CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:05 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:00 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Proposed Ordinance Amending Section 14 of Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 relative to Vacant Properties and Foreclosing Properties. (Tabled - Smith 12/01/2009)

Mayor Lukes recognized and welcomed a visiting delegation from Worcester's Russian sister city Pushkin, representatives from their police and fire departments, who are here for a one week professional exchange program funded by the Open World program and organized by the International Center of Worcester.

Sharon Ricciardi request Zoar St. be made public.

Kevin O'Sullivan, President & CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, Inc., request to rescind existing ordinances for "30 Minute Parking" in west side of Prescott St. from Lexington St. to a pt. 108' north of Lexington St. and rescind "No Parking Anytime" in west side of Prescott St, from 108' north of Lexington St. to a pt. 487' north of Lexington St. Further, request to install "2 Hour Parking" in the west side of Prescott St. from Lexington St. to a pt. 50' south of Garden St.

Evanthia Koutoulas request to remove handicap parking space in front of 7 Shawmut St.

Nichole Panagiotou request to install Stop Signs at the intersection of Hadwen Rd. and Havelock Rd. making this intersection a 4 Way Stop.

Brennan Jacoby request to remove handicap parking space in front of 28 Wilson St.

Mike Vasel request to install rumble strips in Lynwood Lane in both directions at the intersection with Dick Dr.

Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Susan Cozzolino request to remove handicap parking zone in Plantation St. near the intersection with Caroline St.

Councilor Joseph M. Petty request to install Children Cautionary Signs on light pole in front 5 & 7 Tatnuck Gardens.

Joe Casello request to address the City Council on the recent decision by the City Council Standing Committee on Rules & Legislative Affairs recommending a change to the city charter, that would provide for special elections to fill district council seats when they become vacant during mid-term.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Appointments of Candace Casey and Amanda Riik to the Cultural Commission.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Designate Certain Development Projects within the City of Worcester for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Recovery Zone Facility Bonds.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Temporary Parking Lot at Union Station.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to HOME Affordable Housing Development Program.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a U.S. Department of of Housing and Urban Development/Economic Development Initiative Funding in the amount of Four Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($475,000.00)

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Federal Stimulus Funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Cable Services and Economic Development Divisions' Receipt of the Silver Davey Award for the "Smart City, Smart Choice" Video.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Department of Public Works and Parks (DPWP) Annual Thanksgiving Day Donations.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Public Hearing to Discuss the Canal District Streetscape Project.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Status Report #4 for the North High School Replacement Project.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Report for the Month of October 2009.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Necessary Lane Closure on Lake Avenue North.

Recommed the Adoption of a Resolution to Accept with Gratitude a Donation of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) from Bowditch and Dewey, Attorneys at Law for the Purchase of Two (2) Zelkova Trees to be Planted on Exchange Street in the Spring of 2010.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Parking Situation on LaPierre Street.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a FY2009 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program Grant.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Taxi and Livery Companies.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Arming Animal Control Officers.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Change in the Office Hours of the Worcester Police Department's Record Bureau.

Transmitting Communication Relative to a Redeployment Plan in the Worcester Police Department.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the H1N1 Flu Response.

Transmitting a Revised Version of the Ordinance Pertaining to Foreclosed and Abandoned Buildings.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Filling of Vacancies on the City Council and School Committee.

Recommend that City Council Accept with Gratitude a Donation of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) from the Melvin S. Cutler Charitable Foundation on behalf of the William F. Lynch Company to Benefit Programming at the Worcester Senior Center.

Recommend City Council Accept with Gratitude a Donation in the Amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) from the Central Massachusetts Regional Wellness System to the Worcester Public Library.

Requesting a Change to the Organizational Table of the Assessing Division of the Department of Administration and Finance.

Recommend that Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($850,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C713, Water Mains, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C720, Water Mains, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated future obligations.

Recommend that Two Hundred Ninety One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($291,200.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C720, Traffic Improvements, to allow for the payment of anticipated obligations.

Recommend that One Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Three Dollars And Eighteen Cents ($162,593.18) be transferred from Loan Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to Account #44C704, Sewer Capital Equipment, to allow for the purchase and future payment of capital equipment.

Recommend that Three Hundred Forty Two Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($342,900.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C709, Rockwood Field, to fund contractual obligations.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Resignation of Jeffrey Turgeon, Executive Director of the Central Massachusetts Regional Employment Board (CMREB).

Recommend Adoption of Resolutions to Accept with Gratitude Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Worcester Polytechnic Institute to the City of Worcester.

Transmitting Auditor's Report for October 2009.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide the City Council with a recommendation concerning the designation of a dog park in the City of Worcester.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide the City Council with a list of the ALB-affected streets and a delineation of the replanting challenges and solutions applicable in each location.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager communicate with each of the utilities to request that they determine for the city the costs that would be incurred for reconfiguring their street poles and overhead wires to underground or backyard locations in those streets affected by the ALB.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request to forward a copy of the April 14, 2009 Petition of Michael Derosiers to the president of Park Spirit.

Request the City Council and the School Committee meet in a joint session at City Hall to discuss the latest information regarding the school budget. Said meeting should be scheduled as to provide sufficient time for questions and answers. (Toomey, Smith, Haller)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the activity level of DirectAir flights in and out of Worcester Regional Airport and prospects for flights to additional destinations given the volume of ticketing this winter. (Petty)

Request City Manager apply for funding for the City of Worcester under the $235 million E-Health Recovery Act and consider formulating a public-private task force including representatives of our colleges and universities in order to implement the grant comprehensively. (Petty)

Request City Manager explore using Zumbox for the City of Worcester to save money and be more environmentally friendly by delivering bills, notices, and communications from the city to residents via their virtual mailbox which they would sign up and claim based on their street address as has been successful in other cities such as New York, Newark and San Francisco. Further, request that a pilot plan be explored to test the success of it. (Smith)

Request City Manager report on the expenses and expenditures of Destination Worcester since its inception and how its activities relate to the marketing efforts of Choose Worcester and the Worcester County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and further to recommend whether and how these various marketing efforts can be coordinated.
(Lukes)

Request City Manager provide a report listing the recipients, locations affected, amounts and dates of grants and loans made pursuant to the micro loan, facade and storefront improvement programs in the past three years. (Lukes)

Dr. Roberta Schaefer, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting a communication relative to Race to the Top: What's the Winning Strategy?

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of an amendment to the Revised Ordinances of 2008, Chapter 8, Section 14, Subsection (a)(2) Relative to the Confinement of Dogs on Private Property: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Private Property Tree Adoption Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Upon the Order of Councilor William Eddy and Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr. request the Standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Affairs recommend to City Council relative to amending the Home Rule Charter concerning succession of a district council seat that ensures equal representation for filling vacancies of city council seats: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Comprehensive Child Care Services' desire to purchase City Park Land on Tacoma Street to build a new facility: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommending City Council's Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept an Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Gateway Urban Parks Grant: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the 2009 Junior Golf Program at Green Hill Municipal Golf Course: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Youth Summer Employment Programs: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting a communication relative to alternatives for aquatic programming this summer: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to plans for the upcoming swimming season: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Wheels To Water Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to an Update on the 2009 Summer Opportunities for Youth: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Michael Desrosiers request that at least one (1) 18 hole Disc Golf Course be created in one of the many beautiful parks within the City: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Victor Rodriguez et al request clean up of Crompton Park and it's parking lot, and make groups using the park for sport purposes more accountable for cleaning the area: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 relative to Members of Local 911, NEPBA (Police Officers)

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 or any other alternative location. (Tabled - Palmieri December 1, 2009)

Order Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a pole location in: KENILWORTH RD (Tabled - Eddy October 20, 2009)

Motion Rushton @ #8.17A CM - Request City Manager request the Police Chief provide City Council with a breakdown of the type of citations issued since the new Taxi and Livery rules and regulations came into effect.

Motion Clancy @ #8.17A CM - Request the City Council Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation explore the heaviest possible fines the city could issue against violators of the taxi and livery licensing. Further, request the committee with the City Solicitor and the Police Chief determine what other options are available to enforce payment of fines.

Motion Haller @ #8.13A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with copies of the minutes of the December 15th hearing relative to Streetscape improvements in the Canal District.

Motion Petty @ #8.17D CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the actuals during the course of FY2009 based on vacancies and other factors at the Worcester Police Department.

Motion Haller @ #8.17D CM - Request City Manager forward a copy of the newest WPD redeployment plan to Congressman McGovern and electronically send this plan to the crimewatch groups and neighborhood associations.

Councilor Smith and Councilor Palmieri @ #8.17D CM moved to propose the following resolution, cosponsored by Senator Harriette Chandler and supported by Worcester's state legislative delegation, in response to ten incidents of racially and ethnically charged graffiti in evidence across the west side of the city which began December 6, 2009:

RESOLUTION: That We, the City Council of the City of Worcester, in the name of unity, must have respect for our differences hereby maintain a commitment to joining together at this time of year and urge everyone, of every background, to unite with us. May your holiday season be joyous.

Motion Palmieri - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the disposition of the former buildings occupied by the Worcester Technical High School at Wheaton Square and an overview of any of the projects posed for these properties.

Motion Eddy - Suspension of Rules - Request the City Council Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking conduct a hearing for Bailey Street residents relative to speed enforcement and the feasibility of installing a stop sign at Bailey Street and the Airport rotary.