CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:47 P.M.

Adjourned: 7:53 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Khrystian E. King
Konstantina B. Lukes Candy Mero-Carlson
Sarai Rivera Sean M. Rose City Clerk
Susan M. Ledoux
Gary Rosen George J. Russell
Kathleen M. Toomey Matthew E. Wally
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & STAR SPANGLED BANNER

2.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair.

3.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

3a.

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Dr. John E. McAuliffe, who passed away at the age of 96. Mayor Petty read a statement from both himself and the City Manager thanking Dr. McAuliffe, a veteran of World War II, for his dedicated service to both our country and our city.

 

3b.

Mayor Petty recognized the Grafton High School “Service Projects of Worcester Group” for volunteering efforts and commitment to community service in Worcester. Mayor Petty provided a Certificate of Special Mayoral Recognition to Grace Balzanell, Zoe Barnhill, Makayla Bowman, Ghislaine Brenner, Riley Cass, Maura Coakley, Sophia Coldwell, Abigail Corning, Zoe Davis, Brandon Dionne, Katherine Dunham, Alexander Ford, Heater Holbrook, Maithri Indraghanty, Juliana Kallio, Koshivos Koshivos, Priscilla Lam, Madison Mulligan, Lindsey Piel, Maura Rocco, Francesca Spagnuolo, Ava Taymouri, Molly Carroll, Averie Hawkins, Marsela Jahja, Mackenzie Olvert, Mariko Partin and Zayda Waters.

 

3c.

During Suspension of Rules, Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and his staff for the work they did concerning the Festival of Lights ceremony on the City Hall Common on December 6, 2019 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., which featured live music, food trucks, free ice skating, tree lightings and more.

 

3d.

During Suspension of Rules, Mayor Petty recognized Director of Energy and Asset Management John Odell for receiving an award from the State of Massachusetts for the various Energy and Asset Management efforts occurring within the city of Worcester.

 

4.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

4a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 19, 2019.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2019 City Council meeting. Order adopted on a voice vote.

 

5.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

5a.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Carmelita Bello, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8l CC
2. Michael Scaglione, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8l CC
3. Tomo Sakai, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8g CC - #8i CC
4. Liz Barnes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8g CC - #8i CC
5. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of #8l CC

 

6.

ELECTION OF TWO RESIDENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

6a.

ELECTION - To fill two (2) vacancies for terms ending December 31, 2026.

Mayor Petty read the Item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to be recused from the item and left the room. Mayor Petty read, “Rules Appendix D – Election of the Library Board,” from the Rules of City Council, which outline the process for electing members of the Library Board. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to determine the City Council’s votes for two members of the Library Board. Councilor Bergman, Councilor King, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Rose, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Toomey and Mayor Petty voted for Katherine Bagdis Wally. Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rose and Mayor Petty voted for Kathleen Gagne. Councilor King, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Russell voted for Jennifer Gaskin. Councilor Bergman, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Russell and Councilor Toomey voted for Jesse Gibson. Having received a majority vote, Katherine Bagdis Wally was elected to the Library Board of Directors. Mayor Petty moved for a second roll call vote to determine the City Council’s second selection to the Library Board of Directors. Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rose and Mayor Petty voted for Kathleen Gagne. Councilor King, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Russell voted for Jennifer Gaskin. Councilor Bergman, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Rosen and Councilor Toomey voted for Jesse Gibson. Due to no candidate receiving a majority of votes, Mayor Petty moved for a third roll call vote to determine the City Council’s second selection to the Library Board of Directors. Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Rose voted for Kathleen Gagne. Councilor King, Councilor River and Councilor Russell voted for Jennifer Gaskin. Councilor Bergman, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Toomey and Mayor Petty voted for Jesse Gibson. Due to no candidate receiving a majority vote, Kathleen Gagne, who received the least votes in the previous round, was eliminated from the election. Mayor Petty moved for a fourth roll call vote to determine the City Council’s second selection to the Library Board of Directors. Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Rose and Councilor Russell voted for Jennifer Gaskin. Councilor Bergman, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Rosen, Councilor Toomey and Mayor Petty voted for Jesse Gibson. Due to no candidate receiving enough votes, Mayor Petty moved for a fifth roll call vote to determine the City Council’s second selection to the Library Board of Directors. Councilor King, Councilor Mero-Carlson, Councilor Rivera, Councilor Rose, Councilor Rosen and Councilor Russell voted for Jennifer Gaskin. Councilor Bergman, Councilor Lukes, Councilor Toomey and Mayor Petty voted for Jesse Gibson. Having received a majority vote, Jennifer Gaskin was elected to the Library Board of Directors. Katherine Bagdis Wally and Jennifer Gaskin, having received a majority vote, were elected to the Library Board of Directors to fill two (2) vacancies for terms ending December 31, 2026.

 

7.

TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING

7a.

Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2020.

Mayor Petty moved to open the Tax Classification Hearing at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning the top fifty (50) commercial tax payers in the city.” (See Item #12a CC) Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previous request adopted on April 2, 2019 and October 29, 2019 concerning providing City Council with a detailed report regarding the current residential and commercial tax rates in all gateway cities, as well as the percentages of nontaxable properties in each gateway city. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning the residential and commercial tax rates for the surrounding cities and towns.” (See Item #12b CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege, which was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved to recess the hearing until December 17, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., which was approved on a voice vote.

 

7b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Classification package.

Attachments

Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege, which was approved on a voice vote. Tabled Under Privilege - Wally

 

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Stephen F. Madaus on behalf of Jefferson Mararian request to amend the zoning map of the city of Worcester by changing the zoning designation of 497 Granite St. and 0 Southwest Cutoff from RS-7 to a new zoning designation of ML-0.5.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to refer the Item to Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board.

 

8b.

Christopher Minichilli request installation of a catch basin at the end of Wade St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to refer the Item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee.

 

8c.

Lisa Higgins request handicap parking space in front of 23 Merrifield St. be removed.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to take up Item #8c CC through #8i CC collectively, which was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved to refer the Items to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee.

 

8d.

Richard J. Lamarche request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 51 Barnard Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8e.

Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of various inbound and outbound bus stops on Sunderland Rd. as described in the attachment.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8f.

Dennis Lipka, WRTA Administrator, request installation of an inbound bus stops on Norwich St. as described in the attachment.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8g.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of a crosswalk across Pleasant St. at Crown St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8h.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of a crosswalk across Pleasant St. at Oxford St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8i.

Councilor Sarai Rivera on behalf of Eric Cruze request installation of a crosswalk across Pleasant St. at West St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8j.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND for a jointly owned pole location at: GREENWOOD ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to take up Item #8j CC and #8k CC collectively, which was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved to set the hearing for December 17, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. Hearing set for December 17, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.

 

8k.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CAMBRIDGE ST.

Attachments

Hearing set for December 17, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. (See Item #8k CC)

 

8l.

Maria Stella Fiore request the Worcester City Council reaffirm its commitment and participation in the celebration of Columbus Day as a holiday, on the second Monday of October, recognizing Italian Americans' contributions to America and this City.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and recognized the petitioner, who spoke in favor of the Item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the following Order: That the City Council of the city of Worcester does hereby reaffirm its commitment and participation in the celebration of Columbus Day as a holiday, on the second Monday of October, recognizing Italian Americans' contributions to America and this City, which was approved on a voice vote. Order adopted. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Lukes, who moved to reconsider the Item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the Item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays.

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Lisa Malo to the Worcester Arts Council.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Russell Karlstad to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Diane Long and Mark Wamback to the Historical Commission.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
D.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Sarah French to the Conservation Commission.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
E.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Christopher Faucher to the Hope Cemetery Commission.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
F.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Anthony Vigliotti to the License Commission.

Attachments

Mayor Petty suspended the rules to take up the Item out of order. Approved on a voice voice. Mayor Petty read the item and moved to place the Item on file. Placed on file.

 
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
A.

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance amendment regarding the Law Department. Refer to CCM Item 9.33C

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Voted to advertise proposed ordinance.

 
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order relative to a discontinued portion of Foster Street.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved for a roll call vote on the Item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
 

9.6

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Engineering and Architectural Services Division
 

9.7

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Operations Division
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order to amend the table of organization of the Police Department.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved for a roll call vote on the Item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 

9.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

9.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
 

9.14

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Administration
 

9.15

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Building and Zoning Division
 

9.16

DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Housing and Health Inspections Division
 

9.17

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the the Housing First Initiative.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to suspend the rules to take the Item out of order, which was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty recognized Dr. Janice Yost, President of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Inc. who presented for the City Manager’s Task Force for Sustaining Housing First Solutions. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Rosen, who all spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty recognized Dr. Yost, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King and Councilor Bergman, who both spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty recognized Dr. Yost, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Lukes, who spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey for a second time, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the possibility of using a clustered, “Tiny House” community to address issues of housing for the homeless population of the city.” (See Item #12c CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera for a second time, who spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty moved to refer the Item to Public Health and Human Services, which was approved on a voice vote. Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee.

 
 

9.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

9.19

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

9.20

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

9.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

9.22

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

9.23

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.24

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.25

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to additional documentation for the fiscal year 2020 Tax Classification.

Attachments

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

 
B.

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

Attachments

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

 
 

9.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

9.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

9.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.30

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

9.31

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
 

9.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a FY21 DDTF Prevention, Education and Training Grant from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($20,000.00).

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to take Items #9.32A through #9.32I collectively, which was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote for the Item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend funds from the MassHire Holyoke Workforce Board, through the National Health Emergency Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant in the amount of Two Hundred Thirty Six Thousand One Hundred Sixty Eight Dollars and No Cents ($236,168.00).

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of travel-related expenses with an estimated value of up to One Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($1,000.00) from the National League of Cities (NCL) for the attendance of James Brooks, Housing Development Director, to attend NCL/HUD Healthy Housing Municipal Leaders Forum.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Seventy Six Thousand One Hundred Seventy Two Dollars And Eighty Three Cents ($76,172.83) from Mass Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, under the state budget earmark program for Main Street Reimagined.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept and expend funds from the Commonwealth Corporation's YouthWorks FY20 summer and year round jobs program, in the amount of up to Nine Hundred Two Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($902,000.00).

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
F.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) from Bloomberg Philanthropies under the Asphalt to Art Initiative for a public art installation in Main South.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and recognized Councilor Lukes, who spoke concerning the Item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Lukes. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
G.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Two Thousand Fifty Two Dollars And No Cents ($2,052.00) from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for the Worcester Fire Department Memorials Care Fund.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
H.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) from UMass Memorial Healthcare for to support the City's 2019 Recreation Worcester Program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
I.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from College of the Holy Cross for to support the City's 2019 Recreation Worcester Program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted with gratitude on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.32A CM)

 
 

9.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Eight Dollars And No Cents ($11,538.00) be transferred from Account #04T803, OPEB Trust Reserve, and be appropriated to Account #663-96000, Health Insurance, to provide funding for Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Health Insurance expenses for Airport retirees.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved to take Items #9.33A through #9.33C collectively, which was approved on a voice vote. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Account #270-9100, to Account #270-9700, Communications Overtime, to cover overtime costs for the remaining fiscal year.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.33A CM)

 
C.

Recommend that Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($15,000.00) be appropriated from the Law Department Salary Account #120-91000, to implement the salary ordinance change in the Law Department.Refer to CCM Item 9.3A

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.33A CM)

 
 

9.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend that One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars And Nine Cents ($1,179.09) be transferred from Account #3314-92000, Health and Human Services Ordinary Maintenance to pay overdue invoices.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the Item and moved for a roll call vote on the Item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.35

FINANCE
Loan Orders
 

9.36

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
10.

TABLED ITEMS

10a.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10b.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes, Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Council have the City Council Standing Committees on Public Works and Municipal Operations conduct a joint meeting about the future recommended staffing of the City Council office as well as logistics for office space for staff and City Council. Further, request the joint committee discuss potential recommendations regarding the job description and role of the City Council staff persons and further, encourage other City Councilors who are not members of the joint committee to attend and be included in the conversation. (Tabled - Petty February 26, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10c.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to information to assist in the hiring of a City Council staff member. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes March 12, 2019; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10d.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manger transmitting informational communication relative to a legal opinion as to the jurisdiction of office space and facilities within City Hall. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson March 12, 2019; Tabled Under Privilege - Petty March 19, 2019 and Tabled - Petty March 26, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Susan Burns & Mary Landry request abatement of sewer betterment assessment #31247 in the amount of $36,000.00 for Luther Ave.: recommend Petition be denied. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rose April 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell April 30, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10f.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council, with the exception of changing the price increase on garbage bags from fifty cents to twenty-five cents and eliminating the clear plastic bag portion of the program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10g.

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a review of the Comprehensive Clean City Program in one year’s time. Further, request City Manager consider providing all neighborhood based clean-up grants to only established neighborhood groups. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10h.

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – That City Council does hereby support the Comprehensive Clean City Program as submitted to City Council, with the exception of implementing an a la carte system for purchasing clear plastic recycling bags and yellow trash bags, which would allow residents to purchase large bags separately from small bags, and yellow trash bags separately from clear plastic recycling bags. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty July 23, 2019 and Tabled - Russell August 13, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

10i.

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

11.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the November 26, 2019 City Council meeting.

11a.

Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage throughout the entire length of Natick St., on the west side of the street. - Item #14a CC Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

12.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the December 10, 2019 City Council meeting.

12a.

Motion Wally @ #7a CC – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning the top fifty (50) commercial tax payers in the city.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to adopt the Item. Order adopted.

 

12b.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #7a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previous request adopted on April 2, 2019 and October 29, 2019 concerning providing City Council with a detailed report regarding the current residential and commercial tax rates in all gateway cities, as well as the percentages of nontaxable properties in each gateway city. Further, request City Manager include in said report information concerning the residential and commercial tax rates for the surrounding cities and towns.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to adopt the Item. Order adopted.

 

12c.

Motion Toomey @ #9.17A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the possibility of using a clustered, “Tiny House” community to address issues of housing for the homeless population of the city.

Attachments

Mayor Petty moved to adopt the Item. Order adopted.