CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 6, 2006

Convened: 8:41 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:20 P.M.

 

 

1.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

2.                 STAR SPANGLED BANNER-ALEXANDRA MILLS

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

4.      ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

HEARINGS AND ORDERS – 7:00 P.M.

 

5-7 Hearings Held

 

5.       NSTAR for a gas regulator pit and related piping on:  EUNICE AVENUE. (Attachments)

 

6.       NSTAR for a gas regulator pit and related piping on:  SHREWSBURY STREET. (Attachments)

 

7.       NSTAR for gas main location on:  MOUNTAIN STREET WEST. (Attachments)

 

5a& 6a ORDERS ADOPTED

 

5a.     Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas regulator pit and related piping on:  EUNICE AVENUE.

 

6a.     Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas regulator pit and related piping on:  SHREWSBURY STREET.

 

7a.     Granting permission to NSTAR for gas main location on:  MOUNTAIN STREET WEST.  – Tabled under privilege – Smith

 

PETITIONS

 

8 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS

 

8.       Ida Marie Perrone request to install a catch basin opposite 25 Emerson St. (Attachments)

 

9-11 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING

 

9.       Francis LaMalva request “Resident Only” parking on the southerly side of Ararat St. from the Corner of Brattle St. to the city property. (Attachments)

 

10.     Ricardo Pereira request handicap parking in front of 3 Plane St. (Attachments)

 

11.     Lisa Thuot request the installation of a “Blind Driveway” sign just prior to 334 Sunderland Terrace. (Attachments)

 

12 REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER

 

12.     Susan Kiely et al request that the expansion of the Millbury St. Leaf Compost Site be denied and /or halted due to the negative affect it will have on the quality of life for persons in the vicinity. (Attachments)

 

13 & 14 HEARINGS SET FOR JUNE 13, 2006 - 7:00 PM

 

13.     NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. joint pole re-location on   BOSTON AVENUE. (Attachments)

 

14.     FIBER TECHNOLOGIES NETWORKS, L.L.C. to install & maintain fiber optic telecommunications facilities on: WEST BOYLSTON STREET @ FALLON HOSPITAL. (Attachments)

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

15 FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Adopted

 

15.     Request City Manager to keep City Council updated on any unexpended balances in the CDBG over the course of Fiscal Year 2007. (Attachments)

 

16-23 FROM YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION - Adopted

 

16.     Request City Manager report to City Council within 30 days concerning the financing and design for the new granite building on the Worcester Common. (Attachments)

 

17.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report at the time of the completion of improvements to Kendrick Field. (Attachments)

 

18.     Request City Manager consider recommending to City Council sufficient funding to include new batting cages, restroom and concession facilities at Beaver Brook Park. (Attachments)

 

19.     Request City Manager to request that representatives of Worcester Public Schools Athletics and the Worcester Vikings continue to work together to mitigate any scheduling difficulties with regard to Beaver Brook Park and Foley Stadium.  (Attachments)

 

20.     Request City Manager consider recommending to City Council sufficient funds to locate boulders around the perimeter of certain areas of Duffy Field that have realized vandalism in the way of vehicles being driven onto the field and also for installation of additional walkways in the field. (Attachments)

 

21.     Request City Manager provide City Council with plans for several phases of work that will need to take place to restore and reuse the Fire Alarm and Telegraph building. (Attachments)

 

22.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report for the July meeting of the City Council concerning the written commitments that were made in the 2005-06 winter for corrective action to the retaining wall at Elm Park. (Attachments)

 

23.     Request City Manager consider providing City Council with 3-5 park projects per year as priorities for future capital funding considerations. (Attachments)

ORDERS

 

24.     Request City Manager request Police Chief to increase the enforcement of the vehicular speed limit along Richards St. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

25.     Request City Manager report to City Council concerning programs available for youth this summer, including non-city sponsored programs where known. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

26.     Request City Manager report to City Council regarding the process and requirements to obtain a street vendor’s license. Said report to include fees, inspection requirements and any abutter notification requirements. (Haller) (Attachments)  Adopted

 

27.     Request City Manager create and maintain a visual map of the vacant and/or abandoned retail space, office space and parcels of land that are in close proximity to any form of public transportation and make that data available to private developers. (Toomey) (Attachments)  Adopted

 

28.     Request City Manager enforce existing laws and regulations to rid the public areas of unauthorized peddlers and solicitors and also, to apply the same effort towards perpetual yard sales, especially in residential areas. (Toomey) (Attachments) Adopted

 

29.     Request City Manager prepare and provide a report regarding SMOC owned and/or operated Worcester properties and the report design be similar to the grid pattern of the monthly economic development report, listing the following information: 1) Address of each site. 2) Types and dates of all local and state licenses and permits applied for and/or granted. 3) On site programs provided at each site. 4) Off site programs for clients. 5) Number of clients/residents treated or residing at the site. 6) Number of client/tenant spaces at each site. 7) Funding sources of each site. (Lukes, Haller) (Attachments)

 

Councilor Haller moved to add: Request #5 include maximum allowable clients/residents under current code considerations at each site.

 

Councilor Rushton moved to amend:  Further, request status report of the five Orders previous asked from the Administration relative to SMOC.

Adopted, as amended

 

30.     Request City Manager report to City Council at the August, 2006 meeting providing information and responses to the following concerns relative to the Worcester Metrowest Boston Airport:  1) What steps (including financial incentives) have been taken recently, and will be taken during the next fiscal year, to work with both start-up and expanding airlines to secure additional commercial air service for our catchment area (especially between Worcester and New York City)? 2) What charter flight and general aviation operations are currently using the airport, and what marketing and recruitment steps have been and will be taken during the next fiscal year to expand upon such operations? 3) How can non-aviation business income be expanded? 4) Would MassPort be interested in purchasing the airport, and would such a sale provide more airline activity while unburdening the City with it’s share of the operating deficit as well as all debt service, marketing grant matching funds, airport liaison and consultant costs? 5) Would the sale of naming rights to the airport generate substantial revenue? (Rosen) (Attachments)

 

Councilor Petty moved to amend:  Further, request any and all airport related reports previously done that might respond to Councilor Rosen’s outline be included in the Administration’s report.

Adopted, as amended

 

31.     Request City Auditor report on the cost of post retirement health insurance benefits and specifically the impact of Acts passed in the City in 2002 and 2003 for city and school employees and the STATE RETIREMENT PLUS Legislation passed five years ago. (Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

32.     Request Worcester Retirement System report to City Council the results of the Retirement Board member elections, and the appointments made by the elected members of the Board, for the last five election cycles, the number of candidates who ran for election to a position on the Board, those who were elected, and the years, in which the elections occurred. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

33.     Request Worcester Retirement System report to City Council the annual costs paid by the retirement system and the total expenses for the 137 police, 182 Fire, 49 DPW and 81 other accidental disability retirees as described in the Worcester Regional Research Bureau report. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

34.     Request Worcester Retirement System report to City Council the annual costs paid by the retirement system and the total expenses for the 117 police, 164 Fire, 220 DPW and 1,459 other superannuation retirees and ordinary disability retirees as described in the Worcester Regional Research Bureau report. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

35.     Request Worcester Retirement System report to City Council the number of accidental disability retirements granted by the Retirement Board versus the number of superannuation retirement and ordinary disability retirement by public safety and non-public safety granted by the Retirement Board over the past five years. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

36.     Request Worcester Retirement System report to City Council the annual retirement payment for accidental disabilities and the annual costs for all other pensions. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

37.     Request City Manager report to City Council if it would be in the City’s best interest to institute either a mandatory or voluntary Wellness Program for all City employees. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

37a.   Request City Manager report on the dumping at 23 Esther St. Lukes–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

37b.   Request City Manager report on the new construction at 100 Beeching St. and the impact on abutting owner located on Richmond Ave. Lukes–Suspension of Rules–Adopted (Attachments)

 

38 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL R.C. 11-0

 

38.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION:  WIGWAM HILL DRIVE (Attachments)

 

39.     RECESS TO FINANCE – No action taken

 

FINANCE

 

a.       #29a CM January 31, 2006

Communication of the City Manager regarding a fiscal year 2006 status report on the number of, and the amount of, Federal and State grants written, awarded, and pending approval by the appropriate Federal and State agencies. (Attachments)

 

b.       #29b CM January 31, 2006

Communication of the City Manager relative to Governor Romney’s proposed budget for Fiscal 2007, including his recommendations for local aid for the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

c.                 #27A CM April 25, 2006

Communication of the City Manager relative to Dr. Caradonio’s letter that was sent to the Worcester School Committee on April 11, 2006 to update them on the financial impact associated with the unveiling of the House Ways and Means FY 2007 State Budget on the Worcester Public Schools. (Attachments)

 

d.                 #18 CC May 16, 2006

Communication of Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting How Can Worcester Insure Its Fiscal Health in FY07 and Beyond? (Attachments) 

 

e.                  #38 CC May 23, 2006

Communication of the City Manager transmitting City of Worcester FY07 Municipal Budget. (Attachments)

 

f.       #29B CM May 30, 2006 

Communication of the City Manager relative to the questions posed at the Finance Committee meeting of May 23, 2006. (Attachments)

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

40.     James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting April 2006 Auditor’s Report. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operation Committee

 

41.     Communication of Michael V. O’Brien, City Manager, relative to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Worcester and Worcester Historical Museum for the redevelopment of the Rome Building. (Attachments) Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

42.     Communication of Michael V. O’Brien, City Manager, relative to questions posed by Finance Committee meeting of May 27, 2006 to the Health and Human Services Departments. (Attachments) Referred to Finance Committee

 

43.     Communication of Michael V. O’Brien, City Manager, recommending that Four Million Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand One Hundred Fifty Three Dollars ($4,757,153.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Year XXXII Community Development. Block Grant. (Attachments) Councilor Palmieri and Councilor Perotto recused on a roll call 9-0. Order adopted on a roll call 9-0. 

 

44.     Communication of Michael V. O’Brien, City Manager, relative to an agreement on a new four year contract that spans from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2009. (Attachments) Referred to Finance Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

45.     That City Council of the City of Worcester goes on record in opposition to the proposed federal COPE Act, and encourage the City Manager to file comments with the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. (Petty) (Attachments) Resolution adopted on a roll call 11-0.

 

REPORTS

 

45a ACCEPTED & ADOPTED – SUSPENSION OF RULES – RECONSIDERATION DENIED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

45a.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT Communication of the City Manager relative to submittal of a Certified Project application for the Wyman-Gordon Company and the designation of a new Site Specific Economic Opportunity Area for the site location of 105 Madison Street: recommending adoption of the accompanying two Resolutions. (Attachments)

 

46 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

46.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting that Four Million Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand One Hundred Fifty Three Dollars ($4,757,153.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Year XXXII Community Development Block Grant Program and appropriated, when received, to the accounts as enclosed, to provide financing for projects and programs as described: recommend the Communication be placed on file and adoption of the accompanying Chairman’s Order. (Attachments)

 

47-50 COUNCILOR PALMIERI AND COUNCILOR PEROTTO RECUSED ON A ROLL CALL 9-0. ACCEPTED & ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 9-0

 

47.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting that One Million Eight Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Two Dollars ($1,865,672.00) and Thirty Thousand One Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars ($30,199.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the FY07 HOME Program and American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) Program, respectively, and appropriated when received to Account #18S345, HOME Program: recommending adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

48.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting that Two Hundred Three Thousand Four Hundred Twenty One Dollars ($203,421.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the FY’07 Emergency Shelter Grant Program and be appropriated, when received, to the following accounts in the amounts shown to provide financing for projects and programs as enclosed: recommending adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

49.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting that Three Hundred Fifty Four Thousand ($354,000.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development for the FY’07 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program and be appropriated when received to the accounts enclosed, to provide financing for projects and programs: recommending adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

50.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting City Council’s consideration, deliberation and approval for program funding under the Year 32 (FY07) Community Development Block Grant, HOME, American Dream Downpayment Assistance, Emergency Shelter Grant, and Housing for People with AIDS Program: recommending adoption of the accompanying five Resolutions. (Attachments)

 

51-53 ACCEPTED

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

51.     Relative to an update on the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) program. (Attachments)

 

52.     Relative to a detailed overview of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Entitlement program funded annually through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (Attachments)

 

53.     Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) in unexpended Block Grant balances be transferred from account number 14S40226, WHIP and appropriated to account number 14S45026, Building Renovation to fund the rehabilitation of a portion of the Chestnut Street Congregational Church for use by the New England Dream Center. (Attachments)

 

54 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

54.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION Upon the following Petition of William Coleman, III request City Council honor the life of Howard Gleason by naming part of the park in his honor:  recommend the Petition be referred to City Manager and adoption of the accompanying Order requesting City Manager to consider recommending to City Council a green space in honor of Howard F. Gleason, Jr. considering the comments of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Attachments)

 

55-67 ACCEPTED

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

55.     Relative to Worcester Common Restoration Master Plan. (Attachments)

 

56.     Relative to an update on the Worcester Common Restoration Project. (Attachments)

 

57.     Relative to status report – Kendrick Field Improvements Phase II. (Attachments)

 

58.     Relative to a Grant Award for $400,000.00 for the renovations of Beaver Brook Park from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation Services Urban Self Help Program in Cooperation with the Worcester Department of Public Works Daylighting of the Culvert at Beaver Brook. (Attachments)

 

59.     Relative to Beaver Brook Culvert and Park Improvements. (Attachments)

         

60.     Relative to itemization of costs for daylighting Beaver Brook Culvert. (Attachments)

         

61.     Relative to the Beaver Brook Daylighting and Field Renovation Project. (Attachments)

         

62.     Relative to Phase 2 of Duffy Field Improvements. (Attachments)

 

63.     Relative to the release of permits and field availability for Spring 2005. (Attachments)

 

64.     Relative to Worcester’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. (Attachments)

         

65.     Relative to the Elm Park (Newton Hill) stone retaining wall renovations. (Attachments)

 

66.     Relative to Open Space/Parkland Acquisition – K of C Property (Alhambra Council) and Fenton Parcel. (Attachments)

 

67.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION Upon the following Petition of Thomas Gingras request to install and maintain a memorial on city property at intersection of Flagg St., Richmond Ave. and Aylesbury Rd. in honor of Firefighter James F. Lyons, III who died in the line of duty on December 3, 1999:  recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

 

          68 ORDAINED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

68.     Amend Section 2 Article III of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to a zone change in the Whippoorwill Drive/Malden Street Area. (Attachments) 

 

TabledNo action taken

 

69.     Order of Mayor Timothy P. Murray - That the ordinance relative to the Police Departments License Board as it relates to taxi regulations be rescinded. (Attachments)  (Tabled May 2, 2006 - Murray)

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

JUNE 5, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

 

MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 6, 2006

   4:00 P.M.

FINANCE

FY07 Budget

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

 

 

JUNE 6, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

 

 

JUNE 6, 2006

   6:30 P.M.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

 

 

JUNE 7, 2006

   5:30 P.M.

 

TRAFFIC & PARKING

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 8, 2006

   5:00 P.M.

 

EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 12, 2006

 5:30-7:00 P.M.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 12, 2006

   7:00 P.M.

PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

 

 

JUNE 13, 2006

   4:00 P.M.

FINANCE

FY07 Budget

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

 

 

JUNE 13, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

 

LAND USE

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 15, 2006

   6:30 P.M.

 

MILL STREET BUSINESS CORRIDOR AD HOC COMMITTEE

 

WORCESTER ELKS LODGE

233 MILL STREET

JUNE 20, 2006

   4:00 P.M.

 

FINANCE

FY07 Budget

COUNCIL CHAMBER

FY’07 BUDGET HEARINGS

 

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

 

Human Services Administration, Health, Human Services (Disability Commission & Veterans’ Services), Elder Affairs, Auditorium, City Messenger, Golf, Off-Street Parking Program, Administration & Finance Division, Engineering/Architectural Division, Streets Division, Sanitation Division, Central Garage Division, Parks, Recreation & Hope Cemetery, Snow Removal, Streetlights Division, Sewer Division and Water Division

 

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

 

Fire Department, Police Department, Communications Department, Licensing Commission, Budget Office, Assessor’s Office, Purchasing Division, Technical Services, Treasurer & Collector, Health Insurance, Debt Service Principal & Interest and Pension Obligation Bonds

 

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

 

Public Schools

 

Retirement (Contributory Pensions, Non-Contributory Pensions and Pensions-Other), Workers Compensation & Public Safety IOD, Law Department, Property & Casualty Insurance, Court Judgments, Airport, Economic Development, Neighborhood & Housing Development, Union Station, Planning & Regulatory Development, Workforce Development, City Manager’s Marketing Campaign and Worcester Civic Center

 

Capital Investment Programs

 

EVALUATION OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

June 27, 2006 – 7:00 P.M.

 

SUMMER SCHEDULE

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

    

July 18, 2006 – 4:00 P.M. 

 

August 29, 2006 – 4:00 P.M