CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:37 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:14 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 King and Councilor Mero-Carlson. Councilor King arrived at 6:42 P.M. and Councilor Mero-Carlson arrived at 6:45 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 March 16, 2021.

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 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Mero-Carlson absent).

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Kathy Roy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 2. Elaine Baskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 3. Margaret McGrath, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 4. Mauro DePasquale, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7c CC 5. Sandy Meltzer, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 6. Suzanne Burke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 7. Laurie Perch, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 8. Denise O’Connell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 9. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 10. John True, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 11. Yaya Harris, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 12. Bobby Hazleton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 13. Etel Haxhiaj, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC 14. Jenny Pacillo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC 15. Jeremy Shulkin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC 16. John Rodgers, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7h CC, item #11c CC, #11d CC, #11j CC 17. Marie Brouliette, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC 18. Meighan Sharry, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 19. Shameen (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7h CC and #7a CC 20. Shaun Connolly, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7a CC 21. Tom Brenner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 22. Maura Brenner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 23. Andrew Trapp, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC 24. Natasha Trapp, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7h CC

 

7.

PETITIONS

7a.

Jenny Pacillo request City Council vote to remove Rule 39 of its rules in its entirety and replace with a new Rule 39 as follows: "Consistent with the City's Charter, at any meeting of the City Council, the citizens and employees of the City shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard, both in person and remotely, regarding any matter presently under consideration by the City Council. The time for speaking shall not exceed two minutes. This privilege shall not apply to items "held under privilege." This privilege shall also not apply to items listed on the agenda as pending in the Committee on Finance and/or ordinances or to tabled items. At all times members of the public shall be accorded the same respect when making their comments as is required of members when addressing the chair."

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7a CC and #7b CC collectively to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

7b.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council add a provision to its rules that allows a petitioner one point of information or clarification on an item before the City Council.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7a CC)

 

7c.

Mauro DePasquale, Executive Director of WCCA TV, request City Council vote to support the attached resolution in support of Massachusetts legislation relative to streaming entertainment operation's use of public rights of way.

Attachments

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

 

7d.

Kathleen McGuirk request installation of retaining wall on the property line at 32 Barnes Ave.

Attachments

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

 

7e.

Evan Corrigan request the bridge on Route 12 (next to 317 W. Boylston St.) be reviewed and repaired.

Attachments

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

 

7f.

Mayor Petty on behalf of Marsha Sadusky request removal of the handicap parking space on Ingleside Ave., adjacent to 45 Cohasset St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7f CC and #7g CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

7g.

Dennis Lipka request installation of a new, outbound bus stop location approximately 136' south of the intersection of Chestnut St. and Walnut St., located directly in front of 18 Chestnut St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7f CC)

 

7h.

Meighan Sharry request City Council request City Manager effectively stop efforts to develop athletic fields at Duffy Field/Wetherall Park.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to Table the Item. Tabled on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – Colorio, King) Tabled – Petty

 

7i.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: FRANKLIN ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set a hearing for April 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for April 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

7j.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council send a collective letter of congratulation to the new Mayor of Boston with an invitation to visit Worcester.

Attachments

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

 

8.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

8.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Anatoly Yankovsky as a Constable with a term to expire December 2023.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

8.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

8.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 

8.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

8.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
 

8.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending February 28, 2021.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks break future Construction Progress Reports down by each City Council district.” (See Item #12a CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

8.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

8.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

8.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

8.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 

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
Administration
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report detailing outreach efforts conducted by the Homelessness Outreach Team.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Homeless Projects Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of the protocols, procedures and related policies used during situations where the Homeless Outreach Division is used as a first point of contact.” (See Item #12b CC). Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the City Council has access to red cap reports.” (See Item #12c CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized the Homeless Projects Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Homeless Projects Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Toomey. Councilor Toomey then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s efforts to help those in the homeless population who do not have jobs with opportunities to become employable.” (See Item #12d CC). Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Homeless Project Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Homeless Outreach Strategist, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning which models are most effective in aiding the city’s chronically homeless population.” (See Item #12e CC). Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning systemic barriers in place when aiding homeless individuals in future reports dedicated to homeless outreach efforts.” (See Item #12f CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Health and Human Services Committee. Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

8.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
 

8.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

8.20

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

8.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

8.22

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

8.23

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

8.24

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANANGER
Cultural Development Division
 

8.25

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

8.26

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Office of Urban Innovation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester Open Data Policy.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee. Referred to Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

8.27

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order authorizing the City Manager to execute four leases on behalf of the Worcester School Department.

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.

 
 

8.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

8.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of February 28, 2021.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Mayor Petty 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 refer the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

8.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

8.31

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

8.32

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

8.33

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

8.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
 

8.35

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($5,000.00) from the Worcester Red Sox for the benefit of the 2021 Recreation Worcester Summer Program.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively adopt items #8.35A CM through #8.35F CM, #8.36A CM through #8.36C CM and #8.37A CM. Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Three Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars And No Cents ($338,378.00) Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the COVID-19 Vaccination Capacity and Confidence in Priority Communities program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($187,500.00) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) through the Opioid Prevention in Early Childhood program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept,and expend grant funds in the amount of One Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars And No Cents($138,688.00) from the Commonwealth Corporation that supports efforts to improve workforce prospects and outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount up to Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($300,000.00) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for analysis of the functionality and sustainability of the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
F.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Five and No Cents ($59,375.00) from the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research through the VAWA STOP program FFY 2020 Year 4 continuation grant.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
 

8.36

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
Votes Required
A.

Recommend that Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($36,500.00) be transferred from Account #250-93000, Police Capital Outlay, and be appropriated to Account #250-92000, Police Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funding for operating expenses through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($125,000.00) be transferred from Account #720-91000, Parks Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #720-97000, Parks Overtime, to cover anticipated overtime costs through Fiscal Year 2021.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
C.

Recommend that Sixty Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and Thirty Cents ($67,979.39) be transferred from Account #29-33007, Damage Settlement, and be appropriated to Account #250-92000, Police Ordinary Maintenance, to fund the repair of Worcester Police Department vehicles involved in no fault motor vehicle accidents.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
 

8.37

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend that Six Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Nine Dollars And Twenty Eight Cents ($6,269.28) be authorized in Account #610-92000, Budget Office Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of a prior year invoice.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.35A CM)

 
 

8.38

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

8.39

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
9.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

9a.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Gary Rosen - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby encourage Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey to support the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. DST started as a wartime effort over a century ago but now makes little sense. There are many studies that show the negative impact of these biannual time changes and the benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rosen March 23, 2021)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

10.

TABLED ITEMS

10a.

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

 

10b.

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

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10g CC. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to take the items off the Table. Taken off the Table on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to place the items on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

10c.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager 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

 

10d.

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

 

10e.

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

 

10f.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Sean M. Rose and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - That the Worcester City Council urges our State Delegation and others to pursue the naming in 2020 of the Worcester District Courthouse the “Sarah E. Wall Courthouse”. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 2, 2020 and June 9, 2020 - Petty and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10g.

COMMUNICATION of Stephen Herzog, Project Manager at Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., on behalf of CSX Transportation, Inc. transmitting an informational communication relative to the application of herbicide on the railroad. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty June 9, 2020 and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020)

Attachments

Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10b CC)

 

10h.

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Gary Rosen and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager support the (re)opening of the City’s licensed cigar and hookah lounges and for the state to amend the classification of these establishments. These establishments can, and should, fit under the guise and parameters set forth as restaurants as they have or will have a common ViC license. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 15, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson September 22, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10i.

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting a draft of social media policies and procedures for City Council, in the event that a Facebook page for the City Council is created, including information relative to best practices used in other communities. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 26, 2021, Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson February 2, 2021 and Tabled - Petty February 9, 2021)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10j.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the March 23, 2021 City Council meeting.

11a.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report examining how lighting at public parks can have an effect on the safety in the area. – Item #20a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11b.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of individuals contributing to public participation sections of public meetings. – Item #20b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11c.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager and Mayor prioritize public participation for all individuals who attend public meetings in person, when such a time comes that individuals from the public are allowed to participate in public meetings in person and in the event that remote Public Participation becomes permanent. – Item #20c CC Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11d.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request Mayor more strictly enforce the City Council rules surrounding the timeframe allowed during Public Participation. – Item #20d CC Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11e.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager work to provide residents who are using their phones to call in for remote public participation with a local phone number, so as to not affect their long distance phone bills. – Item #20e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11f.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager develop a series of city responses against movements against certain groups of individuals, including but not limited to any anti-Mulsim, anti-Asian, anti-Black or anti-Jewish groups. – Item #20f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11g.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of all hate crimes that have occurred in the last year or more. – Item #20g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11h.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning whether the language on the street listings that are mailed to the residents of the city are consistent with what is required on said street listings. – Item #20h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11i.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a copy of the Sunshine Protection Act 2021. – Item #20i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11j.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey and Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager request Police Chief work and engage with community stakeholders to create a plan to address the rapidly increasing incidences of package thefts, car break-ins, bicycle thefts and other increasing types of crime throughout the city. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief and representatives from Recreation Worcester make plans to start activities sooner, rather than later, and to include youths ages 11 to 15. – Item #20j CC Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

12.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the March 30, 2021 City Council meeting.

12a.

Motion Rose @ #8.7A CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks break future Construction Progress Reports down by each City Council district.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.7A CM)

 

12b.

Motion King @ #8.17A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of the protocols, procedures and related policies used during situations where the Homeless Outreach Division is used as a first point of contact.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.17A CM)

 

12c.

Motion King @ #8.17A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the City Council has access to red cap reports.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.17A CM)

 

12d.

Motion Toomey @ #8.17A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s efforts to help those in the homeless population who do not have jobs with opportunities to become employable.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.17A CM)

 

12e.

Motion King @ #8.17A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning which models are most effective in aiding the city’s chronically homeless population.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.17A CMe)

 

12f.

Motion King @ #8.17A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning systemic barriers in place when aiding homeless individuals in future reports dedicated to homeless outreach efforts.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8.17A CM)

 

12g.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager investigate the possibility of purchasing the Becker property at 69 Sever St., formerly known as the Worcester Tennis Club, to use as a rectangular field.

Attachments

Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who introduced the item. 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.