CHICOPEE – Several topics discussed at a previous Special Meeting of the Chicopee City Council were voted on during the Feb. 16 regular meeting. The first included approving a budget for City Hall’s Phase II renovation.

The council approved a sum of $1,471,672 to go toward the next phase. This phase will cover design and engineering of the building. The first phase of renovations cost the city about $14.5 million, according to Councilor James Tillotson. When done, the renovation will cost about $20 million.

“If we want to complete this building and have it look like it should look, it’s gonna cost us another $4 million, plus the money from tonight,” said Tillotson.

Tillotson emphasized the importance of renovating the building for the sake of future generations, preserving history and making it safe.

“It’s a historic building, you can’t find a building like this anywhere,” he said.

Councilor Joel McAuliffe had differing opinions on the renovation and its cost, emphasizing that the city should limit spending where it is not absolutely necessary. However, he ultimately made it clear that he would still vote to approve it.

“I will vote to support this tonight. I have seen some of the progress made, I appreciate the historical preservation, but I do want to raise the question about the amount of money we have been spending,” he said.

The motion passed with a 12-1 vote. Councilor Derek Dobosz was the only member to vote no on the renovation budget.

The City Council also voted to approve a sum of $210,652 to help purchase four new cruisers for the Chicopee Police Department.

“This is just a necessary item to keep our police running smoothly,” said Councilor Gerard Roy.

The city’s Ocean State Job Lot is also contributing to the Chicopee Police Department. The council voted to approve donations of PPE in the amount of  $5,823.34 from Ocean State to the police. Donations include masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and cleaning wipes.

A sum of $10,300 in donations to the Chicopee Public Library was also approved by the council. These donations will immensely help the library during these difficult times, according to Tillotson.

“These are difficult times. And to be able to reach the $10,000 goal, which is a good achievement in normal times, to be able to do it with people afraid to go here or go there I think is an amazing victory for them. I’m happy that they’re supporting the library even in difficult times,” said Tillotson.

Councilor Gary Labrie also voiced his support for the library.

“We are very much appreciative of their good work,” said Labrie. 

The council also voted on the reappointment of city positions. Melissa M. St. Germain was reappointed as a member of the city’s Planning Board, with her position expiring April 1 2026.

Normand Girouard was reappointed to the Chicopee Library Board of Trustees.

“He’s done a great job, he loves doing it. The library trustees are working very well together, so I hope that everyone will agree and give Normand another term,” said Tillotson.

Theresa Picard was also reappointed to the City of Chicopee Board of Health Commission. The council praised Picard’s work during the pandemic.

“She’s experienced, she’s knowledgeable and she’s an asset to the Chicopee Board of Health, so I support the nomination,” said Councilor George Balakier.

“A tremendous public servant who takes time out of her day to give back to the city of Chicopee. I don’t think any of us have ever appreciated the work of the Health Department and the Health Board as much as we do now in a global health crisis,” said McAuliffe.

The meeting ended with a routine zone change, special permit application and license renewal.

Those interested in viewing the City Council meeting in its entirety are encouraged to visit the ChicopeeTV Facebook page.