CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:30 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Tony Economou William J. Eddy
Michael J. Germain Konstantina B. Lukes
Joseph C. O'Brien Philip P. Palmieri City Clerk
David J. Rushford
Sarai Rivera Frederick C. Rushton
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER - CHOIRS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH AND NOTRE DAME ACADEMY - PERFORMED LIVE

3.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor in the Chair except for Councilor Germain, Lukes, Palmeri and Rivera. Councilor Lukes and Palmieri arrived at 7:07 P.M. and Councilor Rivera arrived at 7:33 P.M.

4.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

4a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 5, 2013.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

5.

ITEMS OF PUBLIC INTEREST

5a.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring April 12, 2013 as Worcester to Ireland Day recognizing All Saints Church’s Choir of Men and Boys and St. Cecilia and Notre Dame Academy Girls Choir’s trip to Ireland. The Proclamation was presented to All Saints Choir Director of Music Graeme McCullough and Notre Dame Academy Director of Music Kalin Johnson and Deb Nurse who organized the Choir trip.

Attachments

 

5b.

Mayor Petty recognized the following persons who spoke:
1. Casey Starr, Worceser resident
2. Nicole Apostola, Worcester resident
3. Michael Gaffney, Worcester resident
4. Jo Hart, Worcester resident

 

5c.

Councilor Eddy moved to suspend the Rules to allow a discussion of the recent property transfers at the Biotech Park. City Manager distributed copies of a letter amongst City Council from Michael Collins, MD, and Chancellor of UMass Medical School addressed to him. (see attached) The City Manager commented on this and the developing situation. Mayor Petty distributed copies of a letter amongst City Council from the city’s state delegation to President Caret of UMass Medical School. (see attached) Mayor Petty opened the floor to Councilors for discussion.

Attachments

 

6.

ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

7.

PETITIONS

7a.

Prosper Kemeh et al request the private portion of Bellvista Rd. be made public.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

7b.

Maureen White et al request installation of street lights in Joppa Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 

7c.

Anthony O'Reilly request sidewalk repair in front of 50 Maywood St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7d.

Norman Guertin et al request Fay St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7e.

Norman Guertin et al request sidewalk repair on right side of Fay St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7f.

Sharon & James Ricciardi request abatement of street assessment #24985 in the amount of $2,726.40 for Echo St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7g.

Sharon & James Ricciardi request abatement of street assessment #25024 in the amount of $10,951.20 for Zoar St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7h.

Marie DiCardy request parking meters in Chestnut St. between Chatham and High Sts. be removed.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7i.

Carl Burwick request installation of two stop signs in Neponset St. as you enter and exit the Greendale Mall.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7j.

Marie Cancelli et al request speed limit signs be posted on Hillcroft Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7k.

Marie Cancelli et al request the intersection of Dorothy Ave. and Hillcroft Ave. be made a 4 way stop.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7l.

Marie Cancelli et al request police presence for Dorothy Ave., Hillcroft Ave. and Airlie St. to monitor the speed of vehicles and drivers not obeying the present traffic signs.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7m.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Robert Abraham and State Representative John Fresolo request installation of a second handicap parking space in front of 125 Ingleside Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7n.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf James McKeag request elimination of the westerly crosswalk at the intersection of Beacon and Madison Streets.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7o.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request a solid line be added to the intersection of Austin and Irving Streets as you take a left turn and further request "stay in lane" signage be added as well.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7p.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request a "No Right Turn" sign be added across from the exit of the parking garage of the Chestnut Place Building Visitor Garage Exit.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7q.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request the traffic signals at Austin and High Streets and Austin and Main Streets be better synchronized to alleviate traffic back-up.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7r.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request parking enforcement to stop double parking along northerly side of Skymark Tower, 600 Main St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7s.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request speed enforcement in Oxford St. from Austin St. to Pleasant St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7t.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of James McKeag request a "Watch for Pedestrians" sign be installed at the crosswalk at Main and Federal Streets on the Main St. side heading northerly.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7u.

Councilor George J. Russell request installation of "Go Slow Pedestrian Crossing" and speed limit signs in the vicinity of 337 Greenwood St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7v.

Christopher Doyle request the Winter Parking Ban in Copperfield Rd, east side, from #138 to Seconset St., be removed to allow resident on-street parking.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7w.

Scott Ricker request the City only repaint crosswalks in public streets where a Mass 521 CMR compliant curb is installed at both ends of the crosswalk.

Attachments

Petitioner, Scott Ricker, appeared and spoke and requested the petition be amended to read: Request the city to not take part in the practice of painting sidewalks at crosswalks that are not compliant with Mass 521 CMR at both ends of the crosswalk until a clearly defined plan is created and with a reasonable timeline for execution of that plan mitigating the numerous barriers at crosswalks. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee.

 

7x.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request the basketball court at Crompton Park be resurfaced, the rims and nets replaced and the backboards be repainted.

Attachments

Referred to City Manager and Referred to the Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee

 

7y.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS for a conduit location in: COUNTRY CLUB BLVD.

Attachments

Hearing set for March 5, 2013 - 7:00 P.M.

 

7z.

Mauro DePasquale, Executive Director of WCCA TV13, request City’s consideration of extending our current agreement with the City until the renewal of the Franchise and that of WCCA’s agreement is accomplished.

Attachments

Mayor Petty took up items 7z, 7aa & 7bb collectively - Petitioner appeared and spoke. Councilor Lukes disclosed that she has a program on WCCA TV. Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 

7aa.

Mauro DePasquale, Executive Director of WCCA TV13, et al request the City Manager and the Cable Advisory Committee to prioritize and assure funding and grant allocations toward the continued development of WCCA TV 13’ operations and facility.

Attachments

Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 

7bb.

Mauro DePasquale, Executive Director of WCCA TV13, et al requesting City Council request the City Manager to distribute WCCA TV programming broadly throughout Worcester County or, at least, through Charter’s system in towns surrounding Worcester.

Attachments

Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 

8.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

8.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
 

8.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

8.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

8.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Workforce Central Career Center 3rd Annual Job Fair with Worcester Sharks.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Hotel Availability in the City.

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 
C.

Transmitting Communication Relative to the 5 May Street Property.

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development. Mayor Petty at the request of City Manager moved to reconsider item #8.4C – Reconsideration approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt – Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
D.

Transmitting Informational Communication Regarding the South Worcester Industrial Park

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 
E.

Transmitting Informational Communication Regarding the 2012 Economic Development Year in Review

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 
 

8.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

8.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Traffic Study Performed for Davidson Road.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

8.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the Month of December 2012.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the On and Off Street Parking Program Assessment Study.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 
 

8.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

8.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

8.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a FFY 2013 Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Moped-Type Safety Enforcement and Equipment Grant

Attachments

Resolution adopted

 
 

8.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a FY 2013 State 911 Training Grant.

Attachments

Resolution adopted

 
 

8.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

8.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
 

8.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Department of Inspectional Services 2012 Year in Review.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
 

8.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

8.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

8.17

DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
A.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative Grant, and a US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant.

Attachments

Two (2) Resolutions adopted

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Medical Marijuana Listening Sessions.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

8.18

DIVISION OF ELDER AFFAIRS
 

8.19

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

8.20

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Human Services Division
 

8.21

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

8.22

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

8.23

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

8.24

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication on Year-to-Date Revenues, as of January 31, 2013.

Attachments

Referred to Finance Committee

 
 

8.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

8.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
 

8.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City’s Recent Bond Anticipation Note Rating.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
 

8.28

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Dollars And Nine Cents ($7,380.09) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7803A, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to DPW Account #41C703, Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of this much needed photo copier.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Forty Two Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Eight Dollars And No Cents ($142,668.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7313A, Water Capital Equipment, when and as received and be appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Capital, to allow for the purchase and future payment of this equipment per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
C.

Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be transferred as follows: Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($50,000.00) from Loan account #91C7393B, Trunk Sewers / Interceptors, and Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) from Loan Account #91C7452B, Trunk Sewers / Interceptors and the total be appropriated to DPW Account #44C750, Lateral Sewers to allow for the payment of current and future obligations per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
D.

Recommend that Thirty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($30,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C7803A, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account #55C701, Worcester Public Library Equipment, to fund the purchase of a delivery van.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
E.

Recommend that Thirty Three Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Nine Dollars And No Cents ($33,229.00) be transferred from Account # 91C7803A, Citywide Capital Equipment, be appropriated to Account #26C701, Fire Department Capital.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
F.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7411K, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C799, Street Construction, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
G.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7453I, Sewer Pumping Rehab., and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C764, Sewer Pumping Station Capital Program, per cash flow procedures.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
H.

Recommend that ($6,400,000.00), Six Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars, be transferred from Account #91C7111A, Citywide ESCO, and appropriated as follows $5,792,800.00 to Account #04C754, and $502,000.00 to Account 04C75401, and $105,200.00 to Account #04C75402, to pay for contractual obligations related to improvements for the citywide ESCO project.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
 

8.29

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($450,000.00) be transferred from Account #33008, Reserve for Appropriation - Premium on Loans, and be appropriated as follows: Account #18S37409, Neighborhood Stabilization, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) and Account #18S36712, HOME Year 20, Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($250,000.00), for the repayment of funds to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
B.

Recommend that Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) be transferred from Account #650-92000, Auditing Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Account #650-91000, Auditing Personal Services, to fund a temporary position to perform scanning duties. Furthermore, recommend that Six Thousand Five Hundred Forty Dollars And No Cents ($6,540.00) be transferred from Account #650-92000, Auditing Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Account #650-93000, Auditing Capital, to fund the purchase of a document scanner.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 
 

8.30

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

8.31

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

8.32

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Recommend Approval of the Proposed 2013 Calendar for Municipal Elections.

Attachments

Approved on a voice vote Councilor Lukes moved for reconsideration – Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 9 Nays (Yea – Lukes) (Nays – Economou, Eddy, O’Brien, Palmieri, Rivera, Rushton, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Germain absent). Approved

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the 12th Annual Caffrey Memorial Award.

Attachments

The City Manager congratulated David F. Johnson for being this year's recipient of the Caffrey Memorial Award and thanked him for his volunteerism and community service. Doug Caffrey & Nancy Brunelle on behalf of their family presented him with the award and the flag that flew over Union Station. State Representative John Fresolo presented a letter of commendation from the Massachusetts Speaker of the House. Mr. Johnson thanked everyone for this honor. Placed on file

 
9.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

9a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager recommend to City Council within 30 days the framework for the structure of a program for future funding of the financial gaps that will arise for improvements that property owners with the proposed Crown Hill Local Historic District will choose to make to their properties.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10.

ORDERS

10a.

Request City Manager request the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider selling the naming rights to the Worcester Common Oval Skating Rink. (Lukes)

Attachments

Referred to Parks and Recreation Commission

 

10b.

Request City Manager provide a legal opinion as to obligation of abutting owners to shovel out a crosswalk located along their sidewalk. (Lukes, Rivera)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10c.

Request City Manager report to City Council by the first agenda in April with a proposed Ordinance relative to the operation of food trucks in Worcester that is similar to Boston and Providence’s relative to same. (Rushton, Rivera, Economou, Toomey)

Attachments

Councilor Eddy moved to oppose. Mayor Petty moved to amend to read: Request City Manager report to City Council by the first agenda in April the operation and regulations of food trucks in Boston and Providence. Councilor Eddy’s motion – Not Put. Order adopted as amended.

 

10d.

Request City Manager provide an update regarding the noise coming from CSX or MBTA operations in the early morning hours that are affecting the residents in the Shrewsbury St. and Franklin St. areas and further, request the City Manager set up a community meeting to discuss these concerns. (Palmieri)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10e.

DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC : RUSSELL CALVIN DRIVE

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

10f.

DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: SOPHIA DRIVE

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

10g.

TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION : DOMINION ROAD

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

11.

RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE

11a.

#10a CC June 19, 2012 Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Auditor's Report for May 2012.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11b.

#13a CC July 17, 2012 Communication of Helen Friel, Ed.D., Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of School Committee, transmitting communication relative to the motion of School Committee Members Mr. O'Connell and Miss Biancheria requesting to coordinate with the City Council and the City Manager to schedule the school department budget hearings for fiscal year 2014 so that the School Committee will address its budget before the City Council conducts its own budget hearings.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11c.

#10.24A CM November 13, 2012 Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Commonwealth's Revenue Shortfall for First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2013.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11d.

#11a CC November 13, 2012 Communication of the City Auditor transmitting a letter from the Department of Revenue certifying Free Cash in the general fund as of July 1, 2012 in the amount of $4,284,511, this amount is available for appropriation in fiscal 2013. Free Cash was also certified for the city's enterprise funds and is available in them for expenditure in fiscal 2013 as follows: Water $2,374,068 and Sewer $2,161,700.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11e.

#8a CC January 29, 2013 James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting Auditor's Reports for November 2012 and December 2012.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11f.

#8.24A CM February 5, 2013 Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City’s Expenditures and Revenues through Mid-Year Fiscal Year 2013.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11g.

#8.32A CM February 5, 2013 Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Governor's Proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Recommendation.

Attachments

No action taken

 

11h.

#8.32B CM February 5, 2013 Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Commonwealth's Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Commission's Recommendations.

Attachments

No action taken

 

12.

REPORTS OF THE PLANNING BOARD

12a.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager request to make public Woodhaven Lane.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

12b.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager request to make public the private portion of Whitla Dr.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

12c.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Wing Kwan request to make public the private portion of High Ridge Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

13.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

13a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Historical Commission upon the Petition of Janet Merrill, President of Crown Hill Neighborhood Association requesting to create a Local Historic District to include some properties in the area of Pleasant, Piedmont, Chandler, Irving, Clinton Streets and Houchin Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to establish a Crown Hill Local Historic District as amended to include 39 Irving Street.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

13b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Historical Commission transmitting Addendum to the Crown Hill Local Historic District Report submitted to City Council on December 18, 2012: recommend Report be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 10 yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

14.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

14a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Attorney Paul Novak on behalf of Enwn Nominee Trust request the abatement of street betterment assessment #24966 in the amount of $10,710.69 for Dupuis Ave: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to approve a partial abatement resulting in a new assessment in the amount of $1,493.04

Attachments

Accepted & Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

14b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Sandra Quinlan request to make public Valley View Lane : recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request Blithewood Ave. be repaved: recommend Petition be amended to repave Blithewood Terrace and adoption of the accompanying Order for same.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of John Simakauskas request Gambier Ave. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Scott & Elaine Stromberg request street resurfacing of Rockdale St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Drupatty Prashad et al request Chiltern Hill Drive be paved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Douglas Rawan request that Ayrshire Rd. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Karen Hicks request Lansing Avenue West be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request sidewalk repair in front of 36 Wall St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Ann Marie Shea request sidewalk repair in front of 5 Westview Rd. north to corner of Chamberlain Parkway: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to include sidewalks for the entire length and both sides of Westview Rd.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Rose-Ellen & Angela Padavano request the asphalt berm in front of 15 Alamo St. be permanently replaced with a granite berm: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a Sanitary Sewer Inspection by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Scheduled for January 22-24, 2013: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on Future Water and Sewer Infrastructure Needs Over the Next 5 Years: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell request Midgley Lane be repaved: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Donna Mooradian request Chiltern Hill Drive be repaved: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Petition of Felicio Lana request the catch basin in front of 241 Lincoln St. be repaired: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

15.

TO BE ORDAINED

15a.

Amend the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 - Occupational Group B - General Administrative - Snow Customer Service Representative

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15b.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 42 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 12 Jackson St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent

 

15c.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 4 Doane St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15d.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 1 West Upsala St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15e.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind Handicap parking in front of 14 Suffield St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15f.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 15 Stoneland Rd.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15g.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to prohibit parking on the west side of Adams St. from Belmont St. to a pt. 107’ south of Belmont St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent

 

15h.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind One Hour Parking on the east side of Millbury St. from Canton St. to Seymour St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

15i.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to extend No Parking Anytime on the north side of Pleasant Valley Drive from Goldthwaite Rd. to a pt. 752’ west of Goldthwaite Rd.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Germain absent)

 

16.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

16a.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's Emergency Communications Department (9-1-1 Dispatch Center). (Tabled - Eddy February 5, 2013 & February 12, 2013)

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

16b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Regional Emergency Communications Center Negotiations. (Tabled - Lukes February 5, 2013 & February 12, 2013)

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

16c.

ORDER of Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien and Councilor Frederick C. Rushton - Request Board of Election Commissioners and City Clerk implement six days of Early Voting on the second floor of City Hall October 30, 2013 through November 4, 2013 to encourage Worcester voters to participate in the upcoming municipal election. (Tabled - Lukes February 12, 2013)

Attachments

Councilor O'Brien moved to Table Under Privilege until next agenda - Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote - Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

16d.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton and Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in favor of the initiative to enhance participation in elections being put forth by President Obama that will require all states to provide online voter registration and at least 15 days of early voting. (Tabled - Lukes February 12, 2013)

Attachments

Councilor O'Brien moved to Table Under Privilege until next agenda - Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote - Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

17.

TABLED ITEMS

17a.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17b.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17c.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17d.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Out of State Residents Working on Local Projects and Not Meeting the State's Health Care Mandates. (Tabled Under Privilege - O'Brien August 14, 2012) (Tabled - Lukes September 4, 2012)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17e.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report whether medical marijuana dispensing sites can be restricted by local zoning ordinances or state regulatory means to established pharmacies. (Tabled - Lukes January 8, 2013 and January 15, 2013)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17f.

ORDER of Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien - Request City Auditor work with the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools to conduct a review of School Transportation expenses/contracts and make a formal presentation to the Education Joint Committee composed of the City Council Education Committee and the School's Finance and Operations Committee. (Tabled - O'Brien February 12, 2013)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17g.

ORDER of Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien - Request City Auditor review the appropriateness of the following: administrative fees charged to the Worcester Public Schools by the city for city personnel and services; administrative fees charged for grants management; and Medicare fees received by the City for services done by School Department personnel. This report should also include how these fees compare to other gateway cities. (Tabled - O'Brien February 12, 2013)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17h.

ORDER of Councilor Joseph C. O'Brien - Request City Auditor work with the Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools to review School Department administrative expenses and provide a report to the City Council as to how these fees compare on a percentage of budget basis with other gateway cities. (Tabled - O'Brien February 12, 2013)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES

18a.

Motion O’Brien @ #8.4C CM - Request City Manager provide an update regarding the Ionic Ave. property owned by same entity as 5 May St.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18b.

Motion O’Brien @ #8.4C CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a copy of the RFP relative the disposition of 5 May St. before it is issued giving the Council an opportunity to comment.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18c.

Motion O’Brien @ #5c CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with following information: 1). a history of the ownership of the Biotech Park including their tax history; 2). an outline of the public resources that have gone into the creation and expansion of the Biotech Park buildings; 3). a report as to the impact the Biotech Park has on surrounding properties; 4). a list of other properties owned in the city by UMass Medical School; and 5). report how many people does UMass Medical School employ in Worcester and how many are Worcester residents.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18d.

Motion Eddy @ #5c CC - Request City Manager obtain a list of all properties owned by UMass Medical School and their subsidiaries and review the purpose of each property and report if these properties are currently tax exempt or not and if they are tax exempt do they meet the minimum criteria for tax-exempt status.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18e.

Motion Toomey @ #5c CC – Request City Manager consider requesting from UMass Medical School the following: 1). a five year minimum commitment to pay taxes in full until they in partnership with the city are able to have the Biotech Park function as a private entity; 2). their plan for development; and 3). consider having a city representative and neighborhood residents as a partner on their advisory board.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18f.

Motion Economou @ #5c CC – Request City Manager meet with our state delegation to discuss developing a pilot program at the state level for the Biotech Park and it’s owner UMass Medical School.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18g.

Motion Lukes @ #5c CC – Request City Manager provide a list of all UMass Medical School’s entities (subsidiaries and holding companies) and include where they are located and what are their functions.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18h.

Motion Petty @ #8.7B CM – Request City Manager report what are the parking rates in other cities mentioned it City Manager’s communication #8.7B and include Boston and further, report the expenses associated with the operation of on-street parking meters.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18i.

Motion Palmieri and Petty @ #10c CC - When the discussion occurs regarding amending the regulations relative to the operation of food trucks, request the Standing Committee consider how the hours of operation can affect the community. Further, request the City Manager request the Police Chief provide his prospective from a public safety point of view. Further, request City Manager provide to City Council a copy of the city’s current regulations regarding Food Trucks.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

18j.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of residents of St. Nicholas Ave. request St. Nicholas Ave. from Clark to Halcyon Dr. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

18k.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of residents of Longmeadow Ave. request Longmeadow Ave. from Clark to Ontario Ave. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

18l.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of residents of Longmeadow Ave. request trees be planted on both sides of Longmeadow Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Department of Public Works & Parks

 

18m.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of businesses in Pullman St. request Pullman St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

18n.

Motion Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager expand the footprint for downtown snow removal operations.

Attachments

Order adopted