Residents praise election staff and raise cybersecurity, parks and tree-belt concerns during Chicopee public input

Several residents used the public-input portion of the Chicopee City Council meeting to praise local election workers and to raise concerns about a proposed military cybersecurity training partnership, parks maintenance and the city’s handling of tree-belt property.

Election praise and appeals for civility Lisa Bienvenue of Everett Street thanked the city clerk’s office, poll workers and police for their work during the Sept. 16 primary and urged tolerance in public discourse. “Everyone was professional, ... that is a testament to democracy,” Bienvenue said. Other speakers, including Sud Nemczyk and multiple councilors later in the meeting, also praised the clerk and poll workers for the primary’s administration.

Concerns about the Department of Defense “Innovative Readiness Training” proposal Several residents objected to a possible city invitation to the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program for assistance with cybersecurity. Laurie Tisdale of Chapel Street told the council she “formally object[ed] to the city of Chicopee's invitation or possible invitation” and raised several specific concerns: potential cybersecurity and data-access risks, lack of transparency on planning and scope, the absence of publicly advertised alternatives (for example, civilian cybersecurity firms or local workforce development), and unclear cost responsibilities.

Deborah Shanowski and Ed Shanowski objected as well, citing reported national-level security breaches and discomfort with what they described as an increased military role in local civilian services. Tisdale and the Shanowskis asked whether the DOD (they described it as the “Department of War” in public remarks) would have access to city systems, whether hardware changes or software would be installed, and whether an RFP would be issued to allow local firms to compete. Tisdale said the mayor’s Facebook post announcing interest in the program was not an adequate public notice and asked for more formal, citywide disclosure and time for public input.

Parks, recreation and neighborhood issues Marybeth Costello of Foss Avenue thanked State Representative Arriaga for help securing funds for Fairview Memorial Park improvements, pressed for completion of a splash pad for 2026, and asked that the bathhouse issue be addressed. Julie LaRue asked for council support to make Brooks Field available for winter hockey (water-dependent and weather permitting).

Tree-belt maintenance and property notices Jonathan Tuggley described a longstanding dispute over a sugar maple removed by the city on a tree belt at 29 Allington Street. He said a northern red cedar that had grown after the maple’s removal was cut down during stump grinding and asked why the city does not notify owners in advance of major work on tree belts and whether property owners should have approval rights for those actions.

What the comments requested: residents asked for clearer public notice on any cybersecurity partnership and for an RFP or other process that allows local firms to bid; faster progress on planned park projects in Fairview; consideration of Brooks Field for ice; and clearer communication and process around tree-belt maintenance.

Council response and next steps Councilors acknowledged the comments. Multiple councilors thanked election staff and reiterated calls for civility. The council did not take a vote on the possible DOD IRT partnership during the meeting; speakers asked the city to provide fuller documentation, timeline, and public notice before the council or mayor commits to such a program.