MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

COUNCIL CHAMBER

Convened: 5:20 p.m.

Adjourned: 7:00 p.m.

                                     

Present were:       Chairperson Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr.

                             Councillor Joseph M. Petty

                             Councillor Philip P. Palmieri @ 5:25 p.m.

 

Also:                     City Auditor James A. DelSignore

                             Code Commissioner Jill Dagilis

                             City Treasurer Thomas Zidelis

                             City Clerk David J. Rushford, clerk

 

Communications of James DelSignore, City Auditor

 

1.          Transmitting May 2004 Auditor’s Report.

          #81 CC June 22, 2004.

Recommend File

 

2.          Transmitting July 2004 Auditor’s Report.

          #86 CC August 17, 2004

Recommend Hold

 

3.           Transmitting schedule of pensions for retired Police Officers.

          #39 CC January 20, 2004

Recommend File

 

4.          Transmitting decision issued by Suffolk County Superior Court involving James Richardson & the Worcester Retirement Board.

          #82 CC June 22, 2004

Recommend File

 

5.          Transmitting communication relative to pension benefit increases.

          #87 CC August 17, 2004

Recommend File

 

 

6.          Transmitting Goals & Objectives of the Auditing Department for Fiscal 2005.

          #88 CC August 17, 2004

Recommend Accept and Approve of the Goals of the City Auditor as amended to include an audit of the police paid detail module.

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Auditor report to the City Council the costs to the City of Worcester to implement the HazMat arbitration award and project future costs over the next ten years.

 

Communication of David Rushford, City Clerk

 

7.          Transmitting his personal and departmental Fiscal Year 2004 accomplishments and Fiscal Year 2005 goals as City Clerk.

          #89 CC August 17, 2004

Recommend Accept and Approve of the Accomplishments and Goals of the City Clerk as amended to request the City Clerk become involved in the space needs study of City Hall if amenable to the City Manager.

 

Chairman’s Order to elect the current City Clerk for another two year term.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

8.          Communication of Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting Citizen satisfaction with Municipal Services: 2003 Survey.

          #34 CC February 3, 2004

Recommend File

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Manager that suggestions offered by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau be incorporated in the Keep Worcester Clean group for inclusion in their activities in Grimewatch and Crimewatch.

 

9.          Communication of the City Manager relative to accounts receivables for parking violations.

          #23A CM February 24, 2004

Recommend File

 

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Manager update the City Council regarding the parking violations’ account receivables operation and bid results and also concerning the future operational location plans.

 

10.     Order of Councillor Philip P. Palmieri and Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request City Auditor report on the number of public safety retirees below the $25,000 threshold, those that have not worked, the number of Public Safety people that participate and the cost to increase pensions in incremental levels to 40% current salary.  Further, request Administration to send out notices relative to the September 1, 2004 Municipal Operations Committee meeting to Public Safety retirees that would be affected by the decision of the City Council.  If cost to do so is prohibitive, request Administration consider contacting the leadership that has contact with the retirees.

#59 CC August 17, 2004

Recommend Report and Request City Manager recommend raising pensions for public safety retirees to the 50% level with a cap of $2,000.00 and an appropriation for funding such increases.

 

Speaking in behalf of Public Safety retirees: Peter O’Rourke

 

11.          Communication of the City Manager relative to denying permits to builders in non-compliance.

          #6A CM August 17, 2004

Recommend File

 

12.          Communication of the City Manager relative to building code requirements relative to handicap accessibility.

          #6D CM August 17, 2004

Recommend File

 

Chairman’s Order request the City Solicitor provide the City Council with an opinion what legal means might be available to the City to inform the public of problem builders/developers/landlords.