CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 6:31 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:38 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph M. Petty

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Eric D. Batista

City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns

Councilors

Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 4, 2025.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7b CC, #7n CC, #7o CC, #8.33A CM, #8.33B CM, #9a CC through #9e CC, #9g CC, and #9h CC, spoke in opposition to item #8.3A CM and spoke neither in favor nor opposition to items #8.11A CM and #8.19A CM 2. John Edward Keough, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #10b CC 3. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7n CC, #7o CC, and #10d CC and spoke in opposition to items #7m CC, #14a CC, and #15d CC 4. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10c CC and #10g CC 5. Elizabeth Barnes, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #7m CC 6. Matt McAuliffe, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7d CC, #7n CC, and #7o CC and spoke in opposition of item #7m CC 7. Maura Coakley, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to item #7b CC 8. Ariel Temar Alvarez Amasifuen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7b CC, #7h CC, #8.4A CM, #8.19A CM, #9e CC, #10a CC, and #10d CC and spoke in opposition of items #10b CC, and #9b CC 9. Christina Ann, Worcester resident, spoke neither in support nor opposition to item #19l C 10. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #7n CC and #7o CC and spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #10b CC

Alex Corrales, Chief Executive Officer of the Worcester Housing Authority, request the discontinuance of certain portions of Joseph P. Carlson Way, Service Rd. and Great Brook Valley Ave. and order the alteration and layout of a new portion of Great Brook Valley Ave., the alteration of a portion of Great Brook Valley Ave., portions of Service Rd. and portions of James P. Carlson Way, all as depicted on the attached plans (see attached).

Julie Miller request yellow trash bags and green recycling bins be replaced with rolling trash bins with lids.

Councilor Morris A. Bergman on behalf of Hope Perkins and Corinne Barnes request installation of a handicap parking space on the Mill Pond Rd. side of 576 Mill St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of 30-Minute Parking in front of Elhouri Mobile Cell Phone & Computer Repair Shop, located at 391 Shrewsbury St.

Dayana Mora request installation of one-hour parking zone in front of 326 Shrewsbury St. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Denise Higginson request installation of left hand turn signal on Research Dr. at the intersection of Plantation St.

Denise Higginson request installation of left hand turn signal on South Rd. at the intersection of Plantation St.

Linda Plotczyk request installation of audible pedestrian crossing signal at Chandler St. and Mill St. intersection.

Reese Jane Freeman et al. request installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Salisbury St. and Forest St. with a mandatory stop on red.

Reese Jane Freeman et al. request removal of left-turn restriction sign on Forest St. and Otsego Rd. to provide drivers with an alternative route.

NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: MOODY ST.

NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole location: TAYLOR ST.

Margaret Natario request restrictions be set for the use of gas-powered leaf blowers to limit the allowable decibel level or consider the complete ban of gas-powered leaf blowers.

Fred Nathan request City Council request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning how much money cannot be collected every year due to TIF agreements.

Fred Nathan request City Council request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning tax-exempted properties in the city.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Charran Fisher to the License Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Johanna Hampton-Dance to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointments of Eric Stratton, Nick Chacharone, and Brian Dardy to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2024 gross payroll for City of Worcester and Worcester School Department employees.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Special Event Permitting.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Chip Seal Pavement Preservation Report.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the 2025 Spring Sweeping Program

Transmitting informational communication relative to the responsibilities of the Department of Public Works & Parks and the Department of Transportation and Mobility

Transmitting informational communication relative to the municipality's Pavement Management Program.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on homelessness.

Transmitting informational communication relative to educational efforts tobacco stores provide to customers.

Recommend adoption of an Amendment to the municipality's Sewer Connection Fee and City Ordinances Chapter 5, Section 6, Subsection (c).

Transmitting informational communication relative to the extent and impact of federal funding on the City of Worcester and Worcester Public Schools.

Recommend adoption of an order to authorize the City of Worcester to enter into a contract, or contract(s) related to the unified communications project for a term(s) of up to five years to enhance communication and collaboration within the municipality.

Recommend adoption of an order to authorize the City of Worcester to enter into a contract, or contract(s) related to the data center modernization project for a term(s) of up to six years to ensure continuity of core infrastructure services.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend an earmark in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Economic Development, to support the Worcester Public Library's Library in Every Classroom program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Two Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($2,000.00) from The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00) from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's On-Street Charging Solutions Program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($35,000.00) from the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization, to support the purchase and installation of bike racks.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of One Million Dollars And No Cents ($1,000,000.00) from the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on behalf of the National Park Service under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program for the Lake View Playground Renovation project.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($550.00) from Lisa Carignan for a Memorial Tree Planting at Coes Park.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of up to One Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($162,500.00) from a Jobs for the Future (JFF) – Fidelity Foundation Healthcare IT grant through the Boston Private Industry Council (Boston PIC, aka “MassHire Boston”).

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of up to Twenty Five Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($25,000.00) from the Department of Fire Services under the FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant, Round 2.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Three Thousand Thirty Two Dollars And No Cents ($3,032.00) from the National Fire Protection Association under the SFPE New England Fire Service Grant.

Recommend that Twenty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($25,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1062-601100, Treasury Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1062-601101, Treasury Overtime, to fund overtime costs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025.

Recommend that Seven Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars and Seventy Five Cents ($7,428.75) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1021-600100, MassHire Workforce Board Division Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1021-610100 MassHire Workforce Board Division Ordinary Maintenance, to cover costs of Training Certifications and Stipends for Worcester residents participating in occupation training programs for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Recommend that Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($300,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1015-602100, PS Injured on Duty Fringe Benefits, to various Human Resources Cost Centers, to fund expenses through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025.

Recommend that Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1009-600100, Law Department Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1009-610100, Law Department Ordinary Maintenance, to provide additional funding for outside counsel expenses.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1072-610100, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1030-610100, Auditing Ordinary Maintenance, to fund the costs associated with audits of police paid details and body worn camera procedures.

Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($150.00) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1004 Economic Development Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of a prior year invoice.

Recommend that Forty Four Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Three Dollars and Nine Cents ($44,833.09) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Public Works and Parks cost centers for the payment of prior year invoices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning properties owned by Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), including non-taxable properties.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management make available National Grid and Eversource’s local financial savings information as a resource for residents who may be calling customer service lines for assistance.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing how the city’s housing production will be affected by the Department of Energy Resources’ Stretch Energy Code and changes to Mass Save.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request Standing Committee on Public Works invite representatives from Eversource to a public forum to discuss the Mass Save cost benefit analysis report from the last year.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the results relative to Florida’s Vision Zero Safer Streets Program for Fort Lauderdale.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning why an ordinance was not required to change the distance a vehicle can park from the curb during the reconstruction of Mill St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing any updates to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA)’s route planning initiatives. Further, request City Manager request WRTA Administrator provide City Council with a presentation concerning said initiatives.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the Salem Skipper ridesharing service.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a plan to fund new sidewalk installations without assessing betterments to abutting property owners.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report listing future public neighborhood meetings for projects associated with the Mobility Action Plan and Vision Zero Safety Action Plan.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager provide City Council with a staffing analysis of the Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM).

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a trial “superblock,” in the city, which is an area of urban land that is bounded by arterial roads and is typically the size of multiple traditional-sized city blocks. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with an update concerning police overtime and paid details. Said report should identify challenges and potential solutions to address the needs of the department. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning plans for job opportunities available to the city’s youth during the summer months. (Petty)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services work with representatives from the city’s various shelters to review the conditions, safety situations and staffing levels of said shelters in the city. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning any existing railroad policy regarding transporting hazardous waste materials into the city by train. Further, request said report include information relative to practices followed by CSX to ensure the safety of residents during any such transportation. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility reach out to the appropriate representatives at the Venerini Academy to determine the location and facilitate the installation of directional signage on Belmont St. towards the school. (Toomey)

Request City Manager work with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator to provide a report back to the City Council regarding ridership, bus routes, and the potential for installing additional bus stops and shelters in the city. Furthermore, request City Manager invite the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator to appear at the appropriate city council subcommittee to discuss said report. (Bergman)

Transmitting the single audit report for the year ended June 30, 2024, required by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and conducted by the certified public accounting firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (CLA) in accordance with the OMB’s Uniform Guidance.

Transmitting an informational communication regarding the filling of two (2) vacancies on the Library Board of Directors.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Evelyn Darling, Executive Director of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, transmitting an informational communication titled, “Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District Annual Report 2023.": recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Evelyn Darling, Executive Director of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, transmitting an informational communication titled, “Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District FY2019-2022 Progress Report.”: recommend Communication be placed on file.

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 allow for said units to be built through special permit only in single family zones: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the feasibility of using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to advance environmental sustainability goals: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a presentation on the City of Worcester’s Housing Programs: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to Housing & Neighborhood Activities: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to Housing and Neighborhood Activities: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj - Request Standing Committee on Public Works invite representatives from Eversource and National Grid to a public forum to discuss the recent increases in gas and electric bills: recommend Order be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Pina Conte request establishment of commercial load zone between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and a passenger load zone between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the entire Wall St. frontage of 17 Wall St. (Amended on September 18, 2024): recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Robert Mailloux request the "No Parking Passenger Dropoff" signage in front of 21 Fruit St. be changed to "No Parking Commercial Deliveries Only" signage and replaced: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Matthew C. Morse request prohibition of left turn on Rodney St. onto Belmont St. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Townsend St. from Park Ave. to Hudson St. on Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday at all times: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Federico Ortiz et al. request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Clement St., from Main St. to Beaver St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Donald Tarallo and Hui En Huang et al. request the existing residential permit parking zone on Somerset St. be amended to remove the 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. limit and instead provide residential permit parking at all times: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Jason Diaz request extension of existing 15 minute parking zone on Hamilton St. to include 98 Hamilton St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Celia Blue request installation of resident permit parking on Newport St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Donald J. O'Neil request Zoning Map be amended by extending the BL-1.0 zone line, bisecting the property situated at 76 Mountain St. West and 78 Mountain St. West northeasterly to encompass the rear portion of both parcels, currently zoned RS-7, within the BL-1.0 zone.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Dean Schneyer request the distance between Julien Ave. and Woodcliffe Ave. be connected to form a public road.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Nastacia Grant request Evelyn St. be made public.

REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Marisol Acosta et al. request Alden St. be converted from a private street to a public street.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group A - Administrative and Supervisory for the 911 Operations Manager.

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group B - General Administrative for the Snow Customer Service Representative (When Assigned).

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group P - Foreman and Supervisor for DPW - Snow Inspector, Snow Supervisor, and Winter Ops Coordinator (When Assigned).

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the impact the Community Benefits and the Inflation Reduction Act may have on the city. (Tabled Under Privilege - King March 11, 2025)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an open meeting law complaint of the Education Committee. (Tabled Under Privilege - King March 11, 2025)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Order of Councilor George J. Russell - Request Standing Committee on Public Works hold a meeting to draft a policy relative to the creation of “Honorary Street Names.” Said policy should include, but not be limited to: 1) what or who should be eligible for honorary street names; 2) whether the policy should be limited to Worcester residents/past Worcester residents; 3) whether business names should be included; 4) causes that would justify passage of an honorary street name title; and 5) whether passage should be limited to a certain number of years, decades or centuries that the entity gained notoriety. Further, request City Manager request City Solicitor and Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide guidance and recommendations of best practices used in other Municipalities, at said meeting to aid the Committee in drafting the Honorary Street policy: recommend passage of the accompanying Ordinance. (Tabled Under Privilege - King March 11, 2025)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager recommend adoption of MGL Ch 148, Section 26I, which mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in residential buildings with four or more dwelling units. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson February 4, 2025, Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson and Haxhiaj February 11, 2025 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson February 25, 2025)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the U.S. Department of Justice's pattern-or-practice report on the municipality and Worcester Police Department. (Tabled - Petty March 4, 2025)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether any zone changes may be required to accommodate modular homes in all areas of the city. – Item #23a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Clerk provide City Council with a physical copy of the proposed ordinance amendment concerning the Honorary Street Name Program prior to the next City Council meeting. – Item #23b CC Order adopted

Motion Haxhiaj @ #8.19A CM – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby declare homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in the city as a public safety and public health emergency.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #8.19A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report and update concerning the creation of public restrooms and washing stations for the city’s homeless population. Further, if such public restrooms and washing stations are not to be created, request City Manager provide City Council with a report explaining the rationale of such a decision.

Motion King @ #8.19A CM – Request City Manager review the Health and Human Services Department for the purpose of expanding the person power within the department, in an effort to make the department even more responsive.

Motion King @ #8.19A CM – Request City Manager consider identifying, via an earmark, monies for additional services for the city’s homeless population.