CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber

Convened: 6:32 P.M.

Recessed into Executive Session: 7:06 P.M. Reconvened into Open Session: 8:41 P.M. Adjourned: 10:08 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Mayor Petty read a PROCLAMATION declaring Saturday, April 10, 2021 as Earth Day in the City of Worcester. Mayor Petty recognized Steve Fischer, Director of Recreation Worcester, who spoke concerning the item.

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 23 2021.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Elaine Baskin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #12d CC 2. William S. Coleman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10d CC and #10e CC 3. Benjamin Desjarlais, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12b CC 4. Nicole Bell, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #13a CC

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: FRANKLIN ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: FRANKLIN ST.

ORDER - That the City Council convene in Executive Session jointly with the School Committee at the Tuesday, April 6, 2021 meeting for the purpose of discussing litigation strategy with respect to the case of Carleen J. Miller et al v. City of Worcester et al.; Commonwealth of Massachusetts Superior Court Department, Civil Action No. 2185CV0263B and the City Council will reconvene in open session.

Lorraine Normand and Donna Goff request RG-5 zone be extended to include 316 Lincoln St.

Paul and Ellen Landry request abatement of street assessment #25694, in the amount of $15,000.00 for Toronita Ave.

Doris Thomas and Sergio Soltau request abatement of street assessment #25708, in the amount of $15,000.00 for Toronita Ave.

Maria Castillo request installation of dog leash and dog waste signage on South St. in the vicinity of 8 Chapin St.

Councilor George J. Russell request sidewalk repair on Tatman St.

Councilor George J. Russell request street resurfacing on Tatman St.

Councilor Matthew E. Wally request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage at each corner of the intersection between Maywood St. and Lovell St. to ensure cars do not park within the illegal limits of crosswalks and the intersection and to ensure the safety of students waking to and from Columbus Park School.

Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk and a flashing yellow light for the bus stop on Ararat St. between Brattle St. and Ridgewood Rd., with the crosswalk being the priority.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Suzanne Kerbs request installation of a stop sign on Lenox St. as it approaches Beeching St.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Suzanne Kerbs request installation of a yield sign on Beeching St. as it approaches Lenox St.

Councilor Donna M. Colorio request “No Parking Anytime” signage on the south side of Nonquit St. opposite of 277 Lake Ave. be removed, reducing the “No Parking Anytime” area to opposite of 2A Nonquit St. to the end of the street including the dead end only.

Carl Foley and Catherine Lewis request installation of a stop sign for westbound traffic on Clover St. at James St.

Carl Foley and Catherine Lewis request installation of a stop sign for eastbound traffic on Clover St. at South Ludlow St.

Carl Foley and Catherine Lewis request installation of a stop sign for westbound traffic on Clover St. at South Ludlow St.

Jolanta Kleszczewska request removal of handicap parking space in front of 9 Upsala St.

Maria Castillo request installation of additional signage notifying vehicle owners of existing resident permit parking on South St. between Plane St. and Chapin St.

Maria Castillo request installation of a "School Zone" sign on South St. in the vicinity of Union Hill School.

Maria Castillo request Plane St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from South St. towards Dorchester St.

Maria Castillo request Chapin St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from Dorchester St. towards South St.

Maria Castillo request Shannon St. be made into a one-way street in the direction from Dorchester St. towards South St.

Maria Castillo request re-installation of stop sign at the intersection of Chapin St. and South St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kathleen Arcure request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 43 Indiana St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MILTON ST.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: MONTVALE RD.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: CANTERBURY ST. and GARDNER ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: FREMONT ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: RICHMOND AVE. and FENWICK ST.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: WHISPER DR.

Lawrence Freed request City Council request City Manager apply, as soon as possible, for funding from the Land and Water Conservation Act, recently passed and funded by Congress for the following: 1) clean-up restoration and permanent protection for Salisbury Pond and Institute Park; 2) establish the proposed multipurpose shoreline/linear park at Lake Quinsigamond, including the restoration of Coal Mine Brook in Green Hill Park; and 3) removal of the obsolete degraded dam on Poor Farm Brook.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Manager suggest to the Worcester art community that a memorial artwork be considered for all those who lost their lives to COVID-19.

William S. Coleman, III request City Council request City Manager work with the MassDOT to designate the Worcester Citizen's of Color Honor Roll as a historic location with location markers on Rt. 290 going eastbound and westbound.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager consider ways to work with the city’s population to continue encouraging residents to be tested for COVID-19.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Request City Manager notify the state legislature that the city would volunteer to implement one (1) to three (3) years zero-fare pilot program to be funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks investigate utilizing infrared technology similar to the program outlined in this article from Texas: https://www.roadsbridges.com/safety-txdot-using-high-tech-prevent-truck-crashes. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update concerning the efforts and effectiveness of past policy/strategy regarding discouraging bicycle “swerving” on public streets and recommendations for this year regarding same. (Bergman, Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the feasibility of providing facilities for the city's homeless population to shower and have a cooling area. (Rivera)

Considering the city's generosity in supporting WPI's overall plan to improve pedestrian and traffic safety around its campus, especially by transferring over the major portion of West St. that bisects the college campus, request City Manager discuss with the college the possibility of the city leasing or purchasing its underutilized grass field and adjacent tennis courts at the corner of Massachusetts and Park Avenues. Within walking distance of Doherty High School, the city could then install an artificial or natural turf rectangular/multi-purpose field with amenities to be used by the school department and the community at large. (Rosen)

Request City Manager explore the feasibility of adding a Dynamic Speed Display Sign (DSDS) on Beechmont St. (Rose)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the efforts of the CIT, NRT and WPD on the Lincoln St. business corridor. (Rose)

Request City Manager reengage with the MA DOT to address the graffiti on the north/south I-190 bridge in Greendale. (Rose)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks update signage at Wetherell/Duffy Field Park in the area of the dead end to read: "No Parking" from the trash can to the wooded area, "No Trespassing," and, "No Loitering." (Colorio)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a presentation concerning what the City is doing to prepare for filling future jobs and establishing a pipeline for training for those jobs; inclusive of educational levels, GED, high school, college and masters level. (Toomey)

In anticipation of the Worcester Red Sox’s inaugural season and season opener, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the traffic plan, public health and safety plan, as well as the planning processes pertaining to Polar Park, Green Island neighborhood/Kelley Square/Canal District. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby go on record in support of HD 3437/ SD 2115, An Act to Strengthen Justice and Support for Sex Trade Survivors. (Rivera)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager Recommend adoption of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment relative to Self-Storage Facilities: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil, Esq on behalf of Nancy A Negoshian & Dovetail Properties, LLC request to extend the RG-5 Zoning District in the vicinity of Goldthwaite Rd. westerly to include in their entirety the parcels of land located at 43, 45 Goldthwaite Rd. and 24-26 Varney St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Wayne Barry request to rezone that portion of the Premises known as and numbered 1451 Grafton St. and shown on the attached Exhibit A from BL-1.0 Zoning District to MG-0.5 Zoning District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of 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., 99 Green St., 103 Green St., 2 Plymouth St., 5 Gold St., 7 Gold St. and 62 Washington St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to an update of the the Housing First Initiative: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of Timothy McGourthy, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, “The Implications of a Fare-Free WRTA.”: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Khrystian E. King, Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Matthew E. Wally and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - 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.": recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation hold a virtual hearing soon so that WRTA riders on fixed and Paratransit routes, the company's drivers and members of the public can ask questions and voice their concerns about the future of the WRTA, it's response to the coronavirus pandemic and how the expected $38.4 million COVID-19 funding from the FTA will be allocated: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor Sarai Rivera, Councilor Khrystian E. King, Councilor Morris A. Bergman, Councilor Donna M. Colorio, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor Sean M. Rose, Councilor Gary Rosen, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey, Councilor Matthew E. Wally and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Request Public Service and Transportation Committee hold public hearings throughout the city to consider the recommendations made by the Worcester Municipal Research Report in a report of May 2019. The report deals with the feasibility and desirability of establishing a three-year first of its kind pilot project in Massachusetts in which the WRTA would implement a fare-free system. As in several other cities and towns across America, it is expected that such a change would significantly increase ridership, reliability and efficiency, among others: recommend Order be placed on file.

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Clerk transmitting a draft of social media policies and procedures for City Council, in the event that a Facebook page for the City Council is created, including information relative to best practices used in other communities. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 26, 2021, Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson February 2, 2021 and Tabled - Petty February 9, 2021)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021)

PETITION of Meighan Sharry request City Council request City Manager effectively stop efforts to develop athletic fields at Duffy Field/Wetherall Park. (Tabled - Petty March 30, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks break future Construction Progress Reports down by each City Council district. – Item #12a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of the protocols, procedures and related policies used during situations where the Homeless Outreach Division is used as a first point of contact. – Item #12b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the City Council has access to red cap reports. – Item #12c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s efforts to help those in the homeless population who do not have jobs with opportunities to become employable. – Item #12d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning which models are most effective in aiding the city’s chronically homeless population. – Item #12e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with information concerning systemic barriers in place when aiding homeless individuals in future reports dedicated to homeless outreach efforts. – Item #12f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager investigate the possibility of purchasing the Becker property at 69 Sever St., formerly known as the Worcester Tennis Club, to use as a rectangular field. – Item #12g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion King @ #12j CC – Request City Manager work with the Sheriff’s Office to provide City Council with a report as to the feasibility of creating a contingency plan allowing their officers to provide details during events at Polar Park when Worcester Police Department Officers are unavailable.

Motion Toomey @ #12j CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what has already been done as it relates to traffic and safety planning during Worcester Red Sox games, as well as any information that can be disclosed regarding what is still to be done.