CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 16, 2001

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:05 P.M.

Adjourned:  9:27 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION – Rev. Louis G. Bond

Covenant United Methodist Church

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

4.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          5-10 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE EXCEPT 7

 

5.       Carlos & Gloria Goden request abatement of Private Street Betterment Assessment #50053 in the amount of $3,208.06 on Beaumont Rd.

 

6.       Mihail Bocka request sidewalks on Fourth St.

 

7.       Cherie Dupont & Ruth Rollins request City of Worcester to extend sanitary and surface sewers to serve our homes at 7 & 9 Wigwam Hill Dr. Referred to Planning Board

 

8.       Michael P. & Susanna N. Festa request abatement of Private Street Betterment Assessment #50054 in the amount of $3,397.43 on Beaumont Rd.

 

9.       Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Vito Ventura request sidewalk repair in front of 257 Coburn Ave.

 

10.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Bob Scott request sidewalk repair from 44 Paradox Dr. to Beaconsfield St.

 

10a.   Councillor Timothy P. Murray and Councillor Stephen Patton request sidewalk repair in front of 21 Elmwood St. - Suspension of Rules – Referred to Public Works Committee

         

11-17 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

11.     Rosa Pomales request handicap parking at 4 Home St.

 

12.     Mihail Bocka request No Parking on Fourth St.

 

13.     Representative John Fresolo on behalf of Ralph & Josephine Pietro request handicap parking sign in front of 17 Gordon St.

 

14.     Luz Cruz request handicap parking at 2 Henchman St.

 

15.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Bob Scott request study of speed and volume of traffic on Walter St. and for stop signs at appropriate locations.

 

16.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Dot Reid request review of traffic signage in the area of Greenwood/Millbury St. and Reeves St.

 

17.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Jane Petrella request review of traffic signage at the area of the railroad crossing at McKeon Rd. and Millbury St.

 

17a.   Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Sister Marie Thomas Senckowski request Traffic Engineer review whether there are resident parking problems or other parking problems on Richland St. -

          Suspension of Rules – Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

18.     William S. Coleman, III request to place before the voters in the November 2001 Municipal Election:  Do you feel all medical info, evidence and facts regarding the transmission and spread of HIV that causes Aids has been presented to you in a proper manner?  Were you informed enough to make a decision on the establishment of a needle exchange program in the City of Worcester? Referred to Health Committee

 

19.     William S. Coleman, III request to place before the voters in the November 2001 Municipal Election:  Do you support the establishment of a state funded needle exchange program with treatment on demand in the City of Worcester?  Referred to Health Committee

 

ORDERS

 

20.             Request Administration report on the status of the snow removal account and the current expenditures/costs for snow removal services. (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

21.     Request City Auditor report on the status of the pension obligation bonds in light of the current performance of the stock market.  (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

22.     Request Administration report on the status of attempts to enforce the fixed-price fuel contract(s) between the City and Peterson Oil Corporation.  This report should include an explanation as to why Peterson Oil Corporation was not required to post a performance bond for this contract.  (Irish)

 

          Adopted

 

23.     Request Administration to furnish a report on the number and location of pre-school and school based fluoride rinse and dental sealant programs currently being offered in the City estimating the percentage of City’s children participating.   (Irish)

 

          Adopted

 

24.     Request Administration to review the ordinance recently adopted by the City of Boston restricting the sale of products containing mercury in order to reduce the amount of this highly toxic substance in the waste stream and recommend as to whether Worcester should adopt a similar ordinance.   (Irish, Perotto, Nadeau)

          Adopted

 

25.     Request City Manager update City Council on the signage program for the downtown and airport areas.   (Nadeau, Irish)

          Adopted

 

26.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the status of the Parcel Post building behind Union Station both for acquisition and for use as a garage site. (Clancy)

 

          Councillor Clancy moved to amend:  to include reviewing the feasibility of potentially using any of Worcester Center space for any potential move that may be need for the current tenant, if the garage site is to be used and if it could come under the TIF agreement in any way.  Councillor Murray moved to further amend to request information regarding the current owner and the tax status on the building. 

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

27.     Request City Manager consider the use of CDBG funding to explore the feasibility of expanding the Green Island/Vernon Hill C.D.C. to possibly include the areas of Quinsigamond Village and South Worcester area. (Clancy, Nadeau)

 

          Councillor Perotto moved to amend:  Request a report on what is going on with the Quinsigamond Neighborhood Center and how they would fit into this expansion, also report on the efforts to save them as a CDC.  Councillor Lukes further amended: Request a report on the financial implications of grant funding in expanding or consolidating CDCs and if the neighborhoods are going to have any input in this review.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

28.     Request City Manager consider the use of CDBG funding for a banner program in the Canal Districts of Union Station (Harding St.), Green Island (Millbury & Harding Sts.) and Quinsigamond Village (Millbury St.).   (Clancy, Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

29.     Request Administration contact the Executive Directors of our local Social Service agencies to discuss possible communication improvements regarding the placement of group homes in area neighborhoods.  (Murray, Irish)

 

          Councillor Petty moved to amend:  Request that a map by district of the social service agencies and group homes be provided to the City Council.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

30.     Request Administration to provide an update concerning seasonal sales at the outlet mall and report on it’s future status.  (Murray, Irish)

 

          Adopted

 

31.     Request City Manager report to the City Council concerning the feasibility of the City of Worcester accepting the new allowance under Massachusetts General Law to increase the amount of basic group life insurance offered to city employees from $2,000 to $10,000. 

         

Adopted

 

32.     Request City Manager study the feasibility of acquiring Chase Estates adjacent to Broad Meadow Brook and, further, request City Manager work with Congressman McGovern’s Office in securing grant monies to acquire site.  (Clancy, Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

 

33.     Request City Manager provide a report on the City Administration’s position concerning recommendations of Block Grant funding for nonprofit agencies who do not follow the policy of the Worcester City Council concerning needle exchange programs for the purpose of public safety.  (Perotto)

 

          Order placed on file

 

34.     Request City Manager consider targeting three specific brownfield sites for the purpose of economic development.  (Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

35.     Request City Manager consider contacting all major hotel chains to locate in the center city of Worcester for the purpose of economic development.   (Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

36.     Request City Manager consider contacting a “Fine Arts College” to relocate a satellite campus in the center city of Worcester for the purpose of economic development.  (Perotto)

         

          Adopted

 

37.     Request City Manager provide a report on the cost of providing a roof for the Sneider Pavilion at Institute Park for the purpose of economic development.  (Perotto, Irish, Gomez, Murray, Abraham, Lukes)

 

          Councillor Patton moved to amend:  Request a legal opinion as to whether any stipulation exists preventing a permanent structure from being built at Institute Park.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

38.     Request City Manager consider providing winter recreational activities at Green Hill Park for the citizens of Worcester.  (Perotto, Abraham)

          Adopted

 

39.     Request Administration to prepare a detailed report relative to the mechanics of the real estate tax assessment process in regard to all properties in Worcester, including but not limited to:  A.  The frequency of individual assessments,  B.  The process by which all properties are reassessed,  C.  The criteria upon which the value of each individual parcel is determined,  D.  The frequency of on-site appraisals for individual properties, and   E.  The State’s requirements regarding real estate assessments and reassessments.  (Abraham, Irish)

 

          Councillor Lukes moved to amend:  Request how the request impacts the ten highest taxpayers and an explanation how the evaluation process changes with commercial and industrial properties as well as residential.  Councillor Clancy moved to further amend:  Request City Council be provided with information on what the old bi-yearly real estate bills looked like when they came out, their impact prior to the quarterly billing process, when the tax bills were sent and when those payments were due and how they impacted on the half year bills as opposed to the quarterly bills.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

40.     Request Administration describe the mechanics of quarterly tax billing and the delaying of the third and fourth quarter bills, and report on the payment options available to taxpayers adversely affected by said delay.  (Abraham, Irish)

 

          Councillor Abraham moved to amend to add Councillor Irish

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

41.     Request Administration and/or Parks Commissioner to report to the City Council regarding the feasibility of the Parks Department acquiring and/or maintaining public school athletic fields and acquiring funds for the operation of same, all for the purpose of providing more recreational space and athletic facilities for public use. (Abraham, Murray, Petty)

 

          Councillor Murray moved to amend to add Councillor Petty.   Councillor Irish moved to amend to include athletic facilities.  Further to request that a central clearinghouse be made available so that a citizen can make one phone call about available facilities without regard to who controls the facilities.  Councillor Clancy moved to further amend to request a report on the shared development of fields such as Providence St.’s Glodis Soccer Field, to be used as a model.  Mayor Mariano moved to amend by removing the words “acquiring and/or”.  Further to exclude Foley Stadium.  Councillor Patton moved to amend to request an inventory of playing fields for the purpose of moving towards universal permitting.  Councillor Murray moved to further amend to request report within 60 days.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

42.     Request Administration report to the City Council regarding the feasibility and status of the City of Worcester initiating an annual Festival of Lights at Green Hill Park during the winter holiday season similar to the program in Springfield, MA including the recruitment of private industry as sponsors.  (Abraham, Murray, Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

43.     Request Administration study and make recommendation regarding installation of Holiday Lighting along Main St. area for the 2001 Holiday Season and recommendations for funding.  (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

44.     Request Director of Traffic Engineering survey and research the intersection of Lake Ave. and Belmont St. regarding the need for Right Turn Lane must Turn Right markings/signs.  (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

45.     Request Auditor report on the policy of the WRTA concerning employee benefits, if any, accruing from unused sick time.  (Lukes)

          Adopted

46.     Request Administration report on the legal duties of homeowners to shovel sidewalks where no paved sidewalk exists.  (Lukes)

 

          Councillor Patton moved to amend:  Request Administration accept appeals to fines for not shoveling sidewalks until interpretation of the ordinance is forthcoming.

 

          Order Adopted, as amended

 

46a.   Request City Manager report if any Block Grant funding has been used to support any activity relative to needle exchange.  Motion  Perotto @ #33 CC – Adopted

 

46b.   Request City Manager provide City Council with an update on the skateboard park for Green Hill Park.  Motion Gomez @ #38 CC – Adopted

 

46c.   Request Municipal Operations Committee, in the future, consider to amend the Goals and Objectives of the City Manager as follows:

1.  Relative to Union Station, whether we have a developer, whether the development parcels are being marketed, and whether we have a parking garage; 2.  Relative to the South Worcester Industrial Park the issue of business recruitment be included; 3.  Relative to the timeframe for consideration in evaluating TIF’s, that the references to three years be broken down so that the minimum level of accomplishment must take place in the first year; 4.  That the reference relative to business recruitment include clarification of the terms “targeted” and “actual” and  5.  In the analysis of the business tax base, a comparison of businesses locating and leaving the city be included. Motion Mariano @ #54 CC – Adopted

 

46d.   Request City Manager report what the percentage thresholds mean in the terms of completion of projects in the City Manager’s Goals and Objectives. Motion Clancy @ #54 CC - Adopted

 

46e.   Request City Manager  provide quarterly reports on the progress being made towards  his annual Goals & Objectives. Motion Patton @ #54 CC - Adopted

 

46f.    Request City Manager report as to the amount of contracts given out by the City, what percentage is minority participation and what plans are to increase that number for future years.  Motion Gomez @ #54 CC  - Adopted

 

46g.   Request Administration contact the town of Holden relative to the possible siting of a leaf mulching program at their municipal landfill and report back to City Council within 30 days.  Irish – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

46h.   Request Administration report regarding traffic enforcement signage on Lincoln St. near Lincoln St. School and also to evaluate possibility of providing added police presence in the area around the time when children get out of school.  Gomez – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

46i.    Request Administration consider filling the reflecting pool on the Common for the purpose of creating ice skating opportunities for our residents the remainder of the winter until we decide what we will do with it and fund it.  Gomez – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

46j.    Request Director of Traffic Engineering to review and report on truck traffic cutting through parking lot in front of Kenmore Diner.  Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

46k.   Request City Manager provide snow removal at the Worcester Police Department. Petty – Suspension of Rules - Adopted

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

47.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to the most recent collaboratives between members of the Consortium for Higher Education and the Worcester Public Schools.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

48.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to what is done in the City’s public schools relative to fire prevention as to what grades participate and how often students attend these programs.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

49.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to the annual October First Student Enrollment report.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

50.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to outlining all after-school programs offered by school site, including timeframes.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

51.     Helen A Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to standards for school buses maintained and operated to transport public school students in Massachusetts and if all students need to be seated.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

52.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to establishing a working group to explore expanding collaborative programs between the Worcester Public Library and our school libraries.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

52a.   That the Worcester City Council hereby wishes the Greater Worcester Vietnamese Community a health and prosperous new year at their celebration this Saturday, January 20, 2001. (Irish) Suspension of Rule – Adopted on Roll Call 11-0

 

53.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:  No Items Pending

 

REPORTS

         

54 ACCEPTED & ORDER ADOPTED

 

54.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Goals & Objectives:  recommend adoption of the accompanying order that the City Council accept the Goals & Objectives of the City Manager for FY 2001.

 

          55-57 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

55.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert L. Moylan, Jr., Commissioner of Public Works requesting to accept as public Barber Ave. from Randolph Rd southerly 600’ to its southerly terminus.

 

56.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Albert P. Etre, A.P. Etre Builders, Inc. requesting to accept Valente Dr. as a public way.

 

57.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Attorney Lawrence Brodeur on behalf of E-C Realty Corp., Inc. requesting Shady Brook Lane be accepted as a public way.

 

          58 ACCEPTED & ORDER ADOPTED

 

58.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to proposed speed hump program: recommend adoption of the accompanying two Orders that the City Council approves in concept of the draft recommendations concerning a speed hump program and requesting the City Solicitor to file Special Legislation relative to the installation of speed humps in the City of Worcester.

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

          59-81 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING – VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES EXCEPT 66

 

59.     Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Stop sign on Eastern Ave. at Gage St. to face westbound traffic on Gage St.

 

60.     Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Stop sign on Eastern Ave. at Normal St. (easterly intersection) to face eastbound traffic on Normal St.

 

61.     Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Stop sign on Eastern Ave. at Normal St. (westerly intersection) to face eastbound traffic on Normal St.

 

62.     Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for left turn only from the left lane on Eastern Ave. at Normal and Gage Sts. for north and southbound traffic.

 

63.     Amending Section 75 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for No “U” Turns on Eastern Ave. northbound at Island Opening near East Central St.

 

64.     Amending Section 37q of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit parking tow away zone on the east side of Commercial St. from Front St to Mechanic St.

 

65.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for one-hour parking meters on the west side of Commercial St. between Front St. and Mechanic St.

 

66.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking on the north side of Pleasant St. near Main St.

         

          Tabled

 

67.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind two parking meters on the north side of Pleasant St. near Chestnut St. and install No Parking in its place.

 

68.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind two parking meters on the south side of Pleasant St. and install No Parking in its place.

 

69.     Amending Section 33(f)(2) of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit right turns on the red traffic signal for southbound traffic on Main St.

 

70.     Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for left turn only from the left lane on Pleasant St. at Chestnut St. for eastbound traffic.

 

71.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind prohibited parking on the west side of Chestnut St. and install four parking meters in its place.

 

72.     Amending Section 70 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit left turns for westbound traffic on Front St. at Main St.

 

73.     Amending Section 33(f)(2) of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind No Left Turn on Red for Linden St. southbound at Pleasant St.

 

74.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 10 Clifton St.

 

75.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 69 Providence St.

 

76.     Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for resident permit parking on the south side of Congress St., entire length.

 

77.     Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for resident permit parking on the odd numbered side of Fruit St. from #63 to William St.

 

78.     Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for resident permit parking on the south side of Pembroke St. from #5 to #9.

 

79.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind prohibited parking on the west side of McGill St. from McKeon Rd. to Bothnia St.

 

80.     Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for right turn only from the right lane on Salisbury St. into Flagg St. for southbound traffic.

 

81.     Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Stop sign on Everton Ave. at Crowningshield Rd. to face northbound traffic.

 

TABLED ITEMS

 

82.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Order of Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting approval of the attached Ordinance amending the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to Non-Accessory Signs.   (Tabled May 30, 2000) – No Action Taken

 

 

83.     Resolution – That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports an amendment to MGL Chapter 32, Section 3(4) proposed by Mrs. Mary Genaske, a Worcester Public School Teacher to allow teachers from Puerto Rico to buy back into the Mass. Teachers Pension Fund at the same level as other teachers coming from other states in the union.  (Gomez)  (Tabled October 17, 2000) – No Action Taken

 

84.     Order – Request Rules Committee to review the procedure used by City Council for election of individuals to the Library Board of Trustees.  (Abraham)  (Tabled December 19, 2000) – No Action Taken

 

 

85.     Order - Request Administration develop an internet-based Citizen Service Request Form which would encourage citizens to directly petition local government for service and receive response interactively.  This might be accomplished by duplicating the service already offered by the City of Washington, District of Columbia to it’s residents.   (Patton)  (Tabled January 2, 2001)- Taken Off Table - Adopted

 

86.     Order - Request Administration survey Worcester’s largest employers as to whether or not they offer any type of benefits to their employees and their domestic partners.  (Patton)  (Tabled January 2, 2001) – Taken Off Table - Adopted

 

87.     Order - Request Commerce and Development Committee to establish criteria for measuring economic development progress to include: New jobs created, Increased business taxes, New businesses brought into City, Expansion of existing businesses, Completion of major projects.  (Mariano)   (Tabled January 2, 2001) – Taken Off Table – Placed on file

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

JANUARY 17, 2001             ETHNIC &           WORCESTER SENIOR CENTER

       6:00 P.M.             MINORITY AFFAIRS          128 PROVIDENCE ST.

                                                                                                MULTI PURPOSE ROOM      

                   Re:  Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance Report   

                                                                            

JANUARY 22, 2001                  LAND USE            COUNCIL CHAMBER

  6:00 – 7:30 P.M.

(Rescheduled from January 17, 2001)

 

JANUARY 22, 2001               LEGISLATIVE         COUNCIL CHAMBER

      7:30 P.M.                               AFFAIRS

(Rescheduled from January 17, 2001)

 

JANUARY 24, 2001         PUBLIC SERVICE  &     COUNCIL CHAMBER

      4:00 P.M.                     TRANSPORTATION

(Note Change in Time)

 

JANUARY 24, 2001                 ETHNIC &              COUNCIL CHAMBER

      6:30 P.M.                  MINORITY AFFAIRS

                   Re: Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance Report

 

JANUARY 29, 2001          PUBLIC WORKS        COUNCIL CHAMBER

       6:00 P.M.

 

FEBRUARY 9, 2001       PUBLIC SAFETY                   COUNCIL CHAMBER

 3:00 – 4:30 P.M.

                        Re:  Abandoned Buildings Task Force Report

 

FEBRUARY 12, 2001           RULES &                 COUNCIL CHAMBER

       4:00 P.M.                   REGULATIONS