CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Esther Howland (South) Chamber

Convened: 6:40 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:58 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 11, 2025.

Mayor Petty read the item and recognized the following speakers: 1. Fred Nathan, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #9.13A CM and #12l CC, as well as neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.26A CM 2. David Webb, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #11b CC and #9.11A CM, neither in favor or opposed to item #9.13A CM and in opposition to items #12l CC and #11a CC 3. Sherri Stanley, Worcester resident, spoke concerning an item not listed on the agenda 4. Gary Hunter, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC and neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.13A CM 5. John Keough, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11a CC 6. Grace Ross, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.13A CM 7. Tom Marino, Worcester resident, spoke neither in favor nor opposed to item #9.13A CM 8. Randy Feldman, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #11c CC 9. Charles Luster, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of items #9.13A CM, #12i CC, #12a CC, #12c CC and #12f CC as well as in opposition to item #11c CC 10. Yenni Desroches, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item #8k CC, in opposition to item #11a CC and neither in favor or opposed to item #11c CC

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Maria Kaplanes request sidewalk repair in front of 15 Coombs Rd.

Jimmie Barry request installation of handicap parking space in front of 1 Belvidere Ave.

Donna Knight request installation of handicap parking space in front of 51 Pilgrim Ave.

Donna Knight request removal of handicap parking space in front of 35 Columbia St.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of Peter Cromwick request installation of two (2) sets of speed humps on Cowden St.

Esther Faustin request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 49 Cutler St.

Alcadia Nunez-Mercedes request installation of a passenger drop-off zone in front of 51 Barclay St.

Elzbieta Stelmach request installation of a handicap parking space in front of 16 Alpine St.

Manuel A Velex request extension of resident perking permit on Pond St., from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven (7) days a week, to no time limit seven (7) days a week permit at a pt. 145’ east of Green St. to a pt. 324 east of Green St.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location at: PROVIDENCE ST.

Yenni Desroches request City Council request City Manager work with the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks to provide a report that evaluates the benefits related to implementing an Alternate Side Parking (ASP) system to improve snow removal, spring and fall street cleanups, and regular street sweeping. (See Attached)

Transmitting informational communication relative to the reappointment of Vanessa Andre to the Historical Commission.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the municipality's Housing Production Plan.

Transmitting informational communication Relative to Semi-Annual TIF/TIE Reporting.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Madison Properties.

Transmitting informational communication Relative to FEMA Flood Map Updates.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Fiscal Year 25 Worcester Arts Council Grantmaking.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Community Preservation Program.

Recommend adoption of Amendment to the General Revised Ordinance – Numbering of Properties.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the Aquatics 2024 Review.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an overview of the process for amending traffic and parking ordinances and a review of roadway construction projects to determine whether necessary amendments have been ordained.

Transmitting informational communication relative to the intersection of Salisbury Street and Flagg Street.

Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the U.S. Department of Justice's pattern-or-practice report on the municipality and Worcester Police Department.

Transmitting informational communication relative to a list of vacant positions as of Feb. 4, 2025.

Transmitting informational communication relative to Zero Waste Master Plan updates.

Transmitting informational communication relative to implementing a pricing plan for municipally-owned Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS).

Transmitting informational communication relative to broadband competition.

Recommend adoption of a attached resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of Twenty Five Dollars and No Cents ($25.00) from Mr. Glenn C. DeMallie to support Hope Cemetery maintenance and services.

Recommend adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation in the amount of One Thousand Two Hundred Forty Dollars and No Cents ($1,240.00) from the Worcester Public Library Foundation to support the Worcester Public Library Talking Book program.

Recommend that Five Hundred Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($500,000.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1053-610100, Public Works Ordinary Maintenance, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1008-699399, Sustainability and Resilience Capital Outlay, for the “Expanding Dual-Stream Public Waste Bins” project.

Recommend that Sixty Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($62,500.00) be transferred from Cost Center #CC1010-600100, Elections Salaries, and be appropriated to Cost Center #CC1010-601100, Elections Overtime, to fund overtime expenses for the November 5, 2024 Election.

Robert V. Stearns, City Auditor, transmitting the annual report of the Other Post Employment (OPEB) Trust Fund.

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman - That the City Council may 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; may occur in Executive Session. (Tabled Under Privilege - Bergman February 11, 2025 and Tabled Under Privilege - King February 25, 2025)

ORDER of Councilor Luis A. Ojeda - 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - Ojeda February 25, 2025)

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – That Johnanna 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. (Tabled Under Privilege - King February 25, 2025)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDER of Councilor George J. Russell – 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. – Item #21a CC Order adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21b CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning the feasibility of instituting community chicken coops. – Item #21c CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21d CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21e CC Order adopted

RESOLUTION of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – 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. – Item #21f CC Resolution adopted on a roll call vote of 10 Yeas and 0 Nays

ORDER of Councilor Morris A. Bergman – 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. – Item #21g CC Tabled Under Privilege

ORDER of Councilor Donna M. Colorio – Request City Manager reforward to City Council any previously provided reports concerning the number of empty apartments in the city. –Item #21h CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21i CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #21j CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – 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. – Item #21k CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report outlining how the city plans to address operational concerns over snowstorm and winter weather events. – Item #21l CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21m CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21n CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson – 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. – Item #21o CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update concerning the implementation of an institutional zoning ordinance in the city. – Item #21p CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – 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. – Item #21q CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the public authority of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) that includes a vetting of its delineation of roles and rules. – Item #21r CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning when warming centers were activated for the current winter season. – Item #21s CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Khrystian E. King – Request City Manager immediately notify City Council of any indication the City of Worcester may be short-changed by federal funding. –Item #21t CC Order adopted

ORDER of Councilor Etel Haxhiaj – Request Standing Committee on Public Works invite representatives from Eversource and National Grid to a public forum to discuss the recent increases in gas and electric bills. – Item #21u CC Referred to Public Works Committee

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer provide City Council with a report detailing any plans the city has to save the forty-two (42) subsidized housing units set to expire in 2025 that includes a list of where each property is located.

Motion King @ #9.4A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning ways to gauge the impact other towns’ lack of affordable housing production has on the city.

Motion King @ #9.4B CM – Request City Manager request Chief Development Officer explore Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) when working through current and upcoming TIF and TIE projects, to increase and enhance community involvement.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.4B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with very simple, and easy to share monthly reports relative to anticipated revenues and shortfalls associated with the city’s monies.

Motion Bergman @ #9.4D CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning whether properties that have increased value due to being listed as waterfront properties have offset negative value if they are also listed in a flood zone on the FEMA Map.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.4D CM – Request City Manager include which properties are included on the FEMA Map flood zones on the property information of the city’s website.

Motion King @ #9.4G CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning a 2015 contract between the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) and Spatial Focus, Inc., which reviewed the city’s existing policies and processes for addressing and made recommendations to align with national best practices.

Motion Pacillo @ #9.7A CM – Request City Manager consider opening spray parks at earlier times during the summer to allow for children to take their afternoon naps.

Motion Toomey @ #9.7A CM – Request City Manager reach out to Umass Medical School to determine whether a program to provide free sunscreen to residents at water events during the summer can be realized.

Motion Russell @ #9.26A CM – Request City Manager request Chief Financial Officer include a notation on any vacant position in the city’s Budget Books beginning in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

Motion King @ #9.26A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning the feasibility of employing recruiters to increase interest and hiring power for the Worcester Police Department (WPD), Worcester Fire Department (WFD) and other departments, including the Department of Public Works and Parks (DPWP).

Motion Bergman @ #9.32B CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a report detailing the amount of monies the public has saved through the city not charging a fee for using public electric vehicle charging stations.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.33A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with the final Municipal Broadband Task Force Recommendations Report.

Motion Haxhiaj @ #9.33A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning Verizon’s progress concerning installing Fios throughout the city.

Motion Russell @ #9.33A CM – Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of all internet providers available in the city on the city’s website.

Motion King @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with report concerning guidance on appropriate instances for executive session that includes any responded to frequently asked questions on M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a) (1).

Motion Haxhiaj @ #11a CC – Request City Manager provide City Council with report detailing examples of cities and towns that have established a Codes of Conduct for their body, for the purpose of adopting a Code of Conduct for the Worcester City Council.

Motion Russell – Suspension of Rules – Request City Manager work with City Solicitor and City Clerk to provide City Council with report concerning what kind of political signage and messaging are allowed to be displayed at public meetings.