CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:36 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:41 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Khrystian E. King
Konstantina B. Lukes Candy Mero-Carlson
Sarai Rivera Sean M. Rose City Clerk
Susan M. Ledoux
Gary Rosen George J. Russell
Kathleen M. Toomey Matthew E. Wally
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & STAR SPANGLED BANNER

2.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Wally, who arrived at 6:57 P.M.

3.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

3a.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty read a Proclamation declaring the month of February, 2019 as Black History Month in the City of Worcester celebrating the contributions made by African American’s to this city, state and country. The Proclamation was presented to Debbie Hall from the Worcester Black History Project.

 

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 January 29, 2019.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

5.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - No speakers were heard during this portion of the meeting.

6.

HEARINGS & ORDERS

6a.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GRAFTON STREET; and Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GRAFTON STREET

Attachments

Hearing Held and Order adopted

 

6b.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GROVE STREET; and Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GROVE STREET

Attachments

Hearing Held and Order adopted

 

7.

PETITIONS

7a.

Brian Restrepo request Forkey Ave be made public.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

7b.

Brian Restrepo request Sherer Trail be made public.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

7c.

Mimoon Alwash request Riedl Place be made public.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

7d.

Attorney Donald O'Neil on behalf of Plaka Realty LLC and Peter Stathoulopoulos request to amend the Zoning Map by extending the Business Limited (BL-1.0) Zoning District and Commercial Corridor Overlay District (CCOD-E) in the vicinity of 57 Highland St. to include two additional parcels of land in their entirety located at 35 & 33 Wachusett St.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

7e.

Gordon Davis request the City Council establish policies for the use of police body cameras.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

7f.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Dorothy Ave. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7g.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Hunnewell Rd. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7h.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Radcliffe St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7i.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Wendover Rd. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7j.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Hazelwood Rd. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7k.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Kalmar St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7l.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Hillcroft Ave. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7m.

Alan Pandiani, owner of National Glass Works, request installation of protective post/guardrail at corner of Park Ave. and Parker St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7n.

Maria Dejesus, Director of Friendly House Shelter, request to remove "No Parking" sign on the Sever St. side of 87 Elm St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7o.

Kwaku Obeng-Mensah request installation of handicap parking space in front of 9 Tower St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7p.

Mayra Alvarez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 34 Beacon St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7q.

Dana Morey request handicap parking space in front of 9 Winthrop St. be removed.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7r.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of signage or blinking yellow lights to alert and warn drivers of the crosswalk at 243 Stafford St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7s.

Leonid Grebelsky request the removal of stop signs facing northbound traffic on Durant Way and southbound traffic on Havelock Rd. and the installation of stop signs facing eastbound traffic on Hadwen Rd. and westbound traffic on Havelock Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7t.

Raymond Beauvais request installation of resident permit parking in Berkshire St.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke and Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7u.

Nicole Metallic request resident permit parking on east side of Marble St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7v.

Saam Aziz on behalf of Awras Aziz request installation of handicap parking space in front of 24 Hawley St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7w.

Saam Aziz request installation of "15 Minute Parking" in front of 75 Russell St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7x.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request restoration and relocation of the Sullivan Memorial located in Melrose St. to a location approximately 50 feet north of its current location.

Attachments

Referred to Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee

 

7y.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at : WATER ST./COLUMBIA ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for March 5, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.

 

7z.

Evan Corrigan request the City of Worcester begin its preparations for February 29, 2020 and fashion the special date city wide as "Worcester Day."

Attachments

Petitioner spoke and Referred to City Manager

 

8.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

8.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Michael Curtis to Constable.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Mitchell Perry to the Worcester Arts Council.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Chareese Allen to the Board of Health.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

8.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend appointment of Carol Stovall to the Citizens Advisory Council.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 
 

8.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
A.

Recommend adoption of an amendment to the Salary Ordinance relative to advanced educational stipends for employees that are members of Local 495, NAGE, SEIU in the job classifications of Environmental Analyst and Senior Environmental Analyst.Refer to CCM Item 8.34A

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 

8.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
A.

Recommend approval of a Lease Agreement for Parking at Major Taylor Garage by the U S Postal Service.

Attachments

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

 
 

8.6

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

Transmitting communication relative to the installation of a stop sign on Bluff Street.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the status of Doherty Memorial High School.

Attachments

Referred to Education Committee

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the status of South High Community School.

Attachments

Referred to Education Committee

 
D.

Transmitting communication relative to proposed tow zones on Commercial Street near the DCU Center.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 
 

8.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Six Month Activity Report July - December 2018.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

8.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

8.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend adoption of a temporary amendment to the Table of Organization for the Worcester Fire Department.

Attachments

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

 
 

8.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

8.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Recommend City Council Adoption of a Resolution to the City of Worcester's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to allow Andrew Lowe from the Central MA Regional Planning Commission and Michael Shanley, Director of Emergency Communications, the opportunity to speak in regards to the Item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 
 

8.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

8.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report describing a new state law governing short-term rentals.

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 
 

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
 

8.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

8.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

8.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend approval of Statements of Interests for projects that were approved by the Worcester School Committee for submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Mayor Petty moved for reconsideration on the Item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 
 

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
 

8.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Two Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Two Dollars And Sixty Eight Cents ($297,322.68) be transferred from Account #75C504, DCU Special District, to Account #75C702, DCU Rehabilitation.

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Six Dollars And Thirty Two Cents ($100,536.32) be transferred from Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, to Account #68C701, Technical Service Capital Equipment, to process payment for previously approved capital items.

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 apply for, accept and expend funds from the Commonwealth Corporation's YouthWorks 2019 Summer Jobs for Youth Placed at Risk Grant, in the amount of up to Six Hundred Seventy Three Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Six Dollars and Zero Cents ($673,326.00).

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of One Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,000.00) from Tufts Health Plan Foundation, via the Friends of Worcester's Senior Center, for sponsorship of an event at Worcester Senior Center.

Attachments

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

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file and accept with gratitude a donation of Two (2) K9 SWAT Vests with a monetary value of Five Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars and No Cents ($5,120.00) for WPD's K9 Unit, from Mass Vest-a-Dog and the Shrewsbury Community Animal Hospital.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant Grant in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00) from the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women through their FY19 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence Grant program.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of travel-related expenses, with an estimated value of Two Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($2,000.00) from RubbeRecycle, for an educational meeting and factory tour for DPW&P Cemetery Division Employees responsible for the Management Maintenance and Operations of Worcester's municipal playgrounds.

Attachments

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

 
 

8.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that One Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Nine Dollars And Forty Two Cents ($1,589.42) be transferred from Special Revenue Account #330-31, Wetland Protection Act Funds, and be appropriated to Account #043-92000, Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, to fund expenses associated with the administration of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act.

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend that Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($12,900.00) be transferred from Account #310-91000, City Jobs Salaries to Account #310-92000, City Jobs Ordinary Maintenance, to cover costs associated with implementing a third training course for additional participants to be run under the City Jobs program.

Attachments

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

 
C.

Recommend that Twelve Thousand Two Hundred Six Dollars And No Cents ($12,206.00) be transferred from Account #04T803, OPEB Trust Reserve, and be appropriated to Account #663-96000, Health Insurance, to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2019 2nd quarter health insurance expenses for Airport retirees.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend that Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Five Dollars And No Cents ($11,385.00), be transferred from Account #3314-92000, Youth Services Ordinary Maintenance, to Account #3314-91000, Youth Services Regular Salaries.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend that Two Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Seven Dollars And Seventy Five Cents ($263,497.75) be transferred from Account #330-08, Reserve for Appropriation on Loans, to Account #660-92000, Treasurer's Office Ordinary Maintenance.

Attachments

Councilor Wally moved to recuse himself from the Item and left the room. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
F.

Recommend that Two Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Dollars And No Cents ($2,560.00) be transferred from Account #150-92000, Elections Ordinary Maintenance, to Account #150-93000, Elections Capital Outlay.

Attachments

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

 
G.

Recommend that Four Hundred Fifty Eight Thousand Three Hundred Sixty Two Dollars And No Cents ($458,362.00) be transferred from Account #260-91101, Worcester Fire Department Salaries, to Account #260-97201, Worcester Fire Department Overtime and Account #260-92000, Worcester Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance.

Attachments

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

 
H.

Recommend that Six Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Seven Dollars And Fifty One Cents ($6,857.51) be transferred from Account #29-33007, Law Department Damage Settlements, to Account #2602-92201, Worcester Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance.

Attachments

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

 
 

8.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend that Two Thousand Three Hundred Forty Dollars And No Cents ($2,340.00) be authorized and appropriated from DPW&P salary account as detailed to allow for retroactive pay for educational stipends for Environmental and Senior Environmental Analyst.Refer to CCM Item 8.3A

Attachments

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

 
 

8.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

8.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the selection of Robert C. Antonelli, Jr. for the 2019 Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association's "Peter C. O'Brien Humanitarian Award".

Attachments

Placed on file

 
9.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

9a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to whether or not it is an Open Meeting Law violation if a Standing Committee goes to a site visit at a location when not all areas at the site are accessible to the public for viewing or recording.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9b.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a traffic study concerning what improvements can be made at the various intersections on Bailey St. that would notify drivers of pedestrians in the area. Further, request City Manager include in said traffic study information concerning whether speed bumps would be appropriate in the area.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9c.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks ensure all crosswalk signals in the vicinity of Chandler Elementary Community School are working properly.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9d.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager install a blinking crosswalk signal at the intersection of Chandler St. and Wellington St.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9e.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks remove handicap parking signs in front of 5 Berkeley St., due to no ordinance being on file for that location.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

9f.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide increased speed enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Chandler St. and Wellington St.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10.

ORDERS

10a.

Request Commissioner of Public Works & Parks have the pot hole in front of 10 Natural History Dr. repaired as soon as possible, in the interest of public safety. (Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10b.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks find a solution to the sink hole in Lake View St. which, is a safety hazard to children walking to school and it could potentially risk making the sidewalks and handicap pads at the corner of Sherbrook Ave. unstable. (Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10c.

Request City Manager request the Director of Human Resources provide to City Council the following information to assist in the hiring of a dedicated staff person for City Council: 1.) Background on the position that includes salary, duties and responsibilities; 2.) A sample job description; 3.) The City’s hiring practices; 4.) Recommendation as to who should review resumes and conduct interviews; 5.)Recommendation as to who makes the decision for hiring; 6.) Recommendation for salary; 7.) Additional job titles and salary ranges that are comparable; and 8.) Recommendation as to who would be the supervisor of this position for matters of oversight, support and discipline. Further, request this information to be provided as soon as possible. (Rose)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10d.

To better promote safe needle disposal, request City Manager report to City Council concerning what steps must be taken to require that all city pharmacies, hospitals, and health clinics accept the return of used needles, sharps and lancets. (Rosen)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10e.

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning whether the administrations and Title IX offices of our local colleges and universities, as they respond to student complaints of sexual harassment and misconduct on and off campus, are making use of the experience, expertise and authority of the Worcester Police Department. (Rosen)

Attachments

Councilor Rivera moved to add her name as a sponsor. Councilor Rose moved to add his name as a sponsor. Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors. Order adopted

 

10f.

Request City Manager advise City Council concerning the steps that need to be taken to bring a network-affiliated television station to the resurgent City of Worcester. (Rosen)

Attachments

Councilor Rivera moved to add her name as a sponsor. Order adopted

 

10g.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding who has been contacted to make the prospective city recycling bags. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning whether or not that company has the capability of making smaller sized bags. (Mero-Carlson, Wally, Bergman)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10h.

Request City Council have the City Council Standing Committees on Public Works and Municipal Operations conduct a joint meeting about the future recommended staffing of the City Council office as well as logistics for office space for staff and City Council. Further, request the joint committee discuss potential recommendations regarding the job description and role of the City Council staff persons and further, encourage other City Councilors who are not members of the joint committee to attend and be included in the conversation. (Russell, Rivera, Rosen, Lukes, King, Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item. Tabled - Petty

 

10i.

Request the City Council Standing Committee on Public Service & Transportation invite representatives of National Grid to a meeting to discuss the sporadic power outages that have occurred in the Tatnuck Square area. (Wally)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10j.

Request City Manager engage Worcester State University in discussions to inquire of any planned increases of on-campus parking and report to City Council any resulting information. (Wally)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10k.

Request City Manager report on the increased valuations and projected tax revenue resulting from the Worcester Renaissance that has occurred in the past two years. (Lukes)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10l.

Request City Manager report on the impact on the upcoming budget preparation of the recent changes to GASB accounting standards, especially regarding the treatment of leases and long term contracts. (Lukes)

Attachments

Councilor Lukes moved to amend to make the request of the City Auditor. Order adopted as amended

 

10m.

Request City Manager provide a report concerning the future of the South Plaza area. (Russell)

Attachments

Councilor Toomey moved to add her name as a sponsor Councilor King moved to add his name as a sponsor. Order adopted

 

10n.

Request City Manager review the plow and sanding route maps for the Butler St. area and any other streets that received more than six (6) frequent complaints over the last twelve months. Further, request City Manager provide a report to City Council as to adjustments of route maps or other measures taken to provide better service. (Russell)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10o.

Request City Manager provide to City Council a report concerning the plans for the closing/WRA redevelopment of the Midtown Mall and include in the report how many business are being affected, plans for assistance in relocation of the small businesses, and timeframe involved in implementing the steps for this closure. (Mero-Carlson, Rivera)

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved to add his name as a sponsor. Order adopted

 

10p.

Request City Manager and the Superintendent of Public Schools jointly partner with each of our local community-minded colleges and universities to provide city residents, from youth to seniors, with complimentary courses/classes in ESL, GED, STEAM, scientific investigation, video game design and after-school programming, among several others. (Rosen)

Attachments

Councilor Rose moved to add his name as a sponsor. Councilor Rose moved to amend: Further, request City Manager and the Superintendent of Public Schools include in said report what education courses/classes are currently being offered. Order adopted as amended

 

10q.

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks have the intersection of Moreland St. and Carter Rd. be reviewed by traffic engineers in order to report to City Council recommended measures to reduce automobile accidents. (Wally)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to add his name as a sponsor. Councilor Toomey moved to add his name as a sponsor. Councilor Rose moved to amend: Further, request City Manager provide City Council with similar information concerning the intersection of Chester St and Grove St. and the intersection of Partkon Ave. and Grove St. Order adopted as amended

 

10r.

Request City Manager develop a plan to address illegal parking of box cars and tractor trailers throughout the city. (Petty)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10s.

Request City Manager report back as to whether or not there is sufficient staff to manage existing and future development, school and housing projects taking place in the city. (Petty)

Attachments

Councilor Rose moved to add his name as a sponsor. Councilor Rivera moved to add her name as a sponsor. Councilor Toomey moved to add her name as a sponsor. Order adopted

 

10t.

Request City Manager submit a report listing the number of complaints filed in the past two years for property damage resulting from defects in the public way including the number of hearings before the Claims Committee and the results of those hearings. (Lukes)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

10u.

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to submit a report evaluating the consequences of extending the time to file a complaint based on property damages resulting from defects in the public way from 30 days to 60 days. (Lukes)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11.

RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE - No items pending

12.

COMMUNICATION

12a.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting communication for City Council's consideration and vote of the attached Statements of Interest for submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Attachments

Placed on file

 

13.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY AUDITOR

13a.

Transmitting for your review the annual audited financial statements and management letter of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the year ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Also transmitting a detailed listing of expenses for the same period.

Attachments

Councilor King moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - King

 

13b.

Transmitting semi-annual financial statements (December 31, 2018) and a detail breakdown of expenses of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA).

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

14.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD

14a.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, Esq. on behalf of Worcester Affordable Housing LLC request to amend the Zoning Map to extend the BG-2.0 zone southerly from its current terminus at the northerly line of Curtis Pond as shown on the attached map.

Attachments

Accepted

 

15.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

15a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Worcester's draft Community Choice (Electricity) Aggregation Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

16.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

16a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mark Donahue, Attorney for 288 Grove LLC request City abandon and discontinue it's use of a portion of that certain Sewer Easement located north of Brookfield St. and shown as Parcel E-2 on the attached plan located north of Brookfield St. and to accept certain relocated fifteen (15) foot wide sewer trunk easement located north of Brookfield St. and shown on attached plan as Parcel E-1: recommend approval of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

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

 

16b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the FY19 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

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

 

17.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING

17a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rudolfo Rivera request to install handicap parking space in front of 86 Chino Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William Stuart request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 40 Great Brook Valley Ave.; recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Andrew and Lijuan Wallen request removal of handicap parking space at 6 Salford St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nancy Garr-Colzie request installation of handicap parking in front of 10 Delaware St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Yvette Jackson request installation of handicap parking space in front of 53 Plantation St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request the installation of a stop sign on High Ridge Rd. at intersection of Flagg St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance

 

17g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Karen Bird request installation of crosswalk in Thorne St. in vicinity of Dupont St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and Adopted

 

17h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dawn Ludy, Controller Harr Toyota request installation of a pedestrian crosswalk next to the Millbrook St. entrance of Harr Toyota across Millbrook St. to Chik-Fil-A.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

17i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Caitlin Laplante, Property Manager at Canal Lofts, request installation of a drop off/pick up zone in front of 48 Water St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

17j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Melissa Madera request the resident permit parking sign pole at 89 East Central St. be moved closer to the driveway: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted & Adopted

 

17k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Janice Hinson request removal of handicap parking space in front of 5 Berkeley St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Amy Petrucelli request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 15 Fifth Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alice Pellerin request No Parking be installed on the Maranda St. side of 720 Grafton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lillian Delgado request resident permit parking be installed from 106-120 Eastern Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of H'Dung Nie request removal of resident permit parking in front of 8 & 10 Natick St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of parents of the Goddard School of Science and Technology request Richards St. be made a one way street: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17q.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Eric Ward request installation of stoplights at the intersection of Forest St. and Salisbury St., as a means to aid left turns onto Salisbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17r.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William Belcher request installation of traffic/pedestrian signal lights/devices at Chandler St. and Wellington St. including crosswalk: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17s.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of William S. Coleman, III request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Chandler St. and Wellington St., in the interest of public safety: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

17t.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request installation of appropriate signage and increased traffic enforcement by the Worcester Police Department on Durant Way in an effort to slow traffic down and to improve the safety of pedestrians and area residents: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

18.

LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED

18a.

That the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, is hereby authorized to issue refunding bonds or notes of the City under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 21A of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, for the purpose of refunding all or a portion of the outstanding amounts of the bond issues of the City (the Refunding Bonds)

Attachments

Councilor Wally moved to recuse himself and left the room. Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

19.

TO BE ORDAINED

19a.

Amending the Zoning Map of the city of Worcester by changing the zoning designation of the property located at and known as 223 Greenwood St. from a current designation of RL-7 to ML-0.5.

Attachments

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

 

19b.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 9 ˝ Douglas Street.

Attachments

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

 

19c.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 78 ˝ Ward Street.

Attachments

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

 

19d.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 197 Eastern Avenue.

Attachments

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

 

19e.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For Stop Sign On Bancroft Tower Road At Beechmont Street.

Attachments

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

 

20.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

20a.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning the extent of discussion of City Council matters by City Councilors outside of City Council meetings. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 5, 2019)

Attachments

Councilor Bergman moved to Table the Item. Tabled - Bergman

 

21.

TABLED ITEMS

21a.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – That the City Council go on record in favor of supporting the Worcester Bravehearts as they plan for the future. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes August 21, 2018 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 12, 2018 and Tabled - Lukes September 25, 2018)

Attachments

No action taken

 

22.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 5, 2019 City Council meeting.

22a.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with biannual reports analyzing the implementation of actionable items within the Worcester Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (WYVPI). – Item #10a CC Order adopted

 

22b.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager formally invite City Council to Worcester Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (WYVPI) meetings. – Item #10b CC Order adopted

 

22c.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the work being done to address the issue of a disproportionate rate at which Latino and black youths are punished in school and in the criminal justice system. – Item #10c CC Order adopted

 

22d.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager create a strategic, affirmative action plan as it relates to the succession of minorities to cabinet and high level positions within the city. – Item #10d CC Order adopted

 

22e.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide the city’s departments with a, “Utilization Analysis,” which tracks information on new hires, promotions and departures on a regular basis to determine how the city is growing and improving in regards to its Affirmative Action Plan. – Item #10e CC Order adopted

 

22f.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to what City Council’s role is in formulating the city’s Affirmative Action Plan. – Item #10f CC Order adopted

 

22g.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning whether or not the City Council, as a hiring authority, is subject to the city’s Affirmative Action Plan. – Item #10g CC Order adopted

 

22h.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a clarification of why cosponsors’ names cannot be added to Orders put forth by City Council until the time of the body’s meeting. – Item #10h CC Order adopted

 

22i.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager work with his Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to determine the feasibility of changing the Open Meeting Law to allow for discussion of Items before City Council. – Item #10i CC Order adopted

 

22j.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report determining the feasibility of drafting a home rule petition to exempt City Council from the portion of the Open Meeting Law that does not allow a body to discuss Items with one another. – Item #10j CC Order adopted

 

23.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 26, 2019 City Council meeting.

23a.

Motion Petty @ #10h CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to who has jurisdiction in regards to office space and facilities within City Hall.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

23b.

Motion Wally @ #10i CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what would be required for the city to own, maintain and operate a municipal light plant in order to provide electric and gas services to the residents of Worcester.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

23c.

Motion King @ #10o CC – Request City Manager request WRA provide a report concerning what communication has occurred between the city and the owner of the Midtown Mall in regards to their property.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

23d.

Motion Lukes @ #13a CC – Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report detailing loans that have been taken out by the city for operational and administrative WRA expenses.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

23e.

PETITION – Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey requested the sidewalk on both sides of Dell Ave. be repaired.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

23f.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Wellington St. and Chandler St.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

23g.

Motion Rivera – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks fix the pothole in the vicinity of 123 West St.

Attachments

Order adopted