City Council

13 Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday May 6, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium are as follows: ~iV ED Laflamme, Frank N., President At-Large Councilor 'Present • ,; 1 Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Present .. - . - •~ ? · I f •' Wagner, Timothy Joseph At-Large Councilor Absent v r n 11t 1(' 11 Zygarowski, Robert J. At-Large Councilor Absent: •·"' , •::- :- •·-1 /\ Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Bala kier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present Shumsky, Samuel Robert Ward 6 Councilor Present Courchesne, William C. Ward 7 Councilor Present Labrie, Gary R. Ward 8 Councilor Present Pniak-Costello, Mary Elizabeth Ward 9 Councilor Present Mayor's Orders briefing and announcements by Mayor Vieau or designee. The Mayor asked for a moment of silence for Harvey Lafleur, many accomplishments and awards. Was part of the veterans video history project. Proudly still wore his military uniform. Condolences to his family, he was 101 years old. On MO-1, monies all need to replenish. On MO-2, self-insured, bills for injured on duty. On MO-3, every year, posters come to the city from the students. On MO-4, self-explanatory. On MO-5, depleted funds, need for rabies testing. On MO-6, need to cover to the end of the fiscal year. On MO-7, Dave Rice stated need to transfer funds, unexpected major repairs, close to being short. Need inspections, will cover the cost. Transfer. On MO-8, thank Republic for the donation. On MO-9, thank you for your generosity. On MO-10, thank you for your generosity. On MO-11, restructuring in the Law Department. Need to restructure, no line increase. On MO-12, order of taking, signals at Britton Street. Councilor Pniak-Costello thanked the DPW. Mayor stated on May 15th the Barry School Committee will have a public meeting for the community to learn about the project. This is teacher appreciation week and nurse appreciation day. Thank you for your consideration of the mayors orders. Public Input- Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, surprised there are technical difficulties again. Listen to the Mayors Orders and appropriations again. When will the budget hearings be? Money has been moved around for other things, how the money is used. First Mayors order interesting more money to unemployment insurance from workman's comp insurance. What is this money for? Good for the city getting people back to work. Context of the budget. Hearings will be pushed through. Should be looking at the budget closely. Lorraine Baran Cyman Drive, ward 4, pesticide is unnecessary expenditure. Construction projects throughout the city, see more care taken, could damage tree trunks. Tree protection needs to be taken into consideration. Preserve the trees. Loss of trees is a significant loss. Advocate for protection of trees. Apply for grants. Julie L'Hereux, 58 Carew Street, 3 concerns. Several weeks & months ago increase in the water bill. Would be good for constituents to ask why. Talked to public about this. 2nd the Library renovation was supposed to be completed by April. When it isn't completed, cost more money. 3 rd where is the budget, like to see it earlier. Mary Beth Costello, 66 Voss Avenue, met with the auditor, to repeat there have been questions within the community is there are independent audits. There are, done yearly by Scanlon, auditor makes changes for the better. 2022, 2023, & 2024 are online. Sue Nimchick 362 James Street, public insight, good questions raised, especially about the budget. People are going through rough times. Budget should be paramount, no one wants to see the debt we saw at the golf course again. Know you are busting your butts for your constituents. Who's votes do you vote with. Have better policies and want a better Chicopee. No one wants to be left behind. Especially the voter, people are ticked. Communication: none Minutes 4/1/25 City Council Meeting, 4/15/25 City Council Meeting --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky the 4/1/25 City Council Minutes and the 4/15/25 City Council Minutes be approved. Councilor Shumsky stated self-explanatory. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Two hundred fifty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($250,000.00) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Unemployment Insurance from available funds in the Human Resources Special Account for Workers Comp. Insurance. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated department transfer from one line item to the next. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Four thousand eight hundred sixty four and 20/100 dollars ($4,864.20) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Indemnifications of Police & Fire from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance "Free Cash" account. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated self-insured covers medical bills for police and fire. Councilor Balakier stated nice to see this number down. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-3 Ordered that the City Council accept the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) grant in the amount of Eight thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($8,500.00) to the Chicopee Fire Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and pass. Councilor Courchesne stated grant we get every year for the schools. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-4 Ordered that the City Council accept the Senior Safe grant in the amount of Two thousand nine hundred and 00/100 dollars ($2,900.00) to the Chicopee Fire Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and pass. Councilor Shumsky stated senior safe grant. Councilor Bala kier stated every year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-5 Mayor's appropriation of Three thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($3,500.00) to the following named account: Health Department Special Account for Wildlife Control from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance "Free Cash" account. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and pass. Councilor Bala kier stated rabies testing need for the end of the fiscal year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to reconsider MO-5. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and pass. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-6 Mayor's appropriation of Twenty three thousand one hundred forty and 00/100 dollars ($23,140.00) to the following named City Hall Maintenance Expense accounts: Gas $11,000.00 Sewer User Fee 9,000.00 Water 3,140.00 Total: $23,140.00 from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance "Free Cash" account. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and pass. Councilor Labrie stated for gas, water and sewer would be short for the remainder of the fiscal year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-7 Mayor's appropriation of Fourteen thousand and 00/100 dollars ($14,000.00) to the following named account: City Hall Maintenance Expense Account for Special Services from available funds in the City Hall Maintenance Salary Account for Facilities Custodian. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive and pass. Councilor Roy stated transfer of funds for the remainder of the fiscal year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. MO-8 Ordered that the City Council accept the attached list of donations for various 2025 City of Chicopee Events in the amount of Seven thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($7,500.00) from Republic Service 845 Burnett Road Chicopee MA. Said donations are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section S3A. Item Description Amount: • Chicopee Fireworks at Szots Park- $2,000.00 6/2025 • National Night Out- $1,000.00 8/6/2025 • Spooktacular- $1,000.00 10/23/2025 • Bright Nights for Seniors- $1,500.00 12/09 - 12/11 • Christmas Tree Lighting- $1,500.00 12/5  • Flag Raising Ceremonies- $500.00 All year Grand Total: $7,500.00 --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, pass and the donations accepted. Councilor Krampits stated donations for various events this year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. M0-9 Ordered that the City Council accept the attached in-kind donation with a value of Seventy five and 00/100 dollars ($75.00) from Bernats Polish Meat Products 895 Meadow Street Chicopee MA. Said donation is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A 1/2. Item Description Amount: • St. Joseph's Day Flag Raising $75.00 3/28/2025 Kielbasa, Cheese and Cracker Platter Grand Total: $75.00 --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank you letter should be sent. Made an in-kind donation, generous donation. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. M0-10 Ordered that the City Council accept the attached list of donations for various 2025 City of Chicopee events in the amount of Two thousand and 00/100 dollars ($2,000.00) from Metro Jeep 650C Memorial Drive Chicopee MA. Said donations are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. Item Description Amount: • Spooktacular- $1,00.00 10/23/2025 • Christmas Tree Lighting- $1,000.00 12/05 Grand Total: $2,000.00 --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive and pass. Councilor Arriaga stated wonderful donation, ask that a letter of thanks be sent. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. M0-11 Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended as follows: Law Department (Group 2) Strike out: a. Paralegal (1) $67,233.60 (Grade 6) Add: c. Senior Litigation Paralegal (1) $65,959.92 (Grade 8) Said ordinance to be operative upon passage.  --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Brooks stated reorganization of Law Department after retirement. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. M0-12 An Order of taking acquiring a permanent utility easement in property located at or near 326 Montcalm Street through eminent domain. Whereas, the City of Chicopee, through the Department of Public Works, has identified a public need to acquire interest in land in the form of a permanent utility easement traversing land located at or near 326 Montcalm Street; Whereas, the public purpose of this taking is to install and maintain electrical and signal control equipment; Whereas, the land affected by this taking is located along Montcalm Street in the City of Chicopee, County of Hampden, Commonwealth of Massachusetts as shown on a plan of land recorded with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Plan Bood 402, Page 116 and attached hereto as "Addendum A"; Whereas, the said permanent easement is hereby taken against the owners enumerated in the Order of Taking attached hereto; Whereas, it is necessary and desirable for the general health, welfare and safety of the residents of the City of Chicopee that the parcel of land be acquired for the aforesaid public purposes; and Whereas, the Award to the respective owners for this taking total $275.00, which has already been appropriated. Be it Ordered: That the City Clerk cause a copy of this order of taking, certified by him and showing the Mayor's approval, to be filed and recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds within thirty (30) days after its adoption, and that he cause all persons entitled thereto to be notified of these proceedings in the manner required by law. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Order of Taking At a regularly convened meeting of the City Council of the City of Chicopee held this 6th day of May 2025, it was voted and ordered: The City Council of the City of Chicopee, duly elected, qualified, and acting as such on the behalf of the City and by virtue of and in accordance with the authority of the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 14; Chapter 79; and Chapter 83; as amended and of every other power and authority which is hereunto in any way enabling, does hereby take on behalf of the City of Chicopee permanent easement over the parcel of land in said City described in Exhibit A. The parcels are also shown in more detail on a plan entitled Plan of Land in Chicopee Massachusetts Prepared for the City of Chicopee - Utility Easement Plan Montcalm Street 7 Britton Street dated 03/11/2025, scale: As Noted, which is attached hereto "Addendum A". The permanent easement in, along, upon, and over said parcel Is taken for the purpose of installing and maintaining electrical and signal control equipment. No betterments are to be assessed under this taking. EXHIBIT A  Description of Utility Easement A certain Easement Area shown as "U.E." on a plan entitled "Plan of Land in Chicopee, MA, Prepared for City of Chicopee, Utility Easement Plan, Montcalm Street & Britton Street" dated April 11, 2025 by Sherman & Frydryk, Land Surveying, Engineering & Scientists, a Division of Hancock Survey Associates, Inc. and recorded in Hampden County Registry of Deeds, Plan Book 402, Page 116, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point at the intersection of the southerly line of Britton Street and the westerly line of Montcalm Street, as shown on said plan, thence running; S 27' 04' 00" W ten and 00/100 (10.00') feet along the westerly line of said Montcalm Street to a point, thence turning and running: N 64° 22' 00" W five and 00/100 (5.00') feet within land of Bruce D. & Ann Barthelette, as shown on said plan, to a point, thence turning and running; N 27" 04' 00" E ten and 00/100 (10.00') feet within last named land to a point on the southerly line of said Britton Street, thence turning and running; S 64° 22' 00" E five and 00/100 (5.00') feet along the southerly line of said Britton Street to the point of beginning. Containing an area of 50 Square Feet --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated to acquire a permanent utility easement. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank the DPW and Liz Batista and Quinn Lonczak, while working on the project they added this for road safety on the corner. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 13 A favorable Utilities Committee report: Petition for Joint or Identical Pole Locations by Verizon New England, Inc. Request permission to locate poles, wires, cables, and fixtures including the necessary anchors, guys and other such sustaining and protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by your petitioners, along and across the following public way or ways: Plainfield Street: Place one pole numbered Pole T.4X on the northerly side of Plainfield Street at a point approximately three hundred twenty-four (324) feet westerly from the centerline of Center Street. The new pole will also be located at thirty-eight (38) feet northerly from existing T.4/E.4. Applicant: Verizon New England, Inc., Albert Bessette, Jr., Manager-Right-of Way. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and approved this evening. Councilor Goff stated to install a poll by Verizon. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 14 A favorable Rules Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Rules Committee meet to discuss the following Open Meeting Law Complaints 1. Filed by Derek Dobosz on 4-4-2025 regarding 3-31-2025 Special City Council Meeting 2. Filed by Patrick Higgins on 4-7-2025 regarding 3-4-2025 City Council Minutes --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to approve #1 and a response letter sent by the Law Department. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent.  --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to postpone #2 to the call of the chair to allow the Law Department to get more information. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 15 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Chapter 188-17 Licenses for transient v e n d o rs, hawkers, peddlers, door-to-door sales, fiea markets and charitable events. § 188-17. Licenses fort rans i en t vendors, hawkers, peddlers, door-to-door sales, flea markets and charitable events. A. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: TRANSIENT VENDOR - Includes any person, either principal or agent, who engages in a temporary or transient business in the commonwealth selling goods, wares or merchandise, either in one locality or in traveling from place to place. (See MGL c. 101, § 2.) HAWKER and PEDDLER - Includes any person, either principal or agent, who goes from town to town or from place to place in the same town selling or bartering or carrying for sale or barter or exposing any goods, wares or merchandise, either on foot or from any animal or vehicle. (See MGL c. 101, § 13.) DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES - The in-person solicitation of sales of goods or services for present or future delivery by entry upon residential property or soliciting a person, located on residential property, from a street, sidewalk, or other adjacent property without prior invitation of the person to be solicited. This includes charitable and non-profit organizations. FLEA MARKET - Includes a market, indoors or out of doors, where new or used items are sold from individual locations, with each location being operated independently from another location. Items sold Include but are not limited to household items, antiques, rare items, decorations and used articles.[Added 2-2-1999 by Ord. No. 99-6] B. Transient vendors. a. A transient vendor, before selling goods, wares or merchandise in Chicopee, must . apply to the City Council for a license and must file a true statement of the average quantity and value of the stock kept or intended to be kept or exposed by him for sale. The City Council may, however, waive the filing of such list and fix a license fee in its discretion. (See MGL c. 101, §§ 1 through 12.) [Amended 9-1-2009] b. Transient vendor group licenses. [Added 10-20-1992 by Ord. No. 92-72] (a) A transient vendor group license is a license that may be issued for a group, wherein one license only shall be required for the individual sellers involved (e.g., trade shows, dealer shows and the like). (b) All such licenses shall be issued for a fixed period of time only and, where the time is not specified, shall be limited to a two-day period only. (c) When a transient vendor group license is Issued, only one license shall be issued for all sellers involved. The license involved must, as the circumstances dictate, either provide or keep for inspection purposes (and provide to the City for any future enforcement needs) accurate records of all sellers participating in any such show. Such records shall at a minimum provide a name and address wherein any sellers participating may be reached or served. ( d) Size of group. Unless otherwise stated on the license, the size of the group involved shall be limited to 10 or more vendors or sellers. (e) License fees. The fee for such a group license shall be as follows: [I] One to nine vendors: $25 per day per vendor. [2] Ten to 25 vendors: $20 per day per vendor. [3] Twenty-six to 49 vendors: $15 per day per vendor. [4] Fifty to 100 vendors: $10 per day per vendor.  (t) One person or designee representing the group must be named as the agent for compliance with this chapter and be responsible for the group. C. Hawkers and Peddlers 1. Hawkers and peddlers may sell without a license newspapers, religious publications, Ice, flowering plants and uncultivated flowers, fruits, nuts and berries. 2. A license shall be required by hawkers and peddlers of meats, butters, cheese, fish and fresh fruits or vegetables. These would also include hot dogs, hamburgers, meat sandwiches/ grinders, Ice cream, flavored ice, and all other food items and snacks. This does notapplytoaty owned and operated ice cream trucks. a. Upon the granting of a license, the Council may impose restrictions and conditions as to the operation of the business concerning hours of operation and/or other restrictions and conditions which the Council decides are necessary to protect the citizens of the City of Chicopee. b. An applicant seeking a license to operate an ice cream truck within the City of Chicopee shall be required to comply with the requirements of MGL c. 270, § 25, and 520 CMR 15.00, Including, but not limited to, providing the City with permission to obtain a CORI information from the Board of Probation as detailed in MGL c. 6, § 172B 1/2. Failure to comply with the requirements of MGL c. 270, § 25, and 520 CMR 15.00 may result in a fine of $150 for a first offense; $250 for a second offense; and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. 3. Hawkers and peddlers may not sell jewelry, fruits, wines or spiritous liquors or, except under temporary licenses, small artificial flowers or miniature flags. (See MGL c. 101, § 17.) 4. This section relating to hawkers and peddlers does not apply to wholesalers or jobbers selling to dealers only or to persons selling by sample or otherwise for future delivery or to fuel oil dealers who do not solicit direct sales from house to house or by outcry, sign or signal or to persons selling fish or farm products obtained by the labor of himself or his family or to persons selling for charitable purposes under MGL c. 101, § 33, or to persons licensed under MGL c. 94, § 40, to sell eggs, milk and milk products. (See MGL c. 101, § 15.) 5. This section does not apply to costume jewelry with a value of not more than $10 per piece made by a nonprofit or charitable organization. (See MGL c. 101, § 16.) 6. No street or alley shall be blocked by any merchandise offered for sale hereunder. A two-foot passageway for pedestrians shall be left open, and merchandise shall be securely and adequately placed so that it will not endanger passersby or fall or extend into any street or alley. Such sales shall not be operated in any manner which would cause a nuisance or create a fire hazard. 7. The Police Department shall make sufficient inspections to ensure compliance with this section. D. Door to Door Sales 1. License required. No person shall engage in the activity of door-to-door sales, as defined in this article, within the City of Chicopee, unless they have received a license from the Chief of Police or their designee. 2. Qualification of licensee. In addition to the requirements of Section G of this Ordinance, each salesperson must submit an application signed under the penalties of perjury to the Chief of Police or designee along with a fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00) payable to the City of Chicopee to cover the cost of investigating and confirming the facts stated in the application. Subject to the provisions of the Massachusetts Criminal Records Offender Statute, MGL c. 6, § 167 et seq., and regulations promulgated thereunder, the Chicopee Police Department shall conduct a criminal record check of each applicant aged 15 or older for a door-to-door sales License to determine the applicant's fitness and suitability to conduct door-to-door sales. If a person is supervising a group of people under the age of 15, that supervising person shall undergo a criminal record check pursuant to this section. The Chief of Police or their designee shall have authority to grant one such license to any person of good repute for morals and integrity who is a citizen of the United States or permanent resident. 3. Duration oflicense. Licenses shall bear the date of the day on which they are issued and, unless sooner revoked by the Chief of Police or their designee, shall continue in force for one year from such date. 4. Hours of solicitation; noise-making instruments. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to peddle or solicit before the hour of 10:00 a.m. of any day or after the hour of 6:00 p.m. of any day. b. No person shall cry any wares or ring or cause to be used any noise-making instrument in any street, to the disturbance and discomfort of the inhabitants thereof, for the purpose of advertising or for giving notice of the exercise of a business or calling, or of the sale of any article. 5. Disturbing peace by crying wares prohibited. No person hawking, peddling, soliciting or carrying or exposing for sale any articles shall cry their wares to the disturbance of the peace, and comfort of the inhabitants of this City. 6. Peddling or soliciting when certain signs posted prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any peddler or solicitor or any person pretending to be a peddler or solicitor for the purpose of peddling or soliciting or pretending to peddle or solicit to ring the bell or knock at any building whereon there is painted, affixed or otherwise displayed to public view any sign containing any or all of the following words: "No Peddlers," "No Solicitors" or "No Agents," or which otherwise purports to prohibit peddling or soliciting on the premises. E. Flea Market. A license fee for a flea market shall be $500 per year. Each licensee shall be requested to keep accurate records of the names and addresses of each flea market seller, together with a brief description of the type or types of merchandise offered for sale by that seller. F. Charitable Events. 1. No person or organization shall hold a charitable event, as defined in this article, without obtaining a license from the Chief of Police or their designee. 2. The applicant must disclose the organization, sponsor and benefactor of a charitable event and provide a date and a time when the event is to take place and where the event Is to be held. 3. Means of identification must be made available and open to the viewing public with the accompanying license. 4. "Charitable organizations" are nonprofit organizations formed for civic, charitable, or other public purposes and not for personal financial gain. "Charitable events" are an event sponsored by a charitable organization to raise funds for said charitable organization. 5. The penalty or fine for any individual, group of Individuals, corporation or association found to be in violation of this chapter shall be $50 for each and every violation, and each day or portion of a day soliciting without an authorized license shall be considered a separate violation. 6. "Soliciting," as used in this section, shall be restricted in meaning to the seeking of money without the providing of anything in return. "Soliciting," as defined herein, is not intended to cover charitable organizations who provide some item in return for a fee such as poppies, badges, etc. 7. Licenses shall be limited by time and general location. G. Issuance and Revocation of Licenses under this Chapter  1. Fees. Each person or organization shall pay a fee of $25 to apply for said license except as otherwise stated in this Chapter. 2. Exhibition of license on demand. Any licensee who fails, neglects or refuses to exhibit their license when the same is demanded of them by a police officer shall be subject to the same penalty as if they had no license. 3. Licenses issued by Commonwealth. Nothing in this article shall be construed as conflicting with any license issued under the authority of the commonwealth. 4. Revocation of license. Any license granted under this article or any ordinance may be revoked by the Chief of Police or their designee. 5. Violations and penalties; enforcement. Any person who violates a provision of this article shall pay a fine of $50 for each day on which the violation is committed, continued or permitted unless otherwise stated in this Chapter. 6. Registration and license required. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to peddle or solicit without having complied with the provisions of this section. b. Every person or charitable organization who desires to peddle or solicit shall register in a registration book provided for that purposes in the Police Department their name and address, the name and address of the person or organization whom they represent, the names and addresses of at least two references as to their moral character, honesty and integrity, a brief description of the nature of the business in which they are engaged, and the kind of goods or property to be peddled or solicited for, if any, and such person shall furnish their fingerprints and thumb prints, to be taken by the Police Department. Such registrant shall also furnish to the Police Department a photograph of themself, taken within 60 days immediately prior to the date of the registration, which picture shall be two inches by two inches showing the head and shoulders of the registrant in a clear and distinguishing manner; also, a statement as to whether or not the registrant has been convicted of any crime, misdemeanor or violation of any provision of this Code or other municipal ordinance, the nature of the offense, and the punishment or penalty assessed therefor. c. Such registration shall be valid for a period of one year, unless it is for a charitable event, and such person must register at the end of each year period. d. As evidence of compliance with the provisions of this section, the Police Department shall issue to each person who complies a license which shall show the name and address of such person, the name of the person they represent or by whom they are employed, if any, and the kind of goods or property to be peddled or solicited for. 7. Exhibition of license on demand. Every solicitor, peddler or charitable organization shall at all times while engaged In peddling or soliciting have in their Immediate possession the license issued to them under the provisions of this Chapter and when so peddling or soliciting shall display the same upon demand of any police officer of the City and upon demand of any person to whom they are peddling or soliciting. 8. Licenses not to be assigned or transferred Licenses issued pursuant to this article shall not be assigned or transferred, nor shall they be used by any person other than the person to whom they were issued. 9. Revocation of licenses; hearing. Licenses issued pursuant to this Chapter may be revoked by the Chief of Police of the City, after notice and hearing for any of the following causes: a. Fraud, misrepresentation or any false statements made to the Police Department in  furnishing the information required. b. Any violation of this article. c. Conviction of the license holder of any felony or crime Involving moral turpitude. d. Conducting the soliciting or peddling in an unlawful manner or in such a manner as to constitute a breach of the peace or to be a menace to the health, safety or general welfare of the people of the City. 10. Notice of the hearing for revocation of a license shall be given In writing stating the grounds of the complaint and the time and place of the hearing. Such notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the license holder at the address given on the registration, at least five days prior to the date set for the hearing. 11. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Chief of Police shall have the right of appeal to the City Council of the City. Such appeal shall be taken by filing with the City Clerk a written statement of the grounds for the appeal within 14 days after notice of the decision by the Chief of Police has been given. 12. The City Council shall set the time and place for the hearing such appeal, and notice of such time and place shall be given by the City Clerk in the manner herelnabove provided for hearing of notice of revocation by the Chief of Police. 13. This Chapter of the Code is not intended to apply to school-related groups or the like who run dances or who sponsor fund raisers on school or City property for the benefit of the school or any City function or department [Added 3-17-1992 by Ord. No. 92-19], nor is it intended to apply to political campaigns, political candidates or religious organizations not soliciting donations. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated Section D subsection 2 changed, background checks. Councilor Brooks stated concerns how we check, no background checks were done. Anyone 15 or older will now have a background check, strengthen to protect residents of the city. Properly credentialed. Councilor Goff stated thank everyone for their hard work getting this through. Took a while, wording changed a lot. Protects our most vulnerable population. Councilor Pniak-Costello asked would this pertain to FedEx or Amazon? Councilor Brooks stated no, you have requested them to come to your house, this is for unsolicited. Hawkers and Peddlers. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated get a lot of concern with deliveries, porch pirates. Councilor Arriaga stated thank the Ordinance Committee for their work, sometimes it's scary to open the door. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow Councilor Laflamme to speak. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. Councilor Laflamme stated thank Tim Riley for going back and forth with this. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 16 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-52 (B)(13) for the purpose of kennel license located at 17 Jeanette Drive. Applicant: Lori Jerusik, 17 Jeanette Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to postpone to the call of the 5/28/25 Zoning Committee Meeting at 6:30 at the City Hall Auditorium. Councilor Balakier stated kennel license, claims 6 are service dogs and 2 are pets. Residential area, are service dogs a protected class. 32 people on one side, 15-20 people on the other side. Health and TJO, neighbors. Need more information,  postpone to get more information. Motion to postpone passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 17 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Church of God, 993 Chicopee Street, be called before the City of Chicopee Zoning Committee and City Council to discuss the Special Permit held by the Church of God including compliance with restrictions imposed upon any Special Permit held by the Church of God. The Council may modify, suspend, fine, or revoke any Special Permit held by the Church of God. Violations: Not following 8 second pause or delay --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to postpone to the call of the 8/27/25 Zoning Committee Meeting at 6:30 at the City Hall Auditorium. Councilor Balakier stated signage-electronic sign. Sign was not in compliance. Red light was flashing, scrolling. Have the right to call in. Pastor and members of the congregation attended. Were having problems with the sign. Councilor Wagner offered to take a look at the machine and help. Check again in couple of months. Motion to postpone passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 18 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-67 for the purpose of approval under the Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay Ordinance for approval of a residential development to include up to 600 new residential apartments at the former Cabotville Mill Building and (4) outbuildings on Front Street located at 165 Front Street and O Exchange Street (Parcel ID 0096-00035, 0096-00027, 0095-Main). The following waivers are requested: (1) 275-67 Kl (b) Landscape Requirements (2) 275-67 K3 (a) Parking (3) 275-67 K7 (a) Noise Level Applicant: Bridgewater Capital Partners c/o Mark Yunger, 3 E. Evergreen Road, Suite 10 #1045, New City, NY 10956. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to postpone to the call of the 5/28/25 Zoning Committee Meeting at 6:30 at the City Hall Auditorium. Councilor Balakier stated another interesting one. Spent a considerable amount of time. Potential new applicant. Presentation from the Engineer, waivers, PowerPoint presentation. Back for the questions two issues, overdue taxes incomplete committee report. 2024-2025 taxes owed. Back and forth, applicant made a call to the current owner. Received a phone call at 4:15 from the Collector, hope arrangements can be made to catch up. Councilor Brooks stated in addition to taxes, there are several liens the city has on this property. Lack of fire suppression system. Reimbursement for security detail. Taxes are easy. City has a lien on the property, other elements at play. Councilor Balakier stated something that has to be factored. Hopeful light at the end of the tunnel. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated concern is extremely valid. Do we have any kind of court action with this? Councilor Brooks stated placed liens on property for our costs incurred. Attorney Riley stated housing court case against former owner. Taxes are considered a lien. City filed a mechanics lien. Owed money filed a suit in superior court $125,000.00 taxes and lawsuit. Councilor Shumsky stated big factors that went into the decision. Can't grant Special Permit if any taxes are owed. Fingers crossed. Motion to postpone passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 19 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-62.B.25 for the purpose of constructing a self-storage facility with associated office space in an Industrial District located at Shawinigan Drive (Parcel ID 0187-000lB). Applicant: Patriot Holdings, LLC, 4007 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89103. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and the Special Permit granted with conditions. Councilor Balakier stated kicking around before, two issues, site plan modified. Applicant reapplied read the restrictions. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 20 Be it Ordered that the Chicopee City Council send a letter to Congressman Neal supporting Federal Funding for Libraries. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and discussed, letter be sent. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated ironic on the internet there has been concern with libraries across the state. Not being funded adequately, serious. Big deal. Nice library provides service for a lot of people of all generations. In ward there is a branch library. Money is going to be cut, excellent staff. Mobile book mobile. Send a letter about funding libraries. Must continue these programs. People should be contacting their Congressmen and Representatives. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 21 Be it Ordered that the Rules Committee meet to discuss the following Open Meeting Law Complaints 1. Filed by Derek Dobosz on 4-16-2025 regarding 3-31-25 City Council minutes 2. Filed by Derek Dobosz on 4-16-2025 regarding 3-10-25 City Council minutes --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and send to the Rules Committee. Councilor Labrie stated self-explanatory. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 22 Be it Ordered that the Zoning Committee meet to discuss non compliance of ordinance. Operating before 7am with heavy duty equipment. Noise appears to be over 70 decibels. Dust and dirt from the excavating on the house, windows, deck and the pool. Address Ludlow Road. Marion Excavating property in Chicopee and South Hadley. Invite Building Department. Board of Health. Mailing address 749 New Ludlow Road South Hadley. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to the Zoning Committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated self-explanatory. Non compliance with the neighbors. Asked the city attorney for guidance. Councilor Shumsky stated confused why zoning and not ordinance. Attorney Riley stated should go to Health Department before zoning, don't know if there is a Special Permit. Councilor Balakier stated question to pose, need building and board of health investigation and recommendations. Where will we go with this. Bring something to the floor. Councilor Brooks stated question, we wouldn't be the issuer to a Special Permit that is located in South Hadley. Never issued. How do we call a business in that is in South Hadley? Dust is  adversely affecting a Chicopee resident. Councilor Laflamme stated withdraw this, send to building, health and law to review. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated Councilor Brooks is making an excellent point, but activity is in Chicopee. Lisa Sanders is well aware of this property. Questioning whether court orders are still in effect. Appreciate the guidance, will notify building, health and law to update where the City of Chicopee is. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to withdraw. Motion to withdraw passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 23 Be it Ordered that the Parks and Recreation Committee meet to discuss the current state of the parks, current programming, current projects and grants and upcoming grants and projects. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and refer to the Parks and Recreation Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated semi-annual update. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank the parks department, Preston Park looked great Saturday. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. • 24 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, One-Way Streets, Riverview Place, Eastbound, One-Way Street. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, 1'1 reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 25 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, One-Way Streets, Lucretia Avenue, Southbound, One-Way Street. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, 1'1 reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 26 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, One-Way Streets, Tourtelotte Avenue, Westbound, One-Way Street. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated to correct wrong direction, notify neighbors, will enhance police and fire. Hope residents will be in favor, good for everybody. Councilor Labrie asked how will residents be made aware? Councilor Laflamme stated when he did streets like this he walked and talked to the neighbors. Let the neighbors know. Councilor Krampits stated can't send out letters. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 27 An application for a NEW Auto Detail License applied for by: Ortiz Detailing 413. Location: 30 Mount Carmel Avenue, Chicopee, MA 01013. Applicant: Kevin Ortiz, 30 Mount Carmel Avenue, Apt. 2, Chicopee, MA 01013.  --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Brooks stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 28 2025 Hawker and Peddlers License Renewal Jeff's Ding Dong Cart Jeffrey Klein 330 West Ave.,Ludlow --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with restrictions. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 29 2025-Bowling Alley License Renewal AMF Lanes Megan Haas 291 Burnett Road -:Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with restrictions. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 30-33 2025-Junk Dealer's License Renewals Willimansett Waste Co. Bruce Tolpa 239 Narragansett Blvd. Rubidia's Sew & Consignment Shop Rubidia Lopez 129 L Church Street Polgold Jewelers Waclaw Plewa 63 Cabot Street Rodriguez Wood Projects and More Sammy Rodriguez 922 Chicopee Street --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with restrictions. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. 34-36 2025 -Home Occupation License Renewals Loyalty Tax Service, LLC Lena Alekseyenko 222 McCarthy Avenue Francheska Santana 21 Emerson Street, 2 Elke's Baked Goods Kim Bosshart-Cote 62 Pine Street --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with restrictions. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment:--Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to adjourn at 8:27. Motion passed. Councilors Wagner and Zygarowski absent. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk