CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Council Chamber

Convened: 7:08 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:00 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an update of the Economic Development Initiatives- March 2007.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts.

Theresa Cosenza Trotto request the City of Worcester to acquire, improve, layout and decree a public way along and within the bounds of the existing 30 foot wide common driveway that serves certain residential properties along Plantation St. and Wigwam Hill Dr.

Jitesh Pratap and Priya Bhatnagar request the City of Worcester to acquire, improve, layout and decree a public way along and within the bounds of the existing 30 foot wide common driveway that serves certain residential properties along Plantation St. and Wigwam Hill Dr.

Ernesto Vasquez request the City Council consider implementing the law for jaywalking in the downtown area of Worcester that was passed in Boston.

Cornelius Turner request easement through Lot 53 in Sterling St. to provide access to Lot 54 for a driveway and utilities from Devonshire St.

Edward Maliqi request sidewalk repair at 5 Rosewood Dr.

Councilor Frederick C. Rushton on behalf of Patricia Pawlina request to install a stop sign in Asbury Rd. at the corner of South Flagg St.

National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. for joint pole location in: BURNCOAT ST.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS - Request City Manager work with the UniverCity Partnership, Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. and the Worcester City Council's Standing Committee on Education and College/University Relations for the purpose of providing a report to the City Council identifying job opportunities involving robotics in the City .

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS - Request City Manager request the Director of the Economic Development work with the Colleges of Worcester Consortium to add more information to attached fact chart concerning members of the consortium for Higher Education.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS - Request City Manager request the Director of Technical Services place the Robotics video presented by Dr. David Cyganski on the City's website.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request the Worcester Police Department License Board consider requiring the presence of a police detail at the Boston Gun Range.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the details of the plan to adjust the timing of traffic signals at those intersections where surveillance cameras are planned to be installed so that yellow light times are increased in an effort to reduce the possibility of error issuing citations for red light violations and also to report to the City Council concerning adjustments to the sequencing of traffic signals for better traffic flow on major arteries.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager to update the City Council concerning the viability of establishing a mounted police unit.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks to update the City Council on the status of the hydrant that is located in the vicinity of 1095 Millbury Street.

Request City Manager report to City Council the annual revenue and expense amounts for each department and information concerning the most recent review of fees and charges by department. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report itemizing the number of trash, (overflowing dumpster, illegal dumping, etc.) and unshoveled sidewalk citations issued and collection rates on same for the past twelve months or fiscal year to-date, whichever is more convenient. (Irish)

Motion Haller to amend: Further, request City Manager also itemize the number of yellow trash bag citations for same period.

Request City Manager request City Solicitor to draft an Ordinance that allows the City Council to suspend it’s most recent pay raise and return to the previous level until the end of Fiscal Year 2008. (Rushton, Irish, Petty, Clancy, Toomey, Palmieri, Perotto, Smith)

Request City Manager recommend to City Council the suspension of funding for one of the major projects that involves a commitment from the City of Worcester, as a part of the effort to address the Fiscal Year 2008 municipal budget. (Toomey)

Request that the City Manager, in formulating the Fiscal Year 2008 budget, that the current complement of police officers assigned to Neighborhood Watch meetings be maintained. (Smith)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of all fees and charges in the City and whether each one is sufficient to pay for the cost of that particular service. (Rosen)

Request City Manager to immediately revise the mailers for all City of Worcester billings so that wording is added to the front of each piece that advertises and encourages the use of the City of Worcester’s web site. (Smith)

Request City Manager explore the possibility of advertising on the City of Worcester’s trash bags as a way of generating revenues. (Smith)

Request City Manager explore the possibility of advertising on the City of Worcester’s web site as a way of generating revenues. (Smith)

Request City Manager report to City Council whether or not using the City’s own web site for statutorily required classified advertising would meet the legal requirements for advertising ordinance changes and public meetings and hearings that have traditionally been paid for by purchasing column advertisements in newspapers of general circulation. (Smith) Motion-Smith to amend: Further, request the City Manager provide a report to the City Council which details the cost of classified advertising throughout all the City's Departments.

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to draft an ordinance which permanently reduces the salary of the City Council to that amount which was in effect on January 9, 2007 and which ordinance eliminates any cost of living increase. (Lukes)

Request City Manager conduct Town Meeting-like hearings in all four quadrants of the City within the next 30 days inviting all Neighborhood Watches to the meeting in their respective quadrant. Said hearing should be the vehicle to inform the public how the $21 million deficit came about, where the increased costs are occurring, where the increased or decreased potential revenues are anticipated, and, to solicit comment on proposed solutions and to establish priorities. Further request the City Manager provide each Neighborhood Watch with a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that was unveiled in City Council on March 6, 2007. (Rushton, Toomey, Smith, Rosen, Palmieri, Petty, Clancy, Irish) Motion Petty to amend: Further, request City Manager invite the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Commissioner of DPW and Parks in addition to any other Department Heads he may deem essential to the "Town " hearings. Motion Irish to amend: Further, request City Manager conduct the "Town" hearings in each of the five districts as opposed to the four quadrants.

Request City Manager coordinate the development of a public/private partnership to benefit youth athletic programs within the City of Worcester either by establishing or reviving the model SportsAlive organization. (Rushton)

Request City Manager provide City Council with data delineating the total number of 911 calls that are responded to at each not-for-profit entity across the City for the last calendar year. Further, request the City Manager request the Chiefs of Fire and Police to provide the City Council with the average response cost to the City per 911 call. (Toomey)

DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: CHINO AVENUE

DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: MONADNOCK ROAD

DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: SEATTLE STREET

David J. Rushford, City Clerk, transmitting communication relative to a change in fees for issuance of certified copies of birth, marriage and death records at the City Clerk's Office.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE - That the City Council's Standing Committee on Land Use endorses Worcester Climate Action Plan.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council's review of the attached Wind Energy Conversion Facilities Amendment to the City's Zoning Ordinance: recommend the Communication be referred to Planning Board.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of Elizabeth Early, Executive Secretary for the Worcester Retirement Board, transmitting communication requesting acceptance of the Accidental Death Benefit to Surviving Children, Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2006: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council accept the Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2006.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of an amendment to the Shooting Gallery Ordinance: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to the Worcester Police Departments efforts to research the viability of a mounted police unit: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE Upon the Petition of Gold Star Associates, LLC and Paul M. Novak request to extend 8'' water main and 8'' sanitary sewer on Roland Rd. to service #12 and #16 Roland Rd. according to prior agreement: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Robert Gallo, President of Fox Hill Builders, request extension of 8" sanitary lines, 15" surface lines and water lines from Sarah Dr. to Lilac Lane, Holly Terrace, Honeysuckle Rd. and Pearlbush Path for Phase III of the Arboretum Subdivision: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mark Chase request to remove handicap parking space in front of 2 Rena St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ramona LeBeau request handicap parking space in front of 3 Flower St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Courtney Edson et al request residential parking on Shirley St., from Park Ave. to Florence St.: recommend Petition be amended and passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance for resident permit parking in Shirley St. from Florence St. to Birch St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of the Nuzzetti Family and the Sasso Family request residential parking on Normal St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Duffy, President/CEO of Worcester Credit Union request 15-minute parking meters on Main St. in the vicinity of the branch located at 315 Main St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elsie Labiosa, owner Equal Housing Mortgage Corp., 1018 Main St. request a parking sign in front of 1018 Main St. for one hour parking between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Janice Weekes on behalf of Christ Tabernacle Apostolic Church request to rescind existing handicap parking space in front of 1189 Main St. and install in its place two handicap parking spaces west of existing passenger zone for safety reasons and better visibility at the existing pedestrian crosswalk: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to create two handicap spaces.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Edith L. Morgan et al request to restore permission to park on the even-numbered side of Gilman St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to rescind "No Parking Anytime" on the north side of Gilman St. from Lincoln St. to Paine St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Debra Mattress request No Parking Anytime on the side of 49 Pleasant Valley Dr. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to provide for two hour parking.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of the Elm Park-Lincoln Estate Neighborhood Association request to remove the "No Parking Anytime" restriction on north side of William St. between Fruit St. and West St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Neil Smith, President of Goldstein Scrap Metal Company, request to make two-way the portion of Lamartine St. between Hermon St. and Quinsigamond Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Prohibit Parking on the east side of Houghton St. from Acton St. to a pt. 50' north of Acton St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Prohibit Parking on the west side of Houghton St. from Acton St. to a pt. 50' north of Acton St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for stop sign on Plymouth St. at Washington St. facing westbound traffic on Plymouth St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Green Hill Parkway at Paine St. facing eastbound and westbound traffic on Green Hill Parkway.

Amend Sectoin 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Southgate St. at Grand St. facing northeastbound and southwestbound traffic on Southgate St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Kendall St. at Oak Ave. facing all approaches to the intersection.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Mildred Ave. at Bauer St. West facing northbound traffic on Mildred Ave.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Edward St. at Laurel St. facing southbound traffic on Edward St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Home St. at Wachusett St. facing eastbound traffic on Home St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Hollis St. at Kilby St. facing eastbound traffic on Hollis St.

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 providing for Stop Sign on Channing St. at Kendall St. facing southbound traffic on Channing St.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to extend Resident Permit Parking on both sides of Elizabeth St. from Belmont St. to Farwell St. extension.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Resident Permit Parking in front of and opposite 12 and 14 Normal St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Handicap Parking on Elton St. adjacent to 11 Boston Ave.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Handicap Parking in front of 173 Ludlow St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for One Hour Parking 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the north side of Pleasant St. from Intervale Rd. to a pt. 27' east of Richmond Ave. Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for an expansion of the 15 Minute Parking Zone in front of 804 to 806 Pleasant St.

Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a grant through the MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund Asbestos and Lead Paint Abatement Program. (Tabled - Lukes March 6, 2007)

Order of Mayor Timothy P. Murray - That the ordinance relative to the Police Department License Board as it relates to taxi regulations be rescinded. (Tabled - Murray April 25, 2006)

Order of Councilor Barbara G. Haller and Councilor Gary Rosen - Request the 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. (Tabled - Haller August 29, 2006)

Chairman's Order from the Committee on Military Affairs - Request City Manager consider communicating to City Council a recommendation for funding section 2 of Chapter 157 of M.G.L. in the amount of $1.1 million. (Tabled - Clancy March 6, 2007)

Motion-Clancy @ #5a CC - Request City Manager secure funding from the Commonwealth to initiate the design process of the Canal Project.

Motion-Haller @ #8g CC - Request City Council not meet next Tuesday, March 20, 2007 due to the State Primary Elections.

Motion-Smith @ #10i CC - Request City Manager provide the City Council with a report which divulges the amount of traffic, by department, on the City's website

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager to request Fire Chief to provide City Council with a report itemizing the 911 calls responded to from July 1, 2006 through March, 2007 showing the nature of each call and the response time for each call. Further, request that this data be provided to City Council on a quarterly basis.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request the Fire Chief to provide the City Council with a report itemizing the 911 calls responded to from July 1, 2006 through March, 2007 from the Park Avenue and Brown Square fire stations, broken down by engine companies and ladder companies.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request the Fire Chief provide City Council with Worcester Fire Department projected staffing data through January 1, 2008, including a new class, retirements and the use of overtime.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with 911 responders ranked by most calls to fewest calls for Worcester Fire, Worcester Police and Emergency Medical Services.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request the Fire Chief to report to City Council specifically concerning any suspicion that the incidence of arson has incremented between July 1, 2006 and the present date in conjunction with the increase in the number of foreclosed residential properties.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief to report to City Council concerning the equipment mechanic's position within the Worcester Fire Department and the status of the condition of the department's fleet of vehicles.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a statement concerning the next class for the Worcester Fire Department.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a plan to locate fire stations to serve the North Lake Avenue and outer Salisbury Street neighborhoods where response times are less than desirable.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief to provide City Council with his best estimates of the amount of time his personnel spend at various types of 911 calls.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning the 2 captain and 2 lieutenant positions that are currently vacant within the Worcester Fire Department.

Motion-Petty - Suspension of Rules -Request City Manager provide the City Council with a report regarding the timelines for a Fire Class in conjunction with the budget.

PETITION - Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of the Greendale Neighborhood Association request a NO TURN ON RED sign at the traffic light on Melrose St. and Burncoat St.

PETITION - Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of the Greendale Neighborhood Association request a SCHOOL CROSSING sign between Melrose St. and Frothingham Rd.

RESOLUTION - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the First Lady and wish her a speedy recovery and thank the Governor and First Lady for coming forward to share that information which will help others in our Commonwealth. (Rushton)

Motion-Haller - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide the City Council with a report pertaining to the current tax levy dollars used for salaries and wages for the City, which do not include benefits, and what the effects of a 2% reduction would be in terms of reduced expenses.

PETITION - Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes and Councilor Barbara G. Haller request emergency repair of damaged portion of sidewalk bordering the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the Worcester Public Library.