City Council

Minutes from the City Council Meeting on October 21, 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 Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present ' Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present . • :: Shumsky, Samuel Robert Ward 6 Councilor Present . l 1 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, need to buy a new Sanitation Packer, using funds from the yellow bag account. On MO-2, transfer covers contractual obligations with NWRA that are DEP mandated survey done every two years. On MO-3, we are self-insured, these are medical bills for injuries on duty. On MO-4, Superintendent Elizabette Batista joining on zoom, will cover pump station alarm monitoring services. Elizabette Batista stated error made by vendor, bills sent to wrong person, correcting payment for services received. Mayor stated now in budget. On MO-5, thank you for donation. On MO-6, thank you, will be used for multiple city events, allows for no charge at events. On MO-7, stated any questions. On MO-8, stated any questions. On MO-9, stated any questions. On MO- 10, Chief Stamborski here and Dave Rice on zoom, crack in floor at the safety complex, finalizing repairs and design consultant fee. Chief Stamborski stated discovered crack, worked with Dave Rice to stabilize, steel structure holding up two bays, it's a safety issue. Councilor Balakier stated how long is the project going to take. Chief Stamborski stated next phase is to design a steel structure like the other two bays, another few months, depends on bidding process. Councilor Roy stated where will Fire Fighters and apparatus be displaced. Chief Stamborski stated displaced to other stations. Councilor Labrie stated trucks will be in front of building during construction. Chief Stamborski stated no, damaged bay is empty, other vehicles displaced. Councilor Labrie stated where is the tower going to park. Chief Stamborski stated tower is in one of the reinforced bays. Councilor Laflamme stated went to look, lost a lot of space from mechanical. Chief Stamborski stated it affected one new lift. On MO-11, Captain Doug Lambert here, grant used for more traffic enforcement. Captain Lambert stated for community outreach and enforcement, holding community meetings, inviting City Councilors, about traffic concerns. Councilor Roy stated is this going to influence more traffic detail. Captain Lambert stated one full time traffic officer, will supplement overtime. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated appreciate grant and community outreach. Councilor Laflamme stated to include the Councilors-At-Large. Captain Lambert stated absolutely. On MO-12, Captain Lambert here. Captain Lambert stated money for lawn signs, part of community outreach and community involved solution. Mayor stated upfront cost, will reimburse city back from grant. On MO-13, to find a permanent home for the School Administrative offices, request to move forward with committee that reviewed proposal. Review committee made recommendations on School Department's administrative offices programs, City selected consultant, property code compliance, accessibility needs, floor plans, cost. Want to purchase building and contract with environmental consultant, property appraiser, appraisal included in proposal. Want to discuss with city financial team, potential funding strategy. Current location rental and a challenge, believe is in our  best interest, meets our needs. Councilor Laflamme stated request to go to finance for review, do not want big debate, ok to ask questions, in favor of doing it, city councilors should have say on their part and school department have theirs, have other questions, debating on floor tonight is not the place. Councilor Roy stated under any contractual obligations from lease. Mayor stated believes lease runs until June 30, 2026. Councilor Laflamme stated want to send to committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated is an improvement, thank you Mayor. Councilor Shumsky stated to go on tour of facility. Mayor stated if the will of the committee to create a committee of the whole meeting invite to tour, Westfield Bank employees are aware. Councilor Shumsky stated cost. Mayor stated included appraisal with proposal 2.36 million. Councilor Shumsky stated better than six million requested to spend in past. Councilor Courchesne stated enough parking. Mayor stated yes and public parking in center, possible Polish National Credit Union branch for expanded parking. Councilor Brooks stated appreciate relocation effort, accessible and benefits downtown. Councilor Bala kier stated familiar with building, a lot of parking, in favor, would like tour and more information. Councilor Laflamme stated if sent to Finance, have meeting at site, still some questions. Mayor stated employees' need for goods and services was considered, bus access, easy to get to, comfortable work environment. Mayor stated reminder of Spooktacular this Thursday at 4:00 PM at Szot Park, no charge for anything. Public Input - Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, Exchange Street good location for School Administration offices, needs to be vetted, good to revitalize downtown again. Got mailing, Chicopee safe streets for all, glad to get, part of grant, wants community involvement, put problem streets in there. Happy about public safety grant, should be safe to leave house and cross street, need a plan. Interested in what Fire Chief spoke about the building. Not an issue currently, vehicles are switching to low emissions, are heavier than gas vehicles, repair is important. Julie L'Hereux, 58 Carew Street, thank support for community help, suggestion to use the community hub where children and adults can jam, out of phone into real world, used to have community center on East Street, would love support. Sue Nimchick, 362 James Street, this meeting is per public record. On September 2nd , push goes on, lack of transparency, and council voted not in public's best interest, was a push. On October 27, 2023 and November 10, 2023 wrote articles, how to circumvent the process, a buddy system. MO-19 on September 2nd circumvented process to get quarterly tax bill question on November 4th ballot, should have gone to whole meeting for department heads, get input. It was pushed, no education, was said will be four equal payments, will be two lower and two higher ones, where is education for voters. President Laflamme was correct. Candidate for City Collector sent letter to councilors but never made it here, no transparency. If Jim Tillotson was here, he would know what is going on behind scenes. Public was put to side, no one stood up. Mary Beth Costello, 66 Voss Avenue, living in negativity, but positive things in our city, road repair effective, everyone excited and positive, thank Mayor, DPW and Engineer. Assessor Victor Anop, 103 Bridlepath Road, assessors concerned about November ballot question, sent the council synopsis of both sides, available on Assessor's website. Currently Assessors 2 opposed and one in favor or this tax bill. First issue, tax payments, was said four equal payments, but first two based on estimated prior fiscal year and second two have tax increase from actual tax bill. Councilor was reluctant to put bill on ballot, worried about taxpayer missing the second one because two bills come together, valid point. Knew Arthur K. Holmes, creator of the quarterly tax bills, Arthur said if he could do again, he would not, hurt friends who missed tax bill. Quarterly Tax Bill Summary 10/21/2025. You have been asked to express your opinion about the adoption of a Quarterly Tax Billing system by voting on a non-binding question on election day, November 4, 2025. The city currently has a Semi-Annual Tax Payment system. The first half tax bill is mailed after a Classification Hearing which is held after the city receives the approval of real estate values and new growth from the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services. The process results in the fall tax bill being mailed on a different date every year. The second half tax bill is mailed on April pt and due May 1st . The city council may adopt a Quarterly Tax Payment system by adopting Chapter 59, section 57C. A Preliminary Bill would be mailed on July 1st and payable in two equal installments on August pt and November pt_ Each installment would be¼ of the prior fiscal year bill. The Actual Bill would be mailed by December 3i5t_ This bill would show the new assessed value, new tax rate and new amount of taxes owed. The entire increase on your fiscal year taxes will be on this Actual Bill and payable in two installments on February pt and May 1st . If the city switches to a Quarterly Tax Payment system, the most difficult problem is in the first year when a taxpayment of 50% of the total is due on May 1st and a tax payment of 25% of the prior years total is due 3 months later, on August ist. Communication: Cl Dear President Laflamme and Members of the City Council: I am asking for your support of Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, Senator Oliveria, and Senator Gomez's efforts to restore the community mitigation funds in the Massachusetts supplemental budget. Chicopee has received funds from this program to reduce the impact of the casino to our community. The funds have helped with public safety and community development projects. This fund also provides funding to the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's Office and to the Holyoke Community College work training programs. The resolution will be debated on Thursday in the State House and support for its passage has been backed by the Springfield Mayor and Springfield City Council. Please join me in supporting the funding of the casino mitigation program and ask the Commonwealth to honor the commitment that was made to communities impacted by the location of casinos in their areas. If you have questions, please let me know. Very truly yours, John L. Vieau, Mayor. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to accept letter and place on file. Motion passed. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to send Mayor's request to all the delegation a letter of support. Motion passed. Minutes: None MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Three hundred ninety-seven thousand seven hundred seventeen and 00/100 dollars ($397,717.00) to the following named account: D.P.W. Sanitation Special Account for Purchase of Sanitation Packers from available funds in the D.P.W. Sanitation Revolving Fund for Wastezero Reduction Bags. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive and pass. Councilor Arriaga stated this is to purchase sanitation side loader, from yellow bag fund, thank you to those who use bags, good use. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Sixty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($60,000.00) to the following named account: Water Special Account for Leak Detection from available funds in the Water Surplus Account.  --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and pass. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated will cover contractual obligations for mandated city-wide leak detection survey. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-3 Mayor's appropriation of Twenty-three thousand thirty-two and 25/100 dollars ($23,032.25) 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 Krampits to receive and pass. Councilor Krampits stated city self-insured for Police and Fire, this is to pay medical expenses. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-4 Mayor's appropriation of Twelve thousand six hundred fifty-three and 20/100 dollars ($12,653.20) to the following named account: Wastewater Expense Account for Special Services from available funds in the Sewer Surplus Account. --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive and pass. Councilor Roy stated at Board of Water and Sewer commission at meeting on 10/1/2025 voted to request transfer of funds, will cover pump stations, alarm monitoring service, fiscal year 2024 and 2025, correction to error in billing. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-5 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of One hundred and 00/100 dollars ($100.00) to the Chicopee Public Library in memory of Margaret Pioggia. Said donation is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive, pass and donation accepted. Councilor Labrie stated self-explanatory. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-6 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of Seven thousand and 00/100 dollars ($7,000.00) from Holyoke Medical Group. Said donation will be used to sponsor multiple city events and is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive, pass and donation accepted. Councilor Bala kier stated generous donation, supports many city events, request letter of thanks. Councilor Laflamme stated all donations get thank you sent. Councilor Goff stated will abstain because worked at Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Medical group. Motion  passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 10 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Goff abstained. MO-7 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of Four hundred thirty and 00/100 dollars ($430.00) to the Chicopee Senior Center. Said donations are for senior programming donated from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 and they are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive, pass, and donation accepted. Councilor Shumsky stated donation to Chicopee Senior Center. Motion passed through all stages by unanimous roll call vote. MO-8 Ordered that the City Council accept the donations in the amount of Seven thousand two hundred seventy-four and 00/100 dollars (7,274.00) to the Chicopee Senior Center. Said donations are for senior meals for the month of September, 2025 and they are accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, pass and donation accepted. Councilor Courchesne stated money collected, purchase senior meals. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-9 Ordered that the City Council accept the donation in the amount of Two hundred fifty and 00/100 dollars ($250.00) from Our Father's House Ministry Center. Said donation will be used to sponsor the National Night Out Event and is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive, pass and donation accepted. Councilor Goff stated from Our Father's House Ministry Center to the National Night Out. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-10 Mayor's appropriation of Four hundred sixty-one thousand forty-seven and 00/100 dollars ($461,047.00) to the following named account: City Hall Maintenance Special Account for Fire Department Station 1 Floor Replacement from available funds in the Stabilization For Capital Budgeting. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated culmination of repair work at Station 1, total reconstruction of bay 4, will ensure safety of repair crew. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-11 Ordered that the City Council accept the FY2026 Municipal Road Safety Program Grant in the amount of Sixty-two thousand five hundred ninety-three and 75/100 dollars ($62,593.75) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Chicopee Police Department. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive and pass. Councilor Arriaga stated amazing grant for road safety, looking forward to meetings, thank you for grant. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-12 Mayor's appropriation of Eight thousand and 00/100 dollars ($8,000.00) to the following named account: Police Expense Account for Misc Departmental Supplies from available funds in the Stabilization Fund. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and pass. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated reimbursement grant, covers upfront costs of lawn safety signs, adding additional patrol to road safety. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-13 Be it Ordered that the Mayor is hereby authorized to acquire 219 & 225 Exchange Street in Chicopee in accordance with the City Charter and Section 14 of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws for the purpose of relocating the School Department Administration Offices. Be it Further Ordered that the Mayor is authorized to negotiate favorable terms for the City and execute any formality or document necessary to facilitate this purchase. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and refer to the Finance Committee. Councilor Krampits stated interesting proposal, many questions, hope to have questions addressed and tour. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 14 A favorable Recreation Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Parks & Recreation Committee meet to review the recent opportunity to apply for funding through the State Play Act earmarks. These funds are designed to support local nonprofits that help children access organized sports. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive favorable Recreation Committee report and place on file. Councilor Courchesne stated deadline was missed due to technical issues, nothing anyone did wrong, have better news, Councilor Arriaga has worked hard. Councilor Arriaga stated Rep. Arriaga at the State House has worked, to fully fund all kids playing sports, had meeting with Parks and Recreation, somethings  slipped through the cracks, meetings with the Mayor and Rep. Arriaga. Rep. Arriaga worked very hard, got the money back, will work with Mayor to allocate, thank you Rep. Arriaga, have earmark back, thank Mayor for support. Councilor Courchesne stated difference between an earmark and a grant, grants applied for, this is money from taxes given to the city, big deal that Rep. Arriaga advocated, appreciate it. Motion passed. 15 Be it Ordered that Engineering do an evaluation for a truck exclusion through Mass DOT on Britton Street from the intersection of Memorial Drive and Britton Street heading east to the end of Britton Street. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to Engineering Department for traffic study. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated a truck went on a lawn, make area safe. Motion to refer passed. 16 Be it Ordered that the Education and Public Safety Subcommittees meet to discuss the lack of active shooter training for paraprofessionals. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and refer to the Education and Public Safety Committees. Councilor Courchesne stated invite Chief, Superintendent or designee, paraprofessionals no professional development days when active shooter training offered, all staff need training. Councilor Laflamme stated be sure you and Public Safety get together who to attend, get to Agnes. Councilor Brooks stated an optional professional development, larger issue, should not be left to employee choice, all staff should receive training. Lived through 2017 when daughter was at Chicopee Comp, know importance, police were prepared, do not know if all staff were prepared, important to address. Councilor Arriaga stated agree, have been through active shooter training, learn a lot from officers, important for anyone working with kids, all levels, important to support school district. Councilor Shumsky stated agree with Councilor Brooks, was one of those students along with Councilor Costello's daughter, traumatizing experience, our Police Department was first class, has been 7 years and no one thought to do training, glad was just a hoax, support this and expanding to every person who works in school, should not be optional. Councilor Courchesne stated hope to have dialog, part of training that doors get locked and no one gets let in. Paras in hallways do not have keys, stuck in hallway with active shooter, how does not make sense, every teacher and para should have a key, need to discuss and fix. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated agree with previous statements, was a very trying day, heard about it right away, terrific idea, commend Police and teachers that day, should have been done along time ago. Teacher took broom to protect. Councilor Laflamme stated School Department has own Public Safety, invite them. Motion to refer passed. 17 Be it Ordered that the Education and Public Safety Subcommittees meet to discuss the status of the school bus cameras. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and refer to the Education and Public Safety Committees. Councilor Courchesne stated to check on process, voted for it, cameras are coming. Motion to refer passed. 18 An application for a NEW Special Permit under Chapter 275-50 (C) of the Municipal Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of Erecting an oversized accessory use sign and a second ground sign. Location of Property: 357 Burnett Road & 0 Burnett Road. Map & Parcel ID 0266-00010 & 0266-00012. Applicant: Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, 5508 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive and New Special Permit Application be referred to Zoning, Planning, Building, and Engineering Departments. Councilor Balakier stated will take up in committee. Motion to refer passed. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment: Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to adjourn at 7:43 pm. Motion passed. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk