CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 6, 2005

7:00 P.M.

Convened: 7:04 P.M.

Adjourned 10:36 P.M.

 

 

1.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

2.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

Mayor Murray read a Resolution recognizing the Ty Cobb Little League Softball All Stars.

 

Mayor Murray welcomed and recognized official visitors from Ireland.

 

HEARINGS RECESSED FROM AUGUST 16, 2005

 

          3-5 HEARINGS HELD

 

3.       MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: TIVERTON PKWY. (Attachments) Tabled under privilege (Perotto)

 

4.       MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: HEALY ST. (Attachments) Tabled under privilege (Perotto)

 

5.       MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: CLAFFEY AVE. (Attachments) Tabled under privilege (Perotto)

 

3a-5a ORDERS ADOPTED

 

3a.     Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: TIVERTON PKWY.

 

4a.     Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: HEALY ST.

 

5a.     Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint or identical pole location on: CLAFFEY AVE.

 

FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

          6 - Taken up with Item 8A of City Manager’s Calendar

 

6.       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, CitySquare, the Arts District, the Canal District project and the Franklin St. Fire Station.

 

SECOND ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

7.       Communication from the City Manager relative to the submittal of a Five-Year Capital Investment Program (FYCIP) for the City of Worcester for the period of FY 2006-2010.  This five-year program in total amounts to $391 million for the next five fiscal years.  Of this amount, twenty five percent, or $100 million is identified for funding from tax levy bonds. Over three hundred million in capital funding is projected to come from Federal, State, Enterprise Accounts, self supporting DIF bonds, and other special revenues of the city. The FY 2006 recommended capital budget for the first year of this plan is $175.5 million.  The tax levy supported bonds for FY 2006 is $15.65 million, or less than 9% of the overall total capital spending plan for FY 2006.  The remaining 91% of the recommended capital budget for FY 2006 is funded with $59.4 million in Federal and State grants, $33 million in Enterprise and Other special revenue sources of the City, $64.1 million in City DIF bonds, and $3.35 million of other City funds. This capital budget will be placed on the city's website for individual viewing. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations Committee.

 

8.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

9.       ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          10 – REFERRED TO PARKS DEPARTMENT

 

10.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Lorretta Oliva request to remove two trees in front of 31 Hunthurst Circle. (Attachments)

         

          11 – REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

 

11.     Stephen Madaus, Esquire on behalf of Helen Costa and Francis McIntyre request to amend zoning district designation of two parcels of land known as and located at 48 Benefit St. and 49-51 Benefit St. from their current zoning designation of partially RG-5 and MG2.0 to a zoning designation of RG-5 entirely. (Attachments)

         

          12 & 13 REFERRED TO PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

 

12.     Francis Rutigliano et al request street lights be turned on at night at Plantation St. /Wigwam Hill Dr. (Attachments)

 

13.     Mary MacInnes, Administrator of Worcester Regional Transit Authority, request to have a bench installed in front of 494 Lincoln St. (Denny’s Restaurant) and on the opposite side of Lincoln St. (Attachments)

 

          14 – 38i REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS

 

14.     Jim Shedden request sidewalk repair for portion of Pleasant St. approximately 75-100 feet west from Main St. (Attachments)

 

15.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Cheney St. (Attachments)

 

16.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Chelsea St. (Attachments)

 

17.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Cheever St. (Attachments)

 

18.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Charlotte St. (Attachments)

 

19.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Cedar St. (Attachments)

 

20.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Castle St. (Attachments)

 

21.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Caro St. (Attachments)

 

22.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Canterbury St. (Attachments)

 

23.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Camp St. (Attachments)

 

24.     Councillor Barbara G. Haller request repaving of Cambridge St. (Attachments)

 

25.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Thomas DiReda request sidewalk repair on even side of Rena St. from #4 to #20. (Attachments)

 

26.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Thomas DiReda request repair of driveway apron and public staircase at 20 Rena St. (Attachments)

 

27.     Councillor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Charlotte Seidenberg request sidewalk repair in front of 911 Pleasant St. (Attachments)

 

28.     Councillor Thomas P. White request resurfacing of Dubiel Dr., where needed. (Attachments)

 

29.     Hagop Tashjian et al request resurfacing of Welcome St. (Attachments)

 

30.     Maureen & Vincent Burdulis request to install a surface drain at 32 Buckingham St. (Attachments)

 

31.     Francis Rutigliano et al request to repave road at Plantation St./Wigwam Hill Dr. and to reattach the sewers to the street as they are separating from the road. (Attachments)

 

32.     Councillor Joseph M. Petty on behalf of Harold Adamiak request repair of sinking manhole cover in front of 72 Sylvan St. (Attachments)

 

33.     Anna Gentile and Maria Riggieri request street betterment for Nebraska St. from Muskeego St. to Camassa Ter. (Attachments)

 

34.     Anna Gentile and Maria Riggieri request street betterment for Camassa Ter. from Shrewsbury St. to Nebraska St. (Attachments)

 

35.     Lorraine Fleming request drainage problems be corrected on Earle St. (Attachments)

 

36.     Rosalie Cutler request sidewalk repair at 42 Burncoat Ter. (Attachments)

 

37.     Eva Haroyan and Bizer Simonian request sidewalk repair at 137 King Philip Rd. (Attachments)

 

38.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes request that a permanent cement surface be installed to replace a temporary patch at a replaced fire hydrant on the southwesterly corner of Morningside and Chamberlain Parkway. (Attachments)

 

38a.   Nello and Alice Leonardi et al request private street maintenance on Lake View St. from Agate Ave. to Lake Ave. (Attachments)

 

38b.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request sidewalk repair on Chatham St. between Oxford St. and Crown St. (Attachments)

 

38c.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request sidewalk repair on West St. between Pleasant St. and Elm St. (Attachments)

 

38d.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request sidewalk repair on West St. between William St. and Cedar St. (Attachments)

 

38e.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request street repair on Cottage St. between West St. and Fruit St. along sidewalk. (Attachments)

 

38f.    Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request sidewalk repair at the corner of West St. and Elm St. (southwest corner). (Attachments)

 

38g.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request street repair at crosswalk at the corners of Chestnut St. and Pleasant St. (Attachments)

 

38h.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request sidewalk repair on High St. in back of the municipal parking garage. (Attachments)

 

38i.    Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request repair of a “sink hole” in sidewalk on Dayton St. (Attachments)

 

38j.    Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request repair of a “sink hole” in sidewalk on West St. (Attachments)

 

38k.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request repair of a “sink hole” in street on Dayton St. (Attachments)

 

38l.    Councillor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Regional Environmental Council request repair of a “sink hole” in street on West St. (Attachments)

 

          39 - 54 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING

 

39.     Margaret Bizzaro request No Parking signs on Montgomery Ave. & Rosemary St. (Attachments)

 

40.     Robert Mottas request handicap parking in front of 10 Normal St. (Attachments)

 

41.     Charles DerKazarian request to make Queen St. one-way between King St. and Kingsbury St. (Attachments)

 

42.     Joseph F. Borbone, Director of Engineering, City of Worcester, request to rescind the Stop signs at the intersection of Franklin St. and Harding St. facing southbound traffic on Harding St. and eastbound and westbound traffic on Franklin St. (Attachments)

 

43.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes request Slow Deaf Child sign at 454 Mower St. (Attachments)

 

44.     Gayle Owen on behalf of George Hill request handicap parking in front of 87 May St. (Attachments)

 

45.     Daniel Morrissey et al request Resident Only Parking on Earle St. (Attachments)

 

46.     Barbara Smith-Bacon request to rescind the passenger zone for the area in front of 120 Front St., which is on the east side, from a point 200 feet north of Franklin St., to a point 360 feet north of Franklin St., and in it’s place approve 30 minute parking meters to include handicap parking which is proximate to the building entrance. (Attachments)

 

47.     Barbara Smith-Bacon request to rescind the passenger zone for the area in front of 100 Front St. which is on the north side, from a point 100 feet east of Commercial St. (which is a bus stop) to a point 210 feet east of Commercial St., and in it’s place approve 30 minute parking meters to include handicap parking which is proximate to the building entrance. (Attachments)

 

48.     Mirajuddin Ahmed & William S. Ahalt request No Stopping and No Parking signs along Mountain St. East, on both sides of the street, as follows: beginning at the intersection of Clark St./Century Dr. with Mountain St. East through the intersection of Briar Lane with Mountain St. East (adjacent to Worcester Country Club). (Attachments)

 

49.     Margarita Calixto request speed bump on Parkton Ave. (Attachments)

 

50.     Elizabeth St. John request handicap parking space at 9 Sussex Lane. (Attachments)

 

51.     David and Naomi Merchant request one or two handicap parking spaces at 17 Cheever St. (Attachments)

 

52.     James O’Leary request to remove handicap parking signs in front of 773 Franklin St. Handicapped person is deceased, and the signs are no longer needed. (Attachments)

 

53.     Arthur Nelson request handicap parking at 1 Westminster St. (Attachments)

 

54.     Mary Morin request Deaf Child sign on Delmont St. (Attachments)

 

          55 HEARING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 – 7:00 P.M.

 

55.     NSTAR for gas main location on: SOUTH WARD ST. (Attachments)

 

56.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

MICHAEL V. O’BRIEN

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 6, 2005

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1.  NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

2.  CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

 

TRANSMITTALS

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

3.  AIRPORT DIVISION:

 

4.  CABLE SERVICES DIVISION:

 

5.  ELECTION COMMISSION DIVISION:

 

6.  HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION:

 

A.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Transmitting informational communication relative to an agreement for a new contract with Teamsters Local 170, DPW Clerks. (Attachments) Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

7:  WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT:

 

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

8.  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the Economic Development Initiatives Report for September 2005. (Attachments) Referred to Commerce & Development Committee, Public Works Committee, Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee and Public Service & Transportation Committee.  Master Plan portion referred to Land Use Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

 

9.  NEIGHBORHOODS & HOUSING DEVELOPMENT:

 

10.  PLANNING AND REGULATORY SERVICES DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the zoning history of 7 Riley Street. (Attachments) Referred to Land Use Committee

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS

 

11.  ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DIVISION:

 

A.               SUPPLEMENTAL – Transmitting informational communication relative to the Washington Square roundabout project. (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee

 

12.  OPERATIONS DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District Plant Upgrade Project status. (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Transmitting informational communication relative to Overgrowth Encroaching into the Public Way. (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee

 

13.  PARKS DIVISION:

 

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS

 

14.  COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT:

 

15.  FIRE DEPARTMENT:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the FFY03 Massachusetts Decontamination System Exercise Grant. (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

16.  LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

17.  POLICE DEPARTMENT:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Act Program. (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

 

18.  CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION:

 

19.  DISABILITY DIVISION:

 

20.  ELDER AFFAIRS DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the “Senior Spectacular”. (Attachments) Placed on file

 

21.  HUMAN RIGHTS DIVISION:

 

22.  PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION:

 

A.      Request that City Council accept with gratitude, a donation of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,750.00) to the Division of Health and Human Services from Abbott Laboratories. (Attachments) Order adopted with gratitude

 

23.  PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

A.      Request that City Council accept with gratitude, a donation of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) to the Worcester Public Library from the Sam’s Club Foundation. (Attachments) Order adopted with gratitude

 

B.      Request adoption of a Summary and Resolution to accept a donation in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) from Judy and Robert Allard, and Mrs. Beverly Baker to the Talking Book Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Worcester Public Library. (Attachments) Resolution adopted with gratitude

 

C.      Request adoption of a Summary and Resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) from the Worcester Library Foundation to the Worcester Public Library. (Attachments) Resolution adopted with gratitude

 

D.      Request adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude, a bequest in the amount of Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Three Dollars and Twenty Cents ($14,203.20) from the estate of Rolland Pelletier to the Worcester Public Library’s Talking Book Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. (Attachments) Resolution adopted with gratitude

 

24.  VETERANS’ SERVICES DIVISION:

 

LAW DEPARTMENT

 

25.  LEGAL DIVISION:

 

A.      Request adoption of an Order, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a sublease with the Seven Hills Foundation, Inc. for five acres of land known as Camp Joy, located on the grounds of Worcester State Hospital. (Attachments) Order adopted

 

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

 

26.  PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to student/teacher ratios at the Worcester Public Schools. (Attachments) Placed on file

 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

 

27.  ASSESSING DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to increasing income thresholds for the tax deferral program, the hardship exemption program, and the Elderly Exemption program. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

28.  BUDGET OFFICE DIVISION:

 

29.  PURCHASING DIVISION:

 

30.  TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION:

 

31.  TREASURY & COLLECTIONS DIVISION:

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the permanent relocation of the Office of the Parking Administrator to 455 Main Street, Room 209 City Hall. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

B.      Transmitting informational communication relative to another Tax Lien Assignment Sale scheduled for September 16, 2005. (Attachments) Placed on file

 

C.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the three bond ratings sought from FitchRatings, Moodys Investor Services, and Standard and Poor’s. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

FINANCE ITEMS

 

32.  FINANCE DIVISION:

 

A.      Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C790, School Construction, and appropriated to Account #28C724, North High School Construction, to provide funds for the purpose of payment of contractual and other obligations related to the construction of North High School. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

B.      Request that One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be authorized from the FY06 Law Department Court Judgments, Account #121-92000, to provide funds for the payment of a prior year court judgment invoice. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

C.      Recommend that Three Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and Ninety Two Cents ($3,462.92) 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 payment for GIS equipment licensing, for the Water Department, as approved in the fiscal 2005 Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

D.      Recommend that Thirteen Thousand Twenty Seven Dollars and Thirty Two Cents ($13,027.32) be transferred from Account #250-91000, Police Department Personal Services, and appropriated to Account #250-92000, Police Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funds for the purpose of refunding to the Department of Justice, a duplicate reimbursement received for overtime charges related to drug enforcement task force. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

E.      Recommend that the tax levy loan order for Building Rehabilitation funds in the amount of Four Million Eight Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($4,840,000.00), submitted to the Worcester City Council on August 16, 2005 as Item #27L, be rescinded.

 

Further recommend that the tax levy loan order for Capital Equipment in the amount of Three Million Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($3,350,000.00), submitted to the Worcester City Council on August 16, 2005 as item #27G, be rescinded. (Attachments) Placed on file

 

F.      Recommend that One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) be transferred from Account #900-93000, FY2006 Streets and Sidewalks Capital Outlay, to Account #500-9111, Worcester Public Schools Teachers Salaries, to provide short-term stopgap measure by providing one-time funding to the Worcester Public Schools to hire teachers and reduce student teacher class sizes per Item #26A on this City Manager’s calendar. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays.

 

G.      Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Four Million Ninety Thousand Dollars ($4,090,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of remodeling, reconstructing or making extraordinary repairs to public buildings owned by the City. (Attachments) Voted to advertise proposed loan order on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 

H.      Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Three Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,100,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C780, City Wide Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing departmental equipment. (Attachments) Voted to advertise proposed loan order on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 

I.       Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C741, Street Construction, for the purpose of funding the construction, reconstruction, ADA improvements, sidewalks, and resurfacing of streets. (Attachments) Voted to advertise proposed loan order on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 

J.       Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,00.00) be transferred from Account #330-09, Reserve Appropriation (Real Estate Sales) and that these funds be appropriated to Account #500-93000, Worcester Public Schools Capital Outlay, to provide funding to the Worcester Public Schools for reimbursement due to the relocation of the School Plant Maintenance Division to the current facility on the St. Gobain property. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 

K.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Recommend that Twenty One Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Eight Dollars ($21,738.00) be transferred from Account #900-91000, City Manager’s Contingency and appropriated to the following accounts:

 

ACCOUNT

DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT

4101-91000

DPW Adm. Pers. Serv.

$15,981.00

4102-91000

Eng. & Arch. Services Pers. Serv.

$  3,242.00

4105-91000

DPW Central Garage Pers. Serv.

$  2,514.00

 

Total Tax Levy

$21,737.00

 

This appropriation will be used to fund retroactive payments for fiscal years 2004-2006, necessary to implement the collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Local 170, Department of Public Works. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays. (White absent) Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays.

 

L.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Recommend that the Table of Authorized Positions for the Department of Public and Parks, as it appears in the fiscal 2006 Annual Budget Document submitted by the City Manager, be revised and amended by changing the following positions per the newly certified collective bargain agreement between the City of Worcester and the DPW Clerk-Local 170. (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays. (White absent) Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays.

 

MISCELLANEOUS TRANSMITTALS

 

33.  MISCELLANEOUS CALENDAR ITEMS:

 

A.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Request that the City Council schedule an Executive Session for Tuesday, September 13, 2005 after the City Council meeting for the purposes of discussing collective bargaining. (Attachments) Placed on file

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          57-FROM LAND USE - ADOPTED

 

57.     Request City Manager request the Planning Director to provide the City Council with a report that highlights and compares the change between the Omnibus Zoning Package and the current zoning ordinance and a narrative explaining the rationale for recommended changes. (Attachments)

 

          58 - FROM PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - ADOPTED

 

58.     Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works to upgrade streetlights on poles #1 through #5 on Kingsbury St. from 4000 lumen to 9600 lumen and upgrade streetlights on poles #1 through #3 on Shepard St. from 4000 lumen to 9600 lumen. (Attachments)

 

59 – 61 FROM PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - HELD TO BE 1ST ITEM OF BUSINESS AT SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 MEETING

 

59.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief to provide the City Council with information on how the taxi owners/operators serve the non-English speaking populations. (Attachments)

 

60.     Request City Manager provide the City Council with a draft of the proposed new rules and regulations and enforcement plans for owners/operators of taxis in the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

61.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief consider recommending to City Council new Rules and Regulations for taxi licensing that includes the following issues of public interest:

 

1.           that there be a mandatory driver photo identification,

2.           that there be unannounced inspections,

3.           that a reduction in the age allowed for taxis to be on the road from 7 years to 6˝ this year and then down to 6 next year so as to ease into a newer fleet rather than hit the owners with a one year change all at once,

4.           that the posting of rates inside cabs be required,

5.           that the name and phone number of the taxi owner be displayed on the exterior of each cab,

6.           that issues of taxi cleanliness is required,

7.           that a review of the criminal record (including sex offenders) of drivers be required before they are licensed to drive,

8.           that an annual review of the number of hours each taxi is on the road in a given month is required so as to guarantee that the public is adequately served,

9.           that no bumper stickers or window stickers be allowed on taxis because they are not private vehicles but public conveyances,

10.       that drivers should be clean and uniformed as they are ambassadors of the city to visitors, and

11.       that taxi license rules and regulations also apply to liveries.

(Attachments)

 

          62 – FROM PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION – ADOPTED

 

62.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works to trim shade trees in Shepard Street so that existing streetlights may better illuminate the streets and sidewalk areas. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

63.     Request City Council meet in Executive Session concerning any litigation against the city that was settled over the past year broken down by department as well as an overview of all pending litigation against the city broken down by department. (Murray) (Attachments) Placed on file

 

64.     Request City Manager report to the City Council what efforts will be undertaken to combat recent graffiti throughout parts of the city. (Murray) (Attachments) Adopted

 

65.     Request Administration report to the City Council whether the cost of energy is adequately funded in the budget and in the event of a shortfall, how the shortfall will be funded. (Lukes, Palmieri, Petty, Perotto, Clancy, Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

66.     Request Administration report on whether zoning restrictions are an appropriate remedy to prohibit the placement of satellite dishes on one’s front lawn of residential properties. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

67.     Request Administration report on the heating costs of each public building and gasoline for city vehicles for the past three years. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

68.     Request Administration review city ordinances, penalties and parking violation enforcement regarding the blocking of intersections and streets which cause fire apparatus responding to fires to be impeded, obstructed and delayed and to make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of increasing fees and increasing enforcement to increase the ability of the fire department to fight fires. (Lukes, Clancy, Petty, Palmieri, Perotto, White, Rushton, Haller, Murray, Gomez) (Attachments) Adopted

 

69.     Request City Manager provide the City Council with an outline of his Administration’s plans to deal with the imminent steep price increase of the cost of home heating fuels and the substantial impacts to our residents. (Petty, Murray) (Attachments) Adopted

 

70.     Request City Manager report to the City Council how his Administration will respond to the marked increase in motorcycle noise, especially in residential neighborhoods, utilizing the recently enacted noise pollution ordinance and other ordinances in force and effect. (Petty, Palmieri) (Attachments) Councillor Irish moved to amend:  Further, request that jet ski noise be addressed. Adopted, as amended

 

71.     Request City Manager to provide the City Council with an update concerning the property located at 103 Holden St.; what has happened to date and what is the pipeline for the future. (Attachments) (White, Murray, Petty, Perotto) Adopted

 

72.     Request Administration report on what energy savings strategies will be used to save energy for the remainder of the fiscal year. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

73.     Request Administration submit to the City Council a report voted on March 1, 2005 regarding the status of completion of the remaining phases of the improvements at Logan Field and including a list of all ongoing park improvement projects, what phases they are in, and the cost. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

74.     Request City Manager provide to the City Council a report on the following fires: Canterbury Street fire on 8/11/05; Mason Street fire on 8/16/05; Wachusett Street fire on 8/21/05; Newbury Street fires on 8/23/05 and 8/26/05 and include the following:

 

a.                  Response time for initial fire response

b.                 Response time for any calls for additional support

c.                 Engine company closest to the fire location

d.                 Engine company next closest to the fire location

e.                  List of engine companies that were closed at the time of the fire

f.                   Number of firefighter/occupants injured

g.                 Number of persons displaced

h.                 Approximate value of property loss

(Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

74a.   Request Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools provide City Council with a five-year capital plan for the school system, a list of the table of administrative and teacher organization, a list of the number of long-term substitute hirings and a report on Medicare reimbursement and how that will be impacted by a lowered or increased debt service. Motion Lukes @ #26A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74b.   Request Worcester Public School Administration and School Committee look at the possibility of suspending busing for purposes of desegregation. Motion Gomez @ #26A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74c.   Request City Manager send item 12B of the City Manager’s calendar of September 6, 2005 to all Crime Watch Groups. Motion Haller @ #12B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74d.   Request City Manager provide the City Council with a report regarding if fines imposed as indicated in Chapter 12, section 21, subsection (g) of the Revised Ordinances exempts fining the City and State. Motion Irish @ #12B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74e.   Request Administration provide a report on University Park improvements, request report include the proposed improvements vs. actual, proposed timeline for improvements vs. actual, and costs proposed vs. actual. Request report include a discussion of the status of the park lights and estimated time of return. Haller - Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74f.    Request Administration provide a report with the following statistics:

 

a.                  Trends regarding increase number of residents below poverty line for the past five years.

b.                 Trends for the past five years of increased cost of average vehicle insurance policy.

c.                 Which routes have been hit or reduced in the past five years by Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

d.                 Number of complaints filed in the past five years by year at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

Gomez - Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74g.   Request Administration immediately remove the graffiti on the Elm Park boat house. Irish - Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

74h.   Request Administration request Police Chief to patrol the area near the Big Y Supermarket on May St. and Mayfield St. due to an increase in criminal activity. Rushton - Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

          75 – ADOPTED

 

75.     SEWER ASSESSMENT:  TEDDY ROAD (Attachments)

 

76.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE: No Items Pending

 

COMMUNICATION

 

77.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to accepting a donation in the amount of Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000) from Allmerica Financial/Hanover Insurance Co. to support the installation of new lockers at Burncoat High School. (Attachments) Councillor Petty recused on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays. Order adopted with gratitude

 

REPORTS

 

          78-81 ACCEPTED

 

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

 

78.     Relative to responses to City Council/Land Use Committee questions and Zoning Ordinance revision reports. (Attachments)

 

79.     Relative to zoning related requests for information. (Attachments)

 

80.     Relative to comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

81.     Relative to discussion points from the Chairman of the Planning Board regarding the Zoning Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

          82 REFERRED TO LAND USE

 

82.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the petition of Attorneys Patricia Finnegan Gates and Samuel DeSimone request to change Zoning Map of the City of Worcester by placing an Adaptive Reuse Overlay District over certain parcels of property abutting Main St., Aldena Rd., Meridale Rd., and over Aldena Rd and Meridale Rd. (Attachments)

         

83 HELD TO BE 1ST ITEM OF BUSINESS AT SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 MEETING

 

83.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Regulation and Penalties applicable to livery vehicles: recommend adoption of accompanying Order or passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

          84-86 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions requesting streetlight installation: recommend adoption of accompanying Orders.

 

84.     Grace DiBaro request streetlight on Pole #11 on Greenfield St. (Attachments)

 

85.     Antonio Corapi request streetlight on pole #5 on Ansonia Rd. (Attachments)

 

86.     Senad Sabotic et al request streetlight on telephone pole #2 on Bel Air St. (Attachments)

 

          87 ACCEPTED &ORDER ADOPTED

 

87.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Steven Karapastas request bus shelter at 1001 Main St. be moved 10-12 feet easterly: recommend adoption of accompanying Order. (Attachments)

88 ACCEPTED & RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YEAS AND 0 NAYS (GOMEZ, PALMIERI, AND RUSHTON ABSENT)

 

88.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Resolution of Councillor Barbara G. Haller -That the City Council hereby opposes United States Senate Bills 1504 and 1349 and House of Representatives Bill 3146 relative to the regulation of public access cable television: recommend adoption of accompanying Resolution. (Attachments)

 

          89 ACCEPTED

 

89.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Licensing Livery/Limousine Services: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

          90 ACCEPTED

 

90.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Mayor Timothy P. Murray and Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request streetlight at 7 Commonwealth Ave.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

LOAN ORDERS TO BE ADOPTED

         

91.     That the sum of Four Million Eight Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($4,840,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of remodeling, reconstructing or making extraordinary repairs to public buildings owned by the city. (Attachments) Recommitted to City Manager

 

92.     That the sum of Three Million Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($3,350,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C780, City Wide Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing departmental equipment. (Attachments) Recommitted to City Manager

 

93-132 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 11 YEAS AND 0 NAYS

 

93.     That the sum of Nine Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($925,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C732, Water Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of making extraordinary repairs and improvements to the Water Department Building. (Attachments)

 

94.     That the sum of Two Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($275,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C735, Sewer Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of making extraordinary repairs and improvements to the Sewer Department Building. (Attachments)

 

95.     That the sum of Three Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C775, Centrum Centre Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of remodeling, reconstructing or making extraordinary repairs to pubic buildings owned by the city - CU Center. (Attachments)

 

96.     That the sum of One Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($110,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C798, Worcester Airport Building Rehabilitation, for the purpose of remodeling, reconstructing or making extraordinary repairs to public buildings owned by the city - Worcester Regional Airport. (Attachments)

 

97.     That the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C756, Landfill Closeout, for the purpose of demolition of the incinerator at the Ballard Street Landfill. (Attachments)

 

98.     That the sum of Six Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($610,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing capital equipment for the Sewer Department. (Attachments)

 

99.     That the sum of Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($415,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C731, Water Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing capital equipment for the Water Department. (Attachments)

 

100.   That the sum of Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C749, Airport Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing capital equipment for the Worcester Regional Airport. (Attachments)

 

101.   That the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C739, Sewer Drainage, for the purpose of financing costs of trunk sewer construction. (Attachments)

 

102.   That the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, to pay cost of constructing sewer systems by conducting infiltration and inflow remedy work to the City’s sewerage system. (Attachments)

 

103.   That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for the purpose of constructing and reconstructing sewer pumping facilities. (Attachments)

 

104.   That the sum of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) to be appropriated Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for the payment of costs related to the reconstruction of sewers. (Attachments)

 

105.   That the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Surface Construction, for the payment of costs related to construction of surface drains. (Attachments)

 

106.   That the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to be appropriated Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for the purpose of improving and controlling sewer overflow. (Attachments)

 

107.   That the sum of Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,300,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for the payment of costs related to reconstruction of sewer - Beaver Brook. (Attachments)

 

108.   That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for payment of costs related to Granite Street infrastructure improvements. (Attachments)

 

109.   That the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, for the purpose of payment for sewer compliance study to Sewer systems. (Attachments)

 

110.   That the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713, Water Mains, for payment of costs related to water systems security. (Attachments)

 

111.   That the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) be appropriated to Account # 91C713, Water Mains/Clean & Line, for the payment of costs related to water main cleaning. (Attachments)

 

112.   That the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) be appropriated to Account  #91C737, Water Meters, for the purpose of purchasing and installing water meters. (Attachments)

 

113.   That the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713, Water Mains, for the purchase, replacement or rehabilitation of Water Department equipment  (Hydrants). (Attachments)

 

114.   That the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C738, Reservoir Rehabilitation, for the payment of costs related to water pumping and storage tank facilities rehabilitation. (Attachments)

 

115.   That the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713, Water Mains, for the conduction water cross section survey. (Attachments)

 

116.   That the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C714, Water Pump Station Rehabilitation, for payment of costs related to water pumping and water storage tank facilities rehabilitation. (Attachments)

 

117.   That the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C738, Reservoir Rehabilitation, for payment of costs related to reservoir #1 intake at Holden Reservoir facility. (Attachments)

 

118.   That the sum of Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713, Water Mains, for paying the cost of water accountability analysis. (Attachments)

 

119.   That the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C702, Land Acquisition Closeout, for the purpose of purchasing watershed land. (Attachments)

 

120.   That the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C713, Water Mains, for paying cost of water filtration plant modification. (Attachments)

 

121.   That the sum of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Street Construction, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction and surfacing or the resurfacing of streets, ADA improvements and sidewalks. (Attachments)

 

122.   That the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Street Construction, for the purpose of extending the pavement life or the resurfacing of streets. (Attachments)

 

123.   That the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Street Construction, for the purpose of surfacing and resurfacing of streets. (Attachments)

 

124.   That the sum of Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($415,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Street Construction, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction, betterments and conversions of private streets. (Attachments)

 

125.   That the sum of Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C715, Dam Improvements, for the purpose of making improvements to the Coes Reservoir Dam. (Attachments)

 

126.   That the sum of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C724, Traffic Signal Installation, for the purpose of making improvements and upgrades to traffic signals. (Attachments)

 

127.   That the sum of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C797, Airport Improvements, for the purpose of making general capital improvements at the Worcester Airport. (Attachments)

 

128.   That the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Dollars ($55,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C793, Golf Improvements, for the purpose of making general capital improvements at the Greenhill Golf Course. (Attachments)

 

129.   That the sum of Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Streets Construction, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction of streets, City Hall Streetscape. (Attachments)

 

130.   That the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741, Streets Construction, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction and reconfiguration of Washington Square. (Attachments)

 

131.   That the sum of Three Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($370,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C784, Park Improvements, for the purpose of constructing or reconstruction of municipal outdoor recreation and athletic facilities. (Attachments)

 

132.   That the sum of Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C784, Park Improvements, for the purpose of constructing or reconstruction of municipal outdoor recreation and athletic facilities - Beaver Brook. (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

 

          133 ORDAINED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 11 YEAS AND 0 NAYS

 

133.   Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 relative to Occupational Group EM - Executive Management (Attachments)

         

TABLED - No Action Taken

 

134.   Order – Request City Council to vote its opposition to any raises for City Council for the 2006 term. (Lukes) (Tabled January 18, 2005) (Attachments)

 

135.   DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: MIAMI ST. (Tabled April 12, 2005) (Attachments)

 

136.   Communication – Relative to the Abatements and Exemptions for Fiscal 2003 through Fiscal 2005. (Tabled July 19, 2005) (Attachments)

__________________________________________________________

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

SEPTEMBER 12, 2005

     7:00 P.M.

PUBLIC WORKS

COUNCIL CHAMBER

SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

      5:30 P.M.

TRAFFIC & PARKING

CITY HALL

ROOM 310

SEPTEMBER 19, 2005

     7:00 P.M.

LAND USE

COUNCIL CHAMBER