CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:08 P.M.

Adjourned:  10:55 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION – Pastor Edred A. Black

        Grace Christian Centre

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present except Councillor Patton who arrived at 7:10 P.M.

 

4.       PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING EDWARD KOCHLING FOR HIS INNOVATIVE WORK.

 

They Mayor also presented Resolutions to Police and Firefighters for their participation in the Worcester Safety Cup to raise funds for the Sports Alive program and to the Grafton Hill American Legion baseball team for the 2003 Statewide Championship 

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS – 7:00 P.M.

 

          5 – Ordinance Committee held – Item Tabled

 

5.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert Picking requesting to change RS-7 zoned part of property at 442 Southwest Cutoff to ML-0.5.  (Attachments)

 

          6 – Ordinance Committee held – Committee voted on a roll call vote 10-0 (Abraham absent) to accept the Report of the Planning Board and recommend approval

 

6.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Attorney Samuel DeSimone requesting to amend the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance to allow construction of high rise multi-family dwellings in IN-H, institutional, medical zoning district by substituting the word Yes for the word No in line 8 of the column designated IN-H in Table 4.1, Permitted Uses by Zoning Districts, Residential Use.  (Attachments)

 

          7 – Ordinance Committee held – Item Tabled

 

7.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Joe Boynton and members of the Planning Board requesting to amend Article IV, Section 7A(1), Article V, Section 2A, Article V, Table 5.1, Article IV, Table 4.2 and Table 4.4 of the Zoning Ordinance.

          (Attachments)

 

FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

          See Item 8A of the City Manager’s Calendar

 

8.       Monthly status reports consistent with Standing Committees on the following economic development initiatives:  Union Station garage and tenancy, Massport’s partnership efforts at the Airport, downtown housing development, Mass. Highway road project schedules, Gateway Park grants and tenancy, Gardner-Kilby-Hammond project, SWIP project, brownfield initiatives, Coes Dam rehab, replacement and relocation of Central Garage, Visitor’s Center rehab, telecommunications contract, Wyman Gordon property reuse, Worcester Center tenancy and the Arts District.  (Attachments)

 

9.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

9a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          10 & 11 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BD.

 

10.     Robert L. Moylan, Commissioner of Public Works request installation of surface and sanitary sewers in the remaining section of Drexel St. from the end of the 5/2/65 public location, northerly approximately 1,000’ to Briarcliff St.  (Attachments)

 

11.     Stephen Kayer et al request private street conversion of Merchant St. (Attachments)

 

11a.   Virginia Kingsbury et al request City Council to oversee the potential for mosquito breeding in the wetlands of the 68 lot subdivision behind the intersection of Burncoat St. and Randolph Rd.  There will be an increase in stagnant water from detention/retention basin, wetland replication and pooling.  Referred to the Planning Board – Suspension of Rules  (Attachments)

 

          12-29 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

12.     Dominic DiPilato et al request private street maintenance on Seattle St.    (Attachments)

 

13.     Karen Belliveau et al request private street maintenance on private portion of Sorrento St.   (Attachments)

 

14.     Councillor Paul Clancy, Jr. and Councillor Philip Palmieri on behalf of Joseph Dipersia request extension of sewer line to property at 496 Hamilton St.  (Attachments)

 

15.     Councillor Stephen Abraham on behalf of John Guiney request repaving of Kenilworth Rd.  (Attachments)

 

16.     Councillor Paul Clancy, Jr. request resurfacing of Raymond St. (Attachments)

 

17.     Councillor Barbara Haller request sidewalk repair in area of 224 Chandler St.  (Attachments)

 

18.     Mark Biller, Vice President, Stafford Hill Estates, request to connect Stafford Hill Estates development in Leicester to City of Worcester water and sewer.   (Attachments)

 

19.     Genevieve Tole request sidewalk repair at 3 Vernon Terrace. (Attachments)

 

20.     Laureen Meton request repair of Indian Lake Parkway at top, on the curve. (Attachments)

 

21.     Jeannette Etre et al request South St. be resurfaced.  (Attachments)

 

22.     Christopher Pallotta request repair of storm drain at the intersection of Millbury St. and Fifth Ave.  (Attachments)

 

23.     Eileen Charbonneau & Cynthia Ekman request to connect 28 Frederickson Ave., Holden to Worcester sewer system. (Attachments)

 

24.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request repair and/or replacement of badly damaged guard rail at the intersection of Barnard Rd. and Burncoat Terrace.  (Attachments)

 

25.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request sidewalk repair/replacement on westerly side of Main St. from Harrington Corner to driveway of 406 Main St.  (Attachments)

 

26.     Councillor Philip Palmieri on behalf of Anton Buccaglia request repair of sidewalk in vicinity of 39 Dustin St. (Attachments)

 

27.     Councillor Philip Palmieri on behalf of Shiva Saksena request repair of surface sewer in front of 99 Lake Ave. North. (Attachments)

 

28.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request Lake Ave. North and Natural History Rd. be resurfaced.  (Attachments)

 

29.     Councillor Philip Palmieri & Councillor Paul Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Joseph Dipersia request approval of a trunk sewer to connect property at 496 Hamilton St.  (Attachments)

 

29a.   Councillor Juan Gomez request Administration consider the feasibility of resurfacing Kennilworth Rd.  Referred to Public Works Committee – Suspension of Rules  (Attachments)

 

          30-47 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

30.     Luther Ward request removal of handicap parking from 16 Vale St. (Attachments)

 

31.     Ursula & Valerijonas Rozevicius request No Parking from fence gate to driveway, approximately 10’ at 98 Harrison St.  (Attachments)

 

32.     Vincent & Monica McLeod et al request Blind Driveway sign be placed close to 38 Upland St.  (Attachments)

 

33.     Hector Lugo request handicap parking in front of 10 Lakeside Ave. (Attachments)

 

34.     Joyce Ross request No Parking in front of 1 & 2 Englewood Ave. (Attachments)

 

35.     Councillor Barbara Haller request to remove resident parking on Richland St.  (Attachments)

 

36.     Maria Cabrera request handicap parking be removed from 105 Sterling St. and installed across from 41 Kingsbury St.  (Attachments)

 

37.     Ronald Gustafson, Sr. request two hour parking limit on Frothingham Rd., east side for approximately 200’ from Lincoln St. end and west side from Lincoln St. to driveway of 5 Frothingham Rd. 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  (Attachments)

 

38.     Ronald Gustafson, Sr. request resident only parking in front of 5 Frothingham Rd.  (Attachments)

 

39.     Councillor Michael Perotto on behalf of Richard Fields request 30 minute parking in front of First Time Used Cars, 2 Putnam Lane. (Attachments)

 

40.     Linda Rafferty request removal of handicap parking at 6 South Harlem St.  (Attachments)

 

41.     Dorothy Poole et al request handicap parking in front of 13 Hitchcock Rd.  (Attachments)

 

42.     Daniel Morgan request installation of “No Left Turn” sign at corner of Carbon St. and Belmont St.  (Attachments)

 

43.     Dorothy Galkowski request resident sticker parking on the northerly side of Spurr St. from the corner of Vernon St., a distance of 180’. (Attachments)

 

44.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request Lake Ave. North and Natural History Rd. be made one-way streets.   (Attachments)

 

45.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request installation of Children Go Slow sign in the mid section of Sherbrook Ave.  (Attachments)

 

46.     Joanne Ethier, Principal, St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic Jr. High School request School Zone signage north and southbound on Grove St., intersecting at Drummond Ave.  (Attachments)

 

47.     Joanne Ethier, Principal, St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic Jr. High School request crosswalk be installed from Drummond Ave. across Grove St.  (Attachments)

 

          48 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

48.     Michael Grandone request that because of utility companies failure to keep on schedule on roadway improvement projects, the City Council shall not vote on any future projects that are petitioned by said utility companies until all current projects are brought up to date.  Further, all projects shall have a beginning date as well as a completion date that will be adhered to or said utility company will be fined at a rate set by the City Council.  (Attachments)

 

          49-51 HEARINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2003 – 7:00 P.M.

 

49.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. for cable and conduit system on:  MURRAY AVE.  (Attachments)

 

50.     VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for pole relocation on:  CAMP ST.  (Attachments)

 

51.     NSTAR for gas main location on:  SALISBURY ST.  (Attachments)

 

52.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

A.      Communication relative to FY04 Personal Services Appropriation. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

B.         SUPPLEMENTAL – Request City Council authorization to file and accept a FAA and MAC grant for the Airport Master Plan Update.  (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted – Reconsideration denied

 

C.      SUPPLEMENTAL – Request City Council authorization to file and accept a FAA and MAC grant for Security Enhancements, Phase 2.  (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted – Reconsideration denied

 

4. ASSESSORS:

         

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to City Departments that lease Office Space. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

7. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

 A.     Communication relative to Monthly Economic Development Initiatives Report. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee, Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, Public Service & Transportation Committee and Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Process of a 5 and 10 year review of the HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee for Fargo Management, LLC and Columbus Hotel, II, LLC. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to the Number of HUD Section 108 Loans Outstanding. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to the renewal application for the Shrewsbury Street Area Revitalization District. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted

 

E.      Communication relative to the renewal application for the Downtown Commercial Area Revitalization District. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted

 

F.      Communication relative to Response to WRTA Requests. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to TIF Report. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

H.      Communication relative to the 2003 Annual Report for the Greater Worcester Area Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

I.       Communication relative to Review Process Used for the RFP for G.A.R. Memorial Hall. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

J.       Communication relative to Pedestrian Walkways. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

9. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

10. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13. FIRE:

 

A.      Communication relative to the Number of CPR trained employees in the Worcester Fire Department. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to Fire Companies Closing during the Summer Months. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

14. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

15. LAW:

 

A.      Communication relative to Trash Collection Policy – Town of Natick Legal Decision. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Operating Motorized Scooters on Public Streets. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to RFQ Process for the Greenwood Street Landfill. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

16. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

17. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.      Communication relative to Abandoned Vehicle Towing Program FY’04. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to an Overlay Area in the Quinsigamond Village Neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to the Policy for Planning Initiatives in every Neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to the Procurement of Grants for Several Projects. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to FY’03 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Process. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to GIS Zoning Map Quality Improvement Project. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Land Use Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to Most Recent ComNet SM re-surveys conducted by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Strategic Planning Committee

 

H.      Communication relative to a meeting on August 29th with representatives from the Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS). (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

I.       Communication relative to Improved Version of the City of Worcester’s Zoning Map. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

J.       Communication relative to a draft policy on the use of surveillance cameras prior to activation of the camera installed at 701 Main Street. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Joint Public Safety & Health Committee meeting on September 10, 2003

 

18. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Communication relative to Volunteer Drive for the Cleanup of Hope Cemetery. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

19. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Placing a Police Cruiser on Fourth Street. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to Arrests for Prostitution that have occurred in Green Hill Park for a 6 month period. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

C.      Communication regarding the Policy of the Police Department relative to cars blocking legal driveways. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

20. PUBLIC HEALTH:

 

          A.      Communication relative to Smoking Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Health Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to HIV/AIDS. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Elm Park Pond. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

21.PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

22. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

23. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Grimewatch Program – May/June 2003 Activity. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Traffic control on Murray Ave. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

C.      Request City Council accept with gratitude a Scholarship Award. for DPW’s Safety and Training Manager, Paul G. McQuade. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted with gratitude on a roll call 11-0

 

D.      Communication relative to Traffic Signal/Greendale Fire Station. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

E.      Communication relative to North Parkway. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to Status of Resurfacing of Ferdinand Street. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

G.      Communication relative to Efforts to Return to Full Weekend Hours of the yard waste drop off sites. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

H.      Communication relative to Project on 50 East Mountain Street. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

I.       Communication relative to Household Hazardous Waste Collection 2003. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

J.       Communication relative to Trash Receptacles. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

K.      Communication relative to Status Report #3 – Street Resurfacing Projects.  (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

L.      Communication relative to Abandoned Vehicle Status Report. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

M.     Communication relative to Greenwood Street Landfill Project. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee and Commerce & Development Committee

 

N.      SUPPLEMENTAL – Communication relative to Temporary Entrance to Union Station from Washington Square.

          (Attachments)

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee for September 16, 2003 meeting

 

24. PURCHASING:

 

25. TECHNICAL SERVICES:

 

26. TREASURY:

 

A.      Communication relative to Web Page Enhancement. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

B.      Communication relative to Disposal of Foreclosed Properties. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to Tax Title (foreclosed) Properties. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

D.      Communication relative to Banking Services. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to Transferring Property Abutting Tax Title Property. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

F.      Communication relative to Allowing Credit and/or Debit Card Payments. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

G.      Communication relative to Outstanding Taxes owed to the City. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

27. VETERANS SERVICES:

 

28. FINANCE:

 

A.      Recommend that Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation and appropriated to Account #50C704, School Department Building Rehabilitation, to provide funds for the payment of contractual obligations related to various Building Rehabilitation projects for the Worcester Public Schools as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

B.      Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #50C705, Chandler Magnet School Rehabilitation, to provide funds for the payment of contractual obligations related to improvements at the Chandler Magnet School, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.      Recommend that One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Seven Dollars ($125,897.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C731, Water Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (1) 4x4 Dump Truck, and (2) Personal Computers for the Water Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

D.      Recommend that Six Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Five Dollars and Fifteen Cents ($6,785.15) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (4) portable radios, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

E.      Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C768, Private Street Conversion/Betterments, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations for various citywide private street conversion/betterments projects, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

F.      Recommend that One Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars ($139,678.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #44C704, Sewer Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (1) Catch Basin Dredger for the Sewer Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

G.      Recommend that Six Thousand Three Hundred Dollars and Two Cents ($6,300.02) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #44C704, Sewer Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (5) Personal Computers and (2) Laser Printers for the Sewer Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

H.      Recommend that Three Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Thirty Six Dollars ($375,036.00) 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 (3) Sanitation Load Packers for the Department of Public Works, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

I.       Recommend that One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Sixty Dollars ($185,060.00) be transferred from Account #91C744, Off Street Parking Building Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #46C704, Federal Plaza Garage Rehabilitation, to provide funds for the purpose of payment for contractual obligations associated with the rehabilitation improvements at Federal Plaza Garage, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

J.       Recommend that Four Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Nine Dollars ($4,689.00) 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 (1) Digital A/C Refrigerant System, and Traffic Signal Equipment for the Department of Public Works, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

K.      Recommend that One Thousand Three Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars and Twenty Six Cents ($1,398.26) be transferred from Account #330-07, Damage Settlement Account, and appropriated to Account #260-92000, Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funds to repair the damages to Car 14. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

L.      Recommend that the sum of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand One Hundred Sixty Three Dollars and Fifty Eight Cents ($116,163.58) be reduced from the following accounts, due to lower operational requirements at the Worcester Regional Airport:

 

ACCOUNT

ACCOUNT NAME

AMOUNT

470-91000

Airport Personal Services (Regular Salaries)

$103,333.56

470-96000

Group Insurance

$ 12,830.02

 

 

 

          Further, I respectfully recommend that Airport Personal Services (Unemployment Compensation), Account #470-91000, be increased by the sum of Forty Thousand Six Hundred Forty Seven Dollars and Sixty Cents ($40,647,60) to pay for the projected unemployment compensation costs of the various personnel reductions at the Worcester Regional Airport, due to lower operational requirements. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

M.     Request that Nine Thousand One Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($9,100.00) from U.S. Department of Justice Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Round VI and VII be appropriated for use as follows:

         

ACCOUNT

DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT

18S223

LLEBG Round VI

$2,582.12

18S248

LLEBG Round VII

$6,517.88

 

The purpose of this funding is to tow abandoned vehicles from public and private properties. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

N.      Request that One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Nine Dollars and Ninety Seven Cents ($1,389.97) be authorized from the FY04 Law Department Ordinary Maintenance Account #120-92000 to provide funds for the purpose of payment of a prior year invoice. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

O.      Communication relative to Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERI). (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

Reconsideration denied on a voice vote

 

P.      Recommend that Forty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($48,500.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #26C701, Fire Department Capital Equipment for the purpose of purchasing a replacement cab for Ladder 6. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

29. MISCELLANEOUS:

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          53-56 FROM PUBLIC SAFETY - Adopted

 

53.     Request City Manager to provide City Council with a draft of the policy for use of surveillance cameras before the cameras in the vicinity of 701 Main St. are activated.   (Attachments)

 

54.     Request City Manager to provide City Council with quarterly reports on the effectiveness of surveillance cameras, including police patrol statistics.  (Attachments)

 

55.     Request City Manager to contact other communities that employ surveillance cameras and inquire of their success; for what purposes they are used, any local guidelines they follow and if their usage has affected illegal drug trafficking, prostitution or illegal trash disposal. (Attachments)

 

56.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the incidence of prostitution since the police have backed off from the intense efforts of mid-summer.  (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

57.     Request legal opinion regarding the powers and responsibilities of the City Council regarding the Library Board of Trustees, including any power of removal of a trustee and including the process for amending or changing those powers.   (Lukes)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

58.     Request Administration to explore the feasibility and availability of a relocation site for the DPW either at St. Gobain’s or at a Massachusetts Highway garage site at Rt. 146.  (Lukes)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

59.     Request City Manager advertise an RFP for architectural and engineering services, including a residential and commercial market analysis for the purpose of crafting a preliminary plan that lays out a framework for demolishing portions of the retail space at the Worcester Common Outlet Mall building, as well as parts of the garage in order to reconnect Front St. to Washington Sq. and redevelopment and re-use in the locus. Said demolition not to include either of the office towers at this site. This framework plan shall depict the scope of the demolition, utility and other infrastructure work needed to facilitate demolition, layout of the new roadways and a general estimate of the development parcels that could be created once the roadway is established (including potential gross building area that could be built).  The framework plan shall include a rough estimate of demolition, utility relocation, infrastructure improvement and associated soft costs.  The plan shall also suggest various options for mixed-use developments at the site, to include consideration of retail, office and residential uses.  Request City Manager to expend no more than $100,000.00 on said services and to report back to the Council on a monthly basis the progress of the RFP and the development of the framework plan. (Murray, Irish, Petty, Perotto, Patton, Gomez, Palmieri, Clancy Abraham)     (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

60.     Request Administration report on addresses where there have been drug arrests that have resulted in letters being sent to the owner regarding eviction of arrest-responsible tenants.  Further, request that report include whether eviction(s) occurred in a timely manner. (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

61.     Request Administration to provide a report on the approximate overall cost to the City for responding to calls, complaints, etc. as related to the PIP Shelter.   (Haller)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

62.     Request Administration provide a report on the responsibility/liability of the City to enforce the overnight occupancy limit at the PIP Shelter.  Further, request Administration take all steps available to enforce such limit on a continuous basis.  Further, request Administration report on the consequences should the PIP Shelter exceed its occupancy limit. (Haller)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

63.     Request installation of additional bike racks at Union Station.  (Murray)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

64.     Request City Manager to find the necessary funding to match a grant received from the U.S. Justice Department to hire an additional 50 Police Officers.  (Perotto, Murray, Palmieri, Haller, Abraham) (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Gomez moved to amend: Further, request Administration report on timelines as to when the City has to commit funding to hire the 50 Police Officers and further, request recommendations from the Police Chief as to deployment.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

65.     Request City Manager to develop a plan to market the City of Worcester to companies across New England and report back to City Council within 30 days.  (Perotto)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

66.     Request Administration to furnish a report containing an inventory of all City and School Department athletic playing fields, describing their use for whatever time period the data is most readily available (year-to-date, calendar 2002, etc.), any and all fees and charges that might apply to their use and a description of their routine maintenance and the permitting process for each.  (Irish, Murray, Palmieri, Haller, Petty, Abraham)    (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

67.     Request Administration report on the eligibility, if any, that School Department athletic playing fields might have for CDBG funding.  (Irish, Murray, Palmieri, Haller, Petty, Abraham)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

68.     Request Administration report to City Council concerning leaky roof at South High Community School.   (Irish)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

69.     Request Administration report on the extent of the public health issue at Elm Park concerning the water fowl in the park and what measures Administration intend to take in dealing with the problem.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

70.     Request Administration report regarding any ordinances, prohibitions, controls or laws concerning the parking or use by passenger buses of dead end residential streets.  (Lukes)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

71.     Request City Manager communicate with  the Administration of Allmerica to inquire why the gates leading into their parking areas and interior driveways remain open to through traffic during the hours of darkness.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

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

         

72.     Request City Manager communicate with the Administration of Allmerica to inquire why construction-type trailers remain on their property adjacent to North Parkway and further, request that they either be removed or relocated away from the residential area. (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

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

 

73.     Request City Manager update City Council concerning clean-up efforts in the following areas:  Franklin St., Plantation St., Lake Ave., Millbrook St. Putnam Lane and Hamilton St.   (Palmieri) (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

74.     Request City Manager consider purchasing additional radar guns so that the Police Officers assigned to the Community Services and Traffic Divisions will be adequately equipped to be assigned to speed control, when needed.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

75.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the housing development that is proposed to be developed off Randolph Rd.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

76.     Request a legal opinion as to whether a public purpose exists for an RFP for demolishing portions of the Worcester Common Fashion Outlet Mall retail space, its redevelopment and reuse.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

77.     Request City Council vote for an RFP for demolishing portions of the Worcester Common Outlet Mall retail space and the Mall’s redevelopment and re-use so as to limit the scope of the RFP to study the extension of Front St. to Washington Square.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

78.     Request that prior to going forward with a feasibility study and expending monies, that the Administration, the Mayor and City Council, as a unit, make a good faith effort to contact CIGNA, including their new property development team for the purpose of meeting to discuss the potential for developing a public/private partnership for the redevelopment and re-use of the Worcester Common Outlet property and to inform them of the City’s intent with regard to the feasibility study.  (Abraham, Irish, Lukes, Gomez)

          (Attachments)

 

          Given leave to withdraw

 

79.     Request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to whether or not an eminent domain taking of all or a portion of the mall is legally possible.  (Abraham)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

80.     Request Police Chief install routine speeding surveillance details on Hamilton St., Coburn Ave., Alvarado Ave., Burncoat St., Lake Ave., Lake Ave. North, Melrose St., Orient St. and Hamilton St. in the interest of public safety.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

80a.   Request Administration to report on the zoning districts in which cell towers are permitted and/or disallowed.  Motion-Clancy @ #5CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80b.   Request City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion as to enacting a prohibition on parking a vehicle in a front yard setback.  Motion-Lukes @ #7CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80c.   Request Administration to add a tax levy line to each of the projects listed in the monthly economic development initiatives report showing what tax levy monies have been used on each project and what amounts are anticipated in the future for completion of each project.  Motion-Lukes @ #8CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80d.   Request City Manager to provide City Council, off Calendar, with a report as to whether or not access to Union Station could be gained from the ramp near the Grafton St. entrance with appropriate marking of the adjacent area.  Motion-Clancy @ #23N CM – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

80e.   Request Police Chief to report as to what the Police Department will do to make sure that information relative to enforcement of the state law prohibiting motorized scooters on public streets is given to the City’s public safety officers.   Motion-Clancy @ #15B CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80f.    Request Administration to report in 30 days relative to the policy and procedures set by the coordinating committee for use of surveillance cameras in public places.  Motion-Lukes @ #17J CM – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

80g.   Request Administration to coordinate some type of effort and approach to deal with the problem of prostitution in Green Hill Park in the same manner as this problem has been dealt with elsewhere in the City.   Motion-Clancy @ #19B CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80h.   Request Administration to consider ticketing vehicles that are blocking legal driveways in addition to requesting that the vehicle be removed.  Motion-Haller @ #19C CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

80i.    Request City Manager to report within 15 days as to more aggressive remedies by the City in terms of penalizing the human beings that are feeding the water fowl at Elm Park and developing a plan to disburse the water fowl population at Elm Park.  Motion-Lukes @ #20C CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80j.    That the City Council hereby requests that City funds be expended for installation of a traffic signal at the Greendale Fire Station and further, request an estimated additional $100,000.00 at a later date to fund the Webster Square Fire Station traffic needs.  Further that the City meet with the legislative delegation to request that funding for the installation of a traffic signal at the Greendale Fire Station, when released, be applied to the Webster Square Fire Station.  

Motion Murray @ #23D CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80k.   Request Administration to provide a conceptual plan as to what it might look like if a barrier or berm were put across the roadway on Allmerica Dr. across from Davidson Rd.  so that the business can access the roadway for business use and residents for residential use.  Motion-Clancy @ #23E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80L.   Request Administration to consider full weekend hours at the yard waste drop-off sites during October and November.  Motion-Murray @ #23G CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80m.  Request City Manager to consider the use of state community policing grant funds or any other grants that might be available as a possible match to the U.S. Justice Department grant to hire an additional 50 Police Officers.  Motion-Perotto @ #64CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

80n.   Request Administration to provide a plan to stripe a single lane in each direction on Lake Ave. with a turning lane in between that would not allow any type of passing.  Clancy, Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

80o.   Request Administration to provide any and all police reports relative to vehicles being shot at in the area of Pleasant St. and Fruit St. on Friday and/or Saturday evenings, September 5-6, 2003.  Patton – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

80p.   Request City Manager to send a Health & Code Inspector to the market on the corner of Newbury St. and Pleasant St. to address the trash situation.   Murray – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

          81 & 82 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL  10-0 (Abraham absent)

 

81.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC:  HIGHROCK LANE.  (Attachments)

 

82.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC:  MORELAND GREEN DRIVE. (Attachments)

 

          83 & 84 ADOPTED

 

83.     SEWER ASSESSMENT:  IDALLA ROAD.  (Attachments)

 

84.     SEWER ASSESSMENT:  TEDDY ROAD.  (Attachments)

 

COMMUNICATION

 

85.     Roberta R. Schaeffer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting Downtown Worcester Office Occupancy:  2003 Survey.  (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

86.     That the City Council hereby recognizes the Grafton Hill American Legion team for the 2003 Statewide Championship. (Abraham)           (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

86a.   That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby recognizes the 40 years of public service of Francis Sena.  Clancy – Suspension of Rules – Adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham, Palmieri absent) (Attachments)

 

86b.   That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby expresses its opposition to the proposed fare increases by the MBTA on the Worcester/Boston line.  Irish – Suspension of Rules – Adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham, Palmieri absent)  (Attachments)

 

REPORTS

 

          87 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

87.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Nicholas Zona et al requesting private street conversion of Dearborn St. from Crowningshield Rd. to Beaumont Rd.  (Attachments)

 

          88-90 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

88.     Relative to strategies being implemented to remediate the problem of prostitution in the Main South area.  (Attachments)

 

89.     Relative to an update on the measures being taken to eliminate the prostitution problem in the Main South Neighborhood.   (Attachments)

 

90.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Order of Councillor Lukes requesting Public Safety Committee review under what conditions the City will install surveillance cameras, what policies will be developed to prohibit misuse of surveillance cameras and data that is collected, and public oversight:  recommend Order be placed on file.  (Attachments)

 

          91 & 92 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED         

 

91.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Steve & Michele Koller et al requesting private street betterment on Belcourt Rd. from Pocono Rd. to Lake Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.  (Attachments)

 

92.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to FY2004 water and sewer rate recommendations: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council hereby approves FY2004 water and sewer rates as recommended by the Department of Public Works.  (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

         

93-117 ORDAINED ON A ROLL CALL 9-0 (Abraham, Palmieri absent)

 

93.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 21 Sterling St. (Attachments)

 

94.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for additional handicap parking in front of 14 Ayrshire Rd.  (Attachments)

 

95.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking at 24 Cohasset St. (Attachments)

 

96.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 71 Hollis St. (Attachments)

 

97.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 45 Arlington St. (Attachments)

 

98.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 17 Creston St. (Attachments)

 

99.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 35 Upsala St. (Attachments)

 

100.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 92 Ward St. (Attachments)

 

101.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 7 Russell St. (Attachments)

 

102.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 40 Esther St. (Attachments)

 

103.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 51 Beaver St. (Attachments)

 

104.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 55 Merrifield St. (Attachments)

 

105.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking at 40 Southbridge St. (Attachments)

 

106.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 33 Bellevue St. (Attachments)

 

107.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 61 Merrifield St. (Attachments)

 

108.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 93 Sterling St. (Attachments)

 

109.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 27 Forbes St. (Attachments)

 

110.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 110 Delmont Ave. (Attachments)

 

111.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 25 Delawanda Dr. (Attachments)

 

112.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 6 Eastham St. (Attachments)

 

113.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit parking on the south side of Forsberg St. from Victoria Ave. to the Greenwood Park Entrance Road June 1st to September 1st.  (Attachments)

 

114.   Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for a Stop sign on Merrick St. at Cedar St., facing northbound traffic on Merrick St.  (Attachments)

 

115.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 34 Newbury St. (Attachments)

 

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking in front of 81 Russell St.     (Attachments)

 

116.   Amending Chapter 12, Sections 21 and 26 and Chapter 15, Section 2(b)(viii) of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to encroachments on public ways.  (Attachments)

 

117.   Amending Section 2 of Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to a zone change in the area of State Rd.  (Attachments)

TABLED ITEMS

 

118.   REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of James & Mary Whalen requesting to have zoning of 105 Harrington Way changed to RL-7.   (Tabled August 12, 2003)  (Attachments)

 

          Taken off the Table – On a roll call vote of 2 Yeas (Clancy, Lukes) and 9 Nays (Abraham, Gomez, Haller, Irish, Palmieri, Patton, Perotto, Petty, Murray) it was voted not to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and to approve the Petition

 

119.   Communication of the City Manager transmitting color coded map distinguishing RL-7 zone from RS-7 zone relative to 105 Harrington Way.  (Tabled August 12, 2003)  (Attachments)

 

Taken off the Table and placed on file

 

120.   Communication of the City Manager relative to the address for Carlos Cintron.  (Tabled August 12, 2003)  (Attachments)

 

          No Action Taken

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

SEPTEMBER 8, 2003          MUNICIPAL               COUNCIL CHAMBER

        5:30 P.M.                    OPERATIONS

 

 

SEPTEMBER 10, 2003            JOINT                      COUNCIL CHAMBER

       6:30 P.M.                 PUBLIC SAFETY

                                                    &

                                               HEALTH

 

 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2003     PUBLIC SERVICE         COUNCIL CHAMBER

        5:30 P.M.               & TRANSPORTATION

 

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2003          TRAFFIC &               COUNCIL CHAMBER

      6:00 P.M.                          PARKING

 

 

SEPTEMBER 22, 2003         MUNICIPAL              COUNCIL CHAMBER

        5:30 P.M.                     OPERATIONS

 

 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2003     PUBLIC SERVICE         COUNCIL CHAMBER

        5:30 P.M.               & TRANSPORATION