CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 20, 2006

Convened: 7:30 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:40 P.M.

 

 

1.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

2.                 STAR SPANGLED BANNER-ALEXANDRA MILLS

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

4.      ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

Mayor Murray read a Proclamation declaring June 20, 2006 Toxic Soil Busters day.

 

Mayor Murray suspended the rules to allow Mike Lavin from SEIU d to speak to inform City Council of their union’s intention to begin picketing.

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

5 & 6 REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

 

5.       Attorney Samuel DeSimone request to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Worcester by adding to Article IV, Section 7 (1) a new paragraph to read as follows:  Notwithstanding the above the Permit Granting Authority, by Special Permit, shall have the authority to waive or modify the dimensional controls set forth in paragraph 5 above. (Attachments)

 

6.       Parul Patel request to amend the City of Worcester Zoning Map by changing the existing ML-2.0 to RG-5 for 24-30 Lewis St. (Attachments)

 

7 & 8 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS

 

7.       Cheryl & Timothy Nordstrom et al request private street maintenance on Martha Ave. (Attachments)

 

8.       Carlos Perez request sidewalk repair in front of 128 Newton Ave. North. (Attachments)

 

9 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING

 

9.       Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of Elaine Henderson request a “Do Not Block This Street” sign on West Boylston St. at Summerhill Ave. (Attachments)

 

10.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

MICHAEL V. O'BRIEN

CITY MANAGER

COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR JUNE 20, 2006

 

1.       APPOINTMENTS

NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION

 

A.      Notification of appointment of Thomas Reynolds to the Airport Commission.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

B.      Notification of appointment of Jennifer Houghton and Deborah McNamara to the Cultural Commission.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

C.      Notification of appointment of Nicholas Kaltsas to the Elder Affairs Commission.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

D.      Notification of appointment of David Shapiro and Paul Zendzian to the Off-Street Parking Board.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

E.      Notification of appointment of Deborah Horgan and reappointment of John Wilkes to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

2.       EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION

 

A.      Transmitting Informational Communication relative to City Council's request  for a report on Civil Service & Promotional Exams, Retention Rates, Home Rule Legislation on Appointees,  Residency Incentives and Legislative Restrictions dealing with Residency.  (Attachments) Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee.  Also referred to Municipal Operations Committee and Public Safety Committee for informational purposes only.

 

B.      Recommend Adoption of the attached FY07 Salary Ordinance Amendments that reflect changes approved in the Fiscal Year 2007 budget.  (Attachments) Voted to advertised on a roll call of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

3.       OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

 

A.      Transmitting Informational Communication FY07 Economic Stimulus Bill and Supplemental Capital Budget.  (Attachments)

          Referred to Finance Committee

 

B.      Request review and adoption of the attached Order  to file a Home Rule Petition with the Great and General Court to amend the existing Convention Center Bond Bill, Chapter 152 of The Acts of 1997, as amended, to create a Special Finance District Zone in the City of Worcester.  (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 11-0.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call of 0-11 - Also referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

4.       OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

 

A.      Transmitting Informational Communication relative Summer Youth Opportunities made possible by the donation from St. Vincent's Hospital.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

B.      Request City Council authorization to transfer city-owned, low value property at 8 Piedmont Street to the Division of Neighborhoods and Housing Development for negotiated disposition in support of affordable housing development and neighborhood off street parking. Councilor Haller recused on a roll call of 10-0.  Order adopted on a roll call of 10-0.  Reconsideration denied on a roll call of 0-10 Nays.(Attachments)

 

C.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Request transfer of $46,500 form Division of Neighborhoods and Housing Development salary account to DNHD Ordinary Maintenance account to provide funds for supplies, software, and additional computer network costs associated with proposed move of DNHD from current location at 418 Main St. to 44 Front St. Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Clancy, Rushton absent) (Attachments)

 

5.       DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS

ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication and the final report prepared by the independent consultants, Stearns and Wheeler, with the results of their evaluation of the Dunkirk Avenue pumping station.  (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee

 

6.       DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS OPERATIONS DIVISION

 

A.      Recommend City Council to approve the discontinuance of the abandoned portion of East Worcester Street.  (Attachments) Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7.       PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

A.      Request City Council's adoption of an Order to declare 2 parcels of land under the jurisdiction of the Worcester Fire Department as surplus property to aid in funding the recommendation for the J.L.M.C. Panel's arbitration award between the City of Worcester and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local #1099.  (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call of 10-0 (Toomey absent)

 

B.      Request approval to apply for FY06 SAFER funds in the amount of One Million Six Hundred Fifty Six Thousand  Dollars And No Cents ($1,656,000.00) as available from the Department of Homeland Security Office for Domestic Preparedness Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant to hire 16 firefighters.   (Attachments) Resolution adopted.

 

8.       PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS

LICENSE COMMISSION

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to City Council's request that the City Manager provide City Council with a copy of the License Commission's record showing a change of management for the SMOC owned property located at 701 Main Street.  (Attachments) Recommitted to the City Manager

 

9.       PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS

POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to the FY06 Statewide Bicycle Helmet Distribution.  (Attachments) Placed on file

 

B.      Request that City Council accept with gratitude a $25,025.00 donation to the Worcester Police Department's Police Athletic League (PAL) Account.  (Attachments) Order adopted with gratitude

 

10.     DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

ADMINISTRATION

 

A.      Transmitting informational communication relative to a summary of women and minority employee hours worked on the Worcester Technical High School.  (Attachments) Recommitted to the City Manager

 

11.     LAW DEPARTMENT

LEGAL DIVISION

 

A.      Request review and adoption of an order to file a Home Rule Petition with the Great and General Court to amend the Dover Amendment in order to restrict the siting of facilities and programs that service Level II and Level III Sex Offenders.  (Attachments) Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

12.     DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

BUDGET OFFICE DIVISION

 

A.      I Respectfully Request City Council's Deliberation, Consideration, and Approval of the attached Summary and Resolution to accept a Federal Fiscal Year 2006 Violence Against Women Act Grant Program in the amount of $22,414.00 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety.  (Attachments) Resolution adopted

 

13.     FINANCE ITEMS

OPERATIONAL TRANSFERS

 

A.      Recommend that the City Manager, with the approval of the City Auditor, be authorized to make adjustments to city accounts to balance the fiscal year 2006 budget.  (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 9-0  (Clancy, Rushton absent)

 

B.      Recommend that the City Manager, with the approval of the City Auditor, be authorized to make capital projects and special revenue transfers  (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Clancy, Rushton absent)

 

C.      Recommend that  Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($3,500.00) be transferred from Account #340- 91000, Elder Affairs Personal Services , and appropriated to Account # 340-92000, Elder Affairs Ordinary Maintenance .  (Attachments) Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Clancy, Rushton absent)

 

D.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Recommend that Forty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($46,500.00) be transferred from Account #14SSNS31, Neighborhood and Housing Development Salary, and appropriated to Account #14SNOM31, Neighborhood and Housing Development Ordinary Maintenance Account to fund the new position of Staff Assistant II for the Division of Neighborhood and Housing Development as approved in the FY 2006 Budget. Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 (Clancy, Rushton absent) (Attachments)

 

E.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Recommend that Fourteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($14,000.00) be transferred from Account #280-91000, Code Enforcement Personal Services, and that Nineteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($19,000.00) be transferred from Account # 331-91000, HHS Administration, for a total of Thirty Three Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($33,000.00) to be added to Account #040-91000, City Manager’s Personal Services. Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 Reconsideration denied on a roll call 0-9 (Clancy, Rushton absent)  (Attachments)

 

F.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Recommend that Two Million Dollars and No Cents ($2,000,000.00) be raised by taxation for appropriation to Account #500-91000, Worcester Public Schools. Order adopted on a roll call 9-0 Reconsideration denied on a roll call 0-9 (Clancy, Rushton absent) (Attachments)

 

14.     EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

ADMINISTRATION

 

A.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Transmitting Informational Communication relative to Fiscal Year 2006 Evaluation of the City Manager. (Attachments) First Item of Business June 27, 2006

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

11 & 12 FROM AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE MILL STREET BUSINESS CORRIDOR - Adopted

 

11.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks address the gravel problems on Gates Lane as it spills onto Mill St. (Attachments)

         

12.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks ensure that Mill St. and the surrounding streets are maintained and litter free. (Attachments)

 

13-17 FROM EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS - Adopted

 

13.     Request City Manager request Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools provide City Council with a projected budget concerning heat and maintenance of the new Technical High School and compare this to heat and maintenance budget of the old Vocational High School. (Attachments)

 

14.     Request City Manager request the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools provide City Council with the future plans for Nelson Place School. (Attachments)

 

15.     Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks provide City Council with an updated status report concerning the new North High School project. (Attachments)

 

16.     Request City Manager request the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools provide City Council with an updated status report concerning the boilers and heating systems of the Worcester Public Schools and to include a five year plan of rehabilitation, renovation and potential replacement of the boilers and heating systems. (Attachments)

 

17.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated status report concerning Fallon Clinic Foundation several community service programs. (Attachments)

 

18 & 19 FROM MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Adopted

 

18.     Request City Manager to consider requesting the Worcester Legislative Delegation to advocate to include monies for the damages done to Worcester properties on the October 15, 2005 rainstorm along with any state and/or federal monies that might become available as a result of the rainstorm in the Month of May, 2006 in other areas of the Commonwealth that caused similar damages. (Attachments)

 

19.     Request City Manager to provide City Council with a listing of permits granted for signs or alterations to existing signs over the past two years. (Attachments)

 

          20-23 FROM PUBLIC SAFETY - Adopted

 

20.     Request Fire Chief report to City Council how he intends to provide for fire safety after the summer of 2006 and for the summer of 2007. (Attachments)

 

21.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the overtime pay for Fire Department for Fiscal Year 2006 and how it impacts the Arbitrator’s award. (Attachments)

 

22.     Request the City Manager provide City Council with a report comparing fire staffing levels in Worcester to other like communities in the Northeast. (Attachments)

 

23.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an all-encompassing report concerning any and all public safety grants that have been accepted and utilized to train citizen groups. (Attachments)

 

24-30 FROM PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION – Adopted

 

24.     Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to prepare an amendment to the Revised Ordinances that will provide that the Revised Rules and Regulations for the Taxi and Livery Business and any and all future proposed revisions thereto, shall not become effective until such time as they are reviewed and approved by City Council and filed in the Office of the City Clerk. (Attachments)

 

25.     Request City Manager to request the Police Chief to investigate and report to the City Council the reasons why a certain number of taxi medallions have not been utilized to provide for public conveyance. (Attachments)

 

26.     Request City Manager to provide City Council with a report concerning an expansion of the membership of the License Board. (Attachments)

 

27.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an explanation of the appeals process criteria that the Police Chief will rely upon regarding taxicabs or liveries in unassigned status for more than 60 days (Article 2, Section 8). (Attachments)

 

28.     Request City Clerk to request from both Red and Yellow cab companies specific information about the training they provide to their drivers and also concerning how they handle the pick-up of minor children. (Attachments)

 

29.     Request City Manager request City Solicitor to provide the City Council with an opinion concerning the prohibition of bumper stickers on taxicabs and liveries. (Attachments)

 

30.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an explanation of the condition in the proposed revised rules and regulations for the taxi and livery business concerning footwear worn by taxi and livery drivers when operating their vehicle (Article VI, section 8). (Attachments)

 

31-39 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

31.     Request City Manager request Police Chief to enforce current ordinances relative to parking on Ivernia Rd. from Burncoat St. to a point 160’ along the right side of Ivernia Rd. (Attachments)

 

32.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks to install a “Thickly Settled” sign on Burncoat St, where it crosses Mountain St. East to the City limit, which becomes Maple St. in West Boylston. (Attachments)

 

33.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks to conduct a traffic study in the area of Burncoat Street, where it crosses Mountain St. East to the City limit, which becomes Maple St. in West Boylston. (Attachments)

 

34.     Request City Manager request Police Chief to enforce speed limit on upper Chester St. beginning at the Holden town line. (Attachments)

 

35.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks to conduct a traffic study in the area of Edward St. and Belmont St. (Attachments)

 

36.     Request City Manager request Police Chief to enforce “No Trucks allowed” at random intervals in accordance with posted “No Trucks allowed” sign on Ludlow St. (Attachments)

 

37.     Request City Manager request Commissioner of the Department of Public Works & Parks to conduct a traffic study on Ludlow St. in conjunction with the land developer for this neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

38.     Request City Manager request Police Chief to provide an updated report regarding speeding and other ticket violations on Lake Avenue for the past year. (Attachments)

 

39.     Request City Manager contact the State Delegation to acquire more funding from the State’s Transportation Improvement Projects. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

40.     Request City Manager provide enforcement of the noise ordinance on Piedmont St., especially between Austin St. and Pleasant St., and especially during the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

41.     Request City Manager provide speed enforcement on Piedmont St., especially between Austin St. and Pleasant St., and especially during the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. (Haller) (Attachments) Adopted

 

42.     Request City Manager embark on a Master Plan process for Shore Park to optimize the usage of the lakeside area by local residents and visitors, especially during the time period between Memorial and Labor Days. (Smith) (Attachments)  Adopted

 

43.     Request City Manager report to City Council regarding the feasibility of using video cameras for traffic control purposes. (Murray, Smith, Petty) (Attachments) Adopted

 

44.     Request City Manager report to City Council what efforts, if any, have been made to date to address the infill and sedimentation of little Indian Lake, and whether or not any grant money is available to address this concern. (Murray, Smith) (Attachments) Adopted

 

45.     Because of the risks associated with the improper disposal of sharps (syringes, needles and lancets), in household or business trash or recyclables, toilets, in parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, among others, and pending state legislation that will legalize over-the-counter sales of needles, request the City Manager work with local pharmacies, hospitals, and health clinics to propose a plan merely for the safe disposal of used sharp needles that would be a palatable solution to this problem. (Rosen, Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Motion Lukes to amend: Further, request to include in the report how needles, used for legal purposes, are disposed and how many needles are obtained by legitimate prescriptions.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

46.     Request Standing Committee on Public Service & Transportation meet with representatives of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority to obtain information concerning the many route changes that have been implemented already this year, and, also concerning those that are anticipated to be implemented in the Fall of 2006. (Rosen, Petty, Toomey, Perotto, Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

47.     Request City Manager provide the City Council with a recommendation to restrict/confine second hand motor (used auto) sales to a certain few business zones in an effort to limit the proliferation of small used car lots being established in many of the less intense business zoned areas of the city. (Petty) (Attachments)

         

Motion Palmieri: Further, request to include how many licenses are issued and where are they located and whether they are located in a properly zoned area or do they operate this business out of a home.

 

Motion Toomey: Further, request to include cars that are sold in front yards perpetually.

 

Motion Lukes: Further, request City Manager to provide City Council applicable zoning ordinances that apply to home businesses.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

47a.   Request City Manager consider conducting a survey of City employees asking why they do or do not live within the City. Motion-Haller @ #2A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

47b.   Request City Manager provide City Council with a status report on whether Major Taylor Memorial has final funding from the State. Motion-Haller @ #3A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

47c.   Request City Manager provide City Council a with a time schedule of all facets for the Skybridge approvals and construction. Motion-Murray @ #3B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

47d.   Request City Clerk forward a copy of #11A CM to our state delegation and an invitation to the upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting. Motion-Lukes @ #11A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

47e.   Request City Manager continue police patrols in the Burncoat St. neighborhoods and the King Philip Rd. neighborhood. Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

47f.    Request City Manager contact SMOC about the date, time and place for the follow up meeting that was held concerning 2 June St. proposed facility. Rushton – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

47g.   Request City Manager forward to City Council the drug overdose report that was previously voted. Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

47h.   Request City Manager provide City Council with the history of the use of the property at 2 June St. that was previously voted. Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

48.     RECESS TO FINANCE

 

FINANCE

 

a.       #29A M 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)

Recommend file - See #88b

 

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)  Recommend file - See #88c

 

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) Recommend file - See #88d

 

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)  Recommend file - See #88e

 

e.                  #38 CC May 23, 2006

Communication of the City Manager transmitting City of Worcester FY07 Municipal Budget. (Attachments) Recommend adopt See #88a

 

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) Recommend file - See #88f

g.       #42 CC June 6, 2006

Communication of the City Manager relative to questions posed by Finance Committee meeting of May 27, 2006 to the Health and Human Services Departments. (Attachments) Recommend file - See #88g

 

h.                 #44 CC June 6, 2006

Communication of the City Manager relative to an agreement on a new four year contract that spans from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2009. (Attachments) Recommend file - See #88h

 

i.        #8A CM June 13, 2006

Communication the City Manager relative to a request to provide City Council with a report, prior to the completion of deliberations on the FY 2007 budget, listing the grants and their amounts awarded to the City during FY 2006. (Attachments)  Recommend file - See #88i

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

49.     James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting May 2006 Auditor’s Report. (Attachments) Referred to Municipal Operations

 

50.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray transmitting communication relative to Worcester Brownfields:  A Synopsis of Selected Sites.  Presented at the Turning Brownfields to Gold: II, A Brownfields Workshop held at WPI on June 14, 2006. (Attachments) Referred to Commerce & Development

REPORTS

 

51-88 ACCEPTED

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

51.     Relative to partnership with Higher Education - Worcester Public Schools College of Worcester Consortium 2000-2001. (Attachments)

 

52.     Relative to a letter from Fred Baus, CEO of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc., regarding campus expansion projects and taxable properties. (Attachments)

 

53.     Relative to Advisory Committee to Colleges. (Attachments)

 

54.     Relative to Statistics for Worcester Residential Colleges and Universities by year. (Attachments)

 

55.     Relative to data received from Police Forces regarding student arrests. (Attachments)

 

56.     Relative to Worcester Colleges and Universities. (Attachments)

 

57.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School Project. (Attachments)

 

58.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School Monthly Progress Report July 2003. (Attachments)

 

59.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report August 2003. (Attachments)

 

60.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report September 2003. (Attachments)

 

61.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report November 2003.  (Attachments)

 

62.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report December 2003. (Attachments)

 

63.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report January 2004. (Attachments)

 

64.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report February/March 2004. (Attachments)

 

65.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report April/May 2004. (Attachments)

 

66.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report June/July 2004. (Attachments)

 

67.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report August/September 2004. (Attachments)

 

68.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report for the months of February, March and April 2005. (Attachments)

 

69.     Relative to Worcester Vocational High School. (Attachments)

 

70.     Relative to legal owner of the ball field on Ararat Street. (Attachments)

 

71.     Relative to report on roof at Quinsigamond School. (Attachments)

 

72.     Relative to leaky roof at South High Community School. (Attachments)

 

73.     Relative to an analysis of the structural stability of the façade of the 1927 building at Nelson Place School. (Attachments)

 

74.     Relative to completing the architectural design of a new North High School and that groundbreaking will be scheduled for the first phase of this project in the spring of 2005. (Attachments)

 

75.     Relative to the North High School Status Report. (Attachments)

 

76.     Relative to the status of design and budget for construction of a new North High School. (Attachments)

 

77.     Relative to Governor’s recommendation to reform SBA Program. (Attachments)

 

78.     Relative to Library Café. (Attachments)

 

79.     Relative to Talking Book Library. (Attachments)

 

80.     Relative to Status of Boilers in Worcester Public School Buildings. (Attachments)

 

81.     Relative to various PILOT and State Aid Questions. (Attachments)

 

82.     Relative to a copy of the twelve-member board of the newly formed Worcester UniverCity Partnership. (Attachments)

 

83.     Relative to the expansion of the Fallon Clinic Foundation to include several new community services programs. (Attachments)

 

84.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Upon the following Communication of Fred Baus, Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc., transmitting copy of the Consortium’s latest economic impact study, Discover the Intellectual Capital of Central Massachusetts: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Upon the following Communications of Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., Executive Director Worcester Regional Research Bureau: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

85.     Transmitting Benchmarking Public Education in Worcester: 2003 Report (Attachments)

 

86.     Transmitting Benchmarking Public Education in Worcester: 2004 Report (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Upon the following Communications of James DelSignore, City Auditor: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

87.     Transmitting listing of non-educational School Department equipment. (Attachments)

 

88.     Transmitting listing of School Department rolling equipment. (Attachments)

 

88a ACCEPTED AND ORDER ADOPTED ROLL CALL 11-0. RECONSIDERATION DENIED ON ROLL CALL 0-11.

 

88a.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting City of Worcester FY07 Municipal Budget: recommend adoption of the accompanying order. (Attachments)

         

88b-i ACCEPTED

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the following communications: recommend communications be placed on file.

 

88b.   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)

 

88c.    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) 

 

88d.    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)

 

88e.     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) 

 

88f.     Communication of the City Manager relative to the questions posed at the Finance Committee meeting of May 23, 2006. (Attachments)

 

88g.    Communication of the City Manager relative to questions posed by Finance Committee meeting of May 27, 2006 to the Health and Human Services Departments. (Attachments)

 

88h.    Communication of the City Manager relative to an agreement on a new four year contract that spans from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2009. (Attachments)

 

88i.     Communication the City Manager relative to a request to provide City Council with a report, prior to the completion of deliberations on the FY 2007 budget, listing the grants and their amounts awarded to the City during FY 2006. (Attachments) 

89-90 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

89.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Leo and Joan Bernard request to extend adjacent BL-1.0 zone to include 110 West Mountain St. in its entirety:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

90.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Stephen Charmella request to change the zoning classification of 10 Nebraska St. from MG-2.0 to BG-2.0: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Attachments)

 

91 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 9-2 (Yes – Clancy, Palmieri, Perotto, Petty, Rosen, Rushton, Smith, Toomey, Murray) (No – Haller, Lukes). RECONSIDERATION DENIED ON A ROLL CALL 0-11.

 

91.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Petition of Christina Orczyk request to seek legislation exempting her from the maximum age requirement to be considered for appointment as a police officer in the City of Worcester as follows: Notwithstanding Section 58A of Chapter 31 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, Christina M. Orczyk may have her name certified for original appointment to the position of police officer in the City of Worcester, notwithstanding having reached the age of 32 before taking such civil service examination in connection with such appointment.  In all other respects, Christina M. Orczyk shall be eligible for appointment to the position of police officer in the City of Worcester only if she qualifies and is selected for employment under the procedures provided in Chapter 31 of the General Laws, any regulations of the Civil Service Commission and any lawful hiring practices of the City of Worcester: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order requesting the City Manager request the City Solicitor to prepare and file Special legislation exempting Christina M. Orczyk from the maximum age requirements to be considered for appointment as a police officer in the City of Worcester; said legislation to include language stating that a public purpose is being met by said requested appointment. (Attachments)

 

92-117 ACCEPTED

 

92.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the court decisions and legal opinions concerning individuals who have petitioned to be considered for appointment as police officers:  recommend the Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

93.     Relative to Departmental Receipts. (Attachments)

 

94.     Relative to a schedule for departmental receipting (central cash) implementation. (Attachments)

 

95.     Relative to the Department of Code Enforcement Status Report. (Attachments)

 

96.     Relative to the final edition of the Citywide Reorganization Plan. (Attachments)

 

97.     Relative to the submittal of the Five-Year Capital Investment Program for the City of Worcester for the period of FY 2006-2010. (Attachments)

 

98.     Relative to the permanent relocation of the Office of the Parking Administrator to 455 Main Street, Room 209 City Hall. (Attachments)

 

99.     Relative to the three bond ratings sought from FitchRatings, Moodys Investor Services, and Standard and Poor’s. (Attachments)

 

100.   Relative to the Energy Expenses Report. (Attachments)

 

101.   Report providing the status of relief/assistance efforts for the residents of the city in the aftermath of the recent rainstorms. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Communications of Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., Executive Director of Worcester Regional Research Bureau: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

102.   Transmitting report regarding Compstat and CitiStat:  Should Worcester Adopt these Management Techniques?  (Attachments)

 

103.   Transmitting report regarding Benchmarking Municipal and Neighborhood Services in Worcester:  2003. (Attachments)

 

104.   Transmitting report regarding Benchmarking Municipal and Neighborhood Services in Worcester: 2004. (Attachments)

 

105.   Transmitting report regarding Benchmarking Municipal and Neighborhood Services in Worcester 2005. (Attachments)

 

106.   Transmitting report regarding Benchmarking Economic Development in Worcester: 2004. (Attachments)

 

107.   Transmitting report regarding Citizen Satisfaction with Municipal Services: 2004 Survey. (Attachments)

 

108.   Transmitting report regarding Mayor vs. Manager:  Does Form Affect Performance. (Attachments)

 

109.   Transmitting report regarding titled “Condition Serious, Prognosis Uncertain: The Impact of Municipal Employee Health Insurance in Massachusetts”. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Communications of David J. Rushford, City Clerk: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

110.   Transmitting a chart indicating the number & type of City Council Standing Committee meetings, including the number of calendar items considered at said meetings, for the period 2002 through 2004. (Attachments)

 

111.   Transmitting communications relative to the number of meetings conducted by the various Standing Committees during the 2004-2005 term. (Attachments)

 

112.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Chairman’s Order of the Municipal Operations Committee requesting the Municipal Operations to meet with the City Assessor prior to the setting of the tax rate to review the process for assessing of commercial real estate: recommend the Chairman’s Order be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Orders: recommend the Orders be placed on file.

 

113.   Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes request Chairman of the Municipal Operations Committee invite the Property Owners Association to the committee meeting relative to abatements for three decker landlords. (Attachments)

 

114.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray request the Standing Committee on Municipal Operations to consider the process by which the City of Worcester handles real estate tax liens and tax title properties so that the liens might be bundled and sold on the open market as is the case in New Jersey and New York state, and that a consistent policy is adhered to for the disposition of tax title properties and liens. (Attachments)

 

115.   Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes request City Manager request the Central Massachusetts Delegation to seek some tax relief for any urban area that wants to go to a flat rate. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the following Petitions: recommend the Petitions be placed on file.

 

116.   Michael Grandone request that due to the lack of long-term residency because of permanent winter parking bans set by the City of Worcester, this petition asks for the consideration of reduction of real estate tax for the rental property in these areas. (Attachments)

 

117.   Gary Vecchio, on behalf of the Shrewsbury St. Neighborhood Association, request the City Council to conduct the Fiscal Year 2006 Tax Classification hearing prior to the November 8, 2005 Municipal Election. (Attachments)

 

117a REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR A HEARING

 

117a. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of P. Kevin Condron request to discontinue as a public way and remove from the Official Map East Worcester St., from the intersection of the westerly line of South Hill St. with the northerly line of East Worcester St. to Shrewsbury St. (Attachments)

 

118 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

118.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting adoption of the attached summary and resolution establishing the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the standard for incident management in the City of Worcester:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

119-144 ACCEPTED

         

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the following Communications: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

119.   Relative to the severity of fires in the City of Worcester in 2004. (Attachments)

 

120.   Relative to Structure Fires – calendar year 2003. (Attachments)

 

121.   Relative to tracking records of Structured Fires. (Attachments)

 

122.   Relative to Structure Fires. (Attachments)

 

123.   Relative to number of structure fires in Worcester in the last ten years and the number of filled firefighter positions in each of those ten years. (Attachments)

 

124.   Relative to calendar year 2005 data on house and business structure fires in the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

125.   Relative to the Investigated Structures for the Calendar Year 2004. (Attachments)

 

126.   Relative to the Fire Fighters Arbitration Award. (Attachments)

 

127.   Transmitting award notification regarding the FFY04 Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program prepared by Gerard A. Dio, Fire Chief. (Attachments)

 

128.   Relative to FY05 Local Emergency Planning Committee Grant. (Attachments)

 

129.   Relative to the location of equipment received under the Homeland Security Grant. (Attachments)

 

130.   Relative to arson statistics for the past five (5) calendar years in the City of Worcester.  (Attachments)

 

131.   Relative to a follow-up report on arson related fires in the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

132.   Relative to blasting in the Malvern Rd. neighborhood. (Attachments)

 

133.   Relative to public safety programs that are in place between the Worcester Police Department and the Worcester Fire Department. (Attachments)

 

134.   Relative to new regulations with respect to Fire Safety in Places of Public Assembly. (Attachments)

 

135.   Relative to listing the fifty-nine (59) city properties that are subject to Chapter 304 of the Acts of 2004, “An Act Relative to Fire Safety in the Commonwealth.” (Attachments)

 

136.   Relative to a new law dealing with the carbon monoxide alarms in residential buildings. (Attachments)

 

137.   Relative to workforce levels and the resulting impact to the Worcester Fire Department during the summer months. (Attachments)

 

138.   Relative to the move of the Emergency Operations Center previously located at 50 Skyline Drive to 76 East Worcester Street.  (Attachments)

 

139.   Relative to long-term enhancements to the Emergency Operations Center located behind 141 Grove Street. (Attachments)

 

140.   Relative to long-term enhancements to the Emergency Operations Center located behind 141 Grove Street. (Attachments)

 

141.   Relative to offers made to outside agencies to use the planned Emergency Operations Center located behind 141 Grove Street. (Attachments)

 

142.   Relative to the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the following Communications of James DelSignore, City Auditor: recommend the Communications be placed on file.

 

143.   Transmitting information that compares the base pay for Worcester Firefighters with their counterparts in the cities of Springfield, Providence and Boston. (Attachments)

 

144.   Transmitting information regarding the cost to the City of the arbitration award given to Firefighters Local 1009. (Attachments)

 

          145-149 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

145.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the Worcester Police Department’s Taxi and Livery Regulations:  recommend the Communication be referred to the City Manager and adoption of the accompanying Order requesting the City Manager to redraft the Proposed Revised Rules and Regulations for the Taxi and Livery Business to include the following as enclosed.  (Attachments)

 

           

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

146.   Councilor Barbara G. Haller request installation of three street lights along Illinois St. near Gates St. and in vicinity of 92 Grand St. in the interest of public safety. (Attachments)

 

147.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Maryann Borjeson request a street light be installed in front of 591 Burncoat Street. (Attachments)

         

148.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Maryann Borjeson request a street light be installed in front of 589 Burncoat Street. (Attachments)

 

149.   Dennis Dominguez et al request the installation of street lights on Third Street. (Attachments)

 

          150 & 151 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE &   TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions: recommend the           Petitions be placed on file.

         

150.   Councilor Barbara G. Haller request that lumens be increased in the existing streetlights in Harding Street between Lafayette Street and Kelly Square in the interest of public safety. (Attachments)

 

151.   Councilor Barbara G. Haller request that lumens be increased in the existing streetlights in Millbury Street between Lafayette Street and Kelly Square in the interest of public safety. (Attachments)

 

152 & 153 ACCEPTED & ADOPTED

 

152.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting review and adoption of an Order to accept and execute a deed of easement for street purposes in the approved subdivision entitled “Definitive Subdivision, “Morgan Estates,’ Worcester, Massachusetts”, owned by John P. Lauring, Mark Lauring and James Lauring, (Lauring Enterprises): recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

153.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Joyce Beams request installation of catch basins in Fairmont Ave. between Hamilton St. & Dartmouth St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order (Attachments)

 

154-178 ACCEPTED

         

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

 

154.   Brian Jones, VP of Ken Jones, Inc., request the installation of  “No Parking” signs on both sides of Oxford Street from Chandler Street to Austin Street. (Attachments)

 

155.   Councilor Michael C. Perotto, on behalf of Mario Mante, request parking ban be moved from even side to odd side on Fairhaven Road in the interest of public safety. (Attachments)

         

156.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray & Councilor Philip P. Palmieri, on behalf of Lorenzo Atwood, request black and white posted speed limit sign on Millbrook St. coming from the direction of Burncoat St. (Attachments)

 

157.   Councilor Thomas P. White request installation of “Do Not Block This Intersection” Sign in West Boylston St. before it’s intersection with Summerhill Ave. (Attachments)

 

158.   Councilor Stephen T. Patton, on behalf of Margaret McGovern et al, request Administration consider traffic control devices and strategies on Upper Chester St. beginning at the Holden boundary. (Attachments)

 

159.   Gilbert Parke et al request to install traffic lights at Edward St. & Belmont St. (Attachments)

 

160.   Peter Salek request to change the signs located on the (4) four poles on the corner of Main Street & Ludlow Street and Ludlow Street & Stafford Street to remove the 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. so that no trucks over 5 tons are allowed on Ludlow Street for 24 hours. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitions be denied.

 

161.   John Laprade request handicap sign be placed in front of 1 Marconi Road. (Attachments)

         

162.   John Driscoll et al request both sides of Sagamore Road extending easterly from Whitman Road to Park Ave. be marked “No Parking Anytime”. (Attachments)

 

163.   Councilor Stephen T. Patton request “No Left Turn” from Randolph Rd. onto Thornton Rd. 6:00 – 9:00 A.M. (Attachments)

 

164.   Councilor Stephen T. Patton, on behalf of John Atlas, request “No Left Turn” from Chester St. onto Parkton Ave. from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. (Attachments)

 

165.   Councilor Thomas P. White, on behalf of Angela Tsetsos, request to install a stop sign at the intersection of Ellis Drive and Winifred Avenue Extension. (Attachments)

 

166.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray & Councilor Thomas P. White, on behalf of Melanie Willett et al, request making the intersection of Burncoat St. & Fairhaven Rd. a four way stop. (Attachments)

 

167.   Kelly Matheson request to have a “Speed Limit” sign and a “Go Slow Children” sign on the stretch of Burncoat St., where it crosses East Mountain St. to the city limit, which becomes Maple St. in West Boylston. (Attachments)

 

          REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following  Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be place on file.

 

168.   Relative to Traffic Master Plan. (Attachments)

 

169.   Relative to speeding surveillance for Lake Avenue. (Attachments)

 

170.   Relative to Vehicle accidents along Fruit Street for the past year, also the intersecting side streets between Highland Street and Elm Street. (Attachments)

 

171.   Relative to a review of the lane configuration near the off-ramp at Hope Avenue. (Attachments)

 

172.   Relative to traffic conditions at the corner of Main Street and Airport Road. (Attachments)

 

173.   Relative to City Council’s request for information on the ability of the Off Street Parking Board (OSPB) to engage in economic development initiatives and/or acquire additional parcels. (Attachments)

 

174.   Relative to accident statistics for Ludlow Street for the time period 2000 through 2004. (Attachments)

 

175.   Relative to the feasibility of installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Mill St. and June Street. (Attachments)

 

176.   Relative to the Shrewsbury Street Review Team. (Attachments)

 

177.   Relative to City Council’s request for information relative to improving the traffic signal timing at the intersections of Main St., Highland St. & Grove St. (Attachments)

 

178.   Relative to extending residential parking in the College Hill area. (Attachments)

 

179 RECOMMITTED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

179.   Relative to the elimination of the traffic light at Cutler Street and Grafton Street. (Attachments)

 

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE – Lukes

 

 

180.   Communication of the City Manager relative to Home Rule Legislation authorizing that a certain individual over the age of thirty-two be allowed to have her name certified for appointment as Worcester police officer.  (Attachments) Taken off the table and Order adopted on a roll call 9-2 (Yes – Clancy, Palmieri, Perotto, Petty, Rosen, Rushton, Smith, Toomey, Murray)  (No – Haller, Lukes). Reconsideration denied on a roll call of 0-11

 

 

TabledNo action taken

 

181.   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 20, 2006

   4:00 P.M.

 

FINANCE

FY07 Budget

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 28, 2006

   6:30 P.M.

PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

JUNE 29, 2006

   5:30 P.M.

TRAFFIC & PARKING

COUNCIL CHAMBER

 

FY’07 BUDGET HEARINGS

 

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