CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:30 P.M.

Recessed to Executive Session: 8:00 P.M. Reconvened to Open Session for the Purpose of Adjournment: 9:39 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Donna M. Colorio
Khrystian E. King Candy Mero-Carlson
Sarai Rivera Sean M. Rose City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli
Gary Rosen George J. Russell
Kathleen M. Toomey Matthew E. Wally
 

City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts


1.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

3.

ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Bergman, Councilor King and Councilor Toomey. Councilor Bergman and Councilor King arrived at 6:36 p.m. and Councilor Toomey arrived at 6:42 p.m.

4.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

5.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

5a.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 8, 2020.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent)

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty read the item and no speakers were recognized during this portion of the meeting.

 

7.

HEARINGS & ORDERS

7a.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BEVERLY RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BEVERLY RD.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #7a CC through #7c CC collectively and open the hearings. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent). Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the items. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to close the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the items. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent)

 

7b.

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

Attachments

Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #7a CC)

 

7c.

Hearing: CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location at: MAY ST. Granting permission to CROWN CASTLE NG EAST, LLC for a conduit location at: MAY ST.

Attachments

Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #7a CC)

 

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Evan Corrigan request installation of sign marking the city limits at the Worcester/West Boylston town line on Malden St. where it turns into Prospect St. in West Boylston.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the Department of Public Works and Parks. Referred to the Department of Public Works and Parks on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent)

 

8b.

Craig Blais, President of New Garden Park, Inc., request the name of Hospital Dr., an existing roadway with direct access to Belmont St., be renamed Reactory Dr.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8b CC through #8d CC collectively to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent).

 

8c.

Richard Phan request light pole #1 on Homer St. be relocated approximately 35' to the right, beyond the front steps of 174 Park Ave. toward Park Ave., or across the street, to allow for the installation of a driveway.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #8b CC)

 

8d.

Suzanne Kerbs request sidewalk repair in front of 21 Beeching St.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #8b CC)

 

8e.

Suzanne Kerbs request a yield sign be installed on Lenox St. at the intersection with Beeching St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8e CC through #8h CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent).

 

8f.

Jill Hultquist request installation of a speed bump on Commonwealth Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #8e CC)

 

8g.

Suzanne Burke et al. request installation of blind curve advisory signage on both sides of Richmond Ave., between 121 Richmond Ave. (at Audubon Rd.) and 130 Richmond Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #8e CC)

 

8h.

Bryan Yepez et al. request installation of resident permit parking on Hillside St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent) (See Item #8e CC)

 

8i.

Idella Hazard request City Council request City Manager consider opening the city's meetings to the public, with seating being six feet apart and in accordance with all COVID-19 health regulations.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Toomey absent)

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Nicholas McCarthy to the Mayor Thomas Early Scholarship Committee with a term to expire on July 31, 2023.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman, King, Toomey)

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Chris Rich to the Worcester Arts Council with a term to expire on December 31, 2023.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman, King, Toomey)

 
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
A.

Recommend the appointments of Bryan Milward, Taylor Neil and Carl Gomes to the Community Development Advisory Committee.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman, King, Toomey)

 
B.

Recommend appointments of Rubby Wuabu and Samantha Sendrowski to the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to confirm the appointment. Confirmed on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Bergman, King, Toomey)

 
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
A.

Recommend adoption of a salary ordinance amendment to bring the ordinance in compliance with the changes enacted in the FY21 Budget.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Advertised proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Recommend City of Worcester Fiscal Year 2021/Program Year 46 Funding Recommendations for U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement Programs – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and Chief Development Officer, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Health and Human Services Committee. Referred to Public Health and Human Services Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file an application to designate 340 Main Street as a Certified Project and approve a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Plan for the property.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the history of the developer of the property at 340 Main Street, including information relative to whether there have been any problems in other communities and construction issues associated with TIFs and TIEs in other communities.” (See Item #15a CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with quarterly updates from the TIF and TIE Compliance Officer relative to the development of 340 Main Street.” (See Item #15b CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee 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
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Construction Progress Report for the Month ending August 31, 2020

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
Informational Communication
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Six Month Activity Report from January - June 2020

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

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
 

9.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Administration
A.

Recommend adding one (1) full time position, Homeless Outreach Strategist, and two (2) part time positions, Community Navigator and Recovery Coach, to the Department of Health and Human Services Organizational Chart for FY21.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera and Councilor King, who both spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.19

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
 

9.20

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

9.21

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Veterans Services
 

9.22

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Youth Services
 

9.23

WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
 

9.24

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.25

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.26

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
A.

Recommend adoption of the local option for the Senior Exemption Asset and Income Adjustments for Clause 41C.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #9.26B CM. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend adoption of the local option of the Senior and Surviving Spouse Asset Threshold Adjustment Exemption Clause 17D.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.26A CM)

 
 

9.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
 

9.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

9.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.31

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

9.32

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Three Million Eight Hundred Twenty Thousand One Hundred Forty Five Dollars And Sixty Eight Cents ($3,820,145.68) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7413A, Streets & Sidewalk Construction, and be appropriated as described, to allow for current and anticipated obligations to be met.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take item up items #9.32A CM through #9.32Q CM collectively and to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741F, Guardrails, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C798, Guardrails, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated obligations.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning why the city does not implement the use of wooden guardrails, especially in residential neighborhoods.” (See Item #15c CC). Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See item #9.32A CM)

 
C.

Recommend that Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($15,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7114, Citywide Building Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C704, Capital Rehab, to allow for current and anticipated obligations to be met.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend that One Million Nine Hundred One Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Three Dollars And No Cents ($1,901,943.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C744B, Off Street Parking Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #46C707, Parking Garages - Improvements, to allow for current obligations associated with the renovation of the Pearl Elm garage to be met.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend that Two Hundred Forty Four Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($244,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7114, Building Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #72C703, Parks Rehab, to allow for current obligations associated with the roof replacement.

Attachments

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

 
F.

Recommend that Two Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($225,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C744B, Off Street Parking Rehab, and be appropriated to DPW Account #46C703, Parking Lot Rehab, to allow for current and anticipated obligations to be met.

Attachments

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

 
G.

Recommend that Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($350,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C784, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account # 72C70227, Mulcahy Field to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with phase 1 improvements to Mulcahy Field.

Attachments

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

 
H.

Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7131D, Water Filtration, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C768, Water Filtration, to allow for the payment of current and anticipated obligations associated with the filtration plant.

Attachments

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

 
I.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($155,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113V, Burncoat Prep MSBA, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C75906, Burncoat St Prep, to allow for current and future obligations to be met for this project.

Attachments

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

 
J.

Recommend that Eight Million Four Hundred Seventy Six Thousand Twenty One Dollars And No Cents ($8,476,021.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113L, MSBA South High, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C789, South High Improvements, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations associated with building the new South High school.

Attachments

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

 
K.

Recommend that One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,500,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113U, Challenge & Reach MSBA, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C75905, Challenge & Reach Academy, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Attachments

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

 
L.

Recommend that One Million Five Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,575,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7113T, Doherty High, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C75904, Doherty High, to allow for current and future obligations associated with the new school to be met.

Attachments

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

 
M.

Recommend that One Hundred Seventeen Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five Dollars And No Cents ($117,165.00) be transferred from Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, to Account #26C701, Worcester Fire Department Capital Equipment.

Attachments

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

 
N.

Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C7804, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated to Account #28C701, Inspectional Services Capital Equipment.

Attachments

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

 
O.

Recommend Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,300,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C711F, Library Rehab, and be appropriated to Account #11C70201, EAM Library.

Attachments

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

 
P.

Recommend Five Million Five Hundred Seventy Four Thousand Thirty Five Dollars And No Cents ($5,574,035) be transferred from Account #91C7111A, ESCO, and be appropriated to Account #04C754, Citywide/School Energy Improvements, for costs related to the ongoing ESCO project.

Attachments

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

 
Q.

Recommend Three Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($310,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C7161A, Union Station Rehab, and be appropriated to Account #04C704, Union Station Infrastructure.

Attachments

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

 
 

9.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($250,000.00) from Greater Worcester Community Foundation under the Worcester Together Fund program for Recreation Worcester.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take item up items #9.33A CM through #9.33E CM collectively and to adopt the items. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) from the US Environmental Protection Agency under the Brownfields Grant program.

Attachments

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

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($500.00) be accepted from Katherine Kardokas and family in memory of Christine C. Kardokas.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Forty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($45,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Year Round YouthWorks, Special Project program.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Seventeen Thousand One Hundred Eighty Three Dollars And Twenty Four Cents ($117,183.24) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Fire Prevention & Safety Grant program.

Attachments

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

 
 

9.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that One Million One Hundred Seventy Five Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five Dollars And No Cents ($1,175,165.00) be transferred as follows so as to provide sufficient funding for the Off-Street Program for the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021.

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend that Two Hundred Twenty Three Thousand One Hundred Seventy Six Dollars And Ninety Five Cents ($223,176.95) be transferred from Account #330-08, reserve for appropriation on Loans, and be appropriated to Account #660-92000, Treasurer's Office Ordinary Maintenance.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused)

 
 

9.35

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend that Three Hundred Twenty Seven dollars and Two Cents ($327.02) be authorized from the FY2020 Regular Salaries Account #270-91101, and Thirty Nine Dollars and Eighty Four ($39.84) be authorized from the FY2020 Overtime Salaries Account #270-97201 Emergency Communications for an increment for an employee that was missed prior to the end of the fiscal year.

Attachments

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

 
 

9.36

FINANCE
Loan Orders
A.

Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Fifteen Million Seventy Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($15,075,500.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7111A, Building Rehabilitation City & Schools, to provide funding for the purchase and installation of ionization devices throughout all regularly occupied city and school facilities.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether there are any additional anticipated costs associated with the challenges of keeping humidity above thirty percent in the various city buildings.” (See Item #15d CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved to, “Request City Manager consider whether the amount of ozone produced by the various ionization units the city will be purchasing are safe levels for the city’s children and adults.” (See Item #15e CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Loan Order. Advertised proposed Loan Order on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays (Wally recused).

 
 

9.37

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Recommend that the City Council convene into executive session immediately following the public comment period to discuss litigation related to the listed cases.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to amend the item in accordance with Rule 33 of the City Council to include the court case Lindsey M. Beshai Torress, PPA, JT, a minor v. Officer John R. Alers, et al., which was received after the filing deadline of the City Council agenda and was not reasonably anticipated, for the purpose of debate during the City Council’s Executive Session. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Transmitting an update on the development agreement with Madison WG Holdings, LLC (“Madison”) including the land transfer, and submit the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Letter of Intent (“Amendment”) together with the associated City Council action items for review and consideration.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report summarizing how plans associated with Polar Park have changed, including information relative to what the city, developer and Worcester Red Sox have gained from the changes, as well as what has been given up.” (See Item #15f CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the City Solicitor, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with periodic reports detailing the happenings associated with the city’s meetings relative to Polar Park.” (See Item #15g CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the City Solicitor, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the various investors that have credited the Worcester Red Sox and Polar Park project as a reason why they chose to invest in the city.” (See Item #15h CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Economic Development Committee. Referred to Economic Development Committee on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused).

 
10.

COMMUNICATIONS

10a.

Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk, transmitting an informational communication relative to the age of the voting machines and the software updates related to the vote tabulators.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with #10b CC. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the items on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

10b.

Nikolin Vangjeli, City Clerk, transmitting an informational communication relative to the mail-in ballot process and a breakdown of the election results for the September 1, 2020 State Primary Election.

Attachments

Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC)

 

11.

LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED

11a.

Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Two Hundred Sixty Six Million Six Hundred Eighty Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars And No Cents ($266,684,178.00) be appropriated to Account #91C7113T, Doherty High MSBA, for the construction and furnishing of Doherty Memorial High School.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Loan Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rosen, who moved for a roll call vote to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 10 Nays (Wally recused).

 

12.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

12a.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell - Request City Manager create a program to encourages all city employees and residents to call in complaints to customer service about trash and litter on streets and private property. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 15, 2020)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege for a second time. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Bergman’s motion to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled Under Privilege – Bergman

 

12b.

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of an order transferring care, custody, management and control of the tax title property located at 14 Farnum Street to the Executive Office of the City Manager for disposition purposes. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 15, 2020)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Chief Development Officer, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning 14 Farnum St.’s transfer, including information relative to abutters and assessed value of the land.” (See Item #15i CC). Councilor Russell then moved to Table the Item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report identifying the deficiencies the lot that is contemplating being sold in the 14 Farnum St. land transfer.” (See Item #15j CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Russell’s motion to Table the Item. Tabled on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled – Russell

 

12c.

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Matthew E. Wally, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Gary Rosen and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request City Manager support the (re)opening of the City’s licensed cigar and hookah lounges and for the state to amend the classification of these establishments. These establishments can, and should, fit under the guise and parameters set forth as restaurants as they have or will have a common ViC license. (Tabled Under Privilege - Rivera September 8, 2020 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson September 15, 2020)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to Table the Item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Mero-Carlson’s motion to Table the Item. Tabled on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled – Mero-Carlson

 

12d.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby reaffirm its support for directing resources to combat racism as a public health and public safety emergency. (Tabled Under Privilege - King September 15, 2020)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

13.

TABLED ITEMS

13a.

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

 

13b.

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

 

13c.

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

 

13d.

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

 

13e.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - In light of recent events, request City Manager consider establishing a process to inspect rental apartments, which would help to confirm structural changes are done to the standards set by Inspectional Services, in the interest of public service. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a recommendation as to how often these inspections should take place. (Tabled - King December 17, 2019)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request restoration and relocation of the Sullivan Memorial located in Melrose St. to a location approximately 50 feet north of its current location: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson April 21, 2020 and April 28, 2020 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson May 5, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13g.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Sean M. Rose and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - That the Worcester City Council urges our State Delegation and others to pursue the naming in 2020 of the Worcester District Courthouse the “Sarah E. Wall Courthouse”. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman June 2, 2020 and June 9, 2020 - Petty and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

13h.

COMMUNICATION of Stephen Herzog, Project Manager at Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., on behalf of CSX Transportation, Inc. transmitting an informational communication relative to the application of herbicide on the railroad. (Tabled Under Privilege - Petty June 9, 2020 and Tabled - Russell June 16, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

14.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the September 15, 2020 City Council meeting.

14a.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with information relative to any pending legislation relative to eviction and foreclosure moratoriums at the state and federal level. – Item #16a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14b.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to responsiveness to Jet Ski issues on Indian Lake. Further, request City Manager include in said report a comparative analysis of responsiveness to issues on Indian Lake against Lake Quinsigamond. – Item #16b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14c.

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to actions taken by the Department of Public Works and Parks to mitigate concerns relative to Jet Skis on Indian Lake. – Item #16c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14d.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to information concerning how many calls DPW’S Customer Service Center receives regarding trash and litter on streets and properties, as well as information relative to the volume of calls the Department of Public Works and Parks can address relative to trash and litter on city streets and properties. – Item #16d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14e.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to how many times in the last five (5) years the Worcester Police Department has used chemical crowd control agents and kinetic impact weapons. Further, request City Manager include in said report the policies and procedures as they relate to tactical units, including information relative to when such units are deployed and how often they have used riot gear in the last five years. – Item #16e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14f.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion concerning the process for releasing the minutes of Executive Session meetings to the general public. – Item #16f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

14g.

RESOLUTION of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby reaffirm its support for directing resources to combat racism as a public health and public safety emergency. – Item #16g CC Tabled Under Privilege – King

 

14h.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager consider conducting a second public meeting to allow for public input concerning the Lewis Street Project. – Item #16h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

15.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the September 22, 2020 City Council meeting.

15a.

Motion Russell @ #9.4B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the history of the developer of the property at 340 Main Street, including information relative to whether there have been any problems in other communities and construction issues associated with TIFs and TIEs in other communities.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.4B CM)

 

15b.

Motion King @ #9.4B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with quarterly updates from the TIF and TIE Compliance Officer relative to the development of 340 Main Street.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.4B CM)

 

15c.

Motion Wally @ #9.32B CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning why the city does not implement the use of wooden guardrails, especially in residential neighborhoods.

Attachments

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

 

15d.

Motion King @ #9.36A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether there are any additional anticipated costs associated with the challenges of keeping humidity above thirty percent in the various city buildings.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wall recused) (See Item #9.36A CM)

 

15e.

Motion Rosen @ #9.36A CM – Request City Manager consider whether the amount of ozone produced by the various ionization units the city will be purchasing are safe levels for the city’s children and adults.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wall recused) (See Item #9.36A CM)

 

15f.

Motion Russell @ #9.37B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report summarizing how plans associated with Polar Park have changed, including information relative to what the city, developer and Worcester Red Sox have gained from the changes, as well as what has been given up.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wall recused) (See Item #9.37B CM)

 

15g.

Motion King @ #9.37B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with periodic reports detailing the happenings associated with the city’s meetings relative to Polar Park.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wall recused) (See Item #9.37B CM)

 

15h.

Motion King @ #9.37B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the various investors that have credited the Worcester Red Sox and Polar Park project as a reason why they chose to invest in the city.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wall recused) (See Item #9.37B CM)

 

15i.

Motion Russell @ #12b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning 14 Farnum St.’s transfer, including information relative to abutters and assessed value of the land.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC)

 

15j.

Motion Bergman @ #12b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report identifying the deficiencies the lot that is contemplating being sold in the 14 Farnum St. land transfer.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12b CC)