CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:05 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:16 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Joseph M. Petty read and Proclamation declaring May 2017 as Worcester Community Action Council Month in the City of Worcester. The Proclamation was presented to Noreen Johnson-Smith, Vice Chair of the WCAC Board.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 4, 2017.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Etel Haxhiaj, Worcester resident
2. Dicken Tonihacha, Worcester resident
3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
4. Jean McMurray, Worcester resident
5. Stuart Loosemore, Leicester resident
6. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident
7. Ron Waddell, Worcester resident
8. Gerardo Shciano, Worcester resident
9. Virginia Ryan, Worcester resident
10. Claire Baylor, Worcester resident
11. Luz Vega, Worcester resident
12. Steve Denson, Worcester resident
13. Calvin Feliciano, Worcester resident
14. Jo Hart, Worcester resident

Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Arthur Mooradian request Westfield St. Extension be made a public street.

Simon Elliot request installation of safe and secure bicycle parking at City Hall.

Debra Donahue request Emerson Rd. be resurfaced.

Jennifer Durecut request sidewalk replacement at 98 Beaver St.

Debbie and Vince Asbridge request sidewalk repair in front of 8 Massachusetts Ave.

Michael Alfego request installation of signage for already existing resident permit parking on both sides of Rena St.

Ernie Brooks request resident permit parking on Roxbury St. from a point 341' north of William St. to a point 75' south of Highland St. be amended to occur from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M.

Councilor Gary Rosen request increased traffic and speed enforcement on Clover St.

Councilor Tony Economou request installation of a crosswalk across Lincoln Street in the vicinity of Haven Ln.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk from 442 Park Ave. across Enfield St. to 450 Park Ave.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Arthur Mooradian request the portion of Queen St. between Chandler St. and Austin St. that is currently one way traffic be opened up to two way traffic.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint or identical pole location at: ST. PAUL DRIVE

William S. Coleman, III request City Council raise the salary of the next Mayor to $75,000.00 a year and make the position part of the City's marketing efforts.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Administration provide a report concerning the efforts being made with private, state, federal and church agencies to eliminate homelessness in the City of Worcester.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a proposal regarding the best way to address the negative aspects associated with short-term bedroom rentals. Further, request City Manager include in said proposal an analysis of whether a special permit process or a licensing process would be more appropriate, or if both processes would coexist.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement of “No Parking Anytime” ban at entry to Quabbin Estates, 2 Candlewood Pl.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement of “No Parking Here to Corner” clearance at the corner of Greenbriar Lane and Richmond Ave.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what violations of the corner clearance ordinance have occurred at the corner of Greenbriar Lane and Richmond Ave.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in Matteo St. at Allison Circle.

Request City Manager request City Solicitor draft an ordinance to address the public safety issue of natural gas leaks that is similar to the City of Boston’s ordinance amending Boston City Code, Ordinances, Chapter XIII regarding Management and Elimination of Natural Gas Leaks. (Petty, Mero-Carlson, Lukes)

Request City Manager review the policy and procedures for illegal dumping in the city as well conducting an analysis of the residential drop-off center and report whether or not residential trash can be dropped off during the summer months. (Petty)

Having City Council stated on April 25, 2017 that a person's employment should not be a disqualifying event for the appointment to a board or commission, request City Manager allow employees of the City of Worcester be appointed to Boards and Commissions. (Gaffney)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks extend the time the yellow blinking lights flash at the crosswalk in front of 1050 Main St. to give residents with disabilities enough time to cross. (Rivera)

Request City Manager examine the number of speed limit signs on Sunderland Rd. as well as the need for more signage. (Petty)

Request City Manager consider having a waste drop off center open that requires no appointment and is open at a time that is convenient to most residents. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider having his team provide a flyer, accompanied by press release promoting the hours of operation and what can be disposed of at the waste drop off center. (Russell)

Request City Manager consider reducing or even eliminating fees for disposal of large items on a trial basis in an effort to promote proper disposal and cut down on illegal dumping. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the construction and repairs taking place at the Green Island Neighborhood Center. (Rivera)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning any plans to locate a memorial at Green Hill Park in remembrance of World War One. (Lukes, Bergman)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the city's efforts to achieve Zero Waste. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report to City Council concerning the impacts on the city operational budget by increasing to $15 an hour the minimum salary of all City and School Department employees. (Mero-Carlson, Petty, King, Toomey)

Request City Manager consider providing daily, non-appointment access to the Residential Drop-off Center for all regular sized trash and yard waste items. (King)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks initiate a pilot program that would explore the prospect of using recycle bins with bungee cords, which were previously made available by the Department of Public Works. (King)

Request City Manager submit an estimated assessor's recap comparing the proposed FY18 tax levy with the current real estate assessments and the FY 17 assessed values in order to provide the City Council with a range of possible tax impacts on the taxpayers when the budget is approved. (Lukes)

Request City Manager work in consultation with the WRTA and Worcester Public School Department to direct an evaluation to utilize existing WRTA buses and personnel to transfer Worcester Public School High School students to and from high schools. (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide all information regarding budget related topics given by City of Worcester employees to any City Councilor in a timely manner to all City Councilors to better aid the budget deliberation process. (Bergman)

Request City Manager meet with the WRTA regarding the potential of creating a “Youth Pass,” which would allow young adults to ride the WRTA for little or no cost. (Rivera, King)

That City Council does hereby support legislation (H.2365 and S.1004) to create a statewide $15 per hour minimum wage for all workers in Massachusetts culminating in 2021. (King, Petty, Rivera, Mero-Carlson, Toomey, Russell)

Transmitting informational communication regarding the filling of one vacancy on the Library Board of Directors.

Department of Public Utilities transmitting NStar Gas Company's Condensed Financial Return for the Year Ended December 31, 2016.

Stephen Herzog, Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Inc., transmitting for CSX Transportation, Inc. its 2017 Yearly Operational Plan (YOP) for Right-of-Way (ROW) Management.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a zoning ordinance map amendment for parcels in the James Street and South Ludlow Street area: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a resolution to file an application to designate 49 Canterbury Street as a Certified Project and approve a Tax Increment Financing Plan for the property: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to whether or not a change of use, for the purpose of a short term accessory rental at a residential or mix use properties, could result in making this rental space applicable to taxes that are imposed on businesses: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nicole Croteau request installation of crosswalk and crosswalk signal on the corner of Park Ave. and Maywood St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Raymond Anderson request crosswalk be painted across Clark St. between Bay State Rd. and Eunice Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Tennyson Pablo de Assis request removal of handicap parking space in front of 87 Plantation St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pasquale Turano request installation of handicap parking space in front of 12 Somerset St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Holly Marti request installation of resident permit parking on Cedar St., from Merrick St. to Russell St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Holly Marti request installation of resident permit parking on Merrick St., from Elm St. to Cedar St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James Savage request removal of "No Parking Anytime" restriction at 9 Ashland St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of the residents of Benefit St. request installation of “No Parking Here to Corner” signage in Benefit St. at Main St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Patricia Finnegan Gates, Attorney for Roseland Residential Trust, request the removal of four (4) parking meters on Front St., near the intersection with Foster St., shown on the attached plan, and further request the four (4) spaces be re-designated as a "Commercial Loading Zone.": recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request installation of a stop line and stop sign where Barrett Ave. intersects with West Chester St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Denise Boucher-Garofoli request relocation of the bus stop located in front of Boucher's Good Books and Gifts, 254 Lake Ave., to the corner of Lake Ave. and Nonquit St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Stephen Streeter et al request installation of "Children" or Speed Limit signs on Matteo St. before Allison Circle, facing both directions.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Amending the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991, relative to the definition of Hospital or Sanatorium.

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update regarding a previous request concerning an action plan as to how to control increased large truck traffic on City Streets from CSX terminal. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 25, 2017)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Chandler Street - Worcester State University Area Traffic Study: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to support the Department of Public Works and Parks’ traffic configuration plans for the Chandler Street and Worcester State University area. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes April 25, 2017)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager review the legality of changes in this year’s tax classification from residential to commercial of several assisted living facilities and, if correct, review the options for making these dramatically increased tax payments, without penalties. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 4, 2017 and Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman April 25, 2017)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - That the Worcester City Council does hereby support the initiation of negotiations by the WRA with MassPort or other entities regarding the feasibility of transferring Union Station as an intermodal transportation center to MassPort. The transfer concept is based upon the transfer of the Worcester Airport to MassPort and is necessitated by similar transportation and financial concerns that resulted in the conveyance of Worcester Airport to MassPort. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty February 28, 2017- and Tabled - Lukes March 7, 2017)

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen - That the City Council does hereby strongly urge the Mayor, School Superintendent, School Committee and the Worcester Department of Public Health to follow EPA guidelines and direction in immediately authorizing and funding and the testing of the air and environment at both Doherty Memorial and Burncoat High Schools for dangerously high levels of toxic and carcinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and to use the test results to determine an appropriate remediation process. (Tabled - Rosen March 21, 2017)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – That City Council does hereby not appoint members of the press to board and commissions. – Item #21a Resolution denied on a roll call vote of 1 Yea and 10 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager display in a prominent location all the rules and regulations concerning individuals using advertising signs in public places. – Item #21b Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager update the Sidewalk Snow Removal Policies on the City's website to include information concerning the requirement for owners to shovel and treat an area near a bus stop. – Item #21c Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning future projections of the City’s budgets for the next three to five years. – Item #21d Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any possible chargebacks from the federal government if Union Station were to be leased out. – Item #21e Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager look into state funding that could be used to repair the road in Green Hill Park. – Item #21f Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning why the whole road going through Green Hill Park is assessed to the Green Hill Golf Course even though it runs through the Vietnam Memorial, Zoo and other amenities at the park. – Item #21g Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager request Superintendent of Public Schools provide City Council with a report regarding which colleges and universities the students of the Worcester Public Schools are matriculating. – Item #21h Order adopted

PETITION of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request flashing pedestrian lights at the crosswalk at the corner of Nonquit St. and Lake Ave. – Item #21i Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou Request City Manager and Superintendent of Public Schools review consolidating various functions between the City and the School Department in an effort to implement cost savings. – Item #21j Order adopted

Motion Toomey @ #7n CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all the opportunities for job training the City provides to those looking for higher paying jobs.

Motion Economou @ #9b CC – Request City Manager look at what the budgetary impact would be if the City were to eliminate the recycling program.

Motion Rosen @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the statistics of people who put out their rubbish one or two days early, including information regarding times the City has spoken with the property owners who have done this and what the fines are when this occurs.

Motion Economou @ #9b CC – Request City Manager consider using the salt shed locations in the City as alternative locations for trash and recycling drop off.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Keith MacNeil request sidewalk repair in front of 3 Woods Ave.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager pick up litter along Burncoat St. Extension from Mountain St. East to Matteo St.

PETITION – Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the residents of Grove St. Terrace request Grove St. Terrace be resurfaced.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks reset the water shut off gate in the vicinity of 71 Darrell Rd.

Motion Toomey and Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install safety gates at the playground of Vernon Hill School.

PETITION – Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey and Councilor George J. Russell request installation of solar pedestrian flashing lights at the crosswalk and bus stop located at the Vernon Hill School Playground.

PETITION – Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey and Councilor George J. Russell request speed enforcement in the vicinity of Vernon Hill School.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all the youth programs that will be provided this summer.