CITY OF WORCESTER | JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL | Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 6:36 P.M. |
Recessed: 9:30 P.M.
Reconvened: 9:44 P.M.
Adjourned: 11:30 P.M. |
|
Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov | City Manager
Eric D. Batista
City Auditor
Robert V. Stearns | Councilors | | Morris A. Bergman | Donna M. Colorio | | Etel Haxhiaj | Khrystian E. King | | Candy Mero-Carlson | Thu Nguyen | City Clerk
Nikolin Vangjeli | | Luis A. Ojeda | Jenny Pacillo | | George J. Russell | Kathleen M. Toomey |
| | City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| 3. | ROLL CALL - All present with the Mayor as the Chair. Councilor Toomey participated in the meeting remotely. | |
| 4. | PROCLAMATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE | |
| 5. | APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES | |
| | | | | | | | | 5a. | Order - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby approves the minutes of the City Council Meeting of January 28, 2025. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 6a. | 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://worcesterma.zoomgov.com/j/1613631913
City Council Zoom Phone Number: +1 646 828 7666
City Council Zoom Access Code: 161 363 1913 | | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Richard Shea, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor or opposed to items #8k CC, #10b CC, #10f CC, and #10g CC
2. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #14a CC, spoke in opposition to item #14b CC
3. Ariel Temar Alvarez Amasifuen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8a CC, #8j CC, #10b CC, #10c CC, #10f CC through #10j CC, #11a CC, #14b CC and spoke in opposition to items #8k CC and #8l CC
4. Ron Rajotte, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposition to item #14a CC
5. Alice Romeo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
6. Dewey Cosgrove Atienza a.k.a. Dee Dee Delight, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
7. Dr. Rita Mookerjee, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
8. Katie (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
9. Susan Dorazio, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
10. Cam (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
11. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC, and spoke in opposition to items #10a CC and #16a CC
12. Pastor Julie Payne Britton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
13. Sue Mailman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC, and spoke in opposition to item #9b CC
14. Leighton Jones, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
15. Axel (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
16. Antonio (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
17. Kirsten Frazier, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8l CC, #10b CC, #10f CC, #10g CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC, and spoke in opposition to item #10a CC
18. Kayla (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
19. William Jaquith-Houston, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
20. Lisa Stoddard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
21. Olivia D’Ambrosio a.k.a. Livy Scanlon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
22. Annie Kaplan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
23. Joshua Croke, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
24. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10g CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC
25. Nichole Jamieson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
26. Giuliano D’Orazio, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
27. John Provost, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition of item #14b CC
28. Cayden Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
29. Brynn (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
30. Shannen Curtin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
31. Lady/Laddie LaRouge, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
32. Danielle Killay, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC
33. Randy Feldman, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
34. Tom Marino, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC and spoke in opposition to item #10a CC
35. (no name given), (no residence given), spoke in favor of item #14b CC
36. Annelle (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
37. Addison (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
38. Aedan Brickner, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
39. Abby Mortellaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #10j CC and #14b CC
40. Meg Price, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
41. Lena Dias, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
42. Rob Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
43. Imani Plant, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
44. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8k CC, #8l CC, and #10a CC, spoke in favor of items #8f CC through #8j CC, #10b CC, and #14b CC, and spoke neither in favor not opposition to items #9a CC, #10d CC, #10e CC, #10i CC, #10j CC, #12a CC, and #13 a CC through #13c CC
45. Caelum Lam, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
46. Rev. Dr. Kieran Osborne, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
47. Margot Barnet, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
48. Sadie Lombardi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
49. Michael Kingsley, (no residence given), spoke in favor of item #14b CC
50. Allie Cislo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
51. Eva Moynihan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
52. Jerri Gillen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
53. Jessica (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
54. Kaci Panarelli, Shrewsbury resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC
55. Rev. Brent Newberry, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
56. Ollie (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC
57. Sarah Van Hoesen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
58. Kat (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
59. Ben (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
60. Rev. Brae Adams, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
61. Chris Robarge, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
62. Alli Thresher, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC
63. Anna Cooper, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
64. Emma Narkewicz, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #10c CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC and spoke in opposition to item #10a CC
65. Donnie Polley, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
66. Maria (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
67. Jess (no last name given), spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #11a CC, and #14b CC
68. Micah (no last name given), spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC
69. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC, #10g CC, #11a CC , #14a CC and #14b CC
70. Sam Asbeck, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #10a CC
71. Eric (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #10b CC and #14b CC and spoke in opposition to item #10a CC
72. Louise Faiola, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to items #10b CC and #14b CC
73. Kris Boudreau, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #14b CC | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 7a. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – In accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of City Council, Councilor Khrystian E. King requests reconsideration of the vote of City Council taken on February 4, 2025, in regard to the following item: Communication of the City Manager recommend that One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($1,200,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1072-610100, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1033-610100, Court Judgments. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order denied on a roll call vote of 5 Yeas and 6 Nays (Yeas - Haxhiaj, King, Nguyen, Ojeda, Pacillo) (Nays - Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Russell, Toomey, Petty) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8a. | Claudia Minaya request installation of speed humps on Massasoit Rd. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer items #8a CC through #8c CC to Traffic and Parking Committee. Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8b. | Roxas Joshua Angell-Clune request repainting or signage indicating the usage of the North-bound right-hand lane on Main St. at Front St., such as "bus lane only" or "right-turn only." | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8c. | Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey on behalf of Paul Jarvis request installation of a handicap parking space at 39 Granby Rd. | Attachments | | | Referred to Traffic and Parking Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8d. | NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HOLLYWOOD ST. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to set hearings for items #8d CC through #8g CC for February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Hearing set for February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8e. | NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: BAY EDGE LN. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8d CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8f. | NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: GRANITE ST. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8d CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8g. | NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole at: PARADOX DR. | Attachments | | | Hearing set for February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #8d CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8h. | Roxas Joshua Angell-Clune request establishment of a program for 100% free lead inspections and abatements for properties who wish to take Section 8 vouchers but currently do not have a 6-year-old or younger residing there as a tenant. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8i. | Jereme Hamel request City Council request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the process relative to how the city handles contracts with outside snow-plowers, the city road maintenance crews, how the streets are prioritized for inclement weather treatments and the process to hold contractors accountable for their work. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to the City Manager. Referred to the City Manager on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8j. | Marilyn Leary request City Council review the state of cable television in the city, including public concerns over regular price increases from Spectrum. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Public Service and Transportation Committee. Referred to Public Service and Transportation Committee on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8k. | Michael J. Grandone request all agenda items not pertaining to City of Worcester business not be scheduled nor placed on City of Worcester Council Agenda, but scheduled for other public venues for discussion by interested parties pertaining to said topic. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to refer the item to the City Clerk - Not Put.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Nguyen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 8l. | Michael J. Grandone request City Council request City Manager consider establishing a Commission for the Homeless, to be staffed by appointees with expertise and knowledge of helping the homeless with their situation and need to have a "go to" place for their questions. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9a. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager work with the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) to see what information is available for creating an annual City Manager performance evaluation. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt items #9a CC through #9e CC. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9b. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report concerning best practices relative to conducting a full charter review and/or a charter change. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9c. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning an update relative to changes and/or anticipated changes to the city’s website. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9d. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Manager request Chief Information Officer locate a place on the city’s website designated for resident suggestions relating to the city’s website. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 9e. | FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS - Request City Clerk provide City Council with a report concerning best practices related to accommodating remote public participation, to better ensure those that wish to participate remotely can be recognized. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #9a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10a. | That the City Council shall henceforth follow M. G. L. Chapter 30A Section 21 (a) (1) et. seq. ensuring that any discussion regarding any City Councilor relative to a) an individual's character, reputation, mental health, or physical condition; or b) complaints, charges, or discipline against a public employee, officer, or staff member; occur only in Executive Session. (Bergman) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Bergman, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10b. | Request City Council work with the Queer Residents of Worcester & Our Allies to hire a third party with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC expertise and lens to investigate Councilor Nguyen and Councilor Haxhiaj's concerns regarding transphobia, discrimination, and toxic council culture. (Haxhiaj, Nguyen) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the City Solicitor, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Nguyen, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Clerk and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Nguyen.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Colorio, who moved to place the item on file.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty and Councilor Pacillo, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote on Councilor Colorio’s motion to place the item on file. Placed on file on a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 4 Nays (Yeas – Bergman, Colorio, Mero-Carlson, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Nays – Haxhiaj, King, Nguyen, Ojeda) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10c. | Request City Manager and Mayor send a letter to the appropriate representatives from Eversource and National Grid on behalf of the city and its residents requesting them to reduce the delivery fee for electricity and gas. (Haxhiaj) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to, Request City Manager and Mayor work with Eversource, National Grid, the Governor, the business community, and all other appropriate entities to reduce the delivery fee for electricity and gas utilities.” (See Item #17b CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10d. | Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the amount of funds available from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) monies for historic preservation for this coming year. (Bergman) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10e. | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing an accounting of all monies collected and paid out from to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds that includes the names of the persons/entities who have received said funding, as well as how much money they have received. (Colorio) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10f. | Request City Clerk display the City Council rules governing public participation at City Council meetings, including but not limited to speaking time limits, decorum expectations, and any procedures for public comment in the City Council Chambers. Further, request said rules be made available on the City’s website and included in publicly accessible materials to ensure transparency and ease of access for all residents. (Pacillo) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved to take items #10f CC and #10g CC collectively.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Colorio, and Councilor King, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to add his name as a sponsor of the items.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to add her name as a sponsor of item #10g CC.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty and Councilor Pacillo, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio, Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10g. | Request City Clerk install a visible timer in the City Council chambers to ensure speakers can clearly see the amount of time that is allocated to them for speaking. (Pacillo) | Attachments | | | Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio, Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #10f CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10h. | Request City Manager work with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to provide financial assistance to residents in need of help paying their gas and electricity bills following the increase in costs caused from the recent approval to change the basic service rate for said services. Further, request City Manager publish ways residents can apply for financial assistance for said bills in a prominent place on the city’s website. (Pacillo, Petty) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Pacillo, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - Pacillo | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10i. | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide City Council with a report concerning all reported hate crimes from January 1, 2024, to now, including information relative to the type of crime, current status/resolution, and how the statistics compare to the past five (5) years. Further, request said report include information as to the process for reporting a hate crime. (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays (Colorio, Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 10j. | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Health and Human Services consider including health concerns raised by the LGBTQIA+ community members in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). (Toomey) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 11a. | That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support and recognize the month of February as Black History Month, and the contributions of Black Americans' labor, which is a foundation of the nation. (King) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor King, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Tabled Under Privilege - King | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 12a. | Eric D. Batista, City Manager, transmitting informational communication relative to any potential liabilities from declaring Worcester a Sanctuary City. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to refer the item to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee. Referred to Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| 13. | REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS | |
| | | | | | | | | 13a. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey - Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations contact the National League of Cities, Mass Municipal Association and the International City/County Management Association for best practices and potential consulting regarding creating a different process for the City Manager performance evaluations.: recommend Order be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and moved for a roll call vote to accept items #13a CC through #13e CC. Accepted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13b. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Jenny Pacillo, Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson, Councilor George J. Russell, Councilor Khrystian E. King, Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Donna M. Colorio - Request Standing Committee on Municipal and Legislative Operations review the framework currently used by the City Council to evaluate the City Manager to approve a new, more substantial document for such a purpose.: recommend Order be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13c. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Order of Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Jenny Pacillo - Request City Manager request Chief Human Resources Officer provide technical assistance and guidance to the City Council for the purposes of establishing an advisory tool and guidelines relative to the Annual Performance Evaluation of the City Manager.: recommend Order be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13d. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the FY2025-29 Strategic Plan.: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 13e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL AND LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the launch of a public survey to solicit feedback regarding the FY25-29 Municipal Strategic Plan.: recommend Communication be placed on file. | Attachments | | | Accepted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #13a CC) | | | | | |
| 14. | TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE | |
| | | | | | | | | 14a. | 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) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Haxhiaj and Councilor Mero-Carlson, who moved to Table the Item Under Privilege.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Russell, who moved to, “Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the city’s current policies relative to installing automatic sprinklers in residential buildings with four (4) or more dwelling units against policies that will be put in place should the City Council adopt M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 26l.” (See Item #17c CC).
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to Table the Item Under Privilege for a second time. Tabled Under Privilege on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays.
Tabled Under Privilege – Haxhiaj and Mero-Carlson | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 14b. | PETITION of Allie Cislo, on behalf of Queer residents of Worcester and said residents’ allies, request adoption of the attached resolution declaring the City of Worcester a sanctuary city for transgender and gender diverse people (see attached). (Tabled Under Privilege - Colorio February 4, 2025) | Attachments | | | Mayor Petty read the item and recognized Councilor Colorio, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor and City Manager, who responded to questions raised by Councilor Colorio.
Vice Chairperson Councilor King recognized Mayor Petty, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King, Councilor Pacillo, Councilor Russell, Councilor Nguyen, Councilor Ojeda, and Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Toomey, who moved to amend the item to replace the word, “sanctuary,” with the words, “safe haven or safe harbor.” – Withdrew.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty recognized the City Solicitor, who responded to questions raised by Councilor King.
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor Nguyen for a second time, who spoke concerning the item.
Mayor Petty moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yeas – Haxhiaj, King, Mero-Carlson, Nguyen, Ojeda, Pacillo, Russell, Toomey, Petty) (Nays – Bergman, Colorio).
Mayor Petty recognized Councilor King for a third time, who moved to reconsider the item. Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 0 Yeas and 11 Nays. | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15a. | ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15b. | RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15c. | ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15d. | CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15e. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15f. | REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15g. | ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15h. | PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15i. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 24, 2024 and October 1, 2024 and Tabled - Russell October 8, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15j. | COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report detailing a United States Department of Justice Investigation of the Worcester Police Department and the City of Worcester. (Tabled - Petty December 17, 2024) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15k. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager conduct an equity audit of all city departments every five (5) years. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson December 10, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey December 17, 2024 and Tabled - Nguyen January 7, 2025) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 15l. | PETITION of Richard Cipro, Anthony Petrone and Thomas Duffy on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Police Officials Local 504 and New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice release and present in a public forum the full investigatory report, specifically to what the DOJ states are "creditable allegations" of criminal sexual misconduct alleged to be committed by members of the Worcester Police Department. Further, request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice include the dates, times and names of all individuals alleged to have committed the stated misconduct and/or potential criminal activity. (Tabled Under Privilege - King December 17, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Nguyen January 7, 2025 and Tabled - Russell January 14, 2025) | Attachments | | | No action taken | | | | | |
| 16. | BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 4, 2025 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 16a. | ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report reviewing the federal government’s recent executive orders to determine any potential liabilities from declaring the city a, “sanctuary city,” as it relates to being such a city for transgender and gender diverse people, immigrants, or otherwise. – Item #12a CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 16b. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the last time the City Council selected sidewalks as part of a Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program, as well as how funding will be allocated to ensure each year missed is accounted for. – Item #12b CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 16c. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell Request City Clerk conduct a review of the FY25 and FY26 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program list for district councilor selections to ensure all approved petitions appear on said list. – Item #12c CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 16d. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report listing all vacant positions in the city, as of February 4, 2025. Said report should also include a list of each vacant position that funds were allocated towards in the previous fiscal year’s budget. – Item #12d CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 16e. | ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report concerning the amount of monies within the city’s budget that is provided to the City through State and Federal funding. – Item #12e CC Order adopted | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | 16f. | ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer provide City Council with a report detailing how the Fair Share Amendment and the formula for funding the city’s schools may be used to offset increased education costs. Said report should include any allocations for clean energy projects, how the formula is determined and whether any local advocacy is required relative to receiving funding. – Item #12f CC Order adopted | | | |
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| 17. | NEW BUSINESS UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES - Items brought forth under suspension at the February 11, 2025 City Council meeting. | |
| | | | | | | | | 17a. | Motion Petty @ #6a CC – That the City Council does hereby suspend its rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on February 11, 2025, to occur beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays (See Item #6a CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17b. | Motion Mero-Carlson @ #10c CC – Request City Manager and Mayor work with Eversource, National Grid, the Governor, the business community, and all other appropriate entities to reduce the delivery fee for electricity and gas utilities. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #10c CC) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | 17c. | Motion Russell @ #14a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the city’s current policies relative to installing automatic sprinklers in residential buildings with four (4) or more dwelling units against policies that will be put in place should the City Council adopt M.G.L. Chapter 148, Section 26l. | Attachments | | | Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays (Haxhiaj, Nguyen absent) (See Item #14a CC) | | | | | |
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