CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:31 P.M. |
Recessed: 8:06 P.M.
Reconvened: 8:11 P.M.
Adjourned: 10:02 P.M.
Reconvened: 10:02 P.M.
Adjourned: 10:14 P.M. |
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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 | Luis A. Ojeda | Jenny Pacillo | George J. Russell | Kathleen M. Toomey |
| City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair, except for Councilor Nguyen. | |
4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
5. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 14, 2025. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8f CC through #8h CC and #10f CC
2. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10g CC and #10i CC
3. Ali Kane, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
4. Anne Bureau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #18e CC, and #18f CC
5. Aretha Kharashqah, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
6. Sadie Lombardi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC and #18c CC
7. Sue Hunt, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10f CC
8. James Louis, no residence given, spoke concerning two items not listed on the agenda
9. Julia M., Worcester residence, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #18b CC, #18c CC, and #18h CC
10. Sandy Lashin-Curewitz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18d CC through #18f CC
11. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
12. Jessica Wrench, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
13. Roberto (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
14. Laura (no last name give), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
15. Jordan Neubauer, Worcester resident, #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18g CC
16. Nathan Proctor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
17. Janet Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
18. Lisa Stoddard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
19. Anna (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
20. Ally (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
21. Evan Wilson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
22. Ollie (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
23. Joshua Croke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
24. Danielle Killay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
25. Sarah (no last name given), (no residence given), spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
26. Kalen (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC and #8j CC
27. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC through #8k CC, #10e CC, #10g CC #10i CC, #10p CC, #18a CC, and #18c through #18f CC and spoke in opposition to items #9a CC, #9c CC, #12a CC, and #14c CC
28. Sam Asbeck, (no residence given), spoke in favor of items #18c CC through #18f CC
29. Micah (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
30. John Edward Keough, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #12a CC
31. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #17j CC
32. Judy (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
33. Rhonda Hicks a.k.a Wahya Gutste Wolfpaw, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
34. Dr. Haley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10g CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
35. Lucy (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
36. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC through #8k CC
37. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8h CC through #8k CC, #10e CC, #10g CC through #10i CC, #10n CC, and #10p CC
38. Ariel Temar Alvarez Amasifuen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8d CC, #8h CC, #8i CC, #8j CC, #9a CC, #9d CC, #9e CC, #10e CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18g CC, and spoke in opposition to item #14c CC
39. Emily Hildebrand, Boylston resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC, #8j CC, #10i CC, and #18c CC through #18f CC
40. Mary Ann Hancock, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #8j CC
41. Joseph (no last name given), (no residence given), spoke in favor of items #8g CC through #8i CC, #10g CC, #10i CC, #17g CC, and #18c CC through #18e CC
42. Noah Rose, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8i CC and #8j CC | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 7a. | Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: PINECREST DR.
Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location at: PINECREST DR. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to open the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote.
Mayor Petty asked if any abutters wished to be heard on the item. Hearing no speakers, Mayor Petty moved to close the hearing. Mayor Petty’s motion was approved on a voice vote.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Hearing held and Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | Councilor Morris A. Bergman request the intersection of Gold Star Blvd. and Millbrook St. be reviewed for the installation of better lighting for the crosswalks at the location. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8b. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of "15 Minute Parking" signage on Schussler Rd. in the vicinity of Tech Cleaners and Tailors, located at 154 Highland St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer items #8b CC through #8g CC to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8c. | Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Rich Ritchotte request installation of a truck ban/weight restriction on Victor Ave. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8d. | Louis Ting request installation of pedestrian walking signage, with blinking lights, at the crosswalk at the intersection of Front St. and Trumbull St., outside the 145 Front St. Apartments. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8e. | Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of “No Parking Anytime” signage on Henrietta St. at its intersection with Maxwell St. and in the vicinity of 11 Henrietta St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8f. | Fred Nathan request installation of additional signage throughout the city reminding motorists to come to a complete stop at stop signs. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8g. | Fred Nathan request installation of a traffic control signal for vehicles entering and exiting UMass Memorial Medical Center - Memorial Campus, located at 119 Belmont St. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee (See Item #8b CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8h. | Fred Nathan request City Council request City Manager create a pilot program for the city's colleges/universities in which they adopt and take care of all sidewalks within a quarter-mile of their campuses to account for properties they take off the tax rolls. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8i. | Noah Rose request City Council request City Manager commit to working with a coalition of Worcester-based and regional LGBTQIA+ organizations to create an action plan around safety concerns about transphobia and discrimination. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #8j CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to amend item #8j to replace the words, “commit to,” with the word, “consider.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, Councilor King, Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell and Councilor Bergman for second times, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer item #8i CC to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman for a third time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Bergman.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Bergman’s amendment associated with item #8j CC. Motion failed on a roll call vote of 2 Yeas and 8 Yeas (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio) (Nays – Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Nguyen absent).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer item #8j CC to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Yeas – Bergman, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Nay – Colorio) (Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8j. | Noah Rose request City Council request City Manager commit to establishing and annually allocating $500,000.00 to a Queer and Trans Resilience Fund, dedicated to addressing the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. The fund’s priorities and distribution should be determined through a transparent process with oversight by an ad-hoc committee made up with LGBTQIA+ folks and modeled after the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ad-hoc committee process. | Attachments | | | Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 1 Nay (Yeas – Bergman, Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Nay – Colorio) (Nguyen absent) (See Item #8i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8k. | Nathalie Gibson request City Council request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks formulate or improve upon: 1) Enforcement of the city’s winter ban parking; 2) Pretreatment of all hills with either brine or a sand/salt mix (or just sand if fog or freezing rain is forecasted prior to snow); 3) Dispatching of Department of Public Works and Parks staff (supervisor, manager, lead, etc.) to the city’s hills while the main arteries are being cleared to assess their safety conditions (priority to those without sidewalks, near schools or WPS bus stops) and to notify dispatch which roads needs to be treated next in the queue; 4) Adhering to the city’s curb to curb rule by utilizing the driveway or other ends of property markers as guides; 5) Applying sand, salt or mixture on the city’s hills within a reasonable timeframe after plowing to prevent treacherous roadways; and 6) Ensuring there is a treatment operator available overnight to treat a street when a call comes in, instead of waiting for the opening of business hours. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a draft ordinance to bring the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance into compliance with the Affordable Homes Act. Further, request said draft include information relative to eliminating the proposed thresholds for dimensional requirements. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt items #9a CC through #9i CC, except item #9c CC. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the process for moving forward with Institutional Master Plans (IMPs). | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report detailing sUAS/Drone usage in other cities and towns from 2023 to 2024. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the item to read as follows: "Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report detailing instances when the Worcester Police Department (WPD) used sUAS/Drone from other cities and towns from 2023 to 2024."
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report comparing 2024 police details with 2023 police details. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the types of police details that will typically go unfilled. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9f. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility prioritize funding provisions for the installation of a crosswalk in the vicinity of Price Rite Marketplace, located at 520 Southbridge St. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9g. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review Greenwood St. in the vicinity of Greenwood Gardens for the feasibility of installing additional crosswalks. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9h. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review Vassar St. for the feasibility of installing speed humps on the street. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9i. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Clerk notify residents on Windsor St. that the winter parking ban has been changed to the odd side of the street. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks work with the appropriate representatives from National Grid to fix the pole light at the intersection of Beaver Brook Parkway and Maywood St. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with an update as to the May Street project reconstruction timeline. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who moved to amend the item to include the words, "and Chandler Street."
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility work with the appropriate representatives from Mass DOT to schedule a meeting with neighbors in the Airport Dr. and Pleasant St. neighborhoods, as soon as possible, to discuss a traffic safety project slated for the area. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to place the item on file. Placed on file | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide increased enforcement of the two-hour parking limit on Genesee St. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide outreach to the city’s existing small business community to determine needs for various businesses, including potential hardships, their short and long-term goals, status of property ownership (e.g. do they rent or own, when does the lease expire), plans to relocate or expand within the city and any other pertinent information to ensure small business retention in the city. (Ojeda) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Ojeda, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | Request City Manager conduct a meeting with Madison Properties and Holy Cross to develop a written agreement that keeps 725 Southbridge St., the former site of Rotmans Furniture, on the tax rolls at the level it would be after any development. (Petty, Russell, Ojeda, Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing which entity owns 725 Southbridge St., the former site of Rotmans Furniture, and whether that entity’s status allows for the property to be included on the tax rolls.” (See Item #19b CC).
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report regarding the city’s policies relative to the immigrant population in the event of federal agents acting on ICE EROs (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations). (Petty) | Attachments | | | Vice Chairperson Councilor King read the item and moved to take the item up collectively with item #10i CC.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized the Interim Police Chief, who responded to questions raised by Mayor Petty.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the Interim Police Chief and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing any protections that remain for the city’s immigrant population, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).” (See Item #19c CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the impact federal funding has relative to initiatives taking place in the city including housing opportunities, maintaining homeless shelters, the funding of various community agencies and ensuring individuals are fed.” (See Item #19d CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Councilor King then moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the community coming together and donating to food pantries.” (See Item #19e CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt item #19e CC. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent).
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the items. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | Request City Manager begin the process of drafting a master plan for revitalizing Webster Square. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Haxhiaj.
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.
Councilor King then moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any state and federal legislative efforts and communications that are relevant to the City Council’s governance of the city.” (See Item #19f CC).
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10i. | Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report that defines and delineates the city’s required responsiveness to President Donald J. Trump’s ICE EROs (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations). Further, request said report include a legal opinion as to whether any city employees would be at risk of arrest for failure to comply with ICE EROs. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor confirm that Worcester Law Enforcement is guided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision in Lunn v. Commonwealth, which clarifies that local law enforcement in Massachusetts is not authorized to detain individuals solely based on federal immigration detainer requests; meaning that the city will not take individuals into custody simply because of their immigration status. (King) | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10j. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report that amends the city’s Worcester Mobility Action Plan (MAP) in a way that ensures additional benchmarks and safeguards are put in place in the event any part of a project guided by the MAP proves to be ineffective. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who moved to, “Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report that outlines the number of motor vehicle crashes that occurred before and after Mill St. was redesigned, specifically detailing the one and a half mile corridor that was transformed.” (See Item #19g CC).
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10k. | Request City Manager conduct an analysis as to the city’s open spaces and their proximity to fire hydrants in the event of a fire. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10l. | Request City Manager plan activities in the city relative to the United States of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. (Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10m. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services investigate the type of educational efforts tobacco stores are providing to their customers. Further, request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services ensure said tobacco stores have the appropriate educational materials. (Ojeda) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10n. | Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report that outlines the feasibility of reviewing all the city’s existing Master Plans for its parks to determine all possible locations where pickleball courts can be installed. (Pacillo) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Pacillo and Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10o. | Request City Manager work with the appropriate representatives from the Swedish National Federation to establish an interpretive display in the Greendale area of the city that would highlight the influence the Saint-Gobain/Norton Company had on that community and the role that Swedish immigrants played in its establishment. (Pacillo) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Pacillo, 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10p. | Request City Auditor conduct an audit of city’s sign creation processes that includes: 1) completion timelines; 2) installation timelines; and 3) compliance/noncompliance issues related to said process. (King, Pacillo, Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request said audit includes a review of the city’s safety signage.”
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Pacillo and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10q. | Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning any maintenance scheduled over the last four (4) years at the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel. Said report should also include any additional maintenance considerations that have been realized during the construction at Lincoln Square, efforts to maintain and reopen the tunnel, and any timelines associated with said reopening. (King, Pacillo, Mero-Carlson) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing why the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel was dismantled. Said report should also include a copy of the agreement for the use of the tunnel as a staging area.” (See Item #19h CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Pacillo and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Mero-Carlson.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Russell.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who moved to, “Request City Manager consider approaching Winn Development to discuss exploring a community benefit agreement and partnership in efforts to reopen the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel.” (See Item #19i CC).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Ojeda, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Ojeda.
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item. Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10r. | Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management provide City Council and all of the city’s neighborhood watch groups with a presentation concerning the resources that are available to assist individuals, families and businesses in being prepared for emergencies. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the item: “Further, request City Manager provide the Superintendent of Public Schools with any relevant information concerning the safety of children, for the purposes of distribution to the student body, as deemed appropriate.”
Mayor Petty moved to adopt the item as amended. Order adopted as amended | | | | | |
11. | RECESS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE - No items pending | |
12. | COMMUNICATION OF THE CITY CLERK | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | Transmitting an annual report outlining the goals and objectives for the City Clerk’s Office. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee | | | | | |
13. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Mark A. Borenstein request the discontinuance of certain portions of Garland St. and Veterans Ave. as depicted on the attached plans and as follows: 1) Discontinuance of the southerly portion of Veterans Ave.; 2) Discontinuance of the westerly and southerly portion of Garland St. and; 3) The abandonment of the City's property rights in the discontinued portions of Veterans Ave. and Garland St. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to Public Works Committee. Referred to Public Works Committee | | | | | |
14. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Appreciating the Value of Commercial Properties: The Significance of Commercial Real Estate.": recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #14a CC through #14f CC. Accepted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Petition of Megan Bachant request the ordinance concerning Accessory Dwelling Units be amended to extend the limit of the policy relative to "ADUs shall not be permitted on a lot with four (4) or more dwelling units" to "five (5) or more dwelling units.": recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Resolution of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support considering the following amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Report, in order to balance the public good of creating ADU’s and to preserve the character of the neighborhoods in which ADU’s are sought to be created in: 1) Section 8A C. (c) of the Report be amended to exclude an owner being temporary absent other than for documented medical reasons; 2) Section 8A C. (f) of the Report be amended to require a family relationship of up to three (3) degrees of kinship; 3) Section 8A C. 4. of the Report be amended to require an ADU to have one (1) additional off-street parking space (for a non-family relationship) in any zones other than RS-10 and RS-7; and 4) Prior to the adoption of any Zoning Ordinance Amendment relating to ADU’s that consideration be given to any suggested restrictions upon ADU’s offered through state legislation: recommend Resolution be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell – Request Standing Committee on Economic Development consider the feasibility of amending the proposed zoning ordinance amendment relative to accessory dwelling units to eliminate the proposed thresholds for dimensional requirements: recommend Order be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Institutional Master Plans: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on Inclusionary Zoning and Certain Housing Project Delays: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
15. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Mass. Exodus from Civil Service: Examining Worcester’s Proposal to Exempt Police Leaders Amidst Statewide Shifts.”: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #15a CC through #15c CC. Accepted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a quarterly update on the use of the small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)/Drone.: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to unfilled details.: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #15a CC) | | | | | |
16. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a flashing solar beacon at the crosswalk at Bailey Rd. and Prouty Lane: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept and adopt items #16a CC through #16h CC. Accepted and adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nikola Duka request installation of a crosswalk on June St. at its intersection with Wetherell St. and Commodore Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a crosswalk at or near Assabet Lane and Bailey Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Demetra Edwards request installation of Auditory Pedestrian Signals at all existing crosswalks at the intersection of Webster St. and Main St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Nicole Aubin St Germain request installation of flashing crosswalk lights at crosswalks on Plantation St. for Holmes Field: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Garret Mierzejewski request installation of a crosswalk in the vicinity of Price Rite Marketplace, located at 520 Southbridge St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16g. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “No Parking Here to Corner” signage on Freeland St. on both sides of its intersection with Tirrell St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16h. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request review and installation of traffic calming measures and safety improvements to the intersection of Whitmarsh Ave. and Leeds St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. | Attachments | | | Accepted and adopted (See Item #16a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16i. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Amanda Cummings request the crosswalks around and near Roosevelt Elementary School, located at 1006 Grafton St., be reviewed to ensure they are visible, in good condition and properly located, especially at the intersection of Sunderland Rd. and Grafton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to accept items #16i CC through #16p CC. Accepted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16j. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request the crosswalks in the vicinity of Park Ave. and Millbrook St. be reviewed for the installation of better lighting: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16k. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Meaghan Culkeen request installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of South Ludlow St. and Clover St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16l. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of James Sylvia et al. request installation of four-way stop signage at the intersection of Vassar St. and Cornell St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16m. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of a stop sign near the Airport Dr. rotary: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16n. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Denise Bilotta request a traffic light or flashing light be installed at the intersection of Williamsburg Dr. and Mill St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16o. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Heather Smith request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage across from 35-39 Berkmans St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 16p. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Morris A. Bergman request installation of additional signage alerting motorists entering Pleasant St. from Airport Dr. of right and left hand turns: recommend Petition be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted (See Item #16i CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17d. | 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 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17e. | 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 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17f. | 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 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17g. | ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17h. | PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17i. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 24, 2024 and October 1, 2024 and Tabled - Russell October 8, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17j. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report detailing a United States Department of Justice Investigation of the Worcester Police Department and the City of Worcester. (Tabled - Petty December 17, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17k. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager conduct an equity audit of all city departments every five (5) years. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson December 10, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey December 17, 2024 and Tabled - Nguyen January 7, 2025) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17l. | PETITION of Richard Cipro, Anthony Petrone and Thomas Duffy on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Police Officials Local 504 and New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice release and present in a public forum the full investigatory report, specifically to what the DOJ states are "creditable allegations" of criminal sexual misconduct alleged to be committed by members of the Worcester Police Department. Further, request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice include the dates, times and names of all individuals alleged to have committed the stated misconduct and/or potential criminal activity. (Tabled Under Privilege - King December 17, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Nguyen January 7, 2025 and Tabled - Russell January 14, 2025) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
18. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the January 21, 2025 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 18a. | ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Clerk amend the language of item #24d CC on the January 14, 2025 City Council meeting to read as follows: “ ORDER of Councilor Thu Nguyen – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report detailing how and to who a City Councilor and the public would file a complaint with about the Mayor chairing meetings with inconsistent rulings and experiencing discrimination on the City Council. –Item #13a CC Order adopted | | | | Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Manager and the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Haxhiaj.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj, moved, “That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby call for the hiring a third-party investigator to examine two (2) complaints filed by Councilor Thu Nguyen and Councilor Etel Haxhiaj with the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Human Resources regarding the use of the slur, “it” against Councilor Thu Nguyen and statements made regarding Councilor Etel Haxhiaj relating to herself and her family.” – Not Put.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj for a third time, who moved to withdraw the motion. Motion withdrawn. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 18b. | ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council does hereby suspend its rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on January 21, 2025, to occur beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes. – Item #13b CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18c. | RESOLUTION of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – That the City Council publicly condemn the use of the slur “it” and all expressions of transphobia against Councilor Nguyen in the City of Worcester and nationally. – Item #13c CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18d. | RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King – That the City Council supports the City Manager considering reaffirming to the city’s workforce that there’s no place for hate within municipal employment. – Item #13d CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18e. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager expedite the work of the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission. – Item #13e CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18f. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager identify LGBTQ+ and disability informed training and educational resources for use by the City Council. Further, request City Manager include the participation of the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission as part of said trainings. – Item #13f CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18g. | RESOLUTION of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – That the City Council issue a public apology to Councilor Nguyen for the harm they have experienced locally and nationally. – Item #13g CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18h. | ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – That the City Council work collaboratively to come up with a solution to working together. – Item #13h CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 18i. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning how much money is paid to the company tasked with creating and mailing the city’s tax bills, as well as how much money is saved compared to local companies that could also accomplish such a task. – Item #13i CC Order adopted | | | |
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19. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 19a. | Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the City Council does hereby suspend its rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on January 28, 2025, to occur beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes | Attachments | | | Order adopted | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19b. | Motion Russell @ #10f CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing which entity owns 725 Southbridge St., the former site of Rotmans Furniture, and whether that entity’s status allows for the property to be included on the tax rolls. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Nguyen absent) (See Item #10f CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19c. | Motion King @ #10g CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing any protections that remain for the city’s immigrant population, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19d. | Motion Mero-Carlson @ #10g CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the impact federal funding has relative to initiatives taking place in the city including housing opportunities, maintaining homeless shelters, the funding of various community agencies and ensuring individuals are fed. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19e. | Motion King @ #10g CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the community coming together and donating to food pantries. | Attachments | | | Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj absent) (See Item #10g CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19f. | Motion King @ #10h CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any state and federal legislative efforts and communications that are relevant to the City Council’s governance of the city. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10h CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19g. | Motion Haxhiaj @ #10j CC – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility provide City Council with a report that outlines the number of motor vehicle crashes that occurred before and after Mill St. was redesigned, specifically detailing the one and a half mile corridor that was transformed. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10j CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19h. | Motion Russell @ #10q CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing why the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel was dismantled. Said report should also include a copy of the agreement for the use of the tunnel as a staging area. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10q CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 19i. | Motion King @ #10q – Request City Manager consider approaching Winn Development to discuss exploring a community benefit agreement and partnership in efforts to reopen the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel. | Attachments | | | Order adopted (See Item #10q CC) | | | | | |
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