CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Council Chamber

Convened: 7:12 P.M.

Recessed to Finance Committee: 7:16 P.M.
Reconvened to regular session: 8:12 P.M.
Adjourned: 8:55 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to recommended FY2009 Water and Sewer Rates: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances for a water rate of $2.84 per ccf and a sewer rate of $4.27 per ccf.

The boy's and girl's choirs of Worcester's All Saints Episcopal Church offered the National Anthem; in recognition of their August, 2008 trip to Worcester, England to participate in a choir event.

Vincent Asbridge request the two tree stumps on the Metcalf St. side of 8 Massachusetts Ave. be removed.

Kris & Wayne Burgess request private street conversion for Glendale St.

Yasmine Acevedo request abatement of street betterment assessment #24706 in the amount of $10,210.00 on Seattle St.

Cheryl Esper request sidewalk repair in the north side of Pearl St. immediately after the Pearl/Elm Garage.

Councilor Frederick C. Rushton and Councilor Michael J. Germain on behalf of Christopher Tower request Southbridge Street, from the Auburn line northerly, to Boyden St., be repaved.

Lynne Frye request sidewalk repair in front of 25 Clearview Ave.

Lola Riordan et al request private street maintenance in Rebboli Rd.

Pamela Parsons request street resurfacing in St. Nicholas Ave. from Country Club Blvd. to Halcyon Dr.

Albert Belmonte request Viele Ave. be renamed after Attorney Samuel R. DeSimone.

Leah Goldstein request a road sign be placed somewhere near the end of Barry Rd. Extension Rd. to alert drivers and traffic to 95-100 West Chester St.

Alexis Goddard request to remove handicap parking space in front of 27 Shamrock St.

Richard Powers request to install handicap parking space in front of 61 Seymour St.

Richard Powers request to remove the handicap parking space in front of 597 Millbury St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the short term and long term solutions to crosswalk and pedestrian safety problems in Webster Square and city-wide.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager report to City Council as to how residents may appropriately report their concerns relative to crosswalk and pedestrian problems and follow-up, either through neighborhood watch groups and/or the Customer Service Number, 508 929-1300.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager report to City Council addressing the concerns about crosswalk and pedestrian safety that the city may address, specifically in the Webster Square area: the cut-thru of cars from the rear parking lot of 1050 and 1060 Main St., no pedestrian light from the Mobil Gas Station to the Subway, extended time of crosswalk lights, the height of the lip on the island at Webster Square, pedestrian button heights, yellow lines vs. white lines for easier visibility, turn left on red lights vs. pedestrian crosswalk safety, pedestrian advance light and a delay on the green lights, winter shoveling of snow, and enforcement against cars speeding through crosswalks.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager issue public service announcements regarding crosswalk and pedestrian safety, including, but not limited to, radio, television and newspaper ads.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the enforcement needed to avoid a blockage of the driveways at the Webster Square Housing Authority buildings and who is to be responsible to ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the process for disposal of the properties through the Worcester Redevelopment Authority resulting from the altered layout of Washington Square.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager report to City Council the number of elderly property owners who receive real estate property tax abatements and those who receive the lifeline abatement on the water and sewer billing.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report that outlines a hydrant flushing program.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Council accept the City Council Standing Committee on Public Works' goals as the following: 1) request the City Manager report to the City Council with a funding mechanism to fund street and sidewalk repair and private street conversion, 2) request the City Manager establish a mechanism to sweep streets more regularly, and 3) request the City Manager do all within his power to oppose any state and/or federal unfunded mandates that impact our water and sewer rates.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request the City Council's Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs work with Grace Ross to create a vehicle for Worcester residents to learn how to best become advocates for legislative changes.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request the City Clerk consider implementing periodic electronic updates to the web version of the Manual for the City Council.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request the City Council of the City of Worcester to delete Rule 39 (k) of the Rules of City Council and insert the following: Communications of City Manager on those weeks designated to be a City Manager agenda or a Joint Calendar and for those weeks designated to be a City Council agenda the order of business shall be Communications of the City Auditor followed by Communications of the City Clerk.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request the City Council of the City of Worcester to adopt the attached Rules of the City Council 2008-2009 as amended.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - Request the City Council of the City of Worcester to cause the printing of 200 Manuals for City Council 2008-2009.

Request City Manager report to the City Council concerning the feasibility of implementing an extended-day four day work week for appropriate departments, agencies and/or individuals to minimize municipal building and vehicle energy costs. (Toomey)

Request City Manager, Superintendent of Schools and the City Solicitor consider briefing the City Council in an Executive Session discussion regarding the proposed lawsuit being brought by municipalities against the Commonwealth concerning the net cuts in state funding for public schools resulting in the state not living up to its constitutional responsibility to fund public education. (Toomey)

Request City Manager review past and present traffic control measures in force and effect in Mill St. and consider recommending to the City Council on how the high incidence of speeding can be better controlled and reduced in that area. Such recommendations should address whether or not the present yellow speed limit signs (which appear to be advisory in nature) should be replaced by more appropriate white speed limit enforcement signs. (Rosen, Eddy)

Request City Manager install an emergency vehicle preemption system on the traffic signals at the Tatnuck Square intersection of Pleasant, Chandler and Mower Streets. (Rosen, Eddy)

Request the City Council consider funding for the Public Library operating on Mondays if additional monies become available in the fiscal year 2009 budget.(Clancy, Palmieri)

Request City Auditor report to City Council concerning the requirements of both the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement Board and the Massachusetts Public Employee Retirement Administration on all Massachusetts public employee retirees who resume employment as consultants or independent contractors - even if hired or placed by a third party - on the subject of earning limitations, and further, request that he also provide the City Council with the procedures that are currently in place as to determining when such retirees exceed allowable limitations. (Clancy)

James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting a list of Massachusetts cities and town that have accepted the provisions of MGL c. 32B s. 18 and the percentage of the Medicare Part B premium paid by the communities.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting communication requesting City Council Adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Five Million ($5,000,000.00) for Sewer Improvements in the Newtown Square Area.

Michael V. O'Brien, transmitting communication requesting City Council Adoption of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, 2008 Edition.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in favor of Senate Bill 2665, an Act to improve public safety and response times and to improve and enhance the 911 system by increasing statewide revenues of which 92% is returned to cities and towns. (Petty, Haller)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of Robert L. Moylan, Jr., Commissioner of Public Works requesting to alter the public street layout of the Washington Square rotary: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr. request City construct sidewalks on Providence St. between Spurr and Ames Sts.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of David Forsberg, Partner of Gateway Park LLC, request to change the street name of Gateway Park St. to Washburn Way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to converting private streets to public streets in various subdivisions in the City - Foxmeadow Dr., Quaker Rd., Oak Leaf Cir., Lambert Cir., Eleanor Dr., Trenton St., DiGregorio Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying seven (7) Orders.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Joseph Minkos et al request to make public Arrowsic St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of James Venincasa request to accept as a public developer's portion of Winifred Ave: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Robert Dupre of W.B. Realty LLC request the acceptance of Marissa Circle as a public way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Chairman's Order from the Committee on Traffic & Parking request that private portion of Revere St. be made public: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request the sidewalk in the south side of Melrose St. from Frothingham Rd to Lincoln St. be resurfaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara Haller request Goulding St. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of John Andrukonis request to install a catch basin or other means of controlling water runoff from property owned by Worcester School Department and Assumption College in the rear of 15 Hapgood Rd: recommend Petition be referred to the Worcester School Committee and adoption of the accompanying Order requesting the Worcester School Committee investigate the impact of run-off from Nelson Place School onto property at 15 Hapgood Rd.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Petition of Dr. Dawn Clark request the appropriate Standing Committee of the City Council consider amending the Rules of the City Council as follows: a) That Rule 10 be amended so that members, when speaking, only be required to stand if they are able to do so, and b) That Rule 10 be amended to include explicit language that the public be accorded the same respect when making their comments as is currently required of members when addressing their counterparts: recommend adoption of the accompanying two Orders.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request City Council of the City of Worcester change the name of the City Council's Standing Committee on Education to the City Council's Standing Committee on Education, Arts and Culture. Further, request under the Committees related Boards & Commissions to include Worcester County Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, Worcester Cultural Commission, Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Worcester Sports Council and further request under the Committees related City Departments and Divisions to include the Youth Opportunities Office: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Joseph M. Petty - Request that the Rules of the City Council be amended as follows: 1.) To disallow the dual referral of any item to Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, Boards, Commissions, the City Manager, any member of the Administration or any other entity, except to that entity identified in the Rules of the City Council. 2.) To disallow the referral for informational purposes of any item to Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, Boards, Commissions, the City Manager, any member of the Administration or any other entity, except to that entity identified in the Rules of the City Council: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor William J. Eddy and Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Council's Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs, in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office, develop a process and schedule of quarterly meetings with the members of the state delegation and Congressman James P. McGovern: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - Request the Chairperson of the Legislative Affairs Committee to invite our local state delegation to come before this sub committee to discuss the pending legislation relative to pension rights and to state their positions: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order Councilor Joffrey Smith - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor prepare an amendment to the Revised Ordinances that would allow for the electronic filing of campaign finance reports by District City Council and School Committee candidates: recommend Order be referred to the City Solicitor.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Handicap Parking in front of 35 Beaver St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind Handicap Parking in front of 9 Stockholm St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind Handicap Parking in front of 1 Plantation St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind Handicap Parking in front of 5 Uxbridge St.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit Parking 10' either side of the upper most driveway at 18-20 Lewis St. from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Amend Section 47 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit Parking school days 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on South St. adjacent to Union Hill School.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind No Parking Anytime on the west side of Southbridge St. from 90' south of Tracy Place to the City Line.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide Resident Permit Parking along the entire frontage of 67 Uxbridge St.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for Resident Permit Parking on the odd numbered side of Sterling St. between Alpine St. to Hillside St.

Amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to rescind Resident Permit Parking on both sides of Dustin St. from the southerly properly line of #31 Dustin St. to Wigwam Ave.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to replace 30 minute Parking Meters in the vicinity of 43 Pleasant St. with two hour meters.

Amend Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to increase the time limit on the Parking Meters from one hour 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to two hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from 312 to 316 Grafton St.

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)

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)

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

Order of Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report to City Council whether a claims process exists which is available to commercial users who experience electric power outages and surges caused by National Grid. (Tabled - Lukes February 26, 2008)

Order of Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report on the number and location of National Grid equipment stations located on public property, whether the City receives any revenue from the use of public land, and if not, whether the city can charge for said use. (Tabled - Lukes February 26, 2008)

Order of Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report to City Council regarding National Grid services in the city based on data filed with the Department of Telecommunications and Energy specifically addressing the number of outages, the locations of the outages, causes of the outages and the fines, if any, paid by National Grid in 2007. (Tabled - Lukes February 26, 2008)

Petition of NATIONAL GRID for cable and conduit system in: PLANTATION ST., CLARENDON ST. & ALMONT AVE. (Tabled - Palmieri March 18, 2008)

Proposed Ordinance amending the Montvale Historic District by the adoption of a new map enlarging the District. (Tabled Under Privilege - Palmieri March 25, 2008)

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting communication relative to budget questions posed during the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget deliberations.

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manger, transmitting adjustment to the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend City Council's Approval of the Attached Fiscal Year 2009 Budget: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager submitting an amendment of the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting adjustment to the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the City's Five Year Capital Improvement Program and recommend City Council's review, consideration and approval to advertise the associated Loan Orders, City Council Agenda Numbers 8.31A through 8.31NN: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the adoption and implementation of Chapter 32B, Section 18: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a Legal Opinion as to the City Council's Legal Jurisdiction and Powers regarding the City budget for FY 2008 which has been previously voted by City Council: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding a Financial Update of the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding an update on the City's Five Year Plan and Quarterly Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Five Point January 2008 Financial Plan Update: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Commonwealth's Proposed Fiscal Year 09 Spending Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Mid-Year Review of Fiscal Year 2008 Health Insurance Reforms enacted for the City and School Department: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Historic Trends in State and Federal Funding: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Analysis of Outsourcing Certain City Trade Labor Services: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a cost comparison of the expenditures of the Election Commission prior to and since its merger with the City Clerk's Department: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Unexpended Balances in City Accounts as of May 1, 2008: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to budget questions posed during the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget deliberations: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to the November 2007 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to a financial analysis of the City's General Fund and Enterprise Funds: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to the December 2007 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to January 2008 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to the February 2008 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to a financial analysis of the City's General Fund and Enterprise Funds: recommend Communication be placed on file. # 5a CC March 25, 2008

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to the March 2008 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to a Comparison of Salaries between City and School Administrative Positions: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City Auditor Transmitting communication relative to April 2008 Auditor's Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Order of Councilors Rushton, Toomey, Germain, Rosen, Smith and Eddy - Request the City Manager include the $250,000 realized as a result of new negotiations with MassPort in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget of the Worcester Public Schools for the purpose of reducing class size or increasing funding for instructional materials or for implementing new technologies: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Requesting City Council adopt the attached amendment to the CitySquare General Development Agreement: recommend acceptance of the City Manager's request for a public hearing and recommend the Communication be placed on file.

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manger, transmitting communication recommending City Council adopt the proposed amendment to the CitySquare District Improvement Financing (DIF) Plan and an amendment to the Permit Fee Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting communication relative to a proposed amendment to the CitySquare District Improvement Financing (DIF) Plan and an amendment to the CitySquare Permit Fee Ordinance: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order and passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - That the City Council accept the City Council's Standing Committee on Economic Development goals as the following: 1) the establishment of parking overlay zones in the Canal District, lower Chandler St., lower Grafton St., lower Lincoln St., and Quinsigamond Village, 2) the expansion of commuter rail in cooperation with the State Administration, and 3) the commencement of City Square, Phase IA.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending City Council's adoption of an Ordinance amendment relative to Junk Dealers and Dealers in Second-Hand Articles: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager report to City Council any sanctions that will be imposed by the federal government if the City of Worcester does not impose Family Medical Leave Act designation concurrent with employees using regularly accrued sick time.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with the date that the City of Worcester's interpretation of the implementation provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act as it applies to running concurrently with regularly accrued sick time and/or injured-on-duty time, and further request that he provide the City Council with copies of the notices that were provided to both represented and non-represented city employees at the time said interpretation was changed.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager document to City Council how many requests for medical leave have been requested since 2004 and how many of those requests have been allowed by his Administration.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager report to City Council as to the twelve Massachusetts communities that have accepted MGL Chapter 32B, Section 19, revealing each community's health care costs and the number of municipal employees/retirees, and, additionally report whether or not any of these communities have health plans comparative to Worcester's, and finally, what their health care costs are per employee.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a legal opinion whether or not there needs to be a majority vote of the City Council as well as agreement by the City Manager to implement MGL Chapter 32B, Section 19.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager report to City Council what, if any, coalition bargaining effort he will be giving to the retired employees of the City of Worcester concerning the issue of health insurance.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager return any deductions made in error by outside agencies or entities to City of Worcester retirees' pay checks during July, 2008.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager recommend to City Council a regrading of the salary of the position of Assistant City Clerk as follows: that both Assistant City Clerks be granted pay parity, and further, that the City Manager recommend that the position be classified at Pay Grade 47EM, mid-level, and funded beginning July 1, 2008 at $72,461.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - Request City Manager amend the salary schedules so that M and EM groups are classified as represented and non-represented groups.

Motion Rushton - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request Traffic Engineering provide City Council with a report assessing safety issues for crossing school children between the hours of 7-9am and 2-4pm at Our Lady of Angels School, 1222 Main Street and at Gates Lane School.

PETITION - Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request private street conversion of Cascade Rd.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Clancy - Suspension of Rules - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby request the Superintendent of Public Schools and the Worcester School Committee restore all crossing guards that have been cut from the Worcester Public Schools FY2009 Budget.