CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:35 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:41 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 16, 2024.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. John Malvarose, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 2. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC and #10c CC 3. Kerry Schofield, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 4. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #11a CC and #10d CC 5. Maria Montano, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #10c CC, #10e CC, #9a CC, #9d CC, #16b CC and #17f CC 6. No name given, no residence given, spoke in favor of item #11a CC 7. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC and #11a CC 8. Che Anderson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #10e CC and #11a CC 9. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC 10. Geraldo Condo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #16b CC

Hearing: CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location on: PLEASANT ST. Granting permission to CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location on: PLEASANT ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: REED ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location on: REED ST.

Patrick Massad request installation of No Parking Anytime signage at the corners of the intersection of Illinois St. and Grand St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a pole location on: MILTON ST.

Maria Montano request City Council request City Manager display pictures of elected, municipal officials who are currently in office, including the Mayor, Vice Chairman, district and at-large City Council members, as well as all district and at-large School Committee Members in all municipal, school and administrative buildings to bring representation, awareness and engagement in our municipal government and school electoral process.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management provide City Council with a report concerning the number of calls received by the 311 program during the snowstorm on January 6th and January 7th, 2024. Further, request said report categorize said calls into snow-related requests and non-snow-related requests.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with MassHire to determine a way to provide Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) courses for city employees.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning any additional hardware required by the Department of Public Works and Parks to aid in its snow operations.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider reviewing the feasibility of pushing back snow banks following snow events in the city. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider providing some snow inspectors with plowing equipment to address issues as they review work done during snow events.

Request City Manager request Interim Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the WPD 2023 Crime Statistics. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning why the city’s Street Department continues to close out requests to clear debris from the public road Balis Ave. without actually clearing said debris. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding COVID-19, including its impact in the city, especially in areas categorized as hot spots, a comparison of the past few years since the start of the pandemic in 2020 and patterns of its spike/peak throughout the years, as well as any current efforts regarding COVID-19. (Nguyen)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a two (2) to five (5) year plan that supports and address the matter of unhousing in Worcester, including funding and resource allocation towards the creation and expansion of temporary and yearlong shelters. Said report should include but not be limited to information regarding the list of community partners and types of services provided, funding and/or resources supported and received annually from the city in the last five (5) years to determine how to increase their future capacity. Further, if American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is included in funding received, request said report add said funding as an additional line item for the purpose of distinguishing emergency, temporary support. (Nguyen)

Request City Manager explore the feasibility of offering free admission to the major Worcester Art Museums (Worcester Art Museum, EcoTarium, Worcester Historical Museum) for Worcester Public Schools students and their families on a monthly or bimonthly basis. (Petty)

Request City Clerk provide City Council with a draft petition form for residents to use when specifically requesting the city to conduct short-term repairs to a private street that includes information about how many property owners need to sign the petition. (Russell)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing any existing Master Plan documentation relative to the Worcester Common. Further, request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include in said report information concerning whether the city has planned for any updates to the Worcester Common. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager work with the Director of the Worcester Regional Airport/Massport to review signage at the Worcester Regional Airport for the purpose of installing larger, more illuminated signage. (Bergman, Ojeda)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning: 1) the restoration of Elm Park, including the removal of weeds and the return of sufficient water levels; and 2) the possibility of moving the Rogers-Kennedy Memorial statute at Park Ave. and Highland St. several feet to a more visible angle and providing said statue with additional, better lighting. (Bergman, Pacillo, King, Ojeda)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby acknowledge February of 2024 as Black History Month in the City of Worcester, 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, while also amplifying Black and African Americans and the Arts. (King, Bergman, Haxhiaj, Nguyen)

Transmitting two (2) draft petition forms for abutters to use when making requests relative to repairs on a private way.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, on behalf of 47 Hermon Realty, LLC., request Zoning Map be amended to include the property situated at 47 Hermon St. within the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On Garland Street Near #20 Lakeside Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #29 Fifth Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #53 Freeland Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Relocate Handicap Parking In .Front Of #12 Wyman Street To Across From #12 Wyman Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #11 Reeves Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #14 South Buffum Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #16 Louise Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #23 Stanton Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #35 Barclay Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #76 Arlington.

Amending Section 68 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove The One-Way Designation Of A Portion Of Arwick Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish 15-Minute Parking On A Portion Of Mechanic Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish 30-Minute Parking On A Portion Of The Easterly Side Of Suffolk Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Northerly Side Of Caroline Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Westerly Side Of Chapin Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Southerly Side Of Mattson Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Merrick Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Westerly Side Of Portland Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Southerly Side Of Richland Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Westerly Side Of Saint Johns Road.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove A Portion Of A No Parking Zone On Tacoma Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Southerly Side Of Upsala Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Rescind Resident Permit Parking On Holland Road.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Handicap Parking In Front Of #15 Homer Street.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the use of rumble strips as a traffic safety measure. (Tabled Under Privilege - King January 23, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to sidewalk accessibility and ADA self-evaluation. (Tabled Under Privilege - January 23, 2024)

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 Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report detailing the number of private streets in the city, the names of the private streets in the city, and the private lengths of said private streets in the city. – Item #13a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks update any information listed on the city’s websites relative to private roads to reflect information relative to the city’s ability to assist residents on said private roads. – Item #13b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks complete a comprehensive update to the city’s private road maintenance program that includes working with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a home rule petition that would allow the city to aid residents on private streets by conducting temporary repairs to said private streets following a petition of abutters and a vote by City Council. Said private street maintenance should build upon on the city’s 1996 approval of providing the sum of up to six dollars per linear foot and be amended to reflect cost of living increases that have occurred since its passage. Said cost of living increases should also always be included in this program without the requirement of a City Council vote. – Item #13c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide City Council with a report regarding the feasibility and benefits of establishing overdose prevention centers (OPC’s) in the city, similar to OnPointNYC. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services include in said report alternatives for such a center that currently exist in the city, if such an alternative does exist. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services include a link to OnPoint’s Annual Report in said report. – Item #13d CC Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager allocate funding to support increasing partnerships and community education regarding overdose prevention and intervention, including providing people with stipends for work on said issue. – Item #13e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services provide City Council with best practices associated with opioid overdose prevention. – Item #13f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion King @ #10b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing analytics around responsiveness via the city’s “311” application, including information as to how the city is tracking response to requesters and how said responses are being measured.