CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:33 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:51 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.

4.

PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE

4a.

MOMENT OF SILENCE in memory of Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Paul J. Moosey, who passed away on October 16, 2020 at the age of 63. Commissioner Moosey began working for the Department of Public Works in 1984 and served as the Commissioner beginning in 2014. A dedicated member of the City of Worcester administration, Mr. Moosey will be missed by all those who knew him.

 

4b.

Mayor Petty read a Certificate of Mayoral Recognition for Mark Epstein for a lifetime of accomplishments, and in particular on the launch of his new book, “They Call Me Pathfinder.”

 

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 October 6, 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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Beth Proko, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8k CC 2. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 3. Brenda Jenkins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 4. David Fort, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 5. Margot Barnet, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 6. Christina Booker, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 7. Sue Mailman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM 8. Stacey Dubois Luster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13B CM

 

7.

HEARING AND ORDER

7a.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FLAGG ST. and BROOKSHIRE RD. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FLAGG ST. and BROOKSHIRE RD.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to open the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. 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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to approve the item. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Brendan Keenan request sidewalk on Knowles Rd. be repaired or replaced, in the interest of public safety.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8a CC through #8d CC collectively to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

8b.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Brendan Keenan request sidewalk on Fairlawn Dr. be repaired or replaced, in the interest of public safety.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC)

 

8c.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Brendan Keenan request sidewalk on Rosewood Dr. be repaired or replaced, in the interest of public safety.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC)

 

8d.

Pamela Hubley et al. request the grading on Reed St. be corrected when a final paving is completed.

Attachments

Referred to Public Works Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC)

 

8e.

Ramon Guerrero request installation of a handicap parking space across from 8 Strathmore Rd.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8e CC through #8i CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

8f.

Andy Martin et al. request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on both sides of Pond St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8e)

 

8g.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side Nonquit St., from Lake Ave. easterly to the end of the street, directly abutting the parkland at 283 Lake Ave. and opposite of 2 Nonquit St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8e)

 

8h.

Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Sean M. Rose request the “No Parking Anytime” ordinance on west side of West Boylston St. be amended to include five (5) on-street parking spots for thirty (30) minute parking beginning 5’ south of the curb cut for 609 West Boylston St. continuing southerly in front of 607 West Boylston St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8e)

 

8i.

Joseph Forjette request the speed limit of Navasota Ave. be set to 20 mph.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8e)

 

8j.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: SOUTHBRIDGE ST. at MAIN ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set a hearing for October 27, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.. Hearing set for October 27, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

8k.

Elizabeth Proko, President of Indian Lake Watershed Association, Inc., request a review be initiated and a comprehensive plan be developed to address challenges including excessive noise, illegal activities and overcrowding at the three (3) city-owned properties on Indian Lake, including Morgan Park, Shore Park and City Beach.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee. Referred to Veterans' Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

9.1

APPOINTMENTS
Non-City Council Confirmation
 

9.2

APPOINTMENTS
City Council Confirmation
 

9.3

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
A.

Recommend adoption of Salary Ordinance amendment to regrade the position of Chief Diversity Officer.Refer to CCM Item 9.13B

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #9.13B CM. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. 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 Rivera and Councilor Rose, who both spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey and Councilor Bergman, who both spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. 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 Rosen, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rosen. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Wally, who both spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer item #9.13B CM to Municipal and Legislative Affairs Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Affairs Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A.

Recommend allocation of funds relative to the City’s COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Director of Housing Development, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Director of Housing Development, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Director of Housing Development, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the Director of Housing Development, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Clerk determine whether any motions from City Council have been made relative to the city’s local housing court.” (See Item #13a CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to, “Request City Manager post information on the city’s website relative to the CARES Act and any other resources available to residents who own multi-family and single family homes during COVID-19.” (See Item #13b CC). 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.

 
 

9.5

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Administration Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a Stage 1 Water Supply Drought Declaration.

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.

 
B.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Hired Equipment Plowing and Sanding Rates.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the proposed Ordinances. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
C.

Recommend adoption of an Ordinance related to small wireless facilities in public rights of way.

Attachments

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

 
 

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 2020 Fall Leaf Collection Program.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell and Councilor King, who both spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.8

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS
Parks Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Duffy Field Master Plan.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and 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 Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager consider granting individuals who wish to use their camera visuals as part of the WebEx call for the Duffy Field Master Plan Meeting the opportunity to do so.” (See Item #13c CC). Mayor Petty moved to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Request adoption and approval of the attached resolution for the Stearns Tavern at Coe's Park from Preservation Worcester.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, Councilor Rosen and Councilor Bergman, who all spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.9

FIRE DEPARTMENT
 

9.10

POLICE DEPARTMENT
 

9.11

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Sand Buckets for Seniors Program

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 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.12

LICENSE COMMISSION
 

9.13

LAW DEPARTMENT
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to eliminating or decreasing the use of jet skis on Indian Lake.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee. Referred to Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Request review, consideration and approval of a reorganization to create an Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion.Refer to CCM Item 9.3A

Attachments

Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.3A CM)

 
C.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the proposed Worcester Ballpark Authority.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a copy of the ordinances that created the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Civic Center Commission and Board of Health.” (See Item #13d CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. 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.

 
 

9.14

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 a report concerning steps taken by the city's local colleges and universities to control/regulate off-campus social gatherings.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor Colorio and Councilor King, who all spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend an amendment to the Division of Public Health's Fiscal Year 2021 Table of Organization to allow for the addition of one full time grant funded position.

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.

 
 

9.18

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Elder Affairs
A.

Recommend adoption of an Order to authorize a lease at the Worcester Senior Center.

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.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Worcester Senior Center Stay Connected videos.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Manager, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, Councilor King and Councilor Rosen, who all 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 place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 
 

9.19

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

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 MANANGER
Cultural Development Division
 

9.24

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Election Commission Division
 

9.25

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Office of Urban Innovation
 

9.26

PUBLIC SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
 

9.27

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Assessing Division
 

9.28

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Budget Office Division
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of September 30, 2020.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer continue to provide City Council with Fiscal Year financial updates on a monthly basis during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also on a routine basis following the pandemic.” (See Item #13e CC). Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Wally. Councilor Wally then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer work with the Chief Development Officer when preparing Fiscal Year financial updates to include economic indicators for the local area.” (See Item #13f 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 Chief Financial Officer and Councilor King, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rose. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized the Chief Financial Officer, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report detailing information relative to blank spaces in the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update concerning the Civic Center Ordinary Maintenance Debt Service.” (See Item #13g CC). Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much has been received for using the DCU Center as a field hospital during COVID-19 and whether any additional funds can be requests.” (See Item #13h CC). Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell. Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report detailing what the management company of the DCU Center and the Civic Center Commission are currently spending during COVID-19, what is normally spent and what cuts have been made to spending.” (See Item #13i CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
 

9.29

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Energy and Asset Management
 

9.30

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Purchasing Division
 

9.31

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Treasury and Collections Division
 

9.32

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
 

9.33

FINANCE ITEMS
Capital Transfers
A.

Recommend that Three Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand One Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars And Thirty Five Cents ($367,198.35) be transferred from DPW Sewers Account #44C752, Interception Inspections/Cambridge St, and be appropriated to DPW Sewers Account #44C764, Sewer Pumping, to reallocate funding from a completed Sewer Construction project and appropriate to the sewer pumping station upgrade project.

Attachments

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

 
B.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account # 91C724A, Streetlights, and be appropriated to DPW Account # 40C704, Signal Installation to allow for contractually obligations associated with traffic signal lighting.

Attachments

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

 
C.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C724A, Streetlight Replacement, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C712, Streetlights, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with the replacement and upgrades to the City Streetlights.

Attachments

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

 
D.

Recommend that Thirty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($35,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C713F, Cross Connection, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C720, Water Mains/Clean & Line, to allow for contractually obligated payments associated with hydrants.

Attachments

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

 
E.

Recommend that Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,800,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7134, Water Mains, and be appropriated to various Water Accounts as noted to allow for contractually obligated commitments associated with ongoing water construction projects throughout the city.

Attachments

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

 
F.

Recommend that Two Million Nine Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($2,975,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745B, Sewer Construction, and be appropriated to various Sewer Accounts as noted to allow for current contractually obligated commitments associated with sewer construction throughout the city.

Attachments

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

 
G.

Recommend that Three Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($315,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C780A, Citywide Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C703, DPW Equipment, to allow for obligations associated with the purchase of a new sanitation load packer.

Attachments

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

 
 

9.34

FINANCE ITEMS
Grants and Donations
A.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fifty One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Eight Dollars and No Cents ($51,158.00) from the State Department of Public Health through the First Responder Naloxone Grant program.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take item up items #9.34A CM through #9.34D 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 Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) from UMass Memorial Medical Center and Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester Determination of Need (DoN) Resource & Development Committee under the Community Benefits Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
C.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in an amount up to Fifty Five Thousand Sixty Two Dollars And No Cents ($55,062.00) from the State Executive Office of Public Safety & Security through the Local Law Enforcement Opportunity Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
D.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Seventy One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Five Dollars And No Cents ($71,335.00) from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency under the FFY20 EMPG program.

Attachments

Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.34A CM)

 
 

9.35

FINANCE ITEMS
Operational Transfers
A.

Recommend that Thirty One Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Five Dollars And Fifty Cents ($31,275.50) be transferred from Account #29-33007, Damage Settlement, and be appropriated to Parks Account #720-93000, Parks Capital, to allow for the purchase of a replacement truck from a settlement claim for damages to a Parks truck.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take item up items #9.35A CM through #9.35C CM collectively and to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 
B.

Recommend that Fifteen Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty One Dollars And Seventy Six Cents ($15,881.76) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Parks Account #720-93000, Parks Capital, to allow for the purchase and installation of security cameras at the City Hall Garage.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM)

 
C.

Recommend that One Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,000.00) be transferred from Account #650-91000, Auditing Personal Services, and be appropriated to Account #650-97000, Auditing Overtime, to provide sufficient funding for anticipated overtime expenses for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.35A CM)

 
 

9.36

FINANCE ITEMS
Prior Year
A.

Recommend that Five Thousand One Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars And Thirty Four Cents ($5,137.34) be authorized from Account #110-92000, Energy & Asset Management Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who recused 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)

 
 

9.37

FINANCE
Loan Orders
Votes Required
A.

Recommend that the City Council rescind the balances of certain loan orders, that were approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Budget, and replace them with the attached loan orders.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who recused himself from the item and left the room. Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to advertise the three (3) proposed Loan Orders. Voted to Advertise three (3) proposed Loan Orders on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Wally recused)

 
 

9.38

MISCELLANEOUS AGENDA TRANSMITTALS
A.

Transmitting informational communication relative to current opportunities on boards and commissions for the City of Worcester.

Attachments

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

 
10.

TO BE ORDAINED

10a.

Amending the Salary Ordinance Of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group X Human Services, Law Enforcement And Public Health Relative to a Recovery Coach.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to Ordain items #10a CC and #10b CC. Ordained on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.

 

10b.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group X Human Services, Law Enforcement and Public Health Relative to a Coordinator of Community Services.

Attachments

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

 

11.

TABLED ITEMS

11a.

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

 

11b.

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

 

11c.

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

 

11d.

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

 

11e.

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

 

11f.

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

 

11g.

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

 

11h.

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

 

11i.

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 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson September 22, 2020)

Attachments

No action taken

 

12.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the October 13, 2020 City Council meeting.

12a.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what information relative to emergency interactions with persons with cognitive impairments the city’s smart 911 emergency system encompasses. – Item #16a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay

 

12b.

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how other municipalities who deploy voluntary Cognitive Registries register and confirm cognitive impairments of individuals into their registry. – Item #16b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 1 Nay

 

12c.

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager review the procedures the various boards and commissions of the city have relative to continuances with the hopes of relieving any confusion for residents associated with the action. – Item #16c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

13.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the October 20, 2020 City Council meeting.

13a.

Motion King @ #9.4A CM – Request City Clerk determine whether any motions from City Council have been made relative to the city’s local housing court.

Attachments

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

 

13b.

Motion Toomey @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager post information on the city’s website relative to the CARES Act and any other resources available to residents who own multi-family and single family homes during COVID-19.

Attachments

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

 

13c.

Motion King @ #9.8A CM – Request City Manager consider granting individuals who wish to use their camera visuals as part of the WebEx call for the Duffy Field Master Plan Meeting the opportunity to do so.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.8A CM)

 

13d.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #9.13C CM – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a copy of the ordinances that created the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Civic Center Commission and Board of Health.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.13C CM)

 

13e.

Motion Wally @ #9.28A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer continue to provide City Council with Fiscal Year financial updates on a monthly basis during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also on a routine basis following the pandemic.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.28A CM)

 

13f.

Motion Wally @ #9.28A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer work with the Chief Development Officer when preparing Fiscal Year financial updates to include economic indicators for the local area.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.28A CM)

 

13g.

Motion Russell @ #9.28A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report detailing information relative to blank spaces in the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update concerning the Civic Center Ordinary Maintenance Debt Service.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.28A CM)

 

13h.

Motion Russell @ #9.28A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much has been received for using the DCU Center as a field hospital during COVID-19 and whether any additional funds can be requests.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.28A CM)

 

13i.

Motion Russell @ #9.28A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report detailing what the management company of the DCU Center and the Civic Center Commission are currently spending during COVID-19, what is normally spent and what cuts have been made to spending.

Attachments

Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9.28A CM)