CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2004

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:09 P.M.

Adjourned:   8:25 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION -  Rev. Mark Seifried

United Congregational Church

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

4.       PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WORCESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT DRILL TEAM FOR THEIR 2ND PLACE FINISH IN THE 2ND ANNUAL HONOR GUARD COMPETITION HELD IN WASHINGTON D.C.

 

HEARING AND ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

 

          5 – Hearing held

 

5.       FIBER TECHNOLOGIES NETWORKS, L.L.C. to install and maintain fiber optic telecommunications facilities at:  INTERSECTION OF WEST BOYLSTON ST. AND BROOKS ST.

 

          5a – Order adopted

 

5a.     Granting permission to FIBER TECHNOLOGIES NETWORKS, L.L.C. to install and maintain fiber optic telecommunications facilities at:  INTERSECTION OF WEST BOYLSTON ST. AND BROOKS ST.  (Attachments)

 

6.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

6a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          7-9  REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

 

7.       Joyce Vaudreuil et al request to make public Clover St. from #175 to Heard St. (Attachments)

 

8.       Gary Sena request to make public Balis Ave.  (Attachments)

 

9.       Attorney Jonathan Finkelstein request the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance be amended by adding in Table 4.2 (Permitted Dimensions by District) at the bottom, after NOTE:  NOTE 2: The designation 2+ indicates a maximum of 2 habitable stories with a non-habitable attic and a garage underneath, if provided.  The story containing a garage is not considered habitable if the garage area occupies 50% or more of the entire story.   (Attachments)

 

          10 & 11 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

10.     Kirk Johnson, M.D. request sidewalk repair at 33 Oak Ave. (Attachments)

 

11.     Councillor Philip Palmieri request Public works repair pot holes in Ingleside Ave. either through regular maintenance or through the long patch program.  (Attachments)

 

          12-15 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

12.     Councillor Juan Gomez on behalf of Flavia Velez request “Go Slow Children” sign on Northridge St.  (Attachments)

 

13.     Jordan Levy, President/CEO, Parker International Products request crosswalk at 243 Stafford St. from parking lot to office area, installation of Caution Pedestrian signs and Crosswalk signs in vicinity of 243 Stafford St. and request Police Department enforce speed limits on Stafford St. in vicinity of 243 Stafford St. (Attachments)

 

14.     Louise Godin request handicap parking at 45 Arlington St. be removed and installed at 92 Southgate St.  (Attachments)

 

15.     Patsy Santa Maria, Pats Service Center request one hour parking from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the east and west side of Casco St. from Shrewsbury St. to driveway of Pats Service Center.  (Attachments)

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDER

 

          16 FROM PUBLIC WORKS - ADOPTED

 

16.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to obtain a report for City Council concerning the exact length of time for construction of storm drains in Putnam Lane under the railroad bridge and recommend a construction schedule to minimize impacts to traffic.  (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

17.     Request Administration to recommend a process for design review for new construction or renovation of residential buildings.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Lukes moved to amend to include commercial buildings.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

18.     Request City Council to eliminate the evaluation of the Acting City Manager scheduled for June 29, 2004.  (Lukes, Haller, Gomez) (Attachments)

 

          Held to be First Item of Business June 15, 2004

 

19.     Request Law Department report on the legality of extending the demolition delay of historic buildings from six months to one year. (Lukes, Perotto, White, Haller, Petty, Irish, Rushton, Murray, Clancy, Gomez, Palmieri)   (Attachments)

 

          Dr. Michael Theerman, Chairman, Historical Commission spoke

 

          Adopted

 

20.     Request City Manager to provide a report regarding the submitted budget for 2005 which includes the following, by department: total authorized and funded salaried city positions, in 2004 and in the proposed budget, authorized positions without funding, terminated positions and new positions.  (Lukes)   (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Lukes moved to amend: Further, request report include filled and unfilled positions that are funded by grants.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

21.     Request City Manager report on the status of revenues generated by trash bag sales, traffic tickets and the golf course enterprise account in 2003 and 2004.   (Lukes)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

22.     Request City Manager report on the actions being taken to determine whether any grave sites are located within the boundaries of the Common reconstruction.  (Lukes)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

23.     Request Commissioner of Public Works provide City Council with the most recent comprehensive traffic study of the area that encompasses Lincoln St., Burncoat St., Randolph Rd., North Parkway, Belvidere St., Melrose St. and Wakefield St., and also apprise City Council of any initiatives by the Commonwealth to undertake a new comprehensive study of this area to enhance traffic flow and improve public safety.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted – Also referred to Public Works Committee

 

24.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to install “Do Not Block This Street” signs at the following Lincoln St. intersections: with Trinity Ave., Marsh Ave. and Andrews Ave.   (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request “Do Not Block Driveway” sign at CVS exit on Lincoln St.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

25.     Request Police Chief install the speeding advisory trailer on Harding St. between Winter St. and Kelley Square so as to assist motorists to be mindful of the speed they are driving.  (Palmieri)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

26.     Request City Manager provide City Council with a schedule of the speeding surveillance detail that is assigned to Lake Ave. on an ongoing and indefinite basis.  (Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

27.     Request Commissioner of Public Works provide City Council with an update on the re-striping of Lake Ave.  (Palmieri, Clancy) (Attachments)

 

          Councilor Perotto moved to amend: Further, request City Manager fund the re-striping of Lake Ave. and to report as to cost of said re-striping.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

28.     Request Administration report on process to be utilized concerning distribution of Fiscal Year 2005 Economic Development Community Development Block Grant funds.  (Murray)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

29.     Request increased traffic enforcement on Holden St. near Route 122A.   (Murray, White)    (Attachments)

         

          Adopted

 

30.     Request Traffic Engineer review Holden St. as it approaches Route 122A for any appropriate signage to reduce speed.  (Murray, White) 

(Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

31.     Request Traffic Engineer report on whether a truck prohibition on West Chester St. currently exists and if not, contact construction company doing work in area to encourage use of arterial streets rather than residential streets as travel routes.  (Murray, White)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

31a.   Request City Manager to report on all the above ground facilities for public utilities that are installed in the City.  Motion-Lukes @ #5CC – Adopted    (Attachments)

 

31b.   Request Administration to report at the June 15, 2004 City Council meeting as to what the Administration is doing in terms of funding agencies who receive Community Development Block Grant funds by July 1st.  Motion-Murray @ #28CC  

 

Councillor Perotto moved to amend: Further, request report include how funds were spent in the past by organizations who received Economic Development Block Grant funds.

 

Councillor Haller moved to amend:   Further, request report include a list of organizations receiving economic development funding last year and a summary of how funds were utilized.

 

Councillor Gomez moved to amend:  Further, request report include an outline of how each organization did in terms of meeting goals. 

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request report include what Administration is recommending to be given to each CDC or group for next year and what is then left for any type of Main St. Program, if any.

 

Adopted, as amended   (Attachments)

 

31c.   Request City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion as to whether the City Council has a legal duty under the Charter to annually evaluate the City Manager.  Motion-Lukes @ #18CC

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request a report as to historically when City Council has waived the evaluation of the City Manager.

 

Adopted, as amended  (Attachments)

 

31d.   Request City Manager to provide City Council with a copy of the plan and design for the reconstruction of the Common.  Motion-Lukes @ #22CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

31e.   Request Police Chief to recommend a plan to control traffic and speeding in the City.   Motion-Petty @ #27CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

31f.    Request City Manager to report on the status of the plan for striping all City streets.  Motion-Petty @ #27CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

31g.   Request City Manager  respond to the Worcester Regional Research Bureau report:  Respect for the Dead and relief for the Budget: Can Privatization Improve Hope Cemetery, as to whether the Administration is in agreement in terms of potential savings and increased efficiencies.  Motion-Haller @ #38CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

31h.   Request City Manager to contact property owners on Mayfield St. concerning trash along street.  Perotto – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

31i.    Request Police Chief be to request the Route Officer to patrol Mayfield St. between the hours of 6:00 and 10:00 P.M. for individuals who are hanging around on the street.  Perotto – Suspension of Rules – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

31j.    Request Administration report as to the feasibility of making Mayfield St. one-way.  Perotto – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

          32 ADOPTED

 

32.     SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT:  WESTBOROUGH ST. (Attachments)

 

          33-36 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

33.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC:  BARRY RD. EXTENSION (BARRY RD. TO WEST CHESTER ST.)   (Attachments)

 

34.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: BIRMINGHAM RD. (MARCH 19, 1962 PUBLIC LOCATION TO MICHIGAN RD.)  (Attachments)

 

35.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC JOSEPH ST. (ENID ST. LOCATION NORTHERLY 845.62 FT.)  (Attachments)

 

36.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC NOTTINGHAM RD. (FOREST ST. WESTERLY TO LACONIA RD.)    (Attachments)

 

37.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:  No Action Taken

 

          FINANCE

a)                 #35CC  February 3, 2004

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication comparing Local Aid figures for FY04 and FY05 for the City of Worcester as recommended by Governor Romney in the submittal of his FY2005 budget.   (Attachments)

 

b)                #21A CM  April 27, 2004

Communication of the City Manager relative to Library hours of service.  (Attachments)

 

c)                 #31CC  May 25, 2004

Communication of the City Manager transmitting City of Worcester’s FY05 Municipal Budget.   (Attachments)

 

COMMUNICATION

 

          38 – Referred to Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee

 

38.     Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting:  Respect for the Dead and Relief for the Budget:  Can Privatization Improve Hope Cemetery?  (Attachments)

 

RESOLUTION

 

38a.   That the City Council of the City of Worcester go on record in  support of the efforts of the Worcester County Latino Issues Roundtable.  This initiative will culminate with a conference in October where with input from the Latino community, an assessment of the critical needs           of this community will be conducted, a prioritized strategy will be developed to implement recommendations presented therewith to improve the conditions of this large segment of our population.  Gomez, Lukes, Perotto, Palmieri, Clancy, Irish, Haller, White, Petty, Rushton, Murray – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

REPORTS

 

          39 ACCEPTED

 

39.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Robert Gallo requesting to discontinue a portion of Ledgecrest Dr. in the Ledgecrest portion of the Parsons Hill Subdivision.  (Attachments)

 

40-47 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0    

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Reports of the Planning Board upon Petitions requesting streets be made public:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.   (Attachments)

 

40.     Mark DeMauro et al request to make public Longmeadow Ave. from Monomoy St. to end.   (Attachments)

 

41.     Joyce Deschenes to make public Elton St.

 

42.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of John D’Iorio & Kenneth Pecora requesting to install sanitary sewers from Onset St. to the end of Porter St.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order requesting the City Manager to recommend an appropriation of $34,500.00 for construction of approximately 230’ of sanitary and surface sewers in Porter St. from Onset St. to the end.  (Attachments)

 

43.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Paul & Gina Madaio on behalf of Donald & Judy O’Connor requesting abatement of Private Street Betterment Assessment #50106 in the amount of $6,242.44 on Surrey Lane:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $2,823.80.  (Attachments)

 

44.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of James & Rachel Egan requesting abatement of Sewer Assessment #30925 in the amount of $3,091.68 on Burgess Rd.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $124.50. (Attachments)

 

45.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Michelle Currie requesting abatement of Sewer Assessment #30926 in the amount of $4,472.60 on Burgess Rd.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $177.00. (Attachments)

 

46.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of James & Margaret Heald requesting abatement of Sewer Assessment #30927 in the amount of $4,788.00 on Burgess Rd.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $189.00. (Attachments)

 

47.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Thomas & Mary Kelleher requesting abatement of Sewer Assessment #30928 in the amount of $3,060.90 on Burgess Rd.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $120.00 (Attachments)

 

          48-60 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting street resurfacing:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

48.     Frank Corridori request regrading of Franklin St. from Harrington Way to 729 Franklin St.  (Attachments)

 

49.     Councillor Thomas White on behalf of Norman Swenson request resurfacing of Jeppson Ave.   (Attachments)

 

50.     Councillor Barbara Haller request resurfacing of Pitt St. (Attachments)

 

51.     Councillor Frederick Rushton request resurfacing of St. Kevin Rd. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting sidewalk repair: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

52.     Peter Olivieri request sidewalk repair at 400 Burncoat St. (Attachments)

 

53.     Councillor Barbara Haller request sidewalk replacement on Pitt St. (Attachments)

 

54.     Councillor Barbara Haller request sidewalk replacement on Sheridan St.  (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting extension of sewer lines:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

55.     Joseph Sullivan, Jr. request to extend sewers approximately 37’ from 25 Acton St. to 27 Acton St. at Petitioner’s expense.  (Attachments)

 

56.     Kenneth Curry request to extend sewer line 100’ down Denmark St. to service a duplex.  (Attachments)

 

57.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of William Poillucci, Proficient Remodeling request to upgrading/replacement of existing 6” and 2” water mains at 39-41 Shelby St. at City’s expense:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to upgrade existing water mains at 39-41 Shelby St. to be funded from FY2004 Water Capital Program.   (Attachments)

 

58.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Robert Auger requesting Public Works help in controlling water run-off from Sterling St. onto property at 10 Gediminas St.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order placing 10 Gediminas St. on the Surface Drainage List for future funding. (Attachments)

 

59.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mark Cormier requesting permission to pave and use for snow storage city property directly adjacent to the west of 203-207 Grove St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order authorizing Mark Cormier to pave and use for snow storage city property directly adjacent to 203-207 Grove St., subject to conditions of the  Commissioner of Public Works.  (Attachments)

 

60.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Wayne Griffin requesting installation of new catch basins with contoured gratings in Tahanto Rd. at the intersection with Chamberlain Parkway to collect run-off from steep slope of Tahanto Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to place Tahanto Rd. on the Surface Drainage List for future funding for installation of cascade grates.  (Attachments)

 

          61 & 62 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

61.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to FY04 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.  (Attachments)

 

62.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to list of candidate petitioned streets for FY2005 Resurfacing Program: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.  (Attachments)

 

          63-77 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitions be placed on file.

 

63.     Stephen Abraham on behalf of Irene Pietrowicz request a catch basin be installed where the public and private streets join together, low section of road on Clover St.   (Attachments)

 

64.     Ashiaa Thompson, Ward Animal Clinic et al request a catch basin at northeast corner of 577 Grove St. or redirection of run-off water coming down onto 577 Grove St. property from Waycross and Diana Sts.  (Attachments)

 

65.     Ronald & Robin Adams request a catch basin at the top of Cliveden St. as it abuts Burncoat St. to alleviate existing drainage problem caused by run-off from Burncoat St.  (Attachments)

 

66.     Joyce Tomao & Michael Vaudreuil request adequate drainage on Clover St. in front of 174 and 175.  (Attachments)

 

67.     Russell Pride & Ken & Donna Dube request resolution to drainage problem to yard and basement at 265 Stafford St. and in rear of home at 267 Stafford St.   (Attachments)

 

68.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Street and Sidewalk Improvements:  recommend Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

69.     Lee Audra Parent request installation of a catch basin at 31 Houghton St.  (Attachments)

 

70.     Councillor Barbara Haller request sidewalk replacement on Kansas St. (Attachments)

 

71.     Councillor Barbara Haller request resurfacing of Kansas St. (Attachments)

 

72.     Councillor Konstantina Lukes request street repair at corner of Lauf and Pleasant Sts.  (Attachments)

 

73.     Councillor Barbara Haller request resurfacing of Sheridan St. (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions:  recommend Petitions be denied.

 

74.     Huy Nguyen request extension of water line to 6, 8 and 10 Accommodation St. at City’s expense.  (Attachments)

 

75.     Richard & Jean Adamowicz request abatement of Sewer Assessment #30896 in the amount of $3,800.00 on Teddy Rd.   (Attachments)

 

76.     Amoret Zamarro request abatement of Sewer Assessment #30851 in the amount of $1,859.72 on Sorrento St.  (Attachments)

 

77.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Hope Abisamra requesting to make public Sunderland Terrace:  recommend Petition be denied.  (Attachments)

         

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

JUNE 7, 2004                  COMMUNITY                  COUNCIL CHAMBER

5:00-7:00 P.M.               DEVELOPMENT

 

JUNE 7, 2004                 MUNICIPAL                      COUNCIL CHAMBER

   7:00 P.M.                   OPERATIONS

 

JUNE 14, 2004              COMMUNITY                   COUNCIL CHAMBER

5:00-7:00 P.M.              DEVELOPMENT

 

JUNE 14, 2004           PUBLIC WORKS                  COUNCIL CHAMBER

   7:00 P.M.

 

JUNE 16, 2004        TRAFFIC & PARKING           COUNCIL CHAMBER

   5:30 P.M.

 

JUNE 21, 2004            COMMUNITY                     COUNCIL CHAMBER

5:00-7:00 P.M.           DEVELOPMENT

 

JUNE 21, 2004            MUNICIPAL                        COUNCIL CHAMBER

   7:00 P.M.                 OPERATIONS

 

JUNE 23, 2004          PUBLIC SAFETY                   COUNCIL CHAMBER

5:15-7:00 P.M.

 

JUNE 23, 2004        PUBLIC SERVICE &                COUNCIL CHAMBER

    7:00 P.M.             TRANSPORTATION

 

 

 

JUNE 29, 2004 – ANNUAL EVALUATION OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

 

CITY COUNCIL SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE

 

July 6, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.

 

August 17, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.

 

 

 

BUDGET HEARINGS

 

 

FINANCE                                        PUBLIC SAFETY

Tuesday, June 8, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.           Tuesday, June 15, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.

 

Auditing                          X-2              Police                                 VI-1

Assessing                        X-7              Fire                                     VI-2

Purchasing                      X-1              Emergency Management      VI-4

Pensions                                            Communications                 VI-3

  Contributory                 V-8              Health                                VII-2

  Non Contributory          V-9              Code                                 VII-3

  Other Pensions              V-10

Treasury                         X-3

Debt Service                   X-4

Pension Obligation          X-5

Technical Services          X-8

Human Resources           V-11

Workers Compensation   V-12

Police/Fire – I.O.D          V-13

Health Insurance              X-6

Unemployment Compensation   V-14

Contingency                    X-9

Capital Campaign            X-9

 

 

EDUCATION & PUBLIC WORKS   

Tuesday, June 22, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.         

 

Public Schools                IX-1                     

Library                            IX-2                     

Regional Library              IX-3                      

Public Works                 VIII-1-6                           HELD OVER

Parks                              XI-1

City Messenger               V-2                                Veterans      VII-5

Auditorium                      XI-3                                Law               V-4

Golf                                XI-2                                Marketing    IV-6

Centrum Centre               XI-4

Union Station                  XI-5

Airport                          XII-1