CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Virtual Meeting

Convened: 6:32 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:12 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation declaring the month of February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Worcester.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 18, 2022.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #9d CC 2. Robert Branca, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC 3. Alex Guardiola, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC 4. John Rodgers, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #14c CC 5. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC 6. Paul Franco, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13a CC

Harvis Deleon request City Council request City Manager implement further quality control on utility upgrades on city streets.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request Burncoat St. from Mountain St. East to Matteo St. be repaved.

Patricia Smith Murphy request a street be named Eddie Mekka Way, in honor of Worcester native actor Eddie Mekka, who passed away on November 27, 2021.

Benjamin Joress request installation of street light on pole #9 in the vicinity of 26 and 28 Claffey Ave.

Noelle Kenney request installation of guardrail in front of 88A Loxwood St.

Tanya McCauthy and Nydaja Ramos request removal of handicap parking space in front of 9 Winthrop St.

Gerard Dio request installation of No Parking Anytime within 40 feet of the entry and exit to the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union located at 34 Glennie St. for the safety of the general public.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased driveway clearance enforcement in the vicinity of 8 Chapin St.

Request City Manager communicate with MassPort regarding adding additional signage on Airport Dr. to better direct vehicles to the Worcester Municipal Airport. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning the status of using Elm Park for ice skating purposes. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the costs, benefits and best practices associated with establishing synchronized traffic lights on well travels roads throughout the city. (Bergman)

Request City Manager consider creating a program to assist Worcester residents who are having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage as a result of the pandemic and related issues. Said program should be staffed by City employees, directly working with and identifying any funding sources, including ARPA funds, to make payments on their behalf to landlords or mortgage holders. This program should provide ongoing support as opposed to the support previously provided to clear back rents. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider providing immediate assistance to any Worcester residents who are having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage, utilizing any funding available, including ARPA funds. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a “Know Your Rights and Resources” campaign in the city, in multiple languages, that informs residents of issues pertaining to housing and evictions. (Nguyen, Haxhiaj, Rivera, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of implementing additional warming centers and cooling centers throughout the city. (Nguyen, Haxhiaj, Rivera, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager and his administration work with the leadership of the Worcester Housing Authority to look at the possibility of building the first large scale affordable housing development since 1992. (Petty, Rose, Russell, Mero-Carlson, Haxhiaj, Toomey, Nguyen)

Request City Manager make efforts to have information available to local constables and at the Central (Worcester) Housing Court regarding applications and the availability of federal (ARPA), state and local rental assistance funds. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with representatives from the YMCA, YWCA, Girls Inc. and the city’s colleges to offer lifeguard classes during the week of April vacation, as well as the last two weeks in June, after the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) students are out for summer vacation. Further, request City Manager consider scholarships and/or stipends for said classes. Further, request City Manager advertise for said classes at the city’s colleges and to their swim teams as well as our WPS swim teams. (Rose)

Request City Manager work in conjunction with the Department of Youth Opportunities to host a listening session with the Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hear and learn what resources the city’s youths need to support themselves around the mental health and societal challenges they are facing as a result of the pandemic. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore the potential of having Drummond St. at the intersection of Drummond St. and Grove St. be right turn only. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore improved safety measures for the intersection of Park Ave. and Chadwick St. (Rose)

Request City Manager consider applying for the Shared Streets Grant Program, by March 1, which provides money for municipalities to "quickly implement improvements to plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas, and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce.” (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a status report concerning the progresses made relative to the homeless population in the Upper Lincoln St. area, including information concerning the hotel on Oriol Dr. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Health and Human Services organize one information session in each of the city's districts to discuss the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Project with the city's residents. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning ways the city can improve walkability and make public spaces more inviting by installing street art, as well as other forms of artwork, in various underpasses throughout the city. (Rivera)

Request City Manager and Mayor schedule a community focused Pan African Flag Raising Event and Ceremony, in honor of Black History Month. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA)’s reservation of one front seat on each of its busses during the entire month of February, an action done to honor the memory and courage of Rosa Parks during Black History Month. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

That the Worcester City Council does hereby acknowledge February 1 – February 28th, 2022, as Black History Month and calls upon the people of Worcester to observe this month and beyond with appropriate programs, activities and reflections and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, equitable and prosperous for all. Further, that the Worcester City Council believes that Black Lives Matter. Further, that the Worcester City Council commits itself not only to address the symbols and manifestations of institutional racism and white supremacy, but also to proactively identify and address biases, practices, policies, and institutional barriers that perpetuate injustice and inequality in our city, in our schools, and in our community. (King, Petty)

Transmitting an information communication relative to the implementation a new, secure, online option for residents to engage and attend live meetings via the ZOOM Webinar platform.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Union Hill School, 1 Chapin St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Rice Square Elementary School, 76 Massasoit Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1006 Grafton St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Thorndyke Road Elementary School, 30 Thorndyke Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Wawecus Road School, 20 Wawecus Rd: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Roberta Adams request additional traffic enforcement at the corner of Eastern Ave. and Route 9, as well as the entrance to Green Hill Park at Green Hill Parkway: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request a safety review of existing traffic calming measures on Richmond Ave./Flagg St., including recommendations to improve same: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Norma Rivera request removal of handicap parking space in front of 6 Berkshire St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights in the vicinity of Nelson Place Elementary School, 35 Nelson Pl: recommend Petition be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian and Priscella Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk lights and signage at Grafton Street Elementary School, 311 Grafton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Castillo request installation of No Parking Anytime signage next to the driveway entrance at 8 Chapin St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Roberta Adams request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage adjacent to 197 Eastern Ave: recommend Petition be filed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sabaa Zaki request installation of a resident permit parking space on Berwick St. servicing 14 Flagg St: recommend Petition be filed.

PETITION of Douglas Arbetter et al. request City Council request City Manager consider bringing forth an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the city to prohibit the construction of, or new land use for, fossil-fuel automobile refueling stations city-wide. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 25, 2022)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting an informational communication pertaining to the creation of the City Archive, including the future location of the archive at 61 Sever Street (the old Becker College Library). (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose January 25, 2022)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development hold a meeting to discuss all available legal and financial resources to protect renters, homeowners facing eviction and foreclosure, recommendations to support landlords through mortgage, renovation and rental arrearage resources, including a discussion on how the city can increase housing affordability for those who live and work in the city. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell January 25, 2022)

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)

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)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Clerk research the feasibility of authorizing legal residents who have not been naturalized yet to vote in elections at the local level. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald O'Neil request to amend the Zoning Map by changing the zoning of the two parcels of land located at 1 Brattle St. and 7 Brattle St. from RS-7 to BL-1.0: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose December 21, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty January 11, 2022 and Tabled - Petty January 18, 2022)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development hold a meeting to discuss all available legal and financial resources to protect renters, homeowners facing eviction and foreclosure, recommendations to support landlords through mortgage, renovation and rental arrearage resources, including a discussion on how the city can increase housing affordability for those who live and work in the city. – Item #13a CC Tabled Under Privilege – Russell

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning the merits of the various legal rulings made relative to foreclosure and eviction moratoriums that were implemented throughout Massachusetts, including the basis behind the appeal to Housing Court made by the city of Boston. – Item #13b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of evictions that have taken place in the city in the last five years. – Item #13c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning options available to residents for disposing of their waste on days trash is not being picked up in their neighborhood, as well as the potential for creating a location that residents would be able to drop their waste. – Item #13d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning strategies that can be used to engage the city’s youths and adults to help with their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. – Item #13e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Toomey @ #9f CC – Request City Manager considering creating an index of helpful information for residents to view, as it relates to housing and housing issues.

Motion Toomey @ #9o CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the status of shopping carts left near the hotel on Oriol Dr. Further, request City Manager consider installing a camera near said hotel in an effort to curb illegal dumping in the area.

Motion King @ #9o CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide City Council with a status report concerning the progresses made relative to the homeless population in the Upper Lincoln St. area, including information concerning the hotel on Oriol Dr.

Motion Russell @ #13a CC – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development hold a public discussion concerning the future of electric vehicles in the city, including how to encourage their usage in the city.

Motion King – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether any changes have been made as it relates to how the city oversees and enforces snow removal on sidewalks at public buildings, as well as the compliance rate at public buildings and crosswalks. Further, request City Manager request Superintendent of Public Schools include in said report information concerning their processes for removing snow at their properties, as well as whether any planning is done to remove snow within a certain distance to aid children walking to school.