CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:17 P.M.

Recessed to Executive Session: 9:23 P.M.
Reconveded to Open Session to Adjourn: 10:58 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Mayor Lukes moved to suspend the rules to recognize several staff from WTAG who provided tremendous public service to the communities of Worcester County during the December, 2008 ice storm. The entire City Council as well as the City Manager expressed their thanks and gratitude for their service during this event.

Mayor Lukes moved to suspend the rules to recognize Jim Cavanaugh, from CC Lowell and Co-Chair of Worcester Local First, who spoke concerning the upcoming event on March 16th which was proclaimed 10% Shift Day in the city at the City Council meeting on March 3rd.

Donna Carpenter request a catch basin be installed in front of 179 Hamilton St.

Robin DiEllo, General Manager of St. Cyr Salon and Spa, request Hudson St. be resurfaced.

Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Jason Jaillet request two catch basins be installed in the vicinity of 20 Jolma Rd in order to handle street flooding.

Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Mia McDonald request "No Dumping" signs at the terminus of Falmouth St. near Snyder Court.

Seth Derderian of the Canal District Business Association Steering Committee request sidewalk repairs as needed on Green St. (See attached list)

Seth Derderian of the Canal District Business Association Steering Committee request sidewalk repairs as needed on Water St. (See attached list)

Sharon Orengo Watkins request a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Gardner and Hollis Sts.

Ruth Adusei request a "Blind Child" sign at 275 Mower St.

John Swiatlowski request handicap parking in front of 11 Blanche St.

Dr. Dawn Clark request City Council request the City Clerk work with the Commission on Disabilities to survey public and private places of assembly across the city so that a list may be established of accessible facilities wherein public meetings may be held with access for all.

William Coleman request to speak to City Council and present a supplemental funding plan for city services for 2009-2010 by establishing a "City of Worcester Crisis Budget Fund".

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager report to the City Council within 60 days concerning how the city may facilitate a plan with Charter Communications, Verizon and National Grid Company to try to identify representatives from each of the utilities in preparation for better coordination during the next major weather-related emergency.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager obtain a report from National Grid how they might communicate in the future with Charter Communications and Verizon during future weather-related emergencies.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request National Grid inform the City Council how they approach the ongoing job of systematically trimming trees in the public ways as well as on privately owned properties.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager request National Grid provide the City Council with a list of their plans for future improvements to meet the challenges of future weather-related emergencies.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Police Chief enforce 20 foot corner clearances in the intersection of Millbury and Seymour Streets.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Police Chief install speeding surveillance in Millbury Street near Seymour Street especially during the after school hours.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Police Chief enforce 20 foot corner clearances at the intersection of Congress and Newbury Streets.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide the City Council with recommendations to improve overall pedestrian and motorist safety in the vicinity of Newbury and Congress Streets.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to study the roadway in the vicinity of 317 West Boylston Street with a view to accommodating a turning lane, and further, request the Administration provide a plan on how to reopen the median strip across from 317 West Boylston Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - That the City Council Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking hereby petitions to install a "No Parking" zone in Newbury Street across from Congress Street.

Request City Manager report back to City Council detailing the amount of taxpayer money used for outside counsel and cost benefit analysis of such. (Germain)

Request City Manager consider the elimination of outside counsel use and perhaps enhance the role of the in-house Solicitors Office. (Germain)

Request City Manager consider a program for all employees that fairly compensates them for removing themselves from the city sponsored health insurance plans by enrolling on a spouse's employer-sponsored plan. (Germain)

Request City Manager request the new Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Community Development and Small Business, State Senator Michael Moore, to conduct a meeting in the city of Worcester to discuss issues pertaining to small businesses and community development corporations and possible solutions to challenges facing future development. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks update the City Council as to the timeline for re-paving the area of Mower St. between house #'s 220-440. (Toomey)

Request City Manager report to City Council what services City departments provide for the School Department. (Lukes)

Request City Manager provide a report concerning what departmental credits were taken in the last annual budget for services by the City to the School Department. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the condition and the feasibility of reuse of the swimming pool in the former Lincoln Square Boy's Club, building A of the former Worcester Vocational Technical High School campus. (Rosen, Germain)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning Worcester's past and expected efforts in the future to eradicate the city's Canadian Geese population. (Rosen)

Request City Manager update City Council regarding the following related issues: (1) related costs, use/success of the city's four Yellow Boxes for the collection of sharps, needles and lancets (2) progress by the Legislature to ban these instruments from municipal waste streams (3) progress made by the city's Department of Public Health and related state agencies to gain the support of retail pharmacies in our collection efforts of these instruments. (Rosen)

Request City Manager consider the city sharing in the estimated $3,000-$6,000 annual cost of the treatment to control vegetation on Little Indian Lake with the residential abutters and the Indian Lake Watershed Association, as the city owns land on the eastern half of the lake. (Smith)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an estimate of the cost to rehabilitate the indoor swimming pool at South High Community School. (Petty)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the use of MassPort funds during the past twelve months for the marketing of flights to and from Worcester Regional Airport. (Petty)

Request City Manager explore the possibility of bringing Zip bikes to Worcester. (Rushton, Germain)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the status of tree removal and limb collection operations in non Asian Longhorned Beetle areas of the City, and further request that he also provide an assessment of when such activities might occur. (Clancy)

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to whether or not properties negatively affected by the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the subsequent tree removal program may qualify for an abatement of property taxes for the current year. (Rushton, Petty, Palmieri, Smith, Rosen, Germain)

Request City Manager and USDA provide City Council with a specific protocol detailing how they will supervise and monitor those contractors who will be involved in the removal of host trees in the ALB infected area. (Petty)

Request City Manager request the USDA to report to City Council what they learned from the prior ALB Eradication efforts specifically with reference to the host trees. (Petty)

Request City Manager ask the USDA to submit a report concerning the DBH categories regarding the 17,000 trees cut for the Asian Longhorn Beetle Program. (Lukes)

Request City Manager request from the USDA what their philosophy/strategy is regarding controlling the Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation in Worcester. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning progress in establishing an on-line database with the assistance of the USDA, the DCR and the city administration through the city website to allow residents affected by the ALB infestation to learn whether or not they are listed as giving permission to cut down host trees on their property, data on the number and type of host and infected trees already cut, where and when cutting will take place, and any other relevant information. (Smith)

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: ARCTIC STREET

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: COLONIAL ROAD

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: POLITO DRIVE

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: SAYBROOK ROAD

#9.30A CM June 17, 2008 Communication of the City Manager transmitting Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Fiscal Year 2009.

#14a CC November 25, 2008
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the October 2008 Auditor's Report.

#8.42B CM December 16, 2008
Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Fiscal Year 2009 Commonwealth Capital Program Submission.

#7a CC December 23, 2008
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting November 2008 Auditor's Report.

#11b CC January 13, 2009
Communciation of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the City's Response to a request for Infrastructure Projects.

#7c CC December 23, 2008
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

#14b CC January 13, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication regarding the City Budget.

#7a CC January 27, 2009
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting December 2008 Auditor's Report.

# 14a CC January 27, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a mid-year Local Aid reduction. to cities and towns for FY 2009.

#8.34A CM February 3, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's Budget.

#21b CC February 10, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a continued analysis and assessment of all facets of the City's current FY09 Budget and the accelerated development of City's FY2010 Budget.

#9a CC February 24, 2009
Communication of the City Audior transmitting the Auditor's Report for January 2009.

#8.42D CM February 24, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting Status Report on Projected Budget Deficits.

#7.34A CM - March 3, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Positions Held Vacant.

#7.34B CM March 3, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting Communication Relative to Employee Health Insurance Costs.

#7.42A CM March 3, 2009
Communication of the City Manager transmitting Report of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation as Presented at this Evening's Forum.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, requesting City Council adopt a Resolution to File and Accept a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land Grant for Acquisition of Open Space known as Blackstone Woods.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, request the City Council hold an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining after the City Council meeting of March 10, 2009.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting report relative to the City's Top 250 Wage Earners.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby endorses Senate Docket #SD 1995 (attached), which, if enacted, would implement Election Day Registration in the Commonwealth.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Proposed CDBG Allocation Process Timetable, Year 35 (July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010): recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting communication relative to Section 2 of Chapter 157 of the Acts of 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of James A. DelSignore, City Auditor, transmitting communication relative to updated information regarding the current cost of accepting MGL Chapter 157, Section 2 of the Acts of 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to benefits for Veterans: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the needs of veterans and how they may gain access to the services available to them: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen request the City Council's Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services survey and discuss what is being done to provide services to our veterans who are and will be returning to Worcester from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the Asian Longhorned Beetle Tree Removal Process and Resident Notification: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Asian Longhorned Beetle: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to a Storm Report from Charter Communications: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Castillo request handicap parking space on the South St. side of 8 Chapin St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Claudine Chin of the Kumon Learning Center request installation of a 30 minute parking zone in front of 482 Park Ave., starting at the corner of Fairfield St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance for the installation of a 30 minute parking zone in front of 482 Park Avenue, weekdays only from Noon to 6:30 p.m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of David Mahan et al request parking regulations in Zenith Dr. from May St. to Quissett St. be changed to allow parking on both sides of the street with a Declared Winter Parking Ban Zone 2: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request to remove the current Winter Parking Ban from the divided section of Indian Lake Parkway: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bernadette Forget request resident permit parking for Harlow St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install resident permit parking in front of 2 through 12 Harlow Street, even side only.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of Susan Lozoraitis request a three way stop at the bottom of Congress St. where it intersects with Newbury St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request stop sign at Vincent Circle and Massasoit Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy on behalf of the Webster Sq. Neighborhood Watch request for installation of a Stop Sign at Wyola Dr. where it meets Tallawanda Dr.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Joan Desautels et al request School signs on Harlow St., School Zone signs posting 20 MPH between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:00 p.m., and School Crossing painted in yellow in the four-way crosswalks: recommend adoption of the accompanying two (2) Orders.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to move the bus stop currently in the vicinity of 141 Main St. to the south end of the block closer to the Regional Justice Center: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy on behalf of the Webster Sq. Neighborhood Watch request for installation of a Stop Sign at Monticello Dr. West where it meets Utica Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying two (2) Orders to replace stop sign in Utica Drive at Monticello Drive and to install a chevron sign on the north side of Monticello Drive West opposite Utica Drive.

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 install a "Do Not Enter" sign on Fruit St. on the southwest and southeast corners at Hampden St. facing northbound traffic: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

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 install a "Do Not Enter" Sign in William St. on the northwest corner at Fruit St. facing eastbound traffic: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

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 install a "Do Not Enter" Sign in William St. at the northwest corner of Roxbury St. facing eastbound traffic: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

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 install a "Do Not Enter" Sign in William St. at the northwest corner of Somerset St. facing eastbound traffic: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

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 install a "Do Not Enter" Sign in Cedar St. on southeast corner at Merrick St. facing westbound traffic: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Richard June request handicap parking space in front of 93 Loxwood St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paulette Lacoste et al of Pernet Family Health Service request to make the intersection of Seymour St. and Millbury St. a Four-Way Stop: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor William J. Eddy request a traffic study with a focus for a possible Stop Sign in Bailey St. at the airport rotary: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Francisco Paulino request two directional signs to Sonia's Used Cars, Inc., 1239 Millbury St. at the following locations: 1) On Rte. 146 south almost to intersection with Providence St. 2) On Rte. 146 north after sign for Blackstone River: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr. request traffic engineer to review signage along Greenwood St. from Millbury St. to Rte. 20 for posting of caution & speed limit signs: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Anthony Hmura request “No Parking” sign in front of 38 Canterbury St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Candice Carling request additional "No Parking" sign in front of 531 Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request three way stop signs at the corner of Loxwood St. and Taunton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Michael J. Germain request pedestrian crosswalk device to be increased from 12 to 18 seconds at the intersection of Main St. and Cambridge St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Betty Mardirosian request a traffic light at the intersection of Oak Ave. and Belmont St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works upon the Petition of Thomas H. R. Moore et al request reconfiguration of entrances and exits to Central St. Post Office at Central St. and Summer St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City Council request for a report regarding speeding and other ticket violations on Lake Avenue for the past year: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Order of Mayor Timothy P. Murray request Traffic & Parking Committee investigate problems of truck traffic on Mulberry St.: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Kathleen Rice request parking ban on Dartmouth St. between Ingleside Ave. and Almont Ave. be shifted from the odd side of the street to the even side: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Denise Febles request removal of the resident permit parking on Vale St.: recommend Petition be denied.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request to amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 providing for stop sign on Lorraine Road at Massasoit Road facing eastbound traffic on Lorraine Road.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request to amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 providing for stop sign on Greenbush Road at Massasoit Road facing westbound traffic on Greenbush Road.

Resolution of Councilor Clancy - That the City Council of the City of Worcester supports the following three (3) Resolutions:

1) That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the Telecom Loophole Tax component of the Emergency Relief Partnership Act.

2) That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the Hotel/Motel Tax component of the Emergency Relief Partnership Act.

3) That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the Meals Tax component of the Emergency Relief Partnership Act.

(Tabled - Eddy March 3, 2009)

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)

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)

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)

Order of Councilor Michael J. Germain - Request City Manager consult with the Worcester Sharks regarding the possible management and redevelopment of the Charles Buffone Arena Ice Skating Rink on Lake Ave. (Tabled - Palmieri October 1, 2008)

Order of Councilor Michael J. Germain - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby accept and adopt Section 19 of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, allowing for coalition bargaining for health benefits in the City of Worcester. (Tabled - Lukes October 21, 2008)

Order of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton - Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to report to City Council what basis the City is using to delay the public records request by the Worcester Telegram in light of the Globe Newspaper Company v. Commissioner of Education, 439 Mass. 124 (2003) ruling whereby the Supreme Judicial Court ruled public records must be released for inspection and copying without unreasonable delay, that is, within ten days of the receipt of a request for them. (Tabled - Haller November 25, 2008)

Resolution of Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports the City Manager in seeking 0% increases in the FY2010 collective bargaining contracts; and be it further resolved that the City Council supports the City Manager in seeking the previously detailed 75/25 contribution rate and the co-pay changes.(Tabled - Haller January 27, 2009)

Motion Toomey @ #4b CC - Request City Manager consider effecting legislation that would enable local businesses be awarded a contract for good or services for the city if the bid is within a certain percentage of the lowest bid.

Motion Smith @ #8u CC - Request City Council file home rule petition to allow Worcester to grant real estate abatements to residential property owners based on the destruction caused by the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle.

Mayor Lukes to amend: Request City Solicitor draft the legislation and allow City Council to review. - Accepted

Motion to read as follows:

Request City Manager request the City Solicitor to prepare legislation so that the City Council may review and then file a home rule petition to allow Worcester to grant real estate abatements to residential property owners based on the destruction caused by the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle.

Motion Clancy @ #8u CC - Request City Manager request the City Assessor provide information relative to the issues of claims as a result of trees being taken down and if there is any precedence for this type of ALB situation in NJ, or NY or IL concerning abatements as a result of aesthetic issues.

Motion Clancy @ #8u CC - Request City Manager request the City Assessor report if a total revaluation may be undertaken in the Burncoat and Greendale neighborhoods as a result of the ALB infestation.

Motion Clancy @ #10c CC - Request City Manager and the Mayor arrange with the School Committee to meet for an Executive Session on Tuesday March 24 or 31@ 6 pm to discuss collective bargaining strategies.

Motion Toomey- Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager contact the college presidents requesting staff assistance (loaned employees) to the city, helping to mitigate the enormous workload encumbered at the City of Worcester Executive Office of Economic and Neighborhood Services in their quest to mitigate the blight which foreclosures have and will bring to the city if not addressed in an immediate and comprehensive manner. By tapping into the colleges intellectual resources, we would also be addressing not only the immediate issue for the City, but also, align with a focus which is consistent with that of the Colleges mission statements, ensuring that their institutions are in a livable city which enhances the quality of life for all.

Motion Toomey - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager adopt a policy which complies with the new federal rule designed to prevent identity theft, aka “Red Flag: rules”. - Accepted

Motion Clancy to amend: Further, request City Manager request Uni-Pay to accept Visa for internet payments.