CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:32 P.M.

Adjourned: 11:52 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 February 4, 2025.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Charles Luster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8y CC, #8bb CC, and #11o CC 2. Enri Marini, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8y CC 3. Idella Hazard, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC and #8bb CC 4. Feanna Jattan-Singh, Worcester resident, spoke in favor if items #8c CC, #8x CC, #8bb CC, and #18c CC 5. Malika (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #11o CC 6. Alan Young, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 7. Noah (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8y CC, and #18c CC 8. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8bb CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to items #8y CC and #18a CC 9. Ted Kostas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8a CC, #8x CC, through #8z CC, and #11o CC 10. Athena Haddon, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 11. Darryl Alexander, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 12. Audra Doody, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 13. Sadie Lombardi, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to #8y CC 14. Serenity Jones, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8u CC, #8v CC, #8y CC and #11o CC 15. Zane Mullins, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8c CC 16. Janet Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8bb CC, #11a CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition of items #8y CC and #18a CC 17. Emily Hildebrand, Boylston resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8bb CC and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to #8y CC 18. Sam Hildebrand, Boylston resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8bb CC, #11a CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 19. Allie Cislo, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8c CC, #8x CC, #8y CC, #8bb CC, and #18c CC 20. John Keough, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #8x CC, #11a CC, spoke in opposition to item #18a CC, and spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #8y CC 21. Cayden Davis, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8bb CC, #18c CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 22. Margot Barnet, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #18c CC, and #11a CC 23. Justin LaPorte, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 24. Ariel Temar Alvarez Amasifuen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #8w CC, #8x CC, #8bb CC, #11k CC, #11l CC and spoke in opposition to items #8y CC and #18a CC 25. Nathalie Gibson, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC and #11o CC and spoke in opposition to items #8c CC and #8y CC 26. Keri McCallum, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11o CC 27. Joshua Sundquist, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8c CC 28. Abby Mortellaro, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC and #8x CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 29. Anthony Rafael, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #8x CC, #8 bb CC, #11a CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 30. Julie Miller, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #8x CC, #8 bb CC, #11a CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 31. Maydee Morales, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8z CC, #8bb CC, #11o CC, and #18c CC and spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 32. Tom Marino, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to items #8y CC and #18a CC 33. Atticus (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC and #8w CC 34. Danielle (no last name given), Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #8y CC 35. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8c CC, #8aa CC, #8bb CC, and #11c CC 36. Joel Carmona, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #11c CC 37. Joseph Mangiameli, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8c CC 38. Stephen Quist, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8u CC 39. Brian Dutremble, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8w CC 40. Fred Taylor, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #11a CC, #11d CC, and #18c CC 41. Johanna L. Hampton-Dance, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8y CC 42. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #8x CC, #8z CC, #8aa CC, #11a CC, and #11d CC and spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #8y CC 43. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8b CC

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HOLLYWOOD ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID for a conduit location at: HOLLYWOOD ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: BAY EDGE LN. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: BAY EDGE LN.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: GRANITE ST. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC for a jointly-owned pole at: GRANITE ST.

Hearing: NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole at: PARADOX DR. Granting permission to NATIONAL GRID and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a jointly-owned pole at: PARADOX DR.

Deborah McCarthy and Rodger Comeau request installation of one (1) or two (2) memorial benches at Cooks Pond on Olean St. across from 103 and 105 Olean St.

Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of the Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade request the Parks and Recreation Commission hold a hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting on the temporary addition/installation of two bocce courts near the playground area at East Park, with additional courts identified and added during a future construction project.

Joseph Mangiameli request residents be allowed to raise chickens for the sole purpose of laying eggs.

Mark A. Borenstein request Zoning Map of the City of Worcester be amended, as referenced in Article III, Section 2 of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning designation of the property located at and known as 2, 4, 6 and 8 West Oberlin St. and 437-439 Park Ave. from the current split zoning designation of Business, General (BG-3.0) and Residence, General (RG-5) to Business, General (BG-3.0) and Commercial Corridors Overlay District – Elsewhere (CCOD-E) by extending the Business, General (BG-3.0) to encompass all of 8 West Oberlin St. and establishing the Commercial Corridors Overlay District – Elsewhere (CCOD-E) at the Property, as shown on the plan attached hereto.

Councilor George J. Russell and State Representative Daniel M. Donahue request the RL-7.0 zone in the Blythewood Ave and Massasoit Road areas be extended to include the properties at 224 Southwest Cutoff and 34 Eskow Rd., to encourage housing production and utilization of recent upgraded utilities.

Ina Zdruli request Dayton St. be resurfaced.

Anabelle Rios request street resurfacing in the vicinity of 45 Sigel St.

Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request lighting be reviewed and improved on the new one-way portion of Jackson St.

Seth Pickard request installation of speed humps on Chino Ave.

Delanie Humphries request installation of resident permit parking on Winfield St.

Matthew Wally, on behalf of UniBank, request installation of six (6) 30-minute metered parking spots on Green Island Blvd. at the corner of Madison St.

Dennis Yapor request relocation of handicap parking space in front of 27 Arlington St. to the end of street.

Elizabeth Velazquez request installation of handicap parking space in front of 64 Ward St.

Mark A. Borenstein request removal of existing metered on-street parking spaces on the easterly side of Washington St. between Theodore Tonna St. and Ash St. and replace the existing metered parking spaces with four (4) 15-minute standard spaces (9' x 22'). The location of the four (4) 15-minute parking spaces is shown on the attached plan.

Mark A. Borenstein request installation of one (1) loading zone on the northerly side of Theodore Tonna St. beginning approximately 110 feet east of Washington St. and extending for approximately fifty (50) feet to accommodate one (1) large delivery vehicle. The location of the loading zone is shown on the plan filed here in.

Mark A. Borenstein request the following changes to the parking plan on Pearl St.: 1) Remove three (3) existing on-street parking spaces; 2) Install one (1) loading zone on the southerly side of Pearl St. beginning approximately 175 feet west of Main St. (in front of 17-39 Pearl St.) and extending for approximately 50 feet to the west to accommodate one (1) larger delivery vehicle and; 3) Install two (2) on-street parking spaces to the west of the new loading zone.

Councilor George J. Russell on behalf of Kim Dipersia request removal of stop signage located at the intersection of Pioneer Rd. and Westborough St.

Patrick Grady request 13 Guilford St. (MBL: 32-026-00275) be transferred from tax title custodianship to the custodianship of the Worcester Conservation Commission.

Patrick Grady request 0 Pinewood Ln. (MBL: 54-005-0080B) be transferred in part or in whole from tax title custodianship to the custodianship of the Worcester Conservation Commission in order for it to be linked to the adjoining conservation land held by the Greater Worcester Land Trust.

David Webb filing three (3) Open Meeting Law Complaint Forms.

Stephen Quist filing an Open Meeting Law Complaint Form.

Nicole Apostola filing an Open Meeting Law Complaint Form.

Brian Dutremble request City Council request City Manager consider requiring landlords who routinely fail to clear their sidewalks after storms to contribute to a fund used to pay for proper snow and ice removal for said sidewalks, as well as crosswalk entrances at intersections.

Fred Taylor request Juneteenth Flag be flown from the Friday before the holiday when Juneteenth is not on a Friday until the day after the holiday.

Johanna L. Hampton-Dance request City Council petition the State legislature for a special act to amend the City of Worcester Charter to allow recall elections in municipal elections. Said petition should include the following: Any holder of an office elected solely by the voters of the city herein provided, for reason of lack of fitness, incompetence, neglect of duties, corruption, malfeasance, misfeasance or violation of oath. Registered voters of the City of Worcester may initiate a recall by filing with the City Clerk and the office held whose recall is sought and a statement of the grounds of recall including specific facts supporting one or more of the reasons.

Fred Nathan request City Council request City Manager hold an investigation for how many empty apartments there are and why said apartments are empty.

Fred Nathan request establishment of rent control policy when someone overpays for a three-decker.

Robert Bilotta request City Council explore raising income and estate eligibility for the City's Senior Homeowner Tax exemption.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Juan De La Cruz as Constable for Civil and Criminal Business.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the appointment of Carmen De La Cruz as Constable for Civil and Criminal Business.

Recommend adoption of a Salary Ordinance Amendment - Communications - 911 Operations Manager.

Recommend adoption of a Salary Ordinance Amendment - DPW - Snow Customer Service Representative (When Assigned).

Recommend Adoption of Salary Ordinance Amendment - DPW - Snow Inspector, Snow Supervisor, and Winter Ops Coordinator (When Assigned).

Recommend adoption of an order relative to Snow Plow Contract Conflict of Interest forms.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the first six months of operations for the Worcester 311 Customer Servicer Center located at 799 Main St.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Feb. 15 to 17 snow storm.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Fiscal Year 2025 financial update, as of Dec. 31, 2024.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the financial implication of the HERO Act.

Recommend a resolution to file, accept, and expend a grant in the amount of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Six Dollars And No Cents ($116,326.00) for the FY 2025 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars And No Cents ($550.00) from Ms. Juliana C. Hood for a Memorial Tree Planting at Elm Park.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars And No Cents ($550.00) from Ms. Juliana C. Hood for a Memorial Tree at East Park.

Recommend that Sixteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($16,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1081-600100, Transportation & Mobility Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1081-601100, Transportation & Mobility Overtime, to cover anticipated overtimes costs through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025.

Recommend that Six Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($6,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1050-600100, Elder Affairs Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1050-610100, Elder Affairs Ordinary Maintenance, to fund repairs to Senior Center equipment.

Recommend that the Fiscal Year 2025 Table of Organization for the Department of Public Facilities be amended by adding four (4) Security Compliance Officers, Pay Grade 28.

Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1064-610100, Assessing Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1064-699399, Assessing Capital Outlay, for the cost of constructing a new customer service counter.

Recommend that Three Million Dollars And No Cents ($3,000,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1072-610100, City Manager's Contingency, and be appropriated to various Fire Department accounts to provide funding for increased salary and overtime costs related to the department's staffing policy and increases included in the most recent Local 1009 collective bargaining agreement.

Recommend that Three Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($3,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1006-600100, City Clerk Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1006-601100, City Clerk Overtime, to fund the processing of 2025 Dog Licensing Renewals.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1051-699399, DPW Snow Capital Outlay, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1051-610100, DPW Snow Ordinary Maintenance, to fund contractually obligated payments to snow plow contractors.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1026-600100, Water Salaries, and appropriate to Cost Center #CC1026-910100, Water Ordinary Maintenance, to allow for continued operations through fiscal year end.

Recommend that One Hundred Five Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars And Eighty Six Cents ($105,387.86) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1078-600100, Parks Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1078-699399, Parks Capital Outlay, to allow for a prior year equipment purchase.

Recommend that Seventy Seven Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents ($77.29) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1049, HHS Youth Services Ordinary Maintenance, for payment of prior year invoices.

Recommend that Nine Hundred Twenty Three Dollars And Twelve Cents ($923.12) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1017, Emergency Communications Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of a prior year invoice.

Recommend that Seven Hundred Eighty Five Dollars And Ninety Nine Cents ($785.99) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1064, Assessing Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior-year invoices.

Recommend that Four Hundred Thirty One Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents ($431.29) be authorized from Fiscal Year 2025 Cost Center #CC1057, DPW Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of prior year invoices.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install handicap parking signage near #5 Ashmont Ave. be adjusted to properly account for two spaces as ordained.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility conduct a truck exclusion study on Holden St.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility coordinate with MassDOT to update lane markings on southbound West Boylston St. at its exit to I-190 to current MUTCD standards.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility update lane markings on southbound West Boylston St. at its exit to Gold Star Blvd. to current MUTCD standards and install a Left Lane Must Turn Left signage.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install supplemental One-Way and Do Not Enter signage in the vicinity of Burncoat St. and Triangle St. intersections with Mountain St. East.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility install Cross Traffic Does Not Stop signage on Barry Rd. Ext. at its intersection with West Chester St. and a Curve Ahead signage on westbound West Chester St.

Request City Manager provide City Council with regular updates concerning the Ballpark District Improvement Financing (DIF) revenues, efforts to work with Madison Properties, and strategies to address the unbuilt left field office building, hotel, and other promised properties. (Haxhiaj)

Request Standing Committee on Education invite the Chief Financial Officer and the Worcester Public Schools Deputy Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer to an upcoming meeting for the purpose of the administration providing a presentation relative to the WPS Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the inadequate snow removal and treatment of the roads during the February 16, 2025 snowstorm that includes solutions as to how to prevent these issues from occurring in the future. (Toomey)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks review the feasibility of the city using snowplow attachments used in Alaska called, “snow boots,” which clear driveways as they plow. (Toomey)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a detailed report as to what additional resources are needed at the Department of Public Works and Parks to manage snow and ice events and if these resources are currently budgeted. (Russell, Bergman, Mero-Carlson, Toomey)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the number of requests made from District 5 to 311 related to the snowstorm that includes the status of how many incidents were resolved and how many were not resolved and why. (Haxhiaj)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the process the Community Preservation Committee is using to select recipients for grants in the first round of funding in the categorical areas of Historical Preservation, Parks, Open Space & Housing. Included in said report should be whether the CPC is using any third-party groups as part of the grant funding distribution process. (Mero-Carlson)

Request City Manager request Commissioner of Transportation and Mobility review the new one-way portion of Jackson St. for improved signage depicting the one-way traffic pattern. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion as to the meaning under the Charter of the City of Worcester Article 2, Section 2-6 (v)…”citizens and employees of the city” and as it applies to Rules 38-40 of the Rules of the Worcester City Council (Bergman)

Request City Manager provide City Council with a comprehensive report detailing the costs and charges incurred by each organization to host an event using city spaces over the last two (2) years, including any costs associated with permits required by the city. Said comprehensive report should only detail costs incurred from city charges/requirements. (Ojeda)

Request City Manager provide City Council with data pertaining to the number of individuals who accessed City Warming Centers due to the most recent frigid temperatures. Further, request City Manager include with said data the hours and locations of Warming Centers with the referenced time frame and dates of activation. Further, request that the policy pertaining to Warming Center Activation be provided to the City Council. (King)

Request City Manager enhance and develop policy for the Department of Health and Human Services, and its outreach team, with respect to the terms of engagement and the intersection of when the State conducts homeless encampment sweeps. Further, request City Manager delineate how municipal workers engage with state and private sector outreach workers in said regard. (King)

Request City Manager consider including funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget for the purchase of speed monitor radars, in the interest of traffic calming. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the previously requested school safety audit. Said report should include signage, establishment of school zones, and related ordinances. (King)

Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning opioid settlement allocations to the city. Said update should include pending allocations, community processes used relative to said allocations, as well as hearings associated with said allocations. (King)

That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Department of Public Utilities’ directive to Local Distribution Companies to implement at least a 5% reduction in residential bills thru at least April of 2025. Further, that the City of Worcester be provided with an assessment of the fairness of these increases, the causes of the escalation, and the potential for ongoing legislative or regulatory actions to mitigate the financial impact on residents. Further, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts State Legislature, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for their immediate review and consideration. (King)

Recommend adoption of an order to execute a three-year contract for external auditing services that includes the option(s) to extend for up to two additional one-year periods.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of a historic liquor license from Morris A. Bergman, with an estimated value of $500.00, for the purposes of display and recognition within the Department of Inspectional Services.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Rich Mazzocchi request acceptance of the reconstruction of the proposed city street Theodore Tonna St., formerly known as Spruce St., between Green St. and Washington St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of speed limit signage on Mountain St. West between Brooks St. and the ramps to I-190: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of “Intersection Ahead” signage on Cambridge St. at its approach to Chelsea St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying two (2) Orders.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian request installation of speed limit signage on Piedmont St. between Main St. and Chandler St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of increased signage on Portland St. indicating there is metered parking along the street: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Murray Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Davis St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Arthur Mooradian request installation of a crosswalk across Piedmont St. at its intersection with Jaques Ave.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Giselle Grenier request installation of a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon Light at the crosswalk on Hamilton St. at Harrington Way: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Evan Corrigan, on behalf of Julie Ann Lamacchia, request installation of solar-powered, flashing crosswalk indicators at the crosswalk on Burncoat St. at its intersection with Arbutus Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request line repainting for the crosswalks on Lincoln St. in the vicinity of St. Bernard's Church: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson request installation of a flashing pedestrian crosswalk signal across Plantation St. at Robin Rd. for access to Holmes Field: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Mayor Joseph M. Petty request installation of "No Parking from Here to Corner" signage on the corner of West St. and Bowdoin St., allowing at least a 5 foot allowance for buses to turn: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Josef Konkol request missing resident permit parking signage in the vicinity of 18 Chestnut St. be replaced: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda request installation of two (2) crosswalks across both sides of Jacques Ave. at its intersection with Dale St., in an effort to protect students crossing the street to and from Chandler Elementary Community School: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Justin Nugent request removal of the handicap parking space in front of 25 Arlington St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of 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: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of “Go Slow Children” signage on Ascadilla Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of "No Parking Anytime" signage on one side of Greenbriar Ln.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kevin T. Baldwin request removal of resident permit parking on Kendig St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Doug Clark request handicap parking space in the vicinity of 8 Ashmont Ave. be extended to include an additional vehicle: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Feuster Njoroge request installation of resident permit parking on Ward St. from Seymour St. to Endicott St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Evan C. Corrigan request installation of speed radar on the westbound downhill side of Fales St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Chester St. and Barry Rd.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Kevin Stewart request installation of traffic light on Plantation St. at its intersection with Ancona Rd. and Lord St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Susan Lauring request installation of an overnight truck traffic ban on Holden St.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on I-190 (Southbound) where I-290 intersects: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on West Boylston St./Route 12 (Southbound) where I-190 (Southbound) intersects: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Paul F. Benoit request installation of "Left Lane Exit Only" pavement markings on West Boylston St./Route 12 (Southbound) where Gold Star Blvd. intersects: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request line repainting on Parkton Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Jenny Pacillo request line repainting on the upper portion of Chester St. between Parkton Ave. and Bjorklund Ave.: recommend Petition be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication addressing traffic safety on Shrewsbury Street: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager Transmitting informational communication addressing traffic safety on a portion of Belmont Street.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 11, 2025)

ORDER of Councilor Jenny Pacillo and Mayor Joseph M. Petty - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Pacillo February 11, 2025)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - King February 11, 2025)

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

ORDER of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a legal opinion regarding the process of instituting a residential rent control program and the resulting impact of implementing such a program. (Tabled Under Privilege - Lukes September 17, 2019 and September 24, 2019 and Tabled - Lukes October 15, 2019)

RESOLUTION of Councilor Khrystian E. King - That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support Representative Rebecca Rauch and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s SD 699 HD 1283, An Act effectuating equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Bill. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 9, 2021 and Tabled - Bergman February 23, 2021)

ORDER of Councilor Sarai Rivera - Request City Manager consider prioritizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for REC Worcester’s capital project involving the development of the new REC Worcester headquarters and Center for Food Justice and Urban Agriculture (for Worcester and Central Massachusetts), in an effort to support community food security, as well as youth development and employment. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson October 26, 2021 and Tabled Under Privilege - Petty November 9, 2021 and Tabled - Rivera November 16, 2021)

CHAIRMAN'S ORDER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - Request City Council work to ensure City Council and School Committee districts are parallel, so as to ensure public clarity. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson May 24, 2022 and June 7, 2022 and Tabled - Petty June 14, 2022)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Morris A. Bergman and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation Committee hold a public discussion with the WRTA Administrator relative to the removal of a bus route that passes the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way: recommend Communication be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Order of Councilor Sarai Rivera and Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request Standing Committee on Public Service and Transportation meet with the WRTA Administrator to provide City Council with a report concerning the WRTA’s winter weather plan, especially including information as to how snow will be removed at each of the bus stops: recommend Order be placed on file. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman January 17, 2023 and Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson January 24, 2023 and Tabled - Mero-Carlson January 31, 2023)

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Councilor Thu Nguyen - Request City Manager work with appropriate departments and stakeholders to establish an Office of Housing Stability in an effort to prevent the involuntary displacement of city residents who are in the process of being evicted or at the risk of losing their housing, as well as to enact policies to combat displacement, homelessness and enhance tenants’ rights. (Tabled Under Privilege - Haxhiaj July 18, 2023 and Tabled - Haxhiaj August 22, 2023)

PETITION of Gordon Davis request City Council request Standing Committee on Public Safety investigate the issue of systemic racism and public safety with public hearings included. (Tabled - Toomey May 14, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell and Councilor Morris A. Bergman - Request City Manager install metal detector safety equipment at City Hall whenever open, similar to the equipment used at Polar Park, the Worcester District Court and other public places, on or before December 31, 2024. (Tabled Under Privilege - Russell September 24, 2024 and October 1, 2024 and Tabled - Russell October 8, 2024)

COMMUNICATION of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to a report detailing a United States Department of Justice Investigation of the Worcester Police Department and the City of Worcester. (Tabled - Petty December 17, 2024)

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King - Request City Manager conduct an equity audit of all city departments every five (5) years. (Tabled Under Privilege - Mero-Carlson December 10, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Toomey December 17, 2024 and Tabled - Nguyen January 7, 2025)

PETITION of Richard Cipro, Anthony Petrone and Thomas Duffy on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Police Officials Local 504 and New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice release and present in a public forum the full investigatory report, specifically to what the DOJ states are "creditable allegations" of criminal sexual misconduct alleged to be committed by members of the Worcester Police Department. Further, request City Council request City Manager request the Department of Justice include the dates, times and names of all individuals alleged to have committed the stated misconduct and/or potential criminal activity. (Tabled Under Privilege - King December 17, 2024 and Tabled Under Privilege - Nguyen January 7, 2025 and Tabled - Russell January 14, 2025)

ORDER of Mayor Joseph M. Petty – That the City Council does hereby suspend its rules to allow for the public participation section of the agenda on February 11, 2025, to occur beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes – Item #17a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #17b CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #17c CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 9 Yeas and 0 Nays

Motion Russell @ #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 an additional fifteen (15) minutes beyond the typically allotted thirty (30) minutes.

Motion King @ #8c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the Planning Board’s previous recommendations relative to allowing the raising of chickens for the purpose of laying eggs in the city, as well as any means associated with expediting such a petition process.

Motion Toomey @ #8c CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of instituting community chicken coops.

Motion King @ #8u CC – Request City Manager request City Solicitor provide City Council with a report detailing all documentation that will be sent forward relative to a response to an alleged Open Meeting Law violation by the City Council Standing Committee on Education members Chairperson Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, Councilor Thu Nguyen, and Councilor Khrystian E. King.

Motion King @ #8w CC – Request City Manager reinitiate services relative to developing a list for the Worcester Senior Center that identifies volunteers, Jr. ROTC members, and students who will aide individuals in need with removal of snow and ice from their sidewalk areas.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #8y CC – That the City Council of the City of Worcester does hereby support resident-led efforts to place the question of establishing a Charter Review Commission to voters through a local initiative petition, which would allow for the entire City Charter to be reviewed.

Motion Bergman @ #8y CC – That Johanna L. Hampton-Dance’s petition, #8y CC, from the City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, be amended to read as follows: Johanna L. Hampton-Dance request City Council petition the State legislature for a special act to amend the City of Worcester Charter to allow recall elections in municipal elections. Said petition should include the following: Any holder of an office elected solely by the voters of the city herein provided, for reason of lack of fitness, incompetence, neglect of duties, corruption, malfeasance, misfeasance or violation of oath. Registered voters of the City of Worcester may initiate a recall by filing with the City Clerk and the office held whose recall is sought and a statement of the grounds of recall including specific facts supporting one or more of the reasons or other options to declare the seat vacant.

Motion Colorio @ #8z CC – Request City Manager reforward to City Council any previously provided reports concerning the number of empty apartments in the city.

Motion King @ #9.14A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning previously requested information regarding providing community centers, such as the Friendly House, with a definitive number of trash bags for folks who are impoverished.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #9.14B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning what sweeping and snowplow equipment the city has purchased over the last four (4) years.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.14B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the feasibility of receiving information relative to the operations of the Department of Public Works and Parks during snowstorms, including the timelines for completion and how many trucks are in the field.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.14B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining how the city plans to address operational concerns over snowstorm and winter weather events.

Motion King @ #9.14B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a staffing analysis of the Department of Public Works and Parks that includes information on optimal staffing for operations, as well as planning around recruitment and retention.

Motion King @ #9.14B CM – Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning how side streets and streets with higher inclines are prioritized during snowplow operations.

Motion Mero-Carlson @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing anticipated timeframes associated with the sale of unbuilt properties located within the Ballpark District, including the Left Field Building and hotel, that are owned by Madison Properties.

Motion King @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the implementation of an institutional zoning ordinance in the city.

Motion King @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning any legal remedies available to the city relative to clawing back when residents are out of compliance with their Tax Increment Exemption and Financing (TIE, TIF) agreements.