CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:10 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Tony Economou William J. Eddy
Michael J. Germain Konstantina B. Lukes
Joseph C. O'Brien Philip P. Palmieri City Clerk
David J. Rushford
Sarai Rivera Frederick C. Rushton
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER - DOHERTY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGAL SINGERS

3.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor in the Chair except for Councilors Eddy and Palmieri. Councilor Eddy arrived at 7:07 P.M. and Councilor Palmieri arrived at 7:12 P.M.

4.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

4a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council meeting of March 27, 2012.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

5.

HEARING & ORDER

5a.

Hearing: NSTAR for a gas main location: CRESCENT ST.

Granting permission to NSTAR for a gas main location: CRESCENT ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Eddy, Palmieri absent)

 

6.

ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

6a.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation designating April 17th as Worcester Animal Rescue League Day in Worcester.

Attachments

 

6b.

Mayor Petty read a Proclamation designating the Week of April 15th, 2012 as Boards, Commissions and Advisory Committees Week and it was presented to Stephen Genduso, a member of the Citizens Advisory Board.

Attachments

 

6c.

Mayor Petty at the request of Councilor Rushton requested everyone to stand for a moment of silence to honor and recognize the service Edmund J. Tierney gave to this community. Mr. Tierney, who passed away this week, was a former School Committee Member and advocate for public school sports.

 

6d.

Mayor Petty at the request of Councilor Palmieri requested everyone to stand for a moment of silence for Chaveli Baker, a young student at Burncoat Sr. High School and a resident of District 2, who was a victim of an unfortunate car accident.

 

7.

ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Trung Cao et al request Brookside Ave. be converted to a public street.

Attachments

Referred to Planning Board

 

8b.

Kathryn Tsandikos request sidewalk repair in front of 158 Southbridge St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8c.

Francis Erickson et al request resurfacing of Osceola Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8d.

Lourdes Torres request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 131 Fairfield St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

8e.

Mike Delude request installation of flashing lights for crosswalk in front of Mt. Carmel Apartments on Shrewsbury St. and speed enforcement.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Smart Grid Pilot.

Attachments

Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Worcester Arts Council Reception for 2012 Grant Awardees.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
C.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the 2012 Opening of the Worcester Windows Community Gallery.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
D.

Recommend Acceptance of a Property Easement as part of an Initiative of the Worcester Arts Council for a Public Mural.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
E.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept Supplemental Funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
F.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Recommend Adoption of an Amendment to Chapter 8, Section 3 (c) of the City's Revised Ordinances Relative to the Allowance of a Hookah Bar to Operate at Union Station.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

9.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
 

9.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Pedestrian Safety on Pleasant Street and the Status of a Requested Street Light in Front of the Elm Park Tower.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Chester Street Water Tank Rehabilitation Project.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
C.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Year 2012 Street Resurfacing Program.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Dedication and Naming of the Kevin D. Lyons Baseball Diamond at Rockwood Field.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Vernon Hill Playground Baseball Field.

Attachments

Councilor Russell moved to allow under suspension of rules Diane Pacevicz, a resident of Ames Street, to speak - Mayor Petty recognized and invited Ms. Pacevicz to speak concerning this item. Referred to Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee

 
C.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to an Arbor Day Celebration at Green Hill Park.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend City Council Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a Fire Prevention & Safety Grant.

Attachments

Resolution adopted

 
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

9.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 

9.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

9.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend Adoption of an Order Authorizing the Filing of Special legislation that would allow the City to Adopt a Reorganization Plan that will Change the Board of Health from Advisory to Regulatory by Empowering it with the Powers of Boards of Health under State Law.

Attachments

Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee

 
 

9.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

9.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

9.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

9.17

DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Alcohol Awareness Week.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

9.18

DIVISION OF ELDER AFFAIRS
A.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to Request and Accept Funds from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging in Support of the Osteoporosis Prevention Program at the Worcester Senior Center.

Attachments

Resolution adopted

 
B.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept Council on Aging Formula and Service Incentive Grants from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

Attachments

Resolution adopted

 
C.

Recommend Adoption of an Order to Authorize a Lease of Space at the Worcester Senior Center to Family Service Organization of Worcester, Inc.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.19

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

9.20

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Human Services Division
 

9.21

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.22

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.23

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Commercial Property Values.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
 

9.24

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

9.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
 

9.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.28

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C716, Union Station Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Account #04C704, Union Station Rehabilitation, to provide funding for expenses associated with building improvements at Union Station.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Forty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Two Dollars And No Cents ($49,372.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7312A, Water Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment to allow for the purchase and future payment of these vehicles per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Five Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars And No Cents ($155,580.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7802A, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C703, Capital Equipment to allow for the purchase and future payment of this much needed equipment.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
D.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7242B, Street Lighting Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C712, Street Lights to allow for the purchase and payment of anticipated lighting equipment and services per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
E.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C7842H, Kendrick Park, and appropriate to Parks Account # 72C70225, Kendrick Park Improvements, to pay for anticipated contractual obligations for this project as per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
F.

Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C7412D, Street Construction, and be appropriated to Account #41C774, Providence/Winthrop/Heywood Streets to allow for the payment of current and future engineering service obligations per the cash flow procedure.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
G.

Recommend that One Million Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($1,000,500.00) be transferred from Account #91C7111A, Building Rehabilitation City/School, and be appropriated to Account #04C754, Citywide/School Energy Improvements, to fund anticipated expenses related to the citywide energy improvements.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
H.

Recommend that Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($550,000.00) be transferred from various Citywide Building Rehabilitation accounts and appropriated the Account #50C704, Worcester Public School Building Rehabilitation to fund contractual obligations for various school building improvements.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.29

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Four Dollars And No Cents ($2,894.00) be transferred from Account #2604-92210 ,Worcester Fire Department Training - Supplies, and appropriated to Account #2604-93301, Worcester Fire Department Training - Furniture and Equipment .

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
B.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($7,500.00) be transferred from Account #330-91000, Public Health Personal Services, and be appropriated to Account #330-92000, to provide funding for various operational expenses through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2012.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend that One Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Three Dollars And No Cents ($128,853.00) be transferred from Account #260-91000, Fire Department Personal Services, and appropriated to Account #260-92000, Worcester Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance .

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.30

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

9.31

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

9.32

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Rededication Ceremony of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Green Hill Park.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a City Manager's Clean Team Event planned for April 14, 2012.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
C.

Recommend Adoption of an Order to Accept the Offer of Casella Waste Management for Miscellaneous supplies to be used to support the City Manager's Clean Team Initiative.

Attachments

Order adopted with gratitude

 
10.

TABLED ITEMS

10a.

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)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

10b.

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in support Senate Bill 610, an act protecting condominium owners filed by Senator Harriette Chandler and Senator Richard Moore. (Tabled - O'Brien July 19, 2011)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

10c.

RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph C. O'Brien - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby goes on record in support of the Administration’s efforts to negotiate the maximum hiring of local residents in Tax Increment Financing agreements and other tools used to attract business and to expand our tax base. (Tabled - O'Brien September 13, 2011)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

10d.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the status of #5 May Street. (Tabled - O'Brien January 31, 2012)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

10e.

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting communication expanding upon the newspaper article regarding the human error factor which occurred in the city's recount. (Tabled - Lukes February 7, 2012)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

10f.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Finance for Housing Developments within the City of Worcester. (Tabled - O'Brien February 28, 2012)

Attachments

No Action Taken

 

11.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES

11a.

Motion Eddy @ #9.8B CM - Request City Manager review and reconsider claims from damages caused by baseball activities at the Vernon Hill baseball field.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11b.

Motion O'Brien @ #9.8B CM - Request City Manager reach out to residents in the vicinity of the baseball field at Vernon Hill and notify them when baseball games will begin.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11c.

Motion Rushton @ #9.4A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to municipal aggregation efforts.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11d.

Motion Rushton @ #9.4C CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning Art in the Park that includes future plans, current deficit and funding efforts.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11e.

Motion Lukes @ #9.13A CM - Request City Manager forward a copy of the 2009 report concerning the reorganization of the Health Department and the 2010 report relative to the recommendations of the Task Force on Public Health and any reports concerning the implementation of the Task Force recommendations to the current members of the Standing Committee on Public Health & Human Services.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11f.

Motion Lukes @ #9.23A CM - Request City Manager report to City Council options that can be offered to property owners for paying, in a short period of time, multiple real estate tax bills and further, request this report for the April 24, 2012 City Council meeting.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11g.

Motion Lukes @ #9.4F CM - Request City Manager request the Worcester Redevelopment Authority review in one year the smoking permit at Union Station and report to City Council as to its effectiveness.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

11h.

PETITION - Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request installation of a crosswalk in Anna St. at Coburn Ave. in the vicinity of Lake View Elementary School.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

11i.

Motion Toomey - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager provide City Council with a previously requested report concerning a schedule of crosswalks that require repair.

Attachments

Order adopted