CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 10:25 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.

INVOCATION - Reverend Jarrett Allebach, Grace Presbyterian Church

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER - DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGAL SINGERS

4.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as Chair

5.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 20, 2015.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

6.

HEARING & ORDER

6a.

Hearing: EVERSOURCE for a gas main location in: MAIN STREET Granting permission to EVERSOURCE for a gas main location in: MAIN STREET

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

7.

ITEMS OF PUBLIC INTEREST

7a.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:

1. Virginia Ryan, Worcester resident
2. Rev. John Griffin, Worcester resident
3. John Holland, Worcester resident
4. John Provost, Worcester resident
5. David Corrigan, Worcester resident
6. Evan Corrigan, Worcester resident
7. Idalla Hazard, Worcester resident
8. Colin Novick, Worcester resident
9. Daniel Serna, Worcester resident
10. Jo Hart, Worcester resident

 

8.

ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

9.

PETITIONS

9a.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request to install Neighborhood Crime Watch signs in the area of Hollis and Gardner Sts.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works & Parks

 

9b.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of flood lighting in the rear of the Peace Park at the corner of Pleasant and Winslow Sts.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works & Parks

 

9c.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of surveillance cameras in the Peace Park located at the corner of Pleasant and Wilson Sts. in an effort to curb vandalism to trees.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works & Parks

 

9d.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of signage at the Peace Park located at the corner of Pleasant and Winslow Sts. informing the public that cameras have the park under surveillance.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works & Parks

 

9e.

Casey McHugh request update of payment options at Shrewsbury St. parking lot for Union Station to be able to accept payment through a flexible spending account and to accept payment through a smart phone application.

Attachments

Referred to the Off-Street Parking Board

 

9f.

Mahmoud Soheili Arshadi request to make public Soheili Circle.

Attachments

Referred to the Planning Board

 

9g.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI request to relocate an obstructive existing street light pole closer to the curb on Institute Rd. so it is the same distance to the curb as at all other locations, along the wrought iron fence at Alumni Field.

Attachments

Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 

9h.

Bridget & James Marshall request abatement of street betterment assessment #25393 in the amount of $18,714.81 for Stearns St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9i.

Carmela Szklarz request abatement of street betterment assessment #25412 in the amount of $8,402.14 for McRae Court.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9j.

Eleanor Cross request abatement of street betterment assessment #25404 in the amount of $22,139.32 in the name of Linda Baker for Sierra St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9k.

David & Eileen Martin request abatement of street betterment assessment #25399 in the amount of $10,217.60 for Stearns St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9l.

Councilor Gary Rosen request the area of Mill St. currently experiencing infrastructure work be restored with a long patch or traditional resurfacing no later than the Spring of 2016.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9m.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Dimitrios Ptohos request sidewalk repair in front of 23 Vesper St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

9n.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Marcia Ulm request sidewalk resurfacing on the Senior Center side of Spurr St.

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved to amend to clarify that the petition is for the corner. Referred to the Public Works Committee as amended

 

9o.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Marcia Ulm request sidewalk resurfacing on the Senior Center side of Vernon St.

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved to amend to clarify that the petition is for the corner. Referred to the Public Works Committee as amended

 

9p.

Stephen Madaus, Attorney for Becker College request installation of two handicap parking spaces on the Roxbury St. side of 80 William St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9q.

Iris Estrada request installation of handicap parking space in front of 7 Irene St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9r.

Aida DeDios request handicap parking space in front of 259 Tacoma St. be removed.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9s.

Aida De Dios request installation of handicap parking space in front of 111 Country Club Blvd. #303.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9t.

Casey McHugh request traffic control measures (traffic light and/or painted lane lines) be installed for entering and exiting the Shrewsbury St. parking lot for Union Station.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9u.

John Paul Stevens request installation of resident permit parking from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am on the odd numbered side of Pleasant St. from 33 to 47 Pleasant St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9v.

Nestor & Thoma Xhupi request installation of 15 minute parking signs on the Merrick St. side of 325 Pleasant St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9w.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request crosswalk in Lancaster St. where it intersects with Dix St. and Linden St. be repainted.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9x.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request bus stop in front of 1 Lancaster St. be moved to the corner of Linden & Dix Street.

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9y.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Paul Foley request installation of a stop sign at the base of Blair St. at High Ridge Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9z.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Paul Foley request installation of a "No Left Turn between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM" prohibition in Moreland St. southbound at the approach to High Ridge Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9aa.

Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Kathryn and Denis Kennedy request installation of a crosswalk in Pleasant St. connecting Lenox St. and South Lenox St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9bb.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to rescind the left turn prohibition in Salisbury St. inbound at Grove St. and to allow a left turn at this location by installing a green arrow in the existing traffic signal. (see attached map).

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9cc.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to rescind the left turn prohibition in Salisbury St. inbound at Lancaster St. and to allow a left turn at this location by installing a green arrow in the existing traffic signal. (see attached map).

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9dd.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to remove two parking meters and spaces in the east side of Lancaster St. near the intersection of Faraday St. to increase sightlines for motorists and pedestrians. (see attached map).

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9ee.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install a button-activated solar-powered crossing signal in Salisbury St. at the private driveway formerly named West St. (see attached)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9ff.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install a button-activated solar-powered crossing signal in Salisbury St. at Boynton St. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9gg.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install a button-activated solar-powered crossing signal in Institute Rd. between Einhorn Rd. and Trowbridge Rd. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9hh.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install solar-powered strobe Stop Signs facing eastbound and westbound traffic in Institute Rd. at Dean St., at Boynton St. and at West St. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9ii.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install two handicap parking spaces in the north side of Institute Rd. on either side of the crosswalk nearest to Morgan Hall, 100 Institute Rd. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9jj.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install a new crosswalk in Salisbury St. at the driveway entrance to the WPI parking garage and correlating handicap accessible ramp in the curb on the north side of Salisbury St. both located between John Wing Rd. and First Baptist Church. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9kk.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to remove one parking meter and parking space nearest to the existing crosswalk in front of 10 Faraday St. (see attached map)

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9ll.

Alfredo DiMauro, Assistant Vice President for Facilities at WPI, request to install "No Parking" areas or "Crosshatching Areas" 25 feet either side of select crosswalks in Salisbury St., Institute Rd., Boynton St., Dean St., Lancaster St. and Prescott St. within and/or adjacent to the WPI campus.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9mm.

William S. Coleman III request City Council have Election Commission look at the possibility of software that would allow Worcester voters to vote by proportional representation as does Cambridge, Mass.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to the Board of Election Commissioners

 

9nn.

William S. Coleman III request City Council have City Manager make his state of the City address 2016 a citywide event, welcoming the public to this address.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to City Manager

 

9oo.

William S. Coleman III request City Council hold a town meeting with residents to discuss future goals for the City of Worcester and inviting community residents, non profits, businesses and educational institutions to share their ideas.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

9pp.

Rev. John Griffin requests to speak at the November 10, 2015 City Council meeting regarding recognizing Andrew Haswell Green each October 6th.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee and to the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools

 

10.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

10.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Sean Lauziere to the Human Rights Commission.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

10.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend the appointment of Henry Fields to the Conservation Commission.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend the appointments of Maureen Carlos, Patrick Hare, Greta Kenney, Aivi Nguyen, Kathleen Rentsch, Lily Vandyk and Florette Willis to the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

10.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

10.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the activity in the Union Hill Area and work that has been undertaken during this construction season.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

10.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

10.6

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

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the Lincoln Street Phase II Transportation Improvement Project (TIP).

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
B.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking and Easement Agreements relative to Nelson Place School.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Lukes, Rivera, Toomey absent)

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Main Street Transportation Improvement Project (TIP),

Attachments

Placed on file

 
D.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the Shore Drive Transportation Improvement Project.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

10.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the feasibility of the City collecting trash and recyclables in townhouse and condominium developments that are on a street grid.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

10.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

10.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

10.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

10.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the status of the City's communications system.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 
 

10.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

10.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend adoption of an Ordinance to amend the ordinance concerning the distribution and use of tobacco products.

Attachments

The City Solicitor provided City Council with a new corrected version of the ordinance because there were Scribner errors. Councilor Russell moved to amend the Ordinance to allow smoking 100 feet from an entrance of a health care facility. Councilor Russell withdrew his previous motion and moved to amend: That the proposed ordinance relative to the distribution and use of tobacco products be amended by adding “except in a designated area to allow smoking by the medical facility”. Councilor Russell’s motion denied on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 8 Nays (Yeas – Gaffney, Russell) (Nays – Bergman, Economou, Palmieri, Rivera, Rosen, Rushton, Toomey, Petty) (see item #17k) Voted to advertise proposed ordinance as amended by the City Solicitor on a roll call vote of Ten Yeas and No Nays (Lukes absent) Councilor Rushton moved for Reconsideration – Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays. (Lukes absent)

 
 

10.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

10.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

10.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

10.17

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a presentation on Worcester's response to the opiate epidemic.

Attachments

At the request of the City Manager, Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Matilde Castiel and Director of Public Health Karyn E. Clark made the attached Presentation to City Council. They along with Dr. Hirsch answered questions by City Council. Councilor Rushton moved to put forward the following Resolution: That the City Council does hereby support and is in favor of the city’s efforts to address the opiate epidemic as encompassed with the presentation (see attached) brought before City Council by the Department of Public Health and the Health Board. (see item #17c) Councilor Gaffney moved to “Request City Manager provide to City Council with previously requested data for the last ten years concerning HIV and Hepatitis cases resulting from the use of contaminated needles reported in Worcester.” (see item #17d) Councilor Bergman moved to “Request City Manager provide data as to whether or not having a needle exchange program increases the opportunity for people to become addictive.” (see item #17e) Councilor Lukes moved to put forward the following Resolution: That the City Council does hereby urge the Governor, any Federal and State Officials and the MMS/AMA to pursue the prohibition of the advertisement of certain opioid/prescription drugs to consumers/patients.(see item #17f) Councilor Toomey moved to “Request the City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Health to include educating administrators of school athletic programs opioid abuse prevention as it relates to dance and sport injuries." (see item #17g) Councilor Gaffney moved to Table Under Privilege Councilor Rushton’s Resolution. Councilor Bergman moved to Table Under Privilege Councilor Lukes's Resolution. Councilor Bergman moved to “Request the City Manager request the City Solicitor to provide an opinion as to whether or not Councilor Lukes’s Resolution (item #17f ) meets the threshold for Council’s consideration in accordance to the Rules of City Council.” (see item #17h) Mayor Petty moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Petty

 
 

10.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order to authorize a lease amendment for a tenant at the Worcester Senior Center.

Attachments

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

 
 

10.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Human Rights and Disabilities
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a Women's Needs Survey.

Attachments

Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on progress made since the summer dialogues on race.

Attachments

Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Refugee Resettlement Consultation Process.

Attachments

Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee

 
 

10.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

10.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

10.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

10.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

10.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

10.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2016 Tax Classification.

Attachments

Tax Classification Hearing Set for November 24, 2015

 
 

10.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

10.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

10.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

10.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
 

10.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Loan Order for the DCU Center Special District Improvement Fund.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
 

10.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Five Hundred Four Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Two Dollars And No Cents ($504,522.00) be transferred from Account #91C780D, Police Capital Equipment, to Account #25C701, Police Equipment, when and as received.

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Forty Six Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars And Nine Cents ($146,728.09) be transferred from Account #91C780F, Technical Service Capital Equipment, to Account #68C701, DPSD Capital Equipment, when and as received.

Attachments

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

 
C.

Recommend that Five Thousand Two Hundred Eighty Dollars And No Cents ($5,280.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C731A, Water Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, when and as received, to allow for the purchase and future payment of this equipment.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend that Two Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,250,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C7111A, Building Rehabilitation City & Schools, and be appropriated to Account #04C754, Citywide/Schools Energy Improvements, to fund current and anticipated expenses associated with citywide energy improvements.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7150A, Dam Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C707, Dam Safety, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Attachments

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

 
F.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7393B, Sewer/Interceptor, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C751, Sewers/Interceptor Inspection, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Attachments

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

 
G.

Recommend that Forty Four Thousand Thirty Dollars And Twenty Three Cents ($44,030.23) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7353C, Generator Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C707, Sewers - Generator Rehab., to allow for payment of anticipated obligations.

Attachments

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

 
H.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C724B, Traffic Signal Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #40C704, Traffic Signals, to allow for the purchase and payment of anticipated new equipment.

Attachments

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

 
I.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty Dollars And No Cents ($213,820.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C734A, Sewer Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C704, Sewer Capital Equipment, when and as received, to allow for the purchase and future payment of this equipment.

Attachments

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

 
J.

Recommend that One Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars And Sixty Five Cents ($112,999.65) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C780C, Parks Capital Equipment, when and as received, to Parks Account # 72C701, Parks Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of approved FY16 Capital Equipment.

Attachments

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

 
K.

Recommend that Four Thousand One Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($4,100.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C731A, Water Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, when and as received, to allow for the purchase and future payment of this equipment.

Attachments

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

 
 

10.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept a grant application for up to Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($20,000.00) through the TD Bank Green Streets program at the Arbor Day Foundation.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Lukes absent)

 
 

10.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Sixteen Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty One Dollars And No Cents ($16,761.00) be transferred from Account #04T803, OPEB Trust Reserve, and be appropriated to Account #663-96000, Health Insurance, to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2016 first quarter health insurance expenses for Airport retirees, per the request of Thomas F. Zidelis, Chief Financial Officer.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Lukes, Toomey absent)

 
B.

Recommend that Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($20,000.00) be transferred from Account #14SSFD41, CDBG Finance Salary & Fringe, and be appropriated to various CDBG Admin accounts, to provide funding for operational expenses through June 30, 2016.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Lukes, Toomey absent)

 
 

10.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

I respectfully recommend that Twenty One Dollars and No Cents ($21.00) be authorized from Account #043-92408, Office of Economic Development, for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Lukes, Toomey absent)

 
 

10.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

10.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
11.

COMMUNICATION OF THE CITY AUDITOR

11a.

Transmitting unaudited financial reports on the budgetary basis for results of operations in Fiscal Year 2015 for the General and Enterprise Funds (Schedules A through B-3). Also attached are summaries of the activities in the Special Revenue, Capital Project, Debt Service and Trust Funds (Schedules C-1 through C-5).

Attachments

Referred to Finance Committee

 

12.

ORDERS

12a.

Request City Manager report to Council concerning what responsibility and authority the city has, and what penalties we can use to require owners of buildings and vacant lots to keep those properties safe, secure, free of overgrowth, litter, dumping, sharps, rodents and homeless encampments, among others. (Rosen)

Attachments

Councilor Rosen moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Rosen

 

12b.

In the ongoing effort to keep our commercial corridors cleaner and more vibrant, request City Manager propose a comprehensive program to purchase a sufficient number of "smart" solar-powered Big Belly trash receptacles with recycling units installed. The cost of purchase and regular emptying of these modern receptacles, which can send Department of Public Works & Parks a text message when full, could be reduced through sponsorships, with appropriate advertising signage, by local businesses. (Rosen)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12c.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to work in cooperation with neighborhood residents, groups and stakeholders, to propose, plan and conduct a comprehensive data-driven traffic and parking study for the Worcester State University and Chandler Magnet School neighborhood. (Rosen)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12d.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks devise and install a secure locking mechanism on the dam at the spill way for the control of the water level on Indian Lake. (Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12e.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a thorough accounting of the cost of adding the driving range at Green Hill Park Golf Course: Will it generate enough income to recoup the cost of the range in a fair amount of time and will it generate enough income to cover the deficit the course now generates? (Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12f.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks inspect and report regarding the concerns of residents of Arbutus Road relative to the grading of asphalt at curb/driveway cutouts and the widths of sidewalks. (Bergman, Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12g.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks report concerning the feasibility of using technology to relay to City residents the timing of snowplowing routes to avoid getting “plowed in”. (Bergman)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman

 

12h.

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a legal opinion as to authority for any councilor(s) to request items held in committee to be brought forward and whether or not (Worcester Home Rule Charter: Section 2-6 (c)(ii) (Exercise of Powers; Quorum) is/are applicable. (Bergman)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman

 

12i.

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: DREXEL STREET

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12j.

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: FREEMAN STREET

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12k.

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: WENDOVER ROAD

Attachments

Order adopted

 

13.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

13a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the discontinuance and abandonment of a portion of Franklin St.: recommend to accept recommendation of the Planning Board and adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

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

 

13b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Attorney Donald J. O'Neil on behalf of Houston Brothers, LLC request to abandon and release water and sewer easements retained by the City at the time of abandonment of Fulton St. by Decree signed July 9, 1976 in that portion of the former Fulton St. running east from Summer St. to State Layout #4668 that locates the westerly taking line for the Worcester Expressway I-290: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

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

 

13c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Margaret LaComfora request abatement of street betterment assessment #25124 in the amount of $11,211.35 for Tyson Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for partial abatement resulting in a new assessment of $5,069.48.

Attachments

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

 

13d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of the Willows at Worcester request West Chester St. from 101 Barry Rd. to Barry Rd. Extension be converted from a private to public road, in the interest of public safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of William O’Connell request sidewalk replacement in front of 41 Marland Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request sidewalk repair in front of 240 Salisbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Michael O'Mara request sidewalk repair in front of 118 Hamilton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Cynthia LeBlanc request sidewalk repair in front of 5 Birch Hill Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mary Reyes Colon & Laurian Banciulescu request sidewalk repair in front of 66-68 Chatham St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Felix Burgos request sidewalk repair in front of 9 Winslow St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Cynthia Card request Southview Rd. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

13l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Quinsigamond Village Bike Spur: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the 2015 Pavement Markings Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Cambridge Street - Low Bridge/Over-height Vehicles Warning Devices: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the Month of May 2015: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the Month of June 2015: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13q.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending July 31, 2015: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13r.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request sidewalk repair in front of 474 Salisbury St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13s.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Pamela Wells request sidewalk repair in front of 485 Hamilton St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13t.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Patricia Wassel request curb repair in front of 189 and 191 St. Nicholas Ave.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13u.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request the street in front of the wheel chair ramp at the corner of Westview Rd. and Chamberlain Parkway be patched and that the granite curb next to the aforementioned ramp be reset: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14.

ITEM REASONABLY ANTICIPATED

14a.

ORDER - That City Council, at its meeting on October 27, 2015, suspend its rules to include on the November 10, 2015 council agenda, as a reasonably anticipated item, a Report from the Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee regarding the City Manager’s recommendation for approval of a proposed amendment to the Conservation Restriction at Green Hill Park, item #8.8C on the City Council agenda for October 13, 2015. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending approval of a proposed amendment to the Conservation Restriction at Green Hill Park: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Councilor Gaffney moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Gaffney

 

15.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

15a.

COMMUNICATION of the City Auditor transmitting communication regarding an audit of the administration of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (PWTF) grant for all eleven organizations receiving funds. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes October 27, 2015)

Attachments

Councilor Lukes moved to Table this Under Privilege for a second time. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera, Toomey absent)

 

16.

TABLED ITEMS

16a.

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

 

16b.

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 and Tabled - Lukes September 4, 2012)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16c.

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

 

16d.

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

 

16e.

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

 

16f.

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

 

16g.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommending approval of Legislation to Impose a Fine on Motorists that Damage a Bridge that is marked with a Height Restriction. (Tabled - Bergman December 2, 2014)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16h.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Brittan Square Parking Lot. (Tabled - Palmieri January 7, 2015 and January 13, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16i.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager provide information from the City Solicitor as to what steps are available to enforce breaches of the Services Agreement with Laz Parking Limited, LLC in regards to City owned parking garages, specifically the Federal Plaza Parking Garage. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16j.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Tony Economou and Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager provide information from the City Assessor, Chief Financial Officer and City Solicitor as to the assessed real property values of all City owned parking garages, the amount of debt, if any, the anticipated repairs and/or capital improvements costs for fiscal year(s) 2015/2016 and the existing lease commitments/terms for spaces in these garages. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Order of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney request City Manager consider amending the Five Point Financial Plan to require that any increases in local aid received from the Commonwealth be assigned to the Other Post Employment Benefit Trust Fund: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled - Gaffney June 16, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16l.

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - Request City Manager inform City Council as to whether he and other representatives from the city intend to meet with the owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox to see if they have any interest in relocating to Worcester. (Tabled - Gaffney September 29, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

16m.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the status of the Home Rule Petition draft to aid Joseph Tortorelli as a result of errors made by the city of Worcester in applying tax payments. (Tabled - Bergman September 29, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

17.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES

17a.

Motion Rushton @ #14a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of capital improvements made to all city parks including costs and funding sources. Further, request the City Manager provide City Council with the cost of the road leading to the Clubhouse at the Green Hill Golf Course which was funded within the budget for Green Hill Park Golf Course.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17b.

Motion Petty @ #14a CC – Request City Manager provide to City Council copies of all loan orders approved for improvements to the Green Hill Golf Course.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17c.

RESOLUTION by Councilor Frederick C. Rushton - That the City Council does hereby support and is in favor of the city’s efforts to address the opiate epidemic as encompassed with the presentation (see attached) brought before City Council by the Department of Public Health and the Health Board.

Attachments

Councilor Gaffney moved to Table Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Gaffney

 

17d.

Motion Gaffney @ #10.17A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with previously requested data for the last ten years concerning HIV and Hepatitis cases resulting from the use of contaminated needles reported in Worcester.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17e.

Motion Bergman @ #10.17A CM - Request City Manager provide data as to whether or not having a needle exchange program increases the opportunity for people to become addictive.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17f.

RESOLUTION by Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - That the City Council does hereby urge the Governor, any Federal and State Officials and the MMS/AMA to pursue the prohibition of the advertisement of certain opiates/prescription drugs to consumers/patients.

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to Table this Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman

 

17g.

Motion Toomey @ #10.17A CM - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Health to include educating administrators of school athletic programs opioid abuse prevention as it relates to dance and sport injuries.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17h.

Motion Bergman @ #10.17A CM - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to provide an opinion as to whether or not Councilor Lukes’s Resolution (item #17f ) meets the threshold for Council’s consideration in accordance to the Rules of City Council.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17i.

Motion Economou @ #10.6A CM - Request City Manager forward to the Lincoln Street area businesses a copy of the City Manager’s Communication relative to an update of the Lincoln Street Phase II Transportation Improvement Project (TIP).

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17j.

Motion Economou @ #10.6A CM - Request City Manager consider allowing for collection of trash & recyclables from condo/townhome style properties as a pilot program for a year to see how it works out and how it effects the cost relative to trash collection. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a list of condo/townhome communities and how are the classified.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

17k.

Motion Russell @ 10.13A CM - That the proposed ordinance relative to the distribution and use of tobacco products be amended by adding “except in an area for smoking designated by the medical facility”.

Attachments

Order denied on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 8 Nays (Yeas - Gaffney, Russell) (Nays - Bergman, Economou, Palmieri, Rivera, Rosen, Rushton, Toomey, Petty) (Lukes absent)