CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 7:00 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:26 P.M.


Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

 

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Morris A. Bergman Donna M. Colorio
Etel Haxhiaj Khrystian E. King
Candy Mero-Carlson Thu Nguyen City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli
Sarai Rivera Sean M. Rose
George J. Russell Kathleen M. Toomey
 

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 Tyre Nichols, a twenty-nine-year-old Black man, who was severely beaten by five Black police officers in Memphis, TN and died from the beating three days later.

 

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 January 17, 2023.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

6.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

6a.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke regarding an item not on the agenda 2. Adam Thielker, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11f CC 3. Lorrie Weinstein, Millbury resident, spoke in favor of item #11g CC

 

7.

HEARING AND ORDER

7a.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: MARBLE ST. Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: MARBLE ST.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to open the hearing for the item. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the items. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved to close the hearings. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Hearing held and Order adopted.

 

8.

PETITIONS

8a.

Ekow Dadzie request Corning Ave. be made public.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Planning Board. Referred to Planning Board

 

8b.

Sheila Bilotta et al. request installation of additional street lights on Dallas St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee

 

8c.

Doreen Beauchene request installation of speed humps on Newbury St.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer items #8c CC through #8j CC to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee

 

8d.

Tara Berry et al. request installation of four-way stop sign at intersection of Dorchester St. and Arthur St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8e.

Sheila Bilotta et al. request installation of flashing crosswalk light on Hamilton St. at the crosswalk in the vicinity of 489 Hamilton St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8f.

Paula and Harian Chaput request installation of Dead End signage on Esper Ave.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8g.

Nicholas Depalma et al. request installation of handicap parking space on Orne St. in the vicinity of 178 Lincoln St.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8h.

Tammy Haney, on behalf of Community Healthlink, request installation of No Parking Anytime signage in front of the loading dock door at 199 Chandler St. on Bellevue St. side.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8i.

Jeanne Manzella request installation of handicap parking space in front of 15 King Philip Rd.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

8j.

Councilor Khrystian E. King on behalf of representatives from Nelson Place School request a traffic study be conducted in the vicinity of Nelson Place School, Holden St. and Route 22.

Attachments

Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8c CC)

 

9.

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

10.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

10a.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review and address any safety issues associated with the street conditions on Copley Rd. at its intersection with Coolidge Rd.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt items #10a CC through #10g CC. Order adopted

 

10b.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the conditions on which bonds are released as they relate to private to public street conversion

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

10c.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of all current subdivisions that are under construction in the city and whether the city has bonds on said subdivisions in place.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

10d.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the criteria to waive the fees associated with sidewalk installation.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

10e.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Director of Transportation and Mobility conduct a traffic study relative to the potential for making Tyson Rd. a one-way street, as well as the feasibility of banning truck traffic on said road.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

10f.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Director of Veterans’ Services provide City Council with a report concerning the creation of a public memorial on the Common for World War II soldiers who died in connection with their service but are otherwise not recognized.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

10g.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION - Request City Manager request Director of Veterans' Services work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing a plaque or another appropriate memorial to honor Worcester Fire Captain and World War I veteran William J. Ormond in the vicinity of Envelope Terrace and Nebraska St.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #10a CC)

 

11.

ORDERS

11a.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider expanding the dates individuals are allowed to drop off their Christmas trees. (Colorio)

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 Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11b.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks consider attaching this year’s (2023) Trash and Recycling Calendar in the next quarterly tax bill. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks include each upcoming year’s Trash and Recycling Calendar thereafter in the November tax bill. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks post the current Trash and Recycling calendar on the city’s website’s “main” page prior to each holiday, as a reminder to residents. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and 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 Russell, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11c.

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning how the “new” covered trash bins have performed with respect to windy days. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11d.

Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report explaining the qualifications for the Senior/Elderly real estate tax exemption, as such applications are time sensitive and must be received by the city by April 1, 2023. (Colorio)

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 Mero-Carlson, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of seniors in the city using utilizing a Senior Work off Program to pay off their taxes.” (See Item #22a CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager consider working with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force to conduct a survey of the city’s seniors to determine what that portion of the city’s population’s stressors and how the city can provide any needed relief.” (See Item #22b CC). Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11e.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) may be able to assist landlords in converting a nonrentable apartment into a rentable apartment, while simultaneously providing affordable housing. (Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, Councilor King and Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of individuals using city programs to aid residents in housing/purchasing homes in the city. Further, request City Manager include in said report ways the city can better advertise such programs.” (See Item #22c CC). Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11f.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether Parking Control Officers (PCOs) are allowed to ticket cars parked in Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus stops. Further, if PCOs are not allowed to ticket in such locations, request City Manager include information in said report as to why that is the case. Further, if PCOs are allowed to ticket in such locations, request City Manager include in said report how many tickets were given out between 2021 and 2022. (Bergman)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of Parking Control Officers (PCOs) employed by the city.” (See Item #22d CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11g.

Request City Manager consider amending Chapter 13 Section 40 (o) of the City of Worcester Revised Ordinances regarding the Residential Parking Program to read as follows: “The parking administrator may issue city-wide temporary parking permits in a number specified by the parking administrator after payment of a fee for each permit to be given to any social service agencies for use by employees of such agencies providing medical or other services to elderly or disabled residents in the homes of such residents. Such permits shall expire on June 30 of each year and may be renewed by the non-profit social service agency for additional periods after payment of the appropriate fee. Applications shall be provided to the parking administrator on the applicant’s professional letterhead. Such permit shall only be used when the employee of the non-profit social service agency is actually providing services to an elderly or disabled resident and shall be displayed on the front dashboard above the steering wheel and shall be fully readable from the exterior of the vehicle.” (Bergman, Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, 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 amend the item: “Further, request City Manager review best practices used by Boston to allow appropriate agencies to park in Resident Permit Parking zones. Further, request City Manager explore similar parking opportunities for appropriate protective agencies.” Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended

 

11h.

Request City Manager consider amending Chapter 13 Section 37 (p) of the City of Worcester Revised Ordinances regarding Prohibited Parking to read as follows: “No person shall park a commercial vehicle, bus or trailer having a gross weight of 11,000 pounds or more on any street where parking is permitted for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 1:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. of any day, or any time on Sunday, except that such vehicles may be parked for periods in excess of this restriction while actually being loaded or unloaded.” (Bergman)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what is being done to enforce Chapter 13 Section 37 (p) relative to trucks parking overnight on city streets.” (See Item #22e CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to add the entire City Council as sponsors of the item. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11i.

Request City Manager consider allocating the proceeds from the sale of 0 Apricot Street to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). (Haxhiaj)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, 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 to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11j.

Request Standing Committee on Urban Technologies, Innovation and Environment invite the Coordinator of Lake and Ponds Program to present and discuss the most recent State of the Lakes information. (Haxhiaj)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item. Mayor Petty moved to amend the item to read as follows: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the most recent State of the Lakes information. Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended

 

11k.

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks explore upgrades to Burncoat Prep Park. (Rose)

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 to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11l.

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update concerning the Roberto Clemente Master Plan. (Rose)

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 moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11m.

Request City Manager work with the Chief Financial Officer to provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the timeline for expending ARPA funds and where the city is in the process of grant requests and the AD Hoc committee. (Rose, Mero-Carlson)

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 moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11n.

Request City Manager explore environmentally friendly requirements in development plans for lighter coloring of hardscape materials such as concrete to reduce heat retention. (See the following for more information: https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/11/3/cement-and-concrete-the-environmental-impact) (Rose)

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 moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11o.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the status of revenues in the ballpark DIF District. (Colorio)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to amend the item to read as follows: “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining the status of revenues in the ballpark DIF District for the year 2022, as well as the projected revenues for 2023.” Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended

 

11p.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning plans for renovating Indian Lake Beach, also known as Clason Rd. Beach. (Mero-Carlson, Rose)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, 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 to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11q.

Request City Manager work with the Director of Human Resources to develop an annual performance evaluation tool for the City Clerk and City Auditor. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson

 

11r.

Request City Clerk provide City Council with an update concerning the position of Chief of Council, coupled with the designated City Council Clerk. Further, request City Clerk include the job description of the aforementioned position as part of said report. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item. Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with report detailing draft language as it relates to the possibility of reorganizing the Chief of Council position to make City Council the position’s appointing authority, similar to City Council’s ability to hire the City Auditor, City Manager and City Clerk, as the City Council explores the possibilities surrounding constituent services moving forward.” (See Item #22f CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item. Mayor Petty moved to, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning who the Secretary to the Council reported to during the 1990’s and 2000’s, in an effort to review a roadmap on how to complete a similar structured office in the future.” (See Item #22g CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the item. Councilor Russell then moved to, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning options for how best to organize the City Council office.” (See Item #22h CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to, “Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report comparing the structure of City Council Office support staffs in other communities with the support staff for the Worcester City Council.” (See Item #22i CC). Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11s.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed update relative to the Worcester Police Department (WPD) Equity Audit. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to Tabled the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey

 

11t.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update regarding body camera implementation, trainings and status of contract negotiations. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to Tabled the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey

 

11u.

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted Order on June 16, 2020 that read as follows: "Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a comprehensive report relative to the use of dash and body cameras by the Worcester Police Department, including information relative to implementation for such an action, an inventory of all dash cameras in the possession of the city and procedures concerning the use of dash cameras in similar municipalities." (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to Tabled the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey

 

11v.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at a future meeting for the purposes of discussing contract negotiations relative to the use of body cameras. (King)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to amend the item to read as follows: That the City Council of the City of Worcester convene in Executive Session at its February 7, 2023 meeting for the purposes of discussing contract negotiations relative to the use of body cameras. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to Tabled the Item Under Privilege. Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey

 

11w.

Request City Manager organize a community discussion relative to the increase in the amount of elderly persons experiencing homelessness. (Rivera)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose and Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item. Vice Chairperson Councilor Colorio 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 any grants exist the city can pursue to support the creation of warming and cooling centers in the city to aid the homeless population.” (See Item #22j CC). Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Nguyen, who moved to, “Request City Manager reach out to the appropriate staff working for the City of Somerville to determine how the city is working to abolish debt individuals face relative to medical bills.” (See Item #22k CC). Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted

 

11x.

STREET BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: DELMONT AVENUE

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

 

12.

RESOLUTION

12a.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby go on record in support of SD.1762 and HD.2385, An Act to increase regional transit accessibility in the Commonwealth, filed by Senator Susan L. Moran and Representative Natalie M. Blais, respectively. SD.1762 and HD.2385 support more funding for Regional Transit Authorities, which includes the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). (Haxhiaj, King, Rivera, Mero-Carlson)

Attachments

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

 

13.

RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE - No items pending

14.

COMMUNICATION OF THE CITY CLERK

14a.

Recommending passage of the accompanying Ordinance relative to amending the salary of the City Auditor.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to advertise the proposed Ordinance. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance

 

15.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

15a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Stephen Madaus, on behalf of 318 Park LLC, request Article IX, Section 5 of the Worcester Zoning Ordinance be amended to allow for construction of new mixed-use and multi-family buildings in the Commercial Corridors Overlay District (CCOD) as described in the attached petition: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to advertise the proposed Ordinances associated with items #15a CC and #15b CC. Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance

 

15b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Brian Falk, on behalf of Clifford & Rano Realty Trust, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. and Mark and Sandra Cutler request the Zoning Map be amended by extending the RG-5 zoning district to fully encompass the following properties: 57 Cedar St., 55 Cedar St., 29 Sever St., 27 Sever St., 25 Sever St., 91 Elm St., 93 Elm St., 95 Elm St., 97 Elm St., 101-103 Merrick St., and 105 Merrick St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

Attachments

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance (See Item #15a CC)

 

16.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

16a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Robert H. Gallo, Manager of Arboretum Village LLC., request Bittersweet Boulevard be made public street: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept and adopt items #16a CC through #16f CC. Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

16b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Matthew Rabasco request Copley Rd. be resurfaced.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC)

 

16c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of William T. Hamilton request Willard Ave. be repaved: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC)

 

16d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil request extension of public water main in Hooper St. from its current terminus to service the property located at 40 Hooper St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC)

 

16e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Anthony Maina and Zac Couture request extension of the sewer main in Salisbury St. for a distance of 21 feet +/- with 8" SDR-35 pipe to a proposed manhole and to allow for a long connection of 154 feet +/- of 6" SDR-35 to service a proposed single family dwelling, known at 0 Salisbury St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC)

 

16f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wiler Filho and Leandro Camargo request water and sewer extension for on Strasburg Rd. for properties located at 7-8 Strasburg Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #16a CC)

 

16g.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Sarai Rivera request sidewalk repair in front of Beacon Pharmacy, located at 810 Main St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #16g CC through #16n CC. Accepted

 

16h.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Tommy Lee request curb cut at 106 Perry Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16i.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to new regulations to implement An Act Promoting Awareness of Sewage in Public Waters, passed by the MA Legislature and signed by the Governor in January 2021: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16j.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the 2022 Spring Sweeping Program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16k.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report on the annual city-wide line painting program: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16l.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to building and using reserves to mitigate future water and sewer rate increases: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16m.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request Franklin St. from Brown Square to Papani Circle be repaved: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

16n.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin request Durant Way be repaved from Chandler St. to Hadwen Rd.: recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #16g CC)

 

17.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING

17a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Bayda Asbridge et al. request installation of flashing crosswalk lights at the pedestrian crossing in front of 75 Webster St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept and adopt items #17a CC through #17c CC. Accepted and adopted

 

17b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a crosswalk across Chester St. at Holden St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted (See Item #17a CC)

 

17c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a “Steep Hill” sign or similar signage on Eames Rd., opposite of Stanley Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted (See Item #17a CC)

 

17d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request installation of pedestrian crossing signage at the intersection of Freeland St. and Cambridge St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #17d CC through #17f CC. Accepted

 

17e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Maria Montano request installation of pedestrian crosswalk signage and/or crosswalk signal at the intersection of Richards St. and Cambridge St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #17d CC)

 

17f.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Stephen Chabot request installation of flashing lights at the crosswalks in the vicinity of Forest Grove Middle School on Grove St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #17d CC)

 

18.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION

18a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Walter O'Connor request a memorial for Private John Kelleher be erected on the grass apron next to the sidewalks on the southwest corner of the intersection of June St. and Chandler St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept and adopt items #18a CC and #18b CC. Accepted and adopted

 

18b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Master Plan Initiative for Improvements to Blithewood Park: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

Attachments

Accepted and adopted (See Item #18a CC)

 

18c.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of Walter O'Connor request a memorial for Private John Kelleher be erected on the south side of the traffic island at the intersection of June St. and Chandler St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #18c CC through #18e CC. Accepted

 

18d.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Blithewood Park: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #18c CC)

 

18e.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' MEMORIALS, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Master Plan Initiative for improvements to Blithewood Park: recommend Communication be placed on file.

Attachments

Accepted (See Item #18c CC)

 

19.

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

19a.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023)

Attachments

Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #19b CC. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to Table the Items. Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with information as it relates to city responsibilities associated with snow removal at bus stops.” (See Item #22l CC). Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to Table the Items. Tabled on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays. Tabled – Mero-Carlson

 

19b.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023)

Attachments

Tabled - Mero-Carlson (See Item #19a CC)

 

20.

TABLED ITEMS

20a.

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

 

20b.

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)

Attachments

No action taken

 

20c.

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

Attachments

No action taken

 

20d.

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022)

Attachments

No action taken

 

21.

BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the January 24, 2023 City Council meeting.

21a.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether the Community Preservation Act (CPA) can be repealed in the city, and if so, when it would be able to be repealed. – Item #15a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21b.

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the composition Community Preservation Committees have in other municipalities. – Item #15b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21c.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report listed all vacant and abandoned properties in the city by district. Further, request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report concerning the criteria for being defined as a nuisance property in the city, when such criteria becomes available. – Item #15c Cc Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21d.

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the costs and penalties levied against the property at 195 Mill St., known as Big D, as well as the property on Park Ave. abutting Beaver Brook Park. – Item #15d CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21e.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning delineating the function and supervision of the Forestry Division at the Department of Public Works and Parks. – Item #15e CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21f.

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager request City Assessor provide City Council with a report reviewing the abatement process associated with the city's real estate taxes. Further, request City Manager request City Assessor provide residents with additional outreach to ensure individuals are aware the deadline for filing an abatement request is due on February 2, 2023. – Item #15f CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21g.

ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Manager work with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning whether an equity audit was conducted when the WRTA decided to reduce and close certain bus routes. – Item #15g CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21h.

ORDER of Councilor Sean M. Rose – Request City Manager explore the possibility of opening the Residential Drop-Off Center and other yard waste drop-off sites allow residents the ability to drop off their yard waste following winter storms. – Item #15h CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21i.

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – “That the City Manager Employment Agreement, dated December 6, 2022, between Eric D. Batista and the city of Worcester, acting by and through its City Council (the “Agreement”), is hereby amended by deleting from Sections 4(d) and 4(e) the words “issued through the City.” – Item #15i CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

21j.

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the salary of the City Auditor be an annual salary of $170,000.00. – Item #15j CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

 

22.

NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the January 31, 2023 City Council meeting.

22a.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #11d CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of seniors in the city using utilizing a Senior Work off Program to pay off their taxes.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11d CC)

 

22b.

Motion King @ #11d CC – Request City Manager consider working with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force to conduct a survey of the city’s seniors to determine what that portion of the city’s population’s stressors and how the city can provide any needed relief.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11d CC)

 

22c.

Motion Petty @ #11e CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of individuals using city programs to aid residents in housing/purchasing homes in the city. Further, request City Manager include in said report ways the city can better advertise such programs.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11e CC)

 

22d.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #11f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the number of Parking Control Officers (PCOs) employed by the city.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11f CC)

 

22e.

Motion Russell @ #11h CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what is being done to enforce Chapter 13 Section 37 (p) relative to trucks parking overnight on city streets.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11h CC)

 

22f.

Motion King @ #11r CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with report detailing draft language as it relates to the possibility of reorganizing the Chief of Council position to make City Council the position’s appointing authority, similar to City Council’s ability to hire the City Auditor, City Manager and City Clerk, as the City Council explores the possibilities surrounding constituent services moving forward.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11r CC)

 

22g.

Motion Petty @ #11r CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning who the Secretary to the Council reported to during the 1990’s and 2000’s, in an effort to review a roadmap on how to complete a similar structured office in the future.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11r CC)

 

22h.

Motion Russell @ #11r CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning options for how best to organize the City Council office.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11r CC)

 

22i.

Motion King @ #11r CC – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report comparing the structure of City Council Office support staffs in other communities with the support staff of the Worcester City Council.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11r CC)

 

22j.

Motion King @ #11w CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether any grants exist the city can pursue to support the creation of warming and cooling centers in the city to aid the homeless population.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11w CC)

 

22k.

Motion Nguyen @ #11w CC – Request City Manager reach out to the appropriate staff working for the City of Somerville to determine how the city is working to abolish debt individuals face relative to medical bills.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #11w CC)

 

22l.

Motion King @ #19a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with information as it relates to city responsibilities associated with snow removal at bus stops.

Attachments

Order adopted (See Item #19a CC)

 

22m.

Motion Mero-Carlson – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks expeditiously install additional signage properly outlining the existing resident permit parking zone on both sides of Schussler Rd. from Highland St. to Institute Rd.

Attachments

Order adopted