CITY OF WORCESTER

AGENDA OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

6:00 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 June 25, 2024.

Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the "Public Participation" section of the meeting, you may attend the meeting in-person within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line as indicated. If you join a Zoom meeting by dialing in with a phone number, you can raise your hand by dialing *9.

City Council Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/91727574825
City Council Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
City Council Zoom Access Code: 917 2757 4825

Hearing: VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location at: EAST CENTRAL ST.

Granting permission to VERIZON NEW ENGLAND INC. for a conduit location at: EAST CENTRAL ST.

Hearing: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 796 MAIN ST. and CASTLE ST.

Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: 796 MAIN ST. and CASTLE ST.

Teresa Inangelo request Samoset Rd. be made public.

Kristin Lambert request installation of "Do Not Litter" signage at the intersection of Cataract St. and Juniper Rd. in the vicinity of the Cascades trailhead.

Irene Wazgowska request installation of a sidewalk on Grove St. from the corner of Drummond Ave. to the Holden line.

Yoselin Lainez request installation of a sidewalk on Morgan St.

Yoselin Lainez request installation of a sidewalk on Brooks St.

Debra Abbott request installation of a sidewalk on Grove St.

Debra Abbott request installation of a sidewalk on Chester St.

Samuel Trigiano request installation of curb on the left side of Dewar Dr. at the intersection of Roy St.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Matthew Shattuck request the public portion of Glezen St. be repaved.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request curb repair at 10 Hockanum Way.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Dorothy Ave. from Hillcroft Ave, to Granville Ave. be resurfaced.

Brendaliz Brown request installation of speed humps on Whipple St.

Colleen Kushlis request installation of safer curbing and marking of island at the intersection of Plantation St. and Natural History Rd.

Barbara A. Tully request removal of handicap parking space at 28 Proctor St.

Caitlin R. Doyle request installation of solar-powered pedestrian crossing signage at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Harding St. and Winter St.

Caitlin R. Doyle request installation of solar-powered pedestrian crossing signage at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Harding St. and Pond St.

Caitlin R. Doyle request installation of solar-powered pedestrian crossing signage at the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Harding St. and Harrison St.

Maria Alvarenga request installation of handicap parking space in front of 149 Austin St.

Abdulrhman Abouali request installation of residential permit parking on Portland St.

Ron Smith et al. request expansion of residential permit parking zone on Germain St. to encompass the street from Institute Rd. to Highland St.

Christine Kaczorowski request installation of handicap parking space in front of 13 North Woodford St.

Carmen Notice request installation of handicap parking space in front of 2 Blake St.

Mary Francois request installation of handicap parking space in front of 4 Meade St.

Sherri Ford and Mary Frazier request installation of residential permit parking on Windsor St. from McKinley Rd. to Sturgis St.

Sherri Ford and Mary Frazier request the winter parking ban on Windsor St. be reversed to have no parking when declared on the odd side of the street.

Robert Bilotta request installation of raised crosswalk and flashing crossing lights on Plantation St. at the intersection of Plantation St. and Montgomery Rd.

Robert Bilotta request installation of four way stop sign at the intersection of Anna St. and Coburn Ave.

Robert Bilotta request installation of permanent speed humps on Sherbrooke Ave. at the intersection of Sherbrooke Ave. and Lake View St.

Lynnel Reed-Powell request installation of No Parking From Here to Corner signage on Birch St. at the intersection of Birch St. and Beaver St.

Lynnel Reed-Powell request crosswalks be painted at the intersection of Woodbine St. and Beaver St.

Felicia Martinez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 46 Richards St.

Thomas Ayers et al. request installation of speed hump in front of the left side of the property located at 35 Colby Ave.

Paul Croteau request installation of three (3) speed humps on Upland Gardens Dr., each to be in front of the three (3) bus stops on the street.

Debra Abbott request signage at the Grove St. and Chester St. intersection be reviewed and updated accordingly.

Sonia Mejia request installation of handicap parking space in front of 9 Clarkson St.

Nicole St. Germain request installation of speed humps on Amanola Ave.

Nicole St. Germain request installation of speed humps on Rosemary St.

Nicole St. Germain request installation of speed humps on Montgomery Ave.

Ariel Mercado request installation of speed hump in front of 23 Freeland St. by the crosswalk.

Alex Fernandez-Diaz et al. request installation of speed humps by the crosswalks at the entrance of Norrback Elementary School (44 Malden St.)

John Yanczewski request removal of handicap parking space in front of 83 Richland St.

Rakesh Bhaskar et al. request installation of "Stop for Pedestrians" signage at all crosswalks in the vicinity of the Worcester Wire Works building at 70 James St.

Rakesh Bhaskar et al. request review of the traffic signal at 70 James St. to allow for instant change to the walk signal when pushing the pedestrian button or for said traffic signal to be changed to stop sign with flashing light.

Rakesh Bhaskar et al. request installation of No Parking Anytime zone and pavement markings 30 ft. in advance of crosswalks of traffic signals at 70 James St.

Matthew N. Noe request the pedestrian crossing signal timing at the intersection of Front St. and Foster St. be reconfigured to be at least 45 seconds, ideally up to 60 seconds.

Luca Nova Webb request installation of flashing crosswalk signage on Lancaster St. at the Worcester Art Museum (55 Salisbury St.) crosswalk.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of speed humps on Hooper St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of speed humps in the vicinity of 226 Coburn Ave.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Maia Dolphin-Krute request installation of speed humps on Greenfield St., either just after Dunkirk Ave. or Camden Ave.

Beverly Bailey request installation of speed humps on the public portion of Potomska St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Parkton Ave. and Chester St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request “One Way” signage on Burncoat St. in the vicinity of Triangle St. and Mountain St. East be reviewed and updated for clarity.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) at the median in the vicinity of 570 Lincoln St. and 591 Boylston St.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of temporary speed humps on Thornton Rd.

Councilor Jenny Pacillo request Leeds St. be reviewed for speed calming measures, including “No Parking Anytime” signage on one side of the street.

Joseph Corazzini, on behalf of Clark University, request installation of crosswalk on Woodland St. at the intersection of Charlotte St. and Woodland St.

Donna A. Pellerin request installation of speed limit signage on Granite St. in the vicinity of the intersection of Granite St. and Cliff St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: GRANITE ST.

David Webb request City Council request City Manager consider implementing a plan to provide transcription services for all public meetings including City Council and Boards and Commissions.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointments of Jennifer Griffin Gaul and Dona Romain to the Worcester Arts Council.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Joseph Sacco to the Election Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Jack Newton to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Recommend the appointment of Ismael Rivera to the Community Development Advisory Committee.

Recommend the appointment of Stephen McCauley to the Green Worcester Advisory Committee.

Recommend adoption of an amendment to GRO, Part II, Article 3, §17 related to Planning Board membership.

Transmitting informational communication relative to MBTA Communities Compliance and Economic Feasibility Analysis for Inclusionary Zoning.

Recommend approval of an amendment to the Tax Increment Exemption Agreement Relative to 340 Main Street.

Recommend adoption of the designation of an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Program Zone and Approval of a UCH-TIF Plan for 34-46 Lakeside Avenue.

Recommend approval of temporary repairs on Rydberg Terrace.

Recommend adoption of an Order to advertise an Ordinance for Pavement Restoration.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a survey of public opinion on speed limit reduction proposals.

Transmitting informational communication concerning enforcement statistics for residential permit parking violations.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the status of building the new South Division Fire Station.

Transmitting informational communication relative to community policing foot patrols.

Transmitting informational communication relative to internal police detail spending.

Transmitting informational communication relative to 2024 Pedestrian Crashes on Lake Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Shrewsbury Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to ShotSpotter and Resource Router programs

Transmitting informational communication relative to the the City’s transition from Smart911 to RapidSOS.

Recommend adoption of an accepting conveyance of a parcel of land from Becker College.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a declaration of a state of emergency.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a Worcester Community Food Assessment report.

Recommend approval of an easement to National Grid for property situated on the northwesterly side of Huntley Street and the southerly side of Midland Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 financial update, as of June 30, 2024.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2024 financial update, as of May 31, 2024.

Recommend adoption of an Order of Conveyance of Easement for Verizon New England, Inc.

Recommend that Five Million Eight Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Five Hundred Nine Dollars And Seventy Nine Cents ($5,859,509.79) be transferred between various capital projects to provide funding for anticipated project expenses.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Sixty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($60,000.00) from UMASS to support the Recreation Worcester Summer Program.

Recommend adoption of resolutions to file, accept, and expend One Million One Hundred Fifty Six Thousand One Hundred Eighty One Dollars and Eighteen Cents ($1,156,181.18) for the purposes of advancing, promoting, and protecting public health in Worcester and the Central Massachusetts region.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($10,000.00) from the United Way of Central MA, under the Summer Strong Grant, to support the Recreation Worcester Summer Program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept and expend a grant in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($15,000.00) from the United Way of Central MA, to support the Recreation Worcester program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($500.00) from Wyman Gordon for public education.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept and expend a grant in the amount of Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars And Seventy One Cents ($13,299.71) from the Department of Fire Services under the SAFE/Senior SAFE program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to apply for, accept, and expend a grant in an amount up to Two Million Dollars And No Cents ($2,000,000.00) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) under the Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (MLCGP) program.

Resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Two Million Five Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars And Fifty Cents ($2,596,887.50) from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in an amount up to Two Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Six Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($226,600.00) from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as received by the Worcester Arts Council (WAC) for its 2024 grant cycle.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of Eighty Seven Thousand Four Hundred Fifteen Dollars and No Cents ($87,415.00) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology Grant

Recommend that Two Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Thirty Eight Dollars And Eleven Cents ($226,038.11) be transferred from Fund #FD311-PG10069, Cable Educational Access, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC5203-PG10069, GMC Educational Cable Access Fund, which represents the Fiscal Year 2025 Cable PEG program allocation.

Recommend that Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty Dollars And No Cents ($9,130.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1020-610100, Inspectional Services Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1020-699399, Inspectional Services Capital Outlay, to fund the purchase of a Portable Octane Analyzer for the Weights & Measures Division.

Recommend City Council's approval of Fiscal Year 2024 year-end operating transfers to make adjustments to accounts to balance the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

Recommend that Forty Five Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Four Dollars And Seventy Six Cents ($45,734.76) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Public Works & Parks Cost Centers for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Eleven Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars and Thirty Four Cents ($11,428.34) be authorized from various Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Public Works and Parks cost centers, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Twenty Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Nine Dollars And Forty Five Cents ($27,909.45) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1038, Police Department Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Four Hundred Forty Dollars And One Cent ($440.01) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1016, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the administration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request Standing Committee on Education hold a discussion with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and appropriate members of the Worcester Public Schools relative to ensuring data and education is provided to students within the school department concerning opioids and overdose prevention strategies.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request Standing Committee on Public Health and Human Services hold a discussion with representatives from the city’s zoning taskforce and community stakeholders relative to preventative strategies around evictions as it relates to homelessness in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in other municipalities relative to tracking the time of speakers at public meetings. Said report should include any existing technology in the Worcester City Council Chamber.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - That the Rules of City Council of the City of Worcester be and are hereby amended to amend Rule 21 to read as follows: Rule 21. No Speaking for More Than Five Minutes. After being recognized by the chair no councilor shall speak for more than five (5) minutes at a time nor more than ten (10) minutes total on any agenda item, or a group of calendar items taken collectively, at any City Council or Standing Committee on Finance meeting. The chair may grant additional time to any councilor if comments made by the city manager or other individuals in response to questions have taken an unusual amount of time. The chair shall make note of the time each member is recognized. Whenever any member substantially exceeds five minutes during their first time speaking on an item, the chair may rule that the member is being allocated his or her second five minutes and the member shall be deemed to have waived his or her right to speak twice on an item.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Council ensure the chairperson of each meeting consider reading Rule 35 after introducing each council order to determine whether any City Councilor wishing to speak on the item wishes to oppose the item, or to request clarification of the item, or to offer an amendment to the item or to amend the motion of referral. Further, request City Council ensure no other form of debate be had on such a council order.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used in other municipalities relative to how City Councilors use personal privilege to hold an item, including the timeframe for when such a hold is processed.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning how many items were held using personal privilege prior to each City Council meeting in 2023, as well as and how many items were held by personal privilege during each meeting during the same timeframe.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk work with the Chief Information Officer to review technology and strategies available for alerting residents when a City Councilor provides advanced notice of their intent to hold an item under personal privilege.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with the definition of the term “personalities,” as described in Robert’s Rules of Order.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk make available a Spanish translation of the Rules of the City Council on the city’s website once the rules are finalized.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk work with the City Solicitor to provide City Council with a report clarifying Rule 11 as it relates to denying petitions, as well as challenges to the denial of said petitions through the City Clerk’s Office and the Law Department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer expedite a zoning review as it relates to ensuring the building of multifamily housing in the city.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Health and Human Services coordinate meetings with City Councilors in each City Council district to discuss overdose data with members of the community.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Director of Emergency Communications and Management provide City Council with a report concerning the status of emergency funds, inclusive of funds used during past emergency situations.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with an update concerning 2 Gage St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report concerning the various statuses that can be assigned to workorders created in the city’s Customer Services Request System (CSRS), including information concerning exceptions, the types of complaints tracked, and the departments that can be involved in an assigned task.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services provide City Council with a report detailing the timelines associated with follow-up on the different types of violations tracked by the department.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Director of Inspectional Services consider separating the Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities guide, to aid in ensuring both parties understand their rights and responsibilities as they relate to inspections.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the city’s water main system, how it relates to fire protection and the process relevant to mitigate areas of concern.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager communicate with appropriate college and university administrators regarding the feasibility of receiving donations to replace firefighter turn out gear.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY - Request City Manager request Fire Chief provide City Council with a report concerning the status of existing firefighter turn out gear.

Request City Manager provide City Council with a plan to execute temporary repairs on private streets that have properly petitioned the city in accordance with Chapter 302 of the Acts of 1984. Said repairs would not exceed the sum of six (6) dollars per linear foot, as per Chapter 302 of the Acts of 1984, and should be completed during Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). (Russell)

In light of the over $6,000.00 expense of one vending machine, request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the rationale of continuing the policy of not allowing merchants to recoup the credit card fees incurred when residents buy trash bags with a credit card. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the plans relative to which trees are to be removed/planted on Endicott St. and Bigelow St., to ensure said information is shared in a more transparent manner. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the parking plan set to add/adjust parking near Crompton Park that includes diagrams depicting the changes to parking in the area. (King)

Request City Manager post a link to the Human Rights Commission’s “Conclusions from Neighborhood Meeting Initiative” document on their page of the city’s website to ensure the public has access to the document. Further, request the data from said report be updated and provided to the City Council (see attached). (King)

Request City Manager install cameras on Newton Hill in an effort to address neighborhood concerns relative to nuisance issues in the area. (Haxhiaj)

Request Mayor invite Worcester’s native son Stephen Nedoroscik to an upcoming City Council meeting to be recognized and appropriately feted for his world class performance in bringing two bronze medals, including assisting the United States Men’s Gymnastics Team obtain its first medal since 2008, back to a proud city from the 2024 Olympics in Paris. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the feasibility of creating an Office of Housing Stability that includes an assessment of different models used throughout the nation and in surrounding cities and towns. (Haxhiaj)

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. (Russell)

Request City Manager review Greenwood St. for the purpose of installing additional crosswalks and speed limit signage, as well as ensuring the ideal locations for all existing crosswalks. (Russell)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the private streets Scandinavia Ave., Sherer Trail and Forkey Ave. for any potential emergency measures that can be implemented to make the streets more drivable. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted order from September 12, 2023, which read, “Request City Manager complete a safety audit for the following issues: 1) Safety of the areas where children get dropped off and picked up during school hours – at all schools; 2) Safety of municipal streets where schools are located and children must access when arriving or departing the school building; 3) Which schools have crosswalks; 4) Which schools have blinking light crosswalk signs; and 5) Which schools have 20 MPH signs posted.” (King)

Request City Manager consider establishing a “Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing Pilot Program,” (see attached) in locations with high pedestrian traffic and where vulnerable road safety is at an elevated risk. Said pilot program should include collaboration with Mass DOT where appropriate. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning common areas where pedestrian jaywalking occurs. (King)

Request City Manager consider establishing “Pedestrian Focused Overlay Zones,” (see attached) by changing traffic pattern regulations in a way that focuses on pedestrians and vulnerable road users alike. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing an ordinance that will provide multiple and direct routes in the city by establishing, “Street Connectivity Minimums.” Said projects should include collaboration with Mass DOT where appropriate. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted order from November 14, 2023, which read, “In an effort to reprioritize and reduce pedestrian crash potential, the City Manager be and is hereby requested to provide City Council with feedback concerning the feasibility of attaining HAWK signals/flashing beacons, enhanced lighting, and improved pairing at crosswalks. Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report verifying the following crosswalk visibility enhancements and the dangers associated with 3D crosswalks, including information gained from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). (References: 1) https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/crosswalk-visibility-enhancements ; and 2) https://ctt2.center/2019/05/23/signal-spotlights-3d-crosswalks-mutcd-update/). Further, request City Manager review the feasibility of beginning a pilot program to install HAWK signals/flashing beacons, enhanced lighting, and improved pairing at crosswalks within each city district, at locations to be determined by each district City Councilor.” (King)

Request City Manager identify the individuals who came to the aide of the Worcester Police Department (WPD) Officer who was pinned between his cruiser and another car while responding to an emergency for the purpose of recognizing their courageousness in assisting law enforcement in a time of need. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the number of bodywork spas in the city, their allowable hours of operation, and the city’s involvement in how they are regulated. Further, request City Manager include in said report the feasibility and appropriateness of regulating said bodywork spas with a city ordinance. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager consider purchasing additional speed awareness monitors to install in high pedestrian volume areas, as well as areas that have seen increased accidents and fatalities. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager consider purchasing additional solar powered flashing LED school speed limit signage to be installed at all city schools. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of installing additional speed humps in areas determined to have increased risk of speeding. Said report should include a timeline for installing said speed humps. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager review the bricks along the sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the length of Shrewsbury St. and make repairs as needed. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager paint lines along Hamilton St. and Shrewsbury St. at its cross streets to ensure cars do not park within twenty (20) feet from the intersections curbs. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Fire and Police Chief provide City Council with a report relative to the number of potential public safety employees who could (or are scheduled to) retire from their services within the next two (2) years. Further, request said report detail the departments’ current staffing, including total budgeted positions, how many of those positions are not staffed, IOD, or on military leave. Further, request said report include staffing numbers in all gateway cities in Massachusetts, and the ratio of staff to each community’s population. Further, request said report detail the status of hiring new employees in both the Police Department and Fire Department and efforts to increase the number of applicants who reflect the population of Worcester. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how WPI purchasing Hampton Inn & Suites at 65 Prescott St. and the Courtyard Marriott at 72 Grove St. for student housing will impact the city. Further, request City Manager include in said report a history of the Gateway Park project and any agreements the city has with the hotels in the project and Gateway Park. (Petty)

Request City Manager immediately discontinue the procedure of rejecting trash bags that are believed to be overweight or have similar violations. By leaving the sometimes stinky, full bags on the street and not picking them up, the city is not helping its neighborhoods’ quality of life. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report as to the costs associated with weighing trash bags, including staff hours. Said report should include whether there are cost savings or extra expenses to dispose of any non-conforming bags. (Russell)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning a previously adopted order from January 17, 2023, which read, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing a list of properties purchased by colleges and universities from 2019 to the present, whether the college or university kept the property on the tax roll, any signed community benefit agreements associated with new projects on these properties and what changes, if any, were made to PILOT contributions.” (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the location of all the fire hydrants in the city. Said report should also include the condition of said fire hydrants, as well as the timeline for repairing and replacing any fire hydrants in poor condition. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report detailing a Strategic Traffic Enforcement and Education Plan to better ensure speed and traffic regulations are followed in the city. (Petty)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor establish, pursuant to law/regulation, a method to document Charter/Spectrum’s quality of service, including signal quality, response to consumer complaints, and billing practices. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor and Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report concerning any Gateway Park agreements which include WPI, any PILOT agreements with WPI and any legal strategies/recourse that could minimize colleges/universities from removing real property from the tax rolls. (Bergman)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report as to the timing of installing speed humps during the past year, as well as any explanations for any delays. (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of creating a civic academy in the city, which would expose residents to the city’s various departments and educate them on the services they provide. (Pacillo)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Inspectional Services work to create a Worcester Rodent Action Plan (WRAP), similar the plan created in Boston, which aims to improve the quality of life of the city’s residents through mitigating the rodent population in the city. (Pacillo)

Request City Manager request Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with an update and timetable for restorations to Elm Park, including its water tables and removal of weeds, as was previously requested on October 5, 2021, February 1, 2022, August 9, 2022, December 20, 2022, March 28, 2023, July 18, 2023 and January 30, 2024. (Bergman)

That the City Council, in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 90 Section 18, does hereby vote to rescind the posted 35 mph special speed regulation for Belmont St. and return the public way to the statutory speed limit, under M.G.L Chapter 90 Section 17. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the ramifications WPI taking two (2) hotels off the tax rolls will have on the city’s travel and tourism efforts. Further, request City Manager include in said report what conditions would allow the city to tax a college property. (Mero-Carlson)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support expediting the adoption of the 25-mile-per-hour citywide statutory speed limit and designation of 20-mph Safety Zones policies as immediate actions to address the safety of all road users; Further, that the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the inclusion of traffic calming and other Complete Streets safety improvements as part of all the city’s roadway projects, to increase the safety and accessibility of the city’s public ways for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. (Haxhiaj)

Transmitting an informational communication detailing all petitions denied for inclusion on the City Council agenda over the last two (2) years that includes rationale for said denial(s).

Stephen Herzog, Senior Environmental Project Manager of VHB, transmitting for CSX Transportation, Inc. its 2024 Yearly Operational Plan (YOP).

Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Public Par(king): Worcester’s Past, Present, and Future of Parking.”

Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Feeding the Meter: Public Parking Usage in Worcester.”

Paul Matthews, Executive Director and CEO of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting, "Toward Safer Streets: Identifying Risk Factors for Non-Motorists in Worcester."

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon Communication of the City Manager recommend adoption of a Resolution to Designate 2 Ionic Avenue as a Certified Project under the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) and approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager recommend Adoption of a Resolution to Designate 204 Main Street as a Certified Project under the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) and approve a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Agreement: recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Quality of Life Team: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an Opioid Overdose Strategic Plan: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the quarterly use of the WPD small Unmanned Aircraft System: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to processes following natural disasters: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to data around complaints received by the Inspectional Services Department, the percentage of those complaints that have been followed up on, percentages associated with enforcement of violations and any other pertinent information: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the City's response to a fire at the Washington Heights Apartment Complex: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to efforts being made to obtain PFAS-free firefighter turn out gear: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Monica DiPietro et al. request installation of three-way stop signage at the intersection of Piehl Ave. and Abby St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance for a stop sign facing Abby St.

Amending Chapter Five Section Twenty-Six of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Relative To Sewer User Charge (FY 2025).

Amending Chapter Seven Section Sixteen of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Relative to Water Rates Use Charges (FY 2025).

Amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group D – Stores and Purchasing relative to the Buyer Position.

Amending Section 70 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Prohibiting Left Turns Onto Ward Street From Richland Street And From Dorchester Street From 2pm-3pm School Days.

Amending Section 68 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish A One-Way Designation Of A Portion Of Jackson Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On Portions Of Francis Street.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Richards Street At Cambridge Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #5 Perkins Street.

Amending Section 46 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish A Commercial Loading Zone On A Portion Of Bellevue Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of The Westerly Side Of Boynton Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking In Front Of #246 Fairmont Avenue.

Amending Section 68 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish A One-Way Designation On A Portion Of Caroline Street During School Hours.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Camden Avenue At Greenfield Street.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Carlisle Street At Lovell Street.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Carlisle Street At Lovell Street.

Amending Section 46 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish A Commercial Loading Zone On A Portion Of Millbury Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On Cheever Street Adjacent To #11 Woodward Street.

Amending Sections 40 And 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Remove Residential Permit Parking And Provide Handicap Parking On A Portion Of Esther Street Adjacent To #54 Upsala Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On New Vista Lane Near #173 Tacoma Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From #132 Endicott Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish One-Hour Parking On A Portion Of Murray Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On Vinson Street Adjacent To #80 Stanton Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From #36 Granby Road.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #90 Ward Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On Portions Of Ivernia Road.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For Stop Signs At The Intersection Of Franklin Street, Norfolk Street And Suffolk Street.

Amending Sections 42 And 43 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Relocate A Handicap Parking Space And Amend The Winter Parking Ban On Berkeley Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From #8 Ashmont Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking On A Portion Of East Worcester Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #14 Ingalls Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #364 West Boylston Street.

An Ordinance Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On Portions Of Grand Street And Illinois Street.

Amending Section 45 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Relocate A Passenger Load Zone From Fruit Street To Cedar Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Dixson Avenue.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Goldthwaite Avenue.

Amending Section 29 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 Providing For A Stop Sign On Fourth Street At Mill Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish One-Hour Parking On A Portion Of Shrewsbury Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #27 Richards Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking In Front Of #61 Haven Lane.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Fourth Street Near #5-7.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Prohibit Parking On A Portion Of Fourth Street Near #35-37.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Establish 30-Minute Parking On A Portion Of Main Street.

Amending Section 42 Of Chapter 13 Of The Revised Ordinances Of 2008 To Provide Handicap Parking Across From #130 Endicott Street.