CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 7:49 P.M.

Recessed: 7:52 P.M. Reconvened: 9:01 P.M. Adjourned: 9:11 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Donna M. Colorio
Khrystian E. King Candy Mero-Carlson
Sarai Rivera Sean M. Rose City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli
Gary Rosen George J. Russell
Kathleen M. Toomey Matthew E. Wally
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

3.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Rivera, who was present when the meeting was reconvened at 9:01 P.M.

4.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

5.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 12, 2020.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent).

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

There were no public speakers recognized during this portion of the agenda.

 

7.

HEARING & ORDER

7a.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: ENDICOTT ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: ENDICOTT ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to open the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent). Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the item. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to close the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the item. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent).

 

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Gordon Duncan request sidewalk repair in front of the lot located at 13 Burgess St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #8a CC through #8d CC collectively and refer the items to their respective recommended committees and meeting. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent).

 

8b.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request the removal of the I-290 sign in front of 812 Pleasant St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #8a CC)

 

8c.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of an additional crosswalk across Pleasant St. at Crown St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #8a CC)

 

8d.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: THORNE ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for June 2, 2020 on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent) (See Item #8a CC)

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend reappointments of John Finn, Robert Bureau and Fitzroy Hall to the Commission on Disabilities.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 

9.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order of taking for watershed land in Princeton from the Estate of Marie Reardon.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a status report on finances for City parking garages.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to to take the item up collectively with #9.5C and to refer the items to Finance Committee. Referred to Finance Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the total number of hours and wages for all snow removal inspectors and the total number of snow removal inspectors so employed for FY16 - FY19.

Attachments

Referred to Finance Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.5B CC).

 
 

9.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
 

9.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fire Department safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public Safety Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend adoption of an order to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with the Town of West Boylston for assistance with fire protection services to several large, senior living complexes.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Police Departments protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Safety Committee. Referred to Public Safety Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 

9.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

9.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
 

9.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

9.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

9.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

9.17

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
 

9.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

9.19

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

9.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

9.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

9.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

9.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

9.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

9.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

9.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.30

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

9.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that recommend One Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,100,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C711F, Building Rehabilitation Library, to Account #11C70201, EAM Library, for costs related to the ongoing Main Library Master Plan renovation.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #9.31A CM, #9.32A CM through #9.32G CM and #9.33A CM through #9.33D CM collectively and adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($365,000.00) from Council on Aging Formula and Service Incentive Grant, under the COA Formula and Service Incentive Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) from Friends of Worcester's Senior Center, for Worcester Senior Center support.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($5,000.00) from UMASS Medical School under the SNAP program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Massachusetts Census Division 2020 Census Municipal Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude various donations in the amount of Forty Nine Thousand Four Hundred Thirteen Dollars And No Cents ($49,413.00) from generous donors for COVID-19 response.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
F.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend an FY20 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Grant in the amount of Forty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($40,000.00) from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
G.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Million One Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Eight Dollars And No Cents ($5,157,858.00) from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the FY19 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
 

9.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Three Hundred Seventy One Thousand Ninety Seven Dollars and Sixty Six Cents ($371,097.66) be transferred from Account #250-93000, Police Capital Outlay, to Account #250-97000, Police Overtime.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account # 171-96000, Workers Compensation, to Account #174-96000, Injured On Duty, to pay for unanticipated expenses related to Injured on Duty claims in Fiscal Year 20.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
C.

Recommend that Seven Thousand One Hundred Forty Dollars And No Cents ($7,140.00) be transferred from Account #04T803, OPEB Trust Reserve, and be appropriated to Account #663-96000, Health Insurance, to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2020 (March 2020-April 2020) Health Insurance expenses for Airport retirees.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
D.

Recommend that One Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($1,900.00) be transferred from Account #29-33007, Law Department Damage Settlement, to Account #2602-92201, Fire Department Automotive Supplies.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.31A CM)

 
 

9.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

9.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

9.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
10.

LOAN ORDERS TO BE ADOPTED

10a.

That the sum of Twenty Five Million Dollars and No Cents ($25,000,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7113T, Doherty High MSBA, to pay for costs associated with the construction and furnishing of a replacement Doherty Memorial High School at 299 Highland Street.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #10a CC through #10y CC collectively, and to adopt the proposed Loan Orders. Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

10b.

That the sum of Three Million Four Hundred Nineteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($3,419,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7114, Citywide Building Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Citywide Building Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10c.

That the sum of Fourteen Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($14,250,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C784, Park Improvements, to pay for costs associated with Park Improvements.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10d.

That the sum of Thirteen Million Eight Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($13,860,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7413A, Street and Sidewalk Construction, to pay for costs associated with Street and Sidewalk Construction.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10e.

That the sum of Three Million Dollars And No Cents ($3,000,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C744B, Off Street Parking Rehab, to pay for costs associated with Off Street Parking Rehab.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10f.

That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C744A, Parking Meters, to pay for costs associated with Parking Meters.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10g.

That the sum of Two Million Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,020,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7134, Water Mains, to pay for costs associated with Water Mains.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10h.

That the sum of One Million Eight Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,840,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C732, Water Building Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Water Building Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10i.

That the sum of Ten Million Six Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,685,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7134, Water Mains, to pay for costs associated with Water Mains.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10j.

That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C702, Water Land Acquisition, to pay for costs associated with Water Land Acquisition.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10k.

That the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($600,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C731A, Water Capital Equipment, to pay for costs associated with Water Capital Equipment.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10l.

That the sum of Eleven Million Six Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($11,670,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C745B, Sewer Construction, to pay for costs associated with Sewer Construction.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10m.

That the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($600,0000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C734A, Sewer Capital Equipment.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10n.

That the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741F, Guardrails, to pay for costs associated with Guardrails.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10o.

That the sum of Five Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($510,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741E, Bridge Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Bridge Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10p.

That the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C741C, Private Street Conversion, to pay for costs associated with Private Street Conversion.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10q.

That the sum of Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($650,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C724B, Traffic Signal Improvements, to pay for costs associated with Traffic Signal Improvements.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10r.

That the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($3,500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C711E, Public Schools Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Public Schools Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10s.

That the sum of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,150,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7161A, Union Station Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Union Station Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10t.

That the sum of Two Million Thirty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,030,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C711F, Building Rehabilitation Library, to pay for costs associated with Building Rehabilitation Library.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10u.

That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C780E, Public Schools Equipment, to pay for costs associated with Public Schools Equipment.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10v.

That the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Forty Three Dollars and No Cents ($2,528,543) be appropriated to Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, to pay for costs associated with Citywide Capital Equipment.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10w.

That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($255,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C744B, Parking Lots, to pay for costs associated with Parking Meters.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10x.

That the sum of Three Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($397,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C775, Civic Center Building Rehabilitation, to pay for costs associated with Citywide Building Rehabilitation.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

10y.

That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C724B, Street Light Improvements, to pay for costs associated with Street Light Improvements.

Attachments

Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

11.

TABLED ITEMS

11a.

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

 

11b.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11c.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11d.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11e.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - In light of recent events, request City Manager consider establishing a process to inspect rental apartments, which would help to confirm structural changes are done to the standards set by Inspectional Services, in the interest of public service. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a recommendation as to how often these inspections should take place. (Tabled - King December 17, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 21, 2020 and April 28, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson May 5, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

12.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the May 19, 2020 City Council meeting.

12a.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request City Manager consider encouraging retail businesses to use outdoor spaces. - Item #17a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays