CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:15 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:14 PM

Mayor
Joseph C. O'Brien

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council meeting of January 25, 2011.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the 2011 Caffrey Memorial Award.

Jo Hart request procedures for all material (paper documents, discs, etc.) given to City Council or to a City Council Standing Committee at public meetings and hearings be more clearly defined.

John Dower request the developer's portion of Heath St. from Malvern Rd. a distance of approximately 510 feet be converted to a public street.

Attorney Anthony Tomasiello, Jr. on behalf of Samuel Gyimah, Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, USA, Inc. request abatement of street betterment assessment #24920 in the amount of $10,136.40 in Benson Ave.

Attorney Anthony Tomasiello, Jr. on behalf of Samuel Gyimah, Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, USA, Inc. request abatement of street betterment assessment #24921 in the amount of $11,220.15 in Benson Ave.

Ruth Adusei request to install a "Blind Child" sign in the vicinity of 275 Mower St.

Alicia Esquivel requests one hour parking in front of 43 Sigel St.

Transmitting report on Internal control over Financial Reporting, Compliance and Federal Award Programs for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 that was prepared by the City's auditors Sullivan, Rogers & Company, LLC.

Transmitting Auditor's Report for January 2011.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request and authorize the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to resurface the following streets: Westport Rd. at the cost of $265,113, Collins St. at the cost of $123,157 in District 1.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request and authorize the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to repair sidewalks in the FY 2011 as shown on the enclosed list by districts.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Traffic Engineer replace the “No Parking” sign in front of 400-402 Shrewsbury St. with a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Traffic Engineer provide active enforcement by parking control officers for clearance of the driveway at 8 Hillside St. Further, request Police Chief to provide enforcement that includes towing as a deterrent.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding a long term plan to reconfigure the intersection at Burncoat St., Dorothy Ave. and Clark St. in the interest of public safety. Further, request report to include how this intersection can be reconfigured, costs of the reconfiguration and the impacts to traffic and the business on the corner.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks restripe the yellow lines and crosswalks at the intersection of Burncoat St., Dorothy Ave. and Clark St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager consider relocating the electrical green box at the corner of Dorothy Ave. and Burncoat St. in the interest of public safety.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a traffic study for the last five (5) years regarding the intersection of Burncoat St., Dorothy Ave. and Clark St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request the Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking consider amending the Permanent Winter Parking Ban in State St. to a Declared Ban and consider installing resident permit parking in the vicinity of 3 State St. to accommodate residents.

Request City Manager post on its website the times, dates and location of any neighborhood association meetings that are regularly attended by representatives of the Worcester Police Department or any other city officials. (O'Brien)

Request City Manager create a process by which to identify 15-20 city owned vacant lots without contaminants that can be used for community gardens and urban farming. (O'Brien)

Request City Manager establish a local meals tax holiday to coincide with the proposed state meals tax holiday on March 20th - 26th, 2011 to help stimulate the restaurant industry and our local economy. (Smith)

Request City Manager create a bed bug strategy and education program and request grants from the Environmental Protection Agency for funding. (Toomey)

Request City Manager work with community stake holders such as Becker College, WPI and our state legislative delegation and others to identify potential sites for establishing a video gaming business incubator site in Worcester. (Rushton)

Request City Manager work with community stake holders such as UMass Medical Center, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative and our state legislative delegation and others to contact Pfzier regarding its plan to add 350 jobs in Massachusetts and approach them about considering to site one of its centers for Therapeutic Innovation in Worcester. (Rushton)

Request City Manager explore the possibility of the city of Worcester utilizing a privately owned snow dragon, taking into consideration any regulations, environmental or otherwise, that might prevent such an operation within the city limits. (Palmieri)

Request City Manager report on the manner in which vacancies in city departments
is being addressed and whether a job freeze or any reorganization plans are being implemented or anticipated in light of the reduction in local aid for the next fiscal year. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report on the advantages and disadvantages of using GPS equipment to track snow plows in the city. (Lukes)

Karen Boulay, Administrative Assistant for the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District, transmitting their Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Virginia Ryan, et al request the sidewalks in front of 29 Arbutus Rd. and on the two sites at the Arbutus St. corner of 415 Burncoat St. be repaired: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to add to Sidewalk Repair List.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the FY 2011 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 1 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend the Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 3 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 6 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 8 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 12 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalk in front of 15 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 17 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 18 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 19 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 21 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 23 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 24 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 25 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 26 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 29 Tahanto Rd. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 30 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 42 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 45 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 46 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 50 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 54 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 55 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 56 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 59 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 60 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 69 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 6 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 9 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 10 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 17 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 21 South Lenox St. be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 2 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 3 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 5 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 6 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 7 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 8 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced in front of 11 Chamberlain Parkway and replace temporary asphalt patch around fire hydrant: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 20 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 22 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 23 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 34 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 38 Chamberlain Parkway be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Chamberlain Parkway side of and in front of 35 South Lenox St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Chamberlain Parkway side of 25 South Lenox St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Chamberlain Parkway side of 830 Pleasant St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Chamberlain Parkway side of 828 Pleasant St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced in the Maplewood St. side of 41 Chamberlain Parkway: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks in front of 16 Tahanto Rd including the paved over driveway opening be replaced: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Tahanto Rd. side of 19 Chamberlain Parkway: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request sidewalks be replaced on the Tahanto Rd. side of 21 Chamberlain Parkway: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of Barry Bilzerian request sidewalk repair at 3 Mercury Dr: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of Mary Williams request resurfacing of sidewalks in Lynnwood Lane where necessary: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton on behalf of Jane Boggs request sidewalk repair on the corner of 45 Circuit Ave. East and Circuit Ave. North: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair in Ashland St., both sides: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair in Elm St., both sides: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair in Fruit St., both sides: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair in Mason St., both sides: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair in the vicinity of 7 and 19 Schussler Rd: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair at 80, 90, 146 and 152 West St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request repair to sidewalks in both corners of the intersection of Park Ave. and Townsend St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request the repair of sidewalks both sides of West Oberlin St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Yvonne DiBenedetto et al request the sidewalk on the even side of Cameron St. be repaved: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request Howe St. be repaved: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request to resurface the public portion of Kendig St.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request resurfacing of Falcon St: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Joseph M. Petty request the installation of three (3) No Turn On Red signs at the following locations: facing southbound traffic in Burncoat Street at Dorothy Avenue, in Dorothy Avenue facing eastbound traffic at Burncoat Street and in Clark Street facing westbound traffic at Burncoat St: recommend passage of the accompanying two (2) proposed Ordinances

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request to remove the “No Parking” sign in front of 70 West Boylston St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Estelle Catanese request a new traffic light at the intersection of Pleasant St. and Prouty Lane.: recommend adoption of the Order to refer Petition to MassDOT.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of the Canal District Alliance request the establishment of a Blackstone Square at the corner of Harding St. and Franklin St. to recognize the contributions of Benjamin Wright, Engineer and Tobias Boland, Contractor of the Blackstone Canal: recommend Petition be referred to Public Works Committee.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Vanessa Jones & Agustin Solano request a No Parking sign near driveway at 8 Hillside St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Claude Dorman on behalf of East Highland Area Neighborhood Association and residents of 106 to 120 West St. request the removal of residential parking restrictions on West St. from Hampden St. to 120 West St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien request that a four-way Stop be installed at the intersection of Harding and Harrison Sts.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Order of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. - Request the City Council's Standing Committee on Traffic and Parking to consider a 4-way stop be installed at the intersection of Harding St. and Harrison St.: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ralph Cobb et al request left turn arrows at the intersection of West Boylston St. for traffic in Mountain St. West turning into West Boylston and for traffic in Mountain St. East. turning into West Boylston 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 Number and Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents that have Occurred Over the Past Year at the Intersection of Harding and Harrison Sts.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Williams request the "No Parking Here to Corner" sign in front of 400-402 Shrewsbury St. be removed to allow parking for one more vehicle: recommend Petition be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Daniel & Irene Grim request to install "three-way stop" at the intersection of Monadnock Rd. and Sagamore Rd.: recommend Petition be denied.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the 2009 Leaf Collection Program. (Tabled - Haller June 1, 2010)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Philip P. Palmieri and State Representative Vincent Pedone request to install a trailer truck ban in Mulberry St. between Shrewsbury St. and East Central St.: recommend the passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled - Petty June 8, 2010)

Motion Lukes @ #9a CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report explaining to what degree the city is in jeopardy of loosing future grant funds or not having funds reimbursed as intended. Requests City Solicitor to opine on the School Committee's legal position that grant administration fees are to be voted on by the School Committee.

Motion Eddy @ #11c CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report answering the following questions; 1) Does the City Manager have legal authority to issue a local meals tax holiday? 2) How much revenue is generated from the locally adopted meals tax?

Motion Lukes @ #11c CC - Request City Manager provide City Council a report detailing any relief or assistance being provided to the sponsors of Restaurant Week.

Motion Lukes @ #11h CC - Request City Manager provide City Council a report on the vacancies that have been frozen and not filled over the past three years.

Councilor Rushton, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, requested the following Chairman's Orders be submitted for consideration:

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with the total number of petitions to the Zoning Board of Appeals over the past 15 years for construction of billboards, noting the number of petitions allowed and the number denied.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with the number of billboards in existence in the area that is proposed to be the overlay district in the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning signage.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager review the attached substitute language requested to be used in the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning billboards and comment prior to February 28, 2011.

Motion Rushton - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide the City Council with the number of free-standing, non-accessory billboards visible from I-290 in the following communities: Auburn, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, Northborough, and Marlborough.

Motion Lukes - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager report on the feasibility of applying IBM's “free to use” City One simulation consistent with the crowd sourcing project.

Motion Clancy - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the public schools $20 million capital improvement program including initial estimates versus bids being received.

Motion Petty - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the implementation dates of public school rehabilitation projects.

Motion Petty - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council a report detailing the implementation of the street light program to include benefits, issues, maintenance procedures, number of contractors and equipment.

Motion Palmieri - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council a report on the development of the Albany Street corridor.