CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:12 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:12 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Tony Economou
Michael T. Gaffney Khrystian E. King
Konstantina B. Lukes Candy Mero-Carlson City Clerk
Susan M. Ledoux
Sarai Rivera Gary Rosen
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

INVOCATION - Pastor Lou Soiles, Journey Community Church

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & STAR SPANGLED BANNER

3.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Rivera.

4.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

5.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 29, 2016.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. George Valeri, Worcester resident
2. Michael Covino, Worcester resident
3. Mildred Collins, Worcester resident
4. Lori Cairns, Worcester resident
5. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
6. Harry Kokkinis, Worcester resident
7. Dan Bennett, Worcester resident
8. Timothy Murray, Worcester resident
9. Steve Quist, Worcester resident
10. Wayne Griffin, Worcester resident
11. Eric Tokino, Worcester resident
12. Timothy McGourthy, Worcester resident

 

7.

HEARING & ORDER

7a.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole on: IROQUOIS ST./QUISSETT ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole on: IROQUOIS ST./QUISSETT ST.

Attachments

Hearing Held & Order adopted

 

8.

TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING

8a.

HEARING: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2017.

Mayor Petty opened the Tax Classification hearing at 7:49 P.M. Testimony from the public concerning the Tax Classification was heard during Public Participation. Councilor Economou moved to recommend for consideration Line 199 as depicted in the Table provided in the City Manager’s Communication Item #8b – That the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017 be set at $19.63 for Residential Property and $32.00 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property. (see Item #16a) Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend for consideration Line 221 as depicted in the Table provided in the City Manager’s Communication Item #8b – That the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017 be set at $19.25 for Residential Property and $32.99 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property. (see Item #16b) Councilor Gaffney made the following motion – That City Council leave the current tax rates as they are and substitute the remaining tax levy increase by increasing local receipt estimates contained in the FY 2017 Budget by $2,462,496.00 and decreasing the property taxes levied by $2,462,496.00.” (see Item #16c) Councilor Lukes moved to table the vote for setting the tax rate under privilege. Councilor Russell moved to “Request City Manager provide City Council with a tax rate table summarizing the possible tax rate options based on a tax levy of approximately $280,000,000.00.” (see Item #16d) Councilor Toomey moved to “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the cost for increasing the number of exemptions given to elderly residents.” (see Item #16e) Mayor Petty moved to “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the pros and cons if the tax classification rate is based on a tax levy of approximately $280,000,000.00” (see Item #16f) Councilor Russell moved to “Request City Manager provide City Council with the in depth report concerning the average and median increases for apartment buildings as well as the other different categories that are not single or two family residential homes.” (see Item #16g) Mayor Petty moved to recess the hearing and hold the motions of Councilor Economou, Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Gaffney as well as Items #8b, #9a, #9b, and #9c to December 20, 2016.

 

8b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the preliminary Fiscal Year 2017 Tax Classification.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to hold this Item for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016. Held for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016 - Petty

 

9.

FIRST ITEMS OF BUSINESS

9a.

COMMUNICATION of Timothy J. McGourthy, Executive Director for Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. transmitting communication regarding "Tax Classification: Passing the Buck$ - Ending the Tug-of-War Among Worcester Taxpayers." (Held to be First Item of Business on December 13, 2016 - Lukes November 22, 2016)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to hold this Item for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016. Held for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016 - Petty

 

9b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Auditor transmitting the unaudited financial reports on the budgetary basis for results of operations in fiscal 2016 for the General and Enterprise Funds (Schedules A through B-3). (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 15, 2016 and Held to be First Item of Business on December 13, 2016 - Mero-Carlson November 22, 2016)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to hold this Item for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016. Held for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016 - Petty

 

9c.

COMMUNICATION of Mayor Joseph M. Petty transmitting "A Report of the Discussions of the Mayor’s Tax Policy Committee." (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes November 15, 2016 and Held to be First Item of Business on December 13, 2016 - Mero-Carlson November 22, 2016)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to hold this Item for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016. Held for the Recessed Tax Classification Hearing on December 20, 2016 - Petty

 

10.

PETITIONS

10a.

Paul Zendzian request the sections of fence that were removed when the City did work on a water line at 14 Hanna Rd. be replaced.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works and Parks

 

10b.

Premtina Thamel request potholes in Sever St. in the vicinity of Highland St. and Dayton St. be repaired.

Attachments

Referred to the Department of Public Works and Parks

 

10c.

Premtina Thamel request the entire length of Sever St. be resurfaced.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

10d.

Michael Yvanauskas and Ann Bremer request the handicap parking space in front of 9 Winslow St. be removed.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10e.

Nathan Fitch request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Boyden St. and Clay St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10f.

Samuel Bucciaglia request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 11 New York St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10g.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a "Blind Driveway" sign at the intersection of Ansonia Rd. and Dominion Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10h.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of "Thickly Settled" signage in Dominion Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10i.

John Gleason request signage and/or a warning system be put up at the crosswalk in front of 274 Lincoln St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

10j.

NATIONAL GRID for a manhole location at: JANICE NADEAU WAY/SOUTHGATE ST./AMORY ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for December 20, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

 

10k.

VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location at: GODDARD MEMORIAL DR. AND AIRPORT DR.

Attachments

Hearing set for December 20, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

 

10l.

VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location at QUINSIGAMOND AVE. AND CAMBRIDGE ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for December 20, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

 

10m.

NATIONAL GRID & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, LLC. for jointly-owned pole at: STAFFORD ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for December 20, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.

 

10n.

Jo Hart request that each item on the City Council agenda being reported out of a Standing Committee list the roll call vote taken at the Standing Committee’s meeting on the City Council agenda, in the interest of a more open City government.

Attachments

Petitioner spoke and Placed on file

 

10o.

Ermal Krol request installation of surveillance cameras at 75 Townsend St. to help prevent illegal dumping.

Attachments

Referred to the City Manager

 

11.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

11.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Jose Castillo and Samantha Fiakofi to the Worcester Arts Council.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

11.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend appointment of Barbara Haller to the License Commission.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay - Gaffney) (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Recommend reappointment of Deborah Hall to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
C.

Recommend reappointment of Robert Haddon and Joseph Wanat to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
D.

Recommend reappointment of Vincent Pedone to Chair the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.

Attachments

Confirmed on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay - Gaffney) (Rivera absent)

 
 

11.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
A.

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance amendment to allow for an increase in the flat rate of pay for the City's Snow Customer Service Representatives.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed ordinance on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
 

11.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 

11.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

11.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for the Appalachian Mountain Club property.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for 58 acres in the watershed of the City's Holden No 1 Reservoir.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Taking for 36.49 acres in the watershed of the City's Quinapoxet Reservoir.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
D.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a plan for immediate remediation of flooding on Franklin St. in the vicinity of Jack Barry Field.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
E.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Route 20 Sewer Extension Project.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee

 
 

11.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
 

11.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Hope Cemetery Master Plan Meeting scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2016 at 4pm at the Hope Cemetery Administration Building, 119A Webster Street.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Rectangular Field Master Plan Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 6:30pm at the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division Administrative Office, Meeting Room A, 50 Skyline Drive.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

11.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

11.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

11.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 

11.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

11.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
 

11.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

11.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

11.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

11.17

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
 

11.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

11.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Human Rights and Disabilities
 

11.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

11.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

11.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

11.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning the early election process.

Attachments

Placed on file

 
 

11.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

11.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order relative to the Elderly Exemption Program.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Tax Classification Amendments

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Petty

 
 

11.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the biannual actuarial valuation of the City's Other Post-Employment Benefits program (OPEB) as of July 1, 2015, prepared by KMS Actuaries, LLC.

Attachments

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 
 

11.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

11.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

11.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Technical Services Division
 

11.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

11.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Twenty Four Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars And Forty One Cents ($24,537.41) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7804, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C703, Capital Equipment, to allow for the payment of this vehicle.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Recommend that Two Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($260,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C744B, Off Street Parking Building Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #46C707, Parking Garages - Improvements, to allow for payment of current and anticipated obligations associated with continued upgrades of the fire alarm system and substantial elevator repairs at the Major Taylor Garage.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
C.

Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars And Forty One Cents ($25,537.41) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7804, Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C703, Capital Equipment, to allow for the payment of this vehicle.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
D.

Recommend that One Hundred Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($105,500.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C731A, Water Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, to allow for the payment of this dump truck.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
E.

Recommend that Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($460,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7131A, Filtration Plant Modifications, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C768, Water Filtration Plant, to allow for the payment of anticipated obligations associated with the Water Filtration Plant .

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
F.

Recommend Twenty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Thirty One Dollars And Thirty Four Cents ($29,331.34) be transferred from Account #91C7114, Citywide Building Rehab, to Account #11C70203, EAM 25 Meade St Rehab. This transfer of funds is for the final payment, including retainage, for the RTU Replacement Project that was previously approved in FY16 CIP.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
G.

Recommend that Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($460,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7384, Reservoir Remodeling, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C728, Reservoir Rehabilitation, to allow for payment of current and future engineering services.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
H.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred as follows: $300,000.00 from Loan Account #91C7414B, Street Resurfacing, and $200,000.00 from Loan Account #91C7413C, Street Resurfacing, and the total amount of $500,000.00 be appropriated to DPW Account #41C741, Street Resurfacing, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
I.

Recommend that Two Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($260,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C752, Union Station Garage, to Account #68C702, Technical Service Building Rehab, to allow for the payment of costs associated with the outfitting of the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC). These funds will cover future obligations concerning technical equipment necessary for the EOC. This request will transfer unexpended funds previously issued for projects that are now complete, as allowable under M.G.L Chapter 44 Section 20.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
 

11.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept in-kind promotional advertisements valued at Three Thousand Seventy Five Dollars and No Cents ($3,075.00) from Charter TV3 to promote the annual Festival of Lights.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a grant of up to One Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($100,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development MassWorks Infrastructure Program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant of up to Forty-Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($45,000.00) from CDBG funds, to support Elder Affairs programs at the Worcester Senior Center.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of Eight Dollars and Twenty Two Cents ($8.22) from Skyhawks Sports Academy, Inc., to be used for future Recreational Programs

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
 

11.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that One Million Seventy Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty One Dollars And Fifty Four Cents ($1,070,951.54) be transferred from Account #33100 - Fund 2W, Water Enterprise Retained Earnings, and that $925,951.54 be appropriated to Account #450103-92138, Water O.M. - Reservoirs, and that $145,000.00 be appropriated to Account #450104-92104, Water O.M. - Emergency Pumping, to allow for the payment of these current obligations.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
B.

Recommend that Six Hundred Seven Thousand One Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($607,100.00) be transferred from various CDBG accounts, and be appropriated to various CDBG accounts, to fund projects approved as part of the City's Substantial Amendment to the CDBG Year 42 Action Plan.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
C.

Recommend City Council's authorization of the following uses of the Revolving Fund Accounts in Fiscal Year 2017, at the limits in each account. These Revolving Fund Accounts were established so that revenue derived from a particular service is allowed to be used for associated program costs. These accounts require annual authorization from City Council prior to the certification of the tax rates by the Department of Revenue.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent)

 
D.

Recommend that One Hundred Forty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety One Dollars and No Cents ($149,791.00) be transferred to finalize the City's FY17 annual budget, and furthermore, recommend that Five Million Four Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty One Dollars and No Cents ($5,488,721.00) in certified FY16 free cash be appropriated to various departmental accounts.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Nay - Gaffney) (Rivera absent)

 
 

11.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
 

11.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

11.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a project update of the move of Stearns Tavern to Coes Park.

Attachments

Referred to Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee

 
12.

REPORTS OF THE PLANNING BOARD

12a.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert Branca, Jr. Manager of Branded Realty Group LLC request to extend the RG-5 Zoning District to encompass the entire parcel at 80-100 Wall St. and 38 Norfolk St.

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 

12b.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Craig Blais, President New Garden Park Inc. request to discontinue and remove a portion of the area known as Pond St. from the Official Map.

Attachments

Accepted

 

13.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

13a.

COMMUNICATION of Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to the quarterly update report of economic development initiatives. (Tabled Under Privilege - Economou December 6, 2016)

Attachments

Referred to Economic Development Committee

 

13b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion concerning establishing an Historic District for Mt. Carmel Church property: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council does hereby request the establishment of a Historic District for the Mt. Carmel property that includes the church, rectory, recreation center and ball field. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman December 6, 2016)

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to amend to add the word, "proposed," prior to the words, "Historic District for Mt. Carmel Church property." - Motion approved. Mayor Petty moved to hold this Item to be the First Item of Business on December 20, 2016. Held to be the First Item of Business on December 20, 2016 on a roll call vote 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Rivera absent).

 

14.

TABLED ITEMS

14a.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the number of properties in areas surrounding Holy Cross, Clark University, Becker College and WPI that are listed as having true four-bedroom units. (Tabled - Bergman August 19, 2014)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Brittan Square Parking Lot. (Tabled - Palmieri January 7, 2015 and January 13, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14c.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager provide information from the City Solicitor as to what steps are available to enforce breaches of the Services Agreement with Laz Parking Limited, LLC in regards to City owned parking garages, specifically the Federal Plaza Parking Garage. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14d.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Tony Economou and Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager provide information from the City Assessor, Chief Financial Officer and City Solicitor as to the assessed real property values of all City owned parking garages, the amount of debt, if any, the anticipated repairs and/or capital improvements costs for fiscal year(s) 2015/2016 and the existing lease commitments/terms for spaces in these garages. (Tabled - Petty January 7, 2015, Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 13, 2015 and Tabled - Bergman January 20, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Order of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney request City Manager consider amending the Five Point Financial Plan to require that any increases in local aid received from the Commonwealth be assigned to the Other Post Employment Benefit Trust Fund: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled - Gaffney June 16, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14f.

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen and Councilor Philip P. Palmieri - Request City Manager inform City Council as to whether he and other representatives from the city intend to meet with the owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox to see if they have any interest in relocating to Worcester. (Tabled - Gaffney September 29, 2015)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14g.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication on a quarterly update relative to the City of Worcester’s plan to implement improved strategies and policies that better serve and represent our diverse community. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes January 26, 2016 and Tabled - Petty February 2, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14h.

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of granite borders placed by the City onto private properties on Plantation St., and placed instead in a City park. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14i.

PETITION of Denise Healey request removal of large planters clumped together on Plantation St. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14j.

PETITION of Denise Healey request the targeted second "makeover" of Shrewsbury St. be placed on hold until other city streets have had their first "makeover". (Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 9, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14k.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a list of the non-profit agencies who keep their properties on the tax rolls. (Tabled - Gaffney May 24, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14l.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report listing properties that have been converted from commercial or industrial to residential. (Tabled - Gaffney May 24, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14m.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting communication responding to City Council inquiry requesting City Manager submit an estimated assessor's recap comparing the proposed FY 17 tax levy with the current real estate assessments and the FY 16 assessed values. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes June 14, 2016 and June 21, 2016 and Tabled - Lukes July 19, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14n.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to legislation to regulate and restrict non-profit organizations in residentially zoned districts. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 20, 2016 and September 27, 2016 and Tabled - Bergman October 4, 2016)

Attachments

No action taken

 

15.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION - Item brought forth under suspension at the December 6, 2016 City Council meeting.

15a.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report addressing why the City does not regularly provide reports concerning investment holdings and earnings. – Item #21a Order adopted

 

15b.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether Fitch Rating’s report’s statement concerning the City’s levy capacity not being sufficient to warrant a stronger assessment is in relation to the City’s property assessments. Further, request City Manager include in said report how much flexibility there is when determining what the property assessments are in the City. – Item #21b Order adopted

 

15c.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with an explanation of any concerns the City has regarding the erosion of the City’s tax base and its effect on a downgrade in rating. – Item #21c Order adopted

 

15d.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning if the City’s ordinance for smoking in public can be applied to smoking marijuana. – Item #21d Order adopted

 

15e.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager reach out to the State Delegation and report back to City Council concerning steps the Delegation plans to take concerning the implementation of legalized recreational marijuana. – Item #21e Order adopted

 

15f.

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager invite State Senator Michael Moore to discuss and educate City Council concerning the positives and negatives of what happened as a result of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. – Item #21f Order adopted

 

15g.

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning if dispensaries in the City will only be able to sell medicinal marijuana or if recreational marijuana is also permitted for sale with the implementation of new marijuana laws. – Item #21g Order adopted

 

15h.

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the increase of cost in recycling operations if the City were to implement a program where residents would place their recyclables in a clear bag for pickup. Further, request City Manager include in said report the savings the company responsible for recycling pickups in Worcester would incur if plastic bags were used for pickup. – Item #21h Order adopted

 

15i.

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Beverly Julian request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage to the left of the driveway at 240 Mountain St. East. – Item #21i Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

15j.

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou request installation of a stop line and stop sign where Barrett Ave. intersects with West Chester St. – Item #21j Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

15k.

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Russell Pichette request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the easterly side of Fatima Lane from Clark St. to the mailboxes. – Item #21k Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

16.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION - Item brought forth under suspension at the December 13, 2016 City Council meeting.

16a.

Motion Economou @ #8a CC - That the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017 be set at $19.63 for Residential Property and $32.00 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Petty

 

16b.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #8a CC - That the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017 be set at $19.25 for Residential Property and $32.99 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Petty

 

16c.

Motion Gaffney @ #8a CC - That City Council leave the current tax rates as they are and substitute the remaining tax levy increase by increasing local receipt estimates contained in the FY 2017 Budget by $2,462,496.00 and decreasing the property taxes levied by $2,462,496.00.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Petty

 

16d.

Motion Russell @ #8a CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a tax rate table summarizing the possible tax rate options based on a tax levy of approximately $280,000,000.00.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16e.

Motion Toomey @ #8c CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the cost for increasing the number of exemptions given to elderly residents.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16f.

Motion Petty @ #8a CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the pros and cons if the tax classification rate is based on a tax levy of approximately $280,000,000.00.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16g.

Motion Russell @ #8a CC - Request City Manager provide City Council with the in depth report concerning the average and median increases for apartment buildings as well as the other different categories that are not single or two family residential homes.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16h.

Motion Toomey @ #11.6D CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding the list of projects currently being implemented to remediate flooding on Franklin St. in the vicinity of Jack Barry Field.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16i.

Motion Petty @ #11.23A CM – That City Council does hereby approve the implementation of early voting for local municipal elections. Further, the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the City’s state delegation to change the language in M.G.L. Chapter 54, section 25B and explore steps necessary to implement early voting in local elections.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16j.

Motion Lukes @ #13b CC – Request City Manager add a column to the Quarterly Economic Development Update that identifies which economic development projects have TIFs, including in said column the status of their compliance with the TIF requirements. Further, request City Manager include in said reports how much the lost revenue is costing the City.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16k.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager consider reporting to City Council concerning any information regarding the availability of NBC in the vicinity of Worcester.

Attachments

Order adopted

 

16l.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager determine who is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk in West Boylston St. from 541 West Boylston St., Art’s Diner, to New Bond St., and if the City is responsible, request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks get staff there to shovel out sidewalks and bus stops in that area.

Attachments

Order adopted