CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 5, 2001

7:00 P.M.

 

                                                                    Convened:  7:10 P.M.

                                                                   Adjourned:  8:26 P.M.

 

 

1.          INVOCATION – Sister Therese Dion, Executive Director

                                       Office of Ecumenism

                                       Diocese of Worcester

 

2.          PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.                 ROLL CALL – All present except Councillors Clancy, Perotto and Petty. 

Councillors Clancy and Perotto arrived at 7:21 P.M.

 

Council took up all Motions made in Finance and voted them collectively on a voice vote.

 

HEARINGS & ORDERS – 7:00 P.M.

 

          4-6 Hearings held

 

4.          NSTAR for a gas main location on:  CENTURY DR.

 

5.          NSTAR for a gas main location on:  CHESTER ST.

 

6.          NSTAR for a gas main location on:  SHREWSBURY ST.

 

          4a-6a ORDERS ADOPTED

 

4a.          Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas main location on:  CENTURY DR.

 

5a.          Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas main location on:  CHESTER ST.

 

6a.          Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas main location on:  SHREWSBURY ST.

 

 

 

FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

7.          Report of the City Manager relative to the status of Union Station development, including but not limited to:    1)  Intermodal transportation;  2)  Parking garage;  3)  Washington Square traffic configuration;                 4)  Development inside Union Station;  5)  Development outside Union Station.  See Items 41 and 41a

 

8.          ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

                                                          

8a.          ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          9 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BOARD

 

9.          Anthony Adade et al request to convert Carpenter Ave. from a private to public street.

 

          10-12 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

10.          Stephen Jorjorian, Advance Plating Corp. request repair of concrete sidewalk located about 75’ from the guardrail in front of 363 Franklin St.

 

11.          Francis Bird request private street maintenance in front of 61 Derby St.

 

12.          Attorney Peter Dawson on behalf of Ronald Johnson, Chairman, Board of Selectman, Town of Paxton requesting to amend the Agreement between the City of Worcester and the Town of Paxton for the City’s use of Asnebumskit Reservoir and the provision of water by the City to the Town dated March 14, 1997.

 

12a.          Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Dr. Richard Blasé request sidewalk repair in front of 238 Highland St.  Referred to Public Works Committee – Suspension of Rules

 

 

          13 & 14 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

13.     Susan Dana et al request 2 or 3 Slow Children signs on Bailin Dr.

 

14.          Elizabeth Saich et al request to change parking restrictions on east side of Fountain St. between Route 9 and including 45 Fountain St. from 24 hour unrestricted parking to residential permit parking.

 

          15 PLACED ON FILE – Petitioner spoke

 

15.          William S. Coleman III request City Council raise the salaries of Mayor to $50,000 a year, City Council to $25,000 a year and School Committee to $12,500 a year.  Further that these adjustments, if adopted, take effect with the new Council, Mayor and School Committee in January 2002.

                                                         

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          16 FROM COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT - Adopted

 

16.          Request Worcester Police Department enforce handicap parking in the Amtrak Parking Lot.

 

          17-22 FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Adopted

 

17.          Request City Council to request Administration commit to return any financial award received as a result of the action being taken regarding the contamination of the Ty Cobb Field  to the Parks Department for block grant eligible work.

                                                     

18.          Request City Manager report to the City Council concerning the need for funding of parks improvements at Columbus Park.

 

19.          Request City Manager report to the City Council any plans for use of the unexpended balances in the Community Development Block Grant Program in the account allocated to Greenwood Park.

 

20.          Request City Manager report on progress made in the funding of plans for development of the former Coes Knife property.

 

21.          Request City Manager report if the proposed pedestrian lights on Mill St. are block grant eligible.

 

22.          Request City Manager to update the City Council on plans for monitoring the Year 27 Community Development Block Grant program.

 

          23 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

23.     That a Commercial Loading Zone be established on Southbridge St. east side from a pt. 97’ north of Myrtle St. to a pt. 75’ north of Myrtle St.

                                                           

ORDERS

 

24.          Request Administration report on how much water the City of Worcester can sell per year over and above what Worcester residents consume. 

                                                                                                           (Gomez)         

 

Adopted

 

25.          Request Administration report on how much of our excess capacity water we could sell.  (Gomez)

 

Adopted

 

26.          Request Administration to contact the town of Holden and begin discussion with them to sell more water to the town.  (Gomez)

 

Adopted

 

27.          Request Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, upon proper review, to declare the mini-high platform at Union Station as a place of public accommodation and subsequently designate the area as non-smoking.

                                                                                                         (Patton)

              

Adopted

                                                                        

                         

28.          Request City Manager to provide an extensive traffic study in the Tatnuck Square area for the purpose of public safety.  

                                                          (Perotto, Abraham, Petty, Murray)

Adopted

 

29.          Request City Manager to provide an explanation of the Planning Board process concerning rights and obligations of citizen participation either pro or con.   (Perotto, Abraham)

 

Councillor Patton moved to amend to include the Zoning Board of Appeals

and other appellate boards

 

Adopted as amended

 

30.          Request City Manager to provide an update on the Wyman Gordon properties.   (Nadeau)

 

Adopted

 

31.          Request City Manager to provide an update on the policy regarding dogs in City parks.   (Nadeau)

 

Adopted

 

32.          Request City Manager provide a report as to the minimum allowable percentage that may be adopted for the Community Preservation Act.

                                                                                                         (Perotto)

 

Adopted

                                                        

33.          Request Administration to report on what, if any, current job freeze is in effect and what kind, if any, job freeze will be in effect and for what period of time for the next fiscal year given the fact that bargaining contracts will not be resolved until after the budget is voted and the actual cost of government will not be determined until all contracts are settled.   (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

34.          Request Administration to report on the status of government home assisted housing, including down payment assisted housing for the past ten years listing the unit’s ownership changes and building code status, along with conclusions as to the efficacy of such housing programs and recommendations regarding long range goals regarding neighborhood stabilization versus expansion/retention of affordable housing and housing as an economic development tool.    (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

35.          Request Administration to report on if, and in what manner, government activities such as those of Zoning and Planning Boards, Conservation Commission and Code Department are connected through information storage and data sharing systems for planning purposes and how far back in time such information is available.    (Lukes)

              

Councillor Murray moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report

as to a timetable for implementation of computer technology, how it will take

place, will he assemble a team and what is the cost.

 

Adopted as amended

                                        

36.          Request Administration to consider conducting a housing analysis regarding inventory, long term projections as to housing needs and strategies for affordable housing.    (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

37.          Request Administration to report on what ordinances are in effect regarding the removal of items from trash bags placed on the curb and what recommendations, if any, Administration would make regarding the increasing number of trash pickers.   (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

 

37a.          Request City Administration to consider providing a recommendation towards funding a Bookmobile and consider creation of a Task Force to study possibilities and restoring library services in our neighborhoods.  Motion-Murray @ #40CC – Adopted

 

37b.          Request City Manager to provide a report on the condition of the Lakeview Playground field.  Perotto – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37c.          Request Administration to check on the tree in front of 3 Potomska St. that needs attention.  Abraham – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37d.          Request Administration to submit to City Council what the claims procedure is, what is reimbursable according to the Electric Company’s proposed process and whether claims are available to commercial users relative to  power outages and surges.  Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37e.          Request Administration to provide a report describing the process that will be followed to comply with the Board of Health’s recent order to increase the level of fluoride in the City’s water supply.  Irish, Patton, Mariano, Clancy, Nadeau, Murray, Abraham, Gomez – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37f.          Request a traffic study in the vicinity of Salisbury St. and Forest St. for the purpose of providing greater traffic movement and safety for pedestrians.  Patton, Murray, Abraham, Irish, Nadeau, Lukes, Gomez, Clancy – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37g.          Request City Manager not only consider the previous request relating to sewers in Route 20, but to expand the request to also include areas of the City that are buildable but not sewered.  Clancy – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

37h.          Request City Manager report if City Administration is going to be engaged in any discussions whatsoever with the Nipmuc Indians to see if there is any potential for casino development within the City borders.  Clancy – Suspension of Rules – Adopted on a roll call 8-1 (No-Gomez, Absent-Petty, Mariano)   

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

38.          Edward A. Capomacchio, Controller, transmitting Condensed Financial Return for New England Power Co. for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 

Placed on file

 

39.          Edward A. Capomacchio, Assistant Controller transmitting Condensed Financial Return for Massachusetts Electric Co. for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 

Placed on file

 

40.          Thomas R. Hoover, City Manager transmitting communication relative to City Council questions regarding revenue estimates.

 

Referred to Finance

 

41.          Thomas R. Hoover, City Manager transmitting communication relative to Union Station/Washington Square.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

41a.          Thomas R. Hoover, City Manager transmitting communication relative to Union Station Monthly Report.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee – Suspension of Rules

 

RESOLUTION

 

42.     That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby recognizes the many years of devoted public service of Worcester Family and Probate Court Judge John J. Moynihan to the citizenry of Central Massachusetts. 

                                                                           (Murray, Abraham)

 

Amended to add Councillor Lukes as author

 

Adopted as amended on a roll call 9-0 (Petty, Mariano absent)

 

43.          RECESS TO FINANCE & ORDINANCE  No Action Taken

 

          FINANCE

 

          a)          #5A CM  January 23, 2001

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the City Manager’s Contingency Account.

                                                            

          b)          #24E CM  January 23, 2001

                   Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Snow Deficit FY 2001.

 

           c)     #13B CM April 3, 2001

                   Communication of the City Manager relative to Health Insurance Costs for the Current Year and Future Years.

 

            d)    #43 CC  May 8, 2001

                   Thomas R. Hoover, City Manager transmitting Fiscal Year 2002 Budget.

                                                          

REPORTS

 

            44-68 ACCEPTED

 

            REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT  Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

44.       Transmitting communication relative to Monthly Update on Union Station’s Development.

 

45.       Transmitting communication relative to Union Station Ownership -  Historic Tax Credit Transactions.

 

46.       Transmitting communication relative to ownership of the Parcel Post Building.

           

47.       Transmitting communication relative to Union Station Garage Grant Agreement.

           

48.       Transmitting communication relative to location and number of parking spaces available to people accessing Union Station and number of ten- hour parking meters and handicap parking spaces.

 

49.       Transmitting communication relative to handicap accessibility at Union Station.

                                                     

50.       Transmitting communication relative to Union Station South Platform.

 

51.       Transmitting communication relative to an update on Amtrak moving into Union Station.

 

52.       Transmitting communication relative to signed copy of the Agreement with the Mass. Highway Department for Washington Square Improvements.

 

53.       Transmitting communication relative to scope of design for Washington Square.

                                                             

54.       Transmitting communication relative to copy of the RFP used for Washington Square.

 

            REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:       recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

55.       Transmitting communication relative to funding recommendations for CDBG, HOME and ESG Programs.

 

56.       Transmitting communication relative to Year 26 Monitoring and Year 27 Recommendations Report for CDBG, HOME and ESG Programs.

 

57.       Transmitting communication relative to Year 25 Monitoring Report for CDBG, HOME and ESG Programs.

 

58.       Transmitting communication relative to CDBG Funds, Evaluation Process of CDBG and LLEBG Funds and Goals & Objectives of Organizations receiving CDBG Funds.

 

59.       Transmitting communication relative to use of CDBG Funds to explore feasibility of expanding the Green Island CDC and use of CDBG funds for banner program in the Canal District of Union Station, Harding St., Green Island and Quinsigamond Village.

                                                       

60.       Transmitting communication relative to Neighborhood Grant Initiative (a/k/a Challenge Grants).

 

61.       Transmitting communication relative to Challenge Grant Program through Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Crime Watch Group mailing for applications for Block Grant Monies and Crime Watch Groups – leverage some private dollars.

 

62.       Transmitting communication relative to funding levels for Year 27 CDBG/HOME/ESG and proposed allocation process timetable.

 

63.       Transmitting communication relative to Community Development Block Grant Funds.

                                                         

64.       Transmitting communication relative to Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Funding Shifts.

 

65.       Transmitting communication relative to $60,000.00 for Community Schools and $30,000.00 for Visions.

 

66.       Transmitting communication relative to Ten-Year Parks Appropriations Report.

 

67.       Transmitting communication relative to Year 25 projects funded through unexpended balances.

 

68.       Transmitting communication relative to summary of applications not recommended for funding in Year 27.

 

            69-93 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

69.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Philip Niddrie, Chief Development Officer on behalf of the Planning Board requesting an amendment to the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to Landscaping Requirements for Parking Lots: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

                                     

            69a ACCEPTED AND COUNCIL VOTED ON A ROLL CALL 8-1 (NO-LUKES, ABSENT-PETTY, MARIANO) TO ADVERTISE THE PROPOSED ORDINANCES AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE TRIPLE ELDERLY ABATEMENT.

 

69a.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication recommending the FY 2002 water and sewer rates: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed ordinances for a water rate of $2.09 per ccf and a sewer rate of $1.78 per ccf.

               

            69b-d ACCEPTED – Suspension of Rules

 

            REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

69b.       Transmitting communication relative to Water and Sewer rate recommendations.

 

69c.       Transmitting communication relative to Refinancing of Water and Sewer Loans.

 

69d.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting communication relative to Water and Sewer Rates for Fiscal Years 1995-2001:  recommend Communication be placed on file.

 

            REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting handicap parking:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinances.

 

70.       Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Maurice Garofoli request handicap parking in front of 11 Suffolk St.

 

71.       Marianne Wood request handicap parking sign at 159 Austin St.

 

72.       Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of  Carol Fafard request handicap parking in front of 12 Wall St.

 

73.       Councillor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Marty and Ann Baroni request handicap parking in front of 69 Dustin St.

                                                   

74.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of David Carey request removal of handicap sign in front of 1 Suffolk St. and replace with 15 minute sign:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to provide for 15 minute parking in front of #1 Suffolk St.

 

75.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Dina Dacoles request to reverse the winter parking ban on Woodland St. between Oberlin and Claremont Streets:  recommend  passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

 

76.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Adele Richmond et al request to reinstate the winter parking ban on the odd side of Bridgeport St.:   recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

 

77.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Councillor Timothy P. Murray and Councillor Stephen Abraham on behalf of Raera Hepenstall-Schaffer request 15 minute parking only between St. Elmo Rd. and 806 Pleasant St. (Even Side):  recommend  passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

                                                    

 

 

78.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Raquel Uribe request  to change 30 minute parking to 60 minute parking for laundromat customers at 80 West St.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

 

79.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Herbert Edinburg request extension of one parking space (20’) on the south side of 322 Pleasant St.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

 

80.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Vincent Yess, Lederman’s Bakery request parking at 81-83 Hamilton St. be designated to a time limit of 30 minutes:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

                                                     

81.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager request adoption of an ordinance amending Section 39 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to handicap parking:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

 

82.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Traffic & Parking upon the Petition of Councillor Janice L Nadeau on behalf of Carlos Medero request Traffic Engineer review parking situation on Beacon St. between Lagrange and Oread Streets:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to rescind prohibited parking on the west side of Beacon St. between Lagrange St. and Oread St.

 

83.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC  & PARKING Upon the Petition of Arcadio Guzman request 15 minute parking in front of 179 Belmont St. at corner of Rodney St., both sides:  recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed ordinances to revise resident permit parking on the east side of Rodney St. and provide for 15 minute parking on the east side of Rodney St..

 

 

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

84.       Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind resident permit parking on Creston St.

 

85.       Amending Section 74 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to allow right turns only for westbound traffic on Dorchester St. into Vernon St.

 

86.       Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for one-hour parking meters on the south side of Myrtle St. between Southbridge St. and Portland St.

           

87.       Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to reserve the two left lanes for southbound traffic on Lincoln St. at Belmont St. to turn left.

                                                       

88.       Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind one-hour parking meters on the east side of High St. near Chatham St.

 

89.       Amending Section 51 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind taxi stand on the south side of Mechanic St. near Main St.

 

90.       Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for one-hour parking meters on the south side of Mechanic St.

 

91.       Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to revise the winter parking ban on Kingsbury St.

 

92.       Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to revise the winter parking ban on Lagrange St.

 

93.       Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to revise the winter parking ban on West Boylston St.

 

 

 

 

TABLED ITEMS

 

94.     Order – Request Rules Committee to review the procedure used by City Council for election of individuals to the Library Board of Trustees.

          (Abraham)  (Tabled December 19, 2000)      No Action Taken

 

95.          Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to city employees serving on Boards and Commissions.

(Tabled April 3, 2001)   No Action Taken

 

96.     Order – Request City Administration provide breakdown of new growth figures over the past ten years, including the percentage breakdown of the residential, commercial and personal property within said annual figure.  (Murray)   (Tabled May 8, 2001)   Taken off the Table and adopted

 

97.     Order – Request City Manager contact the Massachusetts Port Authority and request they provide City Council with efforts being made to market the initiation of American Airlines flights between Worcester and Chicago, including information on pricing.  (Petty, Murray, Perotto)  

(Tabled May 22, 2001)    No Action Taken

                                         

__________________________________________________________________

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

JUNE 4, 2001                   PUBLIC WORKS                  COUNCIL CHAMBER

   6:00 P.M.

 

JUNE 20, 2001               PUBLIC SERVICE                 COUNCIL CHAMBER

4:00 – 6:00 P.M.                            &

                                       TRANSPORTATION

 

JUNE 20, 2001              TRAFFIC & PARKING          COUNCIL CHAMBER

   6:00 P.M.

 

JUNE 25, 2001                   COMMERCE &                 SACRED HEART OF

   7:00 P.M.                         DEVELOPMENT              JESUS CHURCH

                                                                                       600 CAMBRIDGE ST.

                                                                                       LOWER CHURCH HALL

Re:  Conceptual Master Plan for the South Worcester Industrial Park

BUDGET HEARINGS

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2001                          TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2001

             4:00 P.M.                                                          4:00 P.M.

                                                                       OPEN DATE SET ASIDE FOR

Economic Development Office                     BUDGET

Union Station

Worcester Marketing Campaign                   Capital Budget

Public Works                                                     Equipment

   Snow Removal                                                Building & City Park

   Off Street Parking                                                 Rehabilitation

   Street Lights                                                    Surface & Sub-Surface

   Sewer                                                                     Infrastructure

   Water                                                               Economic Development

Contingency Account

$140M Capital Campaign Account

 

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2001

                4:00 P.M.

 

Public Schools

Airport

Library

Regional Library

Office of the City Treasurer

City Hospital – Federal Debt Payment

Debt Services – Principal & Interest

Pension Obligation Bonds