Chicopee public meetings in 2025

City Council - Utilities Committee

The Utilities Committee will meet to consider a petition from Eversource Gas of Massachusetts regarding the installation of gas mains. The committee will also review minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting.

• Petition from Eversource Gas of Massachusetts to install and maintain 4,095 feet of 8" and 2" MP plastic gas main on Newbury Street, Belvidere Street, Conrad Street, Eldridge Street, Magnolia Terrace, and Greenleaf Street

The committee voted to approve Eversource's petition to install a 4,095‑foot gas main on Newbury, Belvidere, Conrad, Eldridge, Magnolia Terrace, and Greenleaf streets. It also approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the session at 6:09 PM.

• Approved Eversource petition to install 4,095 ft gas main on listed streets (5-0)
• Closed public input on the gas main petition (5-0)
• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:09 PM (5-0)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will review several special one‑day permit applications for the Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens, including events in January and February 2026. It will hear applications for a new annual wine malt package store license at 185 Exchange Street and for new common victualer licenses at Sam’s Food Store, L.J.’s Baked Potato Bar, and La Bodega. The board will also hold a hearing for The J & W Banquet Hall and consider a vote to modify the 180‑day license suspension imposed on Bullseye on October 16, 2025.

• Special one‑day permit applications for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (New Years Dinner Jan 8 2026, Lunar New Year Feb 4 2026, Meatloaf Dinner Feb 24 2026) at 5 West Main St
• Application for a new annual wine malt package store license for 185 Exchange Street Food Corp. at 185 Exchange St
• Hearing for The J & W Banquet Hall located at 60 Cabot St
• Proposed modification of the 180‑day license suspension for Bullseye (suspended Oct 16 2025) following an agreement to withdraw the ABCC appeal
• New common victualer license applications: Sam’s Food Store (810 Meadow St), L.J.’s Baked Potato Bar (102 Grove St), La Bodega (51 Springfield St)

The commission denied the application for a new annual wine‑malt package store license at 185 Exchange Street, citing residency requirements and an unfavorable planning board recommendation. It approved three special one‑day beer/wine permits for the Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens with fees waived. The board also reduced Bullseye’s 180‑day suspension to 90 days and approved numerous other licenses and renewals, all by unanimous 5‑0 votes.

• Denied New Annual Wine Malt Package Store license for 185 Exchange St (5‑0)
• Approved Special One‑Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens – New Year’s Dinner Jan 8 2026, fee waived (5‑0)
• Approved Special One‑Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens – Lunar New Year Celebration Feb 4 2026, fee waived (5‑0)
• Approved Special One‑Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens – Meatloaf Dinner Feb 24 2026, fee waived (5‑0)
• Ratified agreement reducing Bullseye’s license suspension from 180 days to 90 days (5‑0)
• Approved Automatic Amusement (1‑Skill Crane) for Price Rite #361, 1600 Memorial Dr (5‑0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Sam’s Food Store, 810 Meadow St (5‑0)
• Approved multiple restaurant, club, and package store license renewals and new issuances (5‑0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee meeting on Dec. 18, 2025 will review a special permit request by Church of the Valley to erect a tent at 603 New Ludlow Rd. It will also consider two zoning change applications: one to change Bus A to Res B for about 12,400 SF at 519 Chicopee St, and another to change Res A to Bus A for about 9,780 SF at 749 James St to open a restaurant. The committee will discuss these items before adjourning.

• Special Permit (Chapter 275-51.1) for Church of the Valley to erect a tent at 603 New Ludlow Rd.
• Zone change Bus A → Res B for ~12,400 SF at 519 Chicopee St.
• Zone change Res A → Bus A for ~9,780 SF at 749 James St (restaurant).

The Zoning Committee approved a Special Permit allowing the Church of the Valley to erect a 20 × 30‑ft tent at 603 New Ludlow Rd. for up to 180 days, with required safety conditions. The Committee also approved a zone change from Business‑A to Residential‑B for about 12,400 sf at 519 Chicopee St. No decision was recorded for the proposed Res‑A to Bus‑A change at 749 James St.

• Approved Special Permit for Church of the Valley tent (180‑day limit) (unanimous)
• Approved zone change Bus‑A → Res‑B for ~12,400 sf at 519 Chicopee St. (unanimous)
• No decision recorded on zone change Res‑A → Bus‑A for ~9,780 sf at 749 James St.

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Notice of Intent for a new single‑family house and driveway in the Riverfront Area on Beaumont Avenue (Parcel 68). The commission will also review the minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting, consider sign bills, and discuss upcoming projects and communications. The meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2025 at 6:15 PM at the RiverMills Senior Center.

• Notice of Intent for new single‑family house and driveway on Beaumont Ave., Parcel 68 (applicant Frank Laflamme)
• Review of minutes from the December 3, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting
• Consideration of sign bills
• Discussion of upcoming projects and communications

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0 to table the notice of intent for a new single‑family house until the January 7, 2026 meeting. It also approved the minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. Finally, the commission approved extending the deadline for Enforcement Order 25‑E001 from December 19, 2025 to January 30, 2026, also by a 5‑0 vote.

• Tabled NOI for new single‑family house until Jan 7, 2026 (5‑0)
• Approved minutes from Dec 3, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved extension of Enforcement Order 25‑E001 deadline to Jan 30, 2026 (5‑0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System Board will review and approve the minutes from its November 19, 2025 meeting, authorize monthly expense warrants, and consider the required fiscal year 2027 appropriation. It will also appoint a chairman and vice‑chairman for 2026 and address various retirement applications and benefit matters.

• Approval of the Board Minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 19, 2025
• Board Approval of Monthly Expense Warrants
• Chairman Appointment for 2026
• Vice‑Chairman Appointment for 2026
• Required Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriation

The Retirement Board accepted the November 19 minutes and approved expense warrants #12172025, #12182025 and payroll warrant #11262025. It appointed Timothy O’Shea as Chairman and Paul Mailhott as Vice‑Chairman for 2026. The board approved multiple superannuation retirements, new system memberships, refund and transfer requests, a survivor benefit, and the FY2027 appropriation totaling $12,500,339. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

• Accepted November 19 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved expense warrants #12172025, #12182025 and payroll warrant #11262025 (all in favor)
• Appointed Timothy O’Shea as Chairman for 2026 (all in favor, O’Shea abstained)
• Appointed Paul Mailhott as Vice‑Chairman for 2026 (all in favor, Mailhott abstained)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for five employees (all in favor, Riley abstained)
• Approved FY2027 appropriation of $12,500,339 for city and departments (all in favor)
• Approved membership for listed individuals into the system (all in favor)
• Approved refund requests for three employees (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several appropriations for police and public works, accept a $250,000 sewer grant, and designate three streets as public ways. The body will also review various business license applications and renewals.

• Five-year contract for Peregrine Software Technologies data platform for Police Department
• Appropriations: $250,000 for D.P.W. Water meters, $100,000 for Wastewater repairs, and $13,275 for police bullet proof vests
• Acceptance of $250,000 MASSDEP Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grant
• Acceptance of Morgan Circle, Mayflower Avenue, and Sycamore Lane as public ways
• Proposed one-way street designations for Tourtelotte Avenue, Riverview Place, and Lucretia Avenue

The council unanimously approved a five‑year contract with Peregrine Software Technologies for police data integration. It also approved appropriations for bullet‑proof vests, police and fire indemnification, new water meters, and wastewater plant repairs. The council accepted a $250,000 MASSDEP grant for sewer separation, a $15,000 library donation, and designated Morgan Circle as a public way.

• Approved five‑year Peregrine Software Technologies contract (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $13,275 for police bullet‑proof vests (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $13,556.45 for police & fire indemnification (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $250,000 for new Badger water meters (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $100,000 for wastewater treatment plant repairs (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted $250,000 MASSDEP Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grant (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted $15,000 donation from Friends of the Chicopee Public Library (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted Morgan Circle as a public way (unanimous roll call)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, review correspondence, and hear the Clerk's Report on November 2025 registration statistics, including address and party affiliation changes. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 18, 2025
• Correspondence: U.S. Passport Service and Secretary of the Commonwealth initiative petitions
• Clerk's Report: November 2025 registration statistics (address and party affiliation changes)
• Discussion of next regular meeting date in January 2026

Library

The Chicopee Board of Trustees will meet to approve minutes from November 3, review a financial report, and discuss a draft revision to the Collection Development Policy. The meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2025, at the Emily L. Partyka Central Branch.

• Approval of November 3, 2025, minutes
• Review of December 5, 2025, financial report
• Discussion and vote on Collection Development Policy revisions
• Presentation of Friends donation
• Review of December 2025 library statistics

The Chicopee Public Library trustees unanimously accepted the October 2025 meeting minutes, the financial report, and the director’s report. They also voted 3‑0 to adopt the proposed changes to the Collection Development Policy. The meeting was then adjourned at 10:13 a.m. All votes were unanimous.

• Accepted October 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Accepted Financial Report (3-0)
• Accepted Director’s Report (3-0)
• Approved revisions to Collection Development Policy (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee License Committee will meet on December 10, 2025, to review applications for scrap metal recycling, Class II licenses, and home occupation permits. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and via Zoom.

• Application for alteration of Class III Junk Dealers License for Chicopee Scrap Metal & Auto Recycling
• Application for Class II License for Alsuntanit, LLC
• Application for Home Occupation License for notary public services
• Application for Home Occupation License for online car sales
• Review of October 2, 2025, meeting minutes

The License Committee approved an alteration to the Class III junk dealers license for Krunali, Inc., a Class II license for Alsuntanit, LLC, and a home occupation license for notary services at 22 Farmington Street. It denied the home occupation application for online car sales at 269 Chicopee Street #1. The committee also approved the October 2, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved alteration of Class III junk dealers license for Krunali, Inc. (motion passed)
• Approved Class II license for Alsuntanit, LLC (motion passed)
• Approved home occupation license for notary services at 22 Farmington Street (motion passed)
• Denied home occupation license for online car sales at 269 Chicopee Street #1 (motion passed)
• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider an appeal of the Building Commissioner’s cease‑and‑desist order that stops towing operations at 58 West St., filed by 5878 West, LLC. The board will also consider a variance request to reduce required frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft for a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson St., submitted by DGL Properties, LLC. The meeting includes approval of minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting, discussion of old and new business, and adjournment.

• Appeal of Building Commissioner’s cease‑and‑desist order for towing at 58 West St. (Applicant: 5878 West, LLC)
• Variance request to reduce frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft for a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson St. (Applicant: DGL Properties, LLC)
• Approval of minutes from the November 12, 2025 ZBA meeting
• Discussion of old and new business items
• Adjournment and scheduling of next meeting on January 14, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted the withdrawal of an appeal regarding a cease‑and‑desist at 58 West St. with a 6‑0 vote. It denied a variance request to reduce frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft for a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson St. with a 5‑0 vote. The Board also approved the November 12, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting, each with a 6‑0 vote.

• Accepted withdrawal of appeal for 58 West St. (6-0)
• Denied variance to reduce frontage at 90 Anson St. (5-0)
• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Claims and Accounts Committee will meet to review a claim for damages. The body will consider a request for restitution regarding broken trash barrels.

• Claim #25-11 from Joanna Forget of 149 Bemis Avenue for $60.00 regarding broken trash barrels
• Review of November 10, 2025 minutes

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is meeting to consider changes to the Planning Board's advisory membership and the removal of the Claims and Accounts Committee. The body will also discuss designating three specific streets as one-way.

• Proposed update to Chapter 75, Article I, §75-2 regarding Planning Board Advisory Members
• Proposed deletion of Chapter 16, Article XXII regarding the Claims and Accounts Committee
• One-way street designation for Tourtelotte Avenue (Westbound)
• One-way street designation for Riverview Place (Eastbound)
• One-way street designation for Lucretia Avenue (Southbound)

The Ordinance Committee approved a motion to dissolve the Claims and Accounts Committee, directing all claims to be reviewed by the Law Department. It also approved an amendment to the Planning Board advisory members to add a Westover ARB representative. Several one‑way street items were placed on file, the November 24 minutes were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved dissolution of the Claims and Accounts Committee (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Amended Planning Board advisory members to include Westover ARB rep (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Placed Tourlette Avenue westbound one‑way street item on file (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Placed Riverview Place eastbound one‑way street item on file (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Placed Lucretia Avenue southbound one‑way street item on file (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Approved November 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous, Roy absent)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 PM (unanimous, Roy absent)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on December 4, 2025 at the RiverMills Senior Center, 5 West Main St., and via Zoom. The board will review a definitive site plan for two 7,200‑square‑foot contractor/flex buildings and related site improvements at 821 East Main St., submitted by A. Crane Properties LLC. It will also consider a frontage waiver reducing the required frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft to create a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson St., requested by DGL Properties LLC. Additional items include a review of ANRs, approval of minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting, and a new business discussion.

• Definitive site plan for two 7,200 sf contractor/flex buildings at 821 East Main St. (A. Crane Properties LLC)
• Waiver of Chapter 275‑52 frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft for a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson St. (DGL Properties LLC)
• Consideration of ANRs (Amendments to Zoning Regulations)
• Approval of minutes from the November 13, 2025 Planning Board meeting
• New business discussion

The Planning Board unanimously approved the definitive site plan for two 7,200‑sq‑ft contractor/flex buildings at 821 East Main Street, with the condition that SAPRAC comments be addressed before building permits are issued. It also approved a waiver reducing required frontage from 100 ft to 80 ft to create a new single‑family lot at 90 Anson Street (7‑0). An amendment to subdivide the Memorial Drive/James Street property into single‑family lots was approved by six votes with one abstention. The Board approved the November 13, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved definitive site plan for 821 East Main St. (7-0) with SAPRAC condition
• Approved waiver of frontage from 100’ to 80’ for 90 Anson St. (7-0)
• Approved ANR subdivision of Memorial Drive/James St. (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved minutes from November 13, 2025 (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) regarding wetland resource areas. The commission will also review previous meeting minutes and sign bills.

• RDA for wetland resource area delineation at Ludlow Rd. (Assessor Map 747, Parcel 1) for Marion Excavating Co. Inc.
• Review of November 19, 2025 minutes
• Signing of bills

The Chicopee Conservation Commission approved a Positive 1, 2A, and 5 determination for wetland resource areas on the Ludlow Rd. parcel, voting 4-0. The commission also approved the November 19, 2025 minutes with a noted typo correction, voting 4-0. The meeting was adjourned by a 4-0 vote.

• Issued Positive 1, 2A, and 5 wetland determination (vote 4-0)
• Approved November 19, 2025 minutes with correction (vote 4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (vote 4-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider several mayoral appropriations, including $28,323.22 for police and fire indemnifications and $269,662.04 for law department settlements. It will also vote on accepting a $50,000 earmark grant from the Executive Office of Aging & Independence. Additional items include mayoral appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Veteran Advisory Board, special permit applications for signage and a towing business, and multiple ordinance amendments.

• Approve $28,323.22 appropriation to the Human Resources Special Account for police & fire indemnifications
• Approve $269,662.04 appropriation to the Law Department Special Account for out‑of‑court settlements
• Accept the Chicopee Council on Aging FY26 earmark grant of $50,000 from the Executive Office of Aging & Independence
• Approve special permits: oversized accessory sign at 357 Burnett Road (Pilot Travel Centers) and towing/storage business at 78 West Street (Cruise Control Transportation)
• Adopt ordinance amendments adding engine‑brake prohibition on James Street and one‑way designations on Tourtelotte Ave, Riverview Place, and Lucretia Ave

The council appropriated $28,323.22 for police and fire indemnifications and $50,000 for the Council on Aging grant. It also allocated $269,662.04 to the Law Department for out‑of‑court settlements. Several appointments were confirmed, and a special permit for Pilot Travel Centers at 357 Burnett Road was approved while a towing‑business permit was postponed.

• Approved $28,323.22 HR indemnification appropriation (10‑1, chair out)
• Approved $50,000 Aging grant acceptance (10‑1, chair out)
• Approved $269,662.04 law department settlement appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved special permit and two waivers for Pilot Travel Centers at 357 Burnett Rd (unanimous)
• Postponed towing and storage permit for 78 West St to 1/28/26 (8‑1‑2)
• Approved appointment of Taisheema "Tasha" Schley to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of John Moran to Veteran Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance adding engine‑brake prohibition on James St (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss ongoing projects, including Phase II planning for the Bemis Pond dam removal and review of the Szot Master Plan bid estimate. They will consider a funding request for Szot Pool removal and the upcoming bid for the Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal. Updates on the PARC grant for Sarah Jane Park improvements and other maintenance and recreation reports will also be presented.

• Bemis Pond Dam Removal – Phase II planning and permitting
• Szot Master Plan – Phase I bid estimate review
• Szot Pool Removal – Funding request sent to Mayor
• CDBG Project – Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal going to bid
• PARC Grant – Sarah Jane Park Improvements construction ongoing

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting and the warrants dated November 14 and November 21, 2025. Commissioners also approved a request from Chicopee Public Schools to hold a spring school event at Szot Park on May 16, 2026. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved minutes of the October 30, 2025 meeting (motion by Hugo Destapado, seconded by Eric Lapointe)
• Approved warrants dated November 14 and November 21, 2025 (motion by Ashley Ziemba, seconded by Eric Lapointe)
• Approved spring school event at Szot Park on May 16, 2026 (motion by Eric Lapointe, seconded by Ashley Ziemba)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will consider several ordinance items, including defining "overgrowth" in Chapter 243-38. It will also add an engine‑brake prohibition to James Street and review parking signage at the Sanford and Hampden Street intersection. Additional items address parking prohibitions on Beverly Street and one‑way street designations on Tourtelotte Avenue, Riverview Place, and Lucretia Avenue.

• Define "overgrowth" in Chapter 243-38
• Add engine‑brake prohibition to James Street from Prospect Street west to the Syrek Street line (Chapter 260-37.1)
• Evaluate extending "No parking here to corner" signs at Sanford Street and Hampden Street to 40 feet on both sides of Sanford Street
• Prohibit parking on the south side of Beverly Street from Chicopee Street to a point 100 feet west
• Designate Tourtelotte Avenue westbound as a one‑way street

The Ordinance Committee approved adding a prohibition on engine brakes to Chapter 260‑37.1 and included a description of James Street (vote 5‑0). It also placed on file a recommendation to adopt CMR 410.570 for defining overgrowth (vote 5‑0), ordered an evaluation to extend "no parking" signs at Sanford and Hampden Streets (vote 5‑0), and filed an order to strike the Beverly Street parking prohibition ordinance for both sides (vote 5‑0).

• Approved addition to Chapter 260‑37.1 prohibiting engine brakes and added James Street description (5‑0)
• Placed recommendation to adopt CMR 410.570 for overgrowth ordinance on file (5‑0)
• Ordered Engineering Dept to evaluate extending "no parking" signs at Sanford & Hampden to 40 ft both sides (5‑0)
• Filed order to strike Beverly Street parking prohibition ordinance for both sides (5‑0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider the mayor's appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Veteran Advisory Board. It will also review and adopt the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting. All items are presented for committee approval.

• Appointment of Taisheema “Tasha” Schley to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term Aug 5, 2025 – Apr 1, 2028)
• Appointment of John Moran to the Veteran Advisory Board (term until Oct 1, 2028)
• Appointment of Tracy Dupont to the Veteran Advisory Board (term until Oct 1, 2028)
• Appointment of Trisa Picard to the Veteran Advisory Board (term until Oct 1, 2028)
• Adoption of the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes

The Human Resources Committee approved the mayoral appointment of Taisheema “Tasha” Schley to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It also approved three appointments to the Veteran Advisory Board—John Moran and Theresa Picard as members and placed Tracy Dupont on file. The committee approved the September 24, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting at 6:17 PM.

• Approved Taisheema “Tasha” Schley appointment to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved John Moran appointment to Veteran Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Placed Tracy Dupont appointment to Veteran Advisory Board on file (unanimous)
• Approved Theresa Picard appointment to Veteran Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Motion to close public input on each appointment passed (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:17 PM (unanimous)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will consider two special permit applications for businesses on Burnett Road and West Street. The body will also review minutes from the October 29, 2025 meeting.

• Special Permit for oversized accessory and second ground signs at 357 Burnett Road and 0 Burnett Road (Pilot Travel Centers, LLC)
• Special Permit for a towing and storage business at 78 West St. (Cruise Control Transportation, Inc.)

The committee voted to approve the special permit application for Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, and both requested waivers for the goal‑post and mid‑rise signs at 357 Burnett Road and 0 Burnett Road. The committee also postponed the towing‑business special permit for Cruise Control Transportation to the January 28, 2026 meeting. Minutes from the October 29, 2025 meeting were approved and the session was adjourned at 7:16 PM.

• Approved Special Permit for Pilot Travel Centers signs (5-0)
• Approved Waiver #1 (goal‑post sign) (5-0)
• Approved Waiver #2 (mid‑rise sign) (5-0)
• Postponed Cruise Control Transportation towing permit to Jan 28 2026 (5-0)
• Approved October 29 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:16 PM (5-0)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will consider several special one‑day beer/wine permits for upcoming events, a change of license type and transfer for Patti’s Four‑Ten Lounge, and transfers of existing all‑alcohol package store licenses. The board will also hear renewals for various restaurant, club, and package store licenses and discuss public records requests. Decisions on these applications will affect the listed businesses and event organizers.

• Special one‑day beer/wine permit for St. Stanislaus Basilica, 534 Front St (Dec 6, 2025)
• Special one‑day beer/wine permit for Mercedes Benz of Springfield, 295 Burnett Rd (Dec 8, 2025)
• Special one‑day beer/wine permit for The Author Stroll @ The Hub at Market Square, 31 Springfield St (Dec 11, 2025)
• Change of license type and transfer of an all‑alcohol restaurant license for Patti’s Four‑Ten Lounge LLC to Pour Choices, LLC, 32 Quincy Ave
• Transfer of an all‑alcohol package store license for Harsh Liquors, Inc. to Jai Dwarkadhish, Inc., 220 Exchange St

The License Commission voted 4‑0 to approve special one‑day beer/wine permits for St. Stanislaus Basilica, Mercedes Benz of Springfield, The Author Stroll @ The Hub, and a concert at St. Stanislaus Basilica with fee and police detail waived. It also approved a change of license type and transfer for Patti’s Four‑Ten Lounge to Pour Choices, LLC, and a transfer of an all‑alcohol package store license from Harsh Liquors, Inc. to Jai Dwarkadhish, Inc. The board issued a unanimous verbal admonishment to The Elixir for sustained violations and approved the 2025 renewal list.

• Approved special one‑day permit for St. Stanislaus Basilica concert, fee and police detail waived (4‑0)
• Approved special one‑day permit for Mercedes Benz of Springfield Sip and Shop (4‑0)
• Approved special one‑day permit for The Author Stroll @ The Hub (4‑0)
• Approved change of license type and transfer for Patti’s Four‑Ten Lounge to Pour Choices, LLC (4‑0)
• Approved transfer of all‑alcohol package store license from Harsh Liquors, Inc. to Jai Dwarkadhish, Inc. (4‑0)
• Issued verbal admonishment to The Elixir for sustained violations (4‑0)
• Approved 2025 renewal list for all license categories (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a Notice of Intent for two contractor flex buildings and site improvements near Poor Brook. The body will also consider a Certificate of Compliance for a 2018 Order of Conditions at the same address.

• NOI for two contractor flex buildings at 821 East Main St.
• Certificate of Compliance request for 821 East Main St. regarding a July 27, 2018 Order of Conditions
• Emergency Certification 25-EC002 for MassDOT I-391 Exit 3 Ramp
• Emergency Certification 25-EC003 for Granby Road and Terimar Street
• Enforcement Orders for OSJ Chicopee LLC (Fletcher Cir.) and City of Chicopee (Fair Street)

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0 to issue a Certificate of Compliance for A. Crane Construction at 821 East Main Street. It also voted 5‑0 to issue an Order of Conditions with special conditions for AJ Crane’s proposed flex‑building project at the same address. Emergency certifications and enforcement orders were ratified, and the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting were approved (4‑0‑1). The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for A. Crane Construction (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions with Special Conditions for AJ Crane flex‑building project (5-0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification 25-EC002, 25-EC003 and Enforcement Orders 25-E001, 25-E002
• Approved minutes from June 18, 2025 (4-0-1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System Board will meet on November 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in the Auditor’s Conference Room, City Hall. Items on the agenda include approval of the October 22, 2025 board minutes, monthly expense warrants, a performance review of the system manager and PRIT investments, and discussion of the system’s budget. The board will also receive several PERAC memoranda, consider retirement and membership applications, refunds, transfers, and issue an RFP for a Manager of Managers.

• Approve Board minutes from the October 22, 2025 regular and executive‑session meetings
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Review manager performance and PRIT investments
• Issue RFP for Manager of Managers
• Discuss the retirement system budget

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved the calendar year 2026 budget. It also approved retirement requests for four employees, membership for 22 individuals, a refund request, transfers to another system, retirement allowance calculations, monthly expense warrants, and a seven‑year Manager of Managers agreement with SEI Investment. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Approved 2026 calendar year budget (unanimous)
• Approved monthly expense warrants #11192025, #11202025 and payroll warrant #10312025 (unanimous)
• Approved retirement requests for Gary Labrie, Christopher Lareau, Lynn Moreau, and Elizabeth Pasterczyk (unanimous)
• Approved membership for 22 individuals across various city departments (unanimous)
• Approved refund request for Violet Geoffrion (unanimous)
• Approved transfers of nine employees to another system (unanimous)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for Gregory Galica and Andre Remillard (unanimous)
• Approved seven‑year Manager of Managers agreement with SEI Investment starting Jan 1 2026 (unanimous)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will accept a $18,238 state grant for police training pistols, appropriate $12,979.87 for police weaponry, and allocate $293,700 for a land‑taking and easements near McKinstry Avenue. The Council also authorizes the purchase of 219 and 225 Exchange Street for the School Department offices and confirms new appointments to the Council on Disability and the City Hall Building Commission. Additional items include a recreation committee hearing on Preston Park and a proposed parking ordinance on Beverly Street.

• Accept FY2026 Edward Byrnes Memorial Justice Assistance Grant of $18,238 for police equipment
• Mayor appropriation of $12,979.87 to Police Expense Account for weaponry
• Mayor appropriation of $293,700 to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for land takings near McKinstry Avenue
• Authorization to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street for School Department administrative offices
• Re‑appointment of Amy Partelow to the Council on Disability board

The council accepted an $18,238 grant to buy training pistols and lights for the police, appropriated $12,979.87 for weaponry equipment and $17,557.58 for police and fire indemnification, and approved a $293,700 appropriation for land takings. It authorized the mayor to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street for the school department and took permanent eminent‑domain land for a roundabout near McKinstry Avenue. Several board appointments were confirmed and the public‑input period was closed.

• Accepted $18,238 Edward Byrnes Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for police training pistols (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $12,979.87 to Police Expense Account for weaponry equipment (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $17,557.58 to Human Resources Special Account for police & fire indemnification (unanimous roll call)
• Authorized mayor to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street for school department offices (unanimous roll call)
• Eminent‑domain land taking for roundabout near McKinstry Avenue approved (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $293,700 to Highway Special Account for land takings (unanimous roll call)
• Re‑appointed Amy Partelow to Council on Disability (passed)
• Closed public input period (motion passed)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will meet on November 18, 2025 at Auditorium 34, 274 Front Street, Chicopee. The agenda includes determining quorum, approving the minutes from October 21, 2025, and considering correspondence from the U.S. Passport Service and the Secretary of the Commonwealth. A clerk’s report will present October 2025 voter registration statistics. The next regular meeting is set for December 16, 2025.

• Approval of the minutes dated October 21, 2025
• Correspondence from U.S. Passport Service and Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Clerk’s report on October 2025 registration statistics (address changes, party affiliation changes, online registrations, deletions)
• Scheduling of the next regular meeting for December 16, 2025

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will review letters intended for homeowners in historic districts regarding the commission's process for home rehabilitation. The body will also receive updates on a presentation for Chicopee Public Schools and continue individual presentations on historic properties.

• Finalization of letters to homeowners in Historic Districts regarding rehab processes
• Update on schools presentation by Commissioner Ronald Chimelis
• Commissioners' presentations on assigned historic properties
• Discussion of letters of support for homeowners proposing work on historic homes
• Discussion of Mayor Vieau's plan to feature historic homes on Facebook in 2026

The Historical Commission voted 5‑0 to approve a letter that will be mailed to owners of homes in Chicopee’s historic districts, explaining the district status and the commission’s review process for property work. The commission also approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were decided; remaining items were discussion or ongoing work.

• Approved homeowner information letter (5-0)
• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council special meeting will provide updates on the Barry School building project. Items include public input, a report from the commission chair, a project‑manager briefing, and a design‑team update with a traffic study. No decisions are listed; the agenda is for informational updates and discussion.

• Public Input
• Update from the Chairperson of the Barry School Building Commission
• Project Managers Update
• Design Team Update and Traffic Study

Councilor Labrie moved to close public input and the motion passed by a unanimous roll‑call vote. The council also approved placing the traffic impact report on the file and adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m., each by unanimous vote. The School Building Commission reported that option B‑3 was selected as the preferred solution for the Barry School project, but no council vote on that was recorded.

• Closed public input (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Placed traffic impact report on file (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:29 p.m. (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• School Building Commission selected option B‑3 as preferred solution (commission decision)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on November 13, 2025, to consider zone changes, a definitive site plan, and a liquor license application. The meeting will be held at the RiverMills Senior Center and via Zoom.

• Zone change from Business A to Residential B at 519 Chicopee St.
• Zone change from Residential A to Business A at 749 James St.
• Definitive Site Plan for mixed-use renovation at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave.
• Liquor License application for Key Food at 185 Exchange St.
• Discussion of new business and ANRs

The board unanimously recommended approval of two zoning changes, approved a definitive site plan with conditions, and approved an ANR and the October minutes. It voted 4‑3 to recommend denial of the liquor license for 185 Exchange St. to the License Commission. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.

• Recommend approval of Business A to Residential B zone change at 519 Chicopee St. (7‑0)
• Recommend approval of Residential A to Business A zone change at 749 James St. (7‑0)
• Approve Definitive Site Plan for 185 Grove St./22 Grove Ave with conditions (7‑0)
• Recommend denial of liquor license for 185 Exchange St. (4‑3)
• Approve ANR – Beaumont Ave – Andrew Crane / Frank Laflamme (7‑0)
• Approve minutes from October 2, 2025 (7‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (7‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider two variance applications: a side‑yard setback reduction at 32 Leo Dr. and a dead‑ended access drive extension at 821 East Main St. The board will also review the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting and discuss any old or new business before adjourning.

• Variance request to reduce side‑yard setback from 6 ft to 3 ft for a two‑car attached garage at 32 Leo Dr. (Applicant: William J. Rokowski)
• Variance request to extend a dead‑ended access drive from 150 ft to 390 ft and narrow width from 26 ft to 24 ft at 821 East Main St. (Applicant: A. Crane Properties, LLC)
• Review of minutes from the October 8, 2025 Zoning Board meeting
• Discussion of old and new business items
• Adjournment and scheduling of the next meeting on December 10, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance at 32 Leo Dr. to reduce the side‑yard setback from 6 feet to 3 feet, adding a two‑car attached garage, with a storm‑water runoff condition (vote 4‑0). It also approved a variance at 821 East Main St. to allow a dead‑ended access drive 150‑390 feet long and 24 feet wide (vote 4‑0). The Board approved the October 8, 2025 minutes (4‑0) and then adjourned the meeting (4‑0).

• Approved variance for 32 Leo Dr. side‑yard setback reduction to 3 ft with storm‑water condition (4‑0)
• Approved variance for 821 East Main St. dead‑ended access drive 150‑390 ft long, 24 ft wide (4‑0)
• Approved minutes from October 8, 2025 (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Chicopee Claims and Accounts Committee will meet to review a claims sheet and approve minutes from September 2025. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and via Zoom.

• Review claims sheet including Sulany Oliveras road damage claim
• Approve September 10, 2025 committee minutes
• Meeting held at City Hall Auditorium 3rd Floor, 274 Front Street
• Meeting held via Zoom with ID 859 1353 2544

The Claims and Accounts Committee approved a $120 restitution claim from Sulany Oliveras for a flat tire caused by sharp metal in the road. The committee also approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting and adjourned. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $120 restitution to Sulany Oliveras for flat tire damage (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 10, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:11 PM (5-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to authorize the Mayor to acquire two properties on Exchange Street for the relocation of School Department Administrative Offices. The agenda also includes a tour of the properties and the approval of April 2025 minutes.

• Authorize Mayor to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street for School Department offices
• Authorize Mayor to negotiate purchase terms and execute documents
• Tour of 219 and 225 Exchange Street
• Approval of April 8, 2025 minutes

The Finance Committee approved an order authorizing the mayor to purchase 219 and 225 Exchange Street for relocating the School Department Administrative Offices. The committee also passed motions to close public input on the purchase, to let the mayor negotiate terms, to approve the April 8, 2025 minutes, and to adjourn the meeting.

• Authorized mayor to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street (order passed)
• Motion to close public input on the acquisition passed
• Motion to allow mayor to negotiate purchase terms passed
• Approved minutes of April 8, 2025 (motion passed)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The council will approve two mayoral appropriations: $25,000 for the Registrar’s Expense Account and $65,000 for the Planning Expense Account from the Stabilization Fund. It will accept a $1,000 donation from the Center for Martial Arts and a $40 candy‑bag donation from Jpallets for the FY 2025 Spooktacular event. The meeting also includes a zoning committee report on a residential‑zone change at 143 Royal Street and a special permit request for a kennel license at 25 Mayflower Avenue. Additional items are ordinance committee proposals and various license renewals.

• Appropriation of $65,000 to the Planning Expense Account from the Stabilization Fund (M0‑2)
• Appropriation of $25,000 to the Registrar’s Expense Account (M0‑1)
• Acceptance of a $1,000 donation from the Center for Martial Arts, 450 North Washington St, Belchertown, for the FY 2025 Spooktacular (M0‑4)
• Zone change application from Res A to Res C for 0.4699 acre at 143 Royal Street (Zoning Committee report, item 15)
• Special Permit application for a kennel license for up to 10 dogs at 25 Mayflower Avenue (Zoning Committee report, item 16)

The City Council increased the cost‑of‑living adjustment base for retirees from $16,000 to $18,000. It also approved two appropriations: $25,000 for the Registrars Expense Account and $65,000 for a public‑Wi‑Fi grant at Szot Park. A zoning change request for 143 Royal Street was denied, while a special permit for a kennel at 25 Mayflower Avenue was approved. Several ordinance amendments, including a new cardboard‑box recycling rule, were also enacted.

• Approved $25,000 Registrars expense appropriation (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $65,000 Wi‑Fi grant for Szot Park (unanimous roll call)
• Raised COLA base to $18,000 for retirees (unanimous roll call)
• Denied zone change for 143 Royal Street (unanimous roll call)
• Approved special permit for 10‑dog kennel at 25 Mayflower Ave (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted cardboard‑box recycling ordinance amendment (unanimous roll call)
• Referred overgrowth definition back to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Closed public input period by unanimous roll call vote

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct a tax classification hearing. The body will review materials from the assessors to determine the tax status of city properties and set the tax rate.

• Tax Classification Hearing
• Setting of the tax rate

The City Council closed public input and approved a residential factor of 0.8179. It also voted to deny the residential, open‑space, and small‑commercial tax exemptions. The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 p.m. after unanimous roll‑call votes on each motion.

• Closed public input (unanimous roll call vote)
• Set residential factor to 0.8179 (unanimous roll call vote)
• Denied residential exemption (unanimous roll call vote)
• Denied open space exemption (unanimous roll call vote)
• Denied small commercial exemption (unanimous roll call vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:01 p.m. (unanimous roll call vote)

Library

The Chicopee Library Board of Trustees will discuss patron issues, vote on proposed revisions to the Kids Room Library of Things policy, and receive an invitation to the Friends of the Library holiday concert/annual meeting. The agenda also includes routine items such as a financial report, correspondence, and a director's report on October library statistics. No other decisions are listed.

• Vote on proposed revisions to Kids Room Library of Things policy
• Report on patron issues at the library
• Invitation from Friends of the Library to Holiday Concert/Annual Meeting on Dec 3

The minutes for the Chicopee Library meeting on November 3, 2025 could not be retrieved; the document reports a file-not-found error and contains no recorded actions or votes.

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider requests for a bonfire and a vow exchange at Szot Park. The body will also receive reports on park maintenance staffing and the status of several ongoing infrastructure projects.

• Request from First Central Bible Church for Thanksgiving bonfire at Szot Park on Nov 27
• Request from Crystal Harrison for vow exchange at Szot Park on Nov 8
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal Phase II planning and permitting
• Szot Master Plan Phase I bid package preparation
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal bidding process

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing on two ANR items. Item 1 is the Granby Rd., Montgomery St., McKinstry Ave intersection rotary project. Item 2 is an ANR for Pendleton Ave. The meeting will also record the chair's announcement and adjourn.

• ANR – Granby Rd., Montgomery St., McKinstry Ave Intersection Rotary Project (public hearing)
• ANR – Pendleton Ave (public hearing)

The Chicopee Planning Board approved the ANR for the Granby Rd., Montgomery St., McKinstry Ave. rotary project with a 4-0 vote. It also approved the ANR for the Pendleton Ave. subdivision with a 4-0 vote. The board then adjourned the meeting by a 4-0 vote.

• Approved ANR for Granby Rd., Montgomery St., McKinstry Ave. rotary (4-0)
• Approved ANR for Pendleton Ave. subdivision (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will consider a zone change application to reclassify 0.4699 acres at 143 Royal St. from Residential A to Residential C, allowing conversion from a two‑family to a three‑family dwelling. It will also review a special permit amendment for a kennel license at 25 Mayflower Ave., increasing the allowed number of dogs to ten. The committee will approve the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting before adjourning.

• Zone change from Res A to Res C for 0.4699 acres at 143 Royal St. (2‑family to 3‑family conversion)
• Special permit amendment for a kennel license at 25 Mayflower Ave., increasing dogs to 10
• Approval of minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting

The committee reviewed a request to change 0.4699 acres at 143 Royal St. from Residential A to Residential C to permit a three‑family conversion. The Planning Board gave a unanimous negative recommendation and public comments expressed neighborhood concerns. The committee moved to deny the zone change, and the motion passed. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Denied zone change from Residential A to Residential C for 143 Royal St. (motion passed)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Chicopee Ordinance Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM in City Hall’s auditorium and via Zoom. The committee will define “overgrowth” in Chapter 243‑38 and consider a revision to Chapter 169, Section 13 C that sets new limits for flattened cardboard collection. Several traffic and parking adjustments are also on the agenda, including a one‑way designation on Beauregard Court and new stop‑sign and parking‑prohibited zones on Baltic Avenue, Charpentier Boulevard, Bell Street, and Florence Street.

• Define “overgrowth” in Chapter 243‑38 Overgrowth on land (Item 1)
• Amend Chapter 169, Section 13 C to require cardboard boxes be flattened, limit stacked weight to 50 lb, and allow placement next to recycling tote (Item 2)
• Designate Beauregard Court north toward Granby Road as a one‑way street (Item 3)
• Add an isolated stop sign at Baltic Avenue and Fair Street intersection (Item 4)
• Prohibit parking on Charpentier Blvd (25 ft from Chicopee St), Bell St (10 ft from 76 Bell St), and sections of Florence St (Items 5‑9)

The committee approved parking prohibitions on Bell Street, Charpentier Blvd, Florence Street (both southeast and northwest sides), and a stop sign at Baltic Avenue. It also approved a revised cardboard recycling ordinance and a relocation of the Meadow Street bus stop. The definition of “overgrowth” was postponed to the chair’s call. Minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved Bell Street parking prohibition (5-0)
• Postponed definition of "overgrowth" to chair's call (5-0)
• Approved cardboard recycling ordinance amendment (5-0)
• Approved Baltic Avenue isolated stop sign (5-0)
• Amended and approved Charpentier Blvd parking prohibition (5-0)
• Approved Meadow Street bus stop relocation (5-0)
• Approved Florence Street southeast side parking prohibition (5-0)
• Approved Florence Street northwest side parking prohibition (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting to process retirement and membership applications. The board will conduct interviews for legal services and discuss cyber insurance.

• Interviews for legal services RFPs
• RFP for Manager of Managers
• Cyber insurance discussion
• Review of PERAC Memos #25 and #26
• Approval of monthly expense warrants

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved several routine items, including expense warrants and multiple retirement applications. It also approved new members, refund and transfer requests, hired legal counsel, and authorized a cyber‑insurance purchase. The private‑equity matter was tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved monthly expense warrants #10092025, #10222025, #10232025 and payroll warrant #09302025 (unanimous)
• Approved accidental disability retirement for Christopher Malooly, Police Department (unanimous)
• Approved accidental disability retirement for Francisco Gonzalez, Jr., Fire Department (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation retirement for Richard Mason, Chicopee Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Approved membership for 24 individuals into the retirement system (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for Ryan Bineauit and Brent Lenox (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of Law Offices of SACCO & COLLINS P.C. as primary attorney and Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP as secondary (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of cyber insurance for $5,371.20 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review several mayoral appropriations for city departments and the acceptance of various donations and grants. The body will also discuss the acquisition of property for School Department Administration Offices and a special permit for signage.

• Authorization to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street for School Department Administration Offices
• Appropriation of $461,047.00 for Fire Department Station 1 floor replacement
• Appropriation of $397,717.00 for D.P.W. Sanitation Packers
• Acceptance of $62,593.75 FY2026 Municipal Road Safety Program Grant for Police Department
• Special Permit application for oversized accessory and ground signs at 357 Burnett Road & 0 Burnett Road

The City Council unanimously approved four mayoral appropriations: $397,717 for a sanitation packer (MO‑1), $60,000 for a city‑wide leak detection survey (MO‑2), $23,032.25 for police and fire medical indemnification (MO‑3), and $12,653.20 for wastewater pump‑station alarm monitoring (MO‑4). The council also accepted a $100 donation to the public library (MO‑5) and a $7,000 donation from Holyoke Medical Group (MO‑6), with one abstention. Motions to place the mayor’s letter on file and to send a letter of support to state officials were both adopted. No final decision was made on the proposed relocation of the School Administrative offices.

• Approved $397,717 sanitation packer appropriation (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $60,000 leak detection appropriation (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $23,032.25 police & fire medical indemnification (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $12,653.20 wastewater alarm monitoring appropriation (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted $100 donation to Chicopee Public Library (unanimous roll call)
• Accepted $7,000 donation from Holyoke Medical Group (10 yes, 1 abstained)
• Motion to place mayor’s letter on file passed
• Motion to send mayor’s request for casino mitigation support passed

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters will hold a regular meeting to approve previous minutes and review the Clerk's report. The board will examine voter registration statistics for September 2025, including address and party affiliation changes.

• Approval of September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Correspondence from U.S. Passports Service and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
• Review of September 2025 registration statistics (office, agency, and online registrations)
• Review of deletions from voter registration rolls

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several special event permits for fundraisers and races. The body will also hold a hearing for Bulls Eye Café and review filing fees for 2026.

• Special Event Permit for Chicopee Thriller 5 K Run / Walk on October 25, 2025
• Special One Day All Alcohol Permit for Cigars for Soldiers at 147 Exchange St
• Special Event Permits for Boys & Girls Club Car Shows at 765 and 767 Memorial Dr
• Special Event Permit for Kane’s Krusade Fundraiser at Szot Park
• Common Victualer license application for KFC at 1307 Memorial Dr

The commission approved the August meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. It also approved six special event permits, including a 5K run, a one‑day alcohol event, two Boys & Girls Club car shows, and a fundraiser at Szot Park, all with 4‑0 votes. Police requirements or fees were waived where noted. No final action was taken on the Bulls Eye Café hearing.

• Approved August meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved special event permit for Chicopee Chamber of Commerce 5K Run (4-0)
• Approved special one‑day all‑alcohol permit for Cigars for Soldiers event, waiving police requirement (4-0)
• Approved special event permit for Curry Honda Boys & Girls Club car show, waiving police requirement (4-0)
• Approved special event permit for Curry Nissan Boys & Girls Club car show, waiving police requirement (4-0)
• Approved special event permit for Kane’s Krusade fundraiser at Szot Park, waiving fee (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on October 14, 2025, to discuss updates on a school presentation and review letters regarding historic districts. The meeting agenda includes reviewing Commissioner presentations on historic properties and approving letters to residents.

• Public hearing on October 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM
• Update on Schools Presentation Progress
• Review and approval of letters for historic district residents
• Presentations on assigned historic properties
• Minutes from September 9, 2025 meeting

The commission voted 6-0 to allow Ronald Chimelis to rewrite his historic district letter after removing property‑value language. The September 9, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by a 6-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 6-0 vote.

• Approved rewrite of historic district letter (6-0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 8, 2025, to consider variance requests for three properties. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and discuss old and new business.

• Variance for 100 Beaumont St. to reduce lot frontage to 68.08' and area to 6,536 SF
• Variance for 91 Gilbert Ave. to reduce side yard setback to 13' and rear yard to 4'
• Variance for 17 Andover Rd. to reduce side yard setback to 1.6' for a garage/workshop
• Approval of September 10, 2025, meeting minutes
• Discussion of old and new business

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variance requests—for 100 Beaumont St., 91 Gilbert Ave., and 17 Andover Rd.—each with a 5‑0 vote. The board also approved the September 10, 2025 minutes by a 5‑0 vote. All approvals were unanimous.

• Approved variance for 100 Beaumont St. (frontage reduced to 68.08', area to 6,536 SF) (5-0)
• Approved variance for 91 Gilbert Ave. (side yard setback to 13', rear yard to 4') with stormwater condition (5-0)
• Approved variance for 17 Andover Rd. (side yard setback to 1.6') with stormwater condition (5-0)
• Approved minutes from September 10, 2025 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review multiple mayoral appropriations from the Stabilization Fund, including a $2 million allocation for a city-wide ward program. The body will also consider zoning changes, street acceptances, and several board appointments.

• Appropriation of $2,000,000.00 for the D.P.W. Highway Special Account City Wide Ward Program
• Appropriation of $454,618.80 for Police Special Account to purchase cruisers
• Zone change from Commercial A to Residence C for 8.3 acres at 326 Chicopee Street
• Acceptance of multiple streets as public ways, including Beeler Avenue and Dayton Street
• Permission for Eversource Gas to install 2,409 feet of gas main on Park St. and other locations

The council approved a $2,000,000 appropriation for a city‑wide highway ward program. It also voted to accept a list of streets as public ways for public convenience. Additional funding was approved for signal maintenance, wastewater services, emergency‑management grants, and a senior‑center donation. Several council‑on‑aging members were re‑appointed.

• Approved $2,000,000 highway city‑wide ward program (MO-9) – unanimous roll call vote
• Accepted listed streets as public ways – unanimous roll call vote
• Approved $90,000 DPW signal‑maintenance funding (MO-8) – unanimous roll call vote
• Approved $30,000 wastewater special‑services funding (MO-7) – unanimous roll call vote
• Approved $15,000 emergency‑management grant spending (MO-6) – 10 yes, 1 chair
• Approved $174.90 assessors travel expense (MO-1) – 10 yes, 1 chair
• Approved $6,941 donation to Chicopee Senior Center – 10 yes, 1 abstain
• Re‑appointed Mary Rider to the Council on Aging – unanimous roll call vote

City Council - Recreation Committee

The committee will receive an end‑of‑year update from the Parks Department, covering the State Play Act and the Golf Director’s season report and outlook. It will also consider and approve the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• End‑of‑year update from Parks Department on the State Play Act
• Golf Director’s end‑of‑season report and outlook for the upcoming season
• Approval of minutes from the May 28, 2025 Recreation Committee meeting
• Adjournment of the meeting

Library

The Chicopee Library Board of Trustees will meet on October 6, 2025. The agenda includes a financial report, a director’s report on library statistics for September 2025, and new business items reporting on patron issues and on study room and community/conference room reservation procedures. No decisions or votes are listed; the items appear to be informational reports.

• Financial Report (October 2, 2025)
• Director’s Report: library circulation, computer usage, and programs (September 2025)
• Report on patron issues at the library
• Report on Study Room and Community/Conference Room Reservation procedures

City Council - License Committee

The License Committee will consider several applications for auto repair, detailing, and business licenses. The body will also review a request from the Chicopee Elks to change their bingo schedule.

• Application to change Bingo hours to Sundays 1 PM - 6 PM for Chicopee Elks #1849
• Auto Detailing and Auto Body license applications for Supreme Body Works at 1416 Granby Road
• Class II and Auto Repair license applications for Matta Brothers Service Station, Inc. at 1492 Memorial Drive
• Class II license application for Alsuntanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street
• Hawkers and Peddlers license application for Fluffy Flips Mini Pancakes food truck

The License Committee approved name amendment for JP Auto Repair & Sales LLC and approved a schedule change for the Chicopee Elks bingo to Sundays 1‑6 PM. It also approved auto detailing and auto body licenses for Supreme Body Works, and several licenses for Matta Brothers Service Station with restrictions. The Class II license for Alsuntanit, LLC and the officer change for Krunali, Inc. were postponed.

• Approved JP Auto Repair & Sales LLC name amendment (motion passed)
• Approved Chicopee Elks bingo schedule change to Sundays 1‑6 PM (motion passed)
• Approved Auto Detailing License for Supreme Body Works with restrictions (motion passed)
• Approved Auto Body License for Supreme Body Works with restrictions (motion passed)
• Postponed Class II License for Alsuntanit, LLC (motion passed to postpone)
• Approved Class II License for Matta Brothers Service Station with restrictions (motion passed)
• Approved Auto Repair License for Matta Brothers Service Station with restrictions (motion passed)
• Approved Auto Detailing License for Matta Brothers Service Station with restrictions (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a zone change for 143 Royal St., allowing conversion of a legally non‑conforming two‑family house into a three‑family house. The board will also review preliminary site plans and waivers for mixed‑use renovation and new construction at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave., for contractor/flex buildings at 821 East Main St., and a frontage waiver at 100 Beaumont Ave. Several agenda items involve endorsement of as‑built plans and the release of city‑held deposits, including a $73,360 cash deposit for Sycamore Lane. The meeting also includes acceptance of minutes, an ANR item, new business, and adjournment.

• Zone Change from Residential A to Residential C at 143 Royal St.
• Preliminary Site Plan for mixed‑use renovation and new building at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave.
• Preliminary Site Plan with waivers for two 7,200 SF contractor/flex buildings at 821 East Main St.
• Waiver of frontage from 75’ to 68.08’ for a new single‑family lot at 100 Beaumont Ave.
• Release of $73,360 cash deposit for Sycamore Lane

The board voted 6‑0 to recommend denial of the residential‑A to residential‑C zone change for 143 Royal St. It approved the revised mixed‑use site plan at 185 Grove St. with SPRAC comments as conditions (6‑0). The board also approved four site‑plan waivers for the 821 East Main St. project, endorsed several as‑built plans and released associated city funds or covenants, and adopted the September minutes before adjourning.

• Recommended denial of zone change for 143 Royal St. (6-0)
• Approved mixed-use site plan at 185 Grove St. with conditions (6-0)
• Approved Waiver #1 (grading and stormwater) for 821 East Main St. (6-0)
• Approved Waiver #2 (general requirements scale) for 821 East Main St. (6-0)
• Approved Waiver #3 (road cross sections) for 821 East Main St. (6-0)
• Approved Waiver #4 (retention/detention basins cross sections) for 821 East Main St. (6-0)
• Approved Morgan Circle as‑built plan and release of covenants/bonds/deposits (6-0)
• Approved Sycamore Lane as‑built plan and release of $73,360 cash deposit (6-0)

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is reviewing progress on several infrastructure projects, including the Bemis Pond Dam removal and Sarah Jane Splash Pad. The body is also managing bid packages for the Szot Master Plan and scheduling dugout installations at Dulchinos Field.

• Bemis Pond Dam Removal: Planning and permitting for Phase II
• Szot Master Plan: Preparing bid package and reviewing draft report
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad: Removal going to bid
• Sarah Jane Park Improvements: Construction beginning via PARC Grant
• Dulchinos Field Dugouts: Ordered and awaiting installation

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the August 14 and September 8 meetings. It also approved the warrants dated August 29, September 5 and September 19. The commission approved the June 13 Pride in the Park communication. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of August 14 and September 8 meetings (motion passed)
• Approved warrants dated August 29, September 5, and September 19 (motion passed)
• Approved Pride in the Park communication for June 13 (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:01 p.m. (motion passed)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will vote on two mayoral appointments to the Council on Aging board: Melissa Mccaffrey, appointed effective August 5, 2025, with a term ending August 1, 2028; and Elizabeth Shaheen, appointed effective June 17, 2025, with a term ending June 17, 2028. The committee will also consider approval of the June 11, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on September 24, 2025 at City Hall and via Zoom.

• Mayoral appointment of Melissa Mccaffrey to the Council on Aging (term Aug 5 2025 – Aug 1 2028)
• Mayoral appointment of Elizabeth Shaheen to the Council on Aging (term Jun 17 2025 – Jun 17 2028)
• Approval of minutes from the June 11 2025 meeting
• Adjournment of the committee meeting

The Human Resources Committee approved the mayoral appointments of Melissa McCaffrey and Elizabeth Shaheen as board members of the Council on Aging. The committee also approved the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting and moved to adjourn the session.

• Approved Melissa McCaffrey appointment to Council on Aging board (5-0)
• Approved Elizabeth Shaheen appointment to Council on Aging board (5-0)
• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved adjournment (5-0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will review a zone change application to convert 8.3 acres at 326 Chicopee St. from Commercial A to Residential C for a proposed residential development by Jones Ferry Development, LLC. It will also consider a special permit request from Nova Home Improvements, Inc. to lower required parking from 21 to 18 spaces on Chicopee Street. The committee will approve the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting before adjourning.

• Zone change: Commercial A to Residential C for 8.3 acres at 326 Chicopee St. (Jones Ferry Development, LLC)
• Special permit: reduce parking requirement from 21 to 18 spaces on Chicopee Street (Nova Home Improvements, Inc.)
• Approval of minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting

The Zoning Committee approved a zone change application converting 8.3 acres at 326 Chicopee St. from Commercial A to Residence C. The committee also approved a special permit allowing Nova Home Improvements to reduce required parking from 21 to 18 spaces for its new building. Minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting were approved, and the council adjourned at 7:20 PM.

• Approved zone change (Commercial A to Residence C) for 326 Chicopee St.
• Approved special permit to reduce parking requirement to 18 spaces for Nova Home Improvements project
• Approved minutes of August 27, 2025
• Adjourned meeting at 7:20 PM

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System Board will approve the minutes from its August 27, 2025 meetings, authorize monthly expense warrants, and review applications for retirements, membership, refunds, and transfers. It will also discuss survivor benefits, the 2025 Fall MACRS Conference, a contract with Stone Consulting, Inc., cyber insurance, and conduct interviews for legal services RFPs. Finally, the Board will set meeting dates for 2025 and 2026 before adjourning.

• Approval of the Board Minutes from the Regular and Executive Sessions of August 27, 2025
• Board Approval of Monthly Expense Warrants
• Retirement, Membership, Refund, and Transfer Applications
• RFP’s for Legal Services — Interviews
• 2025 Fall MACRS Conference

The Chicopee Retirement Board unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes, expense warrants, two retirement allowance requests, membership for 38 new members, multiple refund and transfer requests, survivor benefits for one deceased member, attendance and expense for a conference, and the January 1 actuarial report. All motions were passed with all members in favor.

• Approved regular meeting minutes from August 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved executive session minutes from August 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved expense warrants #09242025, #09252025 and payroll warrant 408312025 (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation retirement allowances for Diane Belair and Andre Remillard (unanimous)
• Approved membership for 38 individuals across School, Electric Light, Police, DPW, CHA, Fire, and Treasurer groups (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for 12 employees (unanimous)
• Approved transfers to another system for two employees (unanimous)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for five retirees (unanimous)

Fairview Cemetery Commission

The Fairview Cemetery Commission will review several ongoing projects, including a mapping update, planned plantings and cleanup on October 19, and security measures for vault doors and cameras. Commissioners will also consider a public request for burial records from Chicopee St. Cemetery. The meeting includes public input limited to five minutes per speaker. No final decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Cemetery mapping
• Cemetery plantings and cleanup – scheduled for October 19
• Security of vault doors
• Installation or review of cemetery cameras
• Request for burial records of Chicopee St. Cemetery

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will hold a regular meeting on September 23, 2025. It will determine quorum, approve the minutes from the August 15, 2025 meeting, and consider correspondence from agencies such as the Jury Commissioner and U.S. Passport Service. The clerk will present registration statistics for August 2025, including address changes, party affiliation updates, new registrations, and deletions. The session will conclude with any new business and adjournment.

• Determine quorum at start of meeting
• Approve minutes of the August 15, 2025 meeting
• Review correspondence from Jury Commissioner, U.S. Passport Service, City Preliminary registration, and Commonwealth of MA initiative petitions
• Clerk’s report on August 2025 voter registration statistics (address changes, party affiliation changes, registrations, deletions)
• Discuss new business and adjourn

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will hold a special meeting on September 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss alternatives for the Anna Barry School building. No other agenda items are listed. The meeting will take place in the City Hall Auditorium and via Zoom.

• Discussion of Anna Barry School building alternatives

Councilors voted unanimously to close the public‑input portion of the special meeting. They then discussed multiple school design alternatives but did not approve any option. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Closed public input (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will meet to discuss and vote on mayoral appropriations totaling over $2.1M for various city accounts, including emergency management, wastewater, and police/fire indemnification. The meeting will also consider ordinance updates to adjust salaries for multiple city departments and review proposed changes to traffic regulations, licensing rules, and home occupation applications.

• Mayor's appropriation of $2,000,000 to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for City Wide Ward Program
• $90,000 appropriation to D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Signal Maintenance
• $15,000 appropriation to Emergency Management Special Account for Grant Spending/Disaster Relief
• Salary updates for Planning Department, Human Resources, Office of the Treasurer, Auditing Department, and Office of the Mayor (operative July 1, 2025)
• New home occupation license application at 107 Northwood Street for private piano lessons

The council voted to close public input, approve the minutes from the September 2 meeting, and accept a $6,941 donation for the Chicopee Senior Center. Several mayoral appropriations—including $2,000,000 for a city‑wide highway program and $90,000 for signal maintenance—were tabled to the October 7 meeting. Salary amendments for multiple departments were enacted, such as the Planning Department Development Manager position at $80,429.76.

• Closed public input – motion passed unanimously (Councilors Roy, Brooks, Balakier absent)
• Approved September 2 minutes – motion passed unanimously (Councilors Roy, Brooks, Balakier absent)
• Accepted $6,941 donation for Chicopee Senior Center – ordered by council
• Tabled $2,000,000 D.P.W. Highway Ward Program appropriation to 10/7 – motion passed unanimously
• Tabled $90,000 D.P.W. Highway Signal Maintenance appropriation to 10/7 – motion passed unanimously
• Amended Planning Department salary – Development Manager $80,429.76 (grade 8) approved unanimously
• Amended Office of the Mayor salary – Chief of Staff $78,425.28 (grade 8) approved unanimously
• Amended Office of the Treasurer salaries – Assistant Treasurer $78,425.28 and Special Projects Manager $55,081.44 approved unanimously

City Council - Utilities Committee

The Utilities Committee will consider a petition from Eversource Gas of Massachusetts seeking permission to install and maintain a 2,409‑foot 2" MP plastic gas main on several Chicopee streets. The committee will also review the minutes from its December 12, 2024 and April 14, 2025 meetings. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Petition from Eversource Gas to install and maintain 2,409 ft of 2" MP plastic gas main on Park St, Chestnut St, McKeag Ave, Dwight St, Perkins St, and School St.
• Review of Utilities Committee minutes from Dec 12 2024.
• Review of Utilities Committee minutes from Apr 14 2025.
• Adjournment of the meeting.

The committee approved Eversource Gas of Massachusetts' petition to install and maintain 2,409 feet of 2" MP plastic gas main on several downtown streets, excluding Exchange Street. The council noted that Eversource will hire a police detail for traffic control and will notify residents. The committee also approved the minutes from the December 12, 2024 and April 14, 2025 meetings and then adjourned.

• Approved Eversource gas main replacement petition (all five members voted Yes)
• Approved minutes of Dec 12, 2024 & Apr 14, 2025 (all five members voted Yes)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (all five members voted Yes)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider mayoral appointments of Melissa McCaffrey and Elizabeth Shaheen to the Council on Aging, and Taisheema "Tasha" Schley to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The committee will also approve the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Mayoral appointment of Melissa McCaffrey to the Council on Aging (term Aug 5, 2025 – Aug 1, 2028)
• Mayoral appointment of Elizabeth Shaheen to the Council on Aging (term Jun 17, 2025 – Jun 17, 2028)
• Mayoral appointment of Taisheema "Tasha" Schley to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term Aug 5, 2025 – Apr 1, 2028)
• Approval of minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to review two variance requests. The board will decide on changes to lot size and frontage requirements for a residential property and pavement setbacks for a parking lot.

• Variance for 248 East St. and 0 Oliver St. to reduce frontage from 100’ to 50’ and area from 10,000 SF to 5,000 SF for a new single-family lot
• Variance for 400 East Main St. to reduce pavement setback from 8’ to 0’ for a parking lot
• Approval of August 13, 2025 minutes

The Zoning Board denied a variance to split and shrink the lot at 248 East St. The board approved a variance allowing a parking‑lot setback reduction at 400 East Main St. Both decisions were made unanimously. The board also approved the August 13, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Denied variance for 248 East St. lot split and size reduction
• Approved variance for 400 East Main St. parking‑lot setback (5-0)
• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will consider several Chapter 7 items that become operative on July 1, 2025 for various city departments. It will vote on deleting and inserting language in Chapter 188‑17 D(2) to set qualification standards and police background‑check requirements for door‑to‑door sales licenses. The agenda also includes multiple traffic‑control changes such as relocating bus stops and adding isolated stop signs. The meeting concludes with minutes and adjournment.

• Amend Chapter 188‑17 D(2) to require salespersons to submit a sworn application and undergo a police criminal‑record check; no fee required.
• Move the southbound Chicopee Street bus stop 400 feet north to 40 Meadow Street (Bus Stop #545).
• Move the southbound Chicopee Street bus stop 300 feet south (Bus Stop #631).
• Add an isolated stop sign at the intersection of Barbara Street and Telegraph Avenue.
• Add a prohibition on engine brakes in Chapter 260‑37.1.

The Ordinance Committee approved salary increases for several city departments, including Planning, Human Resources, the Treasurer's Office, Auditing, and the Mayor's Office. It also approved an amendment to Chapter 188‑17 D(2) that eliminates the filing fee for door‑to‑door sales licenses. Additional actions included moving a bus stop on Meadow Street and denying a proposed stop sign at Exchange Street.

• Approved salary increase for Planning Dept Development Manager ($80,429.76) (motion passed)
• Approved salary increases for Human Resources positions (multiple) (motion passed)
• Approved salary increase for Office of the Treasurer positions (motion passed)
• Approved salary increase for Auditing Dept Budget Analyst ($61,261.92) (motion passed)
• Approved salary increase for Office of the Mayor Chief of Staff ($78,425.28) (motion passed)
• Approved amendment removing filing fee for door‑to‑door sales license (motion passed)
• Approved amendment moving Meadow Street bus stop #545 north 380 ft to 40 Meadow Street (motion passed)
• Denied installation of stop sign at Exchange Street (motion passed)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Claims and Accounts Committee will meet to review a claim for vehicle damages. The body will also consider the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting.

• Claim #25-09 from Stanley Lysik for $266.00 regarding pothole/tie rod and suspension damage at 116 Chicopee Street

The Claims and Accounts Committee awarded Stanley Lysik $266 in restitution for car damage caused by a pothole. The committee also approved the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $266 restitution to Stanley Lysik (3-0)
• Closed public input on the Lysik claim (3-0)
• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on September 9, 2025, to discuss commission elections, review letters regarding historic districts, and present research findings on assigned properties. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes and discussion of new business.

• Public hearing on September 9, 2025
• Commission elections to be discussed
• Letters regarding historic districts to be reviewed
• Research presentations on assigned historic properties
• Minutes from June 10, 2025 to be approved

The commission unanimously (5‑0) voted to keep the current officer slate—Ray Hoess‑Brooks as Chair, Louise Osetek as Vice Chair, and Linda Menard‑Mruk as Clerk—unchanged. The June 10 and August 25, 2025 meeting minutes were each approved by a 5‑0 vote. A motion to table the historic‑property presentation item until the October 14, 2025 meeting also passed 5‑0. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Kept officer positions unchanged (5-0)
• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved August 25, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Tabled historic property presentations to Oct 14, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Library

The Board of Trustees will review library statistics and project updates for the bookmobile and outdoor signage. Members will vote on an Electronic Sign Policy and revisions to the Book Donation and Kids Room Library of Things policies. The board will also decide if two guest presenters may sell books during their scheduled events.

• Vote on proposed Electronic Sign Policy
• Vote on proposed revisions to Book Donation Policy
• Vote on proposed revisions to Kids Room Library of Things Policy
• Vote on whether presenters Brad Timm and Andrew Lam may sell books at events
• Updates on bookmobile awning, outdoor sign, and shade structure projects

The Chicopee Public Library Board accepted the June meeting minutes, the financial report, the Friends correspondence, and the director’s report. They also approved the Electronic Sign Policy, updates to the Book Donation Policy, and revisions to the Kids Library of Things Policy. All motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted minutes of June 9, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Accepted the Financial Report (3-0)
• Accepted correspondence from the Friends of the Chicopee Public Library (3-0)
• Accepted the Director’s Report (3-0)
• Approved the Electronic Sign Policy (3-0)
• Approved changes to the Book Donation Policy (3-0)
• Approved changes to the Kids Library of Things Policy (3-0)

Parks Commission

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss fee increases for the Suburban Basketball program and review requests to use Williams Park and Ray Ash Park for community events. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Suburban Basketball program fee increase to $120 per participant
• Gold Star Soccer Zoo program request for Williams Park (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
• St. Joan of Arc School Walk-a-thon at Ray Ash Park (Sept 26, 7am–12pm)
• St. Joan of Arc School Field Day at Ray Ash Park (May 15, 2026, 7am–2pm)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a preliminary site plan for renovating an existing building and constructing a new mixed-use building at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave. The board will also consider a waiver request to reduce frontage requirements for a new single-family lot on Oliver St. No decisions are scheduled; only discussions and public hearings will take place.

• Preliminary site plan for mixed-use renovation and new construction at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave.
• Waiver request to reduce frontage from 100’ to 50’ for a new single-family lot on Oliver St. (Assessor Map 105, Parcel 47)
• Public hearing for the mixed-use site plan
• ANRs (Approvals Not Required) listed without details
• Minutes from August 7, 2025 reviewed for approval

The Planning Board approved a waiver of frontage to create a single‑family lot on Oliver St. (4‑1 vote). It also approved an ANR transfer on Burnett Rd./Murphy Ln and the August 7 minutes (both 5‑0 votes). The preliminary site‑plan for 185 Grove St. was tabled until October 2, 2025 (5‑0 vote).

• Approved frontage waiver for Oliver St. parcel (4-1)
• Approved ANR transfer for Burnett Rd./Murphy Ln (5-0)
• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Tabled preliminary site plan for 185 Grove St. to Oct 2, 2025 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several mayoral appropriations for water main replacement and vehicle purchases. The body will also discuss zoning changes, business licenses, and a potential non-binding ballot question regarding quarterly tax payments.

• Acceptance of $341,100 Massachusetts Gaming Commission grant for Center Streetscapes Phase 2 and police LPR cameras
• $222,200 appropriation for Trilby Ave Water Main Replacement
• Proposed non-binding ballot question for November 4th regarding a quarterly tax payment system
• Zone change application from Business A to Res A for 0 Prospect Street #Lot1B
• Zone change application from Res A to Bus A for 749 James Street to operate a restaurant

The council accepted a $341,100 Massachusetts Gaming Commission mitigation grant to fund roadway design, a bikeshare program, and police surveillance cameras. It also appropriated funds for water‑main replacement, a new DPW vehicle, park improvements, and approved a zoning change for a residential lot. Several donations were accepted and a proposed ordinance on engine brakes was sent to the Ordinance Committee for first reading.

• Accepted $341,100 Gaming Commission grant for streets, bikeshare, and police cameras – unanimous roll call vote
• Appropriated $222,200 for Trilby Ave water main replacement – unanimous roll call vote
• Appropriated $65,700 to purchase a new DPW truck – unanimous roll call vote
• Approved $200 clothing expense for DPW sanitation – 10 yes, 1 out of chair
• Approved $110,000 for park improvements – 10 yes, 1 out of chair
• Approved zone change from Business A to Residential A for 0.402‑acre lot on O Prospect Street – unanimous roll call vote
• Postponed special permit application for flexible parking standards to 9/24/25 – unanimous roll call vote
• Referred proposed ordinance adding engine‑brake prohibition on Griffith Road to Ordinance Committee – unanimous roll call vote

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will discuss the compliance of a special permit held by the Church of God. The body will also consider a zone change for a single-family home and a request to reduce required parking spaces for a business.

• Review of Special Permit for Church of God at 993 Chicopee Street regarding 8 second pause or delay violations
• Zone change application from Business A to Res A for 0.402 acres at 0 Prospect St #Lot1B
• Special Permit application for Nova Hom Improvements, Inc. to reduce required parking spaces from 21 to 18 at Chicopee Street

The committee closed public input on the Church of God special permit and placed the matter on file. The council unanimously approved a zone change for 0 Prospect St #Lot1B from Business A to Residential A. A motion to deny the special permit for parking reduction was made, but no vote tally was recorded. No substantive decision was made on the Church of God special permit itself.

• Closed public input on Church of God special permit (unanimous)
• Placed Church of God special permit matter on file (unanimous)
• Approved zone change for 0 Prospect St #Lot1B to Residential A (unanimous)
• Motion to deny Special Permit for parking reduction was made (outcome not recorded)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold its regular monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. in the Auditor’s Conference Room on the third floor of City Hall, 274 Front Street. The board will review minutes from the July 23 meeting, approve expense warrants, and conduct routine administrative actions such as retirement applications, membership reviews, and performance evaluations.

• Approval of Board Minutes from July 23, 2025
• Board Approval of Monthly Expense Warrants
• Manager Performance Review/SEI Investments
• Retirement Applications and Re-Calculation Approvals
• RFP’s for Manager of Managers

The board approved the prior meeting minutes, expense warrants, and tabled the January 1, 2025 actuarial valuation report. It approved ordinary disability retirement applications for two fire‑department retirees and authorized multiple superannuation retirements, pension calculations, new system memberships, refunds, and transfers. The board also voted to interview two law firms, issue an RFP for a Manager of Managers, and revisit the cyber‑insurance issue at a later date. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved July 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved expense warrants #08272025, #08282025 and payroll warrant #07312025 (unanimous)
• Tabled January 1, 2025 actuarial valuation report (unanimous)
• Approved ordinary disability retirement for Jason Furr (4‑0)
• Approved ordinary disability retirement for Robert McQueen (4‑0)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for eight employees (unanimous)
• Approved membership for eight new system members (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for ten individuals (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is holding a special meeting to review and approve a support letter. This letter would allow the use of ARPA funds to replace the failing roof of the Edward Bellamy House.

• Review and approval of support letter for Edward Bellamy House roof replacement using ARPA funds

The commission voted 5-0 to approve and issue a letter of support for using $200,000 in ARPA funds to replace the roof of the Edward Bellamy House. The replacement will use historically accurate cedar shakes and includes chimney reconstruction and a supporting column. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5-0 vote.

• Approved support letter for $200,000 ARPA roof project (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider three applications for special one-day beer and wine permits for local events. The body will also review a common victualer license renewal and an amusement permit application.

• Special One Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens, 5 West Main St (Sept 23 and Oct 28)
• Special One Day Permit (Beer/Wine) for St. Stanislaus Basilica, 534 Front St (Oct 18)
• Automatic Amusement permit (1 Pool Table) for Colonial Café, 550 Chicopee St
• Common Victualer license renewal for Dunkin, 246 McKinstry Ave
• Hearing for Bulls Eye Café

The Commission approved the meeting minutes and then granted three one‑day beer/wine permits for senior‑citizen events, waiving both fees and police detail requirements. It also approved a one‑day permit for St. Stanislaus Basilica’s fundraiser with the same waivers. A continuance was granted for the Bulls Eye Café hearing, moving it to the September meeting. Additional approvals included a pool‑table amusement for Colonial Café and a renewal for Dunkin’s common victualer license.

• Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved special one‑day permit (beer/wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens Photo Gallery exhibit, waived fee and police detail (5‑0)
• Approved special one‑day permit (beer/wine) for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens Rotary Dinner, waived fee and police detail (5‑0)
• Approved special one‑day permit (beer/wine) for St. Stanislaus Basilica Annual Parish Bazaar, waived fee and police detail (5‑0)
• Approved continuance of Bulls Eye Café hearing to September meeting (5‑0)
• Approved automatic amusement (one pool table) for Colonial Café (5‑0)
• Approved renewal of common victualer license for Dunkin at 246 McKinstry Ave (5‑0)

Fairview Cemetery Commission

The Fairview Cemetery Commission will meet to review ongoing cemetery improvements and mapping. The body will also discuss a request for chapel and vault assessments and memorial trees.

• Chapel and Vault Assessment Request
• Memorial Trees
• Cemetery Mapping
• Cemetery Improvements
• Cemetery Plantings and Cleanup

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from July 22, 2025, review correspondence, and discuss clerk’s reports including voter registration statistics and pending nomination papers. The meeting is procedural with no substantive decisions listed.

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review several requests for park use by schools and community organizations. The body will also discuss the progress of the Szot Master Plan bid package and the Bemis Pond Dam Removal project.

• Request from St. Stanislaus School to use Szot Park on May 19
• Request from Gandara Center to use Szot Park on August 22
• Request from Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to use Szot Park for Thriller 5K on October 25
• Request from Hampden Charter School for field use at Bowie Field
• Review of Szot Master Plan Phase I bid package and draft report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to decide whether to grant a variance allowing two residential units on the first floor of a building with a commercial laundromat in the Central Business District. The board will also review minutes from the June 11 meeting and discuss old and new business before adjourning.

• Variance request for two residential units above laundromat at Chicopee St., Assessor Map 582, Parcel 4 (Nova Home Improvements, Inc.)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to allow two residential units on the ground floor of a building with a laundromat in the Central Business District, voting 4‑0 in favor. Staff had recommended approval and noted that the City Council is reviewing a rezoning of the area. The Board also approved the June 11, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved variance for two residential units above laundromat (4-0)
• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a zone change for a property on Chicopee St. and site plans for developments on Grove St. and Burnett Rd.

• Zone change from Commercial A to Residential C for 8.3 +/- acres at 326 Chicopee St.
• Preliminary Site Plan for mixed-use renovation and new construction at 185 Grove St. and 22 Grove Ave.
• Site Plan for a 50,358 SF addition to an existing 87,700 SF building at 880 Burnett Rd.

The board recommended approval of a zone change from Commercial A to Residential C for the 8.3‑acre site at 326 Chicopee Street (5‑0). It tabled the preliminary site plan for the 185/22 Grove Street mixed‑use project until September 4, 2025 (5‑0). The board approved a waiver of the preliminary plan and adopted the definitive site plans with conditions for the 50,358 sf addition at 880 Burnett Road (4‑0 with 1 abstention on each vote). It also approved an ANR for Wildermere Street, adopted the July 3, 2025 minutes, and adjourned the meeting (all 5‑0).

• Recommend approval of zone change for 326 Chicopee St. (5-0)
• Table preliminary site plan for 185/22 Grove St. to Sep 4, 2025 (5-0)
• Approve waiver of preliminary plan for 880 Burnett Rd. addition (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approve definitive site plans with conditions for 880 Burnett Rd. addition (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approve ANR – Wildermere St. – Jessica Picard (5-0)
• Approve minutes from July 3, 2025 (2-0, 3 abstentions)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several Mayor's appropriations for city services and legal settlements. The meeting includes votes on zoning changes for residential and hospital use, as well as new ordinances regarding engine brakes and door-to-door sales licenses.

• Appropriation of $352,079.73 for Chicopee TV salaries and equipment
• Appropriation of $94,244.59 for a legal settlement in Jeffrey Godere V. City of Chicopee
• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for properties at 11 St. Anthony Street, 0 Chicopee Street, and 546 Chicopee Street for hospital use
• Zone change from Residential A to Residential B at 100 Beaumont Avenue for two single-family residences
• Proposed ordinances prohibiting engine brakes on Griffith Road and James Street

The council approved several budget appropriations, including $352,079.73 for Chicopee TV, $334.49 for telephone systems, $9,546.15 for City Hall maintenance, $30,033.44 for police and fire indemnifications, and $5,000 for a DPW administrative stipend. It also authorized the relocation of a sewer easement at 1601 Westover Road. In addition, the council accepted multiple donations, such as 104 cases of water ($520) for the fire department and a $2,500 DART grant for the police department. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote; Councilor Balakier was absent for each vote.

• Approved $352,079.73 appropriation for Chicopee TV (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved $334.49 appropriation for telephone systems (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved $9,546.15 appropriation for City Hall maintenance (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved $30,033.44 indemnification for Police & Fire (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved $5,000 appropriation for DPW administrative stipend (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Authorized relocation of sewer easement at 1601 Westover Road (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Accepted donation of 104 cases of water ($520) for Fire Department (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Accepted $2,500 DART Program Grant for Police Department (unanimous roll‑call vote)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will consider special permits for dog kennels and several zone change applications. Three of the requests seek to change Business A to Residential B zoning to align with the city's definition of a hospital.

• Special permit for a 4-pet French Bulldog kennel at 25 Mayflower Ave
• Special permit for a dog kennel for nine Yorkies at 55 Paul Ave
• Zone change from Residential A to Residential B for two single family homes at 100 Beaumont Ave
• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for .7775 acres at 11 St. Anthony St for hospital use
• Zone changes from Business A to Residential B for properties at 0 Chicopee St and 546 Chicopee St for hospital use

The committee approved a special permit for Brittany Morse to operate a kennel for up to eight dogs at 25 Mayflower Ave. It denied a special permit for Antonieta Wilson Mathieson to operate a kennel for nine dogs at 55 Paul Ave. Both motions passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved special kennel permit for 25 Mayflower Ave (up to 8 dogs) (5-0)
• Denied special kennel permit for 55 Paul Ave (9 dogs) (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to review city health insurance. The discussion will cover the selection, rates, and offerings of these insurance plans.

• Discussion of City Health Insurance review, selection, rates, and offerings

The council voted to close public input on the health‑insurance agenda. It then approved a discussion of health‑insurance rates, reviews, and offerings. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Closed public input (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved discussion of health‑insurance rates, reviews and offerings (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 p.m. (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Retirement Board

The Board will meet to approve monthly expense warrants and process retirement, membership, and refund applications. The agenda includes discussions on survivor benefits, legal matters, and various PERAC memos.

• Approval of monthly expense warrants
• Retirement and membership applications
• Survivor benefits
• PERAC Audit
• Board meeting dates for 2025

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved the minutes from the June 25 meeting and the related expense warrants. It granted retirement requests for three employees, added four new members to the system, and approved multiple refund and transfer requests. The board also approved the pension calculations for nine retirees and denied a legal request by Officer Gerald Nelson. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved monthly expense and payroll warrants #07232025, #07242025, #07252025, #06302025 (unanimous)
• Approved retirement requests for Thomas Lacaprucia, Michael Morace, Patricia Siclari (unanimous)
• Approved membership for Nicholas Amo, Kaylin Anderson, Anna Brittan, Kiersten Converse (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for Brionna‑Destiny N. Leonard, Zamayta Mendoza, Gabriel S. Torres (unanimous)
• Approved transfers for Chelsea J. Crochiere, Jessica Z. Del Valle, Neil W. Graham, Ashley E. Turgeon, Amanda C. Warwick, Frances M. Yacovone (unanimous)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for Susan Benoit, Robert Forster, Cecile Gregoire, Catheline LaRocea, Barbara Pininski, Norma Pirog, Donna O’Connor, Mary White, Pauline Zemrock (unanimous)
• Denied Gerald Nelson’s request to purchase prior service as a Special Police Officer (unanimous)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters will hold a regular meeting to approve previous minutes and review the Clerk's Report. The board will discuss nomination papers and voter registration statistics for June.

• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2025
• Approval of signature stamp
• Review of nomination papers
• Review of June registration statistics, including address and party affiliation changes

Fairview Cemetery Commission

The Fairview Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss ongoing cemetery improvements, mapping, and cleanup. The body will also review the cemetery's operational and financial reports for January through June 2025.

• Cemetery improvements
• Cemetery mapping
• Cemetery plantings and cleanup
• Fairview Cemetery Report Jan – Jun 2025
• Fairview Cemetery Financial Report Jan – June 2025

The Fairview Cemetery Commission accepted the minutes from the April 29, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 pm. The chair suggested an on‑site inspection of the chapel for a future meeting, but no decision was made.

• Accepted April 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:35 pm (unanimous)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several liquor license transfers and a new common victualer application. The body will also review a special event permit for a back-to-school event at Rivers Park.

• Special Event Permit for Faded Barber Lounges at Rivers Park, 41 Meadow St on August 24, 2025
• Transfer of All-Alcohol Package Store License to Gadeshwari MA, LLC, 499 Springfield St
• Transfer of Wine Malt Package Store license to 451 Grattan Street Food and Fuel, Inc., 451 Grattan St
• New Common Victualer application for Pizza Lino, 42 Center St
• Change of Manager for Red Fez, 70 Exchange St

The License Commission approved the meeting minutes. It also approved a special event permit for the Faded Barber Lounges Back to School Event at Rivers Park, a change of manager for Red Fez, two liquor license transfers, and a new common victualer for Pizza Lino. All motions passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Faded Barber Lounges Back to School Event at Rivers Park (4-0)
• Approved change of manager for Red Fez, 70 Exchange St (4-0)
• Approved transfer of All-Alcohol Package Store license to Gadeshwari MA, LLC, 499 Springfield St (4-0)
• Approved transfer of Wine Malt Package Store license to 451 Grattan St Food and Fuel, Inc (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualer for Pizza Lino, 42 Center St (4-0)

City Council - Water Resource Committee

The Water Resources Committee will meet to discuss the status of water rates. The committee will also review minutes from July 20, 2023.

• Discussion on the status of water rates

The Water Resource Committee held a public hearing on water rates. Councilor Kramnits moved, and Councilor Arriaga seconded, to close public input, and the motion passed unanimously. The committee will collect additional public questions for the DPW superintendent to answer privately.

• Motion to close public input on water rate hearing passed (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Chicopee Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss a zoning change for a property on Prospect St. The board will also review minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting.

• Zone change from Business A to Residential A for .402 acres on Prospect St. (Assessor Map 688, Parcel 26A) for a single-family house

The board voted 3‑0 to recommend approving a zone change from Business A to Residential A for the .402‑acre Prospect Street parcel (Assessor Map 688, Parcel 26A). The board approved the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Recommend approval of zone change from Business A to Residential A for .402‑acre Prospect St. parcel (3‑0)
• Approve June 5, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (4‑0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a Tax Increment Financing agreement for a $9.5 million project at Robbins Road. The body will also consider several police department appropriations and zoning permits for residential and business uses.

• TIF agreement for Robbins Rd Property, LLC (Trafa Pharmaceutical, Inc.) involving a $9.5 million investment
• Appropriation of $900,898.70 for Police Department Salary Accounts
• Appropriation of $75,000.00 for settlement in Thomas Hill V. Dean Desmarais, Richard Kos, and the City of Chicopee
• Appropriation of $5,200.00 for Police Special Account for bullet proof vests
• Proposed installation of a school bus violation detection monitoring system

The council approved a Tax Increment Financing agreement with Robbins Rd Property, LLC and Trafa Pharmaceutical, Inc., supporting a $9.5 million project that will create at least 15 full‑time jobs. It also approved appropriations of $5,200 for police bullet‑proof vests and $900,898.70 for police salary obligations, while defeating a $75,000 settlement appropriation by a 6‑6 vote. Additional actions included approving special permits for a duplex on Montgomery Street and a driveway/storage shed on Cherryvale Street, and enacting several parking and traffic ordinances, all by unanimous votes.

• Approved $9.5 M Robbins Rd Tax Increment Financing agreement (11 yes, 1 out of chair)
• Approved $5,200 police bullet‑proof vest appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved $900,898.70 police salary appropriation (11 yes, 1 abstain)
• Defeated $75,000 settlement appropriation (6 yes, 6 no)
• Approved duplex special permit at 92‑94 Montgomery St with restrictions (unanimous)
• Approved driveway/storage special permit at 38 Cherryvale St with restrictions (unanimous)
• Approved parking prohibition ordinance on Olivine St (unanimous)
• Approved isolated stop‑sign ordinance at Lenox Rd/Marten St (unanimous)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is meeting to discuss proposed traffic and parking regulations at several city intersections. The body will review specific requests for parking prohibitions and new signage.

• Parking prohibition on Chicopee Street for 30 feet to Olivine Street
• 'Do Not Block The Box' signage on Broadway at Reuben Avenue
• Isolated stop sign on Lenox Road at Marten Street
• 'Do Not Block The Box' signage on Wilson Avenue at Chester Street
• Parking prohibition on the south side of William Street, 55 feet from Broadway Street

The Ordinance Committee approved a series of parking prohibitions and a stop sign on several city streets after closing public input. Each motion was adopted by the councilors present. The committee also approved the May 22 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved parking prohibition on Chicopee Street (motion passed)
• Approved "Do Not Block the Box" sign on Broadway at Reuben Avenue (motion passed)
• Approved isolated stop sign on Lenox Road at Marten Street (motion passed)
• Approved "Do Not Block the Box" sign on Wilson Avenue at Chester Street (motion passed)
• Approved parking prohibition on William Street near Broadway (motion passed)
• Approved the May 22, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss litigation strategy in a closed executive session. The council will not return to open session following this discussion.

• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss the installation and operation of a school bus violation detection monitoring system. The committee will also review minutes from December 5, 2024.

• Proposal to install a school bus violation detection monitoring system per M.G.L. c. 40 71
• Review of December 5, 2024 minutes

City Council - Budget Hearings

The Committee of the Whole will conduct budget hearings for the fiscal year 2026. The meeting will cover funding requests and operations for several city departments.

• FY 2026 Budget Hearing: Council on Aging
• FY 2026 Budget Hearing: Mayor
• FY 2026 Budget Hearing: City Clerk
• FY 2026 Budget Hearing: City Council
• FY 2026 Budget Hearing: Auditing & Retirement System and School

City Council

The City Council will consider the approval of the Mayor's FY 26 Budget. The body will also vote on several salary amendments to Chapter 7 of the city ordinances and the appointment of a Project Supervisor.

• Approval of Mayor's FY 26 Budget
• Confirmation of Quinn Lonczak as Project Supervisor
• Salary amendment for Chief of Staff: $78,425.28
• Salary amendments for Human Resources, including Assistant Director at $80,000.00
• Salary amendment for Planning Department Development Manager: $80,429.76

The council approved the FY 2026 budget as recommended by the mayor. They confirmed Quinn Lonczak as project supervisor through June 30, 2030. Several salary amendment ordinances for various departments were referred to the Ordinance Committee. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote; Councilors Wagner and Courchesne were absent.

• Approved FY 2026 budget (unanimous roll call)
• Confirmed appointment of Quinn Lonczak as project supervisor (unanimous roll call)
• Referred Mayor’s Office salary amendment (Chief of Staff $78,425.28) to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Referred Auditing Department salary amendment (Budget Analyst $61,261.92) to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Referred Treasurer’s Office salary amendments (Assistant Treasurer $78,425.28; Special Projects Manager $55,081.44) to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Referred Human Resources salary amendments (multiple positions) to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Referred Planning Department salary amendment (Development Manager $80,429.76) to Ordinance Committee (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:00 pm (unanimous roll call)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will consider three special permit applications for land use and construction. The body will also review the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting.

• Special permit for a kennel license for 4 French Bulldogs at 25 Mayflower Ave
• Special permit for a driveway and storage shed at 0 Cherryvale St
• Special permit for a duplex at 0 Montgomery Street next to 92-94 Montgomery Street

The Zoning Committee postponed the special kennel permit for 25 Mayflower Ave. to the July 30, 2025 meeting. It approved the special permit for a four‑car driveway and storage shed on 0 Cherryvale St., subject to payment of an outstanding tax bill and a 20‑foot curb cut. No decision was recorded on the duplex application at 0 Montgomery St.

• Postponed kennel permit for 25 Mayflower Ave. to July 30, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved driveway and shed permit for 0 Cherryvale St. with conditions (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting to process retirement, membership, and disability applications. The board will also review monthly expense warrants and manager performance.

• Approval of monthly expense warrants
• Manager performance review and PRIT investments
• Retirement, membership, and disability applications
• Review of PERAC Memo#14
• Establishment of 2025 board meeting dates

The Retirement Board unanimously approved the monthly expense warrants and an accidental disability application, sending it to PERAC for a medical panel. It also approved several superannuation retirement requests, membership admissions, refund requests, transfer requests, and retirement allowance calculations and recalculations. An RFP for legal services was announced for July 7, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m.

• Approved expense warrants #406252025, #06262025, #05302025 (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved accidental disability application and sent to PERAC (roll call vote: all Yes)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for five employees (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved membership for eleven individuals (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved six refund requests (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved six transfers to another system (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for five retirees (ALL IN FAVOR)
• Approved recalculations of retirement allowances for two retirees (ALL IN FAVOR)

City Council - Budget Hearings

The Committee of the Whole will conduct budget hearings for the fiscal year 2026. The meeting will cover funding and operations for multiple city departments.

• FY 2026 Budget Hearings for License Commission, Purchasing, and Facilities Department
• FY 2026 Budget Hearings for Human Resources, Veterans Services, and Library
• FY 2026 Budget Hearings for Health, Treasurer, and Debt Services (Bonds and interest)
• FY 2026 Budget Hearings for Planning & Development, Collector, and Assessors
• FY 2026 Budget Hearings for MIS, Emergency Management, and Golf

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will hold a regular meeting to approve May 16 minutes and review the Clerk's report. The board will consider nomination papers filed before the deadline and review May registration statistics, including address and party changes.

• Approval of May 16, 2025 minutes
• Review of nomination papers pending Board approval
• Review of May registration statistics (office, mail, online, and City/Town Hall)
• Review of voter registration deletions due to removal, death, or confirmation notices
• Correspondence from the Office of the Secretary of Commonwealth Election Division regarding felony reports

City Council - Budget Hearings

The Committee of the Whole will conduct budget hearings for the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting will cover funding for multiple city departments including public safety and public works.

• Budget hearings for Police and Fire departments
• Budget hearings for DPW (Administration, Engineering, Flood Control, Forestry, Highway, Parks, Sanitation, Central Maintenance Garage)
• Budget hearings for Water and Sewer (Public Utilities, Collection System, Pretreatment, Combined Sewer Overflow, Bonds and Interest)
• Budget hearings for Building Inspection, Law, and Registrars

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a Notice of Intent for electrical utility pole replacements. The commission will also review previous meeting minutes and sign bills.

• NOI for electrical utility pole replacements at four structures along the 1356 utility ROW at 363 Prospect St.

The Conservation Commission voted 4‑0 to issue an Order of Conditions with special erosion‑control requirements for NSTAR's utility pole replacements at 363 Prospect Street. The commission also approved the June 4 minutes with minor amendments by a 4‑0 vote and signed one staff bill before adjourning the meeting at 6:49 PM.

• Approved Order of Conditions with special conditions for NSTAR pole replacement (4-0)
• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes with amendments (4-0)
• Signed staff bill (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several mayoral appropriations and a bond authorization for the Water Pollution Control Facility. The meeting includes reviews of business license applications, zoning changes, and mayoral appointments to city boards.

• Authorization to borrow $1,250,000.00 for the Chicopee Water Pollution Control Facility Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
• Proposed zone change from Commercial A to Residence C for 8.3 +/- acres at 326 Chicopee Street
• Appropriation of $2,000,000.00 to the Stabilization Fund for Capital Budgeting
• Proposed parking ordinances for William Street and Wilson Avenue
• Special permit application for a dog kennel license at 55 Paul Ave

The council unanimously authorized a $1,250,000 bond to finance the Chicopee Water Pollution Control Facility Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. It also approved several appropriations, adopted the Hero Act exemption for disabled veterans, and adopted statutory standards for municipal investments and unclaimed property.

• Approved $1,250,000 bond for wastewater management plan (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $62,688.13 to auditing salary accounts (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $100,000 to Treasurer's Special Account for Medicare tax (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $100,000 to HR Special Account for police & fire indemnifications (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $34,492.20 to Reserve for School Special Custodians (unanimous roll call)
• Appropriated $5,000 to Purchasing Expense Account for advertising (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted Hero Act provision to increase property tax exemption for disabled veterans (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted statutory prudent‑investor standard for municipal investments (unanimous roll call)

City Council - License Committee

The License Committee will consider several business license applications for auto detailing, auto repair, and vehicle sales. The body will also review the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting.

• Home Occupation and Auto Detail License for Kevin Ortiz at 30 Mt. Carmel Ave.
• Class II and Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street
• Class II License for Royal Motors Auto Sales, LLC at 874 Front Street

The License Committee approved a Home Occupation License for Kevin Ortiz at 30 Mt. Carmel Ave. It also approved an Auto Detailing License for Ortiz Detailing 413 with specific conditions. An Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street was approved, also with conditions. The Committee postponed consideration of a Class II Auto Dealer License for Alsultanit, LLC to the call of the chair.

• Approved Home Occupation License for 30 Mt. Carmel Ave (5-0)
• Approved Auto Detailing License for Ortiz Detailing 413 with conditions (5-0)
• Approved Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC with conditions (5-0)
• Postponed Class II Auto Dealer License for Alsultanit, LLC to call of chair (5-0)

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider requests for field use at Ike Alpert Park and Wisniowski Park. The body will also review progress on the Bemis Pond Dam removal and the Szot Master Plan.

• Field use request for Chicopee High School Boys Summer Soccer Team at Ike Alpert Park
• Request for Chicopee Police Department Block Party at Wisniowski Park on June 21
• Review of draft report for Szot Master Plan Phase I design
• Update on Bemis Pond Dam Removal Phase II planning
• Preparation of bid package for Sarah Jane Park Improvements via PARC Grant

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the May 13 meeting and the warrants dated May 30 and June 6. It authorized several park‑use requests, including the high school soccer team at Ike Alpert Park and two Chicopee Police Block Party events at Wisniowski Park. The commission also approved hiring 2025 seasonal employees and a plan for smaller park projects such as timber guardrails and new signage.

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2025 meeting
• Approved warrants dated May 30 and June 6
• Approved field use for Chicopee High School boys soccer at Ike Alpert Park (subject to availability)
• Approved Chicopee Police Block Party at Wisniowski Park June 21 (rain date June 22)
• Approved Pioneer Valley Church of Christ pavilion reservation for July 13 worship
• Approved Chicopee Police Block Party at Wisniowski Park August 27
• Approved hiring of 2025 seasonal employees
• Approved smaller park projects (timber guardrails, new signage) across city parks

License Commission

The License Commission will consider multiple special one-day beer and wine permits for events at the Chicopee Senior Citizens center. The board will also review new and renewal applications for common victualer licenses.

• Special one-day beer/wine permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens at 5 West Main St
• New common victualer application for Westover Wellness, 1755 Westover Rd
• New common victualer application for Creamy Cones, 1410 Memorial Dr
• Common victualer renewal application for Ayah Market, 456 Front St

The License Commission approved its meeting minutes unanimously. It granted several special one‑day beer/wine permits for the Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens, including the Summer Concert Series and other events, and waived all associated fees. The board also approved new and renewal common victualer licenses for Westover Wellness and Ayah Market, while tabling the Creamy Cone's application pending renovations.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Summer Concert Series one‑day permit, fee waived (5-0)
• Approved Lobster Fest one‑day permit, fee waived (5-0)
• Approved Oktoberfest one‑day permit, fee waived (5-0)
• Approved Monthly Friends Dinner series permit, fee waived (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualer for Westover Wellness (new) (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualer for Ayah Market renewal (5-0)
• Tabled Common Victualer for Creamy Cone’s pending renovations

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider three variance requests. The board will decide on changes to lot frontage and area requirements for residential properties and a driveway offset for a commercial project.

• Variance for 34 Wildermere St. to reduce frontage to 75' and area to 8,250 SF for a new lot
• Variance for 45 Whitin Ave. to reduce frontage to 50' for a new single-family lot
• Variance for Shawinigan Dr. to reduce driveway offset from 35' to 9' for a self-storage facility exit

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to split the lot at 34 Wildermere St into two 75‑foot frontages. It also approved a variance for 45 Whitin Ave to create a new single‑family lot, and a driveway offset variance for Patriot Holdings on Shawinigan Dr. All three approvals were voted 4‑0 in favor.

• Approved variance for 34 Wildermere St (4-0)
• Approved variance for 45 Whitin Ave (4-0)
• Approved driveway offset variance for Patriot Holdings on Shawinigan Dr (4-0)
• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will meet to consider mayoral appointments to the Anna Barry School Building Commission and the Council on Aging. The committee will also review the minutes from the May 14, 2025 meeting.

• Mayoral appointment of Allison Dauphinais to the Anna Barry School Building Commission
• Mayoral appointment of Gini Mack to the Council on Aging (term ending May 6, 2028)
• Mayoral appointment of Ronald LaVoie to the Council on Aging

The Human Resources Committee approved three mayoral appointments: Allison Dauphinais to the Anna Barry School Building Commission, Gini Mack to the Council of Aging, and Ronald LaVoie to the Council on Aging. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 14, 2025 meeting and then adjourned the session. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Allison Dauphinais appointment to Anna Barry School Building Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Gini Mack appointment to Council of Aging (unanimous)
• Approved Ronald LaVoie appointment to Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 14, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will meet to discuss four Open Meeting Law complaints regarding City Council minutes and meetings. The committee will also review the minutes from April 30, 2025.

• Complaint by Patrick Higgins (4-7-2025) regarding 3-4-2025 City Council Minutes
• Complaint by Derek Dobosz (4-16-2025) regarding 3-31-2025 City Council minutes
• Complaint by Derek Dobosz (4-16-2025) regarding 3-10-2025 City Council minutes
• Complaint by Lisa Bienvenue (4-25-2025) regarding 3-31-2025 Special City Council Meeting
• Review of April 30, 2025 minutes

The Rules Committee voted to allow the City Law Department to issue formal responses to three Open Meeting Law complaints and then approved each response. Motions to close public input and to recess the meeting were also passed. All motions were approved unanimously by the five councilors.

• Approved Law Department response to Patrick Higgins complaint (motion passed)
• Approved Law Department response to Derek Dobosz complaint (motion passed)
• Approved Attorney Reilly’s response on Item #2 of 2 (motion passed)
• Approved motion to allow Law Department to issue the response (motion passed)
• Closed public input on multiple occasions (motion passed)
• Approved motion to recess the meeting for 15 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved motion to resume the meeting at 7:10 PM (motion passed)
• Approved motion to start the Human Resources meeting (motion passed)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Claims and Accounts Committee will meet to discuss a tabled claim and approve previous meeting minutes. The body is reviewing a request for restitution regarding snow removal.

• Claim #25-04 from Angel Centeno of 439 Oldfield Road for $292.45 regarding a vehicle stuck in snow

The Claims & Accounts Committee approved a $292.45 restitution payment to Angel Centeno for a snow‑related incident. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $292.45 restitution to Angel Centeno (motion passed)
• Closed public input on the restitution claim (motion passed)
• Approved adoption of May 12, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to discuss resident notifications and walking tours for the Springfield Street Historic District. The body will also review minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting.

• Proposal to send courtesy letters to residents within the Springfield Street Historic District
• Details for three proposed walking tours of the Springfield Street Historic District on July 11, 18, and 25, 2025

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting. Members supported Wren Wood’s proposal for three historic walking tours in July. Commissioners were assigned historic houses to research and tasked with drafting resident letters for review at the September 9 meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (7-0 vote)
• Supported Wren Wood’s proposal for three historic walking tours
• Will use flyers provided by Wren Wood to publicize the tours
• Registration for tours will be handled through Eventbrite
• Each commissioner assigned a historic house to research for September 9 meeting
• Ronald Chimelis and Joseph Stadnicki to draft generic resident letters (to be reviewed Sep 9)
• Use of the City Seal to be reviewed with the Law Department
• Adjourned meeting (7-0 vote)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss the FY2026 fiscal budget and review May 2025 financial reports. The body will also receive updates on facility improvements and the delivery of a new van.

• Approval of Fiscal Budget FY2026 at a June 27 special meeting
• Acceptance of May 2025 Fiscal Reports
• New van delivery scheduled for July 7
• Updates on SLR-Landscape Plan, shed, and new floors/carpet
• Café/Kitchen revenue reports

The board approved the May 13 minutes after correcting the numbering. The May fiscal report was unanimously approved. The board elected Sue Tawrel as President, Sherry Gelinas as Vice President, Karen Rousseau as Secretary, and Kathy LaBreck as Treasurer.

• Approved May 13 minutes (correction to numbering)
• Unanimously approved May fiscal report
• Elected Sue Tawrel as President
• Elected Sherry Gelinas as Vice President
• Elected Karen Rousseau as Secretary
• Elected Kathy LaBreck as Treasurer

Library

The Board of Trustees will review May 2025 library statistics and a financial report. The board will also discuss personnel hiring and updates on the Shade Project and Outdoor Sign.

• Report on hiring and personnel
• Update on Shade Project
• Update on Outdoor Sign
• Setting meeting dates for FY26

The board accepted the May meeting minutes (2-0) and approved the financial and director reports (each 3-0). They added Judy Chelte to the payroll‑authorization list (3-0) and approved $1,519.76 for repairing the Bookmobile’s awning (3-0). The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m. (3-0).

• Accepted May meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved Financial Report (3-0)
• Approved Director’s Report (3-0)
• Added Judy Chelte to payroll‑authorization list (3-0)
• Approved $1,519.76 Bookmobile awning repair (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider several zone changes to allow for hospital use and residential lot subdivisions. The board will also review a site plan for a new freezer building and associated stormwater management.

• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for .78 acres at 11 St. Anthony St.
• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for .99 acres at 546 Chicopee St.
• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for .28 acres on Chicopee St. (Map 500, Parcel 51)
• Zone change from Residential A to Residential B for 22,034 SF at 100 Beaumont Ave.
• Site plan for a new high bay freezer building at 149 Plainfield St.

The Planning Board voted 3‑1 to recommend the City Council approve zone changes from Business A to Residential B for properties at 11 St. Anthony St., 546 Chicopee St., and a parcel on Chicopee St. It also voted 3‑1 to recommend denial of a zone change at 100 Beaumont Ave. The Board approved a waiver and definitive site plan for Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse (4‑0) and a frontage waiver for 34 Wildermere St. (4‑0). Additionally, it approved ANRs for 76 Joy Street and James St. (each 4‑0) and endorsed the Open Space and Recreation Plan.

• Recommend approval of zone change at 11 St. Anthony St. (3‑1)
• Recommend approval of zone change at 546 Chicopee St. (3‑1)
• Recommend approval of zone change at Chicopee St. parcel (3‑1)
• Recommend denial of zone change at 100 Beaumont Ave. (3‑1)
• Approve waiver and definitive site plan for Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse (4‑0)
• Approve frontage waiver for 34 Wildermere St. (4‑0)
• Approve ANR for 76 Joy Street (4‑0)
• Approve ANR for James St. (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss three Notices of Intent (NOI) regarding work in protected wetland and soil areas. The commission will also review minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting.

• NOI for electrical utility pole replacements at 363 Prospect St. (Eversource Energy Service Company)
• NOI for restoration and contractor yard operations at 0 and 420 McKinstry Ave. (Gramntad, LLC)
• NOI for restoration and contractor yard operations at 0 McKinstry Ave. (Ludlow Construction Co., Inc.)

The Conservation Commission voted 4-0 to table the notice of intent for electrical pole replacements at 363 Prospect St. It also voted 4-0 to issue Orders of Conditions with detailed special conditions for restoration work at 0 & 420 McKinstry Ave. and at 0 McKinstry Ave. The May 21, 2025 minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Tabled NOI for electrical utility pole replacements at 363 Prospect St. (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions with special conditions for restoration at 0 & 420 McKinstry Ave. (4-0)
• Approved Order of Conditions with special conditions for restoration at 0 McKinstry Ave. (4-0)
• Approved May 21, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several mayoral appropriations, including funds for tax levy reduction and snow removal. The body is also considering new ordinances regarding pawnshop record-keeping and offenses against public peace, including aggressive panhandling.

• Appropriation of $3,000,000.00 to reduce the 2026 Fiscal Year Tax Levy
• Appropriation of $532,287.34 for D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Snow & Ice Removal
• Proposed ordinance requiring electronic records and photographs for junk collectors and pawnbrokers
• Proposed ordinance creating Chapter 278 Offenses Against Public Peace, covering loitering and aggressive panhandling
• Acceptance of a $21,500.00 Emergency Management Performance Grant

The council unanimously approved a $3,000,000 appropriation to reduce the 2026 tax levy and a $532,287.34 appropriation for snow and ice removal. It accepted state grants of $21,500 for emergency management and $5,000 for the Abbey Brook Revitalization Phase II. Councilors also approved the installation of a school‑bus violation detection system and appointed Gail Beaudoin to the Housing Authority board and Ronald LaVoie to the Council on Aging.

• Approved $3,000,000 tax‑levy reduction appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved $532,287.34 snow & ice removal appropriation (unanimous)
• Accepted $21,500 Emergency Management Performance Grant (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 DER grant for Abbey Brook Revitalization Phase II (unanimous)
• Authorized school‑bus violation detection system and referred to Public Safety (unanimous)
• Suspended rule 37 and appointed Gail Beaudoin to Housing Authority board (11‑1, then unanimous)
• Referred appointment of Ronald LaVoie to Council on Aging to Human Resources (unanimous)
• Closed public input period (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to decide if a vacant At-Large position should be filled. They will also discuss and vote on a Home Rule Petition regarding the Mayor's elected term length.

• Vote on whether to fill the vacant City Council At-Large position
• Proposed timeline for vacancy: open nominations June 3, 2025, and vote June 17, 2025
• Vote on Home Rule Petition to change the Mayor's elected term from two years to four years

The council unanimously approved an amendment to the city charter that would change the mayor’s term from two to four years, pending voter approval at the next state election. Motions to fill the vacant At‑Large council seat and to adopt a nomination process for it were both defeated. The council also closed public input for the meeting by unanimous vote.

• Close public input – unanimous roll call vote
• Defeat motion to fill At‑Large vacancy (1 yes, 10 no)
• Defeat motion to adopt nomination process for vacancy – unanimous roll call vote
• Approve amendment to charter to change mayoral term – unanimous roll call vote
• Approve the amendment – unanimous roll call vote
• Adjourn meeting – unanimous roll vote

City Council - Recreation Committee

The Chicopee Recreation Committee will convene to review the current state of parks, existing programming, ongoing projects, and upcoming grants and projects. The meeting will also include approval of prior meeting minutes and adjournment.

The Chicopee Recreation Committee met on May 28, 2025 to receive updates on park projects, programming and grant status. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the meeting. The session included a staff briefing and public comments about basketball‑court and park safety concerns.

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will consider three special permit applications. The most significant request involves a large-scale residential development at the former Cabotville Mill Building.

• Special permit for a kennel license at 17 Jeanette Drive
• Special permit for transferring a liquor license at 32 Quincy Street
• Special permit for up to 600 residential apartments at 165 Front Street and 0 Exchange Street
• Requested waivers for landscape, parking, and noise requirements at the Cabotville Mill project

The Zoning Committee approved the special permit to transfer a liquor license to Linda Vanasse at 32 Quincy Street, adding conditions that noise be limited after midnight, no open flames be used, and alcohol not be consumed outside the premises. The committee denied the special kennel permit request for Lori Jerusik at 17 Jeanette Drive, citing violations and the presence of more than the allowed number of dogs. Both decisions were made during the May 28, 2025 meeting.

• Approved special permit for liquor license transfer at 32 Quincy St (Linda Vanasse) with conditions – noise after midnight, no open flame, no outdoor alcohol (unanimous)
• Denied kennel license special permit for 17 Jeanette Drive (Lori Jerusik) – no permit granted

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular meeting to process retirement and membership applications. The board will also review expense warrants and survivor benefits.

• Approval of monthly expense warrants
• Retirement and membership applications
• Survivor benefits
• Legal services
• GASB 67 & 68

The board approved the April 23, 2025 meeting minutes and the monthly expense and payroll warrants. It approved superannuation retirement requests, membership applications, refund requests, and transfer requests, and accepted the draft GASB 67 & 68. The board elected Timothy O’Shea as the system’s elected member for a three‑year term and authorized an RFP for legal services. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved April 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved expense warrants #05282025, #05292025 and payroll warrant #04302025 (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for listed employees (unanimous)
• Approved membership applications for listed individuals (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for three school department employees (unanimous)
• Approved transfers to another system for listed employees (unanimous)
• Declared Timothy O’Shea elected member for a three‑year term (unanimous)
• Authorized issuance of RFP for legal services (unanimous)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is reviewing proposed changes to junk and pawnshop licensing, city staffing, and the creation of a new chapter regarding offenses against public peace. The proposed public peace laws would criminalize throwing missiles on public ways, acting as a lookout for illegal activities, and aggressive panhandling.

• Proposed updates to Chapter 188-7 requiring electronic records and photos for junk and pawnshop licenses
• Proposed Law Department staffing change: replace one Paralegal ($67,233.60) with one Senior Litigation Paralegal ($65,959.92)
• Proposed Chapter 278 prohibiting throwing missiles on public ways
• Proposed Chapter 278 prohibiting acting as a lookout for illegal activities
• Proposed Chapter 278 restrictions on loitering and aggressive panhandling

The Ordinance Committee approved an amendment to Chapter 188‑7 that requires junk collectors and pawnshops to keep detailed electronic records and photographs of transactions, with access for police. It also approved the creation of a Senior Litigation Paralegal position and the elimination of one existing paralegal role in the Law Department. Finally, the council added Chapter 278 to the city code, establishing new offenses for throwing missiles, acting as a lookout, loitering, and aggressive panhandling.

• Approved amendment to Chapter 188‑7 junk collector and pawnshop license sections (motion passed)
• Approved creation of Senior Litigation Paralegal position and deletion of one paralegal (motion passed)
• Approved addition of Chapter 278 Offenses Against Public Peace, including missile throwing, lookout, loitering, and aggressive panhandling provisions (motion passed)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to review requests for work near wetlands and roads. Items include geotechnical soil borings for a culvert replacement, utility pole replacements, hazard tree removals, and contractor yard operations. The meeting will also cover minutes, bills, and upcoming projects.

• RDA for 4 geotechnical soil borings near Szot Park for Abbey Brook Restoration Project culvert replacement
• NOI for 4 utility pole replacements at 363 Prospect St. in Terrace Escarpment soils
• RDA for selective hazard tree removals near I-391 Exit 3 ramps
• NOI for restoration work and contractor yard operations at 0 and 420 McKinstry Ave. (Gramntad, LLC)
• NOI for restoration work and contractor yard operations at 0 McKinstry Ave. (Ludlow Construction Co.)

The commission voted unanimously to issue a Positive 5, Negative 2, and Negative 5 determination for the geotechnical soil boring request supporting the Front Street culvert upgrade in Phase 2 of the Abbey Brook Restoration Project. It also unanimously approved a Negative 2 and Negative 5 determination for the hazard tree removal and erosion repair project near the I‑391 Exit 3 ramps. The commission tabled three pending applications—electrical utility pole replacements, and two restoration/yard‑operation projects—until the June 4, 2025 meeting. Minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting were approved with corrections, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Issue Positive 5, Negative 2, Negative 5 Determination for Front St. soil borings (4‑0)
• Issue Negative 2 and Negative 5 Determination for hazard tree removals near I‑391 Exit 3 (4‑0)
• Table NOI for electrical utility pole replacements at 363 Prospect St. to June 4, 2025 (4‑0)
• Table NOI for restoration work/contractor yard operations at 0 and 420 McKinstry Ave. (Clark Wojtowicz) to June 4, 2025 (4‑0)
• Table NOI for restoration work/contractor yard operations at 0 McKinstry Ave. (Fred DaCruz) to June 4, 2025 (4‑0)
• Approve May 7, 2025 minutes with corrections (4‑0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will meet on May 20, 2025, to discuss and vote on several items, including a proposed ordinance to change the mayoral term from two to four years, mayoral appropriations totaling over $100,000, and multiple zoning-related special permits for property modifications and uses.

• Mayoral appropriation of $1,800 to Health Expense Account for Memberships
• Mayoral appropriation of $22,233.79 to Human Resources Special Account for Police & Fire Indemnifications
• Acceptance of $45,000 DER grant for Abbey Brook Revitalization Project Phase II
• Proposed ordinance to add 'Do Not Block the Box' rule at Broadway and Reuben Avenue
• Four new special permits: driveway/storage shed at 0 Cherryvale St., duplex at 0 Montgomery St., kennel license for 4 French Bulldogs at 25 Mayflower Ave., and zone change from Business A to Res. A at 0 Prospect St.

The City Council adopted an amendment changing the Mayor of Chicopee’s term from two to four years. It also accepted a $45,000 DER grant for the Abbey Brook Revitalization Phase II and approved multiple appropriations and donations. Several appointments to city boards and commissions were confirmed.

• Amended city charter to make mayoral term four years (approved)
• Accepted $45,000 DER grant for Abbey Brook Phase II (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $1,800 appropriation to Health Expense Account (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $22,233.79 appropriation to Human Resources Special Account (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $30,000 appropriation to DPW Wastewater Expense Account (unanimous roll call vote)
• Accepted $6,689 donation to Senior Center (10 yes, 1 abstained)
• Appointed Gini Mack to Council on Aging (unanimous roll call vote)
• Appointed Mark Willette as Veterans Grave Officer (unanimous roll call vote)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from April 15, 2025, and receive the Clerk's Report on registration statistics for April, including address and party affiliation changes as well as deletions from the voter roll. The agenda includes correspondence and new business. No public hearings or financial actions are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting
• Clerk's Report on April registration statistics: registrations by office, mail, online, and agency; deletions for removals, deaths, or confirmation notice responses

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will hold a public hearing for ABH Petroleum at 810 Meadow Street and review a special event permit for K of C Elder Council's monthly bike nights. Commissioners will also consider applications for special one-day beer/wine permits for Amvets Post 12, Chicopee Pride Fest, and St. Stanislaus Basilica, as well as new common victualer licenses for Sunrise Sweete and Boston Bay Pizza and a lodging house license renewal for Maple Leaf Rentals.

• Hearing for ABH Petroleum at 810 Meadow St (no Common Victualer application)
• Application for special one-day beer/wine permit for Amvets Post 12 Bike Night on three dates
• Application for special one-day beer/wine permit for Chicopee Pride Fest at Szot Park on June 14
• Application for new Common Victualer license for Sunrise Sweete at 28 Center St
• Renewal of Lodging House license for Maple Leaf Rentals at 192 Meadow St

The commission approved several special one‑day permits, including the Amvets Post 12 bike night, the Chicopee Pride Fest at Szot Park, and the St. Stanislaus Basilica anniversary banquet. It also approved new common‑victualer licenses for Sunrise Sweets and Boston Bay Pizza, and renewed the lodging house license for Maple Leaf Rentals. Commissioners voted to keep police detail requirements for all K of C Elder Council monthly bike nights. All motions passed unanimously (4‑0).

• Approved Special One Day Permit for Amvets Post 12 bike night (June 12, July 17, Aug 21) 4‑0
• Approved Special One Day Permit for Chicopee Pride Fest at Szot Park (June 14) 4‑0
• Approved Special One Day Permit for St. Stanislaus Basilica banquet (June 28) and waived fee and police requirement 4‑0
• Approved continuation of police presence for K of C Elder Council monthly bike nights 4‑0
• Approved Common Victualer license for Sunrise Sweets, 28 Center St 4‑0
• Approved Common Victualer license for Boston Bay Pizza, 515 Montgomery St 4‑0
• Approved Lodging House license renewal for Maple Leaf Rentals, 192 Meadow St 4‑0
• Adjourned meeting at 7:40 PM 4‑0

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to elect board officers and consider a variance request to create a new single-family building lot at 0 Chicopee St., reducing the existing lot at 6-8 Shaw Park Ave. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and discuss old or new business.

• Board elections for all regular member positions
• Variance from Chapter 275-53: new lot at 0 Chicopee St. (7,470 sq ft, 82.36 ft depth) and reduced lot at 6-8 Shaw Park Ave. (8,100 sq ft, 90 ft frontage, 90 ft depth)
• Approval of minutes from April 9, 2025 meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved moving agenda items 1a‑1c out of order. It voted 5‑0 to keep all elected positions (Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk) unchanged. The board denied the variance request for 0 Chicopee St. and approved the April 9 minutes. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved taking items 1a‑1c out of order (5-0)
• Approved keeping Chair position unchanged (5-0)
• Approved keeping Vice Chair position unchanged (5-0)
• Approved keeping Clerk position unchanged (5-0)
• Denied variance for 0 Chicopee St. lot (5-0)
• Approved minutes from April 9, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will hold a public hearing and vote on the mayoral appointment of Mark Willette to the Veterans Grace Officer position through March 2030. They will also consider a nomination for the Library Board of Trustees and review the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Mayoral appointment of Mark Willette as member of Veterans Grace Officer until March 31, 2030
• Nomination of Judith S. Chelte, Ph.D., for Library Board of Trustees, referred to committee for a public hearing
• Approval of minutes from March 26, 2025

The committee approved the mayor’s appointment of Mark Willette as a Veterans Grave Officer through March 31, 2030. It closed nominations for the Library Board of Trustees and approved Judith S. Chelte, Ph.D., as a trustee for a standard term. The March 26, 2025 minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved appointment of Mark Willette as Veterans Grave Officer (term until 3/31/2030)
• Closed nominations for Library Board of Trustees
• Approved Judith S. Chelte, Ph.D., as Library Board trustee (standard term)
• Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting at 6:18 PM

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to consider authorizing the Mayor to sign a First Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement with Michelin North America regarding the former Uniroyal Complex on Grove Street. The amendment modifies deed restrictions and increases compensation limits to facilitate environmental cleanup and redevelopment. The Council will also vote to enter executive session to discuss real property negotiations.

• Roll call vote to authorize the Mayor to sign amended agreement with Michelin North America for property at Grove Street
• Executive session to consider purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property
• Public input period at start of meeting

The City Council closed public input and moved to an executive session, then returned to open session after brief recesses. It approved the mayor’s authority to sign an agreement with Michelin concerning a Grove Street property. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Closed public input (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned to executive session (unanimous roll call)
• Two‑minute recess (unanimous roll call)
• Returned from executive session to open session (unanimous roll call)
• Three‑minute recess to resume open session (unanimous roll call)
• Approved mayor to sign agreement with Michelin on Grove Street property (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:55 pm (unanimous roll call)

Parks Commission

The commission is reviewing multiple requests for event permits and field use at city parks. The body is also monitoring the progress of the Bemis Pond Dam removal and the Sarah Jane Splash Pad project.

• Request for a Free Library installation at Rivers Park
• Request for a wedding ceremony at Rivers Park Pavilion on June 21
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal Phase II planning
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal funds approved
• Szot Master Plan Phase I design

The commission moved forward with approvals for a church softball tournament, a Springfield Thunderbirds community caravan, a Chicopee Cup soccer tournament, a wedding at Rivers Park Pavilion, a model‑rocket launch at Szot Park, a free library installation at Rivers Park, and a hamden charter flag‑football schedule. The request for a football clinic at Szot Park was tabled pending more information. Commissioner Destapado abstained from the vote on the Chicopee Cup tournament.

• Motion to approve Church Softball League tournament (Aug 2‑8) presented
• Motion to approve Springfield Thunderbirds community caravan (July 19) presented
• Motion to approve Chicopee Cup soccer tournament (Aug 16) presented; Destapado abstained
• Motion to approve wedding ceremony at Rivers Park Pavilion (June 21) presented
• Motion to approve model‑rocket launch at Szot Park (June 9) presented as an exception, to be monitored
• Motion to approve Free Library installation at Rivers Park presented
• Motion to approve Hamden Charter flag‑football use (May 15, May 27, June 5) presented
• Request for football clinic at Szot Park (July 12 or July 19) tabled pending additional information

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss funding for the National Register listing of the Uniroyal Property. The body will also receive updates on city projects and a proposal for a school presentation.

• Discussion of using $1,000 budget to assist National Register in listing Uniroyal Property
• Updates on City Hall, Cabotville, and Old Library projects
• Proposed school presentation outline from Ron Chimelis
• Discussion of sending courtesy letters to residents of the Springfield Street Historic District

The Historical Commission voted 7‑0 to allocate its $1,000 budget to help list the Uniroyal Property on the National Register. It also voted 7‑0 to issue letters of support for the Uniroyal development, which seeks state and federal tax credits. The April 8 and 22, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 PM.

• Approved use of $1,000 Historical Commission budget for Uniroyal National Register listing (7-0)
• Approved issuance of letters of support for Uniroyal project (7-0)
• Approved April 8 and 22, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Continued Springfield Street Historic District discussion to June 10, 2025 meeting
• Supported proposal for three walking tours of Springfield Street Historic District
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss routine business reports, including the April minutes and fiscal reports. A ribbon cutting for the completed Veteran's Wall is scheduled for May 23 at 2:30 p.m. The council will also receive a city budget update and review updates on a landscape plan, new floors, and new board members.

• Veteran's Wall completed; ribbon cutting May 23 at 2:30 p.m.
• City budget update to be discussed
• New floors project at RiverMills Center
• New COA board members proposed
• Volunteer dinner scheduled for May 1, 2025

The Council on Aging approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting and unanimously approved the April fiscal report. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April fiscal report (unanimous)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Claims & Accounts Committee will consider nine claims for restitution from residents, including damages from potholes, mailbox collisions, and snow removal. The committee may vote to award amounts ranging from $156 to $1,763. They will also approve minutes from their December 9, 2024 meeting.

• Claim #25-01: Deborah Nadeau seeks $1,763.18 for pothole/broken gas line damage
• Claim #25-02: Michael Gazda seeks $329 for mailbox damage from plow truck
• Claim #25-03: Paul & Adrea Theriault seek $270.18 for mailbox damage
• Claim #25-08: Donald Lonczak seeks $300 for right exhaust damage
• Claim #24-10 (tabled): Jim A. Albert seeks $236.97 for pothole damage

The committee postponed Claim #24-10 for pothole/axel & tire damage after the claimant was absent. The minutes of the September 25, 2024 public hearing were approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Postponed Claim #24-10 (pothole/axel & tire damage) – motion passed (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 25, 2024 – motion passed (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting – motion passed (5-0)
• Recessed meeting due to inclement weather – motion passed (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss environmental permits, including a Notice of Intent for redevelopment of the Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse at 149 Plainfield St., which was tabled from April 16. A Certificate of Compliance is needed to close a 2000 Order of Conditions for that property before the new NOI can proceed. The commission will also vote on ratifying an emergency certification for repair of a failed golf cart path causing erosion at Hole 9 of the Chicopee Municipal Golf Course. Other items include a NOI for an overhead optical ground wire installation on existing power lines and approval of minutes.

• Notice of Intent for redevelopment of Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse at 149 Plainfield St. (tabled from April 16)
• Certificate of Compliance needed to close 2000 Order of Conditions for same property
• Ratification of Emergency Certification for golf cart path erosion at Hole 9, Chicopee Municipal Golf Course (1290 Burnett Rd.)
• NOI for overhead optical ground wire installation on 5.3-mile Line 1803 from Prospect St. to Cadwell Dr. (Eversource Energy)
• Approval of minutes from April 16, 2025

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a Certificate of Compliance for the Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse and to issue Orders of Conditions for two separate projects: an overhead optical ground wire for NSTAR/Eversource and the redevelopment of the refrigerated warehouse site. The commission also approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting, signed one bill, and adjourned the session.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for NSTAR/Eversource overhead optical ground wire project (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for redevelopment of Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse site (5-0)
• Approved minutes from April 16, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Signed one bill (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will vote on several mayor's orders for fund transfers and grant acceptances, consider an ordinance overhauling regulations for transient vendors and peddlers, and take action on an eminent domain taking for a utility easement at 326 Montcalm Street. The council will also discuss open meeting law complaints and a pole location request.

• $250,000 transfer to Human Resources for unemployment insurance
• Acceptance of $8,500 S.A.F.E. grant and $2,900 Senior Safe grant for Fire Department
• Donations totaling $7,500 from Republic Services for city events
• Ordinance to replace and expand regulations on transient vendors, hawkers, and peddlers
• Eminent domain taking of a 50 sq ft utility easement at 326 Montcalm Street for $275

The council voted to take a permanent utility easement over property at 326 Montcalm Street, authorizing a $275 award to the owners. It also approved several budget appropriations, including $250,000 for unemployment insurance and $23,140 for City Hall maintenance, and accepted multiple grants and donations for city programs. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved $250,000 appropriation for unemployment insurance (MO-1) – unanimous
• Approved $4,864.20 appropriation for police & fire indemnifications (MO-2) – unanimous
• Accepted $8,500 SAF.E. grant for Chicopee Fire Department (MO-3) – unanimous
• Approved $23,140 City Hall maintenance expenses for gas, sewer, water (MO-6) – unanimous
• Accepted $7,500 donations from Republic Service for city events (MO-8) – unanimous
• Amended Law Department ordinance to add Senior Litigation Paralegal (MO-12) – unanimous
• Ordered permanent utility easement over 326 Montcalm Street, $275 award – approved
• Approved $14,000 appropriation for City Hall special services (MO-7) – unanimous

Library

The Board of Trustees of the Chicopee Public Library is meeting to discuss routine business including approval of prior minutes, a financial report, and the director's report on April 2025 statistics. New business includes a report on hiring and personnel, updates on the Shade Project and Outdoor Sign, and review of proposed updates to the Lost & Found Policy and Internet Policy. No major financial decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of proposed Lost & Found Policy
• Review of proposed changes to Internet Policy
• Report on ongoing projects: Shade Project and Outdoor Sign
• Report on hiring and personnel
• Financial report for May 2, 2025

The trustees accepted the minutes from the April 7 meeting, the April financial report, and the director's report. They also approved the new Lost & Found policy and changes to the Internet policy. All motions passed unanimously (2-0). The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 am.

• Accepted April 7 minutes (2-0)
• Accepted Financial Report (2-0)
• Accepted Director’s Report (2-0)
• Approved Lost & Found Policy (2-0)
• Approved changes to Internet Policy (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider two major site plans: a self-storage facility and office on Shawinigan Dr., and a high-bay freezer building at Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse on Plainfield St. The board will also elect officers for Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and PVPC Representative. Other items include approval of ANRs and minutes from April 3.

• Definitive Site Plan for self-storage facility and office at Shawinigan Dr. (Assessor Map 187, Parcel 1B) by Patriot Holdings, LLC of Las Vegas
• Site Plan with Waivers for new high-bay freezer building at 149 Plainfield St. by Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, Inc.
• Board elections for Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and PVPC Representative
• Approval of ANRs (Approval Not Required) plans
• Review of minutes from April 3, 2025

The Planning Board elected Michael Sarnelli as Chair, Cynthia Labrie as Vice Chair, Andrew Desrochers as Clerk, and Eric Oulette as PVPC Representative, each by a 7‑0 vote. It approved the definitive site plans with conditions for Patriot Holdings' self‑storage facility on Shawinigan Dr. by a 7‑0 vote. The board tabled the Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse site plan and related waivers to the June 5, 2025 meeting, also by a 7‑0 vote. Minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting were approved and the board adjourned the session.

• Elected Michael Sarnelli as Chair (7‑0)
• Elected Cynthia Labrie as Vice Chair (7‑0)
• Elected Andrew Desrochers as Clerk (7‑0)
• Elected Eric Oulette as PVPC Representative (7‑0)
• Approved definitive site plans for Patriot Holdings self‑storage facility (7‑0)
• Tabled Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse site plan and waivers to June 5, 2025 (7‑0)
• Approved minutes from April 3, 2025 meeting (7‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (7‑0)

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will review several special permit applications, including a major proposal to convert the former Cabotville Mill into up to 600 residential apartments with requested waivers for landscaping, parking, and noise. Other items include a kennel license at 17 Jeanette Drive and a self-storage facility on Shawinigan Drive. The committee will also discuss compliance with a special permit held by the Church of God at 993 Chicopee Street.

• Special permit for up to 600 apartments at former Cabotville Mill (165 Front Street) with waivers for landscape, parking, and noise requirements
• Special permit for a kennel at 17 Jeanette Drive (applicant Lori Jerusik)
• Special permit for a self-storage facility on Shawinigan Drive (applicant Patriot Holdings)
• Order to discuss Church of God's special permit compliance, including alleged violations of an 8-second pause or delay

The committee heard a special‑permit application from Lori Jerusik to obtain a kennel license for her residence at 17 Jeanette Drive. After reviewing planning, animal‑control, and health reports and noting that no formal inspection has been completed, the committee stated that no special permit or kennel license will be issued. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Denied kennel license/special permit for 17 Jeanette Drive (no vote recorded)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will meet to discuss two Open Meeting Law complaints filed by residents Derek Dobosz and Patrick Higgins regarding recent City Council meetings. The committee will also consider approval of minutes from previous meetings on March 25 and April 8, 2025.

• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Derek Dobosz on April 4, 2025 regarding the March 31, 2025 Special City Council Meeting
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on April 7, 2025 regarding the March 4, 2025 City Council Minutes
• Approval of minutes from March 25, 2025 and April 8, 2025

The Rules Committee approved a letter to be sent to the full City Council regarding the Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Derek Dobosz and closed public input on the complaints. The committee also approved the March 25 and April 8, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the session. All four committee members voted in favor of each motion.

• Approved sending letter to full board on Dobosz complaint (4-0)
• Closed public input on Open Meeting Law complaints (4-0)
• Approved postponement to let Law Department request an extension (4-0)
• Approved March 25 and April 8, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)
• Motion to adjourn at 7:13 PM passed (4-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee is discussing a proposed ordinance that would replace existing Chapter 188-17 and 188-17.1 with a new comprehensive chapter covering licenses for transient vendors, hawkers, peddlers, door-to-door sales, flea markets, and charitable events. Key provisions include license fees, police registration with fingerprints and photos, restricted door-to-door hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and fines for violations.

• Transient vendor group license fees: $25/day per vendor (1–9), $20 (10–25), $15 (26–49), $10 (50–100)
• Door-to-door sales license required from Chief of Police; solicitation only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Flea market annual license fee: $500
• Fines for ice cream truck CORI violations: $150 (first), $250 (second), $500 (third or subsequent)
• Charitable solicitation fine: $50 per violation per day

The committee approved a motion to take Item #22 out of order. It then adopted an amendment that deletes the existing Chapter 188‑17 and inserts a new Chapter 188‑17 covering licenses for transient vendors, hawkers, peddlers, door‑to‑door sales, flea markets and charitable events. The revised chapter sets definitions, licensing requirements, fees and enforcement provisions.

• Motion to take Item #22 out of order – approved
• Delete existing Chapter 188‑17 – approved
• Insert revised Chapter 188‑17 on vendors and related activities – approved

Fairview Cemetery Commission

The Fairview Cemetery Commission will meet to consider old business including cemetery improvements and mapping, and new business including a Veteran Tax Work Off Program and cemetery trees. The meeting includes public input and approval of previous minutes.

• Cemetery Improvements
• Cemetery Mapping
• Veteran Tax Work Off Program
• Cemetery Trees

The commission approved the minutes from the March 25, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No other decisions, approvals, or denials were made. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted March 25, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:25 pm (all in favor)

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Chicopee City Council's Claims & Accounts Committee will meet to review nine claims for damages from potholes, snow plows, and other city-related incidents, with requested restitution totaling $3,822.12. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and adjournment.

• Deborah Nadeau, 50 Angela Drive, seeks $1,763.18 for pothole/broken gas line damage (claim 25-01).
• Michael Gazda, 886 Montgomery Street, seeks $329.00 for mailbox damage from plow truck (25-02).
• Paul & Adrea Theriault, 16 Borys Circle, seeks $270.18 for mailbox damage from plow truck (25-03).
• Angel Centeno, 439 Oldfield Road, seeks $292.45 for being stuck in snow and needing tow (25-04).
• Jim A. Albert, 26 Orchard Street, seeks $236.97 for pothole axle/tire damage, tabled from July and December 2024 (24-10).

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement Board holds its regular monthly meeting to approve minutes, expense warrants, and routine retirement matters. Notable items include reviewing PERAC's approval of an accidental disability application, conducting a manager performance review with SEI Investments, and discussing PERAC memos and the 2025 spring MACRS conference.

• PERAC's Approval of Accidental Disability
• Manager Performance Review/SEI Investments
• Board Approval of Monthly Expense Warrants
• Retirement Applications
• 2025 Spring MACRS Conference

The Retirement Board approved several financial and personnel actions, including a $7 million transfer for an investment with SEI. It also approved monthly expense and payroll warrants, multiple superannuation retirement requests, and membership for new participants. Refund and transfer requests for employees were approved, as were retirement allowance calculations and a survivor benefit. The board authorized two members to attend the 2025 Spring MACRS Conference and funded their expenses.

• Approved monthly expense warrants 404232025, #04242025 and payroll warrant 403312025 (unanimous)
• Approved $7,000,000 transfer to invest in Global Private Assets VIL (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for Laurie Catarino, Maryellen Douville, John Estrada, and Cecile Gregoire (unanimous)
• Approved membership for 14 individuals into the retirement system (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for 22 employees (unanimous)
• Approved transfers to another system for Jocelyn M. Colon, Paul A. James, and Kevin R. Patten (unanimous)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for Laurie Goff ($60,830.64) and Benjamin Turnberg ($57,691.80) (unanimous)
• Approved survivor benefit for Ronald Fleury (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission is holding a special meeting to hear a presentation regarding proposed building improvements. The commission reviews changes to properties located on the Local Historic Inventory.

• Presentation regarding new siding installation at 99 Church Street

The commission voted 6‑0 to approve the proposed new vinyl siding, black shutters, and metal handrails for the property at 99 Church Street, which is on the Local Historic Inventory. Chair Raymond Hoess‑Brooks recused himself from the vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved siding, shutters, and handrail improvements at 99 Church Street (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will consider a transfer of a wine/malt package store license to 451 Grattan Street Food and Fuel, Inc., and hold hearings for several businesses including Aqsa 2014 Realty LLC (no certificate of occupancy), ABH Petroleum (no common victualer application), Dugout Café (continued), and Bulls Eye Cafe. The commission will also review applications for special one-day permits for events, new common victualer licenses for Roosters Chicken and Waffles and Lanzarotto's Pizzeria, and annual renewals.

• Transfer of wine/malt package store license to 451 Grattan Street Food and Fuel, Inc. at 451 Grattan St.
• Hearing for Aqsa 2014 Realty LLC (City View Mini Mart, 2041 Memorial Dr) for lack of certificate of occupancy
• Hearing for ABH Petroleum at 810 Meadow St (no common victualer application)
• Special one-day permits: Mercedes Benz of Springfield event (beer/wine) on April 28, Food Bank of Western Mass appreciation ceremony (all alcohol) on June 18, and others
• New common victualer license applications: Roosters Chicken and Waffles (466 Chicopee St) and Lanzarotto's Pizzeria (557 East St)

The April 17, 2025 License Commission meeting listed several applications for special permits, common victualer licenses, and other agenda items. The minutes do not show any approvals, denials, or vote tallies for these items. Therefore, no substantive decisions were documented.

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on three Notices of Intent (NOIs) for work in wetlands and buffer zones. Two tabled items concern restoration and contractor yard operations at McKinstry Avenue. A new NOI proposes redevelopment of an operational trucking and cold storage facility within the Connecticut River riverfront area at 149 Plainfield Street. The commission will also approve minutes, sign bills, and discuss upcoming projects.

• Item 1 (tabled): NOI for restoration and contractor yard operations within buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Terrace Escarpment Soils at 0 and 420 McKinstry Ave., applicant Clark Wojtowicz, Gramntad, LLC
• Item 2 (tabled): Same type of NOI at 0 McKinstry Ave., applicant Fred DaCruz, Ludlow Construction Co., Inc.
• Item 3 (new): NOI for redevelopment of existing trucking and cold storage facility within Riverfront Area of Connecticut River at 149 Plainfield St., applicant Joseph Deliso, Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse
• Item 4: Approval of minutes from April 2, 2025
• Item 5: Sign bills

The Conservation Commission voted to table three Notices of Intent—two for tire‑related erosion control at 0 and 420 McKinstry Avenue and one for a trucking and cold‑storage facility at 149 Plainfield Street—until future meetings when a structural engineer can provide input. The minutes from the April 2 meeting were approved with minor corrections, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Table Item 1 NOI (Clark Wojtowicz) to May 21, 2025 – vote 4-0
• Table Item 2 NOI (Fred DaCruz) to May 21, 2025 – vote 4-0
• Table Item 3 NOI (Joseph Deliso) to May 7, 2025 – vote 4-0
• Approve minutes with corrections – vote 4-0
• Adjourn meeting – vote 4-0

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will vote on multiple appropriations, including $1.9 million for DPW highway work and $811,072 for bond-funded projects, and accept various grants and donations. A proposed special law to allow recall of elected officials will be discussed, along with a communication urging better ward-specific collaboration. License committee reports for auto repair and vehicle sales licenses are also on the agenda.

• Mayor's order to appropriate $1,900,000 for DPW Highway Special Account from free cash
• Mayor's order to appropriate $811,072.65 for bonds covering pool demolition, roadway improvements, and Uniroyal remediation
• Proposed special law establishing a recall process for elected officials, requiring voter petition and election
• Acceptance of $12,226.79 Cybersecurity Awareness Grant for end-user training
• License committee report on JP Auto Repair and Sales application at 401 Hampden Street

The council unanimously approved a $1,900,000 appropriation to the DPW Highway Special Account for city‑wide street improvements. It also approved $811,072.65 in bond and interest allocations, a $60,000 wastewater expense transfer, and a $26,476 allocation for fire‑apparatus floor repairs. Several donations were accepted, including $250 for the police autism program and $10 for the public library, and the council authorized the purchase of real‑estate interests from Westover Shops, LLC. Councilors also appointed Mark Willette as Veterans Grave Officer and Kram Pits as president pro tem for two agenda items.

• Approved $1,900,000 DPW Highway Special Account appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved $811,072.65 bond and interest allocations for pool demolition, roadway, etc. (unanimous)
• Approved $60,000 wastewater expense appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved $26,476 City Hall Maintenance fire‑apparatus floor repair (unanimous)
• Accepted $250 donation to Police Department for Autism Program (unanimous)
• Accepted $10 donation to Public Library (unanimous)
• Authorized acquisition of real‑estate interests from Westover Shops, LLC (11‑1)
• Appointed Mark Willette as Veterans Grave Officer (referred to HR Committee)

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars will hold its annual meeting on April 15, 2025. The agenda includes the approval of minutes, a clerk's report on voter registration statistics for March, and correspondence from the U.S. Department of State and Census 2025. The meeting is largely procedural with no major policy decisions expected.

• Approval of minutes from March 18, 2025
• Clerk's report on registration statistics (address and party affiliation changes) for March
• Correspondence from U.S. Dept of State, Census 2025, Secretary of Commonwealth of MA
• New Business discussion

City Council - Utilities Committee

The Utilities Committee will hear a petition from Verizon New England, Inc. seeking permission to place a utility pole on the northerly side of Plainfield Street, near Center Street. The committee may also approve minutes from a May 2007 meeting. The meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025.

• Petition by Verizon New England, Inc. for a pole location on Plainfield Street, 324 feet westerly from Center Street and 38 feet northerly from existing pole T.4/E.4
• Approval of minutes from May 22, 2007

The Utilities Committee closed public input on Verizon New England's petition for joint pole locations and then approved the petition. The committee also adjourned the meeting. All motions passed.

• Closed public input on Verizon pole petition (motion passed)
• Approved Verizon pole petition for joint pole locations (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee City Council License Committee will review multiple license applications and renewals, including auto repair and dealer licenses. A key item is an order to discuss potential modification, suspension, or revocation of licenses held by All State Auto Max dba Best Car Best Deal for exceeding car limits and not following parking plans. The committee will also consider minutes from March 12, 2025, and adjourn.

• Order to discuss potential license enforcement against All State Auto Max dba Best Car Best Deal at 400 East Main Street D for exceeding car count and parking plan violations.
• Auto Repair License application for JP Auto Repair and Sales at 401 Hampden Street, applicant Garnett Dunkelly.
• Class II License application for Royal Motors Auto Sales, LLC at 874 Front Street, applicant Vyacheslav Babinov and Alexandr Emciuc.
• Class II License and Auto Repair License applications for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street, applicant Taha Alsuntani.
• Junk Dealers License application for Budget Thrift Store at 29 Grove Street, applicant Donald Trottier, and change of location for Rubidia Sew & Consignment Shop from 131 Church Street to 129 Church Street Unit L.

The committee approved an auto‑repair license for JP Auto Repair and Sales at 401 Hampden Street, adding conditions such as fire‑safety inspections, no outside storage, and a required Certificate of Occupancy. It also approved a junk‑dealer license for Budget Thrift Store at 29 Grove Street with conditions. Applications for Royal Motors Auto Sales, Alsultanit LLC (both Class II and auto‑repair), and a renewal for Monro Mufflers & Brake were postponed or left without a decision. An order to discuss All State Auto Max’s existing licenses was placed on file.

• Approved JP Auto Repair license with restrictions (all councilors voted yes)
• Approved Budget Thrift Store junk‑dealer license with conditions (all councilors voted yes)
• Postponed Royal Motors Auto Sales Class II license (motion to postpone passed)
• Postponed Alsultanit LLC Class II license (motion to postpone passed)
• Postponed Alsultanit LLC auto‑repair license (motion to postpone passed)
• Placed order to discuss All State Auto Max licenses on file (motion passed)
• No decision recorded for Monro Mufflers & Brake renewal

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance requests: one to create two reduced-size building lots and reduce an existing lot at 76 Joy St., and another to create a two-family building lot on Shepherd St. The board will also approve minutes from February 12 and discuss old/new business.

• Variance to create two reduced-size single-family lots (A and C) and leave existing house on reduced lot (B) at 76 Joy St., with depth reductions from 100 ft to as low as 80.46 ft and area reduction to 8,579 SF for Lot B.
• Variance to create a two-family building lot on Shepherd St. with area reduced from 10,000 SF to 9,600 SF and depth from 100 ft to 87 ft.
• Approval of minutes from the February 12, 2025 meeting.

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to re‑subdivide 76 Joy St. and a variance for a new two‑family lot on Shepherd St., each with a 4‑0 vote. The Board also approved the February 12, 2025 minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.

• Approved variance for 76 Joy St. re‑subdivision (4-0)
• Approved variance for Shepherd St. two‑family lot (4-0)
• Approved February 12, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will discuss updates to city codes regarding business licenses and administrative limits. Proposed changes include new record-keeping requirements for pawnshops and updated regulations for transient vendors and door-to-door sales.

• Proposed requirement for pawnshops and junk collectors to maintain electronic records and photos of items for three years
• Proposed increase of the Claims and Accounts Committee settlement limit from $300 to $600
• Proposed update to Chapter 260-68 to change 'Handicapped' parking terminology to 'Disabled'
• Proposed new licensing framework for transient vendors, hawkers, peddlers, door-to-door sales, and flea markets
• Proposed $500 annual license fee for flea markets

The Ordinance Committee postponed the Tourtelotte Avenue eastbound one‑way street proposal and the junk collector and pawnshop record‑keeping ordinance. It approved raising the Claims and Accounts Committee limit from $300 to $600. It also approved changing parking signs from "Handicapped" to "Disabled". All approvals were unanimous.

• Postponed Tourtelotte Ave eastbound one‑way street proposal
• Postponed junk collector and pawnshop record‑keeping ordinance
• Approved increase of claim limit to $600 (unanimous)
• Approved change of parking signage from "Handicapped" to "Disabled" (unanimous)

City Council - Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will hold two discussions: enforcing sidewalk clearing and improving signage on Prospect Street. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes.

• Discussion of sidewalks not cleared, with representatives from Board of Health, Building, Law Department, and DPW
• Discussion of improved signage on Prospect Street from James Street to Montcalm Street
• Approval of minutes from January 30, 2025

The committee closed public input on sidewalk clearing and voted to place the discussion on the record. It also closed public input on improved signage for Prospect Street and placed that discussion on file. An unspecified item was approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:27 PM.

• Closed public input on sidewalk clearing (motion passed, 5-0)
• Placed sidewalk clearing discussion on file (motion passed, 5-0)
• Closed public input on Prospect Street signage (motion passed, 5-0)
• Placed Prospect Street signage discussion on file (motion passed, 5-0)
• Approved unspecified item (motion passed, 5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 PM (motion passed, 5-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will vote on transferring $26,476 from free cash to the City Hall Maintenance Special Account for fire headquarters apparatus floor repair. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and adjournment.

• Appropriation of $26,476 from free cash for Fire HQ apparatus floor repair

The committee approved a $26,476 appropriation from the Undesignated Fund “Free Cash” account to the City Hall Maintenance Special Account for Fire HQ apparatus floor repair. The motion was made by Councilor Labrie, seconded by Councilor Laflamme, and passed. The committee also approved the December 9, 2024 minutes and adjourned the meeting at 6:18 PM.

• Approved $26,476 appropriation for fire HQ apparatus floor repair
• Closed public input period
• Approved December 9, 2024 minutes
• Adjourned meeting at 6:18 PM

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will receive public input, approve March minutes and fiscal reports, and hear updates on the completed Veterans Wall (ribbon cutting May 23), the Travel Club, and the SLR-Landscape Plan. They will also discuss a letter to Rep. Arriaga seeking funding and a new grant for FFY 26-27 transportation (WMEC Access).

• Veteran's Wall completed; ribbon cutting May 23 at 9:30
• Letter to Rep. Arriaga for funding
• Grant for FFY 26 & 27 Access (WMEC) for transportation
• SLR-Landscape Plan discussion
• Café/Kitchen Revenue Report

The council approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and the March fiscal report, both without dissent. It decided that the city will not move the stones in the SLR Landscape Plan. The Center will be painted using $5,000 of its own funds.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Unanimously approved March fiscal report
• Decided city will not move stones in SLR Landscape Plan
• Allocated $5,000 Center funds for painting

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will review a proposed charter amendment regarding the recall of elective city offices. The committee is also scheduled to discuss three Open Meeting Law complaints.

• Proposed charter amendment (Article VIII Section 66) establishing recall procedures for city officials
• Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Lisa Bienvenue (received March 12, 2025) regarding Feb 18, 2025 meeting
• Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Lisa Bienvenue (received March 12, 2025) regarding March 10, 2025 agenda
• Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Derek Dobosz (received March 12, 2025) regarding March 10, 2025 meeting

The Rules Committee approved a petition and special law establishing a recall process for elected officials in Chicopee. The council also voted to close public input on the item. Both actions were approved unanimously by the five council members present.

• Approved recall legislation (special law) for recalling elected officials (unanimous)
• Approved petition to file the recall law in the General Court (unanimous)
• Motion to close public input on the recall item passed (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review requests for park usage and provide updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. The body will discuss maintenance staffing and current recreation program schedules.

• Request for Chicopee High School to use Szot Park for graduation on June 5th
• Request for Chicopee Police Department to hold Annual Bike Rodeo at Sarah Jane Park on June 14th
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal work resuming April 7th
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal funds approved via CDBG Project
• Ongoing design for Sarah Jane Park Improvements via PARC Grant

The Parks Commission approved three community requests: use of Szot Park for the high school graduation on June 5, the police department's annual bike rodeo at Sarah Jane Park on June 14, and planting a memorial tree in Szot Park. The commission also approved the prior meeting minutes and March warrants. No new business items were presented.

• Approved use of Szot Park for Chicopee High School graduation on June 5
• Approved Chicopee Police Department annual bike rodeo at Sarah Jane Park on June 14
• Approved planting of a memorial tree in Szot Park (proposal by Jennifer Maslowski)
• Approved minutes of the March 11, 2025 meeting
• Approved warrants dated March 21 and March 28
• Approved removal funds for the Sarah Jane Splash Pad (CDBG project)
• Approved continuation of Bemis Pond Dam Removal work (Phase II planning began April 7)
• No new business items were presented

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a new letter of support for the Valley Opportunity Council's redevelopment of the former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments. The commission will also welcome new members Joe Stadnicki and Lisa Hagar and approve minutes from March 11.

• Presentation by Valley Opportunity Council on redeveloping former Belcher School into 20-25 apartments; request for new letter of support
• Welcome of new Commission Members Joe Stadnicki and Lisa Hagar
• Approval of minutes from March 11, 2025
• Future discussion: Lee Pouliot update on City Projects (Cabotville, City Hall, Old Library) at May 13 meeting
• Future discussion: Ron Chimelis on school presentation about history of Chicopee at May 13 meeting

The Chicopee Historical Commission voted 7-0 to approve a new letter of support for the Valley Opportunity Council's redevelopment of the former Belcher School into 25 apartments, with 23 affordable units. The commission also approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting and adjourned. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were discussions for future meetings.

• Approved letter of support for Belcher School redevelopment (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Library

The Board of Trustees will review the FY2026 budget and potential federal funding changes. The board is scheduled to vote on revisions to the Art Display Policy.

• Vote on revised Art Display Policy
• Report on FY2026 Budget
• Review of federal funding changes and state/local responses
• Report on hiring and personnel
• March 2025 library statistics for circulation, computer usage, and programs

The trustees accepted the March 3 meeting minutes, the March financial report, and the Director's Report, each by a 2-0 vote. They also approved the revised Art Display Policy with a 2-0 vote. The FY2026 budget was submitted to City Hall and a budget hearing was scheduled for April 17. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. by a 2-0 vote.

• Accepted March 3 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Accepted March financial report (2-0)
• Accepted Director's Report (2-0)
• Approved revised Art Display Policy (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:15 a.m. (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zone change request for 519 Chicopee St., seeking to rezone the 12,400 SF property from Business A to Residential B to eliminate a split-zoned property. The item has been tabled from the February 6 and March 6 meetings due to the applicant's absence. The board will also take up ANRs, approve minutes from the previous meeting, and discuss new business.

• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for 519 Chicopee St., applicant Andrew Lemay (tabled from Feb 6 and Mar 6)
• ANRs (Approval Not Required) items
• Approval of minutes from March 6, 2025
• New business/discussion
• Next meeting scheduled for May 1, 2025

The board voted 5‑0 to recommend denial of the zone change from Business A to Residential B for the 12,400 ± sf property at 519 Chicopee St., noting the applicant’s repeated absence. The board also approved the March 6, 2025 minutes by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Recommend denial of zone change at 519 Chicopee St. (5-0)
• Approve March 6, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss two Notices of Intent (NOI) tabled from March 5, 2025. Both involve restoration work and continued contractor yard operations within buffer zones to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Terrace Escarpment Soils at properties on McKinstry Avenue. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes, signing of bills, and discussion of upcoming projects.

• NOI for restoration and contractor yard operations within wetland buffer zone at 0 and 420 McKinstry Ave. (Assessor Maps 362/390) – applicant Clark Wojtowicz, Gramntad, LLC.
• NOI for restoration and contractor yard operations within wetland buffer zone at 0 McKinstry Ave. (Assessor Map 389) – applicant Fred DaCruz, Ludlow Construction Co., Inc.
• Approval of minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting.
• Signing of bills.
• Discussion of upcoming projects and communications.

The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to table further discussion on two Notices of Intent for wetland restoration and contractor yard operations, deferring them to the April 16 meeting. The commission also approved the March 5 minutes with noted edits by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5-0 vote.

• Table Item 1 (NOI for Clark Wojtowicz) to April 16, 2025 (5-0)
• Table Item 2 (NOI for Fred DaCruz) to April 16, 2025 (5-0)
• Approve March 5, 2025 minutes with edits (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will decide on a proposed special law to establish a recall process for any elected city office holder, including signature thresholds and election procedures. The council will also consider multiple appropriations from free cash, including $380,000 for a feasibility study for Barry School and $365,000 for Phase II of the Abbey Brook Revitalization Project. Other items include accepting a $100,000 state grant for Abbey Brook, acquiring parcels in Stockbridge Estates for drainage and roadways, and revising the city's flag display code.

• Special law to create recall process for elected officials (MO-13)
• Appropriation of $380,000 for Barry School feasibility study (MO-1)
• Acceptance of $100,000 grant and $365,000 appropriation for Abbey Brook Revitalization Phase II (MO-2, MO-3)
• Acquisition of Stockbridge Estates parcels and acceptance of Lenox Road and Stockbridge Street as public ways (MO-12)
• Revision of city flag code to detail half-staff procedures (MO-11)

The council approved several appropriations, including $380,000 for a Barry School feasibility study and $365,000 for Phase II of the Abbey Brook Revitalization. It accepted a $100,000 grant for Abbey Brook Phase II and approved smaller appropriations for land takings, fire‑HQ repairs, postage, and police & fire indemnifications. The council also appointed Debra Sutherland to the Cultural Council and revised the city flag code.

• Approved $380,000 school feasibility study appropriation (unanimous roll call vote)
• Accepted $100,000 Abbey Brook Phase II grant (11 yes, 1 out of chair)
• Approved $365,000 Abbey Brook Phase II appropriation (11 yes, 1 out of chair)
• Approved $45,000 land takings appropriation (unanimous roll call vote)
• Referred $26,476 fire‑HQ floor repair to Finance Committee (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $25,000 postage appropriation (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $10,890.58 police & fire indemnifications (11 yes, 1 out of chair)
• Appointed Debra Sutherland to Cultural Council (unanimous roll call vote)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting on March 31, 2025, starting with public input and communications. The council will then vote to enter executive session to discuss a complaint against Karla Bourassa, followed by a vote to return to open session. Finally, the council will vote on confirming Bourassa's appointment as Chief Human Resource Officer.

• Roll call vote to enter executive session to discuss a complaint against Karla Bourassa
• Roll call vote to exit executive session
• Vote on confirming Karla Bourassa as Chief Human Resource Officer
• Public input period at the start of the meeting

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will meet to discuss a request to change the zoning of a property from Residential A to Industrial. This change would align the property's zoning with abutting industrial designations.

• Proposed zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres at 0 Burnett Rd (Parcel ID 0238-00003)

The committee voted 4‑0 to approve a zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres (326,700 sf) at 0 Burnett Rd, removing remnant Residential A zoning within an Eversource powerline easement. The motion to close public input on the application was also adopted unanimously, the March 3, 2025 minutes were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.

• Approved zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 0 Burnett Rd (4-0)
• Closed public input on the Burnett Rd application (4-0)
• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:43 PM (4-0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider four mayoral appointments: John Paquette, Jr. and Andrew Desrochers to the Planning Board (terms until April 2030), Lesa Brantley to the Cultural Council (term until May 2028), and Yvette Toole to the Commission on Disability (three-year term until June 2028). The committee will also approve minutes from January 14, 2025, and adjourn.

• Mayoral appointment of John Paquette, Jr. to Planning Board until April 2030
• Mayoral appointment of Andrew Desrochers to Planning Board until April 2030
• Mayoral appointment of Lesa Brantley to Cultural Council until May 2028
• Mayoral appointment of Yvette Toole to Commission on Disability until June 2028
• Approval of minutes from January 14, 2025

The committee approved the mayoral appointment of John Paquette, Jr. to the Planning Board, Andrew Desrochers to the Planning Board, Lesa Brantley to the Cultural Council, and Yvette Toole to the Commission on Disability. The committee also approved closing public input, the minutes of the January 14, 2025 meeting, and adjourned the session.

• Approved John Paquette, Jr. appointment to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Approved Andrew Desrochers appointment to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Approved Lesa Brantley appointment to Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Approved Yvette Toole appointment to Commission on Disability (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close public input (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System meets for its regular monthly business. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes, expense warrants, and a series of retirement and membership applications, refunds, transfers, and survivor benefits. No significant policy changes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of board minutes from February 26, 2025 (regular and executive session)
• Board approval of monthly expense warrants
• Retirement applications and membership applications
• Refunds and transfers
• Retirement calculation approvals and survivor benefits

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved the minutes from the February meeting, expense warrants, and several retirement and benefit requests. It also approved new members, refund requests, and employee transfers. The board agreed to submit the annual statement to PERAC before May 1, 2025.

• Approved regular meeting minutes from Feb 26, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved executive session minutes from Feb 26, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved expense warrants #03262025, #03272025 and payroll warrant #02282025 (all in favor)
• Approved superannuation retirement requests for five employees (all in favor)
• Approved membership for ten individuals into the system (all in favor)
• Approved refund requests for ten employees (all in favor)
• Approved transfers of four employees to another system (all in favor)
• Approved survivor benefits for Garrett Coakley (all in favor)

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a special meeting on March 26, 2025. The board is scheduled to discuss a Cost of Living Increase.

• Cost of Living Increase

The board voted unanimously to raise the cost‑of‑living adjustment for eligible retirees and survivors to 3% on the first $16,000 of benefits, effective July 1, 2025, as permitted by M.G.L. Chapter 32, Section 103(c). The motion was approved by all members present. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:42 a.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved 3% COLA on first $16,000 for retirees, effective July 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:42 a.m. (unanimous)

Fairview Cemetery Commission

The Fairview Cemetery Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve November 2024 minutes, hear public comments, and discuss old business including cemetery improvements and mapping, as well as new business involving Pine Path monuments, tipped monuments, and the Massachusetts Cemetery Association. No votes on specific contracts or ordinances are listed.

• Discussion of cemetery improvements and mapping (old business)
• Discussion of Pine Path monuments and tipped monuments (new business)
• Update on Massachusetts Cemetery Association involvement

The commission accepted the November 19, 2024 minutes. It approved hiring Savino & Perron Monuments to straighten and reglue headstones at 543 Grattan St, Chicopee. The meeting was then adjourned. A budget line item for membership in the Massachusetts Cemetery Association was noted for FY2026.

• Accepted November 19, 2024 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved hiring Savino & Perron Monuments to straighten and reglue headstones at 543 Grattan St (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

City Council - Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will vote on a proposed special law to create a recall mechanism for any holder of elective city office in Chicopee, requiring 500 initial signatures and 25% of registered voters to force a recall election. The committee will also receive an update on withdrawal requests for petitions in subcommittees and consider approving the January 16, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Proposed special law to establish a recall process for all elective city offices (Item #1)
• Recall would require initial affidavit signed by 500 registered voters, followed by petitions from 25% of registered voters
• Officer indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment to be placed on paid administrative leave
• Update and review of requests for withdrawals on petitions in subcommittees (Item #2)
• Approval of January 16, 2025 meeting minutes (Item #3)

The committee took Item #2 out of order, then closed public input on that item and placed it on the file, each motion passing unanimously. The committee also approved a petition to the General Court for a special recall law for Chicopee elected officials. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Item #2 taken out of order (unanimous approval)
• Public input on Item #2 closed (unanimous approval)
• Item #2 placed on file (unanimous approval)
• Petition for state recall legislation approved

City Council - Claims and Accounts Committee

The Chicopee City Council Claims and Accounts Committee is meeting on March 20, 2025, but the agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for discussion or decision. The purpose field is garbled, and no attachments with details are available.

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will consider multiple special one-day permits for beer and wine at car shows and bike nights, along with new annual wine/malt and common victualer licenses for restaurants. The agenda also includes hearings for incomplete applications and renewals of existing licenses.

• Special one-day permit for Moose Lodge 1849 at 244 Fuller Rd for 21 Classic Car Show dates (April–September 2025)
• Special event permits for K of C Elder Council at 460 Granby Rd for weekly car shows, monthly bike nights, and a KLM Auto Picnic
• Application for a new Annual Wine/Malt Restaurant license for Island Spice at 32 Center St
• Application for a Common Victualer license for Great Wall at 27 White Birch Plaza (new owners)
• Application for a Common Victualer license for Dunkin Donuts at 1599 Memorial Dr (new)

The commission approved several special event permits for Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus, and a bike‑night series, some with police detail. It also approved a new restaurant license for Island Spice pending TIPs certification. Violations were found for the Corner Store, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and BP, and cease‑and‑desist letters were ordered. Renewals were approved for three common victualer restaurants.

• Approved Moose Lodge 1849 special one‑day beer/wine permit (5‑0)
• Approved K of C Elder Council weekly car‑show permit at 460 Granby Rd (5‑0)
• Approved K of C Elder Council monthly bike‑night permit with police detail (5‑0)
• Approved Island Spice restaurant wine/malt license, contingent on TIPs certification (5‑0)
• Found Corner Store (444 Front St) in violation and ordered cease‑and‑desist (5‑0)
• Found Kentucky Fried Chicken (1307 Memorial Dr) in violation and ordered cease‑and‑desist (5‑0)
• Found BP (1423 Memorial Dr) in violation and ordered cease‑and‑desist (5‑0)
• Approved renewals for Castillo’s Restaurant, Island Spice, Oregon Sportsman Club (5‑0)

City Council

The City Council will consider a special permit for a residential development of up to 600 apartments at the former Cabotville Mill on Front Street. They will also vote on multiple mayor's orders appropriating funds for police equipment, DPW vehicle repairs, and other expenses. Several license reports and ordinance changes for traffic and parking regulations are on the agenda.

• Special permit for up to 600 apartments at former Cabotville Mill, 165 Front Street (Bridgewater Capital Partners)
• Mayor's appropriation of $120,000 for DPW Central Maintenance vehicle repairs
• Mayor's appropriations for police: $47,100 for education/training/travel, $46,150.65 for mobile radios, $14,300 for bulletproof vests
• Ordinance changes: new stop sign on Holgate Street at Britton Street, parking restrictions on Madison Street and Celestine Street, one-way streets on several roads
• License committee reports: junk dealers licenses at 81 Center Street and 34 Montgomery Street; home occupation license for cottage kitchen baking at 34 Pajak Street

The Chicopee City Council approved nine mayor's orders, including $120,000 for DPW vehicle repairs and several police-related appropriations. It granted junk dealer, home occupation, and auto repair licenses with restrictions, denied one home occupation license, and postponed several license applications. The council also referred a proposed 600-unit residential development at the former Cabotville Mill to committee and defeated orders on resident parking permits and park field maintenance.

• Approved $120,000 for DPW vehicle repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $47,100 for police training and travel (unanimous)
• Approved $46,150.65 for police mobile radios (unanimous)
• Approved $14,300 for police bulletproof vests (unanimous)
• Granted junk dealer license at 81 Center St with restrictions (unanimous)
• Denied home occupation license at 41 Cobb Ave (unanimous)
• Postponed Class II license for Alsultanit LLC at 238 Meadow St (unanimous)
• Referred Cabotville Mill 600-unit residential development to committee (unanimous)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes from February 20, 2025, and receive the Clerk's report on voter registration statistics for February 2025, including address and party affiliation changes. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from February 20, 2025
• Clerk's report on voter registration statistics for February 2025
• Discussion of passport acceptance service (Census 2025)
• Correspondence and new/old business items

City Council - License Committee

The License Committee will consider several license applications, including junk dealers licenses at 81 Center Street and 34 Montgomery Street, home occupation licenses for cottage food baking at 34 Pajak Street and steering knuckle machining at 41 Cobb Avenue, and multiple Class II (used car dealer) and auto repair licenses for locations on Meadow Street, Front Street, and Hampden Street. The committee will also approve minutes from January 14, 2025, and adjourn.

• Junk Dealers License for Millie Onn Moore at 81 Center Street.
• Junk Dealers License for Sayegh Jewelers at 34 Montgomery Street.
• Home Occupation License for Patricia Cataldo for cottage kitchen baking at 34 Pajak Street.
• Class II License and Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street.
• Class II License for Royal Motors Auto Sales, LLC at 874 Front Street.

The Chicopee License Committee approved junk dealer licenses for 81 Center Street and 34 Montgomery Street, a home occupation license for cottage baking at 34 Pajak Street, and an auto repair/Class II license for JP Auto Repair at 401 Hampden Street, all with conditions. It denied a home occupation license for steering knuckle machining at 41 Cobb Avenue due to noise and fire concerns. Several other license applications were postponed pending additional information.

• Approved junk dealer license at 81 Center Street with conditions (5-0)
• Approved junk dealer license at 34 Montgomery Street with conditions (5-0)
• Approved home occupation license for cottage baking at 34 Pajak Street with special conditions (5-0)
• Denied home occupation license for steering knuckle machining at 41 Cobb Avenue (5-0)
• Postponed Class II license for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street (5-0)
• Postponed Auto Repair license for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street (5-0)
• Postponed Class II license for Royal Motors Auto Sales at 874 Front Street (5-0)
• Approved Class II license for JP Auto Repair and Sales at 401 Hampden Street with conditions (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to discuss routine business including executive director's report, fiscal reports, and a review of the city budget. They will also consider a marketing plan with 22 News and hear the annual FY24 report from the Department of Elder Affairs. Other agenda items include updates on a veteran's wall, travel club, and a landscape plan.

• City Budget Review
• Department of Elder Affairs Annual FY24 Report
• Marketing Plan with 22 News
• Café/Kitchen Revenue Report
• SLR-Landscape Plan

The Council on Aging approved a $10,000 marketing campaign with 22News, focusing on event sponsorships and online ads. They also approved the February minutes, director's report, café/kitchen revenue report, and fiscal report. The patio shade question was tabled due to cost concerns.

• Approved $10,000 marketing plan with 22News
• Approved minutes from February 11, 2025
• Approved director's report
• Approved café and kitchen revenue report for February
• Approved fiscal report for February
• Tabled patio shade discussion due to cost concerns

Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss and potentially approve several requests from soccer organizations for field use at multiple parks for spring and summer programs. The commission will also receive updates on the Bemis Pond dam removal and Sarah Jane Park improvements. New business includes discussing the FY26 budget and Dulchinos Field dugouts.

• Request from Paul Langevin of AJAC for Spring Soccer field use at Williams, Ray Ash, Litwin, Bellamy, and Ike Alpert parks
• Multiple requests from Brent Dillard of Gold Star Soccer for Spring Zoo program, Summer Camp, Futsal Clinics, and 2v2/4v4 tournaments at Williams Park and Ike Alpert Park
• Bemis Pond Dam Removal – Phase II planning after winter stoppage
• Sarah Jane Splash Pad – removal funds approved; PARC Grant for Sarah Jane Park improvements beginning design
• FY26 Budget and City Council Requests discussion

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to address administrative updates and facility projects. The body will consider a proposal to change its meeting start time and receive an update on granite stone relocation.

• Proposed change of meeting start time to 5:30 PM
• Update on relocation of granite stones at RiverMills Senior Center

The Chicopee Historical Commission voted 5-0 to approve a plan to relocate granite stones from the front lawn of the RiverMills Senior Center, with a plaque to be installed and unused stones returned to a city storage pile. The Commission also voted 5-0 to change its meeting start time to 5:30 PM and move meetings to the Planning and Conservation Office. Minutes from February 11, 2025 were approved with a typo correction. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved plan to relocate granite stones at RiverMills Senior Center (5-0)
• Approved changing meeting start time to 5:30 PM and location to Planning and Conservation Office (5-0)
• Approved February 11, 2025 minutes with typo correction (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss property transfers and funding requests. The body will consider conveying tax-taken property to BD Singing Bridge LLC and approving security funding for a city building.

• Conveying city-owned property to BD Singing Bridge LLC for the BRISA project
• Easement for telecommunications, storm drain, and sewer
• Funding request for security at 165 Front Street (Cabotville)
• Chapter 7 Ordinance regarding two positions in the Mayor's Office
• Appointment of Karla Bourassa as Chief Human Resource Officer

The City Council approved a $125,000 appropriation for emergency security at the Cabotville property, with a 12-1 vote. It also passed orders to convey the Baskin property (MO-1) and amend the mayor's office ordinance (MO-2) unanimously. The appointment of Karla Bourassa as Chief Human Resources Officer was referred to committee.

• Approved $125,000 for Cabotville emergency security (12-1)
• Approved Baskin property conveyance with easements (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance adding Special Projects Manager and Community & Constituent Liaison positions (unanimous)
• Referred Karla Bourassa's appointment as CHRO to Human Resources Committee (12-1)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss amending Chapter 7 of the city ordinances. The proposed amendment updates salaries for two specific roles within the Office of the Mayor.

• Proposed salary of $52,450.56 (Grade 5) for Special Projects Manager
• Proposed salary of $52,450.56 (Grade 5) for Community & Constituent Liaison
• Approval of January 27, 2025 meeting minutes

The Ordinance Committee approved an ordinance amendment adjusting salaries for the Special Projects Manager and Community & Constituent Liaison positions in the Mayor's Office, effective February 18, 2025. Mayor Vieau stated the change is a budgetary adjustment with no new taxpayer cost, combining duties and including typical contractual raises. The committee also approved the minutes from January 27, 2025, and adjourned.

• Approved salary amendment for Special Projects Manager ($52,450.56, Grade 5) and Community & Constituent Liaison ($52,450.56, Grade 5), effective Feb 18, 2025 (4-0, Brooks absent)
• Approved minutes from January 27, 2025 meeting (4-0, Brooks absent)
• Adjourned at 6:07 PM (4-0, Brooks absent)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss a zoning change for a property on Chicopee St. The board will also review Acting Notices of Record and minutes from the February 6 meeting.

• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for 12,400 +/- SF at 519 Chicopee St.

The Chicopee Planning Board tabled a proposed zone change from Business A to Residential B for 519 Chicopee St. to April 3, 2025, because the applicant did not attend for a second consecutive month. The board also approved the minutes from February 6, 2025, and adjourned. No ANR plans or new business were discussed.

• Tabled the zone change for 519 Chicopee St. to April 3, 2025 (3-0 vote).
• Approved the minutes from the February 6, 2025 meeting (3-0 vote).
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:04 PM (3-0 vote).

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing on three Notices of Intent (NOIs) for work affecting wetlands, buffer zones, and riverfront areas. Items include the replacement of four electrical structures by Eversource off Prospect St. and Buckley Blvd., and two separate applications for restoration and contractor yard operations on McKinstry Ave. The commission will also approve prior meeting minutes, sign bills, and discuss upcoming projects.

• NOI for Eversource to replace four electrical structures within Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Buffer Zone, and Riverfront area (Prospect St. & Buckley Blvd.)
• NOI for Gramntad, LLC to continue contractor yard operations and restoration within buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Terrace Escarpment Soils (0 & 420 McKinstry Ave.)
• NOI for Ludlow Construction Co., Inc. for similar restoration and contractor yard operations (0 McKinstry Ave.)
• Approval of minutes from February 19, 2025 meeting
• Discussion of upcoming projects and communications

The Chicopee Conservation Commission voted 6-0 to table two NOIs for contractor yard operations on McKinstry Ave until April 2, 2025, and to obtain legal input from the City Law Department on possible grandfathered uses. The commission also accepted the withdrawal of an Eversource NOI for electrical structures off Prospect St. and Buckley Blvd. (6-0), approved the February 19, 2025 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention), and adjourned.

• Accepted withdrawal of Eversource NOI for electrical structures (6-0)
• Tabled McKinstry Ave NOIs (Items 2 & 3) to April 2, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will vote on a series of items including a lease for a police substation, several appropriations from free cash, acceptance of donations, and appointments. Key discussions include a proposed ordinance requiring pawnshops and junk dealers to keep electronic records and photograph items and customers, and a special permit for a self-storage facility on Shawinigan Drive. The council will also consider a letter to state lawmakers to investigate rising energy costs and a proposal to televise all subcommittee meetings.

• Lease of 664 Meadow Street for a police substation (MO-1)
• Appropriation of $28,972.52 to Law Department salary accounts (MO-2)
• Ordinance amending junk collectors' and pawnshop license rules (item 17)
• Special permit application for self-storage facility on Shawinigan Drive (item 21)
• Order to send letter supporting investigation of energy costs from Eversource (item 14)

The City Council approved a $1-per-year lease for the former Boys & Girls Club teen center at 664 Meadow Street to serve as a community policing substation for the C-3 unit. The council also approved several appropriations, including $28,972.52 for a retiring paralegal's sick buyback and $17,105.90 for police and fire indemnifications. A special permit for a towing and storage business at 78 West St. was denied after a roll call vote of 6 yes, 3 no, 2 abstained. The council referred several items to committees, including a proposed ordinance to increase the Claims and Accounts Committee settlement limit from $300 to $600.

• Approved lease for C-3 police substation at 664 Meadow Street for $1 per year.
• Approved $28,972.52 appropriation for paralegal salary and sick buyback.
• Approved $17,105.90 appropriation for police and fire indemnifications.
• Accepted $25 donation to the Chicopee Public Library.
• Accepted in-kind donations for situation table training from 99 Restaurants, Wing Stop, and Dunkin Donuts.
• Approved appointments to Cultural Council, Planning Board, and Director of Golf.
• Denied special permit for towing and storage business at 78 West St. (6 yes, 3 no, 2 abstained).
• Referred ordinance to increase Claims and Accounts Committee settlement limit to $600.

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Chicopee Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing on a special permit application for a towing and storage business at 78 West St. The applicant is Cruise Control Transportation, Inc. The committee will also vote on minutes from the January 29, 2025 meeting.

• Special permit hearing under Chapter 275-58 for towing and storage business at 78 West St. (applicant: Cruise Control Transportation, Inc., Joshua Roy, President)
• Approval of minutes from January 29, 2025 meeting

The Zoning Committee approved a special permit for Cruise Control Transportation, Inc. to operate a towing and storage business at 78 West St., with restrictions including at least 10 parking spaces and Fire Department compliance. The vote was 4-0, with one member absent. The committee also approved the minutes from January 29, 2025, and adjourned.

• Approved special permit for towing/storage at 78 West St. (4-0)
• Approved minutes of January 29, 2025 (4-0)
• Adjourned at 7:10 PM (4-0)

Library

The Board of Trustees will hear the director's report on library statistics for February 2025 and receive an update on a building repair project. New business includes a report on hiring and personnel, as well as a report on the FY2026 budget. The meeting will also approve minutes from February 10 and review the financial report.

• Update on building repair project (Old Business)
• Report on the FY2026 Budget (New Business)
• Report on hiring and personnel (New Business)
• Library statistics for February 2025 (Director's Report)

The Chicopee Public Library Board of Trustees met on March 3, 2025, and approved the February meeting minutes and the Director's Report, both by 3-0 votes. The FY2026 budget was submitted to City Hall as the first step in the budget process. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved February 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved Director's Report (3-0)
• Submitted FY2026 budget to City Hall

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold a regular monthly meeting on February 26, 2025. Agenda items include approval of minutes and expense warrants, a manager performance review with SEI Investments, an executive session for disabilities, and consideration of retirement applications, refunds, transfers, and survivor benefits. The board will also discuss PERAC memos and set meeting dates for 2025.

• Approval of monthly expense warrants
• Manager performance review with SEI Investments
• Executive session for disabilities
• PERAC approval of accidental disability retirement applications
• Board member election

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved an accidental disability retirement allowance for Joseph Reidy of the DPW-Highway Department, sending it to PERAC for approval. The board also approved three superannuation retirement requests, multiple membership applications, refunds, transfers, and pension calculations. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved accidental disability retirement for Joseph Reidy (5-0)
• Approved superannuation retirements for Laurie Goff, Jeffrey Jarvis, Chantal Paul (unanimous)
• Approved 15 new membership applications (unanimous)
• Approved 5 refund requests (unanimous)
• Approved 5 transfer-to-another-system requests (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation calculations for Gosselin, Malinowski, Pepin (unanimous)
• Approved survivor benefits for Aviles, Ryczek, and Mulvey (unanimous)
• Designated Christine Chicklowski as Election Officer for board election (unanimous)

License Commission

The Chicopee License Commission will consider applications for new common victualer licenses for Wingstop #2632 and Romano's Pizza, as well as a change of manager for Country Club Grille and a hearing for The Windsor Lounge. Additionally, the commission will vote on four special one-day beer/wine permits for senior center events and renew licenses for several restaurants and a lodging house.

• Special one-day beer/wine permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (St. Patrick's Day, Spring Dinner, Volunteer Appreciation, Summer Cookout)
• Change of manager, officers/directors, and stock transfer for Country Club Grille, 1290 Burnett Rd
• Hearing for The Windsor Lounge
• New common victualer license for Wingstop #2632, 601 F Memorial Dr
• New common victualer license for Romano's Pizza, 191 Exchange St (new owners)

The Chicopee License Commission revoked all licenses held by 2 Chix LLC, operating as The Windsor Lounge at 101 Main Street, after finding the business in default for failing to resolve a returned check for 2025 license fees. The commission also approved four one-day beer/wine permits for senior center events, a change of manager and D/B/A for Country Club Grille, new common victualer licenses for Wingstop and Romano's Pizza, and several 2025 renewals. All votes were 3-0.

• Revoked all licenses for 2 Chix LLC / The Windsor Lounge (3-0)
• Approved special one-day beer/wine permits for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens (3-0)
• Approved change of manager and D/B/A to Turn 9 Bar and Grill for Country Club Grille (3-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Wingstop #2632 (3-0)
• Approved Common Victualer license for Romano's Pizza (3-0)
• Approved 2025 renewals for Chicken Queen, Roger's Place, Wendy's, Westover Supermart (3-0)
• Approved 2025 Lodging House renewal for Folta Properties (3-0)

Board of Registrars

The Chicopee Board of Registrars of Voters will hold its annual meeting on February 20, 2025. The agenda includes approval of January 23, 2025 minutes, discussion of the FY2026 budget, and the Clerk's report on registration statistics (including address and party affiliation changes) for January 2025. No decisive actions or major policy changes are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from January 23, 2025
• Discussion of FY2026 budget
• Clerk's Report: registration statistics for January 2025, including address and party affiliation changes
• Next meeting set for March 18, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a request for a Certificate of Compliance regarding a natural gas pipe project. The body will also discuss the Anna E. Barry School project and upcoming NSTAR Electric work.

• Certificate of Compliance request for rectifier installation south of Granby Road
• Discussion regarding the Anna E. Barry School project
• Notice of Intent for the continuation of the NSTAR Electric (dba Eversource Energy) project

The Chicopee Conservation Commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for a cathodic protection rectifier project near Granby Road, which could not proceed due to an undiscovered water main. The commission also approved the minutes from February 5, 2025, and discussed the Anna E. Barry School project, noting it likely cannot be built on its current site due to parkland and wetland designations. No bills were signed, and the next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for rectifier project (5-0)
• Approved minutes from February 5, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider a major rewrite of Chapter 188 regulating licenses for hawkers, peddlers, transient vendors, door-to-door sales, flea markets, and charitable solicitations. The council will also vote on multiple appropriations including $266,100 for a legal settlement and $226,000 for wastewater chemicals. Various public works committee referrals and a change to rename 'Handicapped' parking to 'Disabled' parking are also on the agenda.

• Ordinance to replace chapters on hawkers, peddlers, and charitable solicitations with new rules for transient vendors, door-to-door sales, flea markets (Item 17).
• Mayor's order to appropriate $266,100 from Stabilization Fund for legal settlement in Gagliarducci Construction case (Item MO-9).
• Mayor's order to appropriate $226,000 for DPW Wastewater chemicals (Item MO-10).
• Acceptance of $10,000 state grant for Chicopee Police anti-heroin task force (Item MO-3).
• Ordinance to change all references from 'Handicapped' to 'Disabled' in parking regulations (Item 18).

The Chicopee City Council approved a $266,100 settlement in the Gagliarducci Construction lawsuit, despite concerns about the flawed procurement process. They also approved a $30,000 contract for police communication services, rejecting a motion to refer it to committee. Several grants and donations were accepted, and multiple items were referred to committees for further discussion.

• Approved $266,100 settlement in Gagliarducci Construction lawsuit (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 for police communication services (11-1)
• Rejected motion to refer police communication contract to Finance Committee (4-8)
• Accepted $10,000 COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force grant (unanimous)
• Accepted $9,500 donation from New North Citizens Council for C3 units (unanimous)
• Accepted $14,162.68 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $226,000 for wastewater chemicals (unanimous)
• Referred door-to-door sales ordinance to Ordinance Committee (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance requests: one to reduce frontage, area, and depth requirements to create a new building lot at 0 and 39 Polaski Ave., and another to increase building height from 60 to 75 feet for a new high bay freezer at 149 and 257 Plainfield St. The board will also consider minutes from December 2024 and discuss old/new business.

• Variance from Chapter 275-52: reduce frontage from 100 to 90 ft, area from 10,000 to 8,105 sq ft, and depth from 100 to 90 ft for a new single-family lot; also reduce frontage to 75 ft, area to 6,750 sq ft, depth to 90.06 ft for existing house at 39 Polaski Ave. Applicant: Elizabeth Liptrap.
• Variance from Chapter 275-62: increase building height from 60 to 75 ft for a new high bay freezer building at 149 and 257 Plainfield St. Applicant: Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, Inc.
• Approval of minutes from December 11, 2024.
• Discussion of old and new business.
• Meeting adjournment; next meeting scheduled for March 12, 2025.

The Chicopee Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variances unanimously (5-0). The first allows a lot split at 0 and 39 Polaski Ave. to create a new single-family building lot. The second permits a height increase to 75 feet for a new freezer building at 149 and 257 Plainfield St. The board also approved the December 11, 2024 minutes and adjourned.

• Approved variance for lot split at 0 and 39 Polaski Ave. (5-0)
• Approved height variance to 75 feet for freezer building at 149/257 Plainfield St. (5-0)
• Approved minutes from December 11, 2024 (5-0)
• Adjourned to March 12, 2025 (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Chicopee Council on Aging will discuss a CDBG Grant Application, staff openings, board membership, and senior programs including the Tax Work-off Program and AAPR tax appointments. The meeting will also cover Café/Kitchen revenue, CPR training, and a Chamber Breakfast. Minutes from January 2025 and the Executive Director's report are scheduled for review.

• CDBG Grant Application
• Staff openings and COA Board Members discussion
• Tax Work-off Program and AAPR tax appointments (began 02/05 with 162 appointments)
• Café/Kitchen Revenue Report and Café operations
• CPR Training and Chamber Breakfast

The Chicopee Council on Aging approved the January 14, 2025 minutes as written and unanimously approved the January fiscal report, which was described as on-target and healthy. The board also discussed operational issues including HVAC repairs, a health inspection citation, staffing shortages, and the relocation of historical stones.

• Approved January 14, 2025 minutes as written
• Unanimously approved January fiscal report
• Approved relocation of historical stones and creation of a display

Parks Commission

The commission is reviewing several requests for field and park use for community events and sports camps. The body is also discussing the status of the Bemis Pond Dam removal and the Sarah Jane Splash Pad project.

• Request for soccer camp field use from June 23 to June 27
• Request for National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park on August 6
• Request for Great Strides Walk at Szot Park on May 18
• Request for West Mass Brass Band concert at Aldenville Commons on June 7
• Discussion on Barry School and Garrity Grove Park

The Chicopee Parks Commission approved several event requests, including a soccer camp, National Night Out, a cystic fibrosis walk, a Harmony House walk, a brass band concert, and flag football use. They also approved January minutes, bills, and elected officers. No major policy decisions were made; most items were routine approvals and reports.

• Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes as written
• Approved bills signed by Chair Buxton dated Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14
• Approved Soccer Camp Pros field use June 23-27, subject to availability
• Approved Chicopee Police National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park Aug 6, rain date Aug 7
• Approved Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis at Szot Park May 18
• Approved Harmony House walk at Szot Park Sept 13 or 20
• Approved West Mass Brass Band concert at Aldenville Commons June 7, rain date June 12
• Approved Chicopee Galaxy flag football use of Bellamy Field this spring

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on February 11, 2025. Agenda items include a proposed change to the meeting start time, a change to the month for commission elections, an update on relocating granite stones at the RiverMills Senior Center, and approval of prior meeting minutes. The commission will also discuss its bylaws and potential accomplishments for 2025.

• Proposed change of meeting start time to 5:30 PM
• Proposed change of commission election month from September
• Update on relocation of granite stones on the front lawn of RiverMills Senior Center
• Approval of minutes from December 10, 2024 and January 14, 2025
• Discussion of Historical Commission Bylaws and 2025 accomplishments

The Chicopee Historical Commission voted 5-0 to allow the granite stones on the front lawn of the RiverMills Senior Center to be moved behind the building by city staff, with a plan for their final use to be presented at the March 11, 2025 meeting. The commission also voted 5-0 to table a proposed change to meeting start time until March, and voted 5-0 to keep board elections in September. Minutes from December 10, 2024 and January 14, 2025 were approved 5-0.

• Approved moving granite stones from RiverMills front lawn (5-0)
• Tabled meeting start time change to March 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Kept board elections in September (5-0)
• Approved minutes from Dec 10, 2024 and Jan 14, 2025 (5-0)

Library

The Chicopee Library Board of Trustees will receive updates on financial reports, statistics, and a director's report covering circulation and programs. New business includes reports on hiring and personnel, building maintenance, a legislative breakfast, and preliminary work on the FY2026 budget. No votes or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Financial report from February 7, 2024
• Director's report on January 2025 library statistics
• Report on hiring and personnel
• Report on preliminary work for the FY2026 Budget
• Report on Legislative Breakfast held January 24, 2025

The Chicopee Public Library Board of Trustees held a routine monthly meeting, approving the January meeting minutes and the director's report. No substantive policy decisions were made; the financial report was not yet available, and the board discussed hiring, personnel, and upcoming building repairs.

• Approved January 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved Director's Report for January 2025 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings and consider actions on several tabled items, including a zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres on Burnett Rd, a preliminary site plan for a self-storage facility on Shawinigan Dr, and multiple frontage waivers. Other items include a zone change from Business A to Residential B at 519 Chicopee St, modifications to a commercial development at 246 McKinstry Ave, and endorsements of a subdivision plan.

• Zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres on Burnett Rd (Map 238, Parcel 3) – applicant UFPT MA, LLC
• Zone change from Business A to Residential B for 12,400+/- SF at 519 Chicopee St – applicant Andrew Lemay
• Preliminary site plan for a self-storage facility and office on Shawinigan Dr (Map 187, Parcel 1B) – applicant Patriot Holdings, LLC
• Modified definitive site plan for circulation and parking changes at 246 McKinstry Ave – applicant Salmar Realty, LLC
• Waiver of frontage from 100' to 20' to create a two-family lot on Greenwich St (Map 471, Parcel 28B) – applicant Vyacheslav Tsukanov

The Chicopee Planning Board recommended approval of a zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres on Burnett Rd. to the City Council. They also approved a preliminary site plan for a self-storage facility on Shawinigan Dr., approved a modified site plan and waiver for a drive-thru at 246 McKinstry Ave., and denied an as-built subdivision plan for Jean Circle. Several other items were tabled or withdrawn.

• Recommended approval of Burnett Rd. zone change to Industrial (4-0)
• Approved preliminary site plan for self-storage facility on Shawinigan Dr. with conditions (4-0)
• Approved waiver of grading/stormwater plan for 246 McKinstry Ave. (4-0)
• Approved modified definitive site plan for 246 McKinstry Ave. with condition (4-0)
• Approved frontage waiver for 1230 Montgomery St. (4-0)
• Approved frontage waiver for 39 Polaski Ave. (3-1)
• Denied as-built subdivision plan for Jean Circle (4-0)
• Tabled zone change for 519 Chicopee St. to March 6, 2025 (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Chicopee Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a request for a Certificate of Compliance for completed utility upgrades at 363 Prospect St., including soil borings in wetland buffer zones. The commission also plans to discuss potential fines for unresolved enforcement orders on McKinstry Avenue from September 2023. The meeting will include approval of prior minutes and upcoming projects.

• Certificate of Compliance for NSTAR/Eversource utility upgrades at 363 Prospect St. (NOI 24-004)
• Discussion of fines for Enforcement Orders 23-E002 and 23-E003 on McKinstry Avenue, no progress reported
• Approval of minutes from December 4, 2024
• Signing of bills

The Chicopee Conservation Commission approved and issued a Certificate of Compliance (6-0) for completed utility ROW upgrades at 363 Prospect St., closing out the first phase of the project. The Commission tabled discussion (6-0) on enforcement orders for McKinstry Avenue properties until March 5, 2025, pending a site visit and compliance update. Minutes from December 4, 2024 were approved with corrections (6-0). No bills were signed.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for Eversource utility ROW work at 363 Prospect St. (6-0)
• Tabled enforcement order discussion for McKinstry Avenue to March 5, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved December 4, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:20 PM (6-0)

City Council

The Chicopee City Council will consider multiple mayor's orders including appropriations for police salaries, hazardous waste collection, and emergency management. They will vote on accepting donations for community events and establish a committee to oversee the comprehensive plan. The agenda also includes a communication correcting the public record on the Safe Streets for All grant and ordinance changes for bus stops and new city staff positions.

• Communication correcting public record on SS4A grant: total budget $400,000 ($320,000 federal, $80,000 local match)
• Mayor's Order M0-1: appropriation of $113,178.76 to Police Salary Account from Stabilization Fund
• Mayor's Order M0-13: establishment of Envision our Chicopee 2040 implementation committee
• Mayor's Order M0-19: proposed ordinance adding two new positions (Special Projects Manager, Community & Constituent Liaison) at $52,450.56 each
• Favorable ordinance committee reports: remove bus stop at Chicopee/Baptist Street, move stops on Whitman Street and Charbonneau Terrace

The City Council voted to refer the special permit application for a towing and storage business at 78 West Street back to the Zoning Committee, despite a motion to approve. The council also approved multiple appropriations, including $113,178.76 for police cadet pay and $60,000 for sanitation truck fire cleanup, and accepted numerous event donations. Several handicap parking requests were denied due to updated MassDOT guidelines.

• Referred 78 West St. towing special permit back to Zoning Committee (8-2-2)
• Approved $113,178.76 for police cadet prior year salaries (11-0-1)
• Approved $60,000 for sanitation truck fire cleanup (11-0-1)
• Approved $21,500 MEMA grant and appropriation (11-0-1)
• Accepted $15,171.63 in donations for Spooktacular (10-0-1-1)
• Accepted $21,500 in donations for Fireworks (11-0-1)
• Denied 7 handicap parking requests (unanimous or 11-0-1)
• Approved zone change at 0 McKinstry Ave from Commercial A to Industrial (10-0-1-1)

City Council - Public Works Committee

The Chicopee City Council's Public Works Committee will discuss an empty lot near 117 Jacob Street and signage on James Street from 820 Memorial Drive to Johnson Road. The committee will also order a discussion by the Zoning Committee on the city's obligation regarding paper streets that pose public health or safety issues. Additionally, the property at 22 Dorothy Avenue will be referred for a public hearing. Minutes from September 30, 2024, will be reviewed.

• Discussion of empty lot near 117 Jacob Street
• Discussion of signage on James Street from 820 Memorial Drive to Johnson Road
• Order to discuss city's obligation on paper streets with health/safety issues by Zoning Committee
• Referral of property at 22 Dorothy Avenue for public hearing

The Chicopee Public Works Committee held a public hearing on January 30, 2025, discussing four property-related items: an overgrown McDonald's-owned lot near 117 Jacob Street, signage on James Street, city obligations for paper streets, and properties on Dorothy Avenue. All four items were placed on file after discussion, with no formal action taken beyond that. The committee also approved the minutes from September 30, 2024, and adjourned.

• Placed on file: discussion of empty lot near 117 Jacob Street (overgrowth, litter, fires)
• Placed on file: discussion of signage on James Street from 820 Memorial Drive to Johnson Road
• Placed on file: discussion of city's obligation regarding paper streets with health/safety issues
• Placed on file: discussion of properties at 14, 22, and 27 Dorothy Avenue
• Approved minutes of September 30, 2024
• Adjourned at 7:30 PM

City Council - Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee will hold public hearings on two special permit applications and one zone change request, plus consider an order to add a Certified ADA Compliance Officer to the Site Plan Review process. Items include a towing/storage business at 78 West St., a zone change at 0 McKinstry Ave. to create a contiguous industrial district, and an amendment to a prior special permit for development at 75 West Main St. with a requested parking waiver.

• Special permit for towing and storage business at 78 West St. (Cruise Control Transportation, Inc.)
• Zone change from Commercial A to Industrial for 0 McKinstry Ave. (Gramntad, LLC)
• Amendment of special permit for 75 West Main St. (Baskin parcel redevelopment) with parking waiver request
• Proposed order to add a Certified ADA Compliance Officer to Site Plan Review and SPRAC Inspectors

The Zoning Committee approved a special permit for a towing and storage business at 78 West St., a zone change from Commercial A to Industrial at 0 McKinstry Ave., and a parking reduction waiver for the 105-unit affordable housing project at 75 West Main St. It also denied a proposal to add a Certified ADA Compliance Officer to review committees, citing redundancy. All votes were unanimous among present members, with Councilor Shumsky abstaining from the towing permit discussion.

• Approved special permit for towing/storage at 78 West St. (4-0, Shumsky abstained)
• Approved zone change from Commercial A to Industrial at 0 McKinstry Ave. (5-0)
• Approved parking waiver for 75 West Main St. affordable housing project (5-0)
• Denied order to add Certified ADA Compliance Officer to SPRAC/ODRC (5-0)
• Approved December 11, 2024 minutes (5-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will consider relocating four bus stops at Baptist, Whitman, Charbonneau Terrace, and Blanche Streets, as well as eight handicap parking requests on various streets. They will also discuss a parking prohibition on Murphy Court and two isolated stop signs at Quincy Avenue and Beeler Avenue. The meeting will then approve minutes from October 29, 2024.

• Relocate bus stop #6444 on Baptist Street
• Relocate bus stop #530 on Whitman Street 200 feet north
• Relocate bus stop #518 from Charbonneau Terrace to 954 Chicopee Street
• Relocate bus stop #524 from Blanche Street to 841 Chicopee Street
• Eight handicap parking requests at 325 Chicopee Street, 87 Cochran Street, 38 Peloquin Drive, 28 Peloquin Drive, 62 Peloquin Drive, 30 Stearns Terrace, 85 Stonina Drive, and others

The Ordinance Committee denied eight handicap parking sign requests (items 5-11) following recommendations from the Chicopee Commission on Disability and DPW, citing issues like driveways, temporary impairments, and non-accessible units. The committee postponed four bus stop relocation items (1-4) pending PVTA review. It approved a parking prohibition on Murphy Court, and isolated stop signs at Quincy Avenue and Beeler Avenue intersections with Britton Street.

• Denied handicap parking at 325 Chicopee St (4-0)
• Denied handicap parking at 87 Cochran St (4-0)
• Denied handicap parking at 38, 28, 62 Peloquin Dr (4-0 each)
• Denied handicap parking at 30 Stearns Terrace (4-0)
• Denied handicap parking at 85 Stonina Dr (4-0)
• Approved parking prohibition on Murphy Ct south side (4-0)
• Approved isolated stop sign at Quincy Ave & Britton St (4-0)
• Approved isolated stop sign at Beeler Ave & Britton St (4-0)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars of Voters is holding a regular meeting to approve the December 2024 minutes, discuss the annual street list (Census 2025), and review passport training certifications. The clerk will report on voter registration statistics including address and party affiliation changes, as well as deletions from the roll. No major policy decisions are noted; the agenda is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from December 17, 2024
• Discussion of the Annual Street List (Census 2025)
• Passport: Acceptance Agent and Manager Facility training (2025 Certification Kit)
• Clerk's report on registration statistics for December (address/party changes, deletions)
• New business

Retirement Board

The Chicopee Contributory Retirement System will hold its monthly meeting to approve routine items including retirement and membership applications, refunds, transfers, and expense warrants. Key decisions include setting the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), interest rate, and mileage reimbursement for 2025, as well as reviewing memos from the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC). The board will also approve meeting dates for 2025 and certify member training.

• COLA Increase for 2025
• Interest Rate for 2025
• Mileage Reimbursement for 2025
• Approval of Monthly Expense Warrants
• Review of PERAC Memos #32–#34 and #1–#6

The Chicopee Retirement Board approved all items on its January 22, 2025 agenda, including superannuation retirements, new memberships, refunds, transfers, pension calculations, survivor benefits, and a COLA notice for FY 2026. The board also approved expense and payroll warrants and placed monthly reports on file. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved minutes from Dec 18, 2024 regular and executive sessions (unanimous)
• Approved expense warrants #01222025, #01232025 and payroll warrant #12312024 (unanimous)
• Approved superannuation retirements for David Gosselin and Angel Quinones (unanimous)
• Approved 22 new memberships in the retirement system (unanimous)
• Approved refund requests for Soukaina El Atifi and Ryan P. Lafleur (unanimous)
• Approved transfers to another system for 6 school department employees (unanimous)
• Approved pension calculations for 5 retirees, including Matthew Roy at $72,430.56/year (unanimous)
• Approved survivor benefits for James Trehey and beneficiary distribution for Theresa Beaudry (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposed special law to allow registered voters to recall elective city officials. The meeting also includes several mayoral appropriations from the Stabilization Fund and various board appointments.

• Proposed special law establishing a recall process for elective city offices requiring 5,000 verified signatures for an election
• Appropriation of $249,932.70 for Police Expense Account computer software
• Appropriation of $66,213.78 for Police Wage Act Claims settlement
• Appropriation of $60,000.00 for Building Special Account emergency demolition and security
• License applications for EcoATM, LLC at 1600 Memorial Drive and Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street

The Chicopee City Council approved a $60,000 appropriation from the Stabilization Fund for emergency demolition/security at the Cabotville property, despite concerns about the developer's responsibility. The council also approved funding for police body cameras, a wage settlement, and other appropriations. Several orders were defeated, including proposals for quarterly budget reports and posting full agendas online.

• Approved $60,000 for Cabotville emergency security (9-2)
• Approved $249,932.70 for police body camera software (unanimous)
• Approved $66,213.78 police wage settlement (unanimous)
• Approved $57,227.41 for golf greens mower (11-0-1)
• Approved $11,565 for 180 Broadway RFP assessment (unanimous)
• Denied EcoATM junk dealers license (unanimous)
• Postponed recall petition legislation (unanimous)
• Defeated order for quarterly budget reports (5-7)

License Commission

The License Commission will hold public hearings for Bulls Eye Café, The Vibez (66 Cabot St), and Dugout cafe, and consider an application for a new Common Victualer license for Dairy King (1535 Memorial Dr). The agenda also includes three special one-day beer/wine permits for events, a change of manager for Bulls Eye Café, and approval of 2025 renewals for 14 common victualers. Administrative items such as payroll approval and police report reviews are also scheduled.

• Three special one-day beer/wine permit applications (Mercedes Benz of Springfield, Friends of Chicopee Senior Citizens for two events)
• Hearings for Bulls Eye Café, The Vibez (66 Cabot St), and Dugout cafe
• Application for new Common Victualer license for Dairy King (1535 Memorial Dr)
• Application for change of manager for Bulls Eye Café
• Approval of 2025 renewals for 14 common victualers

The Chicopee License Commission approved three Special One Day Permits for beer/wine service at upcoming events: a Mercedes-Benz of Springfield networking/test drive event, and two Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens events (Lunar New Year and a Dinner and Comedy Show). The commission also held hearings for Bulls Eye Café, The Vibez, and Dugout Cafe, and considered a change of manager for Bulls Eye Café and a new Common Victualer license for Dairy King, though no decisions on these were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved one-day beer/wine permit for Mercedes-Benz of Springfield event (Feb 5, 2025)
• Approved one-day beer/wine permit for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens Lunar New Year (Jan 29, 2025)
• Approved one-day beer/wine permit for Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens Dinner and Comedy Show (Feb 19, 2025)

City Council - Rules Committee

The City Council Rules Committee will consider approving a special law to establish a recall process for elected officials in Chicopee, including signature thresholds and election procedures. The committee will also vote on amending council rules to formally define the Committee of the Whole and its referral process. Additionally, the committee will discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint regarding ADA compliance of agendas and non-clickable Zoom links.

• Proposed special law to allow recall of any elected officer with 500 initial signatures and 25% of registered voters to force an election
• Amendment to Rule 15 to add a Committee of the Whole that requires a two-thirds vote to refer items
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint by Jonathan Gerhardson about ADA compliance and clickable Zoom links
• Update and review on requests for withdrawals on petitions in subcommittees
• Approval of minutes from December 12, 2024

The Rules Committee voted to postpone a proposed recall ordinance to allow for amendments raising the initial signature requirement to 1,000 and setting a 25% threshold per ward and citywide. It also approved changes to council committee structure, removing the Police Commission from the Public Safety Committee, and directed the city solicitor to respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint. The committee also sent a petition withdrawal clarification request back to its maker.

• Postponed recall ordinance to allow amendments (unanimous)
• Approved amended committee structure, removing Police Commission (unanimous)
• Directed attorney to respond to Open Meeting Law complaint (unanimous)
• Approved converting past 3 months of agendas/minutes to text (unanimous)
• Sent petition withdrawal request back to maker for clarification (unanimous)
• Approved December 12, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

City Council - License Committee

The Chicopee License Committee will hold a public hearing on three business license applications: a junk dealers license for EcoATM at 1600 Memorial Drive, and a Class II and auto repair license for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street. The committee will also vote to approve minutes from its December 16, 2024 meeting.

• Junk Dealers License application for EcoATM, LLC at 1600 Memorial Drive (inside Price Rite)
• Class II License application for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street (applicant Taha Alsuntani)
• Auto Repair License application for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street (same applicant)
• Approval of minutes from December 16, 2024 meeting

The Chicopee License Committee denied a junk dealer license for EcoATM, LLC at 1600 Memorial Drive because the applicant failed to attend a second meeting. The committee postponed decisions on a Class II Auto Dealer License and an Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street, pending submission of a professional site plan. The minutes from December 16, 2024 were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

• Denied EcoATM, LLC junk dealer license at 1600 Memorial Drive (5-0)
• Postponed Class II Auto Dealer License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street to call of chair (5-0)
• Postponed Auto Repair License for Alsultanit, LLC at 238 Meadow Street to call of chair (5-0)
• Approved minutes from December 16, 2024 (5-0)

City Council - Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will consider two mayoral appointments: Denise Londraville to the License Commission for a six-month term, and Timothy Foley to the Golf Commission until November 2028. The committee will also review minutes from December 5, 2024.

• Mayoral appointment of Denise Londraville to License Commission (term through June 2025)
• Mayoral appointment of Timothy Foley to Golf Commission (term through November 2028)
• Review of meeting minutes from December 5, 2024

The Human Resources Committee unanimously approved the mayoral appointments of Denise Londraville to the License Commission and Timothy Foley to the Golf Commission. Both appointments were confirmed by a 5-0 roll call vote. The committee also approved the minutes from December 5, 2024, and adjourned.

• Approved Denise Londraville to License Commission (5-0)
• Approved Timothy Foley to Golf Commission (5-0)
• Approved December 5, 2024 minutes (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to accept several grants and review fiscal reports. The body will also discuss a new café cash register and three staff openings.

• Acceptance of Formula Grant for $222,675
• Acceptance of Community Transit Grant for $87,482
• Acceptance of CDBG Exercise Program grant for $18,000
• Discussion of new café cash register
• Staff openings for a full-time driver, part-time dishwasher, and part-time nurse

The Chicopee Council on Aging approved the December 2024 meeting minutes with a correction and unanimously approved the December fiscal report. The board also reviewed the director's report covering new programs, van updates, and staffing vacancies, but no major policy decisions were made.

• Approved December 10, 2024 minutes with correction (change 'elevate' to 'alleviate')
• Approved December fiscal report unanimously

Historical Commission

The Chicopee Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on January 14, 2025. They will consider changing the meeting start time to 5:30 PM and shifting the month of commission elections. An update will be provided on relocating granite stones from the RiverMills Senior Center front lawn. Discussion will also cover bylaw revisions and 2025 goals.

• Proposed change of meeting start time to 5:30 PM to accommodate new members' schedules
• Proposal to change commission election month from September to an unspecified date
• Update from Facilities Department on relocation of granite stones at RiverMills Senior Center
• Discussion of Historical Commission Bylaws
• Consideration of other prospective accomplishments for 2025

Parks Commission

The commission will hear public input and discuss a proposed policy on use of school facilities, following an email from Sara Brown. They will also review updates on the Bemis Pond Dam removal (stopped for winter), the Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal funds approved, and a PARC Grant for Sarah Jane Park improvements. Other business includes approval of multiple warrants and recreation program updates.

• Email from Sara Brown regarding Park Commission policy for Use of School Facilities and restrictions inside gyms
• Bemis Pond Dam removal construction stopped for winter; planning for Phase II
• CDBG Project – Sarah Jane Splash Pad removal funds approved
• PARC Grant – Sarah Jane Park Improvements beginning design process
• Pool removal at Szot Clean Up Area

The Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission voted to revoke Rule #4 from the 1999 policy that prohibited parents from attending youth basketball practices. The new policy allows parents and guardians of Recreation Basketball League players to attend practices, while Suburban League practices remain closed. The commission also approved bills and minutes, and discussed field conditions and a proposed skatepark.

• Revoked Rule #4 from 1999 policy barring parents from practices (motion approved)
• Approved new policy allowing parents/guardians to attend Recreation Basketball League practices
• Approved warrants dated Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 20, Dec 27, Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17
• Approved minutes of Nov 26, 2024 meeting

Library

The Board of Trustees will review and vote on a new policy regarding displays and bulletin boards. The board will also consider a request from the Polish Center of Discovery & Learning to sell books during an event on January 22, 2025.

• Vote on new Policy: Displays and Bulletin Board
• Request from Polish Center of Discovery & Learning to sell books at author talk on January 22, 2025
• Review of December 2024 library statistics for circulation, computer usage, and programs

The Chicopee Public Library Board of Trustees met on January 10, 2025, and approved the December minutes, the financial report, and the Director's Report. They also approved allowing the Polish Center for Learning & Discovery to sell books at an author talk on January 22, 2025, accepted the Display & Bulletin Board policy, and amended the Collection Development Policy to include library displays. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved December 2024 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved financial report for December 4, 2024 (3-0)
• Approved Director's Report (3-0)
• Allowed Polish Center for Learning & Discovery to sell books at author talk on Jan 22, 2025 (3-0)
• Accepted Display & Bulletin Board policy (3-0)
• Amended Collection Development Policy to include library displays (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will vote on a proposed special law creating a recall process for any elected city officer, requiring 500 signatures to start and 5,000 to force an election. Other items include accepting a $27,608 federal grant for police workstation consoles, two appropriations from the Stabilization Fund for police renovations and indemnifications, and approvals for Eversource gas main installations on multiple streets. Several rule changes to committee structure and late-filing deadlines are also on the agenda.

• Proposed recall ordinance requiring 500 signatures for initial affidavit and 5,000 for recall election
• Accept $27,608 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant for police real-time information center workstations
• Appropriate $27,608 from Stabilization Fund to Police Special Account for building renovations
• Appropriate $15,540.92 from Stabilization Fund to Human Resources Special Account for police & fire indemnifications
• Eversource gas main installations: 1,090 ft on Lynwood Dr & Greenwood Ter; 4,950 ft on Sherman Ave, Davenport St, Northwood St, Mellen St

The City Council accepted a $27,608 federal grant for the police department to purchase sit/stand workstations, and approved the corresponding appropriation from the Stabilization Fund. Several other items were approved, including gas main installations, license renewals, and rule changes. A proposed recall ordinance was referred back to the Rules Committee after debate over signature thresholds.

• Approved $27,608 JAG grant for police workstations (unanimous)
• Approved $27,608 appropriation from Stabilization Fund for police renovations (unanimous)
• Approved $15,540.92 appropriation for police/fire indemnifications (unanimous)
• Approved Eversource gas main installation on Lynwood Drive and Greenwood Terrace (unanimous)
• Approved Eversource gas main installation on Sherman, Davenport, Northwood, and Mellen Streets (unanimous)
• Referred recall ordinance back to Rules Committee (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 license renewals for auto sales, repair, taxi, and home occupation (unanimous)
• Referred 14 Dorothy Avenue property to Public Works Committee (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zone change for 7.5 acres on Burnett Rd. from Residential A to Industrial. Also on the agenda are two frontage waiver requests, an as-built subdivision plan endorsement, and approval of minutes.

• Zone change from Residential A to Industrial for 7.5 acres on Burnett Rd. (Assessor Map 238, Parcel 3) by UFPT MA, LLC.
• Frontage waiver from 100' to 20' to create a two-family lot on Greenwich St. (Map 471, Parcel 28B) by Vyacheslav Tsukanov.
• Frontage waiver from 100' to 61'+/- for a single-family house at 1230 Montgomery St. (Map 583, Parcel 13) by Donald J. Ruel.
• Endorsement of as-built subdivision plan for Jean Circle, a 6-lot residential subdivision approved in 1999.

The Chicopee Planning Board meeting on January 2, 2025, was called to order but no quorum was present. The Chair continued all agenda items to the February 6, 2025 hearing. Two ANR plans (Granby Rd. and Sanford St.) will be automatically approved before that date because they must be acted upon within 21 days of submittal.

• All agenda items continued to Feb. 6, 2025 hearing due to lack of quorum
• ANR plans for Granby Rd. and Sanford St. will be automatically approved before Feb. 6