept $19,000 donation from Friends of the Chicopee Public Library
• Accept $7,369 FY2024 Nutrition and Expansion Grant from MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs
• Renewal of Hawkers and Peddlers License for Chicopee Chamber of Commerce indoor farmers market

Golf Commission

The Chicopee Golf Commission will meet on December 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Chicopee Country Club. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and reports, plus new business on 2024 golf fees, liquor license renewal, and a concession contract. Old business covers updates on tree planting, the 12th hole green, cart path RFP, and maintenance contracts.

• Discussion on 2024 golf fees
• Liquor license renewal for 2024
• Sign concession operation contract for 2024
• Update on 12th hole green quote
• Update on 9th hole cart path RFP

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve bills, hear public input, and receive maintenance and recreation reports. Old business includes ongoing construction on the Bemis Pond Dam Removal, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Renewal, and design work on the Sarah Jane Splash Pad. New business includes an appropriation request for a sidewalk machine and a review of park rules and ordinance updates.

• Bemis Pond Dam Removal construction ongoing
• Open Space and Recreation Plan Renewal final draft
• Post 9/11 and Service Dog Memorial Park signage finalizing
• Appropriation request for sidewalk machine
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad design ongoing, testing existing wading pool

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on December 13, 2023, to consider a variance request to reduce frontage from 100 to 60 feet to create a new single-family lot at 371 East St. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes, discussion of old/new business, and adjournment.

• Variance from Chapter 275-52 to reduce frontage from 100' to 60' for a new single-family lot at 371 East St.
• Applicants: Todd and Kristen Ondrick, 371 East St., Chicopee, MA 01020
• Approval of minutes from October 11, 2023
• Discussion of old/new business
• Next meeting scheduled for January 10, 2024

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is reviewing proposals for new city ordinances and amendments to existing codes. The meeting includes requests for public hearings on vehicle size on private property, doxing, and truck signage.

• Proposed no truck sign for Ludlow Road
• Proposed ordinance regarding vehicle size on private property
• Proposed ordinance prohibiting doxing
• Amendment to Chapter 200-5 prohibiting dumpster activity in residential zones from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am
• Parking and idling restrictions for Carew Street, Westover Road, and East Main Street

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will meet to review two mayoral appointments and the minutes from September 28, 2023. The committee is considering members for the Planning Board and the Housing Authority.

• Appointment of Rajesh Sanghvi to the Planning Board through December 1, 2028
• Appointment of Yadira I. Medina to the Housing Authority through January 1, 2028
• Review of September 28, 2023 minutes

Historical Commission

The Commission will hear a presentation regarding the redevelopment of the former Belcher School into apartments. Members will also receive updates on the Assumption Church Rectory, Holy Name Church, and the Edward Bellamy House.

• Redevelopment of former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments
• Update on rights regarding Assumption Church Rectory and Holy Name Church
• Status update on Edward Bellamy House tour and structural report
• Review of November 14, 2023 minutes

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a frontage waiver and a lot release. The board will also review minutes from the November 2, 2023 meeting.

• Frontage waiver request to reduce requirement from 100’ to 60’ for a new lot at 371 East St
• Lot release of two building lots at Stockbridge Estates Subdivision for Waycon, Inc.

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on several Mayoral Orders and provide general city updates. The discussion focuses on transferring funds from the Stabilization Fund to various departments and accepting grants and donations.

• Appointment of Rajesh Sanghvi to the Planning Board through December 1, 2028
• Appropriation of $31,050.00 for Council on Aging vehicle purchases
• Acceptance of a $103,915.00 FY24 Formula Grant for the Council on Aging
• Appropriation of $18,124.50 for Planning Expense Account special services
• Acceptance of a $4,800.00 Bulletproof Vest Grant for the Police Department

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will review a series of Mayoral Orders to transfer funds between city accounts, primarily from the Stabilization Fund to public works and library salaries. The Council is also scheduled to accept several grants and donations, including a $19,000 gift to the Public Library and a $7,369 grant for the Council on Aging. These items are presented for consideration at the December 19, 2023 meeting.

• Transfer of $286,600.00 from Stabilization Fund to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Roads & Sidewalks
• Transfer of $150,000.00 from Stabilization Fund to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Safety Improvements
• Acceptance of $19,000.00 donation from Friends of the Chicopee Public Library
• Transfer of $21,563.79 from Stabilization Fund to Library Salary Accounts (Sick Buy Back and Administrative Manager)
• Acceptance of $7,369.00 FY2024 Nutrition and Expansion Grant from Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Library

The Board of Trustees will review the November 2023 financial report and the director's report on library statistics including circulation, computer usage, and programs. New business includes a report on a meeting with ListenTech and Valley Communications, and publicity plans for a Tactile Images display.

• Financial report for November 30, 2023
• Director's report on November 2023 library statistics (circulation, computer usage, programs)
• Report on meeting with ListenTech representative and Valley Communications
• Report on publicity plans for Tactile Images display
• Friends of the Library Annual Meeting on December 6 at 6pm

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will hear from the Chief of Police about the causes of fatal pedestrian and vehicle accidents on Chicopee Street, and will hold a public hearing on the James Street and Montcalm Street intersection. The committee will also approve minutes from August 15, 2023, and adjourn.

• Police findings on fatal Chicopee Street accidents
• Public hearing on James Street and Montcalm Street intersection
• Approval of August 15, 2023 minutes

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public meeting to consider three applications: a special permit for beer and wine sales at a restaurant, a special permit to create a residential unit in a business building, and a zone change for a Boys & Girls Club property. The committee will also review minutes and adjourn.

• Special permit for beer and wine sales at 32 Center Street (applicant: Deepthi Fernando)
• Special permit for mixed-use conversion at 386 Chicopee Street (applicant: Dance Dynamics/Angela Klusmen)
• Zone change from split zone Bus A/Res B to Res A for 9,000 SF at 580 Meadow St (applicant: Chicopee Boys & Girls Club)

City Council - Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will discuss traffic safety measures on Chicopee Street, including yield signs, speed limit corrections, and speed tables. They will also consider accepting 61 Everett Street as a city street and review prior meeting minutes. The meeting is scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom.

• Discussion of installing R1-5 yield signs and shark's teeth yield lines at pedestrian refuges on Chicopee Street
• DPW to present plan to correct speed limit signs on Chicopee Street to state-mandated speeds
• Discussion of speed tables on Chicopee Street
• Consideration of accepting 61 Everett Street as a city street
• Review of minutes from September 18, 2023

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct a tax classification hearing and set the tax rate. This is a routine annual procedure where the council decides how to distribute the property tax burden among different classes of property.

• Tax Classification Hearing
• Set Tax Rate

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on three mayoral orders and provide general city updates. The council will consider funding for water department expenses and the acceptance of donations for the library and Council on Aging.

• MO-1: Appropriation of $4,158.00 for D.P.W. Water Expense Accounts (Insurance Other $4,098.00 and Registration Fees $60.00)
• MO-2: Acceptance of $215.00 in donations to the Chicopee Public Library
• MO-3: Acceptance of $5,950.45 in donations to the Chicopee Council on Aging for October 2023 senior meals

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars is holding a regular meeting to approve prior minutes, review October voter registration statistics, and discuss new business including nomination papers, passport annual certification, a state voter registration system upgrade, and 2024 Census preparations. The agenda is largely procedural and administrative.

• Approval of October 17, 2023 minutes
• October registration statistics including address and party affiliation changes
• Nomination and petition papers
• Passport annual certification
• Secretary of State VRIS upgrade and 2024 Census

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, review registration statistics, and discuss nomination and petition papers. They will also address the Secretary of State's VRIS system upgrade and preparations for the 2024 Census.

• Approval of minutes from October 17, 2023
• Registration statistics for October, including address and party changes
• Nomination and petition papers
• Secretary of State VRIS system upgrade
• 2024 Census preparation

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee City Council License Committee is meeting to consider two applications for home occupation licenses: one for a cake and cupcake business at 120 Applewood Drive, and one for administrative tasks in a home office at 156 Pendexter Avenue. The committee will also review the Home Occupation License ordinance, approve minutes from October 2, 2023, and adjourn. This is a routine licensing and administrative meeting with no major policy decisions expected beyond the ordinance review.

• Home occupation license application for cakes and cupcakes at 120 Applewood Drive by Wilma I. Albelo Arce
• Home occupation license application for administrative tasks at 156 Pendexter Avenue by Leeandrew Wilson
• Order to review the Home Occupation License ordinance
• Approval of minutes from October 2, 2023

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to conduct hearings on several establishments, consider new license applications, and review 2024 license renewals. The agenda includes public input, minutes, and administrative items such as filing fees and police reports.

• Hearings for Exchange Street Station, Eagles, Jocko's, Bulls Eye Café, and J & W Banquet Hall
• New applications: Fry'd Guy (Mobile Common Victualer) and North China Restaurant (Common Victualer)
• Special one-day permits for St. Stanislaus Basilica, Mercedes Benz of Springfield, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and St. Joan of Arc School
• 2024 renewals for restaurants, package stores, and common victualers including Applebee's, BJ's, Dunkin, and Subway
• Next meeting scheduled for December 21, 2023

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on November 15, 2023, to discuss a Notice of Intent for demolition and hazardous material removal at 154 Grove St. by Michelin North America. The commission will also consider a Certificate of Compliance for an Eversource project, approve minutes and bills, and receive updates on enforcement orders and erosion control.

• NOI for demolition and hazardous material removal at 154 Grove St. (Michelin North America)
• Certificate of Compliance for Eversource Line 1044/1632 Montague-Fairmont project
• Minutes from November 1, 2023
• Update on enforcement orders on McKinstry Ave.
• Update on erosion control at 129 Dejordy Lane

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will conduct its monthly meeting to approve expense warrants and review the 2024 budget. The board will also discuss membership applications, refunds, transfers, and manager performance regarding SEI Investments.

• Approval of October 25, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Manager performance review for SEI Investments
• Review of 2024 budget
• Discussion of PERAC Memos #23, #24, #24a, and #25

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss several administrative items, including postponing a tour of the Edward Bellamy House to December 12, 2023, holding elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, and reviewing the Odd-Year Bylaw (Article XIII). The meeting will also include approval of October minutes and new business.

• Postpone Edward Bellamy House tour to December 12, 2023
• Hold elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review Odd-Year Bylaw (Article XIII)
• Approve minutes from October 10, 2023

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve bills, hear public input, and discuss communications including a request for a 5K run at Szot Park and police drone training there. They will also review maintenance and recreation reports, old business like dam removal and playground projects, and new business including potential pickleball courts at Williams Park.

• Request from Kim George for Kane's Krusade 5K at Szot Park on October 19, 2024
• Chicopee Police Department request to use Szot Park for drone unit training
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal construction ongoing
• Lincoln Grove Inclusive Playground Project complete
• Pickleball courts at Williams Park under new business

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on several Mayoral Orders and general city updates. The items include funding for a school feasibility study, multiple police department appropriations and grants, and a sewer project grant.

• Appropriation of $1,250,000 for a feasibility study for Anna Barry Elementary School at 44 Connell Street
• Appropriation of $150,000 for Police Department computer software and $65,716 for cruisers
• Acceptance of a $432,500 revised grant for the Connecticut River CSO Abatement Project
• Acceptance of a $60,000 Municipal Road Safety Program Grant for the Police Department
• Appropriation of $129,143.47 for the Council on Aging to purchase a van

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple appropriations, grants, and zoning changes. The most significant item is a $1.25 million transfer from the Stabilization Fund for a feasibility study on Anna Barry Elementary School. Other actions include accepting various state and federal grants for police, fire, and infrastructure projects, as well as several zoning amendments and special permits.

• $1,250,000 feasibility study for Anna Barry Elementary School (44 Connell St.)
• Accept $60,000 FY2024 Municipal Road Safety Program Grant for police
• Accept $432,500 revised CSO Abatement Grant for South Fairview Sewer Separation
• Zone change for 580 Meadow St. (Boys & Girls Club) from split Bus A/Res A to Res A
• Special permit for 15 temporary trailers at Walmart (591 Memorial Dr.) for holiday storage

Library

The Chicopee Public Library Board of Trustees will review financial reports, director's statistics, and correspondence from the Friends of the Library. New business includes discussion of a proposed LED sign project funded partly by the Friends, an update on a shade structure, the ListenTech project, and HVAC refurbishment.

• Discussion of proposed LED Sign project, funded in part by the Friends of the Library in honor of John Michon
• Update on Shade Structure project
• Discuss ListenTech project
• Update on HVAC refurbishment
• Financial report for November 2, 2023

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings to consider three requests for zoning changes to allow for housing and office space. The board will also review site plans for a contractor's yard, a drive-thru coffee shop, and modifications to a Food Bank facility.

• Zone change for infill housing at 15 Wawel St.
• Zone change for potential single-family lots at 19 Beaumont Ave.
• Zone change for office space and utility on East Main St.
• Modified Definitive Site Plan for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 25 Carew St.
• Preliminary Site Plans for a contractor's yard at New Ludlow Rd./Ludlow Rd. and a coffee shop at 523 and 0 James St.

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on November 1, 2023, to address several items, including a response to an enforcement order from the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, a request for a determination of applicability for PCB soil delineation at Szot Park, and a notice of intent for a contractor yard expansion near wetlands. The commission will also review minutes, sign bills, and receive updates on enforcement orders and erosion control. This is a regular meeting with substantive public hearing items.

• Continued response to Enforcement Order 23-E001 for Western Massachusetts Food Bank
• RDA for PCB delineation near former swimming pool at Szot Park, Abbey Memorial Dr.
• NOI for contractor yard expansion on New Ludlow Rd. and Ludlow Rd. (Maps 779, 747, 762)
• Update on erosion control at 129 Dejordy Lane (install by Nov 1, 2023)
• Update on enforcement orders on McKinstry Ave.

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will meet on October 25, 2023, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to discuss items listed in the attached agenda. The specific agenda items are not included in this notice.

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold its monthly meeting to process retirement, disability, and membership applications. The board will also approve monthly expense warrants and review PERAC memos.

• Approval of September 27, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Review of retirement, disability, and membership applications
• Review of PERAC Memos #20, #21, and #22

City Council - Finance Committee

The Chicopee Finance Committee will meet to discuss removing a $15 million line item from the Human Resources budget and moving it to the appropriate budget where it is expended. The agenda also includes approval of the September 13, 2023 minutes and adjournment.

• Discussion of removing $15M line item from Human Resources budget
• Approval of minutes from September 13, 2023

City Council - Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss the expansion of pickleball in the city. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from December 2019 and adjournment.

• Discussion of expanding pickleball in Chicopee
• Approval of minutes from December 4, 2019

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to consider several license-related applications and hearings. Items include a change of manager for Applebee's, an alteration of premises for The Rumbleseat, hearings for Eagles Club and The Vibez, and a new common victualer application for Coli's Market. The commission will also review police reports and ABCC approvals.

• Application for a Change of Manager for Applebee's
• Application for an Alteration of Premises for The Rumbleseat, 482 Springfield St
• Hearing for Eagles Club
• Hearing for The Vibez
• Application for a Common Victualer for Coli's Market, 10 Taylor St (new)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving bills, hearing public input, and reviewing communications. Notable items include a request from First Central Bible Church to hold its annual Thanksgiving service and bonfire, and a request from Sean Goonan to turn off all flood lights in city parks. The commission will also receive updates on ongoing projects and recreation programs.

• Request from First Central Bible Church for Thanksgiving service and bonfire on Nov 23, 2023
• Request from Sean Goonan to turn off all flood lights in Chicopee Parks, including Lincoln Grove and Szot Park
• Approval of bills: warrants dated September 29 and October 6
• Update on Bemis Pond Dam Removal construction
• Update on Szot Master Plan site assessment and survey

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing to discuss wetland-related matters. The main item is the Western Massachusetts Food Bank's response to an enforcement order issued on September 15, 2023. The commission will also review meeting minutes, sign bills, and get updates on other enforcement orders and an erosion control project.

• Response to Enforcement Order 23-E001 from Western Massachusetts Food Bank
• Update on enforcement orders for property owners on McKinstry Ave
• Erosion control at 129 Dejordy Lane to be installed by November 1, 2023
• Approval of minutes from October 4, 2023
• Signing of bills

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from September 19, 2023. The meeting includes a report on September registration statistics and the processing of nomination and petition papers.

• Approval of September 19, 2023, minutes
• Review of September registration statistics
• Processing of nomination papers
• Processing of petition papers
• Passport Agency correspondence

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on three proposed Mayoral Orders before the council's regular meeting. The orders include appropriations for building department overtime and janitor supplies, plus acceptance of donations for senior meals.

• MO-1: $3,231.07 from Building Department Special Account for Emergency Demolition/Security for overtime
• MO-2: $92.90 from Stabilization Fund for City Hall Maintenance janitor supplies
• MO-3: Accept $5,170.00 in donations to Chicopee Council on Aging for senior meals (September 2023)

Library

The Chicopee Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review routine reports and consider several proposed policy changes. The board will discuss a new flag policy, a policy for notary public services, and revisions to the internet and internet safety policies. No final decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Proposed Flag Policy
• Proposed policy for Notary Public Services
• Revisions to Internet Policy and Internet Safety Policy
• Financial report for October 12, 2023
• Library statistics for September 2023

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request for a front setback reduction at 234 College St., continued from September 13 due to lack of quorum. The board will also review minutes from prior meetings and discuss any old or new business before adjourning.

• Variance from Chapter 275-52 front setback from 25' to 16.5' for attached garage at 234 College St.
• Applicant: N. Riley Construction, 621 Grattan St., Chicopee
• Minutes from August 9 and September 13, 2023
• Discussion of old/new business
• Next meeting scheduled for November 8, 2023

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The committee will vote on deleting a dumpster ordinance due to state law superseding it, and discuss installing stop signs at two intersections, a parking ban on Rivers Avenue, a no-truck sign on Ludlow Road, and a drive-thru proposal. Minutes from September 12 will also be approved.

• Delete Chapter 200-5 Dumpsters (prohibiting dropoff/emptying near residential zones) because state law supersedes it
• Isolated stop sign at Manning Street and Dorothy Avenue
• Parking prohibited on Rivers Avenue (north side, from Mt. Carmel Avenue east 70 feet)
• Isolated stop sign at Labelle Drive and Labelle Circle
• No truck sign on Ludlow Road (referred for public hearing)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission is holding a public hearing to discuss several items, including presentations on historic speech patterns and the Springfield Diocese's Holy Name and Assumption, as well as commission elections and a bylaw review. The meeting also includes discussion of a future meeting at the Bellamy House and approval of prior minutes.

• Public hearing under Mass. General Law Ch. 40, Section 8D and Chicopee Historical Commission Ordinance Ch. 16, Article XV
• Presentation on historic speech patterns of Chicopee by Wren Wood
• Presentation from Springfield Diocese regarding Holy Name and Assumption
• Commission elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Odd-Year Bylaw review (Article XIII)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a modified definitive site plan for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 25 Carew St., and will take up a tabled frontage waiver request to create a new building lot at 35 Whitin Ave. The board will also review approval-not-required (ANR) plans and minutes from the September 7 meeting.

• Modified Definitive Site Plan for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at 25 Carew St.
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 60.5' (new lot 1) and 100' to 77.5' (existing house lot 2) at 35 Whitin Ave.
• Request to create a new single-family lot and reduce existing house lot at 35 Whitin Ave.
• ANRs (Approval Not Required) plans
• Minutes from September 7, 2023

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing to review a restoration plan for 129 Dejordy Lane, discuss enforcement orders for properties on McKinstry Avenue, and handle routine business like approving minutes and bills. The meeting also includes an update on the emergency certification for the Chicopee Comprehensive High School project.

• Review of restoration plan for 129 Dejordy Lane (Enforcement Order 23-E001)
• Ratification of Enforcement Order 23-E002 for 0 and 420 McKinstry Avenue (excavation in Terrace Escarpment Soils)
• Ratification of Enforcement Order 23-E003 for 0 McKinstry Avenue (excavation in Terrace Escarpment Soils)
• Approval of minutes from September 6, 2023
• Update on Emergency Certification 23-EC001 for Chicopee Comprehensive High School

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on nine mayoral orders to be considered later that evening, covering appropriations, donations, grants, and early voting. The briefing also includes general city updates. The agenda is substantive, with specific financial items.

• Appropriation of $24,546.39 to Human Resources Special Account for Police & Fire indemnifications from Stabilization Fund
• Accept $825.00 in donations to Chicopee Public Library
• Opt-in to early voting for November 7, 2023 city election
• Appropriation of $6,000.00 to Council on Aging Salary Account for Intern
• Accept FY24 Council on Aging State Formula Grant of $207,830.00

City Council - License Committee

The License Committee will consider several license applications and a review of Royal Coach Sales' licenses, which could be modified, suspended, fined, or revoked. The meeting includes public hearings on new licenses for ice cream vending, junk dealing, and auto body work.

• Hawkers & Peddlers License for ice cream sales (Shaikmahmoud Alzubi)
• Review of Royal Coach Sales, LLC licenses, including address change to 574 East St.
• Junk Dealers License for Something Old/Something New, 1410 Memorial Drive
• Junk Dealers License for George Hannoush Jewelers, 704 Memorial Drive
• Auto Body License for Jaghorty Auto Body, 922 Front Street

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider two mayoral appointments: Yadira I. Medina to the Housing Authority (term through January 2028) and Audrey L. Monroe to the Council on Aging (term through July 2026). The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from August 29, 2023.

• Mayoral appointment of Yadira I. Medina to the Housing Authority, term expiring January 1, 2028
• Mayoral appointment of Audrey L. Monroe to the Council on Aging, term expiring July 1, 2026
• Approval of minutes from August 29, 2023

City Council - Education Committee

The Chicopee City Council's Education Committee is meeting to discuss traffic, school bus safety, enrollment, and playground equipment at Bowie School. The committee will also review minutes from its June 8, 2023 meeting and then adjourn. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of traffic, school bus safety, enrollment, and playground equipment at Bowie School
• Approval of minutes from June 8, 2023 meeting

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will review five applications, including special permits for residential units, a sign relocation, and dumpster revisions, plus two zone changes. They will also approve minutes from August 30, 2023, and adjourn.

• Special permit for two residential units at 94 Chicopee St (Extremely Clean Limo)
• Special permit to relocate a 14'x48' sign at 333 Memorial Drive, with waivers for setbacks and spacing
• Zone change from Bus A/Res B to Res A at 580 Meadow St for Boys & Girls Club
• Special permit to revise dumpster location and add conex box at 7 Rivermills Drive
• Zone change from Residential A to Business A at 523 and 0 James Street for a drive-through coffee shop

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will conduct its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes reviewing retirement and membership applications, disability calculations, and approving monthly expense warrants.

• Approval of August 23, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Review of retirement and membership applications
• Review of disability calculations and refunds
• Discussion of PERAC Memo#19

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to decide on several alcohol license applications, including a change of category for a Korean restaurant, a transfer of a license, and multiple one-day permits for community events. They will also review 2024 filing fees and police reports. The agenda includes public input and routine administrative items.

• Change of category (beer/wine to all alcohol) for Cana Korean Restaurant, 159 Grove St
• Transfer and pledge of wine/malt/liqueurs/cordials license from FGC, Inc. to Khalistan, LLC, 424 Front St
• New Common Victualer license for Island Spice, 32 Center St
• Special one-day permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (5 events) and St. Stanislaus Basilica bazaar
• Special event permit for Chicopee Thriller 5K Run/Walk, Oct 28, with street closures

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss several requests and reports, including a monument at Aldenville Commons, a tennis program at Szot Park, and updates on ongoing projects. They will also review field use forms, codes of conduct, and rates for high school games.

• Request to place a French Canadian heritage monument at Aldenville Commons
• Request to use Szot Park Tennis Courts for a Saturday Tennis Meet & Play program
• Letter from Mayor Vieau regarding Barry School project
• Review of field use form and code of conduct
• Discussion of rates for high school games

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The City Council will hear a mayoral briefing on 13 orders to be voted at the regular meeting. Items include appropriations for a fire pumper and sewer pump station repairs, acceptance of grants and donations, and reappointments to the Council on Aging.

• $800,000 from Stabilization Fund for a Fire Pumper
• $125,000 from D.P.W. Sewer Special Accounts for Pump Station Repairs
• Accept $431,500 state grant for South Fairview Sewer Separation and CSO monitoring
• Accept donations totaling $3,764.21 and $1,125 to Chicopee Public Library
• Reappoint Sheryl Gelinas, Karen Rousseau, Steve Michalik, and Ernest Laflamme to Council on Aging

ARPA Committee

The Chicopee ARPA Advisory Committee is meeting to receive updates from the mayor and administration, approve minutes, and review project status reports. They will hear presentations on the Homeowner Resiliency and Library Redevelopment projects, and consider a proposal from the Moose Lodge for the non-profit program. Updates on prior proposals, including Bellamy House, are also on the agenda.

• Project presentation: Homeowner Resiliency
• Project presentation: Library Redevelopment
• Proposal: Moose Lodge non-profit program
• Update: Bellamy House prior proposal

City Council - Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will meet to discuss and potentially refer to public hearings a range of road and sidewalk issues, including inconsistent speed limits on Chicopee Street, sidewalk installations, and traffic studies on several streets. The agenda includes 18 substantive items, mostly orders for discussion or DPW studies, plus approval of prior minutes and adjournment.

• Discuss 2-mile stretch of Chicopee Street with two different speed limits (10 mph difference)
• Purchase of Over Height Warning System for Prospect Street train trestle
• Possible sidewalks on south side of James Street from Montcalm Street to Whittlesey Avenue
• Traffic study on Blanchard Street including signage
• Acceptance of Maple Avenue as a City street

City Council - Finance Committee

The Chicopee Finance Committee will meet to consider appropriating $52,388.72 from the Stabilization Fund to the Human Resources Salary Account for a Benefits Coordinator. They will also discuss funding for an Overheight Warning System at the Prospect Street train trestle. The agenda includes approval of minutes from July 31, 2023, and adjournment.

• Appropriation of $52,388.72 to Human Resources Salary Account for Benefits Coordinator (Acct #11520001-514030) from Stabilization Fund (Acct #83001008-599980)
• Discussion on funding for Overheight Warning System at Prospect Street train trestle
• Approval of minutes from July 31, 2023

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request to reduce the front setback from 25 feet to 16.5 feet to build an attached garage at 234 College St. The board will also review minutes from the previous meeting and discuss old/new business.

• Variance from Chapter 275-52 front setback (25' to 16.5') for attached garage at 234 College St.
• Applicant: N. Riley Construction, 621 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA
• Approval of minutes from August 9, 2023 meeting
• Discussion of old/new business
• Next meeting scheduled for October 11, 2023

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will hold public hearings on 17 items including stop signs, speed limit changes, parking prohibitions, and a handicap parking request. The committee will also vote on minutes from the previous meeting.

• Stop sign at Manning Street and Dorothy Avenue
• No truck sign on Ludlow Road
• Reduce speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph on Irene Street
• Parking prohibited on Broadway near 207 Broadway at Alvord Avenue
• Handicap parking at 72 Ward Street

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 Chicopee Library Board of Trustees will discuss a proposal for a tactile art exhibit accessible to blind or low-vision patrons, and consider updates to the Hotspot Agreement and Room Reservations Policy. The meeting also includes financial and director's reports, as well as updates on staffing, building maintenance, and the Chicopee Public Library Plaza Improvements project.

• Review of proposal from Tactile Images for May 2024 exhibit of artwork accessible to the blind or those with low vision
• Proposed updates to Hotspot Agreement and Room Reservations Policy
• Library statistics for July and August 2023
• Updates on SLR 'Chicopee Public Library Plaza Improvements'
• Staffing and building maintenance updates

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 Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on several tabled ordinance amendments, a zone change for residential development, a definitive site plan for a new Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-thru, a liquor license alteration for The Rumbleseat, a frontage waiver, and adoption of the city's comprehensive plan. The meeting includes votes on these items and approval of previous minutes.

• Zone Change from Business B to Residential A for .964 acres on Marion St. for single-family houses (Partyka Partners Limited Partnership)
• Definitive Site Plan for a new Dunkin' Donuts with drive-thru at 1599 Memorial Dr. (JFJ Holdings, LLC)
• Liquor License Alteration for The Rumbleseat at 474-482 and 486 Springfield St. to add golf simulators and outdoor seating
• Waiver of Frontage from 100' to 60.5' and 77.5' at 35 Whitin Ave. to create a new building lot
• Adoption of Chicopee Comprehensive Plan after public comment review

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 Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for replacing steel penstocks at the Chicopee Falls Hydroelectric facility. The commission will also review minutes, sign a bill, and discuss an enforcement order at 129 Dejordy Lane.

• RDA for demolition and replacement of penstocks at Chicopee Falls Hydroelectric facility, Main St., Assessor Map 202, Parcel 14
• Discussion of Enforcement Order (23-E001) at 129 Dejordy Lane
• Minutes from August 2, 2023
• Sign one bill

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 - Mayor's Briefing

The Chicopee City Council will hear a briefing from the Mayor on 31 proposed orders, including appropriations from reserve funds for equipment, facility upgrades, and vehicles, as well as acceptance of several state and federal grants. The council will also consider appointments and contracts for the Chief Human Resource Officer and DPW Superintendent.

• $365,400 for Chicopee TV operations
• $240,710.50 for police weaponry equipment
• $310,000 for repaving at Fire Station #4
• $215,490 for a forestry chipper
• Accept $116,600 USDOE grant for City Hall lighting

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 - License Committee

The Chicopee City Council's License Committee will consider a Junk Dealers License application for Prestige Dance & Sports Consignment at 720 Memorial Drive. The committee will also approve minutes from its August 14 meeting and adjourn.

• Junk Dealers License application for 720 Memorial Drive by Prestige Dance & Sports Consignment, Tina Perreault
• Approval of minutes from August 14, 2023 meeting

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

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 Chicopee Zoning Committee is meeting to review three applications: a special permit for a mixed-use building with a parking waiver, a zone change for a commercial contractor site, and a special permit for two apartments above a business. The committee will also approve minutes from its July 26 meeting. All items are under discussion; no final votes are listed on this agenda.

• Special permit for mixed-use Business A/Residential at 520 Chicopee Street, with waiver to reduce parking from 6 to 3 spaces
• Zone change from Business A to IPUD II for 2.0621 acres at 41 Robbins Road for a commercial electrical contractor building
• Special permit for two apartments above a business at 873 Grattan Street
• Minutes from July 26, 2023 meeting

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 Human Resources Committee will consider three mayoral appointments to local boards and commissions, and approve minutes from a prior meeting. The appointments are for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Housing Authority, and Council on Aging.

• Appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals, term to April 1, 2026
• Appointment of Yadira I. Medina to Housing Authority, term to January 1, 2028
• Appointment of Audrey L. Monroe to Council on Aging, term to July 1, 2026
• Approval of minutes from May 9, 2023 meeting

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)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold its monthly meeting to review board minutes and monthly expense warrants. The agenda includes discussions on the 2023 actuarial valuation, cyber security insurance, and membership applications.

• Approval of July 26, 2023, meeting minutes
• Review of monthly expense warrants
• Discussion of 2023 Actuarial Valuation
• Cyber Security Insurance review
• Board Member Election

The Board voted to switch to a more conservative investment strategy (Portfolio A) based on a recommendation from SEI Investments. Other actions included approving a $30,000 supplemental budget and processing various membership, refund, and retirement requests.

• Adopted SEI Investments' Portfolio A (4-1)
• Approved $30,000 supplemental budget for 2023 (All in favor)
• Designated Christine Chicklowski as Election Officer (All in favor)
• Approved membership for 8 individuals (All in favor)
• Approved 4 refund requests (All in favor)
• Approved 5 transfers to another system (All in favor)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for 4 retirees (All in favor)
• Approved retirement allowance re-calculations for 2 retirees (All in favor)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve bills, review minutes, and hear public input. They will discuss communications including requests to use Szot Park for a 5K race and Williams Park for a Gold Star Zoo program. The agenda also includes maintenance and recreation reports, old business updates on projects like the Bemis Pond Dam removal and pool improvements, and new business on park policies with legal and police.

• Request to use Szot Park for Thriller 5K Road Race & Walk on Oct 28
• Request for Gold Star Zoo program at Williams Park, Sept 9-Nov 4
• Approval of warrants dated July 21, July 28, Aug 18
• Discussion with Legal and Police regarding Park Policies
• Update on Bemis Pond Dam Removal construction

The Commission discussed establishing a zero-tolerance weapons policy for Parks & Rec program participants following a suspected firearm incident. The Superintendent will research other towns' policies to draft a version for Commission review. The board also approved several park use requests and monthly bills.

• Approved minutes from June 27, 2023 meeting
• Approved warrants dated July 21, July 28, and August 18, 2023
• Approved Chicopee Chamber of Commerce use of Szot Park for Thriller 5K on Oct 28
• Approved Gold Star Zoo program at Williams Park from Sept 9 to Nov 4
• Directed Superintendent to draft a weapons policy for Parks & Rec programming

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Chicopee City Council's Public Safety Committee is meeting to hold a public hearing on a cease and desist order involving Marion Excavating Company, and to discuss resident concerns about Moreau Drive and surrounding streets with city departments. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from a previous meeting and adjournment.

• Public hearing on Marion Excavating Company cease and desist
• Discussion of Moreau Drive and surrounding streets resident concerns
• Invited departments: DPW, Police, Fire, Building, Health
• Approval of June 22, 2023 minutes

The committee held a public hearing regarding cease and desist orders for Marion Excavating Company, but took no action other than placing the item on file. The committee also discussed traffic safety and stop sign compliance on Moreau Drive.

• Placed the issue of Marion Excavating Company cease and desist on file (4-0)

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars of Voters is meeting to approve prior minutes and hear the Clerk's report on nomination papers, registration statistics, and department activities. New business includes discussions on in-person public voting, certified nomination papers, and national passport services. The agenda is otherwise routine administrative business.

• Approval of minutes from July 18, 2023
• Clerk's report on nomination papers, registration statistics, and department report
• Discussion of in-person public voting
• Discussion of certified nomination papers
• Discussion of national passport services

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee License Committee will review seven license applications, including a hawkers and peddlers license for ice cream sales, several auto-related licenses, and junk dealer licenses. The committee will also discuss Royal Coach Sales, LLC's license compliance and consider a proposed address change. Minutes from May meetings will be reviewed.

• Hawkers & Peddlers License for ice cream sales, applicant Shaikmahmoud Alzubi
• Class II and Auto Repair License name change to A and M Auto Sales & Repair, LLC at 451 Granby Road
• Junk Dealers License name change from Nu-Da-U to Rodriquez Wood Projects at 922 Chicopee Street
• New Junk Dealers License for Something Old/Something New at 1410 Memorial Drive
• Order to discuss Royal Coach Sales, LLC license compliance, including possible modification, suspension, fine, or revocation

The committee approved license applications for an auto business at 400 East Main Street and a name change for a junk dealer. Several other license applications were postponed due to applicant absence or pending information.

• Approved name alteration for A and M Auto Sales & Repair to A and M Auto Sales & Repair, LLC
• Approved name change for junk dealer Nu-Da-U to Rodriguez Wood Projects & More
• Approved Class II License for Best Car Best Deal at 400 East Main Street D with conditions
• Approved Auto Repair License for Best Car Best Deal at 400 East Main Street D with conditions
• Approved Auto Detailing License for Best Car Best Deal at 400 East Main Street D with conditions
• Postponed Royal Coach Sales, LLC license discussion to the call of the chair
• Postponed ice cream hawkers & peddlers license for Shaikmahmoud Alzubi to next meeting
• Postponed junk dealer license for Something Old/Something New to next meeting

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will hold a public meeting to consider seven applications for Common Victualer licenses, including new establishments and changes of ownership. The commission will also take public input, review police reports, and discuss ABCC approvals and other administrative matters.

• Common Victualer license for CR Corner Deli & Market, 766 B Memorial Dr (new)
• Common Victualer license for Union Mart, 457 Granby Rd (new owners)
• Common Victualer license for House of Koolada’s, 738 Chicopee St (new)
• Common Victualer license for New Corner Variety, 1875 Memorial Dr (new owner)
• Mobile Common Victualer license for the Hummus Factory (new)

The Commission approved seven applications for common victualer licenses, including one mobile license. The board also reviewed police reports regarding violations at The Vibez and discussed mobile victualer zoning procedures.

• Approved Common Victualer license for CR Corner Deli & Market (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Union Mart (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for House of Koolada’s (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for New Corner Variety (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Prime Food and Fuel (4-0)
• Approved Mobile Common Victualer license for the Hummus Factory (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Ninja Sushi (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Chicopee City Council Rules Committee is meeting to consider two orders: accepting the Charter Review Committee's final report for review and recommendations, and discussing an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Lisa Bienvenue on June 20, 2023. The committee will also approve minutes from its July 12 meeting. This is a working session focused on procedural review and next steps, not final adoption of any policy.

• Order to accept Charter Review Committee final report and forward to Rules Committee for recommendations
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Lisa Bienvenue on June 20, 2023
• Approval of minutes from July 12, 2023 meeting

The Rules Committee approved a legal response to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Lisa Bienvenue. The committee also received a report from the Charter Review Commission regarding proposed changes to the City Charter, which was placed on file.

• Approved request for legal counsel Tim Reilly to prepare a response to Lisa Bienvenue's Open Meeting Law complaint (5-0)
• Approved the response drafted by Tim Reilly and directed it be sent to Lisa Bienvenue and the Attorney General (5-0)
• Placed the Charter Review Committee's final report on file (5-0)
• Approved July 12, 2023 minutes (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board approved a variance for side and rear yard setbacks to allow the reconstruction of a demolished mixed-use building. A six-month variance extension for a multi-family development was also granted. The Board approved the July 12, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Approved side and rear yard setback variance for 520 Chicopee St. (5-0)
• Approved 6-month variance extension to March 14, 2024, for multi-family development (5-0)
• Approved July 12, 2023, minutes (5-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is considering several traffic changes, including parking prohibitions on Meetinghouse Road and Chapel Street, a new stop sign at Dorothy Avenue and Prospect Street, and a no-stopping zone on Meetinghouse Road. It will also vote on adding a Benefits Coordinator position, amending special permit lapse rules for the Mill Conversion Overlay District, imposing a one-year development moratorium on Burnett Road, and replacing home occupation regulations with a new licensing system.

• Parking prohibited on Meetinghouse Road from Chicopee Street to Stefanik School driveway
• No stopping or standing on Meetinghouse Road from Meadow Street 540 feet west
• New stop sign at Dorothy Avenue and Prospect Street
• Add Benefits Coordinator #2 at $52,388.72 (Grade 8), effective August 1, 2023
• One-year moratorium on development on Burnett Road from Ludlow line to New Lombard Road, except by special permit

The committee approved amended parking and stopping restrictions on Meetinghouse Road. It also voted to extend a one-year moratorium on business, commercial, or industrial development on Burnett Road.

• Approved amended ordinance prohibiting parking on the odd side of Meetinghouse Road for its entire length
• Approved amended ordinance prohibiting stopping or standing on the south (odd) side of Meetinghouse Road from Meadow Street to a point 540 feet westerly
• Approved extension of development moratorium on Burnett Road from the Ludlow/Chicopee line to New Lombard Road for one year (April 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on three ordinance amendments tabled from July 13, 2023, and three zone change applications. The amendments address regulations for Burnett Road, signs, and motor vehicle repair/storage. Zone changes include a 2-acre parcel at 41 Robbins Rd. for a commercial electrical contractor, two parcels at 523 James St. for a drive-thru coffee shop, and a 9,000 SF parcel at 580 Meadow St. for consistent zoning.

• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-66 Burnett Road (tabled from July 13)
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-50 Signs, deleting section B(f) (tabled)
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-51 Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage (tabled)
• Zone change from Business A to Garden Industrial Planned Unit Development Type II for 2.0621 acres at 41 Robbins Rd. for a commercial electrical contractor
• Zone change from Residential A to Business A for two parcels at 523 James St. for a drive-thru coffee shop

The Planning Board recommended approval for zone changes at 41 Robbins Rd. and 580 Meadow St. A proposed zone change for a drive-thru coffee shop at 523 James St. failed to gain a recommendation due to a tied vote. Three ordinance amendments were tabled until September 7, 2023.

• Recommended approval of zone change to IPUD II at 41 Robbins Rd. (4-0)
• Recommended approval of zone change to Residential B at 580 Meadow St. (4-0)
• Denied recommendation for zone change to Business A at 523 James St. (2-2 tie)
• Approved ANR for Fisher Rd – Alycia Dobrowski (4-0)
• Tabled Burnett Road ordinance amendment to Sept 7, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Signs ordinance amendment to Sept 7, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage ordinance amendment to Sept 7, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved July 13, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent to backfill part of the Chicopee Falls Local Protection Project Easement and adjacent upland areas at 0 and 154 Grove Street and 75 (0) West Main Street to enable future redevelopment. The item was tabled from July 19, 2023. The commission will also discuss progress on an enforcement order at 129 Dejordy Lane and review minutes and sign bills.

• Public hearing on NOI for backfilling at 0 and 154 Grove Street and 75 (0) West Main Street (Assessor Maps 0124, 0173, 0147)
• Discussion of Enforcement Order 23-E001 at 129 Dejordy Lane, with property owner asked to attend
• Approval of minutes from July 19, 2023
• Sign bills review
• Upcoming projects and communications

The Conservation Commission approved a Notification of Non-significance for the backfilling of a portion of the Chicopee Falls Local Protection Project Easement. The board also approved the July 19, 2023, meeting minutes. Discussion was held regarding an enforcement order at 129 Dejordy Lane.

• Issued Notification of Non-significance for backfilling at 0 and 154 Grove Street and 75 (0) West Main Street (5-0)
• Approved July 19, 2023 minutes (5-0)

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on 19 proposed orders to be voted on later that evening. Key items include appropriations for police cruisers, a sanitation packer, and new personnel, plus appointments and donations.

• $337,078.08 from Stabilization Fund for police cruisers
• $265,276.76 from Stabilization Fund for a sanitation packer
• $52,388.72 for a new Benefits Coordinator position
• Appointment of Timothy Reilly as Council Legal Counsel
• Donation of $5,349.05 to Council on Aging for senior meals

The City Council approved multiple appropriations from the Stabilization Fund for public safety and infrastructure, including new police cruisers and a sanitation packer. The council also authorized the creation of a second Benefits Coordinator position in Human Resources and accepted several departmental donations.

• Approved $337,078.08 for Police Special Account to purchase cruisers
• Approved creation of Benefits Coordinator #2 position and $52,388.72 in funding
• Approved $12,000.00 for D.P.W. Superintendent salary account
• Approved $365,400.00 for Chicopee TV staff, facilities, and equipment
• Approved $40,448.73 for Police and Fire medical indemnifications
• Approved $265,276.76 for purchase of a sanitation packer
• Approved $18,049.00 for Council on Aging departmental equipment
• Accepted donations totaling $7,109.05 for Fire, Library, and Council on Aging

City Council

The City Council approved a significant appropriation for police vehicles and several smaller budget adjustments for DPW and City Hall. They also referred a request for a new Human Resources Benefits Coordinator to the Ordinance and Finance committees.

• Approved $337,078.08 for Police Special Account to purchase cruisers (Unanimous)
• Referred creation of Benefits Coordinator position ($52,388.72) to Ordinance and Finance Committees
• Approved $12,000 for DPW Superintendent salary increase (11-1)
• Approved $40,448.73 for Police & Fire health care indemnifications (Unanimous)
• Referred $365,400 appropriation for Chicopee TV to Mayor's Office for corrections (Unanimous)
• Sent two parcels at 0 Dobek Ave to Law Department for ordinance violation review (Unanimous)
• Ordered DPW and Engineering to implement a four-way traffic light at Chicopee St and McKinstry Ave (Unanimous)
• Accepted $300 donation to the Chicopee Fire Department (Unanimous)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially vote on two orders: opting out of mail-in voting for the 2023 primary and general election, and placing a non-binding question on the November ballot about hiring a code enforcement officer. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from February 23, 2023, and adjournment.

• Order to opt out of Mail In Voting for 2023 primary and general election
• Non-binding ballot question on employing a code enforcement officer
• Approval of minutes from February 23, 2023

The Finance Committee voted against a proposal to opt out of mail-in voting for the 2023 municipal elections. A proposal to place a non-binding question on the November ballot regarding the employment of a code enforcement officer was also defeated.

• Motion to opt out of mail-in voting for 2023 primary and general elections defeated
• Motion to place non-binding question on November 7, 2023 ballot regarding a code enforcement officer defeated
• Approved February 23, 2023 minutes

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public meeting to review four special permit applications, covering a restaurant with alcohol service, a dumpster and storage revision, a multifamily housing renewal, and a four-unit residential project. The committee will also consider minutes from two prior meetings before adjourning.

• Special permit for eating/drinking place with alcohol at 420-424 Front Street (applicant: Navjot Singh)
• Special permit to revise dumpster location, fence, and add conex box at 7 Rivermills Drive (applicant: David Spada)
• Special permit renewal for multifamily development with parking waiver from 88 to 75 spaces at 0 Oak Street (applicant: Culper Properties, LLC)
• Special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr (applicant: 896-900 Prospect Street, Inc.)
• Approval of minutes from June 7 and June 28, 2023 meetings

The Zoning Committee approved special permits for a liquor license transfer at 420-424 Front Street, a multifamily development renewal at 0 Oak Street, and residential compliance at 1682 Memorial Drive. A request for a storage container at 7 Rivermills Drive was postponed to September 27, 2023, due to fire code concerns.

• Approved special permit for eating and drinking place with alcohol at 420-424 Front Street (7-0)
• Postponed special permit for dumpster and conex storage box at 7 Rivermills Drive to Sept 27, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved renewal of special permit for multifamily development at 0 Oak Street (7-0)
• Approved special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr (7-0)
• Approved minutes from June 7, 2023 and June 28, 2023 (7-0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting on July 26, 2023. The agenda includes the approval of June minutes and monthly expense warrants, as well as discussions regarding retirement applications, disability, and actuarial valuations.

• Approval of June 28, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Review of retirement and membership applications
• Discussion of 2023 Actuarial Valuation
• Executive session regarding disabilities and legal matters

The Board voted to keep the funding schedule rate at 7.25% following a review of actuarial valuation scenarios. The Board also approved several superannuation retirements, membership applications, and refund requests.

• Maintained funding schedule rate at 7.25% (All in favor)
• Approved accidental disability application for Michael Mailhott for PERAC medical panel (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved superannuation retirement for C. Desroches, V. Dube, D. Dupre, and D. Perry (All in favor)
• Approved membership for Luz Santos and Stephen Zajchowski (All in favor)
• Approved 14 refund requests (All in favor)
• Approved survivor benefits for Stephen Burkott and Carl Dietz (All in favor)
• Approved superannuation pension calculations for 7 retirees (All in favor)
• Approved attendance for staff at PERAC training and seminar (All in favor)

City Council - Water Resource Committee

The Chicopee City Council's Water Resource Committee is meeting to discuss water meters and water rates, as well as the water tower in Fairview. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from May 25, 2021, and adjournment. No votes or decisions are listed; the items are discussion topics.

• Discussion of water meters and water rates
• Discussion of the water tower in Fairview
• Approval of minutes from May 25, 2021

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to decide on multiple license applications, including changes of manager and stock interest, new and renewed mobile food vendor licenses, a common victualer license, and special event permits. The commission will also hold hearings for the Eagles and the Dugout Café, and review police reports and ABCC approvals.

• Change of Manager for BJ's, 650 Memorial Dr
• Change of Stock Interest/Officer and Directors for Scrappy's, 577 East St
• New Mobile Common Victualer license for Papa's Grill
• Special One Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for St. Stanislaus Basilica, 534 Front St, Aug 26, 2023
• Special Event Permit for Food Truck Events at Center Park, 181 Center St, June-Nov 2023

The Commission found three counts against the Dugout Café to be unfounded. Several new and renewal food and liquor licenses were approved, and a special permit was granted for a religious festival.

• Found Counts 1, 2, and 3 unfounded for Dugout Café (5-0)
• Approved change of manager for BJ’s at 650 Memorial Dr (5-0)
• Approved change of stock interest/officers for Scrappy’s at 577 East St (5-0)
• Approved Eagles application with stipulation for paperwork by August 10, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Mobile Common Victualer licenses for Poppies, Papa’s Grill, and El Pulgarcito & las Carnes de Carlito (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Key Food Market Place at 185 Exchange St (5-0)
• Approved one-day beer/wine permit for St. Stanislaus Basilica on August 26, 2023, and waived fee (5-0)
• Approved special event permit for food trucks at Center Park from June through November 2023 (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss several items, including requests for Certificates of Compliance for two properties and a Notice of Intent for backfilling a portion of the Chicopee Falls Local Protection Project Easement to facilitate future redevelopment. The commission will also review minutes, sign bills, and discuss an enforcement order at 129 Dejordy Lane.

• Certificate of Compliance request for Veden, LLC, 55 Main St. (NOI 17-009)
• Certificate of Compliance request for 70 Britton St. (partial certificate issued April 12, 2023)
• NOI for backfilling at 0 and 154 Grove Street and 75 (0) West Main Street (City of Chicopee applicant)
• Discussion of Enforcement Order 23-E001 at 129 Dejordy Lane
• Minutes from June 21, 2023 and sign bills

The Commission denied a Certificate of Compliance for 55 Main St. due to improper rain garden maintenance and issued a full Certificate of Compliance for 70 Britton St. A proposal to backfill land for future redevelopment at Grove and West Main Streets was tabled.

• Denied Request for Certificate of Compliance for 55 Main St. (6-0)
• Approved full Certificate of Compliance for 70 Britton St. (6-0)
• Tabled NOI for backfilling at 0 and 154 Grove St. and 75 (0) West Main St. until August 2, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved June 21, 2023 meeting minutes with one correction (6-0, 1 abstention)

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars of Voters is meeting to approve minutes, review correspondence from the City Clerk, and discuss new business including certifying nomination papers, passport facility operations, and the 2023 Street List Book. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or financial items.

• Approval of minutes from May 16, 2023
• Correspondence: Passport Acceptance Facility Oversight Report, Annual 2023 Street List Book, Cybersecurity Training
• Clerk's Report: Nomination Papers, Registration Statistics, Copy Machine and Printer and Camera
• New Business: Nomination Papers for certifying
• New Business: Passport pictures, facility hours/days, Post Office

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on three proposed ordinance amendments, a site plan for the Boys and Girls Club, and a frontage waiver. The board will also consider approvals not required (ANRs), approve minutes, and discuss new business.

• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-66 (Burnett Road) adding new language to Section B
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-50 (Signs) deleting Section B(f)
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 275-51 (Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage) deleting language from Section D
• Site plan with waiver for Boys and Girls Club improvements at 580 Meadow St. (new basketball court, parking reconstruction, future teen center)
• Waiver of frontage at 35 Whitin Ave. to create a new building lot (frontage reduced from 100' to 60.5' for new lot, 77.5' for existing house lot)

The Board approved definitive site plans for the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club, including new basketball courts and parking reconstruction. Several ordinance amendments and the Citywide Comprehensive Plan were tabled for future meetings. An ANR for 753 Montgomery St. was also approved.

• Approved Waiver of Preliminary Site Plans for 580 Meadow St. (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plans for 580 Meadow St. with conditions (4-0)
• Approved ANR for 753 Montgomery St. (4-0)
• Approved June 1, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled Burnett Road ordinance amendment to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Signs ordinance amendment to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage ordinance amendment to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Citywide Comprehensive Plan to September 7, 2023 (4-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on July 13, 2023, to consider several ordinance amendments, site plans, and a frontage waiver. The most consequential item is the adoption of the final draft of the Chicopee Comprehensive Plan, which will be presented for public comment and a vote. Other items include amendments to zoning ordinances regarding Burnett Road, signs, and motor vehicle repair, as well as a site plan for the Boys and Girls Club and a frontage waiver for a new lot on Whitin Ave.

• Adoption of Chicopee Comprehensive Plan (final draft)
• Ordinance amendment Chapter 275-66 Burnett Road (new language)
• Ordinance amendment Chapter 275-50 Signs (delete 275-50 B(f))
• Site plan with waiver for Chicopee Boys and Girls Club improvements at 580 Meadow St.
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 60.5' and 77.5' at 35 Whitin Ave.

The Board approved definitive site plans for improvements at 580 Meadow St., including basketball courts and parking. Several ordinance amendments and the Citywide Comprehensive Plan were tabled for future meetings. An Act Now Request for 753 Montgomery St. was also approved.

• Approved Waiver of Preliminary Site Plans for Chicopee Boys and Girls Club (4-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plans for Chicopee Boys and Girls Club with conditions (4-0)
• Approved ANR for 753 Montgomery St. (4-0)
• Approved June 1, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-66 Burnett Road to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-50 Signs to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Ordinance Amendment Chapter 275-51 Motor Vehicle Repair and Storage to August 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled Citywide Comprehensive Plan to September 7, 2023 (4-0)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will consider several orders, including establishing a social media page for agendas and meetings, accepting the Charter Review Committee's final report for review, and amending the Council's meeting rules to change the start time from 7:15 PM to 6:30 PM. The committee will also discuss a rule change for appointments to boards and commissions, and consider a citation for Jean Fitzgerald.

• Order to establish a social media page for posting agendas and meetings
• Acceptance of Charter Review Committee final report for review
• Citation for Jean Fitzgerald for National Night Out and community work
• Proposed rule change for board/commission appointments (new to HR Committee, reappointments voted by Council)
• Amendment to meeting rules: change start time from 7:15 PM to 6:30 PM

The Rules Committee approved a change to the appointment process for boards and commissions. They also referred a proposal for a City Council social media page to the Law Department and Mayor's office. A request to issue a citation to Jean Fitzgerald was placed on file.

• Approved requiring new board candidates to go to Human Resources Committee while reappointments are voted on by Council (5-0)
• Approved sending the proposal to establish a City Council social media page to the Law Department and Mayor for review (5-0)
• Postponed acceptance of the Charter Review Committee final report to the call of the chair (5-0)
• Placed the request for an official citation for Jean Fitzgerald on file (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request to reduce frontage requirements and create a new building lot at 35 Whitin Ave. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and discuss other business.

• Variance to reduce frontage from 100' to 60.5' for new lot 1 and 100' to 77.5' for existing house lot 2 at 35 Whitin Ave.
• Public hearing on creating a new single-family building lot and reducing the existing lot size.
• Approval of minutes from June 14, 2023 meeting.

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied a request to reduce frontage requirements to create a new single-family lot at 35 Whitin Ave. The board cited concerns that the variance would set a precedent and increase neighborhood congestion. The board also approved the minutes from the June 14, 2023 meeting.

• Denied variance for frontage reduction at 35 Whitin Ave (4-1)
• Approved June 14, 2023 minutes (5-0)

ARPA Committee

The Chicopee ARPA Advisory Committee is meeting to receive a mayor's update, approve minutes, and review administrative updates and project status reports. They will consider proposals from the Willimansett Heights Improvement League and the River Mills Center lunch program, and receive an update on the prior Bellamy House proposal.

• Non-profit Program proposal from Willimansett Heights Improvement League
• River Mills Center Lunch Program proposal
• Update on prior Bellamy House proposal

The committee approved funding for the River Mills Lunch program and the Willimansett Heights Improvement League. It also authorized returning unspent funds from a completed firefighter gear project to the available balance.

• Approved up to $25,000 for Willimansett Heights Improvement League interior flooring (All in favor)
• Approved $50,000 for River Mills Lunch program to reduce meal prices from $3.50 to $2.00 (All in favor)
• Approved returning $10,000 unexpended balance from Firefighter Turnout gear project to available balance (All in favor)
• Accepted meeting minutes as presented (All in favor)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will vote on salary adjustments for multiple city departments, including Law, City Council, Mayor's Office, Auditing, Treasurer, Human Resources, Planning, and others, effective July 1, 2023. They will also consider a new ordinance regulating parking in municipal parks with escalating fines.

• Salary adjustments for City Solicitor ($70,227), Assistant City Solicitor ($63,464.40), and Associate City Solicitors ($63,464.40 each)
• Mayor's Office salaries: Chief of Staff ($72,155.20), Staff Assistant ($58,260.80), Special Projects Manager ($57,116.80), PT Community & Constituent Liaison ($31,980.61)
• New ordinance for municipal park parking regulation with fines: $20 second offense, $50 third, $100 subsequent
• Human Resources salaries: Assistant Director ($62,254.40), Benefits Coordinator ($60,694.40), Senior Generalist ($56,555.20)
• Planning Department: Development Manager ($74,380.80) and Environmental Stipend ($0.00)

The committee approved several amendments to Chapter 7 of the city ordinances to update salaries effective July 1, 2023. These changes include standard 2% raises and the establishment of two new positions in Human Resources. Public input was also heard regarding environmental and noise concerns related to Marion Excavating.

• Approved salary updates for Office of the City Council (5-0)
• Approved salary updates for Office of the Mayor (5-0)
• Approved salary updates for Auditing Department (5-0)
• Approved salary updates for Office of the Treasurer (5-0)
• Approved salary updates for Law Department paralegals (5-0)
• Approved salary updates for Human Resources staff (5-0)
• Approved salaries for new Occupational Safety Manager and HR Business Partner positions (5-0)

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Chicopee City Council will hold a Mayor's Briefing on July 6, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Auditorium and via Zoom. The Mayor will brief the Council on several mayoral orders to be considered at the regular meeting later that evening, including a $6.9 million grant for wastewater nitrogen reduction, appropriations, and donations. The agenda also includes general city updates.

• Accept $6,936,039 grant from MassDEP for nitrogen reduction under NPDES permit
• Appropriate $13,000.22 for Councilor and President of Council accounts (FY2024 tax levy)
• Accept $128.00 donation to Chicopee Public Library
• Accept $100.00 donation to Chicopee Police Department
• Appropriate $6,106.10 for Assistant Purchasing Agent salary (FY2024 tax levy)

The City Council approved a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for effluent nitrogen reduction. The Council also approved two mayoral appropriations for salaries and accepted donations for the public library and police department.

• Accepted $6,936,039.00 grant from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for effluent nitrogen reduction
• Approved $13,000.22 appropriation for Councilor and President of Council salaries to be raised in FY2024 Tax Levy
• Accepted $128.00 in donations to the Chicopee Public Library
• Accepted $100.00 donation from Josephine Duda to the Chicopee Police Department
• Approved $6,106.10 appropriation for Assistant Purchasing Agent salary to be raised in FY2024 Tax Levy

City Council

The City Council approved a zone change for property on Burnett Road to eliminate a split zone. The council also accepted a $6.9M grant for nitrogen reduction and approved several small appropriations and donations.

• Approved zone change from Industrial Garden PUD Type 1 to Industrial for 2.58 acres at Burnett Road (unanimous)
• Accepted $6,936,039.00 grant from Massachusetts DEP for effluent nitrogen reduction (unanimous)
• Approved $13,000.22 appropriation for Councilor and President of Council accounts (11-1)
• Approved $6,106.10 appropriation for Assistant Purchasing Agent salary adjustment (unanimous)
• Accepted $128.00 donation to Chicopee Public Library (unanimous)
• Accepted $100.00 donation to Chicopee Police Department (unanimous)
• Approved 60-day extension for special permit application at 1682 Memorial Drive (unanimous)
• Referred installation of stop sign at Dorothy Ave. and Prospect Street to Ordinance Committee (11-1)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will consider two applications: a special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr., and a zone change for property on Burnett Road to eliminate a split zone. The committee will also review minutes and adjourn.

• Special permit for 4 residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr. (applicant: 896-900 Prospect Street, Inc.)
• Zone change from Industrial Garden Planned Unit Development Type 1 to Industrial for 2.58 acres on Burnett Road (Parcel ID Map 294 Lot 6 and 7)
• Applicant for zone change: Scannell Properties #705, LLC

The committee approved a request to change 2.58 acres at Burnett Road from Industrial Garden Planned Unit Development Type 1 to Industrial to eliminate a split zone. A special permit application for residential units at 1682 Memorial Drive was postponed pending fire department inspections. The committee also approved the May 31, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Approved zone change from Industrial Garden Planned Unit Development Type 1 to Industrial for 2.58 acres at Burnett Road (7-0)
• Postponed special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Drive to July 26, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved May 31, 2023 minutes (7-0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting on June 28, 2023. The agenda includes approving May minutes, monthly expense warrants, and discussing items such as disability, retirement applications, and the 2023 actuarial valuation.

• Approval of May 22, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Discussion of 2023 Actuarial Valuation
• Review of retirement and membership applications
• Executive session regarding disabilities

The Board approved several superannuation retirements and processed disability applications for police, fire, and water department employees. It also approved 13 new system memberships and 10 refund requests.

• Approved accidental disability retirement for Peter Rios (Water Dept) and sent to PERAC (5-0)
• Accepted accidental disability application for Mark Wilkes (Police Dept) and sent to PERAC medical panel (5-0)
• Accepted involuntary ordinary disability application for David Perry (Fire Dept) and sent to PERAC medical panel (5-0)
• Approved superannuation retirement for Kathleen Fimbel, Francisco Gonzalez, Jr., Mark Kosiorek, Edward Marcoux, and Patricia Sniegowski (All in favor)
• Approved membership into the system for 13 individuals (All in favor)
• Approved 10 refund requests for employees in School, HR, DPW, and Housing departments (All in favor)
• Approved survivor benefits for Penny Ethier (All in favor)
• Approved superannuation retirement allowance calculations for five retirees (All in favor, 1 abstention)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission will review requests for field use, including a youth futsal league at Ike Alpert Park and a basketball tournament, and discuss new business items such as a splash pad project at Sarah Jane Park, a park gun policy, and emergency notification procedures. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes and bills, and updates on ongoing projects like the Bemis Pond Dam Removal and pool improvements.

• Request from Brent Dillard to use Ike Alpert Park for futsal on Saturdays, Sept 9-Nov 4, 8am-12pm
• CDBG Project – Sarah Jane Park Splash Pad
• Park Gun Policy discussion
• Police Policy and Emergency Notification Procedures discussion
• Approval of bills: warrants dated June 9 and June 23, 2023

The Commission approved warrants for June 9 and June 23, 2023, and granted several requests for the use of city parks for sports and programs. The board also discussed updates to codes of conduct and police notification policies.

• Approved warrants dated June 9, 2023 and June 23, 2023
• Approved Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program letter from Chicopee Boys & Girls Club
• Approved Futsal use of Ike Alpert Park from Sept 9 to Nov 4
• Approved Bowie Park use for Pioneer Valley Charter School of Science-East soccer
• Approved basketball tournament at Rivers Park contingent on liability insurance
• Tabled Park Gun Policy per Mayor's Office direction

City Council

The Chicopee City Council is holding a special meeting to reconcile and approve the Fiscal 2024 budget, including a $7,989.15 appropriation from free cash. The council will also vote on 16 mayoral orders amending Chapter 7 of the city ordinances to update salaries for various departments, effective July 1, 2023.

• Appropriation of $7,989.15 from Free Cash to Auditing Salary Account
• Salary revisions for Law Department, including City Solicitor at $70,227.00
• Salary revisions for Mayor's Office, including Chief of Staff at $72,155.20
• Salary revisions for Human Resources, including Assistant Director at $62,254.40
• Stipend changes including City Messenger Stipend set to $0.00 and Deputy Chief HR Stipend at $4,000.00

The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget following a debate regarding health insurance payments within the HR department. Additionally, the council approved a small appropriation for salary accounts and referred several salary ordinance amendments to the Ordinance Committee.

• Approved FY2024 budget (9-4)
• Approved $7,989.15 appropriation for accountant and sick buy back salaries (Unanimous)
• Referred Law Department salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Office of the City Council salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Office of the Mayor salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (12-1)
• Referred Auditing Department salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Office of the Treasurer salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Human Resources salary amendments to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee is meeting to hold public hearings on dirt bikes, Dairy Queen at 1535 Memorial Drive (traffic, snow removal, sanitary conditions), and to discuss ordinance enforcement and safety issues in the Litwin School neighborhood. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from March 23, 2023, and adjournment.

• Public hearing on dirt bikes
• Public hearing for Dairy Queen at 1535 Memorial Drive
• Discussion on enforcement of ordinances
• Discussion on safety issues in Litwin School neighborhood
• Approval of minutes from March 23, 2023

The committee held a public hearing regarding dirt bike enforcement and a separate hearing concerning traffic and sanitation issues at the Dairy Queen on Memorial Drive. The dirt bike matter was officially placed on file. No final decision was recorded regarding the Dairy Queen complaints.

• Placed dirt bike issue on file

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on June 21, 2023, to discuss a request to continue and expand sand and gravel pit operations at 749 New Ludlow Rd., and to ratify an enforcement order for unauthorized clearing and excavation at 129 Dejordy Lane. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and signing bills, plus a discussion of the CEL Hydro Electric Project on the Chicopee River.

• RDA for continuation and expansion of sand and gravel pit operations at 749 New Ludlow Rd. (Applicants: LENVIV, LLP & GEN2 REALTY LLC)
• Ratification of Enforcement Order for vegetation clearing and excavation within 100-foot wetland buffer at 129 Dejordy Lane
• Minutes from April 5, 2023
• Sign Bills
• Discussion: CEL Hydro Electric Project – Chicopee River at Chicopee Falls

The Commission approved a request for storage, recycling, and sand and gravel operations with specific conditions regarding wetland buffers. An enforcement order for a property on Dejordy Lane was ratified, and April meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved Positive 2A, Positive 5, and Negative 3 Determinations for 749 New Ludlow Rd. (6-0)
• Conditioned 749 New Ludlow Rd. approval on removing materials from the 50’ wetland buffer as used
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 129 Dejordy Lane regarding unauthorized clearing and filling
• Granted extension for 129 Dejordy Lane owner to file a Notice of Intent
• Approved April 5, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0 with 1 abstention)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple appropriation orders, including transferring over $10.9 million to a school stabilization fund and $9 million to the general stabilization fund. The agenda also includes zoning changes, home occupation licenses, and several ordinance amendments.

• $10,915,104.42 appropriation to Stabilization Fund for Educational Purposes
• $9,000,000 appropriation to Stabilization Fund from Free Cash
• Home occupation licenses for microgreens at 45 Marion St, dog grooming at 413 East Main St, bakery at 13 Mary St Apt 2
• Zone change for Boys & Girls Club at 580 Meadow St from Bus B/Res A to Res A
• New ordinance for municipal park parking fines up to $100

The City Council approved multiple mayoral appropriations to close out the fiscal year, including over $10.9 million for educational stabilization and $9 million for the general stabilization fund. The council also granted two home occupation licenses and referred a Burnett Road development moratorium to the Ordinance Committee.

• Approved $10,915,104.42 appropriation to Stabilization Fund for Educational Purposes (Unanimous)
• Approved $9,000,000.00 appropriation to Stabilization Fund from Free Cash (Unanimous)
• Approved $34,000.00 for City Hall Maintenance Expense Accounts (Unanimous)
• Approved $17,000.00 for Golf Expense Account for Water (Unanimous)
• Approved $13,479.95 for D.P.W. Parks equipment/blower (Unanimous)
• Approved $8,773.59 for D.P.W. Parks equipment/mower (Unanimous)
• Approved $12,000.00 for Auditing Special Account for Liability Insurance (Unanimous)
• Approved Home Occupation Licenses for 45 Marion Street and 413 East Main Street (Unanimous)

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

This is a notice for the City Council/Mayor's Briefing meeting on June 20, 2023, at 6:30 PM. The agenda itself is not included in the notice, so the specific items to be discussed are unknown. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium at City Hall and via Zoom.

• Meeting location: Auditorium, 3rd floor, City Hall, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA
• Remote participation via Zoom (Meeting ID: 815 4188 0870, Passcode: 979105)
• Contact: City Council Office at (413) 594-1435

The City Council approved several mayoral appropriations, including over $10.9M for educational stabilization and $9M for the general stabilization fund. The council also approved smaller funds for city hall maintenance, golf course water, and DPW equipment. Additionally, the council accepted $5,961 in donations for senior meals.

• Approved $10,915,104.42 appropriation to Stabilization Fund for Educational Purposes
• Approved $9,000,000.00 appropriation to Stabilization Fund from Free Cash Account
• Approved $34,000.00 for City Hall Maintenance Expense Accounts
• Approved $17,000.00 for Golf Expense Account for Water
• Approved $13,479.95 for D.P.W. Parks equipment purchase
• Approved $8,773.59 for D.P.W. Parks equipment purchase (lawnmower)
• Approved $12,000.00 for Auditing Special Account for Liability Insurance
• Accepted $5,961.00 in donations for Council on Aging senior meals

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to consider several license-related items, including a change of stockholders and officers for the Blue Room Cafe Inc, a new Common Victualer license for Paradise Pizza at 140 Exchange St, and an ABCC approval for a change of officers for 99 Restaurants. The commission will also review police reports and filing fees, and note that the J & W Banquet Hall hearing has been rescheduled to August 10, 2023.

• Change of stockholders, manager, and officers for Blue Room Cafe Inc
• New Common Victualer license for Paradise Pizza, 140 Exchange St
• ABCC approval for change of officers/directors for 99 Restaurants
• Review of police reports
• J & W Banquet Hall hearing rescheduled to August 10, 2023

The Commission approved a change of stockholders and management for the Blue Room Cafe and granted a Common Victualer license to Paradise Pizza. A hearing regarding the Dugout Café was scheduled for the next meeting.

• Approved change of stockholders, manager, and officers for Blue Room Cafe Inc (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Paradise Pizza at 140 Exchange St (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Scheduled hearing for Dugout Café for the next meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on three variance requests to create new single-family building lots, each requiring reductions in frontage, area, or depth standards. The board will also review minutes from the previous meeting and discuss old/new business.

• Variance at Hamel St. (Map 448, Parcel 33A) to reduce frontage from 100' to 60', area from 10,000 SF to 5,400 SF, and depth from 100' to 90' for a new single-family lot (Applicant: Student Builders, Inc.)
• Variance at 35 Whitin Ave. to reduce frontage from 100' to 60.5' (new lot) and 100' to 77.5' (existing house lot) to create a new lot (Applicant: Andrew Wesolowski)
• Variance at 363 Montcalm St. to reduce depth from 100' to 85'+/- to create a new lot while retaining existing non-conforming two-family house (Applicant: Christopher Fedora)
• Approval of minutes from May 10, 2023 meeting
• Discussion of old/new business and adjournment

The Board denied a variance request to create a new single-family building lot at 363 Montcalm St. due to a lack of hardship. One variance request was withdrawn, and another was tabled until July 12, 2023.

• Denied variance for new single-family lot at 363 Montcalm St. (5-0)
• Tabled variance request for 35 Whitin Ave. to July 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Withdrew variance request for Hamel St. (Student Builders, Inc.)
• Approved May 10, 2023 minutes (5-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will discuss and possibly vote on three proposed traffic regulations: a parking prohibition on the south side of Alvord Avenue from Broadway to 85 feet east, a parking prohibition on the odd side of Meetinghouse Road from Chicopee Street to Stefanik School driveway, and a no-stopping/standing restriction on the odd side of Meetinghouse Road from Meadow intersection to the same driveway. The committee will also review the current tag sale policy and consider approving minutes from May 23, 2023.

• Parking prohibited on south side of Alvord Avenue from Broadway to 85 feet east
• Parking prohibited on odd side of Meetinghouse Road from Chicopee Street to Stefanik School driveway
• No stopping or standing on odd side of Meetinghouse Road from Meadow intersection to Stefanik School driveway
• Review of current tag sale policy
• Approval of minutes from May 23, 2023

The committee approved amended ordinances to prohibit parking on Alvord Avenue and prohibit stopping or standing on a section of Meetinghouse Road. A proposal to review the city's tag sale policy was placed on file.

• Approved amended ordinance prohibiting parking on Alvord Avenue south side from Broadway to a point 25 feet easterly (5-0)
• Placed on file request for 'No Parking' on Meetinghouse Road odd side from Chicopee Street to Stefanik School driveway (5-0)
• Approved amended ordinance for 'No Stopping or Standing' on Meetinghouse Road south side from Meadow Street to a point 540 feet westerly (5-0)
• Placed on file the review of the current tag sale policy (5-0)
• Approved minutes of May 23, 2023 (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission approved a letter of support for the Valley Opportunity Council to redevelop the former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments. The board also approved the May 9, 2023 meeting minutes. Other items included discussions on the closing of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and the condition of the Edward Bellamy House.

• Approved letter of support for Belcher School redevelopment (5-0)
• Approved May 9, 2023 minutes (4-0)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially amend the City Council's Rules and Orders. Items include changing the start time of regular meetings from 7:15 PM to 6:30 PM, revising public input rules to prohibit yielding time, and discussing training for councilors. The committee will also consider accepting a Charter Review Committee report and a rule change for board appointments.

• Amend meeting time from 7:15 PM to 6:30 PM
• Revise public input rule to prohibit yielding time
• Discuss training for new and current councilors every two years
• Accept Charter Review Committee final report for review
• Proposed rule for board appointments: new candidates to Human Resources Committee, reappointments voted without appearance

The Rules Committee approved changes to the City Council's meeting start time and public input rules. The committee also established a process for new councilor training and scheduled a review of the Charter Review Committee's final report.

• Approved changing regular meeting start time from 7:15 PM to 6:30 PM
• Approved requirement for Rules Committee to discuss training for new councilors
• Approved meeting with Charter Review Commission and Law Department to discuss charter report
• Postponed official citation for Jean Fitzgerald to the call of the chair
• Defeated motion to strike 'if necessary' from City Council Rule #38 regarding board appointments
• Approved amendment to Rule 12 D prohibiting yielding time to others during public input
• Approved minutes from June 4, 2014

City Council - Education Committee

The Education Committee will meet to discuss the budget and traffic and pedestrian safety. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from December 22, 2022.

• Discussion of budget
• Discussion of traffic and pedestrian safety
• Approval of minutes from December 22, 2022

The committee discussed school budget updates and pedestrian safety concerns, including crosswalk painting and school bus routing. No policy changes were made regarding traffic, and the committee voted to place the discussion on file.

• Approved December 22, 2022 minutes
• Voted to place budget and traffic/pedestrian safety discussion on file

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will hold public hearings on three home occupation applications (microgreens, dog grooming, bakery) and consider an ordinance amendment that would replace current home occupation regulations with a new licensing system. The committee will also discuss a one-year moratorium on commercial development on Burnett Road.

• Home occupation application at 45 Marion Street for growing microgreens to sell at farmer's market
• Home occupation application at 413 East Main Street for dog grooming
• Home occupation application at 13 Mary Street, Apt. 2 for a home-based bakery
• Ordinance amendment to delete existing home occupation sections and insert new Section 188-22 Home Occupation License
• Proposed one-year moratorium on commercial development on Burnett Road from April 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024

The committee approved home occupation licenses for a microgreens business and a dog grooming service, both subject to departmental inspections. A proposed ordinance to extend a development moratorium on Burnett Road was defeated. One home bakery application was withdrawn.

• Approved home occupation license for microgreens at 45 Marion Street with Health, Building, and Fire inspection restrictions
• Approved home occupation license for dog grooming at 413 East Main Street with Building, Fire, and Health inspection restrictions
• Defeated ordinance amendment to implement a development moratorium on Burnett Road
• Withdrew home occupation application for a bakery at 13 Mary Street, Apt. 2

City Council

The City Council approved an ordinance increasing salaries for the Council President, Councilors, and School Committee members effective January 1, 2024. The council also approved several funding appropriations for DPW and school custodians and enacted new parking prohibitions on Perrault, John, and Leslie Streets.

• Approved salary increases for Council President ($15,000), Councilors ($14,000), School Committee Vice Chair ($8,000), and School Committee Members ($7,500) (12-1)
• Approved $700,000 appropriation for DPW Highway Signal Maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved $59,917.92 appropriation for School Special Custodians (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 appropriation for DPW Administration Gas & Oil (unanimous)
• Approved $7,415 appropriation for Human Resources Salary Account (12-1)
• Approved City Hall Parking Plan Front Street portion (unanimous)
• Approved parking prohibitions on Perrault Street, John Street, and Leslie Street (unanimous)
• Defeated 'No Through Trucks' proposals for Britton Street and Old Lyman Road (unanimous)

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on attached Mayoral Orders to be considered at the regular meeting later that evening, and provide general city updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific items detailed in the notice.

• Mayoral Orders to be considered at the June 6, 2023 City Council meeting

The City Council held a Mayor's Briefing to review several fund appropriations for city departments and a new appointment to the Housing Authority. The meeting concluded with updates on neighborhood meetings and upcoming city events.

• Appropriated $30,000 to DPW Administration Special Account for Gas & Oil
• Appropriated $700,000 to DPW Highway Special Account for Signal Maintenance
• Appropriated $59,917.92 to Reserve for School Special Custodians
• Appropriated $7,415.00 to Human Resources Salary Account for Human Resource Advisor
• Proposed appointment of Yadira Medina to the Housing Authority through January 1, 2028

Library

The Chicopee Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review a proposal for plaza improvements, along with updates on staffing, building maintenance, and the FY23 and FY24 budgets. The agenda includes routine items such as minutes, financial reports, and the director's report on library statistics.

• Review of proposal from SLR International Corporation for 'Chicopee Public Library Plaza Improvements'
• Updates on FY23 budget
• Updates on upcoming FY24 budget and City Council meeting
• Staffing and Building Maintenance updates
• Library statistics for May 2023

The Trustees approved funding for the "Chicopee Public Library Plaza Improvements" project. The board also accepted the May meeting minutes, the June 2 financial report, and the Director's report.

• Approved $16,500 for SLR International Corporation's plaza improvements from the Shirley F. Roy estate donations (3-0)
• Accepted May 8, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Accepted June 2, 2023 financial report (3-0)
• Accepted Director's report on May 2023 statistics (3-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on June 1, 2023, to consider a tabled definitive site plan for a Walmart expansion, a preliminary site plan for a new Dunkin' Donuts, and a frontage waiver for a single-family house. The board will also discuss ANRs, approve minutes, and handle new business.

• Definitive site plan for Walmart expansion: 6,315 SF addition for online grocery pickup at 591 Memorial Dr.
• Preliminary site plan for a new 1,690 SF Dunkin' Donuts with drive-thru at 1599 Memorial Dr.
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 60' for a single-family house on Hamel St. (Map 448, Parcel 33A)
• Approval of minutes from May 4, 2023
• Discussion of new business

The Board approved a site plan for a Walmart expansion and a preliminary plan for a new Dunkin Donuts. A request for a frontage waiver for a single-family home on Hamel Street was denied. Several Assessor's Plan (ANR) filings were also approved.

• Approved Definitive Site Plan for Walmart expansion at 591 Memorial Dr with conditions (6-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plan for Dunkin Donuts at 1599 Memorial Dr with conditions (6-0)
• Denied frontage waiver for single-family house at Hamel St (3-3 tie)
• Approved ANR for 44 New Lombard Rd (6-0)
• Approved ANR for Marion St (6-0)
• Approved ANR for Homer Ave (6-0)
• Approved ANR for Columba/Grattan St (6-0)
• Approved May 4, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public meeting to review six applications, including special permits for eating/drinking establishments, residential units, and zone changes. The committee will also approve minutes from previous meetings and adjourn.

• Special permit for eating/drinking place with alcohol at 181 Center Street
• Special permit renewal for Mill Conversion Overlay District at 10 Southwick Street
• Special permit renewal for Baskin parcel redevelopment at 75 West Main Street
• Special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr
• Zone change from Industrial Garden PUD to Industrial at Burnett Road (2.58 acres)

The Committee approved a special permit for a food truck court with alcohol service and renewed special permits for two multi-family housing developments. A request for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr. was discussed but not decided.

• Approved special permit for eating and drinking place with alcohol at 181 Center Street (7-0)
• Approved special permit renewal for 25 housing units at 10 Southwick Street (7-0)
• Approved special permit renewal for residential redevelopment at 75 West Main Street (7-0)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review field use requests for the upcoming summer and fall seasons, including requests from the Chicopee Braves, CHS Boys Soccer, Celtic United Soccer Club, Springfield Thunderbirds, Sean Mackin, and Wanda Torres. The commission will also hear maintenance and recreation reports, discuss old business such as the PARC Grant pool startup and Bemis Pond Dam removal, and consider new business including a Ranger/Site Monitor position and summer construction projects.

• Field use requests: Chicopee Braves at Stefanik Field, CHS Boys Soccer and Celtic United at Ike Alpert Park, Springfield Thunderbirds at Szot Park, Sean Mackin's camp at Szot Park, Wanda Torres at Lincoln Grove
• Maintenance report: current park labor force openings
• Recreation report: adult and youth programs, clinics, trips, events, and aquatics
• Old business: PARC Grant pool startup, Bemis Pond Dam removal, pool removal, Open Space and Recreation Plan, CDBG playground project, memorial park, pool improvements, Szot Master Plan
• New business: Ranger/Site Monitor position, summer construction projects, final budget transfers

The Commission approved several summer field and park use requests for soccer teams, a youth camp, and a community event. It also approved a revised job description for a Ranger/Site Monitor and budget transfers for equipment and materials, pending City Council approval.

• Approved field use at Ike Alpert Park for CHS Boys Soccer
• Approved field use at Ike Alpert or Sarah Jane for Celtic United Soccer Club
• Approved Springfield Thunderbirds Community Caravan at Szot Park
• Approved Chicopee Student-Athlete Summer Camp at Szot Park (contingent on availability)
• Approved summer field usage for Rumbleseat Mens Soccer Team
• Approved revised Ranger/Site Monitor job description
• Approved $18K budget transfer for blower and mower and $6.5K for summer project materials
• Approved moving meeting start time to 7pm

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a proposed 'No Through Trucks' restriction on Old Lyman Road from Britton Street northward, to be reviewed by DPW. The committee will also discuss several parking prohibition orders on Perrault, John, Leslie, McCarthy, Kennedy, and Alvord streets, and a stop sign at Manning Street and Dorothy Avenue. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and adjournment.

• Public hearing on No Through Trucks on Old Lyman Road from Britton Street north for entire length
• Parking prohibited on Perrault Street south side from 305 feet east of Chicopee Street easterly 195 feet
• Parking prohibited on John Street north side for 50 feet to corner at Chicopee Street
• Isolated stop sign at intersection of Manning Street and Dorothy Avenue
• Parking prohibited on McCarthy Avenue south side from College Street westerly 108 feet and north side westerly 95 feet

The committee approved amended pay rates for the City Council and School Committee effective January 1, 2024. Several parking prohibitions were established on various city streets, and the Front Street portion of the City Hall Parking Plan was approved. Requests for truck exclusions and a new stop sign were defeated or withdrawn.

• Approved pay increases for City Council President ($15,000), Councilors ($14,000), School Committee Vice Chair ($8,000), and School Committee Members ($7,500) effective 1/1/2024
• Approved $15.00 hourly rate for one high school intern at the Council on Aging
• Approved the Front Street portion of the City Hall Parking Plan
• Defeated 'No Through Trucks' requests for Britton Street and Old Lyman Road
• Approved parking prohibitions on Perrault Street, John Street, Leslie Street, McCarthy Avenue, Kennedy Street, and Alvord Avenue
• Withdrew request for an isolated stop sign at Manning Street and Dorothy Avenue
• Approved March 28, 2023 meeting minutes

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and expense warrants, updates on investments, and review of the 2023 actuarial valuation and GASB 67/68 reports. It will also consider membership, retirement, refund, transfer, and medical evaluation applications.

• Approval of Board Minutes from April 26, 2023
• Monthly Expense Warrants
• 2023 Actuarial Valuation
• GASB 67 & 68 Report
• Retirement Applications

The Board approved 13 new memberships, four retirement applications, and 11 member refunds. It also accepted the GASB 67 & 68 Report and approved two yearly pension calculations, while tabling a vote on the discount rate.

• Approved April 26, 2023 meeting minutes (All in Favor)
• Approved expense warrants #05222023, 405232023 and payroll warrant 404282023 (All in Favor)
• Tabled voting on the discount rate (All in Favor)
• Accepted GASB 67 & 68 Report (All in Favor)
• Approved 13 individuals for system membership (All in Favor)
• Approved retirement applications for Jeffrey Gawron, Michael Salamon, Theresa Waller, and Kenneth Stearley (All in Favor)
• Approved 10 standard refunds and one Option B beneficiary refund of $22,380.59 (All in Favor)
• Approved pension calculations for Charles P. Goff ($23,823.72/year) and Jeffrey Gawron ($130,756.56/year) (All in Favor)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to consider several license applications and permits, including a special one-day beer/wine permit for the Chicopee Pride event, a special event permit for the Center Fresh Farmers Market, and multiple mobile food vendor licenses. The agenda also includes hearings for Eagles and The J & W Banquet Hall, a review of police reports, and updates on correspondence.

• Special One Day Permit (beer/wine) for 3rd Annual Chicopee Pride Event, Szot Park, June 10, 2023, 8 AM-9 PM, applicant Deb Sutherland
• Special Event Permit for Center Fresh Farmers Market, 31 Springfield St, Thursdays June 1-Oct 26, 2023, 1-6 PM, applicant Melissa Breor
• Hearings for Eagles and The J & W Banquet Hall
• Mobile Common Victualer licenses: renewals for SNKC Food Vending and Island Spice Food Truck; new for The Elixir, Cream of the Crop Ice Cream, Crazy Arepas
• New Common Victualer license for Chicopee Street Market, 959 Chicopee St

The Commission approved special permits for the Chicopee Pride Event and Center Fresh Farmers Market. It also issued a warning to Eagles for failing to submit required officer change paperwork. Multiple mobile and common victualer licenses were granted.

• Approved special one-day beer/wine permit for 3rd Annual Chicopee Pride Event (4-0)
• Approved special event permit for Center Fresh Farmers Market (4-0)
• Found Eagles in violation of management rules; issued warning and deadline of June 30, 2023, for paperwork (4-0)
• Approved renewal of mobile common victualer license for SNKC Food Vending (4-0)
• Approved new mobile common victualer license for The Elixir (4-0)
• Approved new mobile common victualer license for Cream of the Crop Ice Cream (4-0)
• Approved renewal of mobile common victualer license for Island Spice Food Truck (4-0)
• Approved new mobile common victualer license for Crazy Arepas (4-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council is holding a special meeting to consider approval of members for the Anna Barry School Building Commission. The agenda contains only this single item, along with meeting logistics.

• Approval of Anna Barry School Building Commission members

The City Council approved five individual appointments to the Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission. Earlier motions to approve the group as a whole or separate the candidates were defeated.

• Approved appointment of Joshua Clark to Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission (8-0-1)
• Approved appointment of Carissa Lisee to Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Michael Sarnelli to Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Stephen Morneau to Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Katie Collins-Kalbaugh to Anna E. Barry Elementary School Building Commission (8-0-1)
• Defeated motion to approve five nominees as a group (6-1)
• Defeated motion to separate each candidate (2-5)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council is meeting to consider a series of mayoral appropriations and orders, including funding for snow and ice removal, sludge disposal, and water system improvements. The council will also vote on accepting donations, taking easements by eminent domain for sewer work, and several license applications and appointments.

• $390,929.20 appropriation for snow and ice removal
• $248,000 appropriation for sludge removal/disposal
• $100,000 appropriation for water insurance
• Eminent domain takings for sewer lines near Memorial Drive, McCarthy Avenue, and Hudson Avenue
• License reviews for Royal Coach Sales and Walmart

The City Council approved several mayoral appropriations for snow removal, wastewater, and water services. The council also directed the DPW and Engineering to review the installation of a four-way traffic light at Chicopee Street and McKinstry Avenue.

• Approved $390,929.20 for Highway Special Account for Snow & Ice Removal
• Approved $248,000.00 for D.P.W. Wastewater Special Account for Sludge Removal/Disposal
• Approved $100,000.00 for Water Expense Account for Insurance Other
• Approved $52,930.00 for D.P.W. Water Special Account for Leak Detection
• Approved $13,510.00 for Highway Special Account for Street Surveying/Legal Description
• Accepted $63,476.89 donation from Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc. for project change orders
• Approved $10,242.00 for Registrars Expense Account for Departmental Equipment
• Appointed Joshua Clark, Carissa Lisee, Michael Sarnelli, Stephen Morneau, and Katie Collins-Kalbaugh to the Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (11-1)

ARPA Committee

The Chicopee ARPA Advisory Committee is meeting to review a mayor's update, approve minutes, and hear administrative updates and a project status report. The main business is considering four funding requests totaling about $3.19 million, including a water project increase, a park, library improvements, and a school project loan. The committee will also receive updates on prior proposals and discuss the Bellamy House.

• South Fairview Water Project increase request of $1,463,430
• Delta Park funding request of $825,000
• Library outdoor improvements request of $250,000
• Southwick St School project request of $650,000 (loan)

The committee approved additional funding for two South Fairview infrastructure projects and a loan for the Southwick St School Redevelopment. One project was tabled and another was shifted to the CDBG program. The Mayor noted federal concerns regarding potential early claw backs of ARPA funds.

• Approved $3,486,848 in additional funds for South Fairview Sewer Project (All in favor)
• Approved $1,463,430 for South Fairview Water Project (All in favor)
• Approved ARPA funding as a loan for Southwick St School Redevelopment (All in favor)
• Tabled Delta Park Infrastructure proposal
• Shifted Library Outdoor Improvements request to Community Development CDBG funding
• Approved minutes from previous meeting (All in favor)

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars of Voters is meeting to approve prior minutes, review correspondence, and handle new business including certifying nomination papers, confirming census notices, and reviewing school department spreadsheets. The agenda is largely administrative and procedural.

• Approval of minutes from March 21 and April 19, 2023
• Certification of nomination papers submitted to the Registrars office
• Confirmation notice under M.G.L. 51, S 37 regarding census
• Review of 3 spreadsheets from the School Department for kids ages 3-21
• Board and Commission Chairpersons open law training session

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Claims & Accounts Committee will review 18 claims from residents seeking restitution for property damage, including vehicle, fence, mailbox, and other damages. The claims range from $30.41 to $300.00, with most seeking the maximum $300.00. The committee will also approve minutes from a previous meeting and adjourn. One claim (22-10) is recommended for auto-deny and referral to Palmer Paving.

• Claim 22-10: Andrew Rice, $218.93, vehicle damage, auto-deny and refer to Palmer Paving
• Claim 22-11: Kurt Kresge, $300.00, vehicle damage from potholes
• Claim 23-01: Marlene Pouliot, $300.00, fence damage from tree
• Claim 23-15: Barbara Kulig, $30.41, mailbox damage
• Claim 22-07: Denise Machowski, $218.63, mailbox damage, postponed from 5/7/2022

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The City Council is holding a Mayor's Briefing at 6:30 PM on May 16, 2023, where the Mayor will discuss attached Mayoral Orders that the Council will consider at its 7:15 PM meeting that same evening. The Mayor will also provide general city updates. The agenda contains no other substantive items beyond this briefing.

• Mayoral Orders to be considered at the May 16, 2023 City Council meeting
• General City of Chicopee updates from the Mayor

The City Council approved several fund transfers for snow removal, wastewater, and police equipment. The Council also authorized the use of eminent domain for sewer and drain line easements and accepted various donations for the Food Bank and Public Library.

• Approved $390,929.20 for Highway Special Account for Snow & Ice Removal
• Approved $248,000.00 for D.P.W. Wastewater Special Account for Sludge Removal/Disposal
• Approved $100,000.00 for Water Expense Account for Insurance Other
• Approved $52,930.00 for D.P.W. Water Special Account for Leak Detection
• Approved $13,510.00 for Highway Special Account for Street Surveying/Legal Description
• Accepted $63,476.89 donation from Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc.
• Approved $5,000.00 for Police Special Account for bulletproof vests
• Authorized eminent domain for sewer/drain easements at Memorial Drive/McCarthy Avenue and near Hudson Avenue

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request to create a buildable lot on Old Lyman Rd. The applicant seeks relief from frontage, garage setback, and porch setback requirements. The board will also review minutes from the previous meeting and discuss old/new business.

• Variance from Chapter 275-52: frontage from 100' to 80.03', garage setback from 3' to 2', porch setback from 25' to 6.8'
• Property at 7 Ludlow Rd. and Parcel 26 of Assessor Map 761 on Old Lyman Rd.
• Applicant: Dan Cote, 106 Homer Ave., Chicopee, MA
• Minutes from April 12, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for June 14, 2023

The Board approved a variance request to create a buildable lot on Old Lyman Road by adjusting frontage and setback requirements. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from April 12, 2023.

• Approved variance for frontage (100’ to 80.03’ +/-), garage setback (3’ to 2’), and porch setback (25’ to 6.8’ +/-) at 7 Ludlow Rd/Old Lyman Rd (5-0)
• Approved April 12, 2023 minutes (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss the rehabilitation and accessibility upgrade of the historic former Main Library, presented by Lee Pouliot. The commission will also discuss the future of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish building, update its webpage information, and review meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on rehabilitation and accessibility upgrade of historic former Main Library
• Discussion on Historical Commission information on Mayor's webpage
• Discussion on closing of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and future of building/complex
• Review of minutes from April 11, 2023 meeting

The Historical Commission approved a support letter for a $5.5 million rehabilitation and accessibility project for the former library. The board also discussed the potential future of the Holy Name Parish complex and the City Hall rehab project.

• Approved support letter for former library rehabilitation project (6-0)
• Approved amended April 11, 2023 minutes (6-0)
• Agreed to invite Diocese of Springfield Bishop’s Office to June 2023 meeting

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider mayoral appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Water and Sewer Commission, nominations for the Anna E. Barry School Building Commission, and a request for monthly HRIS system updates. The committee will also discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Mayoral appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals (term to April 2026)
• Mayoral appointment of Francis LaBreck to Water and Sewer Commission (term to April 2026)
• Nominations for Anna E. Barry School Building Commission: Joshua Clark, Carissa Lisee, Michael Sarnelli, Stephen Morneau, Normand Girouard, Katie Collins-Kalbough
• Order for monthly HRIS system progress updates to City Council
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on April 9, 2023

The Human Resources Committee nominated six individuals for the Anna E. Barry School Building Commission and approved a mayoral appointment to the Water and Sewer Commission. The committee also authorized the Law Department to respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint.

• Approved mayoral appointment of Francis LaBreck to Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Postponed mayoral appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Nominated Joshua Clark to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)
• Nominated Carissa Lisee to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)
• Nominated Normand Girouard to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)
• Nominated Katie Collins-Kalbough to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)
• Nominated Michael Sarnelli to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)
• Nominated Stephen Morneau to Anna E. Barry School Building Commission (5-0)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee City Council License Committee is meeting to hear from Walmart at 591 Memorial Drive regarding its current licenses. The discussion focuses on compliance with restrictions, citing excessive trash, public safety issues, and expansion concerns. The Council has the authority to modify, suspend, fine, or revoke any licenses held by the store.

• Hearing for Walmart at 591 Memorial Drive regarding license compliance
• Council may modify, suspend, fine, or revoke Walmart's licenses
• Cited reasons include excessive trash, public safety issues, and expansion concerns

The License Committee held a public hearing on Walmart's licenses due to complaints about trash, public safety, and expansion. After extensive discussion, the committee voted to postpone the item to the call of the chair, requiring Walmart to provide answers by June 8, 2023, on using paper bags, a security plan, additional fencing, tree trimming, a contact list, and a cart virtual fence.

• Postponed Walmart license hearing to call of the chair (4-0)
• Required Walmart to answer questions by 6/8/2023 on paper bags, security plan, fencing, tree trimming, contact list, and cart virtual fence

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a definitive site plan for a Walmart expansion, a frontage waiver for a two-family house, and other routine items. The board will also review minutes and discuss new business.

• Definitive site plan for 6,315 SF Walmart addition for online grocery pickup at 591 Memorial Dr.
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 50' for 25-27 State St. (tabled from March 2 and April 6)
• Approval of ANRs (Approval Not Required plans)
• Minutes from April 6, 2023 meeting

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to table the Walmart expansion project hearing to June 1, 2023, at the applicant's request to address landscaping and storage trailer issues. The board also voted 5-0 to accept withdrawal of a frontage waiver application for 25-27 State St. Minutes from April 6 were approved 5-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled Walmart expansion site plan hearing to June 1, 2023 (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of frontage waiver application for 25-27 State St. (5-0)
• Approved minutes from April 6, 2023 (5-0)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee License Committee is meeting to consider several license applications and one license review. The committee will hear applications for a hawkers and peddlers license to sell ice cream, a cab driver license, an auto repair license, and an auto body license. They will also discuss licenses held by Royal Coach Sales, LLC, including a proposed address change, and may modify, suspend, fine, or revoke any of its licenses.

• Hawkers & Peddlers License for ice cream sales — applicant Shaikmahmoud Alzubi, 33 Center Street, Apt. A, Windsor Locks, CT
• Cab driver license for A & Z Transportation, LLC — applicant Zaheer A. Sharikh, 25 Lorraine Street, Chicopee
• Review of Royal Coach Sales, LLC licenses (576 East Street) — possible modification, suspension, fine, or revocation; address change to 574 East Street pending Engineering review
• Auto Repair License for Kins Auto Repair II, 1098 Chicopee Street — applicant Joaquin Rodriguez, Springfield
• Auto Body License for Chuck's Auto Body, Inc., 58 West Street — applicant Joseph Bednarz, Springfield

The License Committee approved an auto repair license for Kins Auto Repair II and an auto body license for Chuck's Auto Body, Inc., both with specific restrictions. Two other applications were postponed, and a cab driver license was approved.

• Postponed ice cream hawker license application to call of chair (4-0)
• Approved cab driver license for Zaheer A. Sharikh (4-0)
• Postponed Royal Coach Sales license discussion to call of chair (4-0)
• Approved auto repair license for Kins Auto Repair II with restrictions (4-0)
• Approved auto body license for Chuck's Auto Body, Inc. with restrictions (4-0)
• Approved minutes from February 27, 2023 (4-0)

Parks Commission

The Commission supported Superintendent Strepka's rankings of four architect firms for the Szot Park Master Plan and advanced a recommendation to the selection committee to choose Ray Dunetz Landscape Architecture (RDLA) and Tighe & Bond (T&B) over SLR and GZA. A request from Chicopee High School to use Szot Park on June 1 for graduation ceremonies (rain date June 3) was approved. No public input was received.

• Approved Chicopee High School's request to use Szot Park for graduation ceremonies on June 1 (rain date June 3)
• Supported Superintendent's rankings of architect firms for Szot Park Master Plan: 1-RDLA, 2-T&B, 3-SLR, 4-GZA
• Recommended selection committee choose RDLA and T&B over SLR and GZA for the master plan

City Council

The City Council approved a special permit for a commercial or industrial development on Burnett Road with restrictions. The council also accepted several grants and donations and confirmed multiple mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions.

• Granted special permit for business/commercial/industrial development on Burnett Road with restrictions
• Accepted $90,000 DER Grant for Abbey Brook Revitalization Project (11-0)
• Approved $9,373.80 appropriation for Part Time Deputy Building Commissioner (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 appropriation for Fire Special Account ambulance billing (unanimous)
• Accepted $25 anonymous donation to Fire Department (unanimous)
• Accepted $150 in-kind snack donations for Parks Department (unanimous)
• Accepted $7,500 Community Development Block Grant for Council on Aging (11-0)
• Confirmed Al Kendall to Board of Registrars and Commission on Disability (unanimous)

City Council - Mayor's Briefing

The Mayor will brief the City Council on mayoral orders to be considered at the regular meeting later that evening, including accepting donations, a state award, a federal grant, and a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 7 to increase salaries for elected officials effective January 1, 2024. The Mayor will also provide general city updates.

• Ordinance to increase City Council President salary from $13,000 to $15,000, Councilors from $12,000 to $14,000, School Committee Vice Chair from $6,500 to $8,000, and members from $6,000 to $7,500, effective 1/1/2024
• Accept $25 anonymous donation to Chicopee Fire Department
• Accept $150 in-kind snack and candy donations for Easter Scavenger Hunt at Dupont Middle School
• Accept two speed feedback and school zone speed limit sign assemblies from MassDOT for DPW
• Accept $7,500 Community Development Block Grant for Council on Aging Technology Lending Program

The City Council approved ordinance revisions to increase stipends for the Council President, Councilors, and School Committee members effective January 1, 2024. The council also approved several funding transfers for City Hall renovations and police signing bonuses.

• Approved pay increase for Council President to $15,000 and Councilors to $14,000 (effective 1/1/2024)
• Approved pay increase for School Committee Vice Chair to $8,000 and members to $7,500 (effective 1/1/2024)
• Rescinded $2M in unneeded borrowing for City Hall Renovations and transferred $290,845.26 to Phase 2 preliminary expenses
• Approved $75,000 appropriation for Police Salary Account for signing bonuses
• Accepted $90,000 DER Grant for Abbey Brook Revitalization Project Phase 1
• Approved $9,373.80 appropriation for a part-time Deputy Building Commissioner
• Approved $25,000 appropriation from Free Cash for Fire Special Account ambulance billing
• Accepted two dynamic speed feedback and school zone speed limit sign assemblies from MassDOT

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. They will approve bills, hear public input, and discuss maintenance and recreation reports. New business includes reviewing the Szot Park Master Plan and setting pool badge fees, while old business covers ongoing projects like the PARC Grant pool startup, Bemis Pond Dam removal, and the Lincoln Grove Inclusive Playground.

• Request from Cassandra Kreeger to sell snacks and water at Szot Park, Ray Ash Park, and Rivers Park
• Szot Park Master Plan review
• Pool Badge Fees discussion
• PARC Grant final pool start up in June 2023
• Bemis Pond Dam removal contracts preparation

The Commission approved a proposal to remove family pool badges and maintain only individual badge rates. The board also approved a field day request for the Springdale Education Center and denied a request for snack sales at city parks.

• Approved individual pool badge rates and eliminated family badge option
• Approved Springdale Education Center request for field days at Williams Park on 6/7 and 6/14
• Denied request for snack and water sales at Szot Park, Ray Ash Park, and Rivers Park
• Approved minutes from March 28, 2023 meeting
• Approved warrants from 4/14, 4/21 and 4/28

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will consider five applications: two special permits for a business development on Burnett Rd. and a Verizon wireless facility, plus two zone changes to allow residential development on East Street and Burnett Road. A third special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr. has a continuance request pending. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes.

• Special permit for commercial/industrial development on Burnett Rd. (Parcel ID Map 294, Lot 6 & 7) by Scannell Properties #705, LLC
• Special permit for small wireless facilities on utility pole P17S at 357 Burnett Rd. by Verizon Wireless
• Zone change to Mill Conversion Overlay District for 33,130 SF at 105 East St. for residential development by PREM, LLC
• Zone change to Mill Conversion Overlay District for 118,613 SF at 480 and 510 Burnett Rd. for residential development by Salmar Realty, Inc.
• Special permit for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr. with continuance request

The committee approved a special permit for a commercial development on Burnett Road and a wireless facility installation. A residential project at 1682 Memorial Dr. was postponed, and a zone change for 105 East Street was discussed.

• Approved special permit for business/industrial development on Burnett Road with conditions including a 37,000 sq ft building maximum (Passed)
• Approved special permit for Verizon Wireless to install a canister antenna on a utility pole at 357 Burnett Road (Passed)
• Postponed hearing for four residential units at 1682 Memorial Dr. to May 31, 2023 (Passed)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will conduct a regular meeting on April 26, 2023. The agenda includes approving March minutes, reviewing monthly expense warrants, and processing various retirement-related applications.

• Approval of March 22, 2023, meeting minutes
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Review of accidental disability, membership, and retirement applications
• Discussion of PERAC Memo #10/2023 Retirement Board Training

The Board approved several retirement applications, membership enrollments, and pension calculations. It also appointed a new Executive Director and processed various member refunds and transfers.

• Appointed Ana Gomes as Executive Director effective June 1, 2023
• Approved membership for 27 individuals into the System
• Approved retirement applications for Marshall Moriarty, Linda Hartbarger, Cindy O'Leary, Elizabeth Maciolek, and Ralph DeMaio
• Approved 5 refunds totaling $47,275.27
• Approved 3 transfers to other retirement systems totaling $66,198.95
• Approved yearly pension calculations for 8 retirees
• Tabled accidental disability application for Jeffrey Sousa pending further information
• Approved submission of Hector Santos' accidental disability application to PERAC

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider nine mayoral appointments to various city boards and commissions, including the Mobile Home Rent Control Board, Water and Sewer Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Registrars, and Commission on Disability. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from two prior meetings.

• Mayoral appointment of Lester Gagne to Mobile Home Rent Control Board (term to April 2025)
• Mayoral appointment of Lester Gagne to Water and Sewer Commission (term to April 2026)
• Mayoral appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals (term to April 2026)
• Mayoral appointment of Mary Kukla, William Zaskey, Francis LaBreck, and James Carabetta to Water and Sewer Commission (terms to April 2026)
• Mayoral appointment of Al Kendall to Board of Registrars and Commission on Disability (terms to April 2026)

The committee approved multiple mayoral appointments to the Water and Sewer Commission, the Board of Registrars, and the Commission on Disability. Two appointments were postponed to the next meeting because the nominees were not present. The committee also approved minutes from March 20 and March 28, 2023.

• Approved Lester Gagne to the Mobile Home Rent Control Board (5-0)
• Approved Lester Gagne to the Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Postponed appointment of Anthony Gallant to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Approved Mary Kukla to the Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Approved William Zaskey to the Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Postponed appointment of Francis LaBreck to the Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Approved James Carabetta to the Water and Sewer Commission (5-0)
• Approved Al Kendall to the Board of Registrars and Commission on Disability (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission cleared The Rumbleseat of multiple alleged violations regarding intoxicated persons and occupancy limits. Several food and alcohol permits were approved, and the board agreed to allow outdoor dining for the year.

• Found Count 1 (sale to intoxicated persons) at The Rumbleseat unfounded (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Found Count 2 (public health/safety) at The Rumbleseat unfounded (3-1, 1 abstention)
• Found Count 1 (occupancy limit) at The Rumbleseat unfounded (5-0)
• Found Count 2 (public health/safety) at The Rumbleseat unfounded (5-0)
• Approved change of officers/directors for 99 Restaurant (5-0)
• Approved Mobile Common Victualer licenses for Captain Jack’s Roadside Shack, Paris & Ty’s, and Dev’s Mac N Eats (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualer renewal for Yazzy Market (5-0)
• Approved special permits for Amvets Post 12, K of C Elder Council, and Moose Lodge 1849 (5-0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing on a special permit application for a business, commercial, or industrial development on Burnett Rd. (Parcel ID Map 294, Lot 6 & Lot 7), submitted by Scannell Properties #705, LLC. The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from the March 22, 2023 meeting.

• Special permit application under Chapter 275-66 A for commercial/industrial development on Burnett Rd. (Map 294, Lots 6 & 7)
• Applicant: Scannell Properties #705, LLC, c/o Leo Leighton, Wayzata, MN
• Approval of minutes from March 22, 2023 meeting

The committee held a public hearing regarding a special permit application for a Tesla service facility. The applicant presented a revised site plan with a smaller building and fewer parking spaces to address traffic and size concerns. No final vote on the permit was recorded in the provided text.

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple appropriations from free cash, including $10 million to the Stabilization Fund, $3 million to reduce the FY2024 tax levy, and other transfers for OPEB, capital budgeting, and departmental needs. The agenda also includes appointments to boards and commissions, several public hearing referrals, and a special permit application for a restaurant with alcohol at 181 Center Street.

• $10,000,000 appropriation to Stabilization Fund from Free Cash
• $3,000,000 appropriation to reduce FY2024 tax levy
• $400,000 for DPW Highway Safety Improvements
• New special permit for eating/drinking with alcohol at 181 Center Street
• Appointments to Water and Sewer Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and others

The City Council approved several mayoral appropriations using Undesignated Fund Balance 'Free Cash' for stabilization, tax levy reduction, and public safety. The Council also voted to keep nominations open for the Anna E. Barry School Building Commission until May 2, 2023, requiring resumes for candidates.

• Approved $10M appropriation to Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $3M appropriation to reduce 2024 Fiscal Year Tax Levy (unanimous)
• Approved $2M appropriation to Treasurer’s Special Account for OPEB (unanimous)
• Approved $2M appropriation to Stabilization Fund for Capital Budgeting (unanimous)
• Approved $400,000 for DPW Highway safety improvements, including flashing lights on Chicopee Street (unanimous)
• Approved $400,000 for DPW Water Capital Improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $32,000 for DPW Parks pool design, repair, and renovation (unanimous)
• Voted 9-2 to keep nominations open for Anna E. Barry School Building Commission until 5/2/23 with resumes required

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on April 12, 2023, to consider an appeal of a denied building permit, two variance requests, and other business. The board will also elect its officers for the year. The meeting is open to the public.

• Appeal of Building Commissioner's denial of a building permit for an oversized garage at 501 East Main St. (Appellant: Joseph Rozanski)
• Variance request to reduce pavement setback from 10' to 3.4' and drive aisle width from 24' to 20' for a parking lot at 147 Grape St. (Applicant: Katie Longley)
• Variance request to reduce frontage from 75' to 50' and 55' and lot area from 7,500 SF to 5,486 SF and 5,014 SF to create two single-family lots on Harding St. (Applicant: DCL Construction)
• Board elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk positions
• Approval of minutes from March 8, 2023 meeting

The Board approved two variance requests for a parking lot reconstruction and the creation of two single-family building lots. One appeal for an oversized garage was withdrawn by the applicant. The Board also voted to maintain current officer positions.

• Approved variance for pavement setback and drive aisle width at 147 Grape St. (5-0)
• Approved variance for frontage and area to create two single-family lots on Harding St. (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of appeal for oversized garage at 501 East Main St. (5-0)
• Voted to keep current Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk positions status quo (5-0)
• Approved March 8, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss several items, including a request from Valley Opportunity Council for a new letter of support for redeveloping the former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments. The commission will also hear a presentation on a commemorative plaque for J. Stevens & Co. and discuss the closing of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and the future of its building. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes from January 10, 2023, and new business.

• Valley Opportunity Council requests new letter of support for Belcher School redevelopment into 20-25 apartments
• Presentation by Charles Crook on J. Stevens & Co. and J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. commemorative plaque
• Discussion on closing of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and future of the building/complex
• Approval of minutes from January 10, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for May 9, 2023

The Commission approved a letter of support for the Valley Opportunity Council to redevelop the former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments. Members discussed the potential demolition of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish and agreed to gather more information. The Commission also approved the minutes from the January 10, 2023 meeting.

• Approved letter of support for Belcher School redevelopment (4-0)
• Approved January 10, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Dental Trust Committee

The Dental Trust Committee voted to maintain dental rates for Fiscal Year 2023. The committee also approved the Reconciliation Report provided by HUB International.

• Approved minutes from 02/08/2023 (unanimous)
• Approved maintaining dental rates for Fiscal Year 2023
• Approved Reconciliation Report as presented by HUB International (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on April 6, 2023, to consider a zone change, ordinance amendments, a site plan waiver, and a frontage waiver. The board will also elect a new chair and review minutes from prior meetings.

• Zone change from Garden Industrial PUD Type 1 to Industrial for 2.58 acres on Burnett Rd. (Assessor Map 294, Parcels 6 & 7), applicant Scannell Properties #705, LLC
• Ordinance amendment to add language to Chapter 275-9(F), proposed by Councilor Frank Laflamme
• Ordinance amendment to delete home occupation sections and insert new license section 188-22, proposed by Councilor Frank Laflamme
• Ordinance amendment to replace Chapter 275-66A (Burnett Rd.), proposed by Councilor Derek Dobosz
• Site plan waiver for outdoor storage yard expansion (5.05 acres) at 301 Griffith Rd., applicant Griffith Road Property Owner, LLC

The Planning Board recommended approval for a zone change on Burnett Rd and two ordinance amendments regarding permit extensions and home occupation licenses. The Board recommended denial of an ordinance amendment to extend a temporary development restriction on Burnett Rd. Additionally, the Board approved definitive site plans for outdoor storage at 301 Griffith Rd.

• Recommended approval of zone change to Industrial for 2.58 acres on Burnett Rd (6-0)
• Recommended approval of ordinance amendment to extend permit expiration from one to three years (6-0)
• Recommended approval of ordinance amendment to streamline Home Occupation Licenses (6-0)
• Recommended denial of ordinance amendment to extend Burnett Rd development restrictions (6-0)
• Approved Waiver of Site Plan Regulations for 301 Griffith Rd (5-1)
• Approved Definitive Site Plans with Conditions for 301 Griffith Rd (6-0)
• Tabled frontage waiver for 25-27 State St to May 4, 2023 (5-1)
• Elected Cynthia Labrie as Chair, Nathan Moreau as Vice Chair, and Eric Oulette as Clerk (6-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Certificate of Compliance for a single-family house at 70 Britton Street, and to discuss a field change to a stormwater detention area for the Food Bank of Western Mass. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and signing bills.

• Certificate of Compliance (NOI 20-001) for 70 Britton Street (formerly 76 Britton St.)
• Field change to stormwater detention area overflow for Food Bank of Western Mass.
• Minutes from March 1, 2023
• Sign bills
• Upcoming projects and communications

The Conservation Commission issued a partial certificate of compliance for a single-family house at 70 Britton Street, requiring further vegetative cover before full approval. The commission also approved the minutes from the March 1, 2023 meeting.

• Granted Partial Certificate of Compliance for 70 Britton Street (5-0)
• Approved March 1, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0 with 1 abstention)

City Council

The City Council approved a new ordinance governing the display of flags at City Hall and banned commercial vehicles from Hampshire Street, Britton Street, and New Ludlow Road. The council also approved several mayoral appropriations for water system repairs, police equipment, and city hall maintenance.

• Approved $199,676 for DPW water system repairs and salaries (Unanimous)
• Approved $76,443 for police department equipment (Unanimous)
• Approved $22,071 and $18,000 for City Hall improvements and equipment (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance Chapter 88 establishing guidelines for flag displays at City Hall (Unanimous)
• Banned commercial vehicles on Hampshire Street, Britton Street, and New Ludlow Road (Unanimous)
• Approved Home Occupation License for baking business at 82 9th Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Cynthia Labrie to the Planning Board (11-1)
• Denied placing a question on the November 2023 ballot regarding snow removal from private ways (Unanimous)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing on three special permit applications. Items include a digital sign at 704 Memorial Drive, a parking facility and sign at 147 and 0 Grape Street for Elms College, and a business/commercial/industrial development on Burnett Road.

• Special permit for digital sign at 704 Memorial Drive with front setback waiver from 25 ft to 2.5 ft
• Special permit for parking facilities and accessory sign at 147 and 0 Grape Street with front setback waiver from 25 ft to 12 ft
• Special permit for business/commercial/industrial development on Burnett Road (Map 294, Lots 6 & 7)

The committee approved a digital sign for 704 Memorial Drive and parking and signage improvements for Elms College. A proposal for a Tesla electric vehicle dealership and service center on Burnett Road was postponed to April 19, 2023, pending further information.

• Approved front setback waiver from 25' to +/- 2.5' for 704 Memorial Drive
• Approved Special Permit for digital sign at 704 Memorial Drive with 8-second delay condition
• Approved front setback waiver from 25' to 12' for 147 and 0 Grape Street
• Approved installation of backlit sign for Elms College at 147 and 0 Grape Street
• Approved Special Permit for parking facility in Residential A district for Elms College
• Postponed Tesla dealership Special Permit application to April 19, 2023

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee is meeting to consider the mayoral appointment of Cynthia Labrie to the Planning Board for a term expiring March 1, 2028. This is the sole item on the agenda, and the committee will likely vote on whether to recommend the appointment to the full City Council.

• Mayoral appointment of Cynthia Labrie to the Planning Board, term expiring March 1, 2028

The Human Resources Committee approved the mayoral appointment of Cynthia Labrie to the Planning Board. Her term in this office expires on March 1, 2028.

• Approved mayoral appointment of Cynthia Labrie to the Planning Board (5-0)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve bills, hear public input, and discuss communications including requests for park use. They will also review maintenance and recreation reports, and address old business such as the PARC grant, Bemis Pond Dam removal, and pool improvements, along with new business on firework bids and pickleball courts.

• Request from St. Stanislaus School for field day at Szot Park on May 16
• Inter-Church Slow Pitch Softball League requests for fields at Szot Park and Rivers Park
• Fundraising kickball tournament for CVMA 'Vets Helping Vets' on June 17
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal bid opening March 30
• Pool Improvements bid opening April 15

The Commission approved several requests for park use by schools, sports leagues, and community organizations. It also accepted a bid for the city's fireworks display and reviewed ongoing park maintenance and recreation programs.

• Approved bid from Central Maine Pyro for 2023 fireworks
• Approved St. Stanislaus School field day at Szot Park on May 16
• Approved Inter-Church Slow Pitch Softball League field use at Szot and Rivers Parks
• Approved CVMA 'Vets Helping Vets' kickball tournament on June 17 contingent on licensing and fees
• Approved Chicopee Police Department Bike Rodeo at Williams Park on May 27
• Approved Latino Outdoor Organization Story Walk @ Sarah Jane Park on April 29
• Approved use of Fairview Park for library dedication ceremony parking on March 31
• Approved February 22, 2023 meeting minutes and monthly bills

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is discussing and voting on several items: a new ordinance regulating which flags the City may display on its flagpoles, an amendment to the bulky waste pickup program, a ballot question for November 2023 on snow/ice removal from private ways, and three commercial vehicle exclusion orders for Hampshire Street, Britton Street, and New Ludlow Road. The committee will also approve minutes from February 15, 2023.

• New ordinance restricting flag display on city flagpoles to government-recognized flags and those for official events
• Amendment to Chapter 169-13 E defining bulky waste eligible for curbside pickup (furniture, mattresses, electronics, tires, appliances) and excluding construction debris, commercial waste, hazardous waste
• Ballot question for November 7, 2023: whether to accept state law allowing city to fund snow/ice removal from private ways open to public use
• Commercial vehicle exclusion on Hampshire Street (entire length)
• Commercial vehicle exclusion on Britton Street (Montcalm Street to South Hadley town line) and New Ludlow Road (Montcalm Street to South Hadley town line)

The committee approved an ordinance establishing that City Hall flagpoles are for official government speech rather than a public forum. It also approved updated language for the residential curbside bulk pickup program and three commercial vehicle exclusions for specific streets.

• Approved amended Chapter 88 establishing flag display guidelines and precedence (5-0)
• Approved amended language for residential Curbside Bulk Pickup Program (5-0)
• Approved placing a question on the November 7, 2023 ballot regarding snow removal from private ways (5-0)
• Approved commercial vehicle exclusion for Hampshire Street (5-0)
• Approved commercial vehicle exclusion for Britton Street (5-0)
• Approved commercial vehicle exclusion for New Ludlow Road (5-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Postponed to the call of the chair the proposal to tie elected officials' salary adjustments to the administrative employees' contract

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss three items: a recommendation on making Old Lyman Road one-way, a review of disaster preparedness and city inventory with the Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief, and Police Chief, and a pedestrian safety plan from the DPW Superintendent. The meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2023, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom.

• Discussion of one-way street on Old Lyman Road
• Disaster preparedness and city inventory review with emergency officials
• DPW pedestrian safety plan presentation
• Approval of minutes from October 20, 2022

The committee voted to request a full cost analysis from the DPW to determine the expense of widening Old Lyman Road to allow for two-way traffic. The road currently remains a one-way street due to safety concerns regarding its narrow width. The committee also discussed disaster preparedness and pedestrian safety on Chicopee Street.

• Approved motion to send request to Mayor's office for DPW cost analysis to widen Old Lyman Road
• Placed disaster preparedness and inventory discussion on file
• Approved minutes of October 20, 2022
• Amended pedestrian safety plan presentation date to March 23

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will meet to consider a home occupation license for a baking business and two zone change applications for residential developments. Both zone change applicants have requested continuances, which the committee will consider. The committee will also review minutes from its February 22, 2023 meeting.

• Home Occupation License for baking business at 82 9th Avenue, applicant Susan Gendron
• Zone change to Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District for 33,130 SF at 105 East Street (Parcel ID 0149-00007), applicant PREM, LLC; continuance requested
• Zone change to Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District for 118,613 +/- SF at 480 and 510 Burnett Road (Parcel IDs 0294-00005 and 0294-00004), applicant Salmar Realty, Inc.; continuance requested
• Minutes of February 22, 2023 meeting

The committee approved a home occupation license for a baking business at 82 9th Avenue. Two applications for Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay Districts were continued to April 26, 2023. The committee also approved the February 22, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Approved home occupation license for baking business at 82 9th Avenue with hours 8 AM – 7 PM, 7 days per week (7-0)
• Continued zone change application for 105 East Street to April 26, 2023 (7-0)
• Continued zone change application for 480 and 510 Burnett Road to April 26, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved February 22, 2023, meeting minutes (7-0)

Retirement Board

The Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting to review administrative and membership items. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and monthly expense warrants.

• Approval of February 27, 2023, meeting minutes
• Review of monthly expense warrants
• Membership, retirement, and transfer applications
• PERAC financial statement and state ethics training
• Comprehensive medical evaluations

The Board approved membership for 12 individuals and processed retirement applications for four employees. It also authorized several fund transfers to other retirement systems and approved staff attendance at the 2023 Spring MACRS Conference.

• Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes (All in Favor)
• Approved monthly expense warrants #03222023 and #03232023 (All in Favor)
• Approved 12 new memberships into the System (All in Favor)
• Approved retirement applications for Daniel McQuade, Jeannine L. Goff, Charles Goff, and Anna Maria Hamblin (All in Favor)
• Approved retirement fund transfers for 10 employees, including a $76,758.17 transfer for Robert J. Wrzesinski (All in Favor)
• Approved payment for Ana Gomes and Lidia Rodriguez to attend the 2023 Spring MACRS Conference (All in Favor)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board is holding a special meeting to discuss the cost of living increase for fiscal year 2024. The meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2023, at City Hall.

• Cost of Living Increase for Fiscal Year 2024

The Retirement Board met to address a cost of living adjustment based on PERAC Memo #4/2023. The board voted to increase the Cost of Living Adjustment to 3% effective July 1, 2023.

• Approved 3% Cost of Living Adjustment effective July 1, 2023 (Unanimous)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider several property tax relief measures for veterans and seniors, including increasing exemptions and reducing interest on deferred taxes. The council will also vote on a $640,043.82 state grant for the East Main Street resurfacing project, appointments, and various ordinances and license matters.

• Approve $640,043.82 MassDOT Winter Recovery grant for East Main Street resurfacing
• Increase real estate exemption for veterans from $500 to $1,000
• Reduce interest on deferred senior property taxes from 8% to 2%
• Adopt ordinance to exempt $1,999 of personal property from taxation
• Order Walmart to appear before License Committee over license compliance

The City Council approved several property tax exemptions for seniors and veterans and accepted a $640,043.82 MassDOT grant for East Main Street resurfacing. The council also confirmed multiple board appointments and referred a license review for Walmart to the License Committee due to trash and safety concerns.

• Approved re-appointment of Stephanie Shaw as Director of Veterans’ Services
• Adopted property tax obligation reduction for veterans in exchange for volunteer services
• Increased Real Estate Exemption for seniors from $500 to $1,000
• Reduced interest rate on deferred property taxes for eligible seniors from 8% to 2%
• Approved $640,043.82 MassDOT grant for East Main Street resurfacing
• Authorized lease of city property at 170 Grove Street
• Referred Walmart's licenses to the License Committee for review of trash and safety issues
• Granted Eversource Gas permission to install 4,711 feet of gas main with restrictions

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider five mayoral appointments to various city boards and commissions, including the Mobile Home Rent Control Board, Electric Light Commission, Veterans Advisory Board, Commission on Disability, and Zoning Board of Appeals. The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from its February 15, 2023 meeting.

• Appointment of Joshua Clark to Mobile Home Rent Control Board (term to Jan 2025)
• Appointment of Daniel Mashia to Chicopee Electric Light Commission (term to Jan 2026)
• Appointment of Michael Patnaude to Veterans Advisory Board (term to Feb 2025)
• Appointment of Nancy Shepard-Murray as associate member of Commission on Disability (term to Mar 2026)
• Appointment of Julia Sudol to Zoning Board of Appeals (term to Jan 2026)

The committee approved five mayoral appointments to various city boards and commissions. The committee also approved the minutes from the February 15, 2023 meeting.

• Approved appointment of Joshua Clark to Mobile Home Rent Control Board (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Daniel Mashia to Chicopee Electric Light Commission (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Michael Patnaude to Veterans Advisory Board (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Nancy Shepard-Murray to Commission on Disability (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Julia Sudol to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to consider several license applications, including a name change for AMF bowling, new common victualer licenses for Sazon Latino and Popeye's, and new mobile food vendor licenses. They will also review special one-day beer/wine permits for events hosted by the Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens, and annual renewals for various establishments. The agenda includes public input, minutes, and routine administrative items.

• Change of D/B/A for AMF bowling, 291 Burnett Rd
• Common Victualer applications: Sazon Latino (129 Broadway), Popeye's (753 Memorial Dr)
• Mobile Common Victualer applications: Adam's Ice Cream, Taco's El Charro's
• Special one-day beer/wine permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (Vietnam Veteran's Day, Spring Dinner, Summer Concert Series)
• 2023 renewals: Cherished Cookie Creations, SMOC (52 Lincoln St, 111 Springfield St), Motel 6 (36 Johnny Cake Hollow Rd)

The License Commission approved several new common victualer and mobile food licenses. The board also granted three special one-day beer and wine permits for senior citizen events and approved several 2023 license renewals.

• Approved change of D/B/A for AMF Bowling (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Sazon Latino (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Popeye’s (4-0)
• Approved Mobile Common Victualer licenses for Adam’s Ice Cream and Taco’s El Charro’s (4-0)
• Approved three special one-day beer/wine permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Common Victualer renewal for Cherished Cookie Creations (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Lodging House renewals for SMOC at 52 Lincoln St and 111 Springfield St (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Innholder renewal for Motel 6 (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on March 8, 2023, to consider an appeal of a building commissioner's decision and two variance requests. The board will also review minutes from the previous meeting and discuss old/new business.

• Appeal of denial to keep 11-13 Hastings St. as four-family dwelling (tabled from Feb. 8)
• Variance to reduce lot area to 8,964 SF and depth to 89.64 ft for new lot at Empire St. (Map 443, Parcels 2-3)
• Variance to reduce frontage to 50 ft, area to 4,470 SF, depth to 89.39 ft for existing two-family at 25-27 State St.
• Minutes from Feb. 8, 2023 meeting
• Discussion of old/new business

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an appeal to keep a property at 11-13 Hastings St. as a legally non-conforming four-family dwelling, provided it is brought up to current Building Code. The Board also accepted the withdrawal of two variance requests for properties on State Street and Empire Street.

• Approved appeal to retain 11-13 Hastings St. as a legally non-conforming four-family dwelling, conditioned on Building Code compliance (6-0)
• Accepted request to withdraw variance application for Empire St. (6-0)
• Accepted request to withdraw variance application for 25-27 State St. (6-0)
• Approved February 8, 2023 minutes (6-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple appropriation orders, including $438,132.86 for police cruisers and other capital purchases, and will vote on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement for UFP Site Built, LLC at 304 Griffith Road. The council will also review zoning special permits, license applications, and committee reports.

• Appropriation of $438,132.86 for Police Special Account for cruiser purchase
• Appropriation of $59,590 for pickup with plow and $35,730 for city vehicles
• TIF agreement with UFP Site Built, LLC for 304 Griffith Road with 70% tax exemption in first year
• Special permit for 4 residential units at 1682 Memorial Drive
• License reviews for Wicked Cycles, Inc. and Royal Coach Sales, LLC at 576 East Street

The City Council approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement for UFP Site Built, LLC and Griffith Road Property Owner, LLC to create 60 jobs. The Council also denied the purchase of 350 Memorial Drive for school offices and rejected a garage special permit at 19 Dale Street.

• Approved TIF agreement for UFP Site Built, LLC and Griffith Road Property Owner, LLC (Unanimous)
• Denied special permit for garage at 19 Dale Street (Unanimous)
• Approved special permit to convert single family home to multifamily at 368 Britton Street (Unanimous)
• Approved special permit and waivers for pole sign at 1801 Memorial Drive (Unanimous)
• Denied purchase of 350 Memorial Drive for School Administration Offices (12-0, 1 abstained)
• Approved $138,132.86 for Police Special Account to purchase cruisers (Unanimous)
• Approved $59,590.00 for City Hall Maintenance to purchase pickup w/plow (Unanimous)
• Approved $35,730.00 for City Hall Maintenance to purchase Ford Escape (Unanimous)

City Council - Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to review a proposed road line striping change for East Main Street. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from a prior meeting. No other substantive items are listed.

• Review proposed road line striping change for East Main Street
• Approve minutes of November 14, 2022

The committee approved a proposal to repave and reduce two lanes to one on a section of East Main Street from the American Legion Memorial Bridge to the Springfield city line. The decision includes a condition to extend the lane striping to accommodate a resident's driveway access. The committee also approved the November 14, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Approved road line striping changes for East Main Street with condition to extend lane (4-0)
• Approved November 14, 2022 minutes (4-0)

Dental Trust Committee

The Chicopee Dental Trust Committee is meeting to review prior meeting minutes, introduce a new Schools Human Resource Director, and discuss the FY 2022 claims history and financial results for the Dental Trust and the Health Reimbursement Account (MERP). The agenda is routine and contains no votes or public hearings.

• Review of prior meeting minutes from 07/12/2022
• Introduction of Deborah Green as new Schools Human Resource Director
• FY 2022 claims history and financial results for Dental Trust
• Health Reimbursement Account (MERP) financial review

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on March 2, 2023, to consider several site plans and waivers. Items include a Walmart expansion, a new self-storage facility, a frontage waiver for a two-family house, and endorsement of an as-built subdivision plan. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Site plan with waiver for 6,315 SF addition to Walmart at 545 Memorial Dr.
• Definitive site plan for new self-storage facility on Shawinigan Dr.
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 50' for 25-27 State St.
• Endorsement of as-built plan for Stockbridge Estates (Stockbridge St. and Lenox Rd.)
• Approval of minutes from January 26 and February 2, 2023

The Board approved preliminary site plans for a Walmart addition and definitive site plans for a new self-storage facility on Shawinigan Dr. It also endorsed the As-Built Subdivision Plan for Stockbridge Estates and approved two Acts No Regulation (ANR) filings. A request to waive preliminary site plan requirements for Walmart was denied.

• Denied waiver of Preliminary Site Plan submittal for Walmart at 545 Memorial Dr. (6-0)
• Approved Preliminary Site Plans for Walmart addition at 545 Memorial Dr. (6-0)
• Approved Definitive Site Plans for self-storage facility at Shawinigan Dr. (6-0)
• Approved and endorsed As-Built Subdivision Plan for Stockbridge Estates (6-0)
• Approved ANR for 5 Ames St. (6-0)
• Approved ANR for 20 Columba St. (6-0)
• Tabled frontage waiver for 25-27 State St. to April 6, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved minutes from January 26 and February 2, 2023 (6-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss an amended order for the South Fairview Sewer Separation and Water Replacement Project, which involves modifying about 250 linear feet of sanitary sewer alignment near 184 James St. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes, signing bills, and discussion of upcoming projects.

• Amended Order of Conditions for South Fairview Sewer Separation and Water Replacement Project (File # NOI 22-005)
• Modification of approximately 250 linear feet of sanitary sewer alignment near 184 James St.
• Applicant: Elizabette Batista, Chicopee DPW, 115 Baskin Dr.
• Minutes from February 1, 2023
• Sign bills and upcoming projects discussion

The Conservation Commission approved an Amended Order of Conditions for the South Fairview Sewer Separation and Water Replacement Project. The amendment allows for additional sanitary sewer alignment and alterations to the Terrace Escarpment Soils Buffer Zone. The commission also approved the minutes from the February 1, 2023 meeting.

• Approved Amended Order of Conditions for South Fairview Sewer Separation and Water Replacement Project (5-0)
• Approved February 1, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on February 27, 2023. The board is scheduled to approve minutes from January, review expense and payroll warrants, and discuss retirement calculations and membership applications.

• Approval of monthly expense warrant and payroll warrant
• Review of retirement calculations and accidental disability retirement calculation
• Discussion of interest rate for 2023
• Board meeting dates for 2023
• Comprehensive medical evaluations

The Board approved several new system memberships, retirement applications, and member refunds. It also authorized the purchase of a new paper folding machine and decided how to handle a billing discrepancy with MTRS.

• Approved membership for 8 individuals (All in favor)
• Approved retirement applications for Maureen Van Buren, Arthur Potter, Patricia Coleman, and George Gaouette (All in favor)
• Approved refunds for Deborah Edwards ($58,553.35), Richard Hamlin ($9,905.29), Raul Lopez ($7,406.05), and Christopher Lupien ($12,190.84) (All in favor)
• Accepted accidental disability calculation for Chad Foisy at $63,761.52 per year (All in favor)
• Approved paying the MTRS 3 8 (C) bill using the Board's own calculations and adjusting the bill accordingly (All in favor)
• Approved purchase of a Smartfold Automatic Paper Folder for $2,420.80 (All in favor)
• Approved January 25, 2023 meeting minutes (All in favor)
• Approved monthly expense warrants #02272023 and payroll warrants #01312023 and 402282023 (All in favor)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee License Committee is reviewing applications for auto repair, detailing, sales, and hawkers/peddlers licenses, and will also review existing licenses held by United Sons Auto Sales, Royal Coach Sales, and Wicked Cycles, with possible modification, suspension, fines, or revocation. The agenda is mostly routine license matters, with no major policy decisions.

• Auto Body/Auto Repair License for Tony & Sons Auto Service at 170 South Street
• Class II License for Montgomery Street Truck, Auto and Equipment Sales at 330 Montgomery Street
• Hawkers & Peddlers License to sell ice cream at school/park locations
• License review for United Sons Auto Sales, 400 D East Main Street
• License review for Royal Coach Sales and Wicked Cycles at 576 East Street

The License Committee approved several applications for auto repair, detailing, and sales licenses with specific operational restrictions. The committee also approved a hawker's license for ice cream sales and modified existing licenses for businesses at 576 East Street.

• Approved Auto Body/Auto Repair and Auto Detailing licenses for Tony & Sons Auto Service & Sales, Leasing & Rental, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved Class II, Auto Detailing, and Auto Repair licenses for Montgomery Street Truck, Auto and Equipment Sales, LLC (5-0)
• Approved Hawkers & Peddlers license for Iro Mitchener to sell dairy-free ice cream (5-0)
• Postponed Auto Repair license application for Kins Auto Repair II (5-0)
• Approved restrictions for United Sons Auto Sales, LLC (5-0)
• Approved reduction of outside vehicles to 1 for Royal Coach Sales, LLC (5-0)
• Approved reduction of outside parking to 4 spaces and total vehicles to 22 for Wicked Cycles, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes (5-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is considering the School Committee's request to purchase property at 350 Memorial Drive for school administration offices. The committee will discuss the request and seek answers to questions about space needs, appraisal, retrofit costs, maintenance costs, and whether ESSER funds can be used. The item is also being sent to the Education Committee for separate discussion. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

• School Committee request to purchase 350 Memorial Drive for administrative offices
• Request for appraisal of the property
• Request for total retrofit cost estimate
• Request for annual maintenance cost estimate
• Request for state letter on ESSER fund use ($8.3 million)

The Finance Committee voted to deny a motion supporting the School Committee's request to purchase 350 Memorial Drive for administrative offices. The committee also voted to place a separate request to send the matter to the Finance and Education Committees on file. Minutes from the February 1, 2023 meeting were approved.

• Denied support for purchase of 350 Memorial Drive using ESSER funds (4-2)
• Placed request to send 350 Memorial Drive purchase to Finance and Education Committees on file (Passed)
• Approved February 1, 2023 meeting minutes (Passed)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public meeting to review three special permit applications: a garage as a principal structure, a single-family home conversion to a two-unit multifamily, and a new pole sign with requested waivers. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Special permit for garage as principal structure at 19 Dale Street (applicant Steven Gardner)
• Special permit to convert single-family home to two 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartments at 368 Britton Street (applicant Zachary Jacobson)
• Special permit for new pole sign at 1801 Memorial Drive, with waivers for setback (25 ft to 0.5 ft) and sign area (80 SF to 98 SF) (applicant Sign Techniques, Inc.)
• Approval of minutes from January 25, 2023

The committee approved a special permit to convert a single-family home into a two-unit multifamily home and granted waivers for a new pole sign. A request for a garage as a principal structure was denied due to the applicant's failure to provide plans and allow property inspections.

• Denied special permit for garage as principal structure at 19 Dale Street
• Approved conversion of single-family home to two-unit multifamily home at 368 Britton Street with conditions
• Approved setback waiver from 25' to +/- 0.5' for pole sign at 1801 Memorial Drive
• Approved sign surface area waiver from 80 SF to 98 SF for pole sign at 1801 Memorial Drive
• Approved January 25, 2023 meeting minutes

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review requests for park and field use, including book bins, flag and tackle football, a 5K run, a soccer clinic, and spring field use. They will also discuss maintenance, recreation programs, old business like the PARC grant and Bemis Pond dam removal, and a proposed rule against overnight parking in park lots.

• Request from Holyoke–Chicopee Family & Community Program for book bins at Lincoln Grove Park and Sheridan Street Mini Park
• Request from Chicopee Galaxy Youth Athletic Association for Bellamy Middle School fields for flag football (April–July) and tackle football (August–October)
• Request from Kane's Krusade for Pawsome 5K Run/Walk at Szot Park on October 21, 2023, 7am–1pm, with pavilion and bathroom use
• Request from Brent Dillard for Gold Star Soccer clinic at Ike Alpert Park, July 31–August 4, 9am–3pm daily
• New rule proposed: no overnight parking in park lots

The Commission approved a new rule prohibiting overnight parking in park lots to allow police enforcement. Several requests for park use by youth sports and community groups were approved, while a movie filming request was tabled.

• Approved rule banning overnight parking in park lots
• Approved book bins at Lincoln Grove and Sheridan Street Mini Park
• Approved Chicopee Galaxy Youth Athletic Association field use at Bellamy Middle School
• Approved Kane’s Krusade Pawsome 5K Run/Walk at Szot Park
• Approved Gold Star Soccer clinic at Ike Alpert Park and Zoo Program at Williams Park
• Approved AJAC Soccer field use at Williams, Bellamy, Ray Ash, and Rivers/Litwin
• Approved Fitness/Wellness Fest at Szot Park
• Approved Mission Worthy Group Autism Walk at Szot Park (contingent on timing)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider eight mayoral appropriations totaling $285,224.71 from the Stabilization Fund for various accounts including golf equipment, police and fire indemnifications, vehicles, and fire overtime. The Council will also vote on declaring 13 parcels on Ames Avenue and Riverview Terrace as surplus or encroachments to be sold to abutters, and will hear reports on several appointments and ordinance changes.

• Appropriations: $43,835 (Golf Equipment), $7,911.51 (Golf Maintenance), $41,278.21 (HR Indemnifications), $35,000 (DPW Vehicles), $27,000 (Fire Overtime), $100,000 (Law Special Services), $30,000 (Emergency Management)
• Accept $500 donation from Blue Room Café owner Gary Ziemba for the Fire Department
• Declare 13 parcels on Ames Avenue and Riverview Terrace surplus/encroachment for sale to abutters
• New ordinance to regulate flag display on City Hall Plaza, establishing order of precedence
• Proposed ordinance to define unreasonable noise as >50 decibels (11pm-7am) or >70 decibels at other times

The City Council approved multiple mayoral appropriations for golf course equipment, public safety overtime, and legal services. New ordinances were passed regarding noise levels for boom boxes, increased city code fines, and specific parking prohibitions on Beaudry Avenue and Bourbeau Street. Several zoning and permit applications were referred to committees for further review.

• Approved $43,835 for golf course equipment (Unanimous)
• Approved $7,911.51 for golf course maintenance (Unanimous)
• Approved $41,278.21 for police and fire indemnifications (12-1)
• Approved $35,000 for a DPW replacement pick-up truck (Unanimous)
• Approved $27,000 for fire department overtime (Unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for Law Expense Account special services (Unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 for Emergency Management grant spending (Unanimous)
• Approved ordinance defining boom box noise limits (Unanimous)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to discuss a City Council proposal to ban nip bottles, hold hearings for Lucky Strike and Gnow's Place, and consider a change of manager for Applebee's. The commission will also review 2023 license renewals for several businesses, including common victualer, lodging house, and innholder licenses, along with filing fees and hearing policies.

• Application for Change of Manager for Applebee's, 597 Memorial Dr
• Hearing for Lucky Strike
• Hearing for Gnow's Place
• Discussion of City Council proposed ban on nip bottles
• 2023 renewals: The Corner Store, Dairy Queen, Quality Inn, KFC, 2 Brothers Mini Mart, VOC, Folta Properties

The Commission approved a change of manager for Applebee’s and an amusement license for Atlas Pub. Several common victualer, lodging house, and innholder renewals were approved. The board also discussed a proposed city-wide ban on nip bottles and updated its hearing and deliberation policies.

• Approved change of manager for Applebee’s (4-0)
• Approved automatic amusement license for Atlas Pub (4-0)
• Approved common victualer renewals for The Corner Store, Dairy Queen, Quality Inn, KFC, and 2 Brothers Mini Mart (4-0)
• Approved lodging house renewals for VOC and Folta Properties (4-0)
• Approved innholder renewal for Quality Inn (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)
• Updated Hearing and Deliberation policies to allow cross-examination during hearings
• Tabled action on nip bottle ban pending communication from City Council

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee is reviewing four mayoral appointments to local boards and commissions, plus minutes from a prior meeting. The appointments are for the Mobile Home Rent Control Board, the Electric Light Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The committee will likely vote to recommend these appointments to the full City Council.

• Appointment of Joshua Clark to Mobile Home Rent Control Board, term to Jan 1, 2025
• Appointment of Lester Gagne to Mobile Home Rent Control Board, term to Jan 1, 2025
• Appointment of Daniel Mashia to Chicopee Electric Light Commission, term to Jan 1, 2026
• Appointment of Julia Sudol to Zoning Board of Appeals, term to Jan 1, 2026
• Approval of minutes from January 24, 2023

The committee approved the mayoral appointment of Lester Gagne to the Mobile Home Rent Control Board. Three other mayoral appointments were postponed to the call of the chair. The committee also approved the minutes from January 24, 2023.

• Approved mayoral appointment of Lester Gagne to Mobile Home Rent Control Board (5-0)
• Postponed mayoral appointment of Joshua Clark to Mobile Home Rent Control Board (5-0)
• Postponed mayoral appointment of Daniel Mashia to Chicopee Electric Light Commission (5-0)
• Postponed mayoral appointment of Julia Sudol to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Approved January 24, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board is holding a special meeting to review and respond to two Open Meeting Law complaints filed about its February 2, 2023 meeting. The complaints were submitted by Councilor Derek Dobosz and resident Glenn LaPlante. No other business is on the agenda; the board will adjourn to its next regular meeting on March 2.

• Review of Open Meeting Law complaints from Councilor Derek Dobosz and Glenn LaPlante
• Complaints concern the Planning Board's February 2, 2023 meeting
• Next regular meeting scheduled for March 2, 2023

The Board reviewed two Open Meeting Law complaints regarding a February 2, 2023 meeting. The Board decided that no further hearings were warranted and authorized the Associate City Solicitor to draft a response to the complainants and the Massachusetts Attorney General.

• Approved motion to delegate Associate City Solicitor Kevin Corridan to draft response letters to the Massachusetts Attorney General, Councilor Derek Dobosz, and Glenn LaPlante (4-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will consider several proposed ordinance changes, including adding intern positions to multiple city departments, establishing rules for flag displays at City Hall, updating bulky waste pickup rules, and setting decibel limits for noise. The committee will also discuss placing a ballot question about snow and ice removal from private ways on the November 2023 ballot, review the tag sale policy, and act on several parking and traffic orders.

• Add intern positions to Police, Fire, Human Resources, Mayor, Library, Health, Parks & Recreation; intern/co-op to DPW and Police
• New Chapter 88: flag display policy for City Hall plaza, with order of precedence (US, MA, Chicopee) and mayoral half-staff authority
• Amend Chapter 200-4: noise limit of 50 dB (11pm-7am) and 70 dB (other times) measured at property line
• New enforcement: fines $50/$100/$500 for Chapter 169 violations (bulky waste)
• Ballot question on allowing city to fund snow/ice removal on private ways

The committee approved higher fines for illegal dumping and updated decibel limits for unreasonable noise. Several items, including a proposed flag display ordinance and a ballot question regarding private road plowing, were postponed for further review.

• Approved adding Intern and Intern/Co-op positions to multiple city departments
• Approved noise ordinance update defining unreasonable noise as >50dB (11pm-7am) and >70dB otherwise
• Approved increasing illegal dumping fines to $50 (1st), $100 (2nd), and $500 (3rd/subsequent)
• Postponed ordinance establishing guidelines for displaying flags at City Hall
• Postponed revisions to bulky waste pick-up ordinance
• Postponed ballot question regarding appropriation of funds for private road snow removal
• Postponed review of the city's tag sale policy
• Approved parking prohibitions on Beaudry Avenue and Bourbeau Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals tabled an appeal to retain a property as a four-family dwelling pending more information from the Building Commissioner and City Assessor’s Office. The board also approved the minutes from the January 11, 2023 meeting.

• Tabled appeal for 11-13 Hastings St. four-family dwelling status to March 8, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved January 11, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple appropriations from the Stabilization Fund, including $200,000 for signal maintenance, $150,000 for parks water, and $158,000 plus $70,000 for Uniroyal building remediation/demolition. They will also vote on accepting a $4.49 million state grant for nitrogen reduction, a $500,000 earmark for library improvements, and several smaller donations. The agenda includes zoning special permits, ordinance changes (e.g., alcohol bottle size, noise, bulky waste), and appointments to boards.

• $4,492,187 MassDEP grant for nitrogen reduction
• $500,000 state earmark for former library building improvements
• $200,000 for D.P.W. Highway Signal Maintenance
• $158,000 and $70,000 for Uniroyal Buildings remediation/demolition
• Ordinance to ban sale of alcohol bottles under 50 milliliters

The City Council approved several Mayor's appropriations for DPW maintenance, Uniroyal building remediation, and HR modernization. The board also granted special permits for outside storage at 301 Griffith Road and a digital sign at 603 New Ludlow Road, while accepting over $4.5 million in state and federal grants.

• Approved $200,000 for D.P.W. Highway Signal Maintenance
• Approved $150,000 for D.P.W. Parks water expenses
• Approved $158,000 and $70,000 for Uniroyal Buildings remediation/demolition
• Approved $37,883 for Human Resources account modernization
• Approved special permit and waiver for increased outside storage at 301 Griffith Road
• Approved $4,492,187 MassDEP grant for effluent nitrogen reduction
• Approved $500,000 state earmark for former municipal library building improvements
• Denied $100,000 appropriation for Law Expense Account (8-3)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on two zone change requests to apply the Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District to properties on Burnett Rd. and East St. for residential development. The board will also review a tabled site plan for a carwash, a Walmart expansion, and other administrative items.

• Zone change for 118,613 SF at 480 and 510 Burnett Rd. for residential development (Salmar Realty, Inc.)
• Zone change for 33,130 SF at 105 East St. for residential development (PREM, LLC)
• Tabled modified definitive site plan for Washville Carwash at Chicopee Crossing, Memorial Dr.
• Tabled site plan for 6,315 SF addition to Walmart at 545 Memorial Dr. with parking restriping
• Approval of minutes from January 5, 2023

The Planning Board recommended approval for two residential development overlay districts and approved a modified site plan for a carwash. Two property transfer requests were approved, while a Walmart expansion site plan was tabled.

• Recommended approval of Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District for 480 and 510 Burnett Rd. (3-1)
• Recommended approval of Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District for 105 East St. (3-1)
• Approved Modified Definitive Site Plan for Washville Carwash with conditions (4-0)
• Tabled Walmart building addition and parking restriping site plan to March 2, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved ANR for Freedom St. - William Olbrys (4-0)
• Approved ANR for Broadway St - Equity Trust Company (4-0)
• Approved January 5, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission issued determinations for the resurfacing of East Main Street from the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to the Springfield city line. The project involves cold-planing, adjusting utility structures, and new pavement overlay. The Commission also approved the minutes from the January 18, 2023 meeting.

• Issued Positive 5 and Negative 5 Determination for East Main Street resurfacing (5-0)
• Approved January 18, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider appropriating $100,000 from the stabilization fund to the law expense account for special services. The committee will also discuss financial issues related to Bluebird Acres Mobile Home Park and review minutes from two prior meetings.

• $100,000 appropriation to Law Expense Account for Special Services (Acct# 11510002-538000) from Stabilization Fund (Acct# 83001008-599980)
• Discussion of financial issues at Bluebird Acres Mobile Home Park
• Approval of minutes from April 12, 2022 and June 30, 2022

The Finance Committee approved a $100,000 appropriation from the Stabilization Fund for special legal services. The committee also voted to place a discussion regarding Bluebird Acres Mobile Home Park on file and approved minutes from two 2022 meetings.

• Approved $100,000 appropriation from Stabilization Fund to Law Expense Account for special services (7-0)
• Voted to place discussion on Bluebird Acres Mobile Home Park financial issues on file (7-0)
• Approved minutes from April 13, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (7-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board is holding a special meeting to review and respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Councilor Derek Dobosz regarding the board's January 5, 2023 meeting. The agenda contains only this complaint review and adjournment, with the next regular meeting scheduled for February 2, 2023.

• Review of Open Meeting Law complaint from Councilor Derek Dobosz, Ward 6, 70 Post Rd., received January 17, 2023, regarding January 5, 2023 meeting
• Adjournment; next meeting scheduled for February 2, 2023

The Planning Board reviewed a complaint from Councilor Derek Dobosz regarding a lack of public comment at a January 5 meeting. The Board determined no violation occurred and authorized the City Law Department to send a formal response.

• Approved motion to admit to no wrongdoing regarding Open Meeting Law complaint (5-0)
• Approved delegation to Associate City Solicitor Kevin Corridan to draft response letters to the Massachusetts Attorney General and Councilor Derek Dobosz (5-0)

Mobile Home Rent Control Board

The Chicopee Mobile Home Rent Control Board is meeting to approve prior minutes and hold hearings on rent increase requests from Holiday Circle and Kon Tiki Village. The board will also address old and new business.

• Approve minutes of October 26, 2022 meeting
• Holiday Circle rent increase request hearing
• Kon Tiki Village rent increase request hearing

The Board approved the minutes from three previous 2022 meetings. Members voted to schedule a hearing for January 25, 2023, to determine if rent increases for Holiday and Kon Tike should be approved.

• Approved minutes of April 27, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 4, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 15, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Scheduled rent increase hearing for January 25, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. (Unanimous)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will review five special permit requests, each with requested waivers from zoning rules. Items include a new digital sign, a pole sign, increased outdoor storage, a garage as a principal structure, and a small wireless facility. The committee will also approve minutes from a prior meeting.

• Special permit for digital sign with dimensional relief at 603 New Ludlow Road, waiver for front setback from 25' to +/-1'
• Special permit for pole sign at 1801 Memorial Drive, waivers for setback from 25' to +/-0.5' and sign area from 80 SF to 98 SF
• Special permit to increase outside storage from 2% to 5% of building footprint (3,021 SF to 7,531 SF) at 301 Griffith Road
• Special permit for garage as principal structure at 19 Dale Street
• Special permit for small wireless facility on utility pole at 56 Foss Avenue by Verizon Wireless

The committee approved a special permit for a digital sign at 603 New Ludlow Road and an increase in outside storage for a business at 301 Griffith Road. A request for a garage as a principal structure at 19 Dale Street was postponed, and a wireless facility application was withdrawn.

• Approved special permit and setback waiver for digital sign at 603 New Ludlow Road
• Approved special permit and waiver to increase outside storage from 2% to 5% at 301 Griffith Road
• Postponed special permit for garage as principal structure at 19 Dale Street to Feb 22, 2023
• Postponed pole sign special permit at 1801 Memorial Drive to Feb 22, 2023
• Accepted withdrawal of wireless facility application at 56 Foss Avenue
• Approved November 30, 2022 meeting minutes

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board is meeting for its regular monthly business, including approval of minutes, expense and payroll warrants, and an executive session. The board will also discuss accidental disability applications, a PERAC memo on COLA, retirement calculations, refunds, transfers, and other administrative items.

• Accidental Disability Application/Medical Panel Review
• PERAC Memo #4/2023 COLA
• Board Approval of Monthly Expense Warrant and Payroll Warrant
• Retirement Calculations and Superannuation Recalculations
• Executive Session

The Board approved an accidental disability retirement application for a Housing Authority manager and scheduled a special meeting for March 22, 2023, to vote on a 3.0% cost of living adjustment. Two other disability applications were tabled pending legal opinions. The Board also approved 20 new system memberships and several retirement calculations.

• Approved accidental disability retirement for David Dymek (All in favor)
• Tabled disability applications for Jeffrey Sousa and Michael Mailhott pending legal opinion (All in favor)
• Scheduled special public meeting on March 22, 2023, to vote on 3.0% COLA increase (All in favor)
• Approved 20 individuals for system membership (All in favor)
• Approved retirement application for Deputy Chief David D. Beauregard (All in favor)
• Approved three membership refunds totaling $9,654.43 (All in favor)
• Approved four system transfers totaling $69,918.04 (All in favor)
• Approved yearly pension calculations for M. Alvarado, D. Beauregard, S. Burnham, T. Hamelin, and L. Lazarz (All in favor)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and decide on a cost of living increase for fiscal year 2023, retroactive to July 1, 2022. The agenda contains only this single substantive item.

• Cost of Living Increase for FY2023, retroactive to July 1, 2022

The Board voted to increase the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all eligible retirees to 5% for Fiscal Year 2023. This action is retroactive to July 1, 2022, following the signing of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022. The increase will be processed in the February 2023 pension payroll.

• Approved increase in Cost of Living for all eligible retirees up to 5% effective July 1, 2022 (All in favor)

Mobile Home Rent Control Board

The Chicopee Mobile Home Rent Control Board will meet to approve minutes from October 2022 and hold public hearings on rent increase requests from Holiday Circle and Kon Tiki Village. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Holiday Circle rent increase hearing
• Kon Tiki Village rent increase hearing
• Approval of October 26, 2022 meeting minutes

The Board scheduled a hearing to determine if rent increases for Holiday and Kon Tike should be approved. The Board also approved minutes from three previous 2022 meetings.

• Approved minutes of April 27, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 4, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 15, 2022 (unanimous)
• Scheduled rent increase hearing for January 25, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. (unanimous)

Mobile Home Rent Control Board

The Chicopee Mobile Home Rent Control Board is meeting to approve prior minutes and hold public hearings on rent increase requests from Holiday Circle and Kon Tiki Village mobile home parks. The agenda also includes old and new business items. This is a regular meeting with substantive rent-related decisions on the table.

• Holiday Circle rent increase hearing
• Kon Tiki Village rent increase hearing
• Approval of October 26, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee is meeting to consider appointments to several city boards and commissions. The agenda includes nominations to the Board of Health Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning Board, plus approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Ernest Mathieu to the Board of Health Commission
• Janet Ely to the Board of Health Commission
• Theresa Devlin to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term expiring January 3, 2026
• Julia Sudol to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term expiring January 1, 2026
• Nathan Moreau to the Planning Board, term expiring January 3, 2028

The committee approved the appointments of Ernest Mathieu and Janet Ely to the Board of Health Commission, Theresa Devlin to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Nathan Moreau to the Planning Board. One appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals was postponed.

• Approved Ernest Mathieu to the Board of Health Commission (5-0)
• Approved Janet Ely to the Board of Health Commission (5-0)
• Approved Theresa Devlin to the Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Postponed appointment of Julia Sudol to the Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Approved Nathan Moreau to the Planning Board (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 10, 2023 (5-0)

ARPA Committee

The Chicopee ARPA Advisory Committee is meeting to review administrative updates, project status reports, and new funding proposals, including DPW matching funds, a non-profit program for Harmony House, and ChicopeeWORKS. They will also receive updates on prior proposals such as Bellamy House, Economic Development/Business Assistance, and Delta Park Infrastructure. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific dollar amounts or decisions listed.

• DPW Matching Funds proposal
• Non-profit Program for Harmony House
• ChicopeeWORKS proposal
• Updates on Bellamy House, Economic Development/Business Assistance, and Delta Park Infrastructure

The committee approved matching funds for a Nitrogen Reduction project and a $25,000 award to Harmony House for capital improvements and operating costs. A funding request for ChicopeeWORKS was determined to be ineligible. The committee also reviewed the status of the Bellamy House rehab and economic development webinars.

• Approved allocation of matching funds for Nitrogen Reduction project (All in favor)
• Approved $25,000 award to Harmony House (All in favor)
• Determined ChicopeeWORKS program was not eligible for funding
• Approved minutes from previous meeting (All in favor)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes, hearing public input, and reviewing communications. They will consider requests for park use, including a motor vehicle awareness walk, a BSA picnic, and softball field use. The commission will also receive updates on maintenance, recreation programs, and old business items such as the PARC grant, Bemis Pond dam removal, and the Lincoln Grove playground project, as well as new business including fireworks and budget transfers.

• Request from Veronica Shippy for Motor Vehicle Awareness Walk at Szot Park on April 29, 2023
• Request from Matt Tassinari for BSA Volunteer Recognition Picnic at Szot Park Pavilion on May 21, 2023
• Request from Bre Marcyoniak for Elms College Women's Softball field use at Szot Park in late March/early April
• PARC Grant final pool start up in June 2023
• 2023 Fireworks scheduled for June 24th

The Commission approved several event requests for Szot Park and set the 2023 fireworks date. It also authorized budget transfers to cover increased water costs and updated the warrant signing process under the Municipal Modernization Act.

• Approved June 24, 2023 date for fireworks
• Approved budget transfers of leftover salary money to cover excess water costs
• Approved Motor Vehicle Awareness Walk at Szot Park for April 29, 2023
• Approved BSA Volunteer Recognition Picnic at Szot Park Pavilion for May 21, 2023
• Approved tentative field use at Szot Park for Elms College Women’s Softball
• Approved Pride Fest at Szot Park for June 10, contingent on vendor licensing
• Elected Comm Buxton as primary and Comm Bresnahan as alternate warrant signees
• Approved minutes from December 15, 2022 meeting

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission is meeting to discuss noise complaints, review hearing procedures, and consider applications for new and renewed licenses. New applications include a common victualer license for Hot Table and a mobile common victualer license for La Taqueria Del Pueblo, plus a change of D/B/A for Paddy's 733. The commission will also review 2023 renewals for numerous establishments and updates on previously approved applications.

• Application for a Common Victualer license for Hot Table, 464 Memorial Dr (new)
• Application for a Mobile Common Victualer license for La Taqueria Del Pueblo (new)
• Application for a Change of D/B/A for Paddy's 733, LLC, 733 Chicopee St
• 2023 renewals for Common Victualer licenses, including Al's Diner, Friendly's, and multiple Subway locations
• Discussion concerning noise complaints

The Commission approved several new and renewal applications for common victualer, mobile victualer, and lodging licenses. Members discussed updating hearing procedures to allow cross-examination and reviewed the standard process for noise complaints.

• Approved change of D/B/A for Paddy’s 733, LLC (4-0)
• Approved new Common Victualer license for Hot Table (4-0)
• Approved new Mobile Common Victualer license for La Taqueria Del Pueblo (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer with Weekday Entertainment renewal for Goodworks Coffee House (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer renewals for 15 businesses including Al’s Diner and Domino’s (4-0)
• Approved Lodging House renewal for Joana Nunes (4-0)
• Approved Innholder renewals for Tru by Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Pines Motel (4-0)
• Scheduled hearing for Rumbleseat for the February meeting

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for a determination of applicability (RDA) for a 4,201-square-foot automatic car wash at Chicopee Crossing, 530 Memorial Dr. The project may involve site work within the buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. The commission will also review prior meeting minutes and discuss upcoming projects.

• RDA for 4,201 SF automatic car wash at 530 Memorial Dr., Chicopee Crossing
• Applicant: Garnett Reynolds Holdings, LLC, c/o Jim Waterman, Greenwich, CT
• Potential work within Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland
• Review of December 21, 2022 minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for February 1, 2023

The Conservation Commission approved several determinations for the construction of a 4,201 SF automatic car wash at Chicopee Crossing. The project includes site work within a Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. The commission also approved the minutes from the December 21, 2022 meeting.

• Issued Positive 2A, Positive 5, Positive 6, and Negative 3 Determinations for car wash at 530 Memorial Dr. (6-0)
• Approved December 21, 2022 meeting minutes (4-2 abstentions)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider several mayoral appropriations, including $250,000 for water chemicals, plus smaller transfers for wastewater, asset management, and a copier. The council will also vote on appointments to boards and confirm grants for fire education programs. Several license renewals and ordinance changes, including a home occupation ordinance rewrite, are on the agenda.

• $250,000 transfer to D.P.W. Water Expense for chemicals and lab supplies
• $33,000 for wastewater lab analysis and $75,000 for water asset management plan
• Acceptance of $2,677 and $6,781 S.A.F.E. fire education grants
• Appointments to Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and City Solicitor
• Ordinance to create home occupation license and special permit lapse rule

The City Council ordained a minimum wage increase to $15.00 for several city employee groups. The council also approved multiple mayoral appropriations for water and purchasing accounts and confirmed the re-appointment of the Associate City Solicitor.

• Approved minimum wage increase to $15.00 for Group 3 and 4 employees (unanimous)
• Approved $250,000 appropriation for D.P.W. Water chemicals and supplies (unanimous)
• Approved $33,000 appropriation for C.S.O. lab analysis (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 appropriation for Water Asset Management Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 appropriation for a new central photocopier (unanimous)
• Accepted S.A.F.E. grants for Fire Department senior and student education ($2,677 and $6,781)
• Confirmed re-appointment of Daniel Garvey as Associate City Solicitor (12-0-1)
• Authorized Mayor to negotiate lease for 170 Grove Street (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request to increase outdoor storage at 301 Griffith Rd from 7,531+/- SF to 238,406+/- SF. The board will also review minutes from the November 9, 2022 meeting and discuss old/new business before adjourning.

• Variance request to increase outdoor storage from 7,531+/- SF to 238,406+/- SF at 301 Griffith Rd
• Applicant: Griffith Road Property Owner, LLC, Boston, MA
• Review of minutes from November 9, 2022
• Discussion of old/new business

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to increase outdoor storage at 301 Griffith Rd for the manufacturing of roof trusses. This approval is contingent upon the City Council granting a required Special Permit. The board also approved the minutes from November 9, 2022.

• Approved variance to increase outdoor storage from 7,531+/- SF to 238,406 +/- SF at 301 Griffith Rd, contingent upon City Council Special Permit (4-0)
• Approved November 9, 2022 minutes (4-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to Chapter 7 of the city ordinances, specifically a minimum wage increase to $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023, for certain employee groups. The committee will also review minutes from previous meetings.

• Minimum wage increase to $15.00 effective 1/1/23 for Group 3 Council on Aging
• Minimum wage increase to $15.00 for Group 4 Library, Engineering, Highway, Sanitation, Parks, Flood Control, Golf, Water, Wastewater, Parks & Recreation, Human Resources
• Wage adjustments for Parks & Recreation and Golf due to minimum wage increase
• Minutes from November 7, 2022 and December 13, 2022

The committee approved revisions to Chapter 7 to increase the minimum wage to $15.00 effective January 1, 2023. This change affects several city groups, including the Council on Aging, Library, and Parks & Recreation. The committee also approved minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved Chapter 7 Ordinance Revisions to increase minimum wage to $15.00 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from November 7, 2022 and December 13, 2022 (4-0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee is meeting to consider two mayoral appointments to the Planning Board: Jay Paul and Nathan A. Moreau, both for terms expiring January 3, 2028. The committee will also review minutes from its December 13, 2022 meeting.

• Appointment of Jay Paul to Planning Board (term to 2028)
• Appointment of Nathan A. Moreau to Planning Board (term to 2028)
• Approval of minutes from December 13, 2022

The committee approved the mayoral appointment of Jay Paul to the Planning Board. The appointment of Nathan A. Moreau was postponed, and the minutes from December 13, 2022, were approved.

• Approved mayoral appointment of Jay Paul to the Planning Board (4-0)
• Postponed mayoral appointment of Nathan A. Moreau to the Planning Board (4-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 minutes (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission is holding a public hearing to consider a support letter for a proposed cellular monopole at 939 Chicopee Street, tabled from December 13, 2022. The City Council granted a Special Permit for the tower on September 8, 2022. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and general discussion, with no other substantive items listed.

• Tabled support letter for 939 Chicopee Street cell tower by Blue Sky Towers
• Cellular monopole proposed for North Willimansett area
• City Council Special Permit granted September 8, 2022
• Minutes from December 13, 2022 meeting
• Next regular meeting scheduled for February 14, 2023

The Historical Commission voted to issue a letter of support for a proposed 120-foot cellular monopole at 939 Chicopee Street. The commission also approved the minutes from the December 13, 2022 meeting.

• Approved letter of support for 939 Chicopee Street cell tower (5-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a site plan with waiver for a 6,315 square foot addition to the existing Walmart building at 545 Memorial Dr., including restriping of merchandise pickup parking stalls. The agenda also includes approval of ANRs, minutes from December 1, 2022, and new business discussion.

• Site plan with waiver for 6,315 SF Walmart addition at 545 Memorial Dr.
• Restriping of merchandise pickup parking stalls
• Applicant: Amy Miles, PB2 Architecture & Engineering
• ANRs (Approval Not Required) items
• Minutes from December 1, 2022

The Planning Board voted to postpone a hearing regarding a proposed addition to a WalMart building. The board also approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting.

• Tabled hearing for 6,315 SF addition to WalMart at 545 Memorial Dr. to February 2, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0-1)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider accepting state and in-kind donations, appropriating funds for fire equipment and ambulances, and approving a 5% COLA increase for the retirement system. It will also confirm two new Planning Board appointments and vote on several ordinance changes and license renewals.

• Accept $19,308.95 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant
• Appropriate $19,308.95 for fire equipment and $16,500 for ambulances
• Increase FY2023 COLA to 5% for Chicopee Retirement System
• Appoint Nathan A. Moreau and Jay Paul to Planning Board
• Proposed ordinance changes to home occupation and special permit lapse rules

The City Council approved a 5% cost of living adjustment for the Chicopee Retirement System for fiscal year 2023. The council also accepted fire department grants and appropriations for equipment and ambulances, and approved several business license renewals.

• Approved 5% COLA increase for Chicopee Retirement System for FY2023 (Unanimous)
• Accepted $19,308.95 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (Unanimous)
• Approved $16,500 appropriation for purchase of ambulances (Unanimous)
• Accepted in-kind Christmas tree donations from BJ'S ($399.99) and Home Depot ($249.00) (Unanimous)
• Referred Planning Board appointments of Nathan A. Moreau and Jay Paul to Human Resource Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred proposed ordinance changes regarding Home Occupation and Mill Conversion to Ordinance Committee (Unanimous)
• Granted Class II License to Royal Coach Sales LLC (Unanimous)
• Renewed auto sales, repair, and detail licenses for Alansari Auto Sales & Repair and Frank’s Used Cars (Unanimous)