City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday September 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium are as follows: Laflamme, Frank N., President At-Large Councilor Present Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Present Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present via Zoom Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Kram pits, 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. On MO-1 Mayor stated water mains in Aldenville. Need to replace the infrastructure. Liz Batista stated area needs work, not part of the sewer separation at this time. Councilor Labrie stated some roads are in awful condition, will there be overlay? Liz stated part of the design is to see what can be done from the water account and what from Chapter 90. Gets worse with the equipment. Councilor Labrie stated ask for Trilby and Arcade every year. On MO-2 Mayor stated need a new truck, severe body rot. On MO-3 Mayor stated prior year bills and worker's comp charge. On MO-4, Mayor stated employee who's reimbursement for boots was late, prior year purchase. On MO-5, Mayor stated grant, this one is accepting next one is spending the money. On MO- 6, Mayor stated spending the grant. On MO-7 Mayor stated prior year bill, needs to be paid. On MO-10, Mayor stated thank you for your generous donation. On MO-11, Councilor Laflamme stated monthly acceptance. On MO-12 Mayor stated commissioners are here to support the project. Councilor Balakier stated will be helpful, what's the projected start date? Ben Strepka stated if approved will put out to bid, hope to be ready to go next year. Councilor Laflamme thanked the commissioners. Public Input-Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, on the night of the 8/5 meeting saw in the elevator a sign for safe streets for all. Building a plan to make Chicopee streets safer. Looking for community involvement. Part of the grant. National Night Out don't know how much attention was paid there. Two more fatalities on Chicopee Street in August. Flyer is down, website is not easy to use. Not publicized, website/Planning department. Need to be getting feedback on this. Eric Lapointe, Tolpa Circle and Adrian Gonzalez here to support the structures at Dulchinos Field. Jessica Avery, 118 Ingham Street, on #19 quarterly tax payments. Speak about the election being two months away. Do outreach and education on this. Could have between 12-25% voter turnout. Make sure voters are aware, have voters voices. Julie L'Hereux, 58 Carew Street, support item #12. Teens being outside is important. Sandra Peret, 54 Bonneville Avenue, non-binding, taxpayer needs to understand what this means. Tax bills go out twice a year. May be interest tacked on. Should not be pushed or rushed through. No backup to this item. What is support? Could be a conflict of interest with this item. Sue Nimchick, 362 James Street, urgent things to talk about. Healthcare. Do the initiative. Street safety. Put in 60 hours a week volunteering, humans must be involved. Ugliness, rising soundbites. Someone is being targeted. Falsehoods, identified under false names. Would be appalled if anyone here would be doing the sound bites. Took a course at UMass, went the extra mile. Fred Krampits, 430 East Street, thank the members of the council that introduced #19. Various degrees of support in the collectors race. Pastor Jim from 993 Chicopee Street a drunk drove into the church area and destroyed the steps. Police never notified the church. Have events at the church. Cars pulling out at alarming speeds. Speed bumps further down the road. Need to look at. Important for people to be safe. Been an issue for 20 years, need to be looked at. Coming from Holyoke, police car to monitor. Pipes on cars are too loud. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to close public input. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Communication: none Minutes 7/29/25 Special City Council Meeting, & 8/5/25 City Council Meeting --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky the minutes of 7/29/25 Special City Council Meeting and 8/5/25 Council Meeting be approved. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Two hundred twenty-two thousand two hundred and 00/100 dollars ($222,200.00) to the following named account: Water Special Account for Trilby Ave Water Main Replacement from available funds in the Water Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated will address structure issues and if Chapter 90 monies address the streets. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Sixty-five thousand seven hundred and 00/100 dollars ($65,700.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Water Special Account for Purchase of Vehicles from available funds in the Water Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated to replace a truck that is severely rotted. No longer safe to drive. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-3 Mayor's appropriation of Three thousand eight hundred fourteen and 73/100 dollars ($3,814.73) to the following named D.P.W. Wastewater Expense Accounts: Water $ 503.37 Insurance Other 3,311.36 Total $3,814.73 From available funds in the Sewer Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and pass. Councilor Courchesne stated prior year invoices. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-4 Mayor's appropriation of Two hundred and 00/100 dollars ($200.00) to the following named account: DPW Sanitation Expense Account for Clothing from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and pass. Councilor Shumsky stated clothing expense. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Courchesne out of chair. MO-5 Ordered that the City Council accept the FY2026 Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Grant in the amount of Three hundred forty-one thousand one hundred and 00/100 dollars ($341,100.00) from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. This grant was awarded to support Center Streetscapes Phase 2 in the amount of $183,700.00 for roadway surveying, engineering & design, $82,400.00 for Valleybike Bikeshare, and $75,000.00 for the installation of surveillance and license plate recognition (LPR) cameras for the Police Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive, pass and the grant accepted. Councilor Bala kier stated block grant for FY26. Three parts. Important will help the city. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-6 Mayor's appropriation of Three hundred forty-one thousand one hundred and 00/100 dollars ($341,100.00) to the following named account: Planning Special Account for Massachusetts Gaming Commission Mitigation Funds from the available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and pass. Councilor Labrie stated follow-up to #5, this is to spend the money. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-7 Mayor's appropriation of Seventy-two and 06/100 dollars ($72.06) to the following named account: Planning Expense Account for Office Supplies from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive and pass. Councilor Roy stated office supplies, past due bill. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. M0-8 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of One hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars ($150.00) in honor of Dennis Mccue to the Chicopee Veterans Department. Said donations are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Kram pits stated self-explanatory. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. M0-9 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of Fifty and 00/100 dollars ($50.00) in honor of G. Clyde Mullin to the Chicopee to the Chicopee Public Library. Said donation is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated donation to the library. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. M0-10 Ordered that the City Council accept the in-kind donation of 10 lawn signs with a value of Two hundred and 00/100 dollars ($200.00) from Alias/Solutions for the National Night Out Event. Said donations are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53Al/2. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive, pass and the donation accepted. Councilor Arriaga stated lawn signs for National Night Out. All donations are appreciated. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. M0-11 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of Seven thousand four hundred thirty-one and 00/100 dollars ($7,431.00) to the Chicopee Senior Center. Said donations are for Senior Meals for the month of July, 2025 and they are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive, pass and the donations accepted with a 2nd by Councilor Kram pits. Councilor Brooks stated senior meals program, do this every month. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Laflamme abstained. MO-12 Mayor's appropriation of One hundred ten thousand and 00/100 dollars ($110,000.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Parks Special Account for Park Improvements from available funds in the following D.P.W. Parks and Parks and Recreation Salary Accounts: MEO/Laborer $ 25,000.00 Temporary Laborer 25,000.00 Lifeguard Instructor 22,000.00 Asst. Rec Leader 14,000.00 Ranger 10,000.00 Head Lifeguard 8,000.00 Recreation Supervisor 6,000.00 Total $110,000.00 --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated transfer of funds to park improvements for player dugouts at Rivers Park. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated will benefit many people. Recognize parks superintendent for presenting this, will be money well spent. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Roy out of chair. 13 A 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 receive and placed on file. Councilor Bala kier stated situation, members come in, there was a sign violation. Needed help to fix the situation. Councilor Wagner had the expertise and was willing to help. Was able to rectify the situation. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 14 A Zoning Committee report: Zone Change application from Business A to Res A for 0.402 acres of property located at O Prospect Street #LotlB (Parcel ID 0688-0026A) for the purpose of single-family home. Applicant: DCL Construction, David Labrie, 187 Nelson Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive and approved this evening. Councilor Bala kier stated been a vacant lot for a long time. Has to go before the Planning Board and  the Zoning Committee then here. Planning Director said this would be worthwhile. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 15 A Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-40G (2) & (7) for the purpose of flexible parking standards to reduce the required parking spaces from 21 to 18 located at Chicopee Street (Parcel ID 058200001 & 2 parking easement 0582- 00004). Applicant: Nova Home Improvements, Inc., Gleb Leiderman, 764 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to postpone to the 9/24/25 Zoning Meeting at 6:30 in the City Hall Auditorium. Councilor Balakier stated interesting, Special Permit at Blanche and Chicopee Streets stuff going on with this for a bit, had concerns. Applicant was not there. Neighbor concerns, issue with non-payment of taxes. Postpone. Councilor Labrie stated property was in awful condition. Property was cut the next day. Councilor Courchesne stated kind of, cut back twice this year. Just after the last Special Permit was granted there were violations. Not enough parking as is. Maybe reduce the number of parking spaces. Will never support this. Councilor Balakier stated received a call from the applicant, told him to get his taxes paid. Taxes were paid on the 29 th . Working on cutting the grass. Councilor Labrie stated at some point would like to see something there. Motion to postpone passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 16 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260-37.1 Engine Brakes Prohibited. Add Griffith Road-at the intersection of Griffith Road and James Street to the end of Griffith Road. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Shumsky stated for a sign at Griffith Road and James Street. Did some outreach, good amount of concern. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated filed last time, constituents were in her ward, appreciate this. Many people in the ward that live near there. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 17 Be it Ordered that CEL install a light on pole #2 on Voss Avenue between 33 and 43 Voss Avenue. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to send to CEL for installation. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated completely dark in this area. Councilor Courchesne stated can not make CEL do this. Councilor Arriaga stated did have to get one installed in the ward, reach out, they will tell you yes or no. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated the instructions were from CEL. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 18 Be it Ordered that the City consider installation of Flashing Crosswalk signals at the crosswalk on Montcalm Street and Langevin Street. Refer to DPW and Engineering for review. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to refer to DPW and Engineering for review. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank Councilor Laflamme for assistance. Services the park. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 19 Be it Ordered that should the City of Chicopee implement a quarterly tax payment system instead of the bi-annual system currently used? This is a non-binding question for the November 4th Municipal Ballot. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to amend to reflect "Shall the City of Chicopee vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 59, Section 57C of the General Laws, which authorizes cities and towns to utilize quarterly property tax payments instead of twice yearly tax payments?" and pass the amendment. Councilor Brooks stated to be consistent with M.G.L. Motion to amend passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Krampits abstained. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to approve as amended. Councilor Brooks stated would allow the voters to weigh in, lessen the burden on people who have a fixed income. Allow for better fiscal planning. People of Sandy Hill would also weigh in on this. Councilor Arriaga stated agree this will start the conversation. See if taxpayers want this. Do residents want this? Non binding gets it going. Check to see how people are feeling about this. Plan accordingly. Not hit with such big bills at once. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated point of motion, people have been discussing this for a long time. Public will have a say in this. Listen through the ballot box. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to refer to the Committee of the Whole for a public meeting. Councilor Shumsky stated approve and put to Committee of the Whole. Thank the Mayor, Auditor, Assessors, Collector, this has already been discussed. Expect very low turnout. Invite the public to a meeting. Make more beneficial. Three candidates running. Council could be perceived to inject themselves. Councilor Courchesne stated low turnout expected. Something in the next tax bill. Everybody gets a tax bill. Councilor Kram pits stated after talking to the attorney there is no perceived conflict of interest. Agree with having more discussion. Have financial team present why this may work or may not work. Councilor Brooks stated already September 16th not going to be the same sitting collector. If this goes to committee may not have enough time. Didn't want to hear what the taxpayers wanted to say? Hear the will of the voters. Timelines are not in our favor. If this gets sent to committee it may not make the ballot.  --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow Councilor Laflamme to speak. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 9 yes, 2 abstained. Councilors Laflamme and Krampits abstained. Councilor Laflamme stated speaking with all the department heads if we have a special meeting in the next week or two. Don't take from one committee to another. Idea of putting a non-binding question on the ballot. Was elected to make decisions on what is best for the city. Quarterly will be good for residents. Some of the money we get in right away. When you have a mortgage it automatically comes out. Different when you have your own home. Pass this tonight. Started to implement, revenue quarterly to have available to the city. Certain things go on the ballot. State was shocked to see we weren't in it yet. Look to residents living check to check. Having a hard time paying bills. Important we think about the way we do it. Decision on what's best for the city. Work with the new Collector. Open for more things to be put on the ballot. Go with the financial team. Residents do want quarterly. Councilor Courchesne stated what is the deadline? Meeting of the whole could be a waste of time, what if the voters don't want it? Bring everyone together could be a waste of everyone's time. Councilor Shumsky stated something the financial team has been working on for the last year. If we have a meeting with the financial team people will call if they are unhappy with it. Bill comes out too close to Christmas. Need to consider. The financial team is already working on this. Councilor Goff stated really do not want to pass this tonight. Have questions. Some worry, what if they miss a payment. Would love quarterly bills. All of the questions are not answered. Councilor Brooks stated in theory, having a Committee of the Whole meeting will not get as many people as putting it on the ballot. Motion to refer to the Committee of the Whole for a public meeting defeated by a roll call vote of 5 yes, 5 no, 1 abstained. Councilors Laflamme, Roy, Bala kier, Shumsky and Pniak-Costello voting yes. Councilor Kram pits abstained. Motion to approve as amended passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 8 yes, 2 no, 1 abstained. Councilors Laflamme and Shumsky voting no. Councilor Krampits abstained. 20 A proposed ordinance striking from Chapter 260, Parking for the Disabled, Bonner Street, In front of 36 Bonner Street, Parking for the Disabled. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated person with the handicap plate passed away. Motion to refer passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Pniak-Costello out of chair. 21 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Alfred Street, Travelling west-At intersection of Pondview Drive, Isolated Stop Sign.  --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive, pt reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Arriaga stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Pniak-Costello out of chair. 22 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Exchange Street, At the intersection of West Street, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive, pt reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Roy stated dangerous intersection, multiple accidents take out the guardrail. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 23 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Parking Regulations, Medford Street, Both sides-From Broadway to a point 45 feet easterly thereof, Parking Prohibited Here to Corner. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, pt reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Krampits stated issues with parking, take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 24 An application for a NEW Zone Change from Res A to Bus A for± 9,780 Sq. Ft of property located at 749 James Street. Parcel ID# 0655-00015 for the purpose of to operate a restaurant. Petitioner Name & Address: Duy Nguyen, 37 Webster Street, Hudson, NH 03051. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and refer to the Planning Board and Zoning Committee. Councilor Balakier stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Labrie out of chair. 25 An application for a NEW Zone Change from Business A to Residential B for 12,400 +/- acres/square feet of property located at 519 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Parcel ID# 0471-00001 for the purpose of eliminate split zone and create uniform zoning across the entire property. Petitioner Name & Address: Chelyka Diaz, 519 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and refer to the Planning Board and Zoning Committee. Councilor Balakier stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Labrie out of chair. 26 An application for a NEW Special Permit under Section 275-9 (L) (2) of the Municipal Zoning Ordinances for the purpose of an amendment to the original Special Permit for a kennel license. Previously I had requested for 4 pet French Bulldogs. I am now requesting for a kennel license for 10 and under. Location of Property: 25 Mayflower Avenue. Name of Applicant: Brittany Morse, 25 Mayflower Avenue. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive and refer to the Planning, Zoning, Building, Engineering, and Health Departments. Councilor Balakier stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 out of chair. Councilor Labrie out of chair. 27 An application for a NEW Auto Body License at 1416 Granby Road. Applied for by: Supreme Body Works, Eloy Arocho, Edwin Morales, 41 North Summer Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Brooks stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 28 An application for a NEW Auto Detail License at 1416 Granby Road. Applied for by: Supreme Body Works, LLC, Eloy Arocho, Edwin Morales, 41 North Summer Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Brooks stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 29-30 Renewal of 2024 & 2025 Junk Dealers License at: 2 Mill Street. Applied for by Krunali, Inc. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with current restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated unless there are any concerns. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 31 Renewal of 2025 Class 3 License at: 2 Mill Street. Applied for by: Krunali, Inc. d/b/a Chicopee Scrap Metal & Auto Recycling.  --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and granted with current restrictions. Councilor Brooks stated unless there are any concerns. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 32 An Election Call for the Preliminary Election to be held on September 16, 2025. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie the Election Call for the 9/16/25 Preliminary Election be approved this evening. Councilor Labrie stated the Council will meet on the 18 th that week. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment:--Motion made by Councilor Labrie to adjourn at 8:14. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk