CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 14, 2006

7:00 P.M.

 

1.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

2.                 STAR SPANGLED BANNER-ALEXANDRA MILLS

 

3.       ROLL CALL - All present except Councillors Haller and Petty.

 

4.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

Frank Beshai spoke concerning the March 24, 2006 opening of the New England Dream Center at 5 Chestnut St.

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          5 REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

 

5.       Attorney Matthew Killeen, on behalf of Sion Mills Limited, owners of property located at 93 Grand St. request that the portion of Wyman St. situated between Tainter St. and Hollis St. be discontinued and that a Decree of Discontinuance be issued. (Attachments)

 

          6 – 8 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

6.       Werner & Christine Ferreira request sidewalk repair in front of 10 Gosnold St. (Attachments)

 

7.       Werner & Christine Ferreira request removal of  pipe from sidewalk on the Bourne St. side of 10 Gosnold St. (Attachments)

 

8.       Susan Vinacco-Cummings request sidewalk repair on Salisbury St. and Humboldt Ave. in the vicinity of 80 Salisbury St. (Attachments)

 

          9-12  REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

9.       Wanda Alvarez request resident parking for the area of 41 King St. (Attachments)

 

10.     Joseph Borbone, Director of Engineering of the Department of Public Works & Parks, request to approve a change in the traffic pattern on Winter St., between Grafton St. and Harding St., to accommodate two-way traffic. (Attachments)

 

11.     Joseph Borbone, Director of Engineering of the Department of Public Works & Parks, request to approve an alteration to the parking ordinance on Winter St. to change the No Parking Anytime areas near Green St. to No Parking-Tow Zones.  This change is necessary to accommodate the additional volumes that will be created by the new two-way traffic operations on Winter St. (Attachments)

 

12.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Rev. Michael Bafaro and State Representative Vincent Pedone request the installation of a truck prohibition in Mullberry St. from Shrewsbury St. to East Central St. (Attachments)

 

13 & 14 HEARING SET FOR MARCH 21, 2006 – 7:00 P.M.    

 

13.     VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. to install and maintain underground conduits, manholes and laterals on:  GRAFTON ST., FRANKLIN ST. AND HARDING ST. (Attachments)

 

14.     FIBER TECHNOLOGIES NETWORKS, L.L.C. to install and maintain fiber optic telecommunications facilities on:  BRIDGE ST. @ FALLON HOSPITAL. (Attachments)

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          15-23 FROM HEALTH - Adopted

 

15.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the Ready Set Quit Program, statistics and successes thus far, and what lessons may be learned from this program. (Attachments)

 

16.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report regarding candy cigarette sales in the City. (Attachments)

 

17.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the feasibility of reducing health insurance premiums for non-smoking City employees. (Attachments)

 

18.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the status of funds from a tobacco settlement received by the Commonwealth and subsequently disbursed to the cities and towns throughout Massachusetts. Said report shall include the dollar amount the City received and how the monies have been utilized thus far. (Attachments)

 

19.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report recommending that the City gain local control of dispensing flu vaccinations and investigate what legal recourse may be taken to discourage non-medical facilities i.e. retail stores, clubs, casinos etc. from dispending flu vaccinations. (Attachments)

 

20.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report which divulges the emergency preparedness agenda of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation meeting which will take place on March 9, 2006. (Attachments)

 

21.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report regarding the waterfowl control program, especially disseminating public information packets, and recommending an ordinance which would allow the City to charge a punitive fee for feeding the waterfowl. (Attachments)

 

22.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the residual health hazard in the top soil of the waterfowl damaged parks and recommend measures which may be taken to remedy the problem. (Attachments)

 

23.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated report regarding the Lead Collaborative Initiative hosted by the Health Department of the Health and Human Services Division. (Attachments)

 

24-33 FROM HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION - Adopted

 

24.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the feasibility of updating the RKG study and timelines necessary to accomplish same. (Attachments)

 

25.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that itemizes all Worcester’s Affordable Housing policies focusing on median income and size of families. (Attachments)

 

26.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the Community Preservation Act identifying the cities and towns in the Commonwealth who enlisted in this program and specifying any monetary requirements associated with participating in the Community Preservation Act. (Attachments)

 

27.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that details the monetary amounts associated with the median income range and identify the number of households that fall into said category. Further request a more detailed listing of the number of households, which measure above and below the median income at various income levels and monetary amounts associated with those income levels. (Attachments)

 

28.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding available affordable housing vs. demand at various low-income levels. (Attachments)

 

29.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the effects of predatory lending upon homeownership in the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

30.     Request City Manager enlighten the public relative to the Work Force Homeownership Program and consider collaborating with the non-profit agencies throughout the City to arrange seminars to educate the public. (Attachments)

 

31.     Request City Manager promote homeownership throughout the City by campaigning in distressed sections of the City and formulate a plan to disseminate homeownership material throughout the City. (Attachments)

 

32.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that compares the 43% homeownership in Worcester to other large cities in the Commonwealth and across the country. (Attachments)

 

33.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that details the City’s role in the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. Further request the report to include a mission statement from the CMRPC. (Attachments)

 

34 FROM LAND USE - Adopted

 

34.     Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks to conduct a traffic study of the intersection of Grafton Street, Barclay Street and Penn Avenue and make recommendations for improvements for better traffic flow that might consider including a left turn from the parking lot of the proposed Walgreen’s store. (Attachments)

 

35-40 FROM MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Adopted

 

35.     Request the City Manager provide City Council with an updated summary report regarding the RFP process for banking services. (Attachments)

 

36.     Request City Manager to enlist the services of local colleges to assist the City Assessor in compiling a list of non-owner occupied residences in the City. (Attachments)

 

37.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated report regarding the City’s Health Insurance Opt-Out Program. (Attachments)

 

38.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the cost/benefit analysis for the implementation of Chapter 32B, Section 18 to require retirees who are eligible to be covered by Medicare do so. Further, request the City Manager ascertain whether existing Medicare eligible employees can voluntarily elect to participate in the Federal Medicare program prospectively. (Attachments)

 

39.     Request City Manager consider a yearly reduction for non-contributory pensions be placed into a trust fund for other post employee benefits. (Attachments)

 

40.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a status report relative to three orders regarding special legislation to establish a post employment benefit fund for retiree health care costs, utilization of Medicare Part D reimbursements to pay for this liability, and post-employment benefit funding requirements of the City’s OPEB Liability with the City’s Actuary filed by the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations on December 13, 2005 and approved by City Council on December 20, 2005. (Attachments)

 

41-44 FROM PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Adopted

 

41.     Request City Manager request the Postmaster to consider relocating the gang mailboxes off Azalea Drive closer to one of the existing streetlights so that residents are able to retrieve their mail during the hours of darkness in a safer environment. Further, request that a response be provided by the Postmaster within 60 days. (Attachments)

 

42.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report comparing the Worcester Regional Roadways Planning Project transportation plan with that offered by Secretary of Transportation John Cogliano. (Attachments)

 

43.     Request City Manager obtain copies of the records of the meetings of the Worcester Regional Roadways Planning Project and forward them to the City Council so that the Council is informed about the dialogue between the members of this task force. (Attachments)

 

44.     Request City Manager communicate with Congressman Edward J. Markey that the City Council is in support of his efforts to ensure that local governments remain in control of local cable television licensing. (Attachments)

 

45-47 FROM PUBLIC WORKS - Adopted

 

45.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works to provide a report concerning the history and process for street approval of the streets involved in the Winter Heights subdivision. (Attachments)

 

46.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works to review the stairways on the Hamilton St. median and provide a plan that would include the repair or removal of these stairways and include any safety considerations such as railways and crosswalks. (Attachments)

 

47.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works to provide the City Council with an updated report concerning the Leaf Mulching Site to include findings of the tour last summer, complaints, maps where yard waste will be placed and any plans for amenities that will be given to the neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

47a-47k FROM YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION - Suspension of Rules - Adopted

 

47a.   Request City Manager revise the Master Plan for Rockwood Field so that access to the park is available to residents of the Glendale Street and Hunthurst Circle neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

47b.   Request City Manager communicate with the Administration of Worcester State College the neighborhood concerns of campus noise and lighting. (Attachments)

 

47c.   Request City Manager provide the City Council with a copy of the signed agreement between Worcester State College and the City of Worcester for the long-term use of the college’s parking lots for visitors to Rockwood Field and playing fields. (Attachments)

 

47d.   Request City Manager provide the City Council with the cost that was estimated to build the playing field at Beaver Brook Park that has been eliminated. (Attachments)

 

47e.   Request City Manager review the Master Plan for Beaver Brook Park and report to the City Council regarding an estimated cost for a concession stand near the proposed football field and for restrooms near the Little League fields, so that these might be included in the final plans in the event sufficient funding is available. (Attachments)

 

47f.    Request City Manager and/or the Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools to provide the City Council with a transition plan for the Worcester Vikings to utilize the fields and lighting at Foley Stadium. (Attachments)

 

47g.   Request City Manager request the Police Chief to enforce the “No Alcohol” policy at Beaver Brook Park. (Attachments)

 

47h.   Request City Manager request the operator of the Mayfield Big Y Supermarket to consider installing a live screening between their store entrance and parking area and the homes on the east side of Mann Street. (Attachments)

 

47i.    Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to provide the City Council with the reasoning behind the elimination of the footbridge from the Beaver Brook Park Master Plan as well as the savings that are to be realized by the design change. (Attachments)

 

47j.    Request City Manager provide the City Council with a description of the berm to be installed along the waterway that is to be daylighted in Beaver Brook Park; including materials to be used and the height above the grade of the water and surrounding fields. (Attachments)

 

47k.   Request City Manager request the Police Chief to install a periodic speeding surveillance detail in Mann Street. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

48.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing drug overdose deaths in the City of Worcester from 2001 through to the present date, including details such as resident/non-resident, sex, age and cause of death. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

49.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the progress and programs regarding a community school-based health center at the Elm Park Community School. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

50.     Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the availability of outdoor handball courts at the City’s parks – present and planned.  Said report to include the conditions of the existing courts and the cost estimates to bring them up to tournament condition. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

51.     Request City Manager identify any and all public works programs that are state and federally mandated. (Palmieri, Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

52.     Request City Manager institute police foot and motor patrols in the Norfolk St. neighborhood in response to the recent shootings. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

53.     Request City Manager report to City Council a solution to the street flooding that occurs in the vicinity of Higgins Armory; the intersection of Randolph Rd. and Barber Ave. (Palmieri, Smith) (Attachments) Adopted

 

 

54.     Request Commissioner of Public Works recommend to the City Council a plan to construct sidewalks on major arteries where a gap currently exists. (Palmieri, Smith, Lukes, Rosen) (Attachments) Adopted

 

55.     Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to provide the City Council with a report concerning the budgeted amount for street painting and striping adhesive material, and a comparison of the benefits of using one over the other in the program to control traffic across the city. (Smith) (Attachments)

 

Councillor Lukes moved to amend: Further, request City Manager to provide a report on how many current employees are assigned to street painting and what other job responsibilities are assigned to them.

Adopted, as amended

 

56.     Request City Manager report on when it will post in a separate and prominent category on the City’s web site, all openings for any summer position/job/internship, whether funded or unfunded, whether paid for by tax levy or other funds, and the process for applying, the deadlines for applying, with application forms available on the site as voted by the City Council on October 4, 2005. (Lukes, Haller, Rosen, Palmieri, Toomey) (Attachments) Adopted

 

57.     Request City Manager report on whether a lottery process for filling summer, temporary or internship positions, paid or unpaid where appropriate has been developed in accordance with the vote of the City Council on October 4, 2005 and if so to report on the process to the Council. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

58.     Request City Manager report to City Council on its nepotism policy in hiring practices. (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report to City Council concerning its policy for appointments to Boards and Commissions.

Adopted, as amended

 

59.     Request City Manager consider implementing programs that will help retain more of our skilled and talented graduates of Worcester area colleges and universities by connecting these students with the region’s business sector for job opportunities. (Rosen, Palmieri, Smith, Toomey) (Attachments)

 

Mayor Murray moved to amend: Further request City Manager report concerning the internship programs that currently exist at each of the colleges and universities in the City and use these programs as a benchmark to expand and grow upon.

Adopted, as amended

 

60.     Request City Manager to provide City Council with an update to the plans to utilize all of the remaining unfinished space at the Worcester Senior Center. (Rosen, Perotto) (Attachments)

 

Mayor Murray moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report on the feasibility of including an Adult Senior Daycare at the Senior Center and to include what other communities in addition to Pittsfield offer this program.

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request City Manager provide a copy of the previous study of the Sr. Center that included the cost to build-out phase 2 & 3 and to include what current costs might be and also provide a list of all Capital Improvements made to the Senior Center building and the surrounding area.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

61.     Request the Standing Committee on Elder Affairs to review state legislation (S433 and H1491) which recognizes the need to expand facilities and programs for the growing senior population.  These bills would create a mechanism to provide state funding to aid cities and towns in the planning, reconstruction, construction, design, acquisition of real property, renovation, preservation, rehabilitation, demolition, expansion of a facility to be used as a municipal senior center. (Rosen, Perotto) (Attachments) Adopted – Also referred to Elder Affairs Committee for informational purposes only

 

62.     Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the feasibility of the city hiring a consultant to assist with the city’s efforts to expand commuter rail. (Murray, Petty, Perotto) (Attachments)

 

Mayor Murray moved to amend: Further, request City Manager schedule a meeting with the Executive Director of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission to discuss this issue as well as possible funding.

          Adopted, as amended

 

63.     Request City Manager report to City Council whether any efficiencies might be realized utilizing the expertise of the statistician at the Worcester Police Department in compiling and analyzing statistics of the Worcester Fire Department as they relate to issues of the public’s safety. (Petty) (Attachments) Adopted

 

64.     Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the feasibility of enacting an ordinance that would prohibit the presence of unregistered, uninsured vehicles on private property for any period of time more than six months. (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Mayor Murray moved to amend: Further, that an amnesty program be included in this proposed ordinance.

          Adopted, as amended

 

65.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the number of Massachusetts municipalities that offer a tax work-off program for seniors and the general nature of each program. (Clancy) (Attachments) Adopted

 

65a.   Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the legality of placing portable basketball hoops in the city streets. Clancy–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65b.   Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the legality of tagging vehicles on private properties whose inspection stickers have expired. Clancy–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65c.   Request City Manger report to City Council concerning two incidents of shootings with pellet guns or rifles in the Richmond Ave./Beeching St./Pleasant St. areas and whether it is part of a larger pattern and if there increased police surveillance in these areas. Lukes–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65d.   Request City Manager communicate with National Grid to request a delay power shut down in the Franklin St./Plantation St./Harrington Way areas for one month until winter is over. Palmieri–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65e.   Request City Manager facilitate the removal of an abandoned vehicle at 22 Wilson St. Palmieri–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65f.    Request City Manager review the traffic signals in Chandler Street at Mill Street and Pleasant Street at Tatnuck Sq. so all lights are synchronized and the mechanics are tripping properly. Rushton–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

65g.   Request City Manager review the traffic signals in Highland St. nearest Lincoln Square so that the three sets of lights are synchronized. Rushton–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

66 - ADOPTED

 

66.     SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT:  CHINO AVE. (Attachments)

 

67.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE – No Action Taken

 

FINANCE

 

a.       #29a CM January 31, 2006

Communication of the City Manager regarding a fiscal year 2006 status report on the number of, and the amount of, Federal and State grants written, awarded, and pending approval by the appropriate Federal and State agencies. (Attachments)

 

b.       #29b CM January 31, 2006

Communication of the City Manager relative to Governor Romney’s proposed budget for Fiscal 2007, including his recommendations for local aid for the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS

 

68-77 ACCEPTED

 

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

 

68.     Relative to Tobacco Control Program – Contract Expansion. (Attachments)

         

69.     Relative to request for Personnel/Clerk Typist Tobacco Control Program. (Attachments)

 

70.     Relative to the water quality at Coes Pond. (Attachments)

 

71.     Relative to the Influenza vaccine distribution. (Attachments)

         

72.     Relative to a report on the West Nile Virus. (Attachments)

 

73.     Relative to the influenza clinics being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services. (Attachments)

 

74.     Regarding Response Planning for the Avian Flu. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

75.     Relative to an update and initiatives on the City Housing Policies. (Attachments)

         

76.     Relative to the City of Worcester’s Action Plan for implementation of key Housing Policy Goals. (Attachments)

         

77.     Relative to the City’s NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center. (Attachments)

 

78-80 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

78.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Attorney Stephen Madaus on behalf of Bodorgan Corp. request zone change at 15 Ararat St. from its current zoning designation of partially RL-7; Residence, Limited and partially MG-1.0; Manufacturing General to a zoning designation of MG-1.0 Manufacturing, General entirely: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

79.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian request to extend BG-3 zone on Chandler St. at Bellevue St.; include land on Austin St. Zone change would include the property at 199 Chandler St. (rear) portion of property and 183-175 Austin St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

80.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Attorney Samuel DeSimone request to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Worcester by extending the Limited Business (BL-1) zone line from its present location, between Penn Ave. & Barclay St. just southerly of Grafton St. to Clarkson St. The area to be rezoned is currently zoned RG-5: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

          81-110 ACCEPTED

 

81.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to comprehensive review of inspection procedures for mechanical amusement rides: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

82.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Communication of David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting Zoning Board of Appeals decision dated August 20, 1975 for property located at 15 Ararat St., requested by the Land Use Committee:  recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

83.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to 15 Ararat St.: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

84.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Yetvart Penbeyan request to extend RG-5 zoning area to include entire parcel of land located at 120 Lincoln St. Currently lot is split between RG-5 & BL-1.0: recommend the Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

85.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Land Use Committee Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Ronald Lorusso request to change the zone classification of Lot B on Woburn St. from MG-0.5 to RL-7: recommend the Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

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

 

86.     Relative to increasing income thresholds for the tax deferral program, the hardship exemption program, and the Elderly Exemption program. (Attachments)

 

87.     Relative to banking services. (Attachments)

 

88.     Relative to banking services. (Attachments)

         

89.     Relative to payroll process flowchart. (Attachments)

         

90.     Relative to abatements for three decker landlords. (Attachments)

 

91.     Relative to abatements for Three Deckers. (Attachments)

         

92.     Recommending the approval of an ordinance amending section 3.9 part one of Appendix C of the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996, Executive Management Compensation System. (Attachments)

 

93.     Relative to computer tracking system to assist with benefits and services. (Attachments)

 

94.     Relative to FY04 year-end report grants division. (Attachments)

 

95.     Relative to number of vehicles and marked vehicles in the police department. (Attachments)

 

96.     Relative to the City’s Health Insurance Opt-Out Program. (Attachments)

         

97.     Relative to Year-end estimate on the status of the City’s self-insured Blue Cross Products. (Attachments)

         

98.     Relative to Collective Rates/Write-off Policy. (Attachments)

         

99.     Relative to Tax Lien Sales-status. (Attachments)

         

100.   Relative to timeframe available and utilized by the City to perfect a tax lien. (Attachments)

 

101.   Relative to an analysis the city’s tax lien account for the last five fiscal years. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Communications of James DelSignore, City Auditor: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

102.   Transmitting communication relative to potential increases under MGL Chapter 32, Sections 90A, C, D & E and request for information           relative to January 1998 Retirement Bd. Meeting minutes and how Retirement system assets are valuated. (Attachments)

 

103.   Transmitting City’s Management Letter for year ended June 30, 2004.

(Attachments)

 

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

 

104.   Relative to Federal Transportation Funding. (Attachments)

 

105.   Relative to forthcoming Telecommunication Forum. (Attachments)

         

106.   Relative to Real Property and Excise Tax Status of Wireless Service

Equipment. (Attachments)

         

107.   Relative to an update on the cable renewal process and the related implementation of a Telecommunications and Information Task Force. (Attachments)

 

108.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission transmitting 2004 Annual Report:  recommend the Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions for street lights: recommend the Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

109.   Francis Rutigliano et al request street lights be turned on at night at Plantation Street and Wigwam Hill Drive. (Attachments)

         

110.   Thamarai Chelvan, President, London Billiards Club, request to fix street light near the parking lot across from 70 James Street. (Attachments)

 

          111 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

111.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager request the review and adoption by your Honorable Body of the attached amendments relative to water and sewer rates for the city’s elderly who are eligible for Clause 41C, Real Estate Exemption:  recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances. (Attachments)

 

          112-120 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

112.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Maureen Schwab, Canal District CDC, Inc. request a pilot program of a ‘street-scape’ type reconstruction of that section of Lafayette St. from Millbury St. to Harding St. in order to produce a plan for future roadway improvement projects for the Green Island Neighborhood. The pilot program may include, but not be limited to: exposed paving block road surface, ornamental street lighting, handicap-accessible sidewalk and crosswalk treatments, and signature signage: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.  (Attachments)

 

113.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Sophie Kaltsas request installation of drainage to mitigate flooding onto my property which is bounded by Meadowbrook Rd., Dennison Rd., Salisbury St. and Flagg St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

114.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Maria V. Lawler-McDonnell and Alan McDonnell request to install an additional catch basin on Mower Street to adequately divert the excess storm water that currently overflows the catch basin on Cataract Street and causes substantial flooding of adjacent properties: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

115.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councillor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Thomas DiReda request driveway apron and public staircase at 20 Rena St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

116.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Joel Greece request Chandler St. between Mill St. and June St. be repaved and that all sewer covers be even with the street pavement: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

117.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Kevin McManus on behalf of Stafford Development LLC, request water connection to 496 Stafford St., Cherry Valley at the expense of the petitioner and in accordance with DPW specifications: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

118.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ken Salsman request acceptance for a connection of a low pressure sewer line to the existing City of Worcester sewer main located within Westborough St. The connection is from property located at 130 Westborough St. in the town of Millbury: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

119.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Beth Cohan, Vantage Point Homes, LLC request sewer extension to Weetamoe Street, a private way, from the intersection of Iroquois St. a distance of 268 feet as approved by the Department of Environmental Protection on March 16, 2005: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to amend sewer extension for 800 feet. (Attachments)

 

120.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the sewer betterment assessment rate and methodology: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

          121-145 ACCEPTED

 

121.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mayor Timothy P. Murray and Councillor Frederick C. Rushton on behalf of Edward Tankanow request brook width to be widened closest to 28 Greybert Lane: recommend Petition be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

122.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Anthony Papagni on behalf of Girls, Inc. request City Council to grant Camp Kinneywood on Stonehouse Hill Rd., Holden, MA a 20 ft. wide easement for sewer, water & access from the Camp Kinneywood site to Stonehouse Hill Rd.: recommend the Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

         

123.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mark Biller, V.P. Stafford Hill Estates request to connect to the City of Worcester water and sewer from Stafford St. to the Stafford Hill Estates development just over the Worcester line in Leicester: recommend the Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions for abatements for sewer assessments: recommend Petitions be denied.

 

124.   Michael & Patricia Burke request abatement of sewer assessment         #30929 in the amount of $3,247.10 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

 

125.   Charlene Key Sokal request abatement of sewer assessment #30934 in the amount of $2,908.14 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

         

126.   Jonathan & Carole Steen request abatement of sewer assessment #30933 in the amount of $2,579.82 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

         

127.   John & Kathleen Harrity request abatement of sewer assessment #30932 in the amount of $2,448.72 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

         

128.   Frederick Hutson & Nancy Burnham request abatement of sewer assessment #30930 in the amount of $4,684.64 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

         

129.   Linda Dagnello request abatement of sewer assessment #30931 in the amount of $2,850.00 on Burgess Rd. (Attachments)

         

130.   Gerard Bergeron request abatement of sewer assessment #30970 in the amount of $3,292.32 on Chester St. (Attachments)

 

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

 

131.   Relative to the Water and Sewer Abatement Program Chapter 41. (Attachments)

 

132.   Relative to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District Plant Upgrade Project status. (Attachments)

         

133.   Relative to the 2005 Fall Leaf Collection Program. (Attachments)

 

134.   Relative to Economic Development Initiatives Report October 2005. (Attachments)

 

135.   Relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives November 2005. (Attachments)

         

136.   Relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives December 2005. (Attachments)

         

137.   Relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives January 2006. (Attachments)

 

138.   Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) activity reports for the months of May, June and July 2005. (Attachments)

         

139.   Relative to Keep Worcester Clean  (KWC) August 2005 Activity

Report. (Attachments)

         

140.   Relative to Keep Worcester Clean  (KWC) September 2005 Activity Report. (Attachments)

         

141.   Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) October 2005 Activity Report. (Attachments)

         

142.   Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) November 2005 Activity report. (Attachments)

 

143.   Relative to Abandoned Vehicle Status Report. (Attachments)

 

144.   Relative to the Abandoned Vehicle Status Report. (Attachments)

 

145.   Relative to the Winter Parking Ban/Public Awareness Campaign. (Attachments)

 

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

 

146.   Resolution - That the City Council go on record to be in support of the Blackstone Gateway Visitors Center using federal and state funds in conjunction with leases & investments from the Historical Museum and the Worcester County Visitors Bureau with the support and coordination with the City Administration seeking all the funding revenue resources before any tax levy is used before the city’s commitment. (Palmieri) – Tabled under privilege – Perotto (Attachments)

 

Taken off the Table and Mayor Murray recused on a roll call 8-0 (Haller, Petty absent)

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

MARCH 13, 2006      5:30 P.M.	YOUTH, PARKS& RECREATION	COUNCIL CHAMBER
MARCH 15, 2006       6:00 P.M.	PUBLIC WORKS	COUNCIL CHAMBER
MARCH 20, 2006       3:30 P.M.	MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS	COUNCIL CHAMBER
MARCH 22, 2006      6:00 P.M.	HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION	COUNCIL CHAMBER
MARCH 23, 2006 1ST Session: Noon                to 1:30 P.M. 2nd Session:  6:00 P.M.                to 7:30 P.M.	JOINT COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION	COUNCIL CHAMBER
MARCH 27, 2006       3:30 P.M.	COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT	COUNCIL CHAMBER
APRIL 3, 2006	LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS	COUNCIL CHAMBER
6:00 P.M.