CITY OF WORCESTER
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
JOURNAL
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
– DECEMBER 14, 2004
7:00 P.M.
Convened: 7:04 P.M.
Adjourned: 10:07 P.M.
1. PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER
2. ROLL
CALL – All present except
Councillors Irish and White.
Councillor
White arrived at 7:08 P.M.
3. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION TO DR. MATTHEW J. COLLINS FOR HIS
DONATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH’S HEARTSAFE COMMUNITY PROGRAM.
4 – Taken up with 8A of the City Manager’s Calendar
4. Monthly status reports consistent with Standing Committees on
the following economic development initiatives: Union Station garage and tenancy, Massport’s partnership efforts
at the Airport, downtown housing development, Mass. Highway road project
schedules, Gateway Park grants and tenancy, Gardner-Kilby-Hammond project, SWIP
project, brownfield initiatives, Coes Dam rehab, replacement and relocation of
Central Garage, Visitor’s Center rehab, telecommunications contract, Wyman
Gordon property reuse, Worcester Center tenancy, the Arts District and the
Canal District project.
5. ITEMS
OF CITIZEN INTEREST
5a. ITEMS
OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST
6
REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
6. Mary
Dionne request Elliott St. be plowed in its entirety. (Attachments)
7
& 8 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE
7. Waleska Quinones request handicap parking in front of 58
Cohasset St. (Attachments)
8. Roger Nugent request handicap parking across from 22 Wabash
Ave. (Attachments)
9 & 10 HEARINGS SET FOR DECEMBER 21, 2004 – 7:00
P.M.
9. MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for
a joint pole relocation on: ROMOLA RD. (Attachments)
10. MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for
joint pole location on: ORIENT ST. (Attachments)
10a. Request City Manager to provide a list of all City contracts that
are currently three years and those contracts that are currently beyond the
three year period. Motion-Clancy @
#22A CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10b. Request School Department to provide a written report relative to
the school bus contract as to successful bidder, terms and conditions of
contract and the savings School Department
realized. Motion-Clancy @
#22A CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10c. Request City Manager to provide a full report on the December 16,
2004 meeting relative to the FAA study of all regional airports. Motion-Rushton @ #8A CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10d. Request City Manager submit to City Council Charter Communications
current and prior two year’s annual reports.
Further, if outstanding liabilities are not contained within said annual
reports, that the City Manager provide updated information concerning the
financial status of Charter Communications.
Motion-Lukes @ #8A CM – Adopted
(Attachments)
10e. That the current moratorium within the Airport Environs Overlay District
is hereby extended for an additional thirty days. Motion-Lukes – Adopted on a roll call 9-1 – Reconsideration
denied on a roll call 0-10 (Attachments)
10f. Request Administration to request a written response from Mass.
Highway as to how and when the
rideability issue relative to the I-290 redecking project will be
resolved. Motion-Clancy @ #8A CM –
Adopted (Attachments)
10g. Request City Manager to consider a resolution to confusion with
the name Gateway relative to the following three projects: Gateway Park,
Northern Gateway Visitors Center and the proposed Blackstone Gateway Park. Motion-Clancy @ #8A CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10h. Request City Manager to report on the temporary parking lot for
Union Station and process used for the RFP.
Motion-Clancy @ #8A CM – Adopted
(Attachments)
10i. Request City Manager to look into the concept of loan pools with
banking establishments and credit unions.
Motion-Clancy @ #8C CM – Adopted
(Attachments)
10j. That the City Council write a letter to Mass. Development in
support of the application for funds for the G.A.R. Hall project. Motion-Haller @ #8C CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10k. Request Administration to send a copy of Item 23A of the City
Manager’s Calendar of December 14, 2004 relative to the traffic control
agreement for Brosnihan Square to the neighborhood groups impacted, with a cover letter in terms of contacting
the Commissioner of Public Works or the City Manager’s Office with questions or
comments relative to said traffic control agreement. Motion-Haller @ #23A CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10L Request Administration look into some type of plan and design as
Brosnihan Square is being developed, as to what traffic pattern makes the most
sense for Green Island from an economic development perspective and an access
perspective. Motion-Clancy @ #23A CM
– Adopted (Attachments)
10m. Request City Manager report as to the feasibility of sending out
shut-off notices to those property owners who owe water and sewer fees to the
City. Motion-Murray @ #26A-C CM –
Adopted (Attachments)
10n. Request City Auditor to report on a monthly basis strictly on
monies collected from tax liens. Motion-Clancy
@ #26A-C CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10o. Request City Manager to report on other municipalities who have
taken advantage of the tax lien auction/sale process, including financial
situations of those municipalities and reasons why they adopted this
process. Motion-Haller @ #26A-C CM
– Adopted (Attachments)
10p. Request City Treasurer report as to an estimate of the amount of
tax liens at the end of this fiscal year, without the sale of tax liens. Motion-Haller @ #26A-C CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10q. Request City Treasurer to provide a description of any and all
ways, other than collections that a tax lien would disappear, including how
much, over the last three years, under those provisions has been taken
off. Motion-Murray @ #26A-C CM –
Adopted (Attachments)
10r. Request City Manager report on the City’s responsibility for
cleaning up City Hospital property and anticipated cost. Motion-Lukes @ #28J CM – Adopted (Attachments)
10s. Request City Manager to request the WRTA to continue bus service
to Clinton. Petty – Suspension of
Rules – Adopted (Attachments)
10t. The Order adopted by City Council on December 7, 2004: Ordered
that the City Manager be and he is hereby requested to prepare for action by
the City Council special legislation whereby Richard A. Bonofiglio, Jr., a
former City Hospital employee, could extend his period of creditable service by
such time as he was laid-off from such employment, up to a maximum of ten
months, on condition that he pay to the annuity savings fund of the Worcester
retirement system, a make-up payment calculated with interest, for the amount
equal to that which he would have had withheld as regular deductions from the
regular compensation he would have earned during such period,
be and the same is hereby
rescinded. Perotto – Suspension of
Rules - Adopted (Attachments)
11. COMMUNICATIONS
OF THE CITY MANAGER
MICHAEL V. O’BRIEN
CITY MANAGER
CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR
FOR DECEMBER 14, 2004
1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:
A. Notification of Constable
appointments – Leo Beaucage, Frank Edwards, William George, Guy Guerry, Paul
Kenary, Mark Messier, David Meyers and Edward Moynihan.. (Attachments) Placed on file
2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:
3. AIRPORT:
4. ASSESSORS:
A. Communication relative to the Methodology in Valuing Properties over or under $25,000. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations Committee
B. Communication relative to the Characteristics and Obligations of a “Public Charity”. (Attachments) Placed on file
C. Communication relative to the Approval of the Fiscal 2005 Tax Rates. (Attachments) Placed on file
5. BUDGET OFFICE:
6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:
7. COMMUNICATIONS:
8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
A. Communication relative to
Economic Development Initiatives Report. (Attachments) Referred
to Commerce & Development Committee, Housing & Neighborhood
Revitalization Committee, Public Service & Transportation Committee, Public
Works Committee, Land Use Committee and Strategic Planning Committee
B. Communication relative to
the Caffrey Memorial Flag Fund. (Attachments) Placed on file
C. Communication relative to
G.A.R. Hall. (Attachments) Referred to Commerce & Development
Committee
9. ELDER AFFAIRS:
10. ELECTION COMMISSION:
11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:
13. FIRE:
A. Communication relative to
Number of Structure Fires in Worcester in the last ten years and the number of
filled firefighter position in each of those ten years. (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee
14. HUMAN RESOURCES:
15. LAW:
A. SUPPLEMENTAL –
Communication relative to Conservation Restriction “Laurel Mountain” (Ararat
St./I-190) area of the City. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent) – Reconsideration denied on a roll call 0-10 – Also referred to Land
Use Committee for informational purposes
16. LICENSE COMMISSION:
17. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:
A. Communication relative to an
update on the environmental remediation projects underway or completed on the
School Maintenance Building on Shrewsbury Street, the Parcel Post Building at
Union Station, and the Central Street Hotel site. (Attachments) Referred to Community Development
Committee
B. Communication relative to
the redevelopment of the Mason/Winfield Street Project. (Attachments) Referred to Community Development
Committee
C. Communication relative to
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant funding. (Attachments) Referred
to Public Safety Committee
D. Communication relative to
the Noise Contour Map with Topography. (Attachments) Referred
to Land Use Committee
18. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:
A. Request adoption of a
resolution to file and accept a Grant with and from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Mass Releaf
Grant Program.
(Attachments) Resolution adopted
B. Request City Council’s
consideration and approval of a Maintenance Contract for a period of up to Six
Years for the Green Hill Municipal Golf Course, which will provide for a
greater competition among the bidding firms.
Chapter 30B of M.G.L. requires the approval of City Council for any
contract for services in excess of three years. (Attachments) Tabled under privilege (Palmieri)
C. Communication relative to an
Invitation to the Second Public Hearing on the Master Plan Initiative for
Improvements to Rockwood Field. (Attachments) Placed on file
D. Communication
relative to an Invitation to a Public Hearing on the Master Plan Initiative for
Improvements to Institute Park. (Attachments) Placed on file
19. POLICE:
A. Communication relative to
Regulation and Penalties applicable to livery vehicles. (Attachments) Referred to Public Service &
Transportation Committee
B. Communication relative to
how other communities are handling the issue of handicapped accessible
taxicabs. (Attachments) Referred to Public Service &
Transportation Committee
C. Communication relative to
Worcester Police Department Internal Affairs – Investigation Totals. (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee
D. Communication relative to
the Issue of Permits and the Noise Ordinance. (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee
20. PUBLIC HEALTH:
21. PUBLIC LIBRARY:
22. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
A. Request City Council to
review and approve a motion to authorize the City of Worcester to advertise and
award contracts for pupil transportation services, subject to the approval of
the Worcester Public Schools, for a term of up to five years.
Chapter 30B of M.G.L. requires the approval of City Council for any
contract for services in excess of three years. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent) – Also referred to Municipal Operations Committee for informational
purposes
23. PUBLIC WORKS:
A. Communication relative to
Brosnihan Square – T.C.A. (Traffic Control Agreement). (Attachments) Referred to Traffic & Parking
Committee
B. Request adoption of a
resolution to file and accept an FY 05 Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant
with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. (Attachments) Resolution adopted
C. Communication relative to
Timeline for Renaming Millbury Street and Ballard Street. (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee
D. SUPPLEMENTAL – Communication
relative to Snow and Ice Hired Equipment Rates. (Attachments) Referred
to Public Works Committee for December 21, 2004 meeting
E. SUPPLEMENTAL –
Communication relative to Pearl St. 2-way traffic pattern. (Attachments) Placed
on file
24. PURCHASING:
25. TECHNICAL SERVICES:
26. TREASURY:
A. Communication relative to
state statutes for tax lien sales, the City’s involvement in assisting with the
development of the Statutes, and an estimate of the potential balance of tax
liens that could be sold. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations
Committee
B. Communication relative to
timeframe available and utilized by the City to perfect a tax lien. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations
Committee
C. Communication relative to an
analysis the city’s tax lien account for the last five fiscal years. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations
Committee
27. VETERANS SERVICES:
28. FINANCE:
A. Recommend that Eighty Nine
Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety Dollars and Ninety One Cents ($89,690.91) in
unexpended prior year Block Grant balances be transferred from the following
accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
14S40123 |
Urban Renewal |
$ 4,443.85 |
|
14S40723 |
WRA/SWIP |
$32,852.18 |
|
14S40724 |
WRA/SWIP |
$14,170.80 |
|
14S48827 |
Green Island CDC |
$18,884.78 |
|
14S42329 |
Economic Development |
$19,339.30 |
|
|
Total |
$89,690.91 |
and appropriated to the
following accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
14S46823 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$37,296.03 |
|
14S46824 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$14,170.80 |
|
14S46827 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$18,884.78 |
|
14S46829 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$19,339.30 |
|
|
Total |
$89,690.91 |
And furthermore, request
that Thirty Seven Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Nine Dollars and Nine Cents
($37,259.09) of Block Grant Program Income be transferred from the following
accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION
|
AMOUNT |
|
14SOM120 |
OPCD O.M. |
$
520.28 |
|
14SOM121 |
OPCD O.M. |
$ 93.20 |
|
14S40921 |
Green Island/V.H. CDC |
$ 3.00 |
|
14S41121 |
Neighborhood
Revitalization |
$ 6,774.68 |
|
14S42622 |
Parks Improvement |
$16,494.78 |
|
14S43722 |
Main South (Public
Service) |
$ 416.67 |
|
14S48522 |
Code Enforcement |
$ .48 |
|
14SSAL23 |
Salary and Fringe |
$ 1,756.81 |
|
14SOM123 |
OPCD O.M. |
$10,171.49 |
|
14S41023 |
MLK Daycare |
$ .60 |
|
14S41123 |
Neighborhood
Revitalization |
$ 29.58 |
|
14S48523 |
Code Enforcement |
$ 997.52 |
|
|
Total |
$37,259.09 |
and appropriated to the
following accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
14S46820 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$ 520.28 |
|
14S46821 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$ 6,870.88 |
|
14S46822 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$16,911.45 |
|
14S46823 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$12,956.48 |
|
|
Total |
$37,259.09 |
And
furthermore, I recommend that One Hundred Thirteen Thousand and Fifty Dollars
($113,050.00) previously approved be transferred from the following accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
14S47225 |
Demo |
$ 23,410.92 |
|
14S47226 |
Demo |
$ 89,639.08 |
|
|
Total |
$113,050.00 |
And
appropriated to the following accounts:
|
ACCOUNT |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
14S46825 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$ 23,410.92 |
|
14S46826 |
Mason/Winfield
Remediation |
$ 89,639.08 |
|
|
Total |
$113,050.00 |
to
provide a total of Two Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($240,000.00) to fund
ongoing work at the Mason/Winfield Brownfield Site. (Attachments) Referred to Community Development
Committee
B. Recommend that Two Hundred
Ninety-One Thousand Five Hundred Seventy-Nine Dollars ($291,579.00) be
transferred when and as received from Account #91C780 Capital Equipment and
appropriated to Account #41C703, DPW Capital Equipment, to provide funds for
the purpose of purchasing 4 vehicles and a photo copier, as approved in the
Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
C. Recommend that One Thousand
Six Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and Ninety Five Cents ($1,662.95) be transferred
from Account #340-92000, Elder Affairs Ordinary Maintenance, and appropriated
to Account #340-93000, Elder Affairs Capital Outlay, to provide funds to
purchase a floor burnisher. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
D. Recommend that Eighty One
Thousand Four Hundred Eighty Four Dollars ($81,484.00) be transferred when and
as received, from Account #91C731, Water Capital Equipment, and appropriated to
Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of
purchasing a utility truck for the Water Department, as approved in the Capital
Improvement Program. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
E. Recommend that One Hundred
Fifty Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C784,
Parks Improvement, and appropriated to Account #72C702, Parks Site
Improvements, for the purpose of payment for contractual obligations relative
to design services and project management for South Worcester Phase II, as
approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments) Order
adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish absent)
F. Recommend that Forty One
Thousand One Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($41,181.00) be transferred when and as
received, from Account #91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and appropriated to
Account #72C701, Parks Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of
purchasing the following pieces of capital equipment:
(1) Leaf Vacuum
$12,648.00
(2) Tilt
Trailers 8,808.00
(3) Garage
Lift 6,990.00
(4) Dove
Tail Trailer 4,580.00
(5) Sod
Cutter 6,906.00
(6) Backhoe
Forks 1,249.00
for
the Parks Department, as approved in the Fiscal 2005 Capital Improvement
Program. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
G. Recommend that Twelve
Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Three Dollars and Fifty Cents. ($12,433.50) be
transferred from Account #91C797, Airport Improvements, and appropriated to
Account #47C702, Airport Building Rehabilitation, for the payment of
contractual obligations related to the completion of environmental mitigation
projects at the Airport. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
H. Recommend that Twenty Nine
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($29,500.00) be transferred when and as received
from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #25C701,
Police Department Capital Equipment, to provide funds for the purpose of
purchasing a rim clamp tire changer and other police equipment. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
I. Recommend that Two Million
Eight Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Dollars ($2,886,000.00) be transferred from
Account #91C790, School Construction, and appropriated to Account #28C717,
Vocational School Construction, to provide funds for the purpose of payment of
contractual and other obligations related to the construction of the Worcester
Vocational School, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
J. Recommend that Twenty Five
Thousand ($25,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C715, Coes Dam & City
Hospital Improvement, and appropriated to Account #04C719, Development Capital,
to provide funds for the contractual obligations associated with the soil
contamination remediation. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Irish
absent)
29. MISCELLANEOUS:
A. Request City Council to
review and approve a contract period of three years, with an option to renew
for two additional one year periods, for Centrex or Centrex-Like Services for
the City of Worcester. Chapter 30B Section
12 of the M.G.L. requires the approval of City Council for any contract for
services in excess of three years. (Attachments) Order
adopted – Also referred to Municipal Operations Committee for informational
purposes
12. RECESS
TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE: No Items
Pending
13. David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting chart indicating
number and type of City Council Standing Committee meetings, including number
of calendar items considered at said meetings for years 2002-2004. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations
Committee and Rules & Regulations Committee
14. James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting City’s Comprehensive
Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2004. (Attachments) Referred
to Municipal Operations Committee
15. Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional
Research Bureau transmitting: Mayor vs.
Manager: Does Form Affect
Performance? (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations
Committee
16
REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
16. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Alan Gordon
requesting acceptance of Tristan Court as a public way.
17 REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A HEARING
17. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Michael
O’Brien, City Manager requesting to amend the Zoning Map at 75 Piedmont St. by
extending BG-3.0 district to include entire parcel 06-0166-0003, a portion of
which is currently zoned RG-5.0.
18
ORDAINED ON A ROLL CALL 10-0 (Irish absent)
18. Amending Section 2, Article III of the Worcester Zoning
Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to a zone change in the West Boylston
St. area. (Attachments)
TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE
19. REPORT OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Upon the Report of the
Planning Board upon the Petition of Joe Boynton et al requesting a zone change
from RL-7 to A-1 to a 32 acre area abutting Airport Dr. approximately 1,200’
north of its intersection with Goddard Memorial Dr.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.
(Attachments) Taken
off the Table and voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call 9-1
(Gomez-No) (Irish absent)
20. REPORT OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Upon the Report of the Planning
Board upon the Petition of Joe Boynton et al requesting a zone change to a 536
acre area from RL-7 to RS-7 bounded by the existing Airport Zone District (A-1)
to the west; existing RS-7 zone near Pleasant St. to the north; Mill St., Farm
St., Swan Ave., Passway Four, Admiral Ave. and Ward Farm Circle to the east and
Westcott St., Swan Ave. and rear parcel lines of Ledgecrest Dr. to the
south: recommend passage of the
accompanying proposed Ordinance.
(Attachments) Taken off the Table and voted to
advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call 9-1 (Gomez-No) (Irish absent)
SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE
STANDING COMMITTEES
|
DECEMBER 20, 2004 6:00
P.M. |
COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
DECEMBER 21, 2004 5:30
P.M. |
PUBLIC WORKS |
ROOM 310 CITY HALL |
|
JANUARY 11, 2005 5:30
P.M. |
TRAFFIC & PARKING |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |