CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:46 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:26 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council meeting of May 15, 2012.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location in: HEYWOOD ST. & JONES ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location in: HEYWOOD ST. & JONES ST.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring May 28th as Worcester Art Museum Art All-State Program Day and it was presented to Matthias Waschek and he thanked the city for this honor on behalf of the Art Museum and his colleagues Honee Hess and Gillian Bonazoli.

Sue Martin request potholes be repaired on the private portion of Beaver Brook Parkway, between May and Maywood Sts.

Timothy & Virginia Sullivan request sidewalk repair in front of 16 Mattson Ave.

Rosemary Donis request the handicap parking space in front of 63 Elliott St. be removed.

Shaun Foreman request traffic signage be installed on Auburn St. to slow speeding cars.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request the City Auditor provide City Council with a list of investments. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the pay range for the new position of Deputy Director of Human Resources. (Russell)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager quantify the services Human Resources provides to the Worcester Public Schools. (Lukes)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager quantify the services DPW Central Garage Division provides to the Worcester Public Schools. (Lukes)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide an update regarding upcoming plans for implementing aquatics facilities. (O'Brien)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report what resources would be necessary to have the Main Public Library open on Mondays. (Eddy)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report what resources would be needed to achieve accreditation status for the Worcester Public Library. (Eddy)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report the pay range for the library reference service and branch service coordinators in other communities. (Economou)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager report possible future expansion of regionalization and how revenues can be optimized to continue providing more public health services. (Rushton)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide a list of all city vehicles by department and include details such as year, make, mileage and manner as to how repairs are made. (Lukes)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide a sample of what 9.3 million dollars in cuts would look like to the FY2013 budget and what would a 9.3 million dollar increase in taxes would look like if City Council were to increase the Worcester Public School budget as they have requested. (Eddy)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request the City Manager request the City Solicitor report to the City Council concerning the issue of identification being presented at the time of filing intentions to be married.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request the City Manager request the Chief Financial Officer report monthly to the City Council those fees collected by the City Clerk Department, beginning with the month of July 2012 and further, request the City Clerk provide the City Council with the number of weddings that took place at City Hall during the past six months.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager with National Grid develop a standardized live time map that translates National Grid's work plans in a more user friendly format. This would allow advanced notification of what is happening within the city as to tree trimming management and infrastructure improvement and the city's administration can act as a conduit between National Grid and the community.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager work with National Grid to outline goals and expectations as to what needs to be accomplished and what can or can not be done; such as when can a standardized map be developed, when can a master plan of the city's infrastructure be developed, how much investment is needed to take place for the city to be kept current, what needs to be done for routine maintenance and management, and when can Smart Grid or other like technology be implemented to improve lines of communications.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request National Grid, when deploying the Smart Grid pilot program, notify City Council as to whether or not Worcester's local qualified workforce can be hired if additional personnel is needed for implementation of this program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks communicate with the various GPS vendors to ensure that access to Kinnicutt Road South is correctly delineated.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager arrange to have running totals of activities accomplished by staff of the Department of Public Works and Parks and community partners through the Keep Worcester Clean efforts posted to the city's web pages.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide to City Council for review the state statutes concerning the Parks Commission and their functions.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with the status to a previously requested report concerning the repair or restoration of the swimming pool at South High Community School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager report to City Council the following: 1) what were the financial investments in soccer fields in the past five years; 2) what funds are currently allocated for soccer field renovations; and 3) are there any existing soccer field plans.

Request City Manager consider the establishment of a "Swap Shop" program staffed with some or all volunteers in order to defray tax levy costs. (Lukes)

Request City Manager participate with business, cultural and educational institutions to promote and market signature sailing events conducted at Lake Quinsigamond.(Lukes)

Request City Manager report on how the 2013 City Budget, new growth and Proposition 2 1/2 limits will impact on continuing the 40-60% tax levy allocation between residential, commercial, industrial and personal property recently voted by the City Council for fiscal year 2012 tax classification, in preparation for the City Council's vote on the next tax classification vote to be scheduled on or about December 2012. (Lukes)

Request the City Manager work with the Cultural Commission and other community stakeholders to develop a vision for creating all other forms of community art for future Art in the Park events. (Rushton)

Request City Manager and Chief Financial Officer review the listing of institution into which they direct municipal deposits to ensure that these same institutions are in full compliance with the City of Worcester protocols for bonding, securing and maintaining foreclosed properties. (Russell)

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks to install basketball hoops and a tennis net to the park on Burncoat St. next to Burncoat Street Preparatory School. (Economou)

Request City Manager and the appropriate administrators report to the City Council what the City's plan is going forward to handle vacant properties, foreclosed homes and vacant lots. (Economou, Russell)

Request City Manager arrange to have grassy areas adjacent to the major city-controlled and state-controlled arteries be reasonably mowed in the interest of public safety and aesthetics. (Russell)

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, recommend Adoption of Orders relative to the Elderly Abatement Program

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to reports from the Department of Public Health and the Task Force on Public Health.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the Impact of Providing the Worcester Public Schools with Additional Funding.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to Revised Operating Budget Information.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, respectfully recommend that Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($15,000.00) be transferred from Account # 900-92000, City Manager’s Contingency, and appropriated to Veterans Services Account # 047-92000, for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at Green Hill Park.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of City Manager recommending adoption of an amendment to Chapter 2 of the Revised Ordinances Pertaining to Establishing the Fee for the Solemnization of Marriages: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance as amended to establish the fee for lawfully solemnizing and certifying a marriage to be $75.00. The fee shall be waived for active duty United States military personnel.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Joyce Sutherland et al request street resurfacing of Hunthurst Circle: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of State Representative John Fresolo on behalf of Larry Adams request repair or solution to water run off from Massasoit Rd. washing out Evergreen Lane after heavy rains: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a new apron where Evergreen Lane meets Massasoit Rd.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Damien Jacob request to remove the incomplete mono-pole structures on city owned sidewalks dotting the length of North Main St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Damien Jacob request to remove the several forgotten footings in downtown: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Proposed Route 20 Infrastructure Plan, Including Viability, Timetable and Cost: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the Month of January 2012: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Martha Giard et al request curbing be realigned where roots of former maple trees protruded on Arbutus Rd.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jonathan Stott request to connect 52 & 54 Evers St., Auburn, MA to the city's water service: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ruth Margolis request City Council address concerns in the public way surrounding 6 Kinnicutt Rd. South: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Susan & Brian Amos request the city investigate the cause of the flooding at 164 Flagg St. along Beaver Brook and find a solution for this problem: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of Richard Levitt request to install a catch basin between 69 and 71 Barry Rd.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for Improvements to University Park: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilors William J. Eddy and Joffrey A. Smith - Request the Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation coordinate a discussion between the administration and the resident and business groups in the Tatnuck neighborhood concerning the siting and creation of a skateboard park in the west side: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting an update regarding the disposition of the historic Fire Alarm & Telegraph Building located at 230 Park Avenue: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 47 Ellsworth St. adjacent to the existing handicap parking space.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 11 Richards St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking on Harvard St. adjacent to 18 Walnut St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 41 Mann St

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking on Channing St. adjacent to 12 Mount Vernon St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 201 Dana Ave.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 65 Milton St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 11 Hillside St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 17 Mendon St.

Amend Section IX of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for a No Parking Tow Away Zone 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday on both sides of Gold St. from Green St. to Summit St. Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind No Parking 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday on the north side of Gold St. from Green St. to a pt. 158' west of Green St. Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind No Parking Anytime on the south side of Gold St. from Green St. to Summit St.

Amend Section 47 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to reduce the No Parking Zone in front of 96 Dorchester St.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the Resident Permit Parking on Marion Ave. south side from Providence St. to Shannon St. from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Amend Section 37Q of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind No Parking Tow Away Zone on the south side of Marion Ave. from Providence St. to Shannon St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 11 Suffolk St.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for resident permit parking in front of 23 Suffolk St. to the David Clark CO. Parking Lot.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri and State Representative Vincent Pedone request to install a trailer truck ban in Mulberry St. between Shrewsbury St. and East Central St.: recommend the passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled - Petty June 8, 2010)

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in support Senate Bill 610, an act protecting condominium owners filed by Senator Harriette Chandler and Senator Richard Moore. (Tabled - O'Brien July 19, 2011)

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in support of the Administration’s efforts to negotiate the maximum hiring of local residents in Tax Increment Financing agreements and other tools used to attract business and to expand our tax base. (Tabled - O'Brien September 13, 2011)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the status of #5 May Street. (Tabled - O'Brien January 31, 2012)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting communication expanding upon the newspaper article regarding the human error factor which occurred in the city's recount. (Tabled - Lukes February 7, 2012)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Finance for Housing Developments within the City of Worcester. (Tabled - O'Brien February 28, 2012)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Council support more diverse new housing development with an emphasis on market-rate housing with a maximum of 10% affordable units if there are going to any units available for development in the downtown Worcester area: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled - Lukes May 1, 2012)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) be transferred from Account # 121-92000, Law Court Judgments, and be appropriated to Account #120-92000, Law Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2012. (Tabled Lukes - May 8, 2012)

Motion Russell @ #10e CC - Request City Manager make a recommendation as to how to require banks, who possess foreclosed properties, to record this ownership as part of the public record.