CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:42 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:26 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 September 12, 2018.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Brian Killorn, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #12b CC
2. Michael Quinlivan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9a CC
3. Chris Matthews, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #9a CC
4. Margaret Wyman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #12b CC

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: LOVELL ST./JUNE ST. and BROWNELL ST./BERKMANS ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: LOVELL ST./JUNE ST. and BROWNELL ST./BERKMANS ST.

Hearing: CROWN CASTLE FIBER LLC for a conduit location at 100 RESEARCH DR. and PLANTATION ST. Granting permission to CROWN CASTLE FIBER LLC for a conduit location at 100 RESEARCH DR. and PLANTATION ST.

Hearing: EVERSOURCE for a gas main location at: SHOREHAM ST. Granting permission to EVERSOURCE for a gas main location at: SHOREHAM ST.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of additional street lights in Larch St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a street light on Viele Ave.

David Willens request the repair/replacing of sidewalks on the Boyton St. side of 99 Salisbury St.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request construction of sidewalks with an indention in the way for the purpose of student drop off on the north side of Mower St. from West Tatnuck Elementary School to electrical pole number 44.

Norma Delgado request installation of an additional handicap parking space across from 36 Gates St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Karen Bird request installation of crosswalk in Thorne St. in vicinity of Dupont St.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request to install "No Parking" on the south side of Mower St. from Westmoreland Dr. to electrical pole number 44 between the hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 am and between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Norma Delgado request installation of resident permit parking for Gates St.

John Golding request installation of handicap parking space in front of 5 Winchester Ave.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of resident permit parking in Winslow St.

Felix Burgos et al request installation of resident permit parking in Larch St.

Felix Burgos et al request removal of handicap parking signs in Winslow St.

Felix Burgos et al request enforcement of parking laws for abandoned vehicles in Winslow St. and Larch St.

Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Bruce Karlin, MD request police and additional traffic safeguards and controls in front of 108 Grove Street in order to allow elderly and disabled patients to safely cross from the parking lot across Grove Street to 108 Grove Street because they are afraid of oncoming traffic.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a “Blind Driveway” sign at 10 Natural History Dr.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request the four (4) parking meters on Thomas St. be removed, with the “No Parking Reserved for Police Vehicles 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday” be extended to take its place.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request speed enforcement in the area around Shaffner St., McKinley Rd. and Sturgis St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request reinstallation of a “Left Turn Only” lane in Belmont St., turning into 240 Belmont St., Seabury Heights.

CROWN CASTLE FIBER LLC for conduit location at: PRESCOTT ST./GARDEN ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MASSASOIT RD./GREENFIELD ST.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement at Reed St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement in Salisbury St. between Park Ave. and Forest St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with an in-depth traffic study for the area of Salisbury St. between Park Ave. and Forest St., which includes information about how many cars go through the area at various points of the day, as a means to mitigate speeding and traffic concerns.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Ward St. and Richland St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - – Request City Manager provide City Council with a traffic study to see if flashing pedestrian signage and stop signs would be appropriate at the intersection of Ward St. and Richland St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement in the vicinity of Ruth St., Underwood St., and Van St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager consider implementing a policy to increase traffic and speed enforcement in the vicinity of all schools in September and January when school comes back into session.

Request the Committee on Youth, Parks and Recreation hold a public hearing on the progress being made in discussions between the city administration and the local skateboarding community as both parties work together to find an acceptable, affordable and safe site for a new skate park. (Rosen)

To relieve residents, business owners, motorists and pedestrians of undue inconvenience and hardship, request the City Manager suggest changes needed in the process and/or writing of contracts to make contractors who are doing street or sidewalk resurfacing projects complete their work in a reasonable length of time. (Rosen)

Request the Mayor/City Council have the following language (in bold and italic) be added to section (9) of Rule 27 of the City Council and that said Rule be amended to read as follows: 9). For the previous question and prior to any debate/discussion (which shall require a two-thirds vote and if adopted shall close all debate on the pending item and require an immediate roll call vote to adopt). (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide an update of a previous request from May 15, 2018 to live stream city meetings and events on social media. (King)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement of vehicles illegally turning right on red onto North Parkway from Lincoln St. without making a full stop. (Mero-Carlson)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell and State Representative Daniel M. Donahue request installation of "No Parking" or "Passenger Zone" in front of 36 Upsala St. to assist residents who are picked up and dropped off by Van and Shuttle services: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order and passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Norma Rivera request installation of handicap parking space in front of 6 Berkshire St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Franqui Cordero on behalf of Blanca Diez request installation of handicap parking in the vicinity of 15 Mendon St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Luis Lizano request handicap parking space across from 50 Elliott St. be removed: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Deiwson Dos Santos request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 61 Seymour St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Rose Bogigian request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 17 Barnard Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Sandra Ramos request installation of two handicap parking spaces in the vicinity of 6 Pattison St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of David Gauthier request to remove the handicap parking space in front of 13 Haven Lane: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Donna McArthur request installation of handicap parking space in the vicinity of 9 Hitchcock Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Diane Fulton on behalf of Richard McKenna request installation of handicap parking space in front of 179 Eastern Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Ronda Osterberg request installation of handicap parking in the vicinity of 28 Harlem St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Barry Scott request installation of resident permit parking on Catharine St., from Eastern Ave. to Hooper St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request removal of the resident permit parking restriction on Harlow St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Amanda Perry, Supervisor Worcester Post Office request four (4) stop signs be installed on Hillsboro Rd., Basswood Blvd and both sides of intersection of Longmeadow Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install one (1) stop sign facing eastbound traffic on Hillsboro Rd.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marilyn and Philip Pritchard Sr. et al request installation of a stop sign at the corner of Geneva St. and Reed St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to install one (1) stop sign facing southbound traffic on Geneva St.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request police enforcement of the No Right Turns from Belmont St. onto Granby Rd. from 6am - 8 am and 3 pm - 6 pm: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request traffic enforcement in Coolidge Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request to increase speeding enforcement and add necessary signage to mitigate speeding on Walter St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Linda Glazebrook request installation of children advisory signage on Clearview Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Karen Bird et al request speed limit signs and speed enforcement on Thorne, Chrome and Orient Sts.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Adam Cormier and Rev. Richard Polek request a School Zone sign on both Ward and Richland Streets: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mohammed Abdullah request installation of handicap parking space in front of 87 Chino Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Al Waweru request the removal of Resident Permit Parking or amendment to the hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for Marsh Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James Bisceglia request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage across from the driveway at 54 Honeysuckle Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James Bisceglia request No Parking be installed across from driveway at 54 Honeysuckle Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Susan Cole request to amend the winter parking ban for Coolidge Rd. so parking is allowed on the odd side of Coolidge Rd. during the declared winter parking ban.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Anthony Belcher et al request installation of Children advisory signage in Willow St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elizabeth Gonzalez request installation of Children or speed limit signs on McKinley Rd. and Ashton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of a crosswalk in Green St. in the vicinity of the Crompton Collective Building: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Luke Gulezian of Mirra Co., Inc. request installation of "Caution Trucks Entering and Exiting" signs at 1 Southwest Cutoff across the street going west: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen, to increase the safety of pedestrians, especially school children and university students, in the area of Ruth, Underwood and Van Streets, request installation of appropriate signage including both speed limit and caution/children at play signs, increased speed enforcement by the Worcester Police Dept., and implementation of a pilot program using reflective speed bumps and/or humps: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Elizabeth Hyland request the traffic light patterns at Tatnuck Square be investigated and changed to make it safer for vehicles going straight from Mower St. to Chandler St. and making turns onto Pleasant St. from Chandler St. and Mower St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager report on what further construction will be performed and the date of completion for June Street. (Tabled - Lukes September 25, 2018)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Sean M. Rose - That the Worcester City Council does hereby reaffirm our commitment to equal protection under the laws for all people; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Worcester City Council opposes any effort to infringe on the rights of transgender and gender non- conforming members of our community; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Worcester City Council does hereby pledge to sign on to the “Yes on 3 Coalition” organized by Freedom for All Massachusetts. (Tabled Under Privilege - King September 25, 2018)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Bruce LaBoffa request zone change for the property at 452 Southwest Cutoff from Residential to ML-0.5.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. (Tabled - Mero-Carlson April 3, 2018)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update of a previous report concerning what the impact would be if 4 to 8 unit properties and 9 or above unit properties were moved to a commercial tax rate using the current valuations and the rational the state used to classify income properties and how many buildings have 9 or above units in the city: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to request the City Manager to initiate process for moving 5 or more unit properties from residential tax rate to commercial tax rate. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose September 12, 2018 and Tabled - Petty September 25, 2018)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes – That the City Council go on record in favor of supporting the Worcester Bravehearts as they plan for the future. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes August 21, 2018 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty September 12, 2018 and Tabled - Lukes September 25, 2018)

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning any action taken on an Order brought forth on May 2, 2017 by Mayor Petty, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson and Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes requesting an Ordinance be drafted that addresses the public safety issue of natural gas leaks. – Item #19a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning an itinerary widget being produced by Discover Central Massachusetts that plans to include all the parks, areas of attraction and landmarks. – Item #19b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager have the lights on Sagamore Rd. inspected and turned on to ensure the street is well lit. – Item #19c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report with recommendations as to how best to curb the parking of tractor trailer trucks on Randolph Rd. in the vicinity of Odd Fellows Home and Oasis at Dodge Park. – Item #19d CC Order adopted

Motion Lukes @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of all private subcontractors that are working on city streets and sidewalks, including where each private subcontractor is working on.

Motion Lukes @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with any data concerning how long it takes public utility companies to complete new installations on various roads.

Motion Petty @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning what the fees are for connecting to public utilities.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager review the sidewalk repairs occurring at Kenwood Ave., as concrete was expected to be used to make the repairs, however, blacktop has been used.

PETITION – Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Ronald Holbrook request installation of a handicap parking space in the vicinity of 229 Millbury St.

Motion Toomey – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks address water and gutter issue in front of 134 Southbridge St.

PETITION – Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request sidewalk repair in front of Union Music, Guertin Graphics and A1 Wholesale Window and Siding on Southbridge St.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks address water that is continually running in the vicinity of the Teamsters building on Route 20.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager reach out to those responsible for the construction on Route 20 so that more signage and lighting is added in the area.