CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – OCTOBER 10, 2006

7:00 P.M.

Convened: 7:04 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:56P.M.

 

 

1.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

2.                 STAR SPANGLED BANNER-ALEXANDRA MILLS

 

3.       ROLL CALL - All present except Councilor Smith.

 

 4.      ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

4b REFERRED TO PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION

 

4b.     Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to install a street light in front of 54 Manhattan Rd. – Referred to Public Service & Transportation - Suspension of Rules (Attachments)

 

5 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS

 

5.       Kathleen Perry request the resurfacing of Eunice Ave. from Wahnita Rd. to Fairhaven Rd. (Attachments)

 

          6-18 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING

 

6.       Yvonne Pittman Hart request handicap parking sign in front of 7 Hancock St. (Attachments)

 

7.       Claude Dorman request the implementation of residential parking at 38 Sever St. (Attachments)

 

8.       Claude Dorman request the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Fruit and Dayton Sts. for traffic moving in a northerly direction. (Attachments)

 

9.       Claude Dorman on behalf of East Highland Area Neighborhood Association request the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Fruit and Cedar Sts. for traffic moving in a northerly direction. (Attachments)

 

10.     Claude Dorman on behalf of East Highland Area Neighborhood Association and residents of 106 to 120 West St. request the removal of residential parking restrictions on West St. from Hampden St. to 120 West St. (Attachments)

 

11.     Francisco Rodriguez request to install a yellow flashing light when entering Kelly Square from Madison St. (Attachments)

 

12.     Councilor Barbara G. Haller request handicap parking space in front of 7 Hancock St. (Attachments)

 

13.     Kathleen Perry request redirecting the traffic flow into West Boylston St. from the mouth of Bourne St. by re-lining Bourne St. into three (3) distinct lanes: 2 Lanes turning left (south onto West Boylston St.) and one turning right (north onto West Boylston St. – Rte 12) (Attachments)

 

14.     Kathleen Perry request redirecting the traffic flow into Lincoln St. from the Lincoln Plaza exit nearest Bickford’s Restaurant into 2 lanes turning left toward downtown, and one lane turning right. (Attachments)

 

15.     Kathleen Bombredi et al request to have residential parking on Gage St. from Berkley St. to 82 Gage St. (Attachments)

 

16.     Charlene Keefe request to amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 by deleting from Schedule XX the resident permit parking requirement on the westerly side of Indian Hill Rd. from the intersection of Ararat St. to the southerly boundary of 155 Ararat St. (Attachments)

 

17.     Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of John Atlas request a yield sign in Chester St. as it intersects with Parkton Ave. (Attachments)

 

18.     Richard Katz, President of Worcester Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly, Inc., request to earmark at least four (4) reserved handicap parking spaces on South Flagg St. immediately adjacent to the Bet Shalom Apartments entrance. (Attachments)

 

19 REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER

 

19.     Attorney Jonathan Finkelstein on behalf of Ian Gow, request the City Council and/or City Manager to partially release preservation restrictions recorded in a deed recorded in the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Book 5195, Page 263 for the property at 23 Oxford St. (described as enclosed) (Attachments)

 

20 HEARING SET FOR OCTOBER 17, 2006 – 7:00 P.M.

 

20.     CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for conduit location in: SOUTHBRIDGE ST. (Attachments)

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

21-23 FROM ETHNIC & MINORITY AFFAIRS - Adopted

 

21.     Request City Manager provide City Council a report concerning the percentage of hires of minority and women for the past year. (Attachments)

 

22.     Request City Manager to suggest the Community Task Force pursue more open forums in the public school system to engage youngsters in discussions and to exchange and gather information. (Attachments)

 

23.     Request City Manager to provide training to Affirmative Action Officers for each city department so they will have equal knowledge and skills. (Attachments)

 

24-25 FROM LAND USE - Adopted

 

24.     Request City Manager to work with the owners of the Worcester Business Center located on Millbrook Street to assist them in accomplishing a full lease out of the remaining 75,000 square feet of their property. (Attachments)

 

25.     Request City Manager request Code Commissioner to investigate the use, or lack of utilization, of property located at the terminus of Artic Street, especially with regard to abandoned trailers. (Attachments)

 

26 FROM PUBLIC WORKS - Adopted

 

26.     Request City Manager provide the members of City Council with a copy of rendering of the proposed layout of the North Council Chamber. (Attachments)

 

27-30 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

27.     That the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks Delete a Bus Stop – Inbound: Greenwood St. East Side Opposite Conway St. at Pole #49S and Install a Bus Stop – Inbound: Greenwood St. East Side a pt. of 108’ South of Conway St. (Attachments)

 

28.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on Halmstad St. (Attachments)

 

29.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on Chesterfield Rd. (Attachments)

 

30.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on Joseph St. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

31.     Request City Manager work with the Worcester Consortium and it’s member colleges to identify business programs that might assign students to provide expertise to Worcester small business owners concerning all aspects of business operations, similar to programs already in operation in other communities such as Hartford, CT. (Smith) (Attachments)

 

Motion Toomey to amend:  Further, request to use Babson College Entrepreneurial Program as an example.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

32.     Request City Manager review city policy of not awarding people who return to city service with previous vacation time allotments. (Clancy) (Attachments) Adopted

 

33.     Request City Manager review feasibility of restricting left lanes on Massasoit Road at Route 20 to “left turn only”. (Clancy) (Attachments)

 

Motion Clancy to amend:  Further, request report within 30 days.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

34.     Request City Manager review feasibility of placing a traffic light at intersection of Massasoit Road and Sunderland Road. (Clancy) (Attachments) Adopted

 

35.     Request City Manager consider the possibility of funding the new North High Athletic Field with CDBG monies. (Clancy, Palmieri, Toomey) (Attachments)

 

Motion Perotto to amend: Further, request City Manager to provide City Council with a report on the cost for the athletic fields.

 

          Motion Lukes to amend: Further, request City Manager provide a legal opinion on the restrictions and parameters that would be imposed if block grant funds are utilized. 

 

          Motion Murray to amend:  Further, request City Manager to include in this report any thoughts and ideas as it might relate to private fund raising to augment the funding through use of SBAB, the city and this recommendation to use CDBG funds.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

36.     Request City Manager to update the City Council concerning discussions with elected officials for development plans at the Ecotarium. (Palmieri) (Attachments)

 

Motion Murray to amend: Further, request City Manager to include a recommendation on whether this property could fit into the city’s open space plan.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

37.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief provide police surveillance in the vicinity of 87 May St. due to recent episodes of car break-ins and vandalism near Beaver Brook Park. (Rushton) (Attachments) Adopted

 

38.     Request City Manager request the Police Chief provide police surveillance at Boynton Park. (Rushton) (Attachments) Adopted

 

39.     Request City Manager report on the composition of Boards & Commissions for the past 20 years, by gender and minority categories showing numbers and percentages. (Lukes, Haller, Toomey) (Attachments)

 

Motion Lukes to amend:  to change 20 years to 30 years.

         

Motion Haller to amend: Further, request City Manager contact our universities and colleges to see if someone would be willing to do research on best practices, are there municipalities who are successful in having diversity reflected in their local government including boards & commissions and are there any lessons to be learned.

 

Motion Toomey to amend:     Further, request City Manager work with the female members of City Council and have them go out and talk to organizations and groups as mentors.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

40.     Request City Manager provide City Council with an update on the alleged serious incident that took place at 14 Duxbury Rd. and if 14 Duxbury Rd. is in compliance with all code issues. (Palmieri) (Attachments)

 

Mayor Murray suspended the rules to allow Peter Stefan, member of SMOC and PIP Shelter, to speak.

 

Motion Haller to amend:  Further, request City Manager include in the report the steps it is taking to assure accountability of programs such as 14 Duxbury Rd. and rooming houses in general.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

41.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the plans for repairing the Marty O’Malley basketball court across from Hanover Insurance Co. (Palmieri) (Attachments) Adopted

 

42.     Request City Manager partner with the Webster Square Crime Watch Group and other interested individuals and businesses from that area to implement an anti-litter program that will involve, among others, the installation and emptying on a regular basis trash barrels. (Rushton, Rosen, Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Motion Toomey to amend:  Further, request to implement this program citywide and to include children. In addition to look at any programs or funding from Federal and State government for educational programs on littering in communities.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

43.     Request City Manager report to City Council on how all home and business owners can be required to post on their buildings address numbers that will be visible from the street and will assist emergency vehicles in finding that location without any delay. (Rushton, Rosen, Lukes) (Attachments) Adopted

 

44.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the success of the yellow trash program and whether any changes are needed to make it more effective and efficient, especially in terms of preventing trash from bags winding up on the streets and on neighboring properties. (Rosen) (Attachments) Adopted

 

44a.   Request City Manager make a recommendation as to allowing city employees to serve on boards & commissions. – Motion-Rosen @#39 CC

 

Motion Clancy to amend: Further, request a response within two weeks.

         

Adopted, as amended (Attachments)

 

44b.   Request City Manager meet with SMOC to discuss how many existing clients of Framingham’s Common Ground Shelter will be directed to Worcester and what SMOC anticipates future impacts on Worcester will be as a result of SMOC’s closure of this wet shelter on October 16, 2006. Haller–Suspension of Rules @#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

44c.   Request City Manager report on number, size and locations of “wet” shelters in Massachusetts. Haller–Suspension of Rules @#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

44d.   Request City Manager report on progress for closure of the PIP shelter at 701 Main St. Haller–Suspension of Rules @#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

44e.   Request City Manager to respond to the recommendations of Worcester Regional Research Bureau’s communication relative to Dial 911: Whose Call Is It, Anyway? – Motion-Clancy @#48 CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

44f.    Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the situation at the intersection of Upsala St. and Stockton St.  and to include what the City can do to assist abutters in the clean up of graffiti to the two properties adjacent to the intersection on the odd numbered side of the street and further, what can the City do to disband the large number of children that hang out at a regular basis at all hours.  Clancy–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44g.   Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the loss of internet services in the Tattan Farm Rd. area and to include what the problem is and how long it will take to be restored. Clancy–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44h.   Request City Manager request Supervisor of Forestry and crew to inspect and remove dead tree at Dayton St. and Dayton Place. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44i.    Request City Manager request the nets for the tennis court at Newton Square be replaced. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44j.    Request City Manager to replace lights around the tennis courts at Newton Square. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44k.   Request City Manager to replace the bus stop sign at the corner of Coolidge Rd. and Pleasant St. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44l.    Request City Manager meet with appropriate administration of the College of the Holy Cross to discuss any real or potential development in the College Hill/South Worcester area especially the “Howard Johnson” property. Further, request that those discussions include consideration of Master Plans and NRSA efforts. Haller–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44m.  Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works & Parks to inspect property at 144 Stafford St between Blaine Ave. and Henshaw St. for overgrowth of trees and issues with dumpsters. Petty–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

44n.   Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the meeting that took place between Young Park, the Business Community and the Editorial Board. Perotto–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)

 

45 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 9-0 (Palmieri, Smith absent)

 

45.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION:  BELCOURT ROAD (Attachments)

 

46 ADOPTED

 

46.     SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT:  MONTICELLO DRIVE (Attachments)

 

47.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:  No Items Pending

 

COMMUNICATION

 

48.     Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director of Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting Communication relative to Dial 911: Whose Call Is It, Anyway? (Attachments) Tabled - Murray

 

REPORTS

 

49-52 ACCEPTED

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETHNIC & MINORITY AFFAIRS Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

 

49.     Relative to the Affirmative Action Plan for the Worcester Public Schools. (Attachments)

 

50.     Relative to the inclusionary plan to increase the number of women and minorities in City employment. (Attachments)

 

51.     Relative to the administrations efforts to both streamline and strengthen the important work of the City’s board and commissions. (Attachments)

 

52.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication FY07 Economic Stimulus Bill and Supplemental Capital Budget:  recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

53 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

53.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Anne O'Connor, Clerk for the Planning Board request to amend the Zoning Ordinance by deleting XV and inserting a new XV - Flexible Parking Overlay District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance. (Attachments)

 

54 ACCEPTED

 

54.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Philip Massad request Worcester City Council abandon Grand St. from Illinois St. southeasterly to the railroad tracks: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

55 VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

55.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Attorney Mark L. Donahue on behalf of First Columbus Realty request that the City Council amend the City of Worcester Zoning Map by changing the property located southerly of Franklin St. westerly of Plastics St. and northerly of Grafton St. from the MG-2.0 Zoning district to Business General-3.0 (BG-3.0) and take all action relative thereto: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance. (Attachments)

 

56-80 ACCEPTED

 

56.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING  Upon the Petition of Gail Astrella and Witold Bulikowski request two (2) handicap parking spots installed in front of 7 Flower St. : recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

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

 

57.     Michael Fleming request to install residential sticker parking on the even side of Florence St. between Maywood St. & Beaver St. (Attachments)

 

58.     Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Thomas Gervais request 4-way stop signs at Bedford St. and Farrar Ave. (Attachments)

 

59.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Gina Alubavicius request 3-way stop sign at intersection of Brightwood Ave. & Indiana St. (Attachments)

 

60.     Joe Aromando et al request stop sign at intersection of Fairmont Ave. & Bedford Street. (Attachments)

 

61.     John Colby et al request Stop signage on Moreland Green Drive. (Attachments)

 

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

 

62.     Marco Santana request to install handicap parking sign across from 30 Arthur St. (Attachments)

 

63.     David Nelson request handicap parking on Front St. at Flagship Bank. (Attachments)

 

64.     Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Ann Marie Lawrence request installation of stop sign at corner of West Upsala Street & Fairfax Road. (Attachments)

 

65.     Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Frank Bartkus request Caution Children sign on Halmstad St. (Attachments)

 

66.     Councilor Juan A. Gomez on behalf of Flavia Velez request to have “Go Slow Children” sign on Northbridge Street. (Attachments)

 

67.     Councilor Joseph M. Petty request the installation of “Thickly Settled” & “Children Go Slow” signs in Victor Ave. to inform motorists traveling from Main Street to Stafford Street that the safety of children is paramount. (Attachments)

 

68.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Kathleen McNamara request Children Slow sign be installed between 15 & 17 Chesterfield Rd. (Attachments)

 

69.     Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of William Martin request Caution Children sign on Joseph St. (Attachments)

 

70.     Sharon Arnold et al request two “Children Go Slow” signs at both ends of Collins Street. (Attachments)

 

71.     Nora Missiewicz & Rose Rodrique et al request to save the traffic light at Main & Sylvan Sts. (Attachments)

 

72.     David Johnson et al request a pedestrian light to be installed at 40 Belmont St. at the I-290 West On Ramp. (Attachments)

 

73.     Susan Caissie & parishioners of St. Peter's Church request to reconsider turning off the traffic light at the corner of Downing Street. & Main Street. (Attachments)

 

74.     Councilor Barbara G. Haller request that a pedestrian crosswalk signal be installed in Main Street at Marble Street. (Attachments)

 

75.     Francisco Rodriguez request installation of a delayed traffic light signal at the intersection of Millbury St. and Providence St., whereby anyone turning left off Providence St. onto Millbury St. can do so safely. (Attachments)

 

76.     Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request to install a flashing light in Lake Ave. at the Marine Corps League as a deterrent to traffic accidents. (Attachments)

 

77.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray & Councilor Michael C. Perotto request traffic study of Franklin and Plantation Sts. (Attachments)

 

78.     Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of John Rano request a traffic study of the location of the currently installed traffic signalization at the McDonald's restaurant adjacent to the intersection of Shrewsbury St./Belmont St. (Attachments)

 

79.     Angela Smithson et al request to restore traffic signal operation at corner of Douglas St./Cambridge St. (Attachments)

 

80.     William Marengo, Jr. et al request traffic study at the intersection of Main St. & Mill St. (Attachments)

 

TabledNo Action Taken

 

81.     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)

 

82.     Order of Councilor Barbara G. Haller and Councilor Gary Rosen - Request City Manager take all steps to have the WRTA #11 bus rerouted to serve the Island part of Harding Street (south of Kelley Square) to take residents, especially the elderly, to and from the Route 20 Fair Shopping Plaza. Further request that this service be provided several times in the mornings and again in the afternoons, both outbound and inbound. This service was formerly provided by the old #4 Millbury City Line and eliminated on January 28th, 2006 creating a serious hardship and reduction in the quality of life for residents in the Green Island neighborhood. (Attachments) (Tabled August 29, 2006 – Haller)

 

83.     Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager to report on the cost savings, if any, of redesigning and relocating the new North High School to the new Technical High School campus. (Attachments) (Tabled September 26, 2006 – Lukes)

 

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

OCTOBER 16, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

 

COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

OCTOBER 18, 2006

    5:30 P.M.

 

REGIONAL AFFAIRS

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

OCTOBER 23, 2006

   7:00 P.M.

 

PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION

COUNCIL CHAMBER

OCTOBER 24, 2006

   5:30 P.M.

 

LAND USE

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

OCTOBER 26, 2006

   5:30 P.M.

 

TRAFFIC & PARKING

COUNCIL CHAMBER

OCTOBER 30,2006

   6:00 P.M.

 

YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

NOVEMBER 1, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

 

AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE MILL STREET BUSINESS CORRIDOR

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER

NOVEMBER 14, 2006

   6:00 P.M.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

COUNCIL CHAMBER