CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:07 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:44 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Hearing: MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for pole location in: BOSTON AVE.

Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for pole location in: BOSTON AVE.

Hearing: MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a pole location in: GENESEE ST.

Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a pole location in: GENESEE ST.

Hearing: MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for conduit location in: IONIC AVE.

Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for conduit location in: IONIC AVE.

Hearing: MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint pole relocation in: VICTOR AVE.

Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for joint pole relocation in: VICTOR AVE.

Mayor Lukes moved to suspend the rules to allow Grace Ross, Worcester resident, to be heard concerning home rule petitions relative to foreclosures.

PRESENTATION - “Quinsigamond Village - An Integrated Program for Economic Revitalization” presented by Assistant City Manager Julie Jacobson and Special Projects Coordinator Stephen Crane.

Neil McNeil, Area Director for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, request damaged section of the sidewalk in front of parking lot on Foster St. be repaired.

William & Patricia Bernhard request abatement of street betterment assessment #24767 in the amount of $9,296.46 for Colonial Rd.

Karl & Aecha Krueger request abatement of street betterment assessment #24765 in the amount of $10,562.55 for Colonial Rd.

Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalks in Whitney St. be repaired.

Councilor Barbara G. Haller request repair of South Ward St.

Councilor Barbara G. Haller request repair of Scott St.

William S. Coleman, III et al request City Council place before the voters in the November 3, 2009 Municipal Election the following non-binding opinion survey question: "Shall a Commission be elected to frame a charter for the City of Worcester?"

Alex Cruz et al request to install resident only parking on Pond St.

State Representative Robert P. Spellane on behalf of Matt J. Perno request the Police Chief enforce the 30 mph speed limit in Dewey Street between Chandler and Pleasant Streets, in the interest of public safety.

MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for an electric cable and conduit system on: HARRINGTON WAY

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager explore parking solutions that would utilize private/city owned parking lots located in the Highland St. area for the purpose of allowing employees to use these lots and not the limited off street parking in the residential neighborhoods.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to report to the City Council within one month with the cost and timeline for installation of a protected turning lane in the vicinity of 317 West Boylston Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to examine the possibility of moving the center line of Millbury Street in the vicinity of Whitney and Diamond Streets so as to create several on-street parking spaces along the east side of the existing roadway.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to install Pedestrian Crossing and Advanced Pedestrian Crossing signs in Beacon Street at the approaches to Hammond Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief to install speeding surveillance in Wabash Avenue near the intersection of Koping Street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to work with the Massachusetts Highway Department to bring about a 20 MPH zone and installation of crosswalks in Grove Street in front of the St. Peter-Marian Jr.-Sr. High Schools.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief to install speeding surveillance in Grove Street in the vicinity of the St. Peter-Marian Jr.-Sr. High Schools.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief install pedestrian crossing and speeding surveillance in Belmont Street at the entrance to UMass Memorial-Belmont Street campus.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install signage in West Boylston Street and Gold Star Boulevard informing motorists of the possible presence of pedestrians in the existing crosswalk connecting property at 402 West Boylston Street across Gold Star Boulevard to property at 24 Gold Star Boulevard.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with data relative to the annual costs for maintenance and repair of those pools built and operating in other communities in Massachusetts similar to the model pool referenced in the Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee meeting of June 3, 2009.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with the annual costs to operate three swimming pools, including the staffing costs for full capacity facilities.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a final aquatics report inclusive of a model swimming pool, the number of facilities, the locations, the timetable and expected costs for construction and maintenance.

Request City Manager adjust the annual allocation of street resurfacing funds from a the current 50/50 split between residential and arterial streets and allocate to a different figure to be determined. (Palmieri, Rushton, Haller, Germain)

Request City Manager update City Council concerning the planned changes to the Elm Park Community School field. (Rushton, Lukes, Petty, Germain, Palmieri)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the status of the complete installation of the video surveillance cameras donated by our Vietnam-era Veterans for the ongoing protection of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park. (Germain)

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to a plan entitled "Quinsigamond Village - An Integrated Program for Economic Revitalization".

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, respectfully request City Council Review, Deliberation and Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Grant.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, respectfully request City Council Review, Deliberation, and Adoption of an Order authorizing the purchase of land for Watershed Protection.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, respectfully request City Council Review, Deliberation and Adoption of a Resolution accepting a donation from the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. and Authorizing the purchase of land known as Blackstone Woods.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to staffing in the Worcester Police Department.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to a Strategy Change Regarding the Asian Long Horned Beetle Program.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Mark Donahue request the line for the BL-1.0 district be extended to include the entire property located at 25 Elbridge St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Attorney Joe Boynton request to extend the IN-H zone to encompass all of the parcel at 15 Rockport Rd. The premises is currently zoned both IN-H and RG-5: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald J.O'Neil, Attorney request to amend the Zoning Map by changing the zoning classification of the portion of the parcel located at 1 Summerhill Ave. from RG-5 to BL-1.0: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Heather Nejaimey request zone change from RL-7 to RG-5 for 4, 6 and 18 Christine St.: recommend Petition be denied

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Nancy & William Donahue request a zone change at 7 Holt Ave. from RS-7 to BG-3.: recommend Petition be denied

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Norma Morales et al request to install handicap parking space in front of 77 Merrifield St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Margaret Moriarty request two handicap parking signs in front of 57 Howland Terrace: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller on behalf of Helen Stanionis request one handicap parking space be installed in front of 19 Scott St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Francis Caffone on behalf of Yolanda Loconto request handicap parking space in front of 40 Shelby St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Petraq Gace request removal of handicap parking space in the Waite St. side of 2 Wilson St: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Renee Bailey request stop signs be placed on both corners of Dogwood Rd. and Brookhaven Rd: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Attorney Jonathan Finkelstein on behalf of the Starfas family, owners of 317 West Boylston St., and their lessee, Wild Willy's request to reopen the median strip across from 317 West Boylston St. to allow access for north and southbound traffic to enter and leave Wild Willy's: recommend adoption of the accompanying order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr. request caution signs for Victoria Ave & Forsberg St. adjacent to Greenwood Park: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order, as amended, to install Playground signs facing traffic in both directions in both Victoria Avenue and Forsberg Street.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nhutam Thich and Dorothy Jones request installation of four (4) private directional signs for the Buddhist Meditation Temple Chua Pho Hien at 96 Dewey St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order for the installation of two (2) directional signs to the Buddhist Meditation Temple.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Scott Babbitt request City Council enforce the "Pedestrian in Crosswalks Have the Right of Way" law: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Patty Goclowski request to extend existing handicap parking space in front of 77 Gage St. to driveway of 79 Gage St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marsha Hovenesian request special turn signals be installed on the traffic lights on Park Avenue in both the southbound and northbound directions for cars turning from Park Avenue onto May St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks alleviate the hazardous conditions, traffic backup and driver frustration by changing the arrows painted on both directions of May St. at Park Avenue so that the left lane becomes left turn only while the right lane is for both straight-through and right turn traffic: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Shea et al request cautionary signs or 25 mph speed limit sign to slow cars down in front of Sunbridge Nursing Home, 18 Hammond St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Vicki Ho et al request "Go Children Slow" sign at the corner of Wabash Ave. and Koping St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Rita Shiraka Moss request "Blind Drive" sign prior to 17 Puritan Ave: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of John Atlas request a 20 mph flashing school zone sign be installed in the vicinity of St. Peter Marian Junior-Senior High School: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of John Atlas request crosswalks be installed in Grove St. in front of St. Peter Marian Junior-Senior High School: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ralph Cobb request to remove the stones at Mill St. and Chandler St., so there can be two lanes of traffic on Mill St. from Airport Dr. to Chandler St. and move centerline over towards the left side of Mill St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ralph Cobb request to move back Stop line on Cambridge St. at Southbridge St: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Timothy Daley request a crosswalk light be installed on Belmont St. adjacent to Memorial Hospital: 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 pedestrian accidents that have occurred on Belmont Street adjacent to UMass Memorial Hospital: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marsha Hovenesian request a "Right Turn Only" sign be installed on May St. (at the intersection of Park Avenue) in the westbound right lane: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Stephen T. Patton request striping on both sides of Thornton Rd. to indicate bike lanes: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Jonathan Finkelstein, Attorney on behalf of Yum! Brands, Inc. request the City Council to amend the Zoning Map from RG-5 to BG-3 for a portion of a parcel of property known as 8 West Oberlin St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of William & Nancy Donahue request to change the zone for property bounded by Randolph Rd., Holt Ave., Crerie Ave and Dodge Park from RS-7 to RG-5.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Attorney Joe Boynton on behalf of Steven & Irene John request to extend the BL-1.0 zone to encompass 9 Ormond St. which is currently zoned RG-5

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)

Petition of MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole location: BROOKLINE ST. (Tabled - Eddy April 7, 2009)

Councilor Palmieri moved to request to suspend the rules to allow the Reports of the Economic Development Committee be submitted for consideration - Approved.

Mayor Lukes moved to suspend the rules to allow the following speakers:

Bobby Matthews, a representative of New Landmark Group on behalf of Angel Guard Products, Inc. & CRC Line Inc. to address City Council relative to the designation of 120 Goddard Memoral Dr. as a Site Specific EOA and a Certified Project.

John Duston, Plant Manager of Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corp. addressed City Council relative to the designation of 717 Plantation St. as a Site Specific EOA and a Certified Project.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommending City Council's adoption of two resolutions to designate 120 Goddard Memorial Drive as a Site Specific Economic Opportunity Area (EOA) and a Certified Project: recommend adoption of the accompanying two resolutions.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommending adoption of resolutions relative to a Certified Project and Site Specific Economic Opportunity Area Designation to Support Expansion by Saint-Gobain: recommend adoption of the accompanying two resolutions.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Saint-Gobain's Expansion and Creation of Over 50 Green Jobs in Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Motion Clancy @ #10d CC - Request City Manager engage with National Grid to discuss extending the lease agreement with the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the possibility of acquiring the land associated with Broadmeadow Brook.

Motion Haller @ #10e CC - Request City Clerk draft a letter to Congressman McGovern requesting his intercession with the funding of the Cops Grant to determine the likelihood of approval, what the amount of funds the City of Worcester could expect to receive and speeding up the notification process.

Motion Palmieri @ #10f CC - That City Council of the City of Worcester hereby directs the Administration to proceed in the removal of ALB infested trees in the two city parks, Dodge Park and Bovenzi Park.

Motion Toomey @ #10f CC - Request City Manager inform City Council of the ratio of infested trees found amongst those that have been inspected.

COMMUNICATION - Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting communication relative to the establishment of a Ad Hoc Public Health Task Force.

Motion Toomey @ #15h CC - Request City Manager consider including representatives from the Worcester Public Schools, Colleges and the Nurses Association to the Ad Hoc Public Health Task Force.