MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

MAY 5, 2003

COUNCIL CHAMBER

Convened: 6:09 p.m.

Adjourned: 7:55 p.m.

 

Present were:       Chairperson Councillor Joseph M. Petty

                             Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes

                             Councillor Stephen T. Patton

 

Also:                     City Manager Thomas R. Hoover

                             City Solicitor David M. Moore

                             Chief Development Officer Philip J. Niddrie

                             Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Leonard Morse

City Auditor James A. DelSignore

Budget Director John Pranckevicius

John Harrity, Chairperson Civic Center Commission

City Clerk David J. Rushford, clerk

 

The Committee agreed to meet next on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 @ 6:30 pm. in the Council Chamber concerning the two Chairman’s Order concerning the G.A.R. Hall.

 

Chairman’s Order request the Administration provide the City Council with the projected short-term and long-term use of the Worcester Memorial Auditorium and the G.A.R. Hall.

 

1.       Communication of the City Manager relative to Comprehensive Reorganization Plan involving various Boards and Commissions of the City.

          #16A CM   February 25, 2003

          In Committee March 20, 2003 – Continued Hearing

Recommend Hold to May 20th @ 6:30 p.m.

 

2.       Communication of the City Manager recommending the adoption of a supplement to the Comprehensive Reorganization Plan involving various Boards and Commissions of the city which was transmitted to Council on February 25, 2003.

          #16C CM  April 15, 2003

Recommend Hold to May 20th @ 6:30 p.m.

 

The Chair re-opened the hearing @ 6:26 p.m. that was begun on March 20, 2003. 

 

Speakers:

1.     Nadia Beard, 1 Laconia Road, Worcester spoke for Preservation Worcester

2.     Monnie Rockwell, 70 William Street, Worcester, for Preservation Worcester

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Manager consider placing preservation deed restrictions on the property known as G.A.R. Hall so that the historic nature and significance of the property is maintained, especially in the event the City conveys the property.

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Solicitor report to the City Council concerning the options available to the City in order that the historic integrity of the G.A.R. Hall is protected.

 

The Committee recessed the public hearing @ 6:44 p.m. to Tuesday, May 20, 2003 @ 6:30 pm. in the Council Chamber.

 

3.       Communication of the City Manager relative to First Quarter Fiscal Year 2003  Goals & Objectives.

          #30B CM  October 15, 2002

Recommend File

 

4.       Communication of the City Manager relative to Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2003 Goals & Objectives.

          #30C CM  January 28, 2003

Recommend File

 

5.       Communication of James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting reports covering Worcester's Centrum Centre Fund - Arena Component & Convention Center Component.

          #29 CC  February 4, 2003

Recommend File

 

Sandra Dunn, SMG Management, appeared and answered questions from the Committee. Paula Lawrence, Director of Sales @ Crowne Plaza and representing the CCVB spoke about recommendations her hotel committee is considering  concerning the booking policies at the CentrumCentre. (see attached document)

 

6.       Communication of James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting report that gives a comparison of profit and losses for the Centrum’s Arena and Convention Center Components.

            #60 CC  February 25, 2003

Recommend File

 

7.       Communication of the City Manager relative to an agreement with SMG on the terms of a new Convention Center Management Agreement and to recommend adoption of an order authorizing the signing of an amendment to the Centrum Arena Lease that included a naming rights provision.

          #16A CM   March 18, 2003

Recommend Approval and Adoption of the Enclosed Order.

 

8.       Communication of the City Manager relative to SMG Issues.

          #16C CM April 1, 2003

Recommend File

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Auditor report to the City Council concerning how the 40/60 split is impacted by mandated rates versus flexible rates.

 

Chairman’s Order request the Civic Center Commission report to the City Council their Projected Cash Flow, Rates Report, Booking Policy and Projected Annual Reporting Revenue and Expenses.

 

Chairman’s Order request the Civic Center Commission provide the City Council with a sample detailed monthly financial statement of their facilities.

 

9.       Communication of the City Manager relative to the Worcester Regional Research Bureau's (WRRB) ComNet Initiative.

          #18C CM  May 28, 2002

Recommend Refer to the Standing Committee on Strategic Planning Dr. Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director, WRRB and Rick Beaman appeared and spoke.

 

10.     Communication of the City Manager relative to the ComNet Summary.

          #29A CM  October 9, 2001

Recommend Refer to the Standing Committee on Strategic Planning

 

Chairman’s Order request the Administration report to the City of Worcester Council how they will communicate the ComNet results to the neighborhoods.

 

11.     Petition of Ronal Madnick, Executive Dir. Worcester County Chapter American Civil Liberties Union of MA request Chapter 9, Section 1 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to Disorderly Behavior be changed.

          #87 CC  August 20, 2002

In Committee September 9, 2002 – Held

Recommend File

 

Supplemental Item

 

12.     Communication of City Clerk David J. Rushford transmitting FY 03 Third Quarter Report.

Recommend File

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Clerk provide the City Council with a statement of revenues that includes passport processing.