CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 12, 2002

7:00 P.M.

 

Executive Session – Close of regular City Council meeting for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining

 

Convened:  7:08 P.M.

Recessed to meet in Executive Session:  9:58 P.M.

Returned to Open Session to Adjourn:  10:22 P.M.

 

 

1.                 INVOCATION – Rev. Richard Whitefleet-Smith

                                     Quinsigamond United Methodist Church

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.          ROLL CALL – All present except Councillor Lukes who arrived at 7:09 P.M.

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS – 7:00 P.M.

 

4 - Councillor Palmieri recused on a roll call 10-0 - Ordinance Committee accepted the Report of the Planning Board and recommended approval of the Petition as amended

 

4.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Attorney Samuel DeSimone on behalf of Mercer Properties requesting to change the Zoning Map of the City of Worcester from MG-2 to BG-2 by extending the BG-2 zone on the southerly side of Shrewsbury St. at the intersection with Casco St., easterly along Shrewsbury St. to the intersection of Shrewsbury St. and Putnam Lane, southerly by Putnam Lane to Nebraska St., westerly by Nebraska St. approximately 225’, southerly by property of Richard Adams to terminus of Albany St., westerly along Albany St. approximately 1,200’ to intersection with Casco St., northerly by Casco St. along BG-2 zone line approximately 450’ to point of beginning: accept recommendation of the Planning Board to approve Petition. (Attachments)

 

          5 – Ordinance Committee accepted the Report of the Planning Board and recommended the Petition be denied

 

5.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Sara Burtt & Glenn Seaver requesting to extend the RL-7 zone line to the northerly property line of 1 Redfield Rd.: accept recommendation of the Planning Board to deny Petition. (Attachments)

 

6.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

6a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

6b.     Councillor Barbara Haller on behalf of David McMahon et al request Parks Department re-plant trees at the Goddard School at 6 Richards St.  Suspension of Rules - Referred to Parks Department (Attachments)

 

          7 & 8 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BOARD

 

7.       Doreen Angers request to reopen a portion of Pocasset Ave. to gain access to lots 64, 65 and 66 on Pocasset Ave. (Attachments)

 

8.       Paul & Susan Lenkarski request zone change from BL-1.0 to RL-7 on property located at 35 State St. aka 1200 West Boylston St. aka 35 Electric Court, leaving existing building in BL-1.0 zone with legal frontage. (Attachments)

 

          9-17 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

9.       James Coughlin request City Council rename a street contiguous to Shrewsbury St. in honor of the late City Councillor Mary Scano. (Attachments)

 

10.     Tirsa Ramirez et al request private street maintenance on Broughton Rd. (Attachments)

 

11.     Raymond & Audrey Robinson request abatement in the amount of $1,500.00 for a grinder pump installed on our property at 631 Sunderland Rd. (Attachments)

 

12.     Raymond & Audrey Robinson request abatement of Sewer Assessment #30814 in the amount of $3,700.62 on Sunderland Rd. (Attachments)

 

13.     Trudy & Bob Epstein request sidewalk repair at 16 So. Flagg St. (Attachments)

 

14.     Harold & Ruth Gurwitz request sidewalk repair at 33 Chippewa Rd. (Attachments)

 

15.     James Magay request sidewalk repair at 460 Lincoln St. (Attachments)

 

16.     Attorney Todd Rodman on behalf of Belmont St. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church & Attorney Sem Aykanian on behalf of Jon Lupien request release of easement for street purposes over subdivision road located in Kettlebrook Trace Subdivision.  (Attachments)

 

17.     Fred Hanna request 300’ water line extension to Lots A & B on Coburn Ave. (Attachments)

 

17a.   Councillor Barbara Haller on behalf of David McMahon et al request DPW Water Operations provide water service to the Richards St. garden at 7 Richards St.  Suspension of Rules - Referred to Public Works  (Attachments)

 

17b.   Councillor Barbara Haller on behalf of Louise Lombardo et al request that a portion of Abbott St. running from the end of Walgreen's parking lot and the residences, to the intersection with Winfield St. be closed as it is impassable.  Suspension of Rules - Referred to Public Works   (Attachments)

 

          18-22 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

18.     Teresa-Jean Rubin et al request speed bumps from start to private part of Gates Lane. (Attachments)

 

19.     Mary Babbidge request removal of handicap parking signs from in front of 7-9 Maple Tree Lane. (Attachments)

 

20.     Victoria & Thomas Pellegrino request “Left Turn Must Yield on Green” sign on the traffic signal located at the intersection of Lake Ave. and Sunderland Rd. (Attachments)

 

21.     Nancy Allen, Commission for the Blind on behalf of Claude Collier request handicap parking in front of 113 Merrifield St. (Attachments)

 

22.     Linn Allen Morrill request Blind Driveway, Thickly Settled or other signage to slow traffic at 164 Moreland St. (Attachments)

 

23.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2002

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

4. ASSESSORS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Fiscal Year 2003 Tax Rate Options. (Attachments)

 

Held for Tax Classification Hearing November 19, 2002

 

B.      Communication relative to Assessment/Classification & Tax Base Growth Report – Fiscal 2003. (Attachments)

 

Held for Tax Classification Hearing November 19, 2002

 

C.      Recommend that the City Council approve an order that effectively implements the Double Elderly Abatement Program for Fiscal 2003. The funding order was previously approved on October 15, 2002 and financed with part of the salary savings generated through the work force reductions from the Early Retirement Incentive Program. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Palmieri absent)

 

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Status Report. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Education and College/University Relations

          Committee

 

7. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Caffrey Memorial Flag Fund Award. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to Arts District Master Plan. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Annual Report and the Audited Financial Report of the Worcester County Convention & Visitors Bureau Report. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Worcester Cultural Coalition Update – Recent Activities and Programs. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

E.      Communication relative to Design of the Central Street Bridge. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

F.      Communication relative to Developing an Architectural or Artistic Design which would be a Symbol of the City. (Attachments)

 

Recommitted to the City Manager

 

G.      Communication relative to Sunbridge Healthcare Center. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

H.      Communication relative to Microloan and Facade Program. (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 6-0 (Abraham, Clancy, Lukes, Palmieri absent) Placed on file

 

9. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

A.      Request adoption of the resolution to authorize the renewal of a lease at the Senior Center. (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

10. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13. FIRE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Funds Set Aside to Purchase Safety Related Items for the Fire Department. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

14. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

A.      Request City Council approval of the Executive Management Pay System. (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Patton moved to amend the Order for a 3% CPI cap- Approved on a roll call 9-2 (No-Gomez, Haller)

 

          Order adopted, as amended and voted to advertise two proposed Ordinances on a roll call 11-0

 

15. HUMAN RIGHTS:

 

16. LAW:

 

A.      Communication relative to Definition of Group Homes. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Land Use Committee

 

B.      Request adoption relative to Legislation Allowing a Motor Vehicle License & Registration Renewal Hold for Persons Who Abandon Motor Vehicles. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.      Communication relative to Number of Unrelated Individuals Living in a Housing Unit. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

D.      Request substitution of the ordinance amendment regarding an increase to parking fines, when the item comes up under the “to be ordained” section of the November 12, 2002 calendar. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

E.      Recommend enactment of six ordinances making corrections in the Revised Ordinances necessitated by the reorganization of the Department of Public Health and Code Enforcement into two separate departments. (Attachments)

 

Voted to advertise six proposed Ordinances on a roll call 11-0

 

F.      Communication relative to a number of requests for information from Charter Communications. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

17. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18. NEIGHNBORHOOD SERVICES:

         

A.      Communication relative to Presentation of the Housing Market Study and Worcester Build Out Analysis. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program Report. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to Proposed Year 29 CDBG Allocation Process Timetable. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

D.      Communication relative to Rebuilding Together Worcester Program. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

E.      Communication relative to Timeframe for the Weed & Seed Program Selection Announcement. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to Questions regarding the Housing Market Study. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety Programs Division FY03 Community Policing Grant. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

19. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Communication relative to Grant Award - $250,000.00 for Improvements to Green Hill Park. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee

 

B.      Request adoption of an order for the rededication of the Worcester Common. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham, Lukes absent)

 

20. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Public Information Officer. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Amber Alert type Program. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Materials Provided to the Community Regarding Crime Prevention. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Restriction of Panhandling at Intersections. (Attachments)

         

Recommitted to the City Manager

 

E.      Request City Council accept with gratitude a donation of $15,000 from Allmerica Financial Charitable Foundation in support of the drug and alcohol resistance education program provided by the Worcester Police Department in Worcester’s Public Schools. (Attachments)

 

Councillor Petty recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Order adopted with gratitude

 

F.      Communication relative to Philosophy for Controlling Prostitution in the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

21. PUBLIC HEALTH:

 

A.      Communication relative to Oral Health Measures in Effect in Worcester Public Schools in September. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Health Hazards Emanate from Dumpsters or Other Discarded Trash. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

22. PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

A.      Request City Council adoption of a resolution to accept a grant in the amount of $600.00 from the Clarence S. Arms Family Fund of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for the Worcester Public Library. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted

 

B.      Communication relative to Utilizing Space at the Public Library. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

23. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

24. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to List of Candidate Petitioned Streets for FY 2004 Resurfacing Program. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

B.      Communication relative to Width and Length of West Chester Street/Public Portion and Portion to be made Public. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Streetscape Improvements Along May Street. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Route 146 – Millbury/Ballard Street. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to Status Report #5 – Street Resurfacing Project. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

25. PURCHASING:

 

26. TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT:

 

27. TREASURY:

 

28. VETERANS SERVICES:

 

29. FINANCE:

 

A.      Recommend that Nine Hundred Forty Six Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Three Dollars ($946,463.00) be “raised by taxation” and appropriated to Account #900-92000, City Manager’s Contingency Account, to create a reserve as recommended in Item #4B on the City Manager’s calendar, of November 12, 2002. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

B.      Recommend the current apportionment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the amount of Two Million Fifty Four Thousand Two Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars and Eighty One Cents, ($2,054,288.81) be appropriated to Account #41C440, DPW Street Resurfacing, to provide funding for current and future street resurfacing obligations. The appropriation represents a funding mechanism approved by the Department of Revenue for reimbursements from the Commonwealth for approved street resurfacing projects. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.      Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C713, Water Mains, and appropriated to Account #45C720, Water Mains/Clean & Line, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

D.      Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C797, Sidewalks, for the payment of contractual obligations related to various sidewalk improvement projects, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

E.      Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C741, Street Resurfacing, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations for street resurfacing projects, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

F.      Recommend that Thirty Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Nine Dollars ($33,339.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #41C703, DPW Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing the following pieces of capital equipment:

          (1)     Various Traffic Signal Equipment               $ 3,000.00

          (2)     (1) 4WD Utility Truck                                $30,339.00

 

          for the Department of Public Works, as approved in the Fiscal 2003 Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

G.      Recommend that Fifteen Thousand Four Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($15,418.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C731, Water Department Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (1) 2003 Ford Taurus vehicle, for the Water Department, as approved in the Fiscal 2003 Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

H.      Recommend that Four Thousand Six Hundred Fifty One Dollars ($4,651.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the payment of costs associated with GIS date projects for the Water Department, as approved in the Fiscal 2002 Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

         

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

I.       Request that Three Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($3,000.00) from an unexpended Community Development Block Grant balance from a Year 22 program which has been inactive for several years and is no longer needed for its intended use, be appropriated for use as follows:

 

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          14S48922                        Green Island/Vernon Hill           $3,000.00

          and appropriated to:

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          14S43722                        Main South CDC Public Serv.   $3,000.00   

                   The purpose of this transfer is to fund the rent of the space that

Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts at 875 Main Street for the period of December 2002 through June 2003. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

J.       Recommend that Twenty Four Thousand One Hundred Thirty Dollars and zero cents ($24,130.00) from Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Round V (FY00) balances and interest be appropriated for use as follows:

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          18S199                           Balances and interest                 $24,130.00

and appropriated to:

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          18S199                           WPD Equipment                       $18, 500.00

                                                Abandoned Vehicle Towing

                                                Contract                                   $      630.00

                                                Security Equipment                   $   5,000.00

                                                          Total                                        $ 24,130.00

 

The purpose of this transfer is to fund public safety, crime prevention programs and equipment with remaining LLEBG balances as no funds can be returned to the Department of Justice. (Attachments)  

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

K.      Recommend that Eighty Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Four Dollars ($80,324.00) be appropriated from Certified Free Cash, and used specifically to reduce the overall city tax rate as a result of the loss in local aid for Fiscal 2003. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

L.      Recommend that Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) be appropriated from Certified Free Cash, and used specifically to reduce the 2003 City tax rate in order to balance the FY2003 Budget as approved by the Worcester City Council on June 25, 2002. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

M.     Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) be raised and used as a receipt to fund the City of Worcester’s Fiscal 2003 Operating Budget. Funds for this recommendation will be derived from using Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) in revenues declared surplus by the City Assessor for Fiscal Year 1997 Overlay Reserve Account. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

                            

N.      Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the Amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C709 Worcester Common Rehabilitation, for the purpose of providing an appropriation for the Federal share of the Worcester Common rehabilitation project. (Attachments)

 

Voted to advertise proposed Loan Order on a roll call 11-0

 

O.      Recommend that the City Council approve an order that adjusts the Worcester Public School accounts for the Fiscal Year 2003 Charter School Tuition payments through a reduction of $11,678,807.00. This item was approved at the November 7, 2002 School Committee meeting. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

P.      Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C711, Citywide Building Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #55C700, Worcester Public Library Building Rehabilitation, for the payment of contractual obligations related to rehabilitation work at the Francis Perkins Library. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

30. MISCELLANEOUS:

 

A.      Communication relative to the nomination forms from Preservation Worcester’s “The Ten Most Endangered Properties” program. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee for December meeting

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          24-30 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

24.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a legal opinion on the possible coordination of Code Enforcement with the Police Department on the enforcement of ordinances concerning business vehicle intrusions into residential zones. (Attachments)

 

25.     Request City Solicitor report to City Council under what circumstances the City may restrict commercial parking on public streets in residential zones. (Attachments)

 

26.     Request Commissioner of Public Works report concerning the widths of Ingleside Ave., Fairmont Ave., Puritan Ave. and Pilgrim Ave. with reference to their being considered as two-way streets. (Attachments)

 

27.     Request Traffic & Parking Committee to hold a hearing to provide residents of Warner Ave. the opportunity to voice their concerns relative to the conversion of Warner Ave. to a two-way street.

          (Attachments)

 

28.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to consider installation of a chicane on Dana Ave. if and when they are recommended as traffic calming devices. (Attachments)

 

29.     Request Police Chief to install speeding surveillance equipment on Dana Ave. and on Plantation St. between Grafton St. and Hamilton St. to control the flow of traffic through these residential neighborhoods. (Attachments)

 

30.     Request Commissioner of Public Works report to City Council on the feasibility of installing No Parking on one side of Ayrshire Rd., entire length. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

31.     Request City Manager to examine the feasibility of making Water St. between Harrison St. and Grafton St. a two-way street.  (Clancy)

         

Councillor Petty moved to amend:  Further, request City Manager examine feasibility of making Winter St. two-way also.

 

Adopted, as amended. (Attachments)

 

32.     Request City Manager report to City Council on previous requests concerning changing the traffic signal to a blinking phase at Grafton St. and Cutler St. during morning and afternoon rush hours.  (Clancy) (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

33.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the feasibility/ implementation of a Public Transportation Day in cooperation with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority in an effort to encourage the use of our public transit system.    (Petty, Abraham) (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

33a.   Request City Manager to provide a list on the top ten commercial taxpayers in the city and what percent they will pay on the total commercial taxes. Further, also provide a list of the top twenty five commercial taxpayers in the city and what percent they pay of the total tax burden for the commercial rate.  Motion Clancy @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33b.   Request City Manager to report that if we had maintained the same Residential CIP ratios as in 1999 thru the last three years what difference would that have been to a commercial property owner, how much more would they have paid and report on the impact on a residential payer as well.  Further, that the names of the agricultural properties mentioned in the report also be provided.  Motion Patton @ #4A CM  - Adopted    (Attachments)

 

33c.   Request City Assessor to report on the changes from the budgeted estimates to the current actuals for new growth. Motion Patton @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33d.   Request City Manager to provide a chart on cost of living increases since 1990 to the present time as compared to increases in expenses  from 1990 to the present time.  Also, what the extent of state funding has been during the same ten year period.  Motion Lukes @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33e.   Request City Manager to request the Chamber of Commerce to provide a report detailing new businesses in the city during FY 2002.  Motion Petty @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33f.    Request City Manager report on the top ten largest employers who have left the city in the past year and what impact that had on commercial real estate value.  Further, provide report on the number of jobs lost by the top twenty five local businesses in the city. Motion Gomez @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33g.   Request Assessors Department to consider starting the process of valuing new growth properties earlier.  Motion Perotto @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33h.   Request Administration to go back and randomly select commercial industrial property, single family homes and three deckers for the past six months and compare the assessed valuation against the selling price and report back to the City Council.  Motion Irish @ #4A CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33i.    Request Administration report how many commercial properties were purchased and taken off the tax rolls by non profit organizations and how that impacts the tax rate. Motion Murray @ #4A CM  - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33j.    Request Administration to make a recommendation on both commercial and residential tax rates. Motion Abraham @ #4A CM - Denied on a roll call 4-6 (Yes:  Abraham, Gomez, Irish, Petty)  (No:  Clancy, Haller, Lukes, Patton, Perotto, Murray)  (Palmieri absent).   Reconsideration denied on a roll call 5-6  (Yes:  Abraham, Gomez, Irish, Palmieri, Petty)  (No:  Clancy, Haller, Lukes, Patton, Perotto, Murray) (Attachments)

 

33k.   Request Administration to request assistance from our State Delegation regarding Article 97 land transfer legislation relative to the Conservation Restriction  with the Department of Mental Health.

          Motion Perotto @ #6A CM  - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33L.   Request Administration report on how many artists have moved into the Arts District, what is going to take place regarding the Discover Worcester Trail and the pairing up of for-profits and non-profits, what process might be followed for land acquisition for the Junction Shop Manufacturing District. Motion Perotto @ #8B CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33m.  Request Administration report on sources of  revenue for grants, promotional and  dues and who other than the city is contributing to the funding of  the Massachusetts Tourist Council.  Motion Irish @ #8C CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33n.   Request Administration obtain from  HUD the experience of other cities that  have accepted the Microloan and Façade Program and  have had any money repaid to them. Motion Lukes @ #8H CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33o.   Request City Manager to notify all the Crime Watch Groups across the city of the dollars available to support their groups.  Motion Perotto @ #16B CM - Adopted   (Attachments)

                  

33p.   Request Administration report if the non-digital alternative service will be eliminated after the wiring for the city has been completed for high speed cable and digital service.  Motion Irish @ #16F CM - Adopted   (Attachments)

 

33q.   Request City Manager to provide information  regarding rules and regulations concerning dumpsters. Motion Patton @ #21B CM - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33r.    Request  City Manager  to examine the feasibility of making Pearl St. a two-way street.  Motion Irish @ # 31CC - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33s.   Request  City Manager  to replace the No Parking sign on Mapleleaf Road adjacent to Lauf St.  Suspension of Rules - Abraham - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33t.    Request City Manager to report on the Rogers-Kennedy statues. Suspension of Rules -   Irish - Adopted  (Attachments)

                            

33u.   Request City Manager and the Police Chief to meet with the representatives of the Indian Lake Association to discuss safety issues at Morgan Park.  Suspension of Rules - Patton - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33v.   Request Administration to assign one Water Safety Officer to Indian Lake as a primary responsibility.  Suspension of Rules - Patton - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33w.  Request City Manager to communicate with Mass Highway Department to see whether a No Trucks sign could be installed in the eastbound lane on I-290 prior to the Burncoat Lincoln St. exit ramp near Melrose St.  Suspension of Rules - Palmieri - Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

33x.   Request City Manager report on the feasibility of working with a private entity that might consider providing gondola or swan boat rides at Green Hill Park. Suspension of Rules - Gomez - Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

33y.   Request Administration to review the merging lane on Lincoln St. in front of Bickford's Restaurant on Lincoln Plaza.  Suspension of Rules - Petty - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33z.   Request Administration to review the traffic light timing on Lincoln St. at Beverly Rd.  Suspension of Rules - Petty - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33aa.  Request Administration to  provide copies of the Indian Hill legal decision  to all members of the City Council.  Suspension of Rules - Murray - Adopted  (Attachments)

 

33bb. Request  City Council go into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.  Suspension of Rules - Murray - Adopted   11-0  (Attachments)

 

34.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:  No Items Pending

 

REPORTS

 

          35-37 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

35.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Rita Marin requesting to make public Paris Ave. (Attachments)

 

36.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Peter Njoroge & Regina Nguyai requesting to make public Chino Ave. from Pasadena Parkway to Erie Ave. (Attachments)

 

37.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Edward Carrigan requesting to accept as public Modred Court (from Wrentham Rd. easterly). (Attachments) Councillor Perotto recused on a roll call 10-0

 

          38 WITHDRAWN

 

38.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Order of Councillor Philip Palmieri requesting the Zoning Ordinance be amended to extend the existing Flexible Parking Overlay District in an easterly direction along both sides of Shrewsbury St. up to the terminus of Belmont St. (Attachments)

 

          39-58 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES – Except #45 & 52 – Recommitted to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting handicap parking:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinances.

 

39.     Susan Kneeland  - 15 Dix St. (Attachments)

 

40.     Patricia Castle – 49 Ellsworth St. (Attachments)

 

41.     Theresa Wiemann – 131 Maywood St. (Attachments)

 

42.     Nicholas Capurso – 247 Shrewsbury St. (Attachments)

 

43.     Charles Richardson – 32 Newbury St. (Attachments)

 

44.     Councillor Philip Palmieri on behalf of Barbara Cosky – 109 Lake Ave. (Attachments)

 

45.             Councillor Paul Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Richard Karalus – across from 40 Grammont Rd. (Attachments) Recommitted to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

46.     Councillor Michael Perotto on behalf of John Canzano – 2 Cohasset St. (Attachments)

 

47.     Rachael Renauld – 33 Caro St. (Attachments)

 

48.     Lori Linkevich – next to 50 Ludlow St. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting No Parking: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinances.

 

49.     John Lizotte, Roland’s Office Appliances, Inc. – within 10’ of driveway on Irving St. (Attachments)

 

50.     Councillor Barbara Haller – one side Norwood St. (Attachments)

 

51.     Councillor Stephen Patton on behalf of Michael Schavone – Fairhaven Rd. in vicinity of Worcester Credit Union. (Attachments)

 

52.     Madeline Martin et al – either side Northboro St. adjacent to Super Cleaners to first residential home on right on Northboro St.

          (Attachments)  Recommitted to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

53.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Walter Ohanian, Administrator, Christopher House & Wendi Baron-Willette, Executive Director, Christopher Heights et al request to remove No Parking signs on Mary Scano Dr. between Christopher House and Christopher Heights:  recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting resident only parking: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinances.

 

54.     Philip & Jane Shea – College St. from Dutton St. to City View St. (Attachments)

 

55.     Arthur Raymond – Hamill Rd. (Attachments)

 

56.     Betty Cotto – 21 Lyon St. (Attachments)

 

57.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Grazyna Noel, Grazyna’s Hair Salon request One Hour Parking from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 261 Millbury St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

58.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Susan Bamerick et al request a Stop sign be placed at each end of Orton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances. (Attachments)

 

          59-68 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting signs: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

59.     Laurie Kalvinek – Blind Child - Kendig St. and College Hall and Kendig St. and Davenport St. (Attachments)

 

60.     Councillor Barbara Haller – Slow Children – corner Glenwood St. and Benefit St. and Beacon St. and Benefit St. (Attachments)

 

61.     Councillor Stephen Patton – Slow Children – Thornton Rd. (Attachments)

 

62.     State Representative John Fresolo on behalf of Virginia Varney – Curve Warning – westbound traffic in advance of 102 Blithewood Ave. (Attachments)

 

63.     Councillor Stephen Patton – No Entrance to Movie Theatre – intersection Brooks St. and Ararat St. (Attachments)

 

64.     Mayor Timothy Murray on behalf of Kelly O’Donnell – Blind Driveway and Slow Children – 26 Wiltshire Dr. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions relative to crosswalks: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

65.     Councillor Barbara Haller – repaint crosswalk across from 50 Murray Ave. to rear Santiago’s Market. (Attachments)

 

66.     Councillor Michael Perotto – enhancement techniques crosswalk Stafford St. near Christo’s Restaurant. (Attachments)

 

67.     Councillor Barbara Haller – repaint crosswalk in front of Murray Ave. Highrise. (Attachments)

 

68.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Teo Fortunato requesting City to address problem of speeding on Plantation St. between Hamilton St. and Grafton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install Children signs and Thickly Settled with 30 MPH advisory signs attached on both ends of Plantation St. between Hamilton St. and Grafton St. (Attachments)

 

          69-82 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitions be placed on file.

 

69.     Joseph Gallati – Resident Parking 17, 19, 21 Shelby St. (Attachments)

 

70.     Roland Bercume – convert to one way in southerly direction section of Dana Ave. between Hamilton St. and Grafton St. (Attachments)

 

71.     Councillor Philip Palmieri on behalf of Belmont Community School Parent’s Group – blinking yellow pedestrian light in front of Belmont Community School. (Attachments)

 

72.     Mayor Timothy Murray  on behalf of Jeff Schlener – remove One Hour Parking and replace with No Parking in front of 274 Shrewsbury St. (Attachments)

 

73.     Miles & Lois Walcott and Dick & Sue Landry – No Commercial Vehicles sign on cul-de-sac at Adelaide Circle. (Attachments)

 

74.     Edward Kennedy – No Turn on Red sign Shrewsbury St. corner of Shamrock St. facing traffic turning onto East Central St. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

75.     Relative to resident permit parking. (Attachments)

 

76.     Relative to public parking lots the City maintains. (Attachments)

 

77.     Relative to yellow blinking lights at intersection of Woodland and May Sts. (Attachments)

 

78.     Relative to speed surveillance on Clover St. (Attachments)

 

79.     Relative to Greenwood Industries being awarded the bid for the Quinsigamond School roof replacement project. (Attachments)

 

80.     Relative to Fire Apparatus having no passage problems on King Philip Rd. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

81.     James Kempton – remove Resident Permit Parking north side of Bleeker St. (Attachments)

 

82.     Betty Cotto et al – Resident Only Parking Lyon St. (Attachments)

 

AMENDED LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED

 

          83 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

83.     That the Loan Order adopted on January 29, 2002 that appropriated $2,850,000.00 to Account #91C716, Union Station and subsequently appropriated into Account #04C704, Union Station Rehabilitation is hereby amended to provide that $175,000.00 of said sum be appropriated to Account #04C710, Worcester Center Boulevard Garage to provide for the rehabilitation of the Worcester Center Boulevard Garage. (Attachments)

 

CHAIRMAN’S PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

          84 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING – VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

84.     Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Resident Parking Only on the south side of College St. from Kendig St. to Dutton St. during school months.

          (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

 

          85 ORDAINED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

85.     Amending Chapter 5, Section 6 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to Sewer Capacity Fee. (Attachments)

 

          86 PLACED ON FILE

 

86.     Amending Chapter 13, Section 36 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to Penalties for Parking Violations – Handicap Parking. (Attachments)

 

          87 ORDAINED AS AMENDED ON A ROLL CALL 9-2 (No- Lukes, Palmieri)

 

87.     Amending Chapter 13, Section 36 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to Fines for Parking Violations. (Attachments)

 

TABLED ITEMNo Action Taken

 

88.     Communication of the City Manager relative to Average Assessments and Tax Bills.  (Tabled October 15, 2002) (Attachments)

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

NOVEMBER 12, 2002           HEALTH                 COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:30 P.M.

Presentation by Dr. Dale Magee & Infant Mortality Task Force

 

 

NOVEMBER 14, 2002         LAND USE               COUNCIL CHAMBER

         7:00 P.M.

Re:  Proposed Zoning Ordinance

       Design Review, Conservation

 

 

NOVEMBER 18, 2002         TRAFFIC &               COUNCIL CHAMBER

        6:00 P.M.                       PARKING           

 

 

DECEMBER 3, 2002            HEALTH                   COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:30-7:00 P.M.

Presentation by Health Foundation of Central Mass.

 

 

DECEMBER 17, 2002          HEALTH                   COUNCIL CHAMBER

     5:30-7:00 P.M.

Presentation by Dr. John Sullivan & HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Task Force