CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:04 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Tony Economou
Michael T. Gaffney Konstantina B. Lukes
Philip P. Palmieri Sarai Rivera City Clerk
David J. Rushford
Gary Rosen Frederick C. Rushton
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER - DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGAL SINGERS

3.

ROLL CALL - All present except for Councilors Lukes, Rushton and Toomey with the Mayor as Chair. Councilor Rushton arrived at 7:05 P.M. and Council Lukes arrived at 7:12 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 September 23, 2014.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

5.

HEARING & ORDER

5a.

Hearing: LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS, LLC for a conduit location in: MARION AVE. AT PROVIDENCE ST. Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS, LLC for conduit location in: MARION AVE. AT PROVIDENCE ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

6.

ITEMS OF PUBLIC INTEREST

6a.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. Jo Hart, Worcester resident
3. Dorothy Hargrove, Worcester resident
4. John Provost, Worcester resident

 

7.

ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Tina Parousis request installation of curbs on both sides of Columbus St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8b.

Chris & Tina Parousis request Mann St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8c.

Bruce Hoffner, Trustee for Hoffner Realty Trust request abatement of street betterment assessment #245261A in the amount of $5,195.70 for Bullard Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8d.

Bruce Hoffner, Trustee for Hoffner Realty Trust request abatement of street betterment assessment #25261 in the amount of $8,666.43 for Bullard Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8e.

Councilor Tony Economou request Longmeadow Ave. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8f.

Sandra Pike request "No Parking" zone be installed on both sides of Goddard Memorial Dr. in the vicinity of 150 and 152 Goddard Memorial Dr.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

8g.

Register of Probate Stephen G. Abraham request to speak to invite the Mayor and City Councilors to a roundtable discussion he is hosting with representatives of the Franklin County Opioid Task Force, the District Attorney and Sheriff to be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at the Worcester County Law Library.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke, inviting the Mayor and City Council to the round table discussion, which will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, October 10, 2014 at the Worcester County Law Library. Placed on file

 

9.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

9a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager incorporate within a Comcast contract an annual communitywide evaluation of the provider’s service to Worcester on a yearly basis.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9b.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager, in the event that Comcast becomes the cable services provider in Worcester, to request Comcast to agree to amend section 10.8, page 30, of the existing cable service provider contract.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9c.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to report to the City Council what, if any, conditions in the existing cable service provider contract can be changed before, or after, any transfer takes place.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10.

ORDERS

10a.

Request City Manager consider developing a series of seminars to promote and encourage the development and growth of small businesses. They may be similar to those he has done for engaging citizen interest in boards and employment opportunities. (Russell, Rushton, Economou, Lukes, Toomey, Rivera)

Attachments

Councilor Palmieri moved to amend: Further, request City Manager develop possible incentives that can be given to small business owners. Referred to Economic Development Committee

 

10b.

Request City Manager provide interpretation and recommendations to the City Council concerning commercial wall murals and/or signs addressing the following questions: At what point is art considered a sign? Is a sign not a sign just because it is painted directly on a structure? Are there rules in place that address this or do we need to consider a new ordinance? Further, request City Manager include in this discussion the painting of portions of exteriors in bright or fluorescent colors as part of signage’s attraction. (Russell)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10c.

Request City Manager request Police Chief install an advisory speed trailer in Fairmont Ave. (Russell)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10d.

Request City Manager clearly define the protocol of notifying residents, businesses and schools when there is imminent danger from crime and/or natural disaster, who is responsible for giving the "all clear", and how quickly is information usually released, all in the interest of public safety. (Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10e.

Request City Manager report on any updating of rapid responses to confirmed illnesses caused by ebola and EV-D68. (Lukes)

Attachments

Councilor Lukes moved to amend to receive the report within thirty (30) days. Order adopted as amended

 

10f.

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide the City Council with details as to its technical capabilities in monitoring activity in city parks and playgrounds through video cameras and the Real Time Crime Center. (Bergman)

Attachments

Councilor Palmieri moved to amend: Further, request City Manager request Police Chief provide in the report the cost to implement plans to monitor parks and playgrounds through video cameras. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief set up community meetings regarding the installation of cameras in the City’s parks should he find the installation feasible. Order adopted as amended

 

10g.

Request City Manager request the Director of Planning and/or the City Solicitor to inform the City Council who is notified when a proposal for creation of an overlay district is considered by the administration. (Bergman)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10h.

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor inform the City Council whether or not there are laws/regulations governing design or content of the “Entering Worcester” signage installed at the major entrances to the city. (Bergman)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10i.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks inform the City Council as to the procedures/processes, if any, regarding changes to a finalized Master Plan. (Bergman)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

11a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request a street light be (re)installed on pole #2 in front of 2 Benson St., or as close thereto as possible: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

12.

TO BE ORDAINED

12a.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 18 Lafayette Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12b.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance of 2008 to rescind “No Parking Anytime” on Garland Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12c.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 19 Garland Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12d.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 3 Arbor Vitae Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12e.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 19 Willard Avenue.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12f.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinance of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 4 Lund Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12g.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 622 Pleasant Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12h.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 54 Rodney Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12i.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide two handicap parking spaces in front of 43 Harvard Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12j.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking across from 12 Ashton Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12k.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to relocate handicap parking in front of 7 Richmond Avenue to in front of 11 Richmond Avenue.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12l.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide a second handicap parking space in front of 21 Preston Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12m.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 1 Westminster Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12n.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking adjacent to 607 Millbury Street on Maxwell Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12o.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide handicap parking in front of 9 View Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12p.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 relative to parking on Providence St., Harrison St., and Dorchester St.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

12q.

Amending Section 10 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to prohibit trucks over 5,000 pounds from Mount Avenue.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

13.

TABLED ITEMS

13a.

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

 

13b.

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

 

13c.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to parking meters at Rockwood Field. (Tabled Under Privilege - Eddy December 10, 2013 and Tabled December 17, 2013)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13d.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes request City Manager request the School Department share in the cost for providing police services during the presidential visit. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes June 17, 2014 and Tabled July 22, 2014)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13e.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the number of properties in areas surrounding Holy Cross, Clark University, Becker College and WPI that are listed as having true four-bedroom units. (Tabled - Bergman August 19, 2014)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13f.

PETITION of Frank Kartheiser et al on behalf of the Worcester Community-Labor Coalition request City Council hold public hearings starting in October on charter change and that at the conclusion of the hearings the Council takes a vote on holding an election to let the voters decide Worcester's future form of government. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes August 19, 2014 and Tabled - Petty September 16, 2014)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES

14a.

Motion Economou @ #8e CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report as to when the Street Resurfacing Improvement List will come forward.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14b.

Motion Petty @ #10a CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding what the City currently provides small business owners relative to development and expansion.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14c.

Motion Rivera @ #10e CC – Request City Manager work with the School Department to send notices out regarding all relevant information to Enterovirus-D68, including flu shot accessibility in the City.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14d.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Council suspend the rules of the City Council at the October 14, 2014 meeting to allow the Committee on Public Service and Transportation provide the City Council with any recommendation resulting from the Committee’s October 8, 2014 meeting relative to the transfer of the Cable License from Charter Communications to Comcast Corporation.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14e.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager set guidelines for the artwork in City Hall, which would include but is not limited to bringing in a curator to voluntarily assess the artwork on criteria such as size and placement.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to amend: Further, request City Manager consider repairing all existing artwork in City Hall needing any repairs. Order adopted as amended

 

14f.

Motion Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the intended use of the property located at 133 Paine St., which was purchased by SMOC.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14g.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Carolyn Gemme request installation of a blinking red light in Brattle St. opposite of Ararat St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

14h.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks inform whoever is doing construction work on Chester St. to immediately remove the granite block in the vicinity of West Chester St., in the interest of public safety.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14i.

PETITION – Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of children advisory signs at the corner of Monroe Ave. and Franconia St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

14j.

Motion Gaffney – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager and Mayor send a notice to Comcast Corporation forthwith regarding the City’s stance on not changing the channel number of the WCCA.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

14k.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speeding enforcement on Sigel St., Beacon St. and Hollis St., which all continue to pose problems in that regard.

Attachments

Order adopted