CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:38 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:56 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

During the Suspension of Rules portion of the agenda, Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Lukes and City Solicitor David Moore for their hard work and dedication to the City of Worcester, as both city employees would be retiring from civil service at the end of the term.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 26, 2019.

COMMUNICATION of Mayor Joseph M. Petty transmitting released executive session minutes of the City Council and its Standing Committees for the period from 2010 to 2019 as depicted in the attachment and recommending approval of those minutes.

Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers: 1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke concerning Councilor Lukes’ tenure as a City Councilor 2. Brian Stacey, Worcester resident, spoke concerning Councilor Lukes’ tenure as a City Councilor

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

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CAMBRIDGE ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CAMBRIDGE ST.

Reconvened Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2020. (Hearing Recessed - Wally December 10, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Classification package. (Tabled Under Privilege - Wally December 10, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to additional documentation for the fiscal year 2020 Tax Classification. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty December 10, 2019)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an Order relative to the Elderly Exemption Program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty December 10, 2019)

Jeanne and Ben Hellberg et al request sidewalks on both sides of Collins St. be repaired.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Rozelle Jenkins request installation of a blinking safety traffic light from Hamilton St. to Lake Park.

Councilor Sarai Rivera request installation of a flashing yellow pedestrian signal at the intersection of Chandler St. and Murray Ave.

Donna Canny-Sanford request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 35 Columbia St.

Isabel Santiago Pollock request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 6 Newport St.

Neftali Cruz request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Providence St. from Aetna St. to Harrison St.

Susan Chaffee request installation of a second handicap parking space in front of 17 Perry Ave.

Jack Duffy-Protentis request installation of an audio crosswalk signal at the corner of Highland St. and Dean St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide outreach to the various business associations throughout the city to ensure meetings in all City Council districts are being covered by City staff.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services facilitate a meeting with the various directors of detox facilities in the city to discuss homeless services in the city. Further, request City Manager collect data concerning individuals who are brought to and from Worcester by SMOC, to determine whether the city should discuss reciprocity programs with other communities.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning how the public can best support efforts to combat homelessness being taken on by Quinsigamond Community College.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Parking Control Officer provide enforcement of the “No Parking” within 5 feet of driveway at 192 Lincoln St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager contact representatives of the MassDOT concerning funding for a pedestrian lights at the crosswalk, at the corner of Nonquit St. and Lake Ave., adjacent to the state park and skating rink.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the signage near the crosswalk at the corner of Nonquit St. and Lake Ave. and install necessary warning signage of alert drivers of the crosswalk in the interest of public safety.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks install crosswalk warning signage in the vicinity of the crosswalk in front of 91 Stafford St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks inspect the resident permit parking signage on Natick St. and install any missing signage on the street.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks look for and install short term options to remedy the traffic situation at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Chandler St

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased traffic enforcement between Burncoat Middle School and the Summit, located at the intersection of West Boylston St. and Mountain St. East.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks assess the area around Mountain St. East and Triangle St. to determine any safety measures that can be taken in the area.

Request City Council discuss and consider starting the process leading to the establishment of an elected Charter Commission whose charge would be to lead a comprehensive review of Worcester's Home Rule Charter. (Rosen)

Because the availability of safe, secure and habitable housing will be one of Worcester's biggest challenges in the upcoming decade, request City Manager advise the incoming City Council as to whether additional housing policies will need to be implemented to minimize gentrification and to assure the availability of an adequate number of public, affordable, market-rate and elderly housing units. (Rosen)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide routine and updated information to the public on efficient routes from outlying Worcester neighborhoods to prime morning commuter destinations such as Union Station and the Mass Pike in order to mitigate delays due to road closures and ongoing construction across the city. (Wally)

Request City Manager work with the Fire Chief to establish a safety committee, which would aid and advise the administration concerning methods of fire prevention and protocols, as well as provide the administration with best practices used in other communities. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide an update concerning a previous order requesting to an additional firefighter to each ladder truck for next year's budget. (Toomey)

In light of recent events, request City Manager ensure there is an established process to inspect rental apartments on a year basis, which would help to confirm structural changes are done to the standards set by Inspectional Services, in the interest of public safety. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased foot patrol in and around the Main South area, from Piedmont St. to Freeland St. (Rivera)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning what actions have been and still need to be taken to improve traffic and pedestrian safety concerns on Coes St. in the vicinity of Coes Park and Stearns Tavern. (Rosen)

Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation conduct a public hearing concerning 5G technology in Worcester. (Lukes)

Request Standing Committee on Public Works meet with Department of Public Works officials to review the city's winter snow removal and supervisory operations to determine what additional actions can be taken to see that all city streets are plowed, sanded and salted in a timely manner. (Rosen, Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with updates immediately after snow storm events as to the following: 1) number and location of customer service complaints regarding snow operations; 2) number of car accidents reported to the WPD attributable to the event. (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to what, if any, input the Worcester Police Department and Worcester Fire Department have on snow day school cancellations. (Bergman)

Request City Manager engage with Massachusetts DOT to explore ways to keep the I-190 bridge safe and secure from individuals who are tagging the bridge with graffiti. (Rose)

Request City Manager place a cap on current tobacco entities in the city and create a waiting list for any future tobacco entities who are interested in doing business here. (Rose)

Request City Manager conduct a full sweep of 14, 15 and 17 Oread St., bringing any findings in relation to the properties before the License Commission. (Rivera)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased foot patrols on the side streets between Piedmont St. and Tirrell St. (Rivera)

In recognition of the year 2020 being the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, request City Manager organize special activities in Worcester to recognize and celebrate same, and that special attention and education be given regarding Worcester's own Sarah E. Wall, an important participant in the suffrage movement. (Bergman)

Request City Manager consider allocating $100,000 for five (5) flashing yellow traffic lights, one for each district, to be recommended by each district councilor in the event that additional Chapter 90 funds are available to the city as a result of the surplus in the state budget. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report to City Council whether or not an upgrade of the electrical grid on Grafton St., from Winter St. to Rice Square will take place prior to any improvements to the roadway. (Mero-Carlson, Russell)

COMMUNICATION of the City Auditor transmitting an informational communication regarding the passage of time taken to develop the Madison Properties' effect on the timing of the receipt of revenues required to service Series A bonds. (Referred to Finance Committee - #8a CC June 4, 2019)

Mayor Joseph M. Petty submitting for approval by the City Council the attached Annual Calendar of City Council meeting for calendar year 2020.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty transmitting for your consideration and approval an amendment to City Council’s Rules Appendix B – Committees of the City Council as depicted in the enclosed attachment.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting an informational communication relative to a 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.

Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, transmitting an informational communication relative to the top 50 tax payers in Worcester during FY19.

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 the proposed Washington Square hotel 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 Timothy McGourthy, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, “A Research Bureau Policy Alternative: Tax Rates.”: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on how many of the chronically homeless individuals are from Worcester: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the formation of affinity groups for City of Worcester employees: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the homeless population of Worcester college students and programs to address this issue: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational update on the City's efforts to curb Hepatitis A Outbreak and other communicable diseases: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report concerning any and all actions being taken by the city in regards to the Hepatitis A outbreak: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an opinion as to whether or not the city can set the operating hours for recreational and medical cannabis facilities: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Division of Public Health's Office of Emergency Preparedness Hazard Vulnerability Assessment exercise: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's participation in the Central MA Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) for FY 19 and FY 20: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to a five year procurement contract for water meter replacement: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the pay rates of hired equipment for snow plowing and salting/sanding: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a comparison of hired equipment plowing and sanding rates: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Heather Nascimento request installation of additional handicap parking spaces behind 340 Main St.: recommend passage of the two (2) accompanying proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Askandar Kilani request removal of a handicap parking space in front of 352 West Boylston St.: recommend passage of the two (2) accompanying proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Melissa Tenczar request installation of "No Parking Anytime" be installed from the beginning of Sunrise Ave. to the turn, which is in front of 11 Sunrise Ave.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request installation of a solar speed radar to combat speeding on Holden St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request installation of a solar speed radar to combat speeding on Fairhaven Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Petition of Anthony Capozzo request installation of "Thickly Settled 30 mph" signs in Harrington Way, one of which would be posted before Jeanette St. and one at the top of the hill driving towards Hamilton St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to to install Thickly Settled signs in the vicinity of # 6 Harrington Way and near # 127 Harrington Way.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request relocation of the bus stop in Blithewood Ave., currently located at the east side entrance of Oakwood Lane, to the west side entrance at Oakwood Lane.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request installation of flashing pedestrian lights at the crosswalk at the corner of Nonquit St. and Lake Ave.: 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 "Thickly Settled" signage in Dominion Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally request additional safety measures be identified and implemented at the blind drive on the corner of Weetamoe St. and June St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Matthew E. Wally on behalf of Urania Pappas request installation of “No Parking Here to Curb” signage on both sides of the driveway of 20 Hackfeld Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Isaac Chassman request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage effective Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in front of New England Chiropractic, located at 192 Lincoln St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Castillo request driveway clearances at the driveway of 8 Chapin St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jake Guzman request installation of a crosswalk and crosswalk advisory signage across Chandler St. in the vicinity of 335 Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Alexander Valle request installation of a flashing pedestrian light at the crosswalk next to 91 Stafford St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan request installation of children advisory signage at 56 Flagg St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jacob Baum request installation of two additional stop signs at the intersection of Uxbridge St. and Shattuck St., creating a four-way stop: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a stop sign in Albany St. at its intersection with Hill St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request the eastbound approach of the intersection between Belmont St. and Skyline Dr. be modified to include a dedicated right turn, left turn and thru lane and further, provide advanced signage and pavement marking as required: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Susan Lozoraitis request investigation and remedy of the congested traffic situation at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Chandler St., which is caused by vehicles entering and exiting Murray Ave. onto Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk signs at the intersection of Mountain St. East and Triangle St. (near New England Backpacker).: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk signs at Burncoat Middle School and Burncoat Senior High School: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk signs at Wawecus Road School: recommend petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Underwood request installation of flashing crosswalk signs at the intersection of Thorndyke Rd. and Burncoat St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Rick Swedberg request installation of resident permit parking in Kenwood Ave. in front of 61, 62, 64, 65 and 67 Kenwood Ave: recommend Petitioner be given Leave to Withdraw.

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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

ORDER of Councilor Matthew E. Wally – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report concerning the top fifty (50) commercial tax payers in the city. – Item #12a CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #12b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – 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.” Item #12c CC Order adopted

Motion Wally @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2020 be set at $17.52 for Residential Property and $33.62 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Rose @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2020 be set at $17.10 for Residential Property and $34.86 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #8a CC – That the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2020 be set at $17.00 for Residential Property and $35.16 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report recommending safety measures that can be taken in the vicinity of Burncoat Middle School, including whether a flashing yellow pedestrian crossing signal would be appropriate for the location.