CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:30 P.M.

Adjourned: 10:47 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 Wally. Councilor King arrived at 6:48 P.M. and Councilor Wally arrived at 7:47 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 Executive Session Meeting of March 9, 2021 relative to the case of Worcester Interfaith, Inc., et. al. v. City of Worcester et al.; United States District Court Civil No. 4:21-CV-40015.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt items #5a CC through #5d CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent)

 

5b.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Executive Session Meeting of March 23, 2021 relative to the case of Worcester Interfaith, Inc., et. al. v. City of Worcester et al.; United States District Court Civil No. 4:21-CV-40015.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #5a CC)

 

5c.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Executive Session Meeting of April 13, 2021 relative to the case of Worcester Interfaith, Inc., et. al. v. City of Worcester et al.; United States District Court Civil No. 4:21-CV-40015.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #5a CC)

 

5d.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 6, 2021.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #5a CC)

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the folllwing speakers: 1. Debra Packard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a CC. 2. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7v CC and #7w CC. 3. David Slatkin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #12m CC, #12n CC, #12o CC, #12r CC and #12s CC 4. Eric Stratton, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #7u CC 5. Matt Whitlock, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12f CC 6. Mike Andrew, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #18b CC

 

7.

PETITIONS - Part I

7a.

Evan Corrigan request the City of Worcester plant trees at 28 and 32 Arbutus Rd, so that the houses may also have trees like the rest of the street.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer item to the Department of Public Works and Parks. Referred to the Department of Public Works and Parks on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7b.

Clifford Rucker request the Worcester Zoning Map be amended by extending the RG-5 zoning district to fully encompass properties at 113-115 Elm St., 61 Cedar St., 65 Cedar St. and 67 Cedar St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7c.

Anthony Quinones and Theresa Belsito request abatement of street assessment #25719, in the amount of $19,083.00 for Camden Ave.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7c CC through #7l CC, as well as #7aa CC, collectively to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent).

 

7d.

Wicky Huynh request abatement of sewer assessment #31289, in the amount of $10,181.00 for Southwest Cutoff.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7e.

Richard and Nancy Clark request abatement of sewer assessment #31353, in the amount of $13,823.00 for Midgley Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7f.

Alfred Nune on behalf of Almira, LLC request abatement of sewer assessment #31284, in the amount of $5,310.00 for Southwest Cutoff.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7g.

Alfred Nune on behalf of Almira, LLC request abatement of sewer assessment #31285, in the amount of $5,550.00 for Southwest Cutoff.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7h.

Robert Aldrich request sidewalk repair on the Webster Pl. and Southern Ave. sides of 59 Webster Pl.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7i.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Glenda Rodriguez request the gravity sewer in the vicinity of 2 Hyannis Place be extended westerly, from its terminus in front of 13 Hyannis Place, as seen in the attached plan.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7j.

Jamie Blank request sidewalk in front of 17 Norrback Ave. be repaired

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7k.

Therese Robert request West St. be repaved.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7l.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request the double line on Leslie Rd. be repainted.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

7m.

Ricardo Aguilar request installation of speedbumps along Uxbridge St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #7m CC through #7q CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent).

 

7n.

Hannah Jacobs request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Harding St. between Winter St. and Temple St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7m CC)

 

7o.

Marvin Landaverde request handicap parking space in front of 27 Arlington St. be removed.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7m CC)

 

7p.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a larger yield sign on Pleasant St. before entering the Newton Square rotary.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7m CC)

 

7q.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request increased speed enforcement on Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7m CC)

 

7r.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: DIVISION ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively set hearings for items #7r CC through #7t CC on May 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for May 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent).

 

7s.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: NORTH ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for May 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7r CC)

 

7t.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CLEMENT ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for May 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7r CC)

 

7u.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: NEWTON AVE. NORTH and SALISBURY ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to grant the petitioner Leave to Withdraw. Leave to Withdraw on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7v.

William S. Coleman, III, request an opportunity to present to City Council concerning the free Worcester Help Card, promoting information numbers for all services.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7w.

William S. Coleman, III, request City Council request City Manager consider the Unum Office building as a site for a new Police Station for Worcester.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the appropriateness of parking for the police fleet.” Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager as amended. Referred to the City Manager as amended on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 4 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Toomey, Petty) (Nays – King, Rivera, Rosen, Russell) (Wally absent)

 

7x.

Evan Corrigan request installation of a dumping camera at Poor Farm Brook on Clark St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty 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 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7y.

Evan Corrigan request installation of a dumping camera at Burncoat St. at the train tracks.

Attachments

Mayor Petty 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 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7z.

Devin LaPlume request installation of a drop off/pick up zone, disallowing residents to park in front of 225 Shrewsbury St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 

7aa.

Mary Ann Stankus request abatement of street assessment #25797, in the amount of $20,512.50.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent) (See Item #7c CC)

 

8.

PETITIONS - Part II

8a.

Frank Callahan on behalf of the members of the Yes For A Better Worcester Coalition request City Council request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of money that would have been available for the city to invest in open space and parks, affordable housing and historic preservation if the city had adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in 2018. This report should include both revenue from the local surcharge and also from state matching funds. This report should also include information on the impact of state legislation that passed in 2019 that increased the fees paid by all homebuyers to the Registry of Deeds that went into effect on December 31, 2019, more than doubling the monthly revenue for the CPA Trust Fund. Further, request that included in the report will be a copy of a similar report submitted to the City Council by the City Auditor in 2018.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to amend the item, “Further, request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning what impact the adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) would have had on commercial and residential taxes.” Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City Auditor provide City Council with information concerning which communities have adopted the CPA, as well as the funds collected in those communities. Further, request City Auditor provide City Council with the process of how funds collected through the CPA are paid out and how community groups determine where those funds go.” Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item as amended to the City Auditor. Referred to the City Auditor as amended on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay – Rosen) (Wally absent)

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Steven Taylor to the Historical Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2023.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #9.1A CM through #9.1C CM and #9.2A CM. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent)

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Eric Goldstein to the Parks Commission with a term to expire on April 30, 2024.

Attachments

Placed on file on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #9.1A CM)

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Lauren to the Human Rights Commission with a term to expire on April 30, 2024.

Attachments

Placed on file on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #9.1A CM)

 
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend the appointment of Miles Goodwin to the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee with a term to expire on September 30, 2021.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (King, Wally absent) (See Item #9.1A CM)

 
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Chief Development Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent)

 
 

9.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

9.6

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

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Belmont Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson. 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 place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally absent).

 
 

9.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a comprehensive plan to improve the City's parking management system citywide.

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 Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, Chief of Staff and Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Toomey. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Parking Administrator, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of instituting pedicabs in and around the Canal District.” (See Item #25a CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the appropriate aspects of the item to Traffic and Parking Committee and the Off-Street Parking Board, respectively. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee and the Off-Street Parking Board on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2021 Arbor Day celebration scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021 at Elm Park (Russell Street side) at 10:00 a.m.

Attachments

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

 
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

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
Administration
 

9.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
 

9.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

9.20

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

9.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

9.22

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

9.23

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

9.24

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANANGER
Cultural Development Division
 

9.25

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.26

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Office of Urban Innovation
 

9.27

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

9.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of March 31, 2021.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. 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.

 
 

9.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

9.31

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.32

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.33

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

9.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that One Million One Hundred Seventy Eight Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Three Dollars And Seventy Nine Cents ($1,178,353.79) be transferred from Account #91C711E, Schools Capital Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to various Worcester Public Schools Rehabilitation accounts to provide funding for Worcester Public School capital projects.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively adopt items #9.34A CM, #9.35A CM through #9.35G CM and #9.36A CM. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.35

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Forty Two Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Three Dollars And Twenty Three Cents ($42,773.23) from the ESG Emergency Solutions Grant under the Homeless Outreach program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Million Dollars And No Cents ($5,000,000.00) from FEMA under the Public Assistance program for reimbursement of emergency COVID expenses.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Three Thousand One Hundred Thirty Dollars And No Cents ($3,130.00) from The College of Holy Cross Marshall Fund and The Ignite Fund for Cookson Field.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Thirty One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars And Thirty Cents ($31,998.30) from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security under the FY21 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount up to Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) from MassPort under the Park Steward program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
F.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars And No Cents ($14,599.00) from Executive Office of Public Safety and Security under the Student Awareness of Fire Education and Senior SAFE program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
G.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Forty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($40,000.00) from Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) for children’s play area in a city neighborhood.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
 

9.36

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($75,000.00) be transferred from Account #410-91000, DPW Salaries, and be appropriated to Account #410-971000, DPW Overtime, to cover anticipated overtime costs through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
 

9.37

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

9.38

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

9.39

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
10.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

10a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether all the city’s private social clubs have entertainment licenses and food licenses.

Attachments

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

 

10b.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the procurement process and implementation of a new ERP program for the city.

Attachments

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

 

10c.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the actions taken to address recommendations brought forth in CliftonLarsonAllen, LP’s management letter for the year ended June 30, 2019 relative to Inspectional Services.

Attachments

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

 

10d.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning the recommendations brought forth in CliftonLarsonAllen, LP’s management letter for the year ended June 30, 2019 relative to the Worcester Police Department’s overtime reports, policies and budget.

Attachments

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

 

10e.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Auditor provide City Council with an audit reviewing the costs of major events where Worcester Police Department special details and other overtime events are needed over the last five (5) years.

Attachments

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

 

10f.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the actions taken to address recommendations brought forth in CliftonLarsonAllen, LP’s management letter for the year ended June 30, 2019 relative to the “Supervising Sergeant of Liquor Establishments” detail.

Attachments

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

 

10g.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning how much space within Union Station is rentable.

Attachments

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

 

10h.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with update concerning efforts made by the city to pursue placing a second restaurant in Union Station.

Attachments

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

 

10i.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk ensure the City Council’s rules surrounding public participation be made language sensitive and accessible by multiple languages. Further, request City Clerk consider looking into methods to educate the public on public participation by using video technology.

Attachments

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

 

10j.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of adding information pertaining to City Council’s Rules 2 to the City Council agenda.

Attachments

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

 

10k.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk post information relative to the rules of public participation within the City Council agenda.

Attachments

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

 

10l.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider requiring flow fill for all patches, or provide City Council with a report as to why it cannot be done as a means to safeguard against trenches from caving in and creating bumps in the road.

Attachments

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

 

10m.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with Upper Blackstone Clean Water to resolve the issues concerning litter and trash on the frontage of the Upper Blackstone Treatment Facility.

Attachments

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

 

10n.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager work with Upper Blackstone Clean Water to provide City Council with a detailed, itemized budget of Upper Blackstone Clean Water that includes a breakdown of how the entity’s monies are spent.

Attachments

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

 

10o.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install missing No Parking Anytime signage on Pond St., between Water St. and Harding St.

Attachments

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

 

10p.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks contact utility companies concerning maintenance for cable wires on Victor Ave. and Stearns St.

Attachments

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

 

10q.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks initiate a traffic study for Victor Ave. and Stearns St. in order to apply for truck restriction on said streets.

Attachments

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

 

11.

CHAIRMAN'S RESOLUTION

11a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the timeline and action items set forth by the Green Worcester Sustainability and Resilience Strategic Plan.

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

 

12.

ORDERS

12a.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works Committee consider expanding the availability of free compost to city residents currently limited to Millbury St. Drop-off Center to the Foley Stadium and Clark St. yard waste drop off sites. (Wally)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally and Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Councilor Russell then moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of 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.

 

12b.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the two dozen City Council orders between 2017 and 2020 relating to Worcester’s process, procedure, and funding of street and sidewalk repairs in order to develop a long term and sustainable strategy for improving and upgrading the conditions and maintenance of the city's 1,000 miles of streets and sidewalks. (Wally, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Mero-Carlson, Bergman)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to amend the item to remove the word, “2017” and replace it with the word, “2014.” Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell and Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

12c.

In light of strong competition from ride-share drivers who are regulated by the state rather than the city and who do not have as many regulatory burdens, request City Manager review the city's taxi or "hackney" regulations and provide City Council with a report concerning the plight and financial challenges of the city's individual medallion owners. (Rosen)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen and Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning 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.

 

12d.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted item on February 11, 2020 concerning the feasibility of including in the capital budget for the Department of Public Works a self-contained infrared patching machine for pot hole repairs, which could be used to improve methods of repairs and add years to our current road surfaces. (Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, Councilor Toomey and Councilor King, who moved to add their names as sponsors of 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.

 

12e.

Request City Manager consider a permanent memorial for Worcester residents who lost their lives from the Coronavirus. (Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Toomey and Councilor Wally, who moved to add their names as sponsors of the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose and Councilor King, who spoke concerning 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.

 

12f.

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the potential applications of UAV's (Unmanned Arial Vehicles) within the city for search, rescue and traffic collision purposes. Further, request City Manager request Police Chief include in said report a list of other mid-size gateway cities that utilize UAV's. (Toomey)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the options available to the Worcester Police Department for requests to the State of Massachusetts Police to engage the use of their UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles) in the city. (See Item #25c CC). Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman and Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning 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.

 

12g.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Bigelow Davis Parkway and Lake Ave. (Toomey)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Petty absent)

 

12h.

Request City Manager explore ways to work with the Magnus Card App, https://magnusmode.com, a free app dedicated to making the world a more accessible place for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities and for the Autism Spectrum Disorder community. An example; https://progressivegrocer.com/trader-joes-partners-life-skills-app-autistic-shoppers. (Rose)

Attachments

Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor King and Councilor Rivera, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

12i.

Request City Manager work with MassDOT to address the deteriorating train bridge at the intersection of Brooks St. and West Boylston St. (Rose)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning 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.

 

12j.

Request City Manager work with MassDOT to explore the feasibility of a four way stop sign at Drummond Ave. and Grove St. (Rose)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning 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.

 

12k.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the benefits (productivity gains) and barriers of telework/telecommuting with respect to municipal service provision and municipal operations. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #12k CC, #12l CC and #12n CC collectively. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

12l.

Request City Manager consider reimagining the telework place and telework space. Further, request City Manager give due consideration to the possibility of co-location and telework work space and traditional works space consolidation and related cost reductions. (King)

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12k CC)

 

12m.

Request City Manager work with Director of Human Resources to develop an annual performance evaluation tool for the City Clerk. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson

 

12n.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s building consolidation progresses. (King)

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12k CC)

 

12o.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding minority contracts. Further, request City Manager include in said report an audit that fact checks said contracts. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - King

 

12p.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Said update should include information relative to the onboarding of the Chief Diversity Officer and the office’s staffing levels. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #12q CC. 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 adopt Item #12p CC and refer Item #12q CC to Municipal and Legislative Operations. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

12q.

Request City Council amend Appendix B, Section C, “Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations” of its Rules to include under “Related City Departments and Divisions,” the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, for the purpose of City Council and public oversight. (King)

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12p CC)

 

12r.

Request City Council amend the Rules of City Council to establish a City Council subcommittee dedicated to the Worcester Ballpark and ballpark related concerns/matters. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King and Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to amend the item to read as follows: “Request City Clerk work with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report concerning the history and various options available to the City Council around the notion of establishing a City Council subcommittee dedicated to the Worcester Ballpark and ballpark related concerns/matters.” Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

12s.

In an effort to assist, aid and support minority business enterprises (MBE), women-owned business enterprises (WBE), veteran-owned business enterprises (VSBE) and small and local-owned business enterprises (SLBE) within the City of Worcester, request City Manager develop a corrective action plan relative to engaging in a related disparity study/audit and to provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of establishing a Worcester Fund using the Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund referentially. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - King

 

13.

RESOLUTIONS

13a.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Resolve 1488, establishing a sexual assault counselor certification task force, as petitioned by Senator Michael Moore and Senator Susan Moran. (Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager advocate for Worcester representation on any state level Sexual Assault Counselor Certification Task Force.” (See Item #25d CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio for a second time, who spoke concerning 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

 

14.

RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE - No items pending

15.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY AUDITOR

15a.

Transmitting the financial statements of the operations of the DCU Center for the year ended June 30, 2020, as audited by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up items #15a CC through #15d CC collectively. Mayor Petty then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of funds owed relative to North High School as it relates to how monies would be owed for the next twenty (20) years.” (See Item #25b CC) Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the items to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

15b.

Transmitting the financial statements of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, as audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)

 

15c.

Transmitting an informational communication concerning the total debt owed relative to North High School.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)

 

15d.

Transmitting an information communication relative to the schedule of the city's completed and in-progress school construction projects participating in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grant programs.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)

 

16.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

16a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Recommend adoption of an order relative to the Boys’ Club in Lincoln Square: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt the item. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

16b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Transmitting informational communication relative to the regulations applicable to the operation of private social clubs: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

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

 

17.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS

17a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting the management letter for the year ended June 30, 2019, prepared by the independent CPA firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LP.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively accept items #17a CC through #17e CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

17b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting an informational communication regarding the financial statements of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, as audited by the CPA firm of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)

 

17c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting an informational communication regarding the financial statement of the DCU Center for the year ended June 30, 2019, as audited by the certified public accounting firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)

 

17d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Clerk transmitting information regarding the feasibility of adding the rules of City Council regarding Public Participation to the City Council Calendar: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC). Mayor Petty suspended the rules to allow Councilor King to speak concerning the item after the vote was taken.

 

17e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the the costs associated with carrying out a special election: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #17a CC)

 

18.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

18a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Victoria DiMassa et al request installation of a sidewalk with adequate drainage on the west side of Flagg St. from Chiltern Hill Dr. to High Ridge Rd. to improve the safety of drivers and pedestrians on Flagg St: recommend Petition be referred to Office Planning Regulatory Services

Attachments

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

 

18b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Scott Kerner request removal of a sewer easement located at 67 Millbrook St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #18b CC and #18c CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

18c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Brian Keyo request sidewalk replacement in the vicinity of 2 Beeching St., including the replacement of ADA handicap corner bubble pads, which are missing from both corners of Beeching St. and Pleasant St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #18b CC)

 

18d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with all utility companies that deal with conduit street construction to discuss the their processes for updating or installing new services to a business or the public: recommend Order be placed on file.

Attachments

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

 

19.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING

19a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brenda Nichols request removal of handicap parking space in front of 32 Newbury St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to collectively ordain items #19a CC through #19l CC. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

19b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lola Brown request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 121 1/2 Eastern Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Carl Almonor request installation of resident permit parking on Patch St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of A. David Sutton et al. request installation of stop signs at the intersection of Houghton St. and Palm St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance to install a stop sign on Palm St. at Houghton St.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Peter Magerowski request installation of four-way stop sign at the intersection of Wayne St. and Baker St: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tam Nguyen request removal of handicap parking space in front of 33 Orient St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mardek Mardirossian request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 57 Howland Terrace: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mardek Mardirossian request removal of the handicap parking space on the Fern St. side of 488 Park Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ronald Wallace request installation of a handicap parking place in front of 32 Lakeside Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Spiro Giannopoulos request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 3 Norman Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jennifer Courtemanche request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 200 Perry Ave: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Shelby Clark request the "No Parking Anytime" signage from 21 Varnum St. to 15 Varnum St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19a CC)

 

19m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Dorrie Maynard request installation of “No Parking Here to Driveway” signage on both sides of the driveway at 58 Fruit St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively adopt items #19m CC through #19o CC. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

19n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Daniel Voellings request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage five feet from either side of the driveway at 488 Mill St. on poles #86/82: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19m CC)

 

19o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order to solicit bids and award parking management contract for the Pearl & Elm, Federal Plaza, Major Taylor Boulevard, Union Station, Worcester Common Parking Garages, all paid surface lots and On Street Parking Management: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19m CC)

 

19p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the traffic direction of Pond Street, between Harding Street and Green Street, as well as Harrison Street, between Harding Street and Green Street: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively accept items #19p CC and #19q CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

19q.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio request the winter parking ban on Tainter St. be amended to not allow parking during a declared winter parking ban on the odd side of Tainter St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #19p CC)

 

20.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT

20a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City of Worcester Open Data Policy: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively accept items #20a CC through #20c CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

20b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a city-wide Out-of-Home Advertising plan for the city of Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)

 

20c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON URBAN TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Green Worcester Sustainability and Resilience Strategic Plan Draft Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #20a CC)

 

21.

TO BE ORDAINED

21a.

Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Residence General-5 (RG-5) Zoning District in the Vicinity of Goldthwaite Road and Varney Street.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively ordain items #21a CC through #21c CC. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

21b.

Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Manufacturing General-0.5 (MG-0.5) Zoning District in the Vicinity of 1451 Grafton Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)

 

21c.

Amending Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991 Relative to Extension of the Business General-6.0 (BG-6.0) Zoning District in the Vicinity of Green Street, Plymouth Street, Gold Street and Summit Street.

Attachments

Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #21a CC)

 

21d.

Amending the Worcester Zoning Ordinance Adopted April 2, 1991, Relative To Self-Storage Facilities.

Attachments

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

 

22.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

22a.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: RICHMOND AVE. and FENWICK ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: RICHMOND AVE. and FENWICK ST. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose April 13, 2021)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. 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 (Wally absent).

 

22b.

PETITION of Lorraine Normand and Donna Goff request RG-5 zone be extended to include 316 Lincoln St. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 6, 2021 and April 13, 2021)

Attachments

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

 

22c.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an amendment to the City's organizational ordinances to create the Worcester Ballpark Commission. (Tabled Under Privilege - King April 13, 2021)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to recommit the item to City Manager. Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager consider making changes to any potential creation of a Worcester Ballpark Commission in order to provide for district representation on such a commission.” (See Item #25e CC). 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 spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Bergman, Councilor Rose and Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Russell’s motions to recommit the item and item #25e CC. Councilor Russell’s motion failed on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7 Nays (Yeas – Colorio, King, Rivera, Russell) (Nays – Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Wally, Petty). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – King, Russell). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved for reconsideration on the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

22d.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request Standing Committee on Education hold a discussion jointly with its School Committee counterparts relative to supporting the attached resolution relative to S. 1973, An Act Advancing and Promoting Genocide Education. (Tabled Under Privilege - King April 13, 2021)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, Councilor Toomey and Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item and refer the item to Education Committee for informational purposes only. Resolution adopted and referred to Education Committee for informational purposes only on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

23.

TABLED ITEMS

23a.

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

 

23b.

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

 

23c.

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

 

23d.

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

 

23e.

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

 

23f.

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

 

23g.

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

 

23h.

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

 

23i.

PETITION of Meighan Sharry request City Council request City Manager effectively stop efforts to develop athletic fields at Duffy Field/Wetherall Park. (Tabled - Petty March 30, 2021)

Attachments

No action taken

 

24.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the April 13, 2021 City Council meeting.

24a.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the value of the Boys’ Club property at 16 Salisbury St. in Lincoln Square. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with information as to whether any TIF policies or equivalents will be in place for the new project being undertaken at the location by WinnCompanies. – Item #13a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24b.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager review traffic patterns in the vicinity of Highland St. and Belmont St., near the Boys’ Club property in Lincoln Square for any potential improvements. – Item #13b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24c.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support commemorating the Lincoln Square Boys’ Club during the construction of the new housing project at the property. – Item #13c CC Resolution adopted by a yea and nay vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24d.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report of the City of Worcester and Public School employees’ wages for calendar year 2020 organized by department. – Item #13d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24e.

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update as to any progresses made updating the city’s Tree Policy. – Item #13e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24f.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of having the city designated as a Tree City. – Item #13f CC Order Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24g.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the various oversight options available relative to the Worcester Ballpark, including how other communities handle the responsibility. – Item #13g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

24h.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide the Attorney General’s Office with a copy the city’s draft Home Rule Petition seeking an exemption from the Open Meeting Law to allow the city clerk to publish, prior to the start of a City Council meeting, the names of city councilors who have signed onto items as co-sponsors, as a means to inform the City Council’s decision making on whether to move forward with the proposal. – Item #13h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, King, Mero-Carlson, Rivera, Rose, Russell, Toomey, Wally, Petty) (Nays – Colorio, Rosen).

 

24i.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – – Request Standing Committee on Education hold a discussion jointly with its School Committee counterparts relative to S. 1973, An Act Advancing and Promoting Genocide Education. – Item #13i CC Tabled Under Privilege – King

 

24j.

ORDER of Councilor Candy Motion Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning whether Chairpersons of the City Council’s Standing Committee can bring items forward that have not been referred through, including whether discussion items would be permissible. – Item #13j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

25.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the April 27, 2021 City Council meeting.

25a.

Motion Toomey @ #9.7A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of instituting pedicabs in and around the Canal District.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.7A CM)

 

25b.

Motion Petty @ #15a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of funds owed relative to North High School as it relates to how monies would be owed for the next twenty (20) years.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC)

 

25c.

Motion King @ #15f CC – Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the options available to the Worcester Police Department for requests to the State of Massachusetts Police to engage the use of their UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles) in the city.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15f CC)

 

25d.

Motion King @ #13a CC – Request City Manager advocate for Worcester representation on any state level Sexual Assault Counselor Certification Task Force.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #13a CC)

 

25e.

Motion Russell @ #22c CC – Request City Manager consider making changes to any potential creation of a Worcester Ballpark Commission in order to provide for district representation on such a commission.

Attachments

Order denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7 Nays (Yeas – Colorio, King, Rivera, Russell) (Nays – Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Rose, Rosen, Toomey, Wally, Petty).

 

25f.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council does hereby amend the 2021 City Council Meeting Schedule by rescheduling the City Manager agenda on May 11, 2021 to take place on May 12, 2021.

Attachments

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