CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:38 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:49 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Ann Marie Rushford, the wife of long-time City Clerk David J. Rushford, who passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the age of 69.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 21, 2023.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #13a CC and #13b CC 2. Oliver Chadwick, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 4. Deborah Packard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 5. Edith Fillebirdie, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to item #13a CC and in opposition of item #13b CC 6. Jacob Saido, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #13b CC and #13a CC 7. Gordon Duncan, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13b CC 8. Lou Rores, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #13b CC 9. Joyce Mandell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 10. Karen Valentine-Goins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #13a CC and #13b CC 11. Carl Howell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 12. David Thoreen, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13b CC 13. Alan Gordon, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13b CC 14. Debbie Asbridge, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13b CC 15. William O’Connell, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #13b CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a pole location on: SQUANTUM ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a pole location on: SQUANTUM ST.

David Karam request the sidewalks on Willard Ave. be replaced with cement sidewalks, including installation of granite curbs and loom and hydro seed grass area between sidewalk ands granite curbs.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Patrick Foley request installation of speed humps on Revere St.

David Karam request removal of two (2) handicap parking spaces in front of 19 Willard Ave.

Mostafa Sharif request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of 3 Chestnut St.

Amanda Gorman et al. request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of the intersection of Ridgewood Rd. and Ararat St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks ensure “Senator Dan Foley Way” signage be made in a large and visible fashion when installed in the vicinity of Billings Sq. and St. Stephen’s Church, as well as at the intersection of Plantation St. and Hamilton St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the finalized policy relative to the period of time for utility companies to guarantee the quality of construction work they have done.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the previously-made selections for the Street Resurfacing Program over the past five (5) to six (6) years.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning information relative to the construction status and progress of the streets that have been funded for street resurfacing and sidewalk repair.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager review the city’s budget to determine the feasibility of updating the funding allocation to District Councilors for the Street Resurfacing Program and Sidewalk Repair Program to reflect market conditions and inflation.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the condition of the private portion of Wildwood Ave. to determine whether the city can make any improvements to the road. (Petty, Bergman)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey and Councilor Khrystian E. King request honorary street name designation on Hamilton St. from Billings Sq. to Plantation St. for State Senator Daniel J. Foley, in recognition of his years of service as a State Senator, City Councilor and his efforts to bring UMASS Medical School and the Biotech Park to Worcester: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Rachel Keyo request installation of an additional streetlight across from 2 Beeching St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Patrick Travaglio-Romeo request relocation of light pole in front of 15 Mars St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell - Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to determine the feasibility of installing storm drains on Granite St., at its intersection with Saint Anthony St. to stop water from running off Granite St. and flooding Saint Anthony St. and other private roads: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell - Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to discuss a plan relative to a previously adopted Order on January 17, 2023 for constructing new sidewalks in the vicinity of Roosevelt Elementary School along Sunderland Rd. from Grafton St. to Massasoit Rd., which would be done at the city’s expense and waive all fee assessments for abutters to said construction: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the differences between a conveyance of property and a grant of location for a utility conduit: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Sanitation Cost and City Trash Bag Revenue: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the launch of the Worcester 311 mobile app: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kristen Simonelli request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 14 Williams St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Fanny Erazo de Acosta request installation of handicap parking space in front of 17 Jefferson St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Harry Brooks request installation of handicap parking space in front of 25 1/2 Crompton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Jonisha Deleon request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 29 Shamrock St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Scott Smith request installation of handicap parking space in front of 83 Richland St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dolores Anderson request removal of handicap parking space in front of 563 Grafton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Anthony Perrone on behalf of Anna Perrone request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 109 Dana Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Miguel Galindo request removal of two (2) handicap parking spaces in front of 21 May St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Irma Camacho request installation of handicap parking space in front of 48 Tower St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ivette Navarro request installation of handicap parking space across from 31 Oxford St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to adopting a statutory speed limit of 25 mph and the establishment of Safety Zones with 20 mph speed limits. (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio December 5, 2023)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend Approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman December 5, 2023)

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 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)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023)

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location on: APRICOT ST. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj October 17, 2023 and October 24, 2023 and Tabled - Petty November 14, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey– That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2024 be set at $14.03 for Residential Property and $28.99 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property from the Tax Levy Table associated with Alternative #2. – Item #21a CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 9 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – That the City Council of the City of Worcester shall hereby use the Alternative #2 Tax Levy Tables to determine the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), which splits new growth over budget between tax relief and support for the City’s long-term capital investment plan in Worcester Fire Department and Worcester Public Schools facilities. – Item #21b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2024 be set at $13.90 for Residential Property and $29.47 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property from the Tax Levy Table associated with Alternative #2. – Item #21c CC Order denied on a roll call vote of 4 Yeas and 7 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2024 be set at $13.75 for Residential Property and $30.04 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property from the Tax Levy Table associated with Alternative #2. – Item #21d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 4 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report comparing the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Tax Rate for Residential Property and Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property, per $500,000 increments, to the Community Preservation (CPA) Tax. – Item #21e CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of dollars the city lost as a result of not having the Community Preservation Act (CPA) initiated, as well as a breakdown of ways the city can utilize CPA monies. Further, request said breakdown be presented in five (5) to two (2) year increments over the last ten (10) years. – Item #21f CC Order adopted as amended

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager promote ways residents can obtain SmartBurner devices on the city’s social media pages. – Item #21g CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Fire Chief conduct research on the feasibility of providing residents with towel-type products that can be used to contain and stop kitchen fires. – Item #21h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager request Fire Chief Initiate providing the city’s housing facilities with SmartBurner devices. – Item #21i CC Order adopted

Motion King @ #13a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the economic and public health impacts that may occur as a result of vehicular congestion in the city, as well as any remedies to said concerns that can be implemented moving forward.

Motion Rose @ #13a CC – Request City Manager work with various application software companies such as Google Maps and Waze to help with decreasing congestion when traffic hazards such as accidents or construction could hinder traffic flow.

Motion Rose @ #13b CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend the Economic Development Committee’s recommendation for the city’s Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to Accessory Dwelling Units to include the owner occupancy requirements that were originally recommended by the city’s Executive Office of Economic Development.

Motion Russell @ #13b CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby amend the Economic Development Committee’s recommendation for the city’s Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to Accessory Dwelling Units to include special permit hearings in single-family zones.