CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Monday, December 3, 2007

Council Chamber

Convened: 7:05 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:07 P.M.


Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

 

www.ci.worcester.ma.us

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Paul P. Clancy Jr.Barbara G. Haller
Dennis L. Irish Philip P. Palmieri
Michael C. Perotto Joseph M. Petty City Clerk
David J. Rushford
Gary Rosen Frederick C. Rushton
Joffrey A. Smith Kathleen M. Toomey
 
6:30 P.M. - Reception, Candidates Library Board of Directors, 3rd Floor City Hall 7:00 P.M. - Regular City Council Meeting

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

INVOCATION - Rabbi Jordan Millstein, Temple Emanuel

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / STAR SPANGLED BANNER - ALEXANDRA MILLS

3.

ROLL CALL - All present

4.

ELECTION OF TWO MEMBERS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Jyoti Datta and Tara Young were elected for six year terms

5.

ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

5a.

PROCLAMATION - Mayor Lukes read a proclamation proclaiming Monday, December 3rd as Universal Human Rights Day. Proclamation was presented by Councilor Perotto to Cheryl Pope, Chair of the Human Rights Commission, who spoke to this item.

 

6.

ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

7.

PETITIONS

7a.

Lee Audra Parent request that my name be placed on the current active Police Officers list.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

7b.

Christopher Podles request street repair of pot holes in Arctic St in the vicinity of the new Franklin St. Fire Department.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7c.

Susan Proulx, Principal of Belmont St. Elementary School, request repair of footbridge over Belmont St. to Belmont St. Elementary School

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7d.

Russell Oliver, Church Trustee Secretary for Greendale Peoples Church, request sidewalks be resurfaced/repaired in Francis St. from Church parking lot to the corner of Leeds St. and in Leeds St. from corner of Francis St. to Church driveway and handicapped parking areas.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7e.

Allen Chevalier request to remove handicap parking signs in front of 3 Plane St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

7f.

Eileen Balcewicz request to install handicap parking sign in front of 27 Perry Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

8.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

8.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Constable Appointments for the Calendar Year January through December 2008.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

8.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

8.3

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Airport Division
 

8.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Cable Services Division
 

8.5

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

8.6

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Human Resources Division
A.

Recommend City Council Adoption of an Amendment to the Salary Ordinance for Two Nuisance Ordinance Inspector Positions in the Department of Public Works and Parks.
Refer to CCM Item 8.12A
Refer to CCM Item 8.35B

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rosen, Toomey absent)

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication regarding the penalty imposed by the Federal Government on retirees converting to Medicare.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
C.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Recommend City Council's Adoption of an Amendment to the City's Salary Ordinance to Re-Grade the Position of Intake Worker under Health and Human Services.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.7

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Workforce Development
 

8.8

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Division
 

8.9

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Neighborhoods and Housing Development
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Proposed CDBG Allocation Process Timetable for Year 34 (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009).

Attachments

Referred to Community Development Committee

 
 

8.10

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning and Regulatory Services Division
 

8.11

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
 

8.12

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Proposed Three-Member Keep Worcester Clean / Nuisance Ordinance Enforcement Team.
Refer to CCM Item 8.6A

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the DPWP's Donation of Thanksgiving Day Dinners to Disadvantaged Families in the City.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
C.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Winter Parking Ban.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
D.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to an Update on the Current Status of the Backlog of Streets that have been Approved for Private Street Conversion.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

8.13

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Coes Pond and the Lakeside Neighborhood.

Attachments

Referred to Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee

 
B.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to Accept with Gratitude a Donation of $60,000. from Women Together through the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center toward the Construction of Winslow Park.

Attachments

Motion Haller - Request a member of Women Together address City Council. Mayor Lukes recognized Susan Lozoraitis who spoke to this item. Resolution adopted with gratitude

 
 

8.14

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
Communications Division
 

8.15

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
Fire Department
 

8.16

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
License Commission
 

8.17

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
Police Department
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to an Arrest on Maxwell Court.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a List of City Addresses where more than Five (5) Arrests have Taken Place within the Past Twelve (12) Months.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 
C.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Recommend City Council Review, Deliberation and Adoption of the Attached Resolution to File and Accept a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety 2007-2008 for Worcester Police Department Traffic Enforcement Mobilizations and related Traffic Enforcement Equipment.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration
 

8.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Code Enforcement Division
A.

Recommend City Council Adoption of the Attached Ordinance Amendment Relative to the Storage of Recreational Vehicles in the City.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Disability Division
 

8.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Elder Affairs Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Report on the Attendance and Overall Participation of Seniors at the Senior Center.

Attachments

Referred to Elder Affairs Committee

 
 

8.22

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Human Rights Division
A.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Recommend City Council Review, Deliberation and Adoption of the Attached Resolution Accepting a Grant in the amount of $35,218 from the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts that will be used to fund an Intake Worker at the New Joint MCAD/Human Rights Office in City Hall.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.23

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Human Services Division
A.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Severe Weather Preparedness Plan.

Attachments

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 
 

8.24

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Fallon and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance plans not participating in Community Immunity Day.

Attachments

Referred to Health Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Activities of the Worcester Regional Tobacco Collaborative, Including the Great American Smokeout, Compliance Checks, and the Annual Tobacco Calendar Contest.

Attachments

Referred to Health Committee

 
 

8.25

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Library
 

8.26

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Veterans' Services Division
 

8.27

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

8.28

LAW DEPARTMENT
Legal Division
A.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Transmitting Informational Communication Regarding an Amendment to the Rules of the City Council concerning the Establishment of City Council Standing Committees.

Attachments

Referred to Rules and Regulations Committee for December 5th Committee meeting

 
 

8.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City of Worcester's Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rates.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

8.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Transmitting Informational Communication Regarding an Update on the City's Five Year Plan and Quarterly Report.

Attachments

Referred to Finance Committee

 
 

8.31

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

8.32

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
A.

Recommend City Council Adoption of an Order Authorizing the Administration to enter into a Contract for a Term of Greater than Three Years for The Development and Implementation of a New State-of-the-Art City-Wide Telecommunications Network.

Attachments

Motion Petty - Request Mauro DePasquale address City Council. Mayor Lukes recognized Mauro Depasquale of WCCA TV 13 who spoke to this item. (See #11a CC) Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.33

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

8.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C764, Sewer Pumping, to allow for payment of current and anticipated obligations for the Sewer Pumping Station Capital Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C797, Sidewalks, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of Eleven Yeas and No Nays

 
C.

Recommend that Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Eight Dollars And Twenty Six Cents ($8,868.26) be transferred from Loan Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account #41C703, DPW Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of a communications system upgrade, as approved in the FY 2008 Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
D.

Recommend that Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Four Dollars And Sixty Cents ($14,524.60) be transferred from Loan Account #91C731, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of a laboratory glassware washer, as approved in the FY 2007 Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
E.

Recommend that One Hundred Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Forty One Dollars And No Cents ($113,241.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C731, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of a Mass Spectrometer for the Filtration Plant, as approved in the Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
F.

Recommend that Four Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($400,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C741, Street Resurfacing, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
G.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C761, Surface Drainage, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
H.

Recommend that Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($800,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C745, Franklin Street Slope, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations associated with this slope repair, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
I.

Recommend that One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($120,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C723, Water Building Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Water Account #45C704, Water Building Rehabilitation, to provide funding for the rehabilitation of the Water Enterprise building, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
J.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C742, Street Resurfacing (Ext. Pavement), to allow for the payment of current and future obligations, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
K.

Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C714, Water Pumping Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C726, Water Pumping Station Rehabilitation, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
L.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($150,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Reconstruction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C768, Private Street Conversion/Betterments, to provide funds for the payment of current obligations and future expenditures, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
M.

Recommend that Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred Sixteen Dollars And No Cents ($14,616.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account #44C704, Sewer Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of a vehicle, as approved in the Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
N.

Recommend that Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Dollars And No Cents ($219,430.00) be transferred from Account # 91C716, Union Station Building Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Account # 04C704, Union Station Building Rehabilitation, for expenses associated with the fitout and signage of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) tenant space at Union Station.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
O.

Recommend that Forty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($40,000.00) be transferred from Account # 91C763, South Worcester Industrial Park, and be appropriated to Account #04C714, South Worcester Industrial Park, for additional asbestos abatement work at City-owned sites within the South Worcester Industrial Park (SWIP) project.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
P.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C766, Blackstone Visitors Center, and be appropriated to Account #04C752, Blackstone Visitors Center, to pay invoices associated with the design of the Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
Q.

Recommend that Forty Seven Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($47,000.00) be transferred from Account # 91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account # 67C703, Assessing Capital Equipment, to allow for the conversion of Superbase Valuation Software to CAMA Software, as approved in the Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Improvement Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
R.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($7,500.00) be transferred from Account # 91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Account # 68C701, Technical Services Capital Equipment, to fund the purchase of three laptop computers to be used in the enforcement of the Nuisance and Graffiti Ordinance.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.35

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that One Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Four Hundred Four Dollars And Nine Cents ($167,404.09) be transferred from Account # 330-08, Reserve for Appropriation Premium on Loans, and be appropriated to Account #660-92000, Treasurer’s Office Ordinary Maintenance, to fund the costs associated with the issuance of the September 27, 2007 Bond Anticipation Notes and the November 1, 2007 General Obligation Bonds.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Seventy Three Thousand Forty Three Dollars And No Cents ($73,043.00) be transferred from Account # 010-91000, City Council Salaries, and be appropriated to various accounts to fund the KWC / Nuisance Enforcement Team.
Refer to CCM Item 8.6A

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.36

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend City Council approval to pay One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Two Dollars And No Cents ($1,882.00) from Account # 250-92000, Police Ordinary Maintenance, to pay a prior year invoice.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

8.37

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

8.38

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication regarding a Report from the City Manager's Task Force on Homelessness.

Attachments

Referred to Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

 
9.

COMMUNICATION

9a.

David J. Rushford, City Clerk, transmitting communication relative to the official results of the municipal election held on November 6, 2007 and the official results for the office of Mayor as determined by a hand recount of ballots conducted on November 26, 2007.

Attachments

Placed on file

 

10.

TABLED ITEMS

10a.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10b.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting communication relative to the schedules showing estimated savings that would accrue to the City if certain changes were made to employee and retiree health plans by adopting MGL Chapter 32B Section 18 and by decreasing the City's share of premiums from 80% to 75% for various groups not affected by Section 18: recommend Report and Communication be placed on file. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication regarding responses from the Administration to the orders from the City Council Standing Committee on Municipal Operations: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10e.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager be and is hereby requested to recommend to the City Council a plan to soften the burden of health care costs to the Medicaid eligible retirees of the City of Worcester and specifically request the City Manager consider increasing the city's contribution for eligible retirees from the present 75% contribution level to the 80% level so as to put them on par with the premiums paid by active employees. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10f.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager consider blending retiree costs for health insurance to a percent that equalizes percentage payments without increasing costs to the city. (Tabled - Rushton July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10g.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Adoption of Chapter 32B, Section 18, from The Segal Group, Inc. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10h.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Orders posed at the Municipal Operations meeting of June 27, 2007 along with the Administration response. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10i.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication containing the Administration's responses to questions posed regarding Section 18 at the July 17, 2007 City Council Meeting. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10j.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding additional responses from the Administration on Questions posed at July 17, 2007 City Council meeting regarding Chapter 32B, Section 18. (Tabled - July 26, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10k.

Communication of the City Manager recommending the Adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($300,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C778, Providence Street Tot Lot, for the purpose of funding the construction of the planned playground at Providence Street. (Tabled - Lukes July 17, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10l.

Grant permission to NATIONAL GRID for conduit system in KANSAS ST. (Tabled - September 18, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10m.

Communication of the City Manager recommending a change to the City's Parking Ordinance to accommodate the parking needs of the Regional Justice Center. (Tabled - Rushton September 18, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10n.

Order of Councilor Barbara G. Haller and Councilor Michael C. Perotto - Request City Manager halt all plans to launch “Operation Yellow Box” in Worcester until such time that the full City Council publicly votes to support the project. (Tabled - Haller September 18, 2007)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11.

SUSPENSION OF RULES - PART I

11a.

Motion Petty @ #8.32A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that would respond to questions as submitted from Mauro DePasquale on behalf of WCCA TV 13. (See attached)

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11b.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the development of a preferred caterers list for events being scheduled to take placed in the main hall at Union Station after January 1, 2008.

Attachments

Mayor Lukes recognized Troy Siebels, Executive Director of the Hanover Theatre of the Performing Arts who addressed City Council relative to this project. Order Adopted

 

11c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Creation of a Worcester Lights Program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby accepts the creation and installation of an expansive public arts program for Worcester and requests the City Manager appoint a working committee to consider a Worcester Lights Art Program.

Attachments

Accepted & Order Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council's adoption of Two Resolutions 1) for the Submittal of a Certified Project Application for WCPA, LLC and the Worcester Center For Performing Arts, Inc., and 2) for the Designation of a New Site Specific Economic Opportunity Area for the Site Location of 4 Southbridge Street: recommend adoption of the accompanying two resolutions

Attachments

Accepted & Two Resolutions Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council's adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee for WCPA, LLC for the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution

Attachments

Accepted & Resolution Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending Adoption of a Resolution to File a Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD) Plan with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): recommend adoption of the accompanying resolution

Attachments

Accepted & Resolution Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

11g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Economic Development Initiatives Monthly Status Report - November 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication providing an update of the Economic Development initiatives - October 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Economic Development Initiatives Monthly Status Report for August - September 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed Madison Properties / Worcester Crossing Project located at 25 Tobias Boland Way in Quinsigamond Village: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting a communication relative to Benchmarking Economic Development in Worcester: 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

11l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting communication relative to Benchmarking Economic Development in Worcester: 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts and other coordinated City activities - October 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts and other coordinated City activities - September 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Economic Development Division's Small Business Retention and Recruitment Report - July and August 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

11p.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Economic Development Division's small business retention and recruitment efforts and other coordinated city activities - June 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11q.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts and other coordinated City activities - May 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11r.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts - April 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11s.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division’s (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts and other coordinated City activities - March 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11t.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts - February 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11u.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts - January 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11v.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a new category, Small Business Recruitment and Retention, on the Monthly Economic Development Report: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11w.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the acquisition of the Major Taylor Boulevard Garage from the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) by the City: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11x.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an update on the Skybridge Project: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11y.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a Report on the Extension of the DCU Center Management Agreement: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

11z.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Union Station Rental Rate: recommend Communication be placed on file

Attachments

Accepted

 

12.

SUSPENSION OF RULES - PART II

12a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the status of tenants at Union Station, policies, audited financial statements and a summary of the operating budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on the New Tenants for Union Station: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta R. Schaefer, Ph.D., Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting communication relative to Destination Worcester: What’s the “Convention-al Wisdom?”: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding Destination Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Destination Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting communication relative to Downtown Worcester Office Occupancy: 2006 Survey: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta Schaefer, PhD., Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting informational communication relative to Downtown Worcester Office Occupancy: 2007 Survey: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update for the Blackstone Visitor Center: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Annual College Benchmarking Report for 2005-2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Former Mission Chapel Located at 205 Summer Street: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a new marketing package that is being used to market our City to interested businesses and investors: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the sale of the former Worcester Vocational High School property located at One Concord Street to Gateway Park LLC: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the South Worcester Industrial Park and the Disposition of the 49 Canterbury Street Site: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the status of funding for the Hadley Apartments and Beacon Place Condominium Project: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12o.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on the Dickstein Shapiro Agreement with the City of Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted

 

12p.

Motion Toomey @ #8.6B CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the possibility of using state funds to offset the actual costs of converting to Medicare for those retirees who fall under the poverty guidelines so that these retirees can continue in their current health insurance program.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12q.

Motion Haller @ #8.12A CM - Request City Manager forward a copy of City Manager's item #8.12A to all the neighborhood centers.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12r.

Motion Lukes @ #8.12A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report by March 15, 2008 concerning the progress of implementing the customer service center in tandem with the new Nuisance Ordinance Enforcement team.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12s.

Motion Haller @ #8.17A CM - Request City Manager forward a copy of City Manager's item #8.17A to Congressman McGovern's office.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12t.

Motion Lukes @ #8.28A CM - Request City Council's Standing Committee on Rules and Regulations when considering the City Manager's recommendations of a revised committee structure consider the following changes 1) include Regional Affairs with Municipal Operations and name the committee Municipal & Regional Affairs Committee 2) consider moving the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee from Municipal Operations Committee to the Committee on Public Health & Human Services and 3) consider the Committee on Public Service and Transportation have a specific reference to taxis. Further, request City Council's Standing Committee on Rules and Regulations consider requiring the Standing Committees to meet quarterly and give the Mayor the authority to review the mandated meeting schedule and the discretion to remove/change the chair.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12u.

Motion Clancy @ #8.30A CM - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hold it's meeting of the City Council's Standing Committee on Finance the second week in January, 2008.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

12v.

Motion Haller - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on annual drug overdoses for 2000 to present year to date. Further, request designate numbers by overdoses resulting in death.

Attachments

Order adopted