City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on September 18, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium are as follows: Laflamme, Frank N., President At-Large Councilor Present '. '·· -\::•'.t,11 Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Absent Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Absent Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. ' Ward 4 Councilor Absent 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. Mike Pise was representing the Mayor. On MO-1, travel expenses filed late last year, expense from previous fiscal year. On MO-2, late bills, last fiscal year bills. On MO-3, to cover rlew employee medical exams. On MO-4, medical expenses for Police and Fire injured on duty. On MO-5 same as previous, too late for the last meeting. On MO-6, for a tethered drone. Longer life, higher views. On MO-7, transfer approved by the commission. Liz Batista stated retirement in the laboratory, transition period. On MO-8, South Fairview, out of date. Liz Batista stated project included two intersections, Verizon had to move telephone poles, span exceeded what they could do. Had to add an additional pole. Councilor Pniak-Costello thanked Liz for staying on top of the project. On MO-9, project identified, Old Fuller Road Ext. Liz stated submitted and approved, need to fund the project then get reimbursed. On MO-10, Councilor Laflamme stated donation every month. Mike Pise stated two reminders Chicopee Day on September 23 rd at the Big E and the Boys & Girls Club fund raiser Police & Fire wing eating contest October 9th at the 99. Public Input-Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, been very difficult, last week with political violence. Makes you realize needs to be more tolerance and more respect. Thank Clerk Rattell, his staff, poll workers, police officers, testament to democracy. Had a primary. Healthy robust democracy. Worked with Councilor Kram pits at Ward 4, true gentleman. Nice to each other. Respect and dignity for everyone. Fred Krampits, 430 East Street, extend congratulations to Raj and Sandra. Thank folks that helped. Giving encouragement. Thanks to Clerk Rattell, poll workers, folks that were outside supporting talk about family and friends. Deborah Chrzanowski, 225 Springfield Street, saw a posting 9/8/25 surprised this was posted on the Mayor's FaceBook page. Don't use social media. Could expose objections for 3 reasons. Lacks transparency. Questions need to be answered. Were there any enhancements, no mention of any others. Will there be an RFP? Will they provide training materials? Will the DOD get into city computers? Concerned citizens opinions. 2nd objection, DOD now wants to be known as the Department of War. Ed Chrzanowski, 225 Springfield Street, might not be the best to do this work. Information should be available to us. Transparency in the process, selection process. Jonathan Tetherly, 29 Arlington Street, received two $50 fines for the tree belt. There was a large beautiful sugar maple on the tree belt. Appeared healthy. City removed the tree. Replaced with a short northern red cedar grew perfect shape was about 4 ft. tall. People came about 3 years after the maple was gone and chopped the stump. Cedar was cut down. Tree-belt is owned by the city. Seems unfair if the city owns the tree-belt they should maintain it. Why wasn't the land owner notified the tree was going to be cut and the stump ground? Mary Beth Costello, 66 Voss Avenue, State Rep. Arriaga has taken time to improve our parks. Basketball court close to the street. Want splash pad ready for next summer. Bath house should be taken down. Get funds to improve our parks. Makes quality of life better. Julie L'Hereux, 58 Carew Street, like support from City Council that Brooks Field have water for hockey in the winter. Can make a point to get this filled. Support from City Council. Sue Nimchick, 362 James Street, lot of fresh air Monday and Tuesday, was holding a sign. Hidden identities on social media. Targeting a candidate, councilors should not be spinning. Intolerable for Sandra Peret to be targeted. She has been elected to represent the School Committee. Go to the source and ask the horse. Enhance the election process. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to close public input. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. Communication: none Minutes 9/2/25 City Council Meeting --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky the minutes of the 9/2/25 City Council Meeting be approved. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. M0-1 Mayor's appropriation of One hundred seventy-four and 90/100 dollars ($174.90) to the following named account: Assessors Expense Account for Travel from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Not enough Councilors present to vote on financial orders. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. M0-2 Mayor's appropriation of Eight hundred fifty-one and 69/100 dollars ($851.69) to the following named City Hall Maintenance Expense Accounts: Repairs to Building $630.50 Gas 221.19 Total $851.69 From available funds in the Stabiliza·tion Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. M0-3 Mayor's appropriation of One thousand thirty and 00/100 dollars ($1,030.00) to the following named account: Human Resources Expense Account for Medical Exams for Employees from available funds in the Stabilization Fund.  --Motion made by Councilor Kramp its to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. MO-4 Mayor's appropriation of Five thousand eight hundred fifty-seven and 03/100 ($5,857.03) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Indemnification of Police & Fire from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. MO-5 Mayor's appropriation of Eleven thousand seven hundred fifty-nine and 68/100 dollars ($11,759.68) to the following named account: Human Resources Special Account for Indemnification of Police & Fire from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. MO-6 Mayor's appropriation of Fifteen thousand and 00/100 dollars ($15,000.00) to the following named account: Emergency Management Special Account for Grant Spending/Disaster Relief from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. MO-7 Mayor's appropriation of Thirty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($30,000.00) to the following named account: Wastewater Expense Account for Special Services from available funds in the Wastewater Salary Account for Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. MO-8 Mayor's appropriation of Ninety thousand and 00/100 ($90,000.00) dollars to the following named account: D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Signal Maintenance from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. MO-9 Mayor's appropriation of Two million and 00/100 dollars ($2,000,000.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Highway Special Account for City Wide Ward Program from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. MO-10 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of Six thousand nine hundred forty- one and 00/100 dollars ($6,941.00) to the Chicopee Senior Center. Said donations are for senior meals for the month of August, 2025 and they are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to table to the 10/7/25 City Council Meeting with a 2"d by Councilor Kram pits. Motion passed, Councilor Laflamme abstained. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 11 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended by striking out salaries as they pertain to the following named accounts and inserting in place thereof the following: To be operative July 1, 2025 Planning Department {Group 2) a. Development Manager $80,429.76 (Grade 8) --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2"d and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Kram pits stated contractual. Position is filled. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 12 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended by striking out salaries as they pertain to the following named accounts and inserting in place thereof the following: To be operative July 1, 2025 Human Resources {Group 2) a. Assistant Director $80,000.00 (grade 8) b. Benefits Coordinator (2) $65,959.92 (grade 8) $61,261.92 (grade 8)  c. Senior Generalist $52,972.56 (grade 7) d. Administrative Assistant $40,736.88 (grade 4) e. Generalist $48,963.60 (grade 6) f. HR. Business Partner $61,261.92 (grade 8) --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated ordinance to match the contract. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 13 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended by striking out salaries as they pertain to the following named accounts and inserting in place thereof the following: To be operative July 1, 2025 Office of the Treasurer (Group 2) a. Assistant Treasurer $78,425.28 (grade 8) b. Special Projects Manager $55,081.44 (grade 5) --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive, 2 nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated contractual. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. 14 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the city of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended by striking out salaries as they pertain to the following named accounts and inserting in place thereof the following: To be operative July 1, 2025 Auditing Department (Group 2) a. Budget Analyst $61,261.92 (grade 8) --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated payroll increase. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. 15 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended by striking out salaries as they pertain to the following named accounts and inserting in place thereof the following: To be operative July 1, 2025 Office of the Mayor (Group 2) a. Chief of Staff $78,425.28 (grade 8) --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated salary. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated Mike Pise is an extremely hard worker. Very honest, gets job done. Always there, very quiet. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 16 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: A proposed Ordinance: Delete Chapter 188-17 0(2) And Insert in Place Thereof 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. No fee is required for applications made under paragraph D of this Ordinance. 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 and shall be issued a group number to be used by said group members. 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. --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated rewrite to the existing ordinance. Councilor Goff stated also helps with the girl scouts. Will be issued for a number of the whole troup. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 17 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: A proposed Ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Bus Stops, Chicopee Street, Southbound - Move 400 feet north -to 40 Meadow Street, Bus Stop #545. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained as amended. Councilor Kram pits stated to move a bus stop. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 18 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: A proposed Ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Bus Stops, Chicopee Street, Southbound-Move 300 feet south-(240 feet south of southerly edge of pavement of Old Field Road) Bus Stop #631. --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Kram pits stated moving bus stop. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 19 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: A proposed Ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Barbara Street, Traveling south, west-At the intersection of Telegraph Avenue, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Kram pits stated to add a stop sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 20 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: A proposed Ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Parking Regulations, Pendleton Avenue, North Side-From Pole #5 (44 Pendleton Avenue) easterly to Pole #6, Parking Prohibited Between Signs. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated parking prohibited. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 21 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: 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 Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated removal of sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 22 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: 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 Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Kram pits stated adding a stop sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 23 An unfavorable Ordinance Committee report: 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 Kram pits to receive and the proposed ordinance denied. Councilor Krampits stated discussion with Engineering. Based on DOT would be inappropriate. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow Councilor Laflamme to speak. Motion passed. Councilor Laflamme abstained. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. Councilor Laflamme stated Councilor Roy has much concerns about this corner. Wanted to bring forward that there are issues there. Motion to deny passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 24 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: 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 Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained as amended. Councilor Kram pits stated issues with parking. Start off with the south side and give this a try. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 25 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: 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 Kram pits to receive, 2nd and final reading enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated request. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 26 Be it Ordered that the Communications Committee meet to discuss modernization of municipal government technology. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and refer to the Communications Committee. Councilor Shumsky stated conversation about quarterly taxes. Why not make it easier? Auto pay or online payments. Utilize technology, three second attention span. Look into this. Speak to the Mayor and IT Director. Private companies, different cities and municipalities. Get the ball rolling. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated great idea. Modernize with the council. Great idea, modernization. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 27 Be it Ordered that CEL install a light on pole #1 on Blanan Drive. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and approved. Councilor Shumsky stated send to CEL. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 28 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Baltic Avenue, At the intersection of Fair Street, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive, 1st reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Labrie stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. 29 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, One-Way Streets, Beauregard Court, Heading north towards Granby Road, One-Way Street. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive, pt reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee. Councilor Arriaga stated met with the DPW and Engineering. Also met with the residents. Think they can get to Memorial Drive. Good idea. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 30 An application for a NEW Home Occupation License at 107 Northwood Street, Chicopee, MA 01013 for the purpose of doing private piano lessons for family and friends only (no advertising or commercial sales, advertisements). Applicant: Lisa Slachetka, 107 Northwood St., Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Krampits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 31 An application for a NEW Hawkers and Peddlers License to sell ice cream at: Food Truck, various locations. Applied for by: Fluffy Flips Mini Pancakes, Solimar Rivera Cruz, 40 Gilmore Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.  --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Kram pits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. 32 An alteration of a Class 3 License and Junk Dealers License. For a change in corporate officers of Krunali, Inc., d/b/a Chicopee Scrap Metal & Auto Recycling at 2 Mill Street. Applicant: Krunal Patel, 134 South Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Krampits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. 33 An application for a NEW Class 2 License applied for by: Matta Brother's Service Station, Inc. at 1492 Memorial Drive. Applicant: Ramez Matta, 22 Pomeroy Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Krampits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 34 An application for a NEW Auto Repair License applied for by: Matta Brother's Service Station, Inc. at 1492 Memorial Drive. Applicant: Ramez Matta, 22 Pomeroy Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095. --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Krampits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. 35 An application for a NEW Auto Detail License applied for by: Matta Brother's Service Station, Inc. at 1492 Memorial Drive. Applicant: Ramez Matta, 22 Pomeroy Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095. --Motion made by Councilor Kram pits to receive and refer to the License Committee. Councilor Krampits stated take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Bala kier absent. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment: Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to adjourn at 7:41. Motion passed. Councilors Roy, Brooks, and Balakier absent. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk