CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, December 1, 2020 | Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber | Convened: 6:36 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 | |
| 3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair. | |
| 4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| | | | | | | | | 4a. | Mayor Petty provided a Special Mayoral Recognition for Elaine Thompson, George Barnes, Bill Doyle and Nick Kotsopoulos for each of their years working at the Telegram and Gazette, including Nick Kotsopoulos’s thirty-nine years (39) years covering the beat at City Hall. | | | |
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| 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 November 17, 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty recognized the following speakers:
1. Alex Guardiola, Worcester resident, spoke concerning item #9a CC
2. William S. Coleman, III, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10h CC
3. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke concerning item #9a CC
4. Tina Hood, Worcester resident, spoke concerning item #9a CC
5. Benjamin Desharnais, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12a CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 7a. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HENCHMAN ST., LINCOLN ST., NORTHAMPTON ST., FREDERICK ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HENCHMAN ST., LINCOLN ST., NORTHAMPTON ST., FREDERICK ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take up items #7a CC through #7a CC collectively and open the hearings. 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 items. Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 7b. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BROOKS ST.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: BROOKS ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7a CC). | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 7c. | Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GROVE ST.
Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GROVE ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing held and Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #7a CC). | | | | | |
| 8. | ELECTION OF THREE RESIDENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | ELECTION - To fill three (3) vacancies for two (2) terms ending December 31, 2026 and one (1) term expiring in 2023. | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and provided an opening statement, including information from, “Rules Appendix D – Election of the Library Board,” from the Rules of City Council, which outlines the process for electing members of the Library Board of Directors.
Mayor Petty recognized Andrey Boyko, Roseann Fitzgerald, Matthew Noe and Anne O’Connor, who all spoke relative to their qualifications to be elected to the Library Board of Directors.
Mayor Petty recognized Library Board of Directors President Stephanie Pasha, who spoke with City Council concerning the Board’s excitement to work with all of the candidates.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to elect two members for the terms ending on December 31, 2026. Anne O’Connor, having received the most votes and a majority vote of City Council, was elected on the first roll call for a term ending on December 31, 2026.
Mayor Petty moved for a second roll call vote to elect one member for the remaining term ending on December 31, 20206. Matthew Noe, having received the most votes and a majority vote of City Council, was elected on the second roll call for a term ending on December 31, 2026.
Mayor Petty moved for a third roll call vote to elect one member for the term ending on December 31, 2023. Roseann Fitzgerald, having received the most votes and a majority vote of City Council, was elected on the third roll call for a term ending on December 31, 2023. | | | | | |
| 9. | FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS - TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | Hearing: To determine tax rates for residential, commercial, industrial and personal properties for Fiscal Year 2021. | | | | Mayor Petty moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Petty | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | COMMUNICATION OF THE CITY MANAGER transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 Tax Classification package. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report relative to taxation on water bodies, including information relative to whether water bodies are reevaluated at the same time all other properties are reassessed, how the city determines whether a water body is consequential or inconsequential, whether the determination of whether a water body is consequential or inconsequential occurs at any time other than the cyclical period when the city appraises properties, whether properties abutting water bodies are rated, and if so, whether the city uses best practices applied by other communities to do so.” (See Item #19a CC).
Councilor Bergman then moved to, “Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer and City Assessor provide City Council with a report relative to the effect that allocating the city’s excess new growth monies in the amount of one-million dollars and two-million dollars to the tax payers would have on the city’s tax rate options.” (See Item #19b CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the effect a Senior Incentive Program that cut senior citizens’ taxes by ten (10) percent would have on the city’s tax rate options.” (See Item #19c CC).
Councilor Colorio then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the effect an incentive program that cut owner-occupied multi-family home tax obligations by ten (10) percent would have on the city’s tax rate options.” (See Item #19d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, who both responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report projecting the amount of money anticipated for FY21’s new growth.” (See Item #19e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to, “Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with an updated version of the FY 2021 Tax Classification Information on pages six (6) through ten (10), which has a column that states the, “Percent Change to Median Commercial Tax Bill FY20 to FY21,” whereas the other columns discuss the average.” (See Item #19f CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt all the motions during the discussion of the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to Table the Item Under Privilege – Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Tabled Under Privilege – Petty | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | Todd Rodman, Esq. on behalf of Churchhill James, LLC request to change the underlying zoning classification for said parcels from Business, General (BG-4.0) to Business, General (BG-6.0): 85 Green St., 89 Green St., 103 Green St., 2 Plymouth St., 5 Gold St., 7 Gold St., 8 Gold St., and 99 Green St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10a CC and #10b CC collectively to the Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | Wayne LeBlanc, on behalf of Ronald W. and Angela J. Valinski, request to remove from the City of Worcester official street map a portion of Belisle Avenue (a private way) from the northeasterly corner of the property known as Parcel ID No. 26-021-0016B, currently owned by Jean P. Hibbard and Sara M. LaBrie, Trustee, by recording with Worcester District Registry of Deeds in Book 45207, Page 245, on the City Assessor's map to the Worcester-Auburn city line located to the northeasterly portion of Parcel ID No. 26-0021-00016, currently owned by Ronald W. Valinkski and Angela J. Valinkski by recording with Worcester District Registry of Deeds in Book 54327, Page 274, known as Parcel B. Said affected area being lots 13, 14, 15 and 16 as shown on a plan recorded at the Worcester District Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 22, Plan 64, a copy of which is attached. | Attachments | | | Referred to Planning Board on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Dorrie Maynard request installation of “No Parking Here to Driveway” signage on both sides of the driveway at 58 Fruit St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #10c CC and #10d CC collectively to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | Peter Bilzerian et. al requested No Parking Anytime sign be installed on Ormond St next to Elm Park Community School. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: ORIENT ST., DIVISION ST., RIDGE ST.
| Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to collectively set hearings for items #10e CC through #10g CC on December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: JAQUES AVE.
| Attachments | | | Hearing set for December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: PIEDMONT ST.
| Attachments | | | Hearing set for December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #10e CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | William S. Coleman, III request the Department of Public Works and Parks building be renamed to the Paul J. Moosey Public Works Building, honoring his thirty-six (36) years of service to the city of Worcester. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning details associated with the licenses the proposed Worcester Ballpark Authority would be authorized to grant. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to take items #11a CC through #11i CC collectively and to adopt the items. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with an updated list of the members currently serving on the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board), and a notification to City Council upon the appointment of new member to fill the vacant positions. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the hiring of an investment advisor. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with information relative to Fiscal Year 2021 market trends and adjustments, as provided to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the funds being used to provide the cleaning supplies and PPE being used by the various city departments. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning all funding sources associated with COVID-19 related expenses. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the traffic study for the intersection of Highland St. and Dean St. relative to the need of an audio crosswalk signal. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously requested Chairman's Order relative to any authority the city has to install signage on a private street. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11i. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to traffic accidents in the vicinity of intersection of Beechmont St. and Salisbury St. going left, and/or Salisbury St. and Burgess Rd. going left. Further, request City Manager make said report available to the Traffic and Parking Committee for its December 16, 2020 meeting. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #11a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation hold a public hearing to discuss financially viable options for extending the current suspension of WRTA fares as a means of helping Worcester's essential workers and city residents for whom public transit is a necessity. The committee should also review the Worcester Regional Research Bureau's recent addendum to their original May 2019 report that called the WRTA the “perfect candidate for a fare-free system." (Rosen) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, Councilor Rivera and Councilor Toomey, who all moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item and refer the item for informational purposes to Public Service and Transportation Committee. Order adopted and referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee for informational purposes on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12b. | Request City Manager interact with the Superintendent of Schools, the Administration and parents group at Chandler Magnet School, abutters and neighbors to the school and other interested parties to discuss whether renovations can and should be made, and amenities added, to the field behind the school so that students at the school, neighborhood and city youth and families can have a much better facility for athletic and recreational activities. (Rosen, Wally) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12c. | In response to the anger and frustration of residents of Vassar St. after at least seven power outages this year, request City Manager immediately contact National Grid to have that company take action to correct the issues causing these continuing and unacceptable power outages. (Rosen, Rose) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rosen, 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12d. | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased speed enforcement on Vassar St. (Rosen) | 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12e. | Request Standing Committee on Education hold a public hearing to discuss how the city can better meet the high demand of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses. (Rosen) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rose, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item and refer the item for informational purposes to Education Committee. Order adopted and referred to Education Committee for informational purposes on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12f. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether there are any plans to extend shelter access due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19 and the winter weather. Further, request City Manager include in said report information relative to the capacity and occupancy levels at the city's shelters, as well as information concerning whether there will be a shelter for homeless individuals that are COVID-19 positive that may be asymptomatic or with symptoms not requiring hospitalization. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose, Councilor Toomey, Councilor Russell, Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Rose, who all moved to add their names as sponsors of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12g. | Request City Manager gather the different organizations whose work is associated with homeless outreach to discuss their strategies for the fall and winter seasons during COVID-19. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Rivera.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city is receiving and/or pursuing regional cooperation from the towns surrounding the city as it relates to homeless outreach strategies for the fall and winter seasons during COVID-19.” (See Item #19g CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson and Councilor Toomey, who both moved to add their names as sponsors of 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12h. | Request City Manager work with the Housing First Coordinating Task Force to make a presentation to City Council relative to their plan for the housing of unaccompanied chronic homeless adults. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12i. | Due to the financial challenges associated with COVID-19 and the end of the eviction moratorium, request City Manager convene a group of providers working with homeless families and youth to discuss what can be done to provide safe and secure shelter and housing for families, youth and non-chronically homeless adults. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city is doing anything specific for the city’s homeless population that is under the age of twenty-five (25).” (See Item #19h 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12j. | In light of the end of the eviction moratorium, request City Manager work with Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) to have the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provide City Council with a report of data concerning what the criteria is for families to qualify for shelter services, as well as information relative to what is done for families who do not, as well as the status of unaccompanied individuals that are homeless versus individuals that are chronically homeless. (Rivera) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rose and Councilor King, who both moved to add their names as sponsors of 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12k. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks repair the street sign pole on Water St. (Toomey) | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12l. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what planning and steps must be taken by our Department of Public Health to insure a safe, equitable and orderly distribution of future COVID-19 vaccines. (Rosen) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 King, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the role the Board of Health will have as it relates to the distribution of future COVID-19 vaccines.” (See Item #19i CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of 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. | | | | | |
| 13. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Leonid Turchinsky request to amend the Worcester Zoning Map to include 84 Lamartine St., 90 Lamartine St. and 91 Lamartine St. within the Adaptive Reuse Overlay District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| 14. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager request review, consideration and approval of a reorganization to create an Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend of adoption of the Declaration of Trust, as filed by the Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund Board of Trustees (OPEB Board): recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #14b CC through #14h CC collectively and to accept the items. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2021 financial update, as of September 30, 2020: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the financial update for the period ending August 31, 2020: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) and Chapter 70 Education aid: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting the unaudited FY20 financial reports reported on a budgetary basis for the General Fund, Enterprises, Special Revenue, Capital Project, Debt Service Fund, Health Insurance Trust and Other Trust Funds: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of Transmitting the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Worcester Retirement System (WRS) for the system's year ending December 31, 2019: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Auditor transmitting a review of the OPEB Fund’s Declaration of Trust: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #14b CC) | | | | | |
| 15. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request resident permit parking sign at 22 Wilson St. be replaced/reinstalled: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #15a CC through #15f CC collectively and to accept and adopt the items. Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Brian Dutremble request re-evaluation of traffic lights at the intersection of West Boylston St. and Mountain St. East/West to determine the appropriateness of restoring green arrows for protected turns: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install a curve warning sign in each direction. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John and Kristina Brand request installation of two (2) speed limit signs on West Boylston St. between the I-190 ramp and Mountain St. East: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kristen Morgan request installation of a "Dead End" sign at the intersection of Pine Hill Rd. and Onset St: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose on behalf of Maureen Preston request the intersection of Tyson Rd. and Burncoat St. be assessed for increased safety precautions: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to install "Intersection Ahead" signs facing all approaches of the intersection. | Attachments | | | Accepted and Adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Andrea Matthews et al. request the handicap parking space in front of 53 Raymond St. be removed: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #15g CC through #15k CC collectively and to accept the items. Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Sarah Stillman request the installation of resident permit parking on the even side of Euclid Ave. from Vernon St. to its intersection with Sterling St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Christopher Crowley, Manager of Goodman Property Holdings, LLC., request the commercial loading zone in front of 99 East Central St. be changed to two hour parking zone: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Annette Novia request installation of two children advisory signs on Scandinavia Ave. before 47 Scandinavia Ave. and after 34 Scandinavia Ave: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Donna M. Colorio request installation of a “No Left Turn” sign at the bottom of Beechmont St. driving onto Salisbury St: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #15g CC) | | | | | |
| 16. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the CSX funds were expended, the current available funds, and what to expect in the future. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 17, 2020 and November 24, 2020) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #16b CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to place the items on file.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell and Councilor Rosen, who both spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson for a second time, who withdrew her motion to file the items.
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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Auditor provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies associated with the city's account associated with CSX, including information relative to the current balance in the account. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson November 17, 2020 and November 24, 2020) | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | 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 | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved for a roll call vote to take the item off the Table. Taken off the Table on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Councilor Toomey then 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. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17f. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17g. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17h. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17i. | 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 | | | | | |
| 18. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the November 24, 2020 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a list of non-profit organizations that were converted back to a for-profit status in the last five (5) years. – Item #13a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18b. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report determining whether any non-profit or religious institutions had their tax-exempt status wrongfully revoked. – Item #13b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18c. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request City Assessor report to City Council concerning any properties the department has added to the tax roll that were initially tax-exempt through findings made during their research both in the field and in their office. – Item #13c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18d. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager consider working with the City Assessor to determine the appropriateness of requesting a Change of Use Permit as a means to determine the correct taxes that should be associated with properties, as well as in the interest of public safety. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the aforementioned action could be done or whether such an action is already occurring. – Item #13d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18e. | RESOLUTION of Mayor Joseph M. Petty and Councilor George J. Russell – That the City Council recommends that the License Commission consider the following changes in License Commission fees for Calendar Year 2021: A) 50% reduction in on-premises liquor license renewal fees; B) 100% reduction in entertainment license renewal fees and a 100% reduction for the license renewal fees for the few businesses in our city that are classified as hookah bars and smoke bars; and C) For establishments that have remained closed under Governor Baker's reopening plan, a 90-day deferral of the payment due date. – Item #13e CC Resolution adopted as amended on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18f. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with an email containing the information relative to the FY 2021 Tax Classification package with headers on each page. – Item #13f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18g. | ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager consider including the assessments of the city’s properties on the city’s website prior to the Tax Classification Hearing. – Item #13g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| 19. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the December 1, 2020 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | Motion Bergman @ #9b CC – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report relative to taxation on water bodies, including information relative to whether water bodies are reevaluated at the same time all other properties are reassessed, how the city determines whether a water body is consequential or inconsequential, whether the determination of whether a water body is consequential or inconsequential occurs at any time other than the cyclical period when the city appraises properties, whether properties abutting water bodies are rated, and if so, whether the city uses best practices applied by other communities to do so. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19b. | Motion Bergman @ #9b CC – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer and City Assessor provide City Council with a report relative to the effect that allocating the city’s excess new growth monies in the amount of one-million dollars and two-million dollars to the tax payers would have on the city’s tax rate options. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19c. | Motion Colorio @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the effect a Senior Incentive Program that cut senior citizens’ taxes by ten (10) percent would have on the city’s tax rate options. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19d. | Motion Colorio @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to the effect an incentive program that cut owner-occupied multi-family home tax obligations by ten (10) percent would have on the city’s tax rate options. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19e. | Motion Russell @ #9b CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report projecting the amount of money anticipated for FY21’s new growth. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19f. | Motion Toomey @ #9b CC – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with an updated version of the FY 2021 Tax Classification Information on pages six (6) through ten (10), which has a column that states the, “Percent Change to Median Commercial Tax Bill FY20 to FY21,” whereas the other columns discuss the average. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19g. | Motion King @ #12g CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city is receiving and/or pursuing regional cooperation from the towns surrounding the city as it relates to homeless outreach strategies for the fall and winter seasons during COVID-19. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19h. | Motion King @ #12i CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the city is doing anything specific for the city’s homeless population that is under the age of twenty-five (25). | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19i. | Motion King @ #12l CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the role the Board of Health will have as it relates to the distribution of future COVID-19 vaccines. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #12l CC) | | | | | |
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