CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:02 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:08 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of October 10, 2017.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident
2. John Provost, Worcester resident
3. Steve Tisdale, Worcester resident
4. Ivette Dyson, no residence given
5. Robert Diaz, Worcester resident
6. Gordon Hargrove, Worcester resident
7. Gladys Rodriguez, Worcester resident
8. No name or residence given

Maura Johnson request abatement of street betterment assessment #25542 in the amount of $15,000.00 for Valley View Lane.

Gilbert Parke et al request sidewalk repair at 4 Elizabeth St.

Edward and Jill Walsh request abatement of street betterment assessment #25533 in the amount of $6,006.00 for Monmouth Ave.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Michael Peloquin request “No Parking Anytime” on the odd, north side of Fairfax Rd. from West Upsala St. to 56 Fairfax Rd. be relocated to the even, south side of the street.

Vincent Bertolino of Grandis Realty Management request installation of a loading zone in front of 34 Portland St.

Miriam Rivera request installation of a handicap parking space for 25 Richards St.

Jonathan Church, Administrator WRTA request installation of "No Parking Signs" within the bus stop pull-out area on Franklin St. (next to Worcester Common and across from 34 Franklin St.).

Jonathan Church, Administrator WRTA request installation of "No Parking" signs 40 feet before and 40 feet after the bus shelter location at the inbound bus stop at 286 Lincoln St. (across from Hahnemann Hospital).

James DuVarney request installation of a handicap parking sign at the corner of Grafton St. and Flower St. 10 feet in front of the fire hydrant.

Suzy Collette request installation of a "Do Not Enter" sign for vehicles using the footpath at the end of St. Paul Drive as a way to get to the basketball court at Flagg St. School.

Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of Mike Paylor request installation of flashing yellow lights for the crosswalk at the intersection of School St., Summer St., and Laurel St.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit and manhole location at: CHANDLER ST.

Jo Hart request City Councilors and City Manager corral all 400 Ofo bicycles until regulations can be set up regarding riding bikes on the City sidewalks.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide all lodging house license holders with the most recent information pertaining to complying with legislation at the time of their license renewals.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the City follows up with lodging houses who are not compliant with legislation when they come up for renewal.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what other communities are doing with waste water from marijuana.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update from the City Solicitor and Police Chief in six months regarding any concerns with the State’s marijuana regulations.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Police Chief provide enforcement of driveway clearances at 125 Endicott St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide speed enforcement in the vicinity of Tyson Rd.

Request City Manager and Assistant Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery install a few more highly-visible signs around the Green Hill Park handball courts emphatically stating, "Absolutely no skateboards, no bikes, no playing baseball, no kicking soccer balls, no scooters, no ATVS, no dirt bikes on the handball courts”. (Rosen, Mero-Carlson, Gaffney)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report regarding what the City is doing concerning affordable housing inventory to help facilitate availability to citizens resettling to Worcester from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Rivera, King, Petty, Russell Economou)

Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks find a way to systematically increase funding for street resurfacing and sidewalk repair. (Economou, Rivera, Rosen, Toomey, Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager consider installing Wi-Fi hotspots on utility poles in designated areas across the city which can be used to improve cell phone service. (Petty)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the cost to clear the waiting list at the Adult Learning Center for ABE (Adult Basic Education) and ESL (English Second Language) individuals. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager report on the feasibility of a city commitment to reduce the amount of trash by 90% by the year 2040 pursuant to a Zero Waste program. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report on the number and location of leaking gas lines in the city. (Lukes)

Request City Council to vote on an amount of dollars for tax relief for taxpayers prior to the election. (Lukes)

Request City Manager consider providing additional lighting to illuminate the Greendale Eagle Memorial on West Boylston St. (Bergman)

#10e CC July 18, 2017 ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager and City Council reduce the FY18 taxes at the tax recap for 1) 20% of any certified free cash; 2) any amounts determined to be in excess in the Health Insurance Trust and; 3) any new growth in excess of what is currently budgeted.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an updated Economic Development Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to cultural events and activities for Summer 2017: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Discover Central Massachusetts: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the second quarter update from Discover Central Massachusetts: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to municipal aggregation: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Dave Abramo request to convert 11 Nathaniel Ct. (aka 80 Southwest Cutoff) from an RL-7 Zone to an ML-0.5 Zone: recommend Report be denied.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Forty Eight Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($148,000.00) from OJP's Bureau of Justice Assistance Division under the Byrne JAG, FY17 Local Solicitation program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a breakdown of the groups that receive and the usage of funds from the Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative Grant: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication regarding a draft ordinance relative to the smoking or consumption of marijuana or other drug in public, similar to the City Ordinance concerning drinking in public: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication fo the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Legal Remedies Available to the License Commission When the Holder and/or Manager of a Lodging House License is Not in Compliance: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication fo the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Lodging House Enforcement, as requested by City Council: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending approval of a discontinuance of a portion of a Millbury St. right of way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Enio Barbosa et al request Ellie Way be made public: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Communication of the City Manager recommending approval relative to decreeing a portion of Church St. public: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou request sidewalk repair in front of 2 Monadnock Rd. and 248 Salisbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the Pokoly family request sidewalk repair in front of 15 Algonquin Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jini Henderson, Property Manager for Worcester Community Housing Resources, Inc. request sidewalk repair in front of 799 Main St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request replacement of sidewalks on the even side Chalmers Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen request sidewalk resurfacing in front of 8, 10, and 12 Brantwood Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Shirley Dowd request sidewalk repair in front of 73 Lynnwood Lane: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Enxhi Muharremi request street resurfacing for Whittier St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Justin Guerce request street resurfacing of Keen St., from South Ludlow St. to Mohawk St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Julianne Cronin request replacement of pavement at the end of the driveway on the South Flagg St. side of 94 Hadwen Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Peter and RoseMarie Dolan request guardrail in front of 41 Ludlow St. be replaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jennifer Rajecki, Property Manager Voke Lofts, request installation of a guardrail on Salisbury St. near Lincoln Square at the turn that leads into the tunnel: recommend the adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jacqui Lasley request 3 Arcadia St. be renumbered 9 Arcadia St., as the street is numbered out of order: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Victor Guerrero request solution to water build-up in the street in front of 6 Greenwood St. during rain and snow events: recommend adoption of accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of trash bins in front of Saint Bernard's Church on Lincoln St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Enxhi Muharremi request water drainage problem from driveway at 5 Whittier St. be resolved: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the month ending July 31, 2017: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Tony Bahnan request a handicap ramp be installed in front of 406 Chandler St.: recommend the Petitioner be given Leave to Withdraw.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a “Go Slow” Children’s advisory sign in Channing St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a larger “Do Not Block Intersection” sign in Burncoat St. at Burncoat Terrace facing southbound traffic moving towards Millbrook St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pam Barrett request "Dead End Street" sign be installed at the beginning of Beverly Cove: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Barbara Engwall request removal of the "Deaf Child" signage in front of 48, 49, and 60 North Circuit Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bounleng Seneth request installation of handicap parking space in front of 33 Standish St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Norma Delgado request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 36 Gates St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Denise Boucher-Garofoli request removal of "No Parking Anytime" signage in front of Boucher's Good Books and Gifts, located at 254 Lake Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Michael O'Rourke requests installation of no parking signage in front of 125 Endicott St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of State Representative Daniel M. Donahue and Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Mitchell Starr request installation of "Go Slow" Children advisory signage in Stoneham Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of the Dion Family request installation of a “Blind Driveway” sign in the vicinity of 32 Tyson Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of on-street parking signage in Plymouth St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request the installation of an audible crossing device and crosswalk at 228 Providence St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gareld Emerson request investigation of the traffic lights and crosswalk signals at the intersection of Major Taylor Blvd. and MLK, Jr. Blvd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 78 ½ Ward St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 23 Stanton St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind Handicap Parking in front of 100 Houghton St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 102 Arthur St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of 44 Uxbridge St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking In Front Of 7 Sylvan St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From 50 Elliott St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinance Of 2008 To Rescind Handicap Parking Across From 146 Perry Ave.

Amending Section 43 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend The Winter Parking Ban On Purchase St.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking On Emerson Rd. Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Amend No Parking On Randall St.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommending approval of a rate increase for certain categories of hired equipment for plowing and sanding. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes October 17, 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 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)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a City Solicitor's report concerning the wording of the ordinance voted by the Town of Westborough on March 7, 2017, which banned any recreational marijuana stores, farms or other related businesses in that Town and what, if any, would be the impact of the ordinance on medical marijuana businesses, personal consumption and limited home grown plants and further what is the process for the city to implement a such a ban on commercial, non-medical marijuana business. (Tabled - Lukes May 9. 2017)

HEARING & ORDER to grant permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint or identical pole location at: ST. PAUL DRIVE (Tabled - Bergman May 23, 2017)

ORDER of Councilor Michael T. Gaffney - Request City Council, in Accordance with City Council Rule 52, to discharge from the Standing Committee on Public Safety the item referred to said committee on September 6, 2016 relative to a Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication regarding a draft ordinance relative to the smoking or consumption of marijuana or other drug in public, similar to the City Ordinance concerning drinking in public. (Tabled - Bergman May 23, 2017)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the legality of changes in this year’s tax classification from residential to commercial of several assisted living facilities. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 20, 2017 and Tabled June 27, 2017 - Bergman)

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager request City Solicitor look into possible exemptions to allow City employees with good driving records and who previously plowed for the City to continue doing so. – Item #12a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera – Request City Manager provide City Council with a flyer for social media and neighborhood meetings helping individuals identify any stumps that the City may have missed grinding down, in Spanish and English. – Item #12b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Tony Economou – Request City Manager provide City Council with the process for backfilling holes from a removed tree stump that is in a grass strip. – Item #12c CC Order adopted

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou on behalf of Kathy Huntington request speed enforcement in the vicinity of Briarwood Ln. and Clark St. – Item #12d CC Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

PETITION of Councilor Tony Economou request sidewalk repair in front of 27 Indian Lake Pkwy. – Item #12e CC Referred to Public Works Committee

ORDER of Councilor Gary Rosen – Request City Manager look into allowing residents access to the Mann St. parking lot for use of Beaver Brook Park, including the new dog park in that location. – Item #12f CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – Request City Manager post the response from Amazon concerning the City’s RFP to locate the company’s second headquarters in Worcester on the City’s website. – Item #12g CC Order adopted

Motion Petty @ #8d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what effect, if any, utility pole hotspots may have on the human body.

Motion Gaffney @ #8b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a full proposal outlining what the City is doing and plans to do for the citizens from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands resettling in Worcester.

Motion Petty @ #9a CC – That the City Council does hereby amend the 2017 City Council Meeting Schedule by designating the meeting of Tuesday, October 31, 2017 to include the Recess to Finance section.

Motion Lukes @ #15a CC – Request City Manager include any information received from the Inspector General in any report provided to City Council concerning whether or not any exemptions exist that would allow City employees the opportunity to plow.

Motion Lukes – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager plant three replacement shade trees in front of 25 Trent Rd.

Motion Economou – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager work to cut overgrowth back along Norton Dr. and West Boylston Dr., working with the state if needed.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what the process is in regards to identification and permitting for people soliciting door to door in neighborhoods.

Motion Bergman – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning what methods and means are available to prevent people profiting privately from things taken on by City Council in a public manner.

Motion Petty – Suspension of Rules – That the City Council does hereby amend the time of the Tuesday, October 31, 2017 City Council meeting to 7:30 p.m.