CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:01 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:03 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 Khrystian E. King
Konstantina B. Lukes Candy Mero-Carlson City Clerk
David J. Rushford
Sarai Rivera Gary Rosen
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

2.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as Chair

Note: Assistant City Clerk Susan M. Ledoux, clerk

3.

PROCLAMATION

3a.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring February 29, 2016 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The Proclamation was presented to Mark W. Kennedy from Prostate Health Education Network, Inc., Dr. Mitchell Sokoloff and Pastor Esau Vance.

Attachments

 

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 2, 2016.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

5.

HEARINGS & ORDERS

5a.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location: in SHREWSBURY ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location in: SHREWSBURY ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5b.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: CORAL ST. at UNION PLACE Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: CORAL ST. at UNION PLACE

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5c.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: FREELAND ST. Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: FREELAND ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5d.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: MAIN ST at MADISON ST. Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: MAIN ST. at MADISON ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5e.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: GRAFTON ST. at BARCLAY ST. Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: GRAFTON ST. at BARCLAY ST

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5f.

LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: HARLOW ST. Granting permission to LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS LLC for a conduit location in: HARLOW ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

5g.

NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole location in: BRIAR LANE Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole location in: BRIAR LANE

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Jo Hart, Worcester resident
2. Leonard Zalauskas, Worcester resident
3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident

 

7.

PETITIONS

7a.

Ana Freeman request sidewalk repair for Radmore St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7b.

Ana Freeman request street resurfacing for Radmore St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7c.

Mrs. Peter Martin request sidewalk repair in front of 5 Cutting Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7d.

Anne Paquette request sidewalk repair in front of 7 Cutting Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7e.

Bernadette Chabot on behalf of Sister Mary Thomas Senkowski request repaving of Richland St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7f.

Bernadette Chabot request sidewalks in Richland St. be repaired.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7g.

Robert Rano request sidewalk and curb repair in front of 57 Cedar St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7h.

Sergio Bacelis, Jr. request City of Worcester make a solar road or parking lot through the assistance of the company Solar Roadways.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to the City Manager

 

7i.

George Sherrill of MCPHS University request placement of a convex mirror on an existing city-owned "One Way" sign, located in the area of 93 Main St., done by MCPHS University.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7j.

Husham Ahmed on behalf of Abeer Al Tameemi request installation of handicap parking in front of 70 Rodney St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7k.

Neehy Berrios request installation of handicap parking in front of 54 Edgeworth St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7l.

Anibal Gonzalez request installation of handicap parking across from 4 Russell St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7m.

Louis Gentile request a Dead End sign be installed for Northboro St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7n.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Flagg Street School request reinstallation of a crosswalk across Richmond Ave. where it intersects with Flagg St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7o.

Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Sandy Meltzer request reinstallation of crosswalk just north of the Assumption College entrance, in the interest of public safety.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7p.

Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of speed enforcement in Heard St. during Heard St. School dismissal at 2:20 PM.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7q.

Charles Luster request City Council request the City Manager review the operations of the After-School Program of the Worcester Youth Center to guarantee the safety and well-being of young participants.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to City Manager

 

7r.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council have City Administration be the first City in the State outside of Boston to welcome the NEA (National Educational Association) to Massachusetts for it's July 2017 Regional Assembly of 10,000 educators that will hold an annual meeting and invite its members to visit Worcester.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to Destination Worcester

 

7s.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council and City Administration announce to the public and community health partners that on Monday, February 29, 2016 an important meeting on prostate cancer crises in Worcester will take place at Mt. Olive Pentecostal Church from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. featuring Dr. Mitchell Sokoloff, Chair of Urology at UMass Memorial Healthcare.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Placed on file (see also item #3a)

 

7t.

William S. Coleman, III request Monday, February 29, 2016 be proclaimed as Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Day in Worcester and also, that March be proclaimed as Men's Health Awareness and Education Month in the City of Worcester.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to Public Health Department

 

7u.

Jo Hart requests the City of Worcester immediately and publicly disclose the full plans the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) as to what rail transportation could be or could have been for the city and region as displayed at the library. Further, request to extend the public-comment period for the NEC rail transportation plan and ask for another public hearing in the area.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke - Referred to City Manager

 

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.

Recommend adoption of an Order to authorize an invitation to bid for a city-owned property.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Councilor Lukes moved for reconsideration - Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 
 

8.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

8.6

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

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking with Easement Acquisitions to secure access to the Indian Hill Water Storage Tanks.Refer to CCM Item 8.31E

Attachments

Councilor Economou moved to Table the item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Economou

 
 

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 2015.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

8.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

8.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

8.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

8.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the enrollment efforts for the AlertWorcester Notification System.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 
 

8.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

8.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
 

8.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

8.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

8.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

8.17

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
 

8.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

8.19

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

8.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

8.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the success of the 2016 Recreation Worcester pilot after school program.

Attachments

Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee

 
 

8.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

8.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

8.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

8.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

8.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

8.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

8.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

8.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
 

8.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
A.

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

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 
 

8.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Twenty Seven Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($27,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7112A, Citywide Building Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C704, Building Rehabilitation, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated obligations for these much needed building repairs. These costs are associated with contract work to repair extensive unforeseen damages to the DPW Sign Shop that had been causing safety issues for employees.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Nineteen Thousand Twenty Five Dollars And Forty Cents ($19,025.40) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7314, 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 equipment for the Water Division.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend that Eighty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Dollars And No Cents ($86,970.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C780C, Parks Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received to Parks Account #72C701, Parks Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of a 6 Cubic Yard Load Packer.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
D.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($335,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7392A, Sewer Drainage, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C761, Surface Drainage, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
E.

Recommend that Sixty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($65,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7022B, Water Land Acquisition, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C786, Watershed Land Acquisition, so as to provide necessary funding for these very important land takings.Refer to CCM Item 8.6A

Attachments

Councilor Economou moved to Table the item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Economou

 
F.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand One Hundred Ten Dollars And No Cents ($339,110.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C780A, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C703, Capital Equipment, when and as received, to allow for purchase and future payment of these two sanitation vehicles.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($16,500.00) from Charter Communications to the Worcester Fire Department.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept an Improving Criminal Justice Responses/Grants to Encourage Arrest grant from the US Department of Justice in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand and No Cents ($450,000.00).

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept a Community Compact Information Technology grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Compact Cabinet in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($400,000.00).

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept a grant of service including economic development technical assistance from the National Resource Network in cooperation with MassDevelopment.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend funding of up to Seventy Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($75,000.00) from the State budget line item 7003-1206 to establish a pre-apprentice training program through the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board and aligned with the efforts of the Worcester Jobs Fund.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Thirty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($35,000.00) be transferred from Account #150-91000, Elections Personal Services, to Account #150-92000, Elections Ordinary Maintenance, to cover costs associated with the 2016 Street List mailing & 2016 Presidential Primary.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Ninety Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($95,000.00) be transferred from Account #14S46639, Down Payment Assistance ($91,932.28) and Account #14S48741, Affordable Housing Programs ($3,067.72), to Account #14S7639, South Worcester Neighborhood Center ($91,932.28) and Account #14S47641, South Worcester Neighborhood Center, to fund heating system upgrades at 47 Camp Street, a City owned building and location of the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Account #270- 91000, Communications Personal Services, to Account #270-97000, Communications Overtime, to cover the estimated remaining overtime costs in FY16.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

8.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

8.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 15th Annual Caffrey Memorial Award Nomination.

Attachments

City Manager Augustus congratulated Ana Rodriguez for being this year's recipient of the Caffrey Memorial Award and thanked her for her dedication and service to the City of Worcester. State Senator Harriette L. Chandler read and presented Ana Rodriguez with a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, congratulating her on receiving the Caffrey Memorial Award. Doug Caffrey and his sister Martha on behalf of their family presented her with the Caffrey award and the flag that flew over Union Station. Placed on file

 
9.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

9a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement at the corner of West Chester St. and Barrett Ave. during peak school and work traffic hours.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9b.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Traffic Engineering provide City Council with a traffic study of West Chester St. and Barrett Ave.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9c.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Superintendent of Schools provide City Council with a report concerning the bus stop located at the corner of West Chester St. and Barrett Ave., and its policy for bus stop placement, as there is no sidewalk or crosswalk in that area.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10.

ORDERS

10a.

Request City Manager expand Recreation Worcester to include Belmont St. Community School. (Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10b.

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the process required to amend the City Council salary ordinance to eliminate the increase based by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index option. (Lukes)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report what other benefits other than salary are provided to City Councilors. Councilor Toomey moved to opposed. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call to adopt the motion as amended. Order as amended denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7 Nays. (Yeas – Bergman, Gaffney, Lukes, Rosen) (Nays – Economou, King, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Russell, Toomey, Petty)

 

10c.

Request City Manager, prior to the 2016-2017 Winter, conduct a complete review of winter street operations and propose a new plan and process that will lead to more efficient and effective plowing, sanding and salting of city streets and hills during snow events. (Rosen)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10d.

In an effort to cut expenses, request the City Manager interact with the Superintendent of Schools and then report to the City Council and School Committee on the feasibility of having the city administration absorb the personnel, purchasing and clerk responsibilities of the school department. (Rosen)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10e.

Request the City Manager propose a plan of action to make the Worcester Common more welcoming, vibrant and safe, a true public market and destination for area residents, students and visitors, through the addition of a variety of food, service and retail product vendors. (Rosen, Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Councilor Toomey moved to amend: Further, request City Manager to also consider this as a location for an international market place. Councilor Economou moved to refer this to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee

 

10f.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks look at the quality of service provided by the City’s vendor as it pertains to recycling pickup and the care taken in providing the pickup. (Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10g.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a quarterly update from the Worcester Redevelopment Authority in an effort to keep the City Council and public informed of past, current and future development initiatives. (Economou)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10h.

Request City Manager report on the viability, legality and cost of a pilot program for the use of camera equipped drones by the police, fire and/or public works departments to promote public safety and efficiency. (Lukes)

Attachments

Councilor Toomey moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report the estimated costs for storing videos. Order adopted as amended.

 

10i.

Request City Manager consider replicating the Military Banner Program as reported on the following link: http://www.cityofirvine.org/military-veterans/military-banner-program (Toomey)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10j.

Request City Manager utilize existing personnel to develop a public service announcement program that will utilize best practices in place around the country to use social media, cable television and Alerts to keep residents up-to-date routinely with contemporary safety tips concerning their health and safety. (Toomey)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10k.

Request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks and the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools collaborate to re-work the location of student bus stops across the city so that they are always in close proximity to existing crosswalks, or, in instances where a bus stop is deemed not relocatable, that a new crosswalk be installed so as to ensure the safest environment for students waiting at morning pick-up and disembarking at afternoon drop off. (Economou)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to amend: Further, request City Manager consider the installation of blinking lights at crosswalks such as on Heard St. and if it would be helpful in ensuring safety for students. Order adopted as amended

 

10l.

Request City Manager report on the city web site crowdsourcing questions and responses. (Lukes)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11.

RESOLUTION

11a.

That the City Council does hereby go on record requesting the Great and General Court not lift the cap on Charter Schools. (Mero-Carlson, Petty)

Attachments

Councilor Lukes moved to Table this item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes

 

12.

RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE

12a.

#8.23A June 9, 2015 Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an estimated assessor's tax recap using the proposed FY16 tax levy with current real estate assessed values and actual FY15 assessed values.

Attachments

No action taken

 

12b.

#8.28A June 9, 2015 Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN) rating.

Attachments

No action taken

 

12c.

#9.24A June 23, 2015 Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the FY16 Capital Improvement Plan.

Attachments

No action taken

 

12d.

#11a CC November 10, 2015 Communication of the City Auditor 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

No action taken

 

13.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY AUDITOR

13a.

Transmitting report concerning the 10 year returns reported by PERAC in their 2014 Investment Report and the impact on the City Budget of those returns.

Attachments

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

 

13b.

Transmitting schedule of the Tax Levy Limit and resulting Excess Levy Capacity for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016 with projections for fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2020 based on estimates provided by the administration for new growth and taxable valuation increases.

Attachments

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

 

13c.

Transmitting monthly report on the status of the City Budget.

Attachments

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

 

14.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING

14a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request the handicap ramp in front of 275 Pleasant St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Andrea Sullivan request a stop line be painted to better alert drivers to the stop sign in Midland St. at Intervale Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Andrea Sullivan request traffic enforcement at stop sign in Midland St. at Intervale Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Judith Henry request installation of a crosswalk in Vernon St. at Spurr St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a crosswalk in Vernon St. at View St.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Andrea Sullivan request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Midland St. at Intervale Rd., as it’s a common crossing area for Midland St. School (handicap ramps are already present): recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Thomas Morway request bus stop located in front of 501 Grafton St. be relocated: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to relocate bus stop to in front of 499 Grafton St.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Bruce Cozenza request removal or relocation of the bus stop in front of 120 Hamilton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

14i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nilda Ramos et al request designation of seven (7) Crompton Park parking spaces in vicinity of 17 & 19 Endicott St. as resident permit parking: recommend Petition be referred to Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Commission.

Attachments

Referred to Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Commission

 

14j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laima Cespedes request installation of handicap parking in front of 2 Waller Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laima Cespedes request installation of handicap parking in front of the entrance to the Department of Transitional Assistance building at 13 Sudbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Spiro Giannopoulos request to make Russell St., from Elm St. to Highland St. No Parking both sides during winter parking ban hours and allow for parking on both sides of the street for visitors of Elm Park: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Veronica Bello request the installation of a "Not a Thru Street" sign in Kendig St. at the corner of College St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Veronica Bello request installation of a "Dead End" sign in Kendig St. at the corner of Davenport St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mario Minardi, Minardi Limited Partnership, request installation of "One Hour Parking 8am-7-pm" in front of 405 Grove St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request crosswalk located in the vicinity of Framed In Tatnuck, located at 1099 Pleasant St., be repainted: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14q.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Feanna Jattan-Singh request a crosswalk be installed from the Our Lady of Loreto Church, in the vicinity of 33 Massasoit Rd. to the Rice Square School Playground: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14r.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request crosswalk in front and around 275 Pleasant St. be painted: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14s.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request crosswalk in Lancaster St. where it intersects with Dix St. and Linden St. be repainted: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14t.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Melina Fauro request installation of resident permit parking in Richards St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14u.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jhony Quina Rodas request installation of resident permit parking in Eastern Ave. from 37 Eastern Ave. to 51 Gage St., Seven Hills Charter School: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14v.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Aida De Dios request installation of handicap parking space in front of 111 Country Club Blvd. #303: recommend Petitioner be given Leave to Withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14w.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kristan Oliver et al request to install two Stop Signs in Stark Rd. one at Windemere Rd. and the other at Fernside Rd.: recommend Petition be denied.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14x.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justin Olsen request installation of a stop sign in West Chester St. at the corner of Barry Rd. Extension: recommend Petition be denied.

Attachments

Accepted

 

14y.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Cascade Rd. and Windemere Rd.: recommend Petition be denied.

Attachments

Accepted

 

15.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION

15a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Burncoat Park/Holland Rink: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15b.

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

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Betty Price Playground: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15d.

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

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Mulcahy Field: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Holmes Field: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to South Worcester Playground: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15h.

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

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Rev. John Griffin requests to speak at the November 10, 2015 City Council meeting regarding recognizing Andrew Haswell Green each October 6th: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to request the City Manager consider including an annual tribute to John Haswell Green in efforts currently underway to recognize notable Worcesterites of the past.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

15j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Elijah Johnson request City Council acknowledge Major-General Daniel Gookin Monument or Plaque as the "Father of Worcester.": recommend Petition be referred to the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Commission.

Attachments

Referred to Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Commission

 

15k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the "Recreation Worcester: Your Park, Your Play, Summer Fun!" program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

15l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a preliminary report on the Emerald Ash Borer: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

15m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Emmanuel Tstsilianos request permission to address the City Council regarding the Rogers Kennedy Memorial: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

16.

LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED

16a.

That the sum of Six Million Forty Two Thousand Dollars ($6,042,000) be appropriated to fund four building improvement projects of the Worcester Public Schools

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

17.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

17a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of William Sylvester and Paul Towler request the BG-2 zone be extended to include the entire parcel at 1023 Main St., the American Legion Main South Post 341: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes February 2, 2016) (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2016)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to Table this item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote. Tabled on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled - Bergman

 

17b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the five year financial forecast. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 9, 2016)

Attachments

Councilor Gaffney moved to Table this item for a second time Under Privilege. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote - Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled Under Privilege - Gaffney

 

18.

TABLED ITEMS

18a.

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

 

18b.

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

 

18c.

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

 

18d.

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

 

18e.

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

 

18f.

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

 

18g.

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

 

18h.

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

 

18i.

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

 

18j.

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

 

18k.

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

 

18l.

PETITION of Todd Holland request the City Council Calendar available on the City Government web site provide the following: 1) Under description a full and accurate synopsis be placed to properly inform all citizens of the true & accurate purpose of said meeting. 2) Under the Heading of "More Information" a link is provided to available agenda and purpose of meeting. 3) All meeting minutes be available on line in a timely manor and to include accurate details on presenters, attendees and attachments of any proposed plans. 4) A more efficient format making it easier to navigate using a graphical user interface friendly to people who lack full computer literacy. (Tabled - Economou January 12, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18m.

PETITION of Todd Holland request all City of Worcester agendas include the name of the specific person(s) or department presenting on each item in a given agenda. (Tabled - Economou January 12, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18n.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a presentation on the Gun Buyback Program. (Held as First Item of Business - Gaffney January 26, 2016) (Tabled - Petty February 2, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18o.

Councilor Michael T. Gaffney will present proposals regarding the budget. (Tabled - Gaffney February 2, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18p.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on a quarterly update relative to the City of Worcester’s plan to implement improved strategies and policies that better serve and represent our diverse community. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes January 26, 2016) (Tabled - Petty February 2, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18q.

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of granite borders placed by the City onto private properties on Plantation St., and placed instead in a City park. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18r.

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of large planters clumped together on Plantation St. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

18s.

PETITION of Denise Healey request the targeted second "makeover" of Shrewsbury St. be placed on hold until other city streets have had their first "makeover". (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

19.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 9, 2016 City Council meeting.

19a.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes @ #8.13A CM - Request City Manager make available backup materials relevant to any presentation or item that requires further explanation at the same time it is placed on the agenda for City Council. - Item #14a Order adopted

 

20.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 23, 2016 City Council meeting.

20a.

Motion Rivera @ #8.11A CM – Request City Manager consider implementing different language capacities in the AlertWorcester Notification System and further, consider doing more outreach to Worcester’s diverse population to encourage enrollment.

Order adopted

 

20b.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes @ #8.21A CM – That the City Council does hereby request our State Legislative Delegation to advocate for a longer school year and longer school day model and funding.

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved to refer to Committee. Referred to Education Committee

 

20c.

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph M. Petty @ #8.21A CM – That the City Council does hereby request our State Legislative Delegation to advocate for the Worcester Public Schools to implement the findings of the Advisory Committee relative to Chapter 70 Foundation monies.

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved tor refer to Committee. Referred to Education Committee

 

20d.

Motion Russell @ #8.21A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that addresses as presented by Petitioner Charles Luster, at item # 7q, the concerns as follows: 1) make sure all organizations have their Coris and Soris up to date; 2) make sure all organizations have no 51A’s pending against them; 3) make sure all after school programs have a proper place for students’ backpacks and 4) make sure all organizations have all staff involved drug tested. Councilor Lukes moved to amend: Further, request City Manager report if the city provides any funding for the operation of the Youth Center.

Attachments

Order adopted as amended

 

20e.

Motion Lukes @ #13a CC – Request City Auditor provide to City Council his opinion as to whether or not he would recommend the city to transfer its retirement fund to the state for investment and further, request report include if the city were to take this step when and if the city could take back the investment in the future.

Attachments

Order adopted