CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:02 P.M.

Recessed: 7:20 P.M. Reconvened: 9:24 P.M. Adjourned: 9:42 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 28, 2019.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Patricia Kirkpatrick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #6b CC
2. Mary Flynn, Holden resident, spoke in favor of #6b CC

Robert and Margaret Peltier request Forsberg St., from Harwich St. to the end of private section, be made public.

Patricia Kirkpatrick, member of Mothers Out Front, et al request an opportunity to discuss the high rate of pediatric asthma in Worcester, particularly among children of color, and the correlation between these rates and poor air quality.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request resurfacing of Barry Rd. from the intersection of Birchwood Rd. and Barry Rd. to 92 Barry Rd.

Christopher Minichilli request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 12 Wade St.

Jake Guzman request installation of a crosswalk and crosswalk advisory signage across Chandler St. in the vicinity of 335 Chandler St.

Jose Gonzalez request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Westfield St.

Gina Redmond request installation of a handicap parking space on the Winneconnett Rd. side of 8 Mohican Rd.

Angel Pagan Jr. on behalf of Rebecca Pagan-Williams request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 19 Jones St.

Leo Audette request resident permit parking be reinstalled in the vicinity of 240 Pilgrim Ave.

David Mitchell request installation of resident permit parking in Eastham St. in the vicinity of 343 Hamilton St. and 6 Eastham St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location: OAK STREET

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with updates concerning plans for modernizing the process for filing claims with the city. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with the job description of the City Auditor. (Rosen)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report highlighting all city employees’ positions that are receiving more than a 2% raise and/or their recognized union steps. (Lukes)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager work with the Board of Election Commissioners to request the Administrator of the WRTA to consider providing free bus services to election polls on Election Days. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report from Discover Central Massachusetts concerning the economic impact of events in the city in 2018, organized by event. (Toomey)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with the last five years of audits for Discover Central Massachusetts. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Auditor provide City Council with an audit of the five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) allocated to Discover Central Massachusetts through the Marketing Campaign funds in the city’s Economic Development budget, highlighting how the monies are being spent. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report showing how the funds allocated to Discover Central Massachusetts were spent. (Russell)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with M.G.L. Chapter 268A. (Bergman)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager encourage the NCAA to bring its March Madness Basketball Tournament to the city. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how many Board Members of Discover Central Massachusetts are members of the Chamber of Commerce in Worcester or elsewhere. (King)

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of “No Parking Anytime” restrictions on Preston St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of vehicles not stopping at the stop sign in Hadwen Rd.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of “No Parking Anytime” restrictions in the vicinity of Columbus Park Preparatory Elementary School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install advisory signage approaching the crosswalk in the vicinity of Columbus Park Preparatory School, as well as at the crosswalk itself.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager consider installing a sidewalk on the east side of Lovell St. to alleviate traffic and public safety concerns in the vicinity of Columbus Park Preparatory School.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager look at the driveways in the vicinity of Columbus Park Preparatory School to determine if driveways have been illegally or improperly installed on front lawns, enforcing possible infractions if required.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager consider creating a proposed Master Plan for the Lake View Playground/Park, located at 133 Coburn Ave.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a future report regarding any safety issues that may come up at Coes Park and the Stearns Tavern, including information concerning ways to alleviating parking concerns.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking consider the need for striping Coes St. down the middle as a deterrent for motorists that are driving too fast and on the wrong side of the road.

Request City Manager request Director of Traffic Engineering to analyze the corner of Pleasant St. and Richmond Ave. in order to identify any street design changes that would improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and aesthetics. (Wally, Rose)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased speed enforcement on Pleasant St. between Coolidge Rd. and Park Ave., including use of stationary speed detectors. (Wally)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning whether the city has considered looking at and implementing some of the best practices other communities use to reduce the amount of litter created from miniature alcohol bottles, or "nips," such as putting deposits on the bottles. (Rivera)

Request City Manager invite Main South Community Development Corporation to a future City Council meeting to present their Police and Youth Dialogue program initiatives. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the status of, “The W,” program by the WRTA, which allows unlimited rides to registered participants aged 8 to 24, including information in said report concerning whether the program will be continued in the summer of 2019. (Rivera)

Request City Clerk create a public service announcement to educate the community about the availability of the various language banks accessible to the public on Election Days. (Rivera)

Request City Manager create a task force addressing opiates similar to the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, which would include representatives from the various departments working to address the challenges being faced in our city regarding the opiate crisis. (Rivera)

Request City Manager consider providing sporadic police enforcement at Bancroft Tower Park. (Rose)

Request City Manager consider putting up an electronic sign indicating the speed of drivers on Richmond Ave. at the curve across from Audubon Rd. heading toward Flagg St. School. (Rose)

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENTS: WESCOTT STREET

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, recommending adoption of salary ordinance amendments that will bring the ordinance in compliance to the changes proposed in the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, recommending adoption of a re-organization ordinance to move the Cable Services and the Cultural Development divisions, together with the Cable Television Advisory Committee and the Worcester Arts Council, from the Executive Office of Economic Development, to the Executive Office of the City Manager, as well as to change the membership of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee from nine (9) to seven (7) members, as requested by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting an informational communication relative to responses to City Council Orders during the FY20 Budget Hearing sessions.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Brendan Gove, President Zero Point Development request zone change for a portion of 222 Brooks St. from MG-0.5 to RL-7.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager request City Council's review, deliberation and adoption of the attached proposed zoning ordinance map amendment regarding the redevelopment of land for a new baseball park: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of 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 the 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 33 & 35 Wachusett St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a Resolution to apply for Massachusetts Vacant Storefront District Designation and Certification: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Committee on Economic Development Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald O'Neil, Esq. on behalf of Plaka Realty, LLC request to amend the Zoning Map by extending the BL-1.0 zone in the vicinity of 57 Highland St. to include two additional parcels of land in their entirety located 35 and 33 Wachusett St.: Recommend Report and Petition be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Allyn Jones request One Tiverton Parkway be zoned all commercial (BL-1.0): recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Allyn Jones request the BL-1. zone be extended to include the entire parcel at 1097 Pleasant St.: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Howard Egenlauf request removal of handicap parking space at 41 Westminster St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Donna DesRosiers request removal of handicap parking space in front of 39 Everard St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ramon Guerrero request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 8 Wall St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Attorneys Mark Donahue and Jonathan Finkelstein request the Worcester City Council restrict and prohibit parking between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in those certain portions of the southerly and northerly sides of Albany St. in proximity to the land of 38 Albany, LLC and the land of 225 Shrewsbury Street Realty Trust: recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alfredo Viera, Director of Operations of Grid Hospitality Group, request removal of parking meter at 50 Franklin St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a Passenger Loading Zone on Franklin St. from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager look into what improvements can be made at the Lake View Playground/Park at 133 Coburn Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to erect a fence along the Lake View Playground/Park property located at 133 Coburn Ave.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen - Request the City Council Standing Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation invite to an upcoming meeting representatives from the Seven Hills Foundation and future managers of the historic Stearns Tavern at Coes Park, to discuss the educational, recreational and social programs and activities that they are planning for this incredible facility and park: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Philip P. Palmieri, Councilor Michael T. Gaffney and Councilor Sarai Rivera - Since it's time for the City and its residents to determine what we have, want and need at Boynton Park, request the City Council's Standing Committee on Youth, Parks & Recreation, assisted by the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works & Parks, seek community input through one or more public hearings leading to a traditional Master Plan process or, at the very least, the formulation of a well-defined site and space utilization plan for Boynton Park: recommend Order be placed on file.

Amending Chapter Three Relative To Vacation, Sick And Compassionate And Military Leaves For Unrepresented Employees

Amending Chapter Five Section Twenty-Six Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Relative To Sewer User Charge (FY 2020).

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

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 9 Winthrop Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 16 Thenius Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 44 Uxbridge Street.

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide For Resident Permit Parking On Berkshire Street.

Amending Section 40 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide For Resident Permit Parking On Westminster Street. Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install No Parking Anytime On Westminster Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install 15 Minute Parking On Russell Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking Anytime On Beacon Street. Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Rescind No Parking On Beacon Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Install Tow Away Zone No Parking Anytime On Commercial Street.

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)

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 and Tabled - Bergman February 26, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes, Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - 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. (Tabled - Petty February 26, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to information to assist in the hiring of a City Council staff member. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes March 12, 2019; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manger transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion as to the jurisdiction of office space and facilities within City Hall. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson March 12, 2019; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Susan Burns & Mary Landry request abatement of sewer betterment assessment #31247 in the amount of $36,000.00 for Luther Ave.: recommend Petition be denied. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose April 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell April 30, 2019)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide increased enforcement of the city’s sign ordinance. – Item #11a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning what jurisdiction the city has to remove signage depicting offensive content throughout the city. – Item #11b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the Worcester Police Department plans to quantify the data collected from the Body Camera Pilot Program. – Item #11c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how the rates for leasing spaces at the Worcester Senior are set. – Item #11d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council a report concerning what attempts can be made to increase governmental aid to the WRTA. Further, request City Manager include in said report any information concerning anything that has been done by the city to advocate for increased aid to the WRTA. – Item #11e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what occurs at the various WRTA Board meetings. – Item #11f CC Order adopted

Motion Russell @ #6b CC – Request City Manager formally provide City Council with air quality reports pertaining to the area of the city near the Wheelabrator Plant in Millbury if such reports exist, and if they do not, request City Manager consider conducting air quality testing in that area and reporting the findings to City Council.

Motion Toomey @ #8c CC – Request City Manager meet with restaurant owners in the city to discuss ways the city can help curb patrons from bringing, without permission, their own alcohol into restaurants.

Motion Rosen @ #8c CC – Request City Manager look into whether there are any local options for collecting deposits on miniature alcohol bottles or nips or whether collecting the deposits are only a state option.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council does hereby amend the City Council Meeting Schedule for 2019 by changing the June 25, 2019 meeting from a City Manager’s evaluation agenda to a joint City Council and City Manager agenda.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager collaborate with the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Veterans’ Services Agent and Veterans’ Inc. to create a public service announcement in regards to shooting off fireworks illegally and at improper times.

PETITION – Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign in Albany St. at its intersection with Hill St.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repaint the crosswalk on Grove St. in the vicinity of The Fix. Further, request City Manager consider said crosswalk as a location to install flashing yellow pedestrian signal lights.