CITY OF WORCESTER
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL
- APRIL 27, 1999
7:00 P.M.
Convened: 7:10 P.M.
Recessed to
Executive Session: 9:35 P.M.
Adjourned:
10:22 P.M.
1. INVOCATION - Rev. David Crabtree
First
Assembly of God Church
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER
3. ROLL CALL - All present except Councillors Finnegan, Lukes and Petty. Councillor Lukes arrived at 7:12 P.M.
Mayor Mariano acknowledged college students from eight area colleges and Educational Talent Search at Burncoat High School who participated in the Mayor’s College Clean-up
Mayor Mariano
acknowledged representatives from the Ivory Coast
Nadine Casey
spoke on behalf of the Public Health Nurses and presented the Council with a
Petition urging the City Council to bring a fair resolution to the nurses’
contract
4. PRESENTATION
OF RESOLUTION TO FRANCIS X. SENA FOR
HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WORCESTER REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
5. RECOGNITION
OF MEMBERS OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMITTEE.
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING
- 7:00 P.M.
6. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Frederick Grandinetti request to amend the zoning map for property located at 691 Grafton St. by changing current zoning designation from partially BL-1.0 and RL-7 to BL-1.0 in its entirety.
Given leave to withdraw
without prejudice at request of petitioner
HEARING AND ORDERS - 7:00
P.M.
7. NEW ENGLAND VOICE & DATA LLC for a conduit location on: Franklin St. at the intersection of New Salem St., to Green St. at the intersection of Green St. and Temple St. Green St. at the intersection of Gold St. and Pond St., up Gold St. and left on Summit St. to an existing building marked GE.
7a
HEARING HELD - ORDER ADOPTED
On a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 0 Nays Councillor Perotto
was recused
7a. Granting permission to NEW ENGLAND VOICE & DATA LLC for a conduit location on: Franklin St. at the intersection of Green St. and Temple St. Green St. at the intersection of Gold St. and Pond St., up Gold St. and left on Summit St. to an existing building marked GE.
8. ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST
8a. ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST
PETITIONS
9
& 10 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BOARD
9. A. P. Etre, A.P. Etre Builders, Inc. request City Council to
accept O'Hara Circle as a public street.
10. Jonathan Finkelstein on behalf of Josue Rosa request the Zoning
Map be amended for that area of land on Pleasant St. shown on the attached plan
from RG-5 to BL-1.
10a. Councillor Stephen Patton on behalf of peter & Denise
Farnsworth request to make Diana St. public.
Referred to the Planning Board -
Suspension of Rules
11-17
REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
11. Heinz J. & Carol Ring request abatement of Street Assessment
#24317 in the amount of $12,367.26 on Salisbury St.
12. Milton P. & Alice C. Higgins request abatement of Street
Assessment #24334 in the amount of $3,453.00 on Barrows Rd.
13. Peter Geoffroy request City Council to repair steps on 34 Boyden
St.
14. Vasilios Hristoforidis et al request sidewalk at 198 May St.,
across from Fairlawn Hospital be repaired.
15. Annette Montanez Gonzalez request sidewalk repair in front of 22
Tower St.
16. Leo Boisvert & Robert Currier request to install approximately 150' of sanitary sewer in Eames Rd., under a prior agreement with the City of Worcester and at the owner's expense.
17. Donald Grady et al request that the "Yard Waste Drop Off Site" located on North Lake Ave. by Lake Quinsigamond and the Coal Mine Brook be moved immediately to an appropriate location for the following reasons: 1) Diesel fumes creating unhealthful conditions for abutting residents, especially those with severe respiratory conditions. 2) Accumulation of trash e.g. batteries, tires, tars, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, chemicals from law care, furniture, computers, televisions, plastics of all types, etc. 3) Noise: diesel motors and compressors running every weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from April to January. 4) Traffic: overwhelming increase of traffic causing serious safety hazards.
17a. Philip Palmieri et al request private street betterment on Risso
Court. Referred to Public Works Committee - Suspension of Rules
17b. Walter Swett et al request private street maintenance on Rose
Lane. Referred to Public Works Committee - Suspension of Rules
18-21
REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE
18. Richard Rushford et al request resident sticker parking on
Dutton St. from College St. east to the dead end.
19. Councillor Stephen T. Patton request installation of speed humps
or other speed control devices on Country Club Blvd.
20. Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Jennifer Bourassa
request Traffic and Parking have a speed monitor on Main St. at Freeland St.
and another on May St. at Woodland St. to monitor traffic speed.
21. Larry & Sandy Webb et al request resident parking on Bowdoin
St. from Irving St. to 14 Bowdoin St.
21a. Donald Courtney, Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 request
installation of a traffic signal in front of the fire station on West Boylston
St. This traffic signal will enable
fire trucks to safely exist and enter the station while responding to or
returning from alarms. Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee
- Suspension of Rules
21b. Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Lori Mathews request
speed bumps in the vicinity of 30-42 Marsh Ave. Referred to Traffic &
Parking Committee - Suspension of Rules
22
REFERRED TO THE CITY MANAGER
Council suspended its rules to allow Lynn Simonds to speak
22. Councillor Stacey Luster on behalf of Lynn Simonds et al - Due to numerous filed and unfiled complaints about Police behavior and conduct while on duty, petition the City Council of Worcester to do the following: 1. Hold public hearings where citizens can give testimony on their experiences and interactions with Police. 2. Create a Civil Review Panel which would be responsible for the review of all Police complaints made by citizens to the Internal Affairs Department. 3. Create a mechanism that will open dialogue between the Police and citizens on what should be our expectations of each other.
23-25
HEARINGS SET FOR MAY 4, 1999 - 7:00 P.M.
23. MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a cable and conduit system on: MILLBROOK STREET.
24. MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE &
TELEGRAPH COMPANY for 3 pole locations on: ROUTE 20 (aka Southwest Cutoff).
25. MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH
COMPANY for a pole relocation on: ROUTE 20 (aka Southwest Cutoff).
26. COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. NON-CITY COUNCIL
CONFIRMATION:
A. Notification
of Constable Appointment. Scott Derry
Placed on file
2. CITY
COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:
3. AIRPORT:
A. Communication relative to Memorandum of Understanding among the Massachusetts Port Authority, and The City of Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Worcester Airport Commission.
Referred to Public Service
& Transportation Committee
4. ASSESSORS:
5. BUDGET
OFFICE:
6. CIVIC
CENTER:
7. COMMUNICATIONS:
8. DEVELOPMENT:
A. Communication
relative to new telecommunications company, New England Voice & Data.
Referred to Public Service
& Transportation Committee
9. ELDER
AFFAIRS:
10. ELECTION COMMISSION:
11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES:
12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:
A. Communication
relative to Case Load/Social Services.
Placed on file
13. FIRE:
A. Communication
relative to Process of Assigning Overtime in the
Fire Department.
Referred to Public Safety
Committee
14. HUMAN RESOURCES:
15. INFORMATION SERVICES:
16. LAW:
A. Communication
relative to ATEC Land.
Referred to Commerce &
Development Committee
B. Communication
relative to Cable Division Bulletin 99-2.
Referred to Public Service
& Transportation Committee
C. Communication
relative to Sex Offenders on Website/A.C.L.U. & CORI.
Referred to Public Safety
Committee
17. LICENSE COMMISSION:
18. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:
19. PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
A. Communication
relative to Replace Bench at Bus Stop - Russell and Pleasant Streets.
Placed on file
B. Communication
relative to 1998 Update on Worcester's Open Space.
Referred to Land Use
Committee
C. Request City Council accept with gratitude $7,495.00 in the form
of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the Environmental Systems Research
Institute, Inc. for the ESRI Local Government Start-up Grant Program.
Order adopted with gratitude
D. Communication
relative to HUD/CPD's Annual Assessment Report.
Referred to Community
Development Committee. Also referred to
Housing Committee for informational purposes only
E. Communication
relative to a program to improve residential street lighting in the Main South
neighborhood.
Approved
F. Communication
relative to RTA & Amalgamated Transit Union - Local #22 Negotiations.
Referred to Public Service
& Transportation Committee
20. POLICE:
A. Communication
relative to Police Coverage for Norwich, Mechanics and Foster Streets.
Referred to Public Safety
Committee
B. Communication
relative to Speed Monitoring/Harrington Way.
Placed on file
C. Communication
relative to Drug Activity in Farber Field.
Placed on file
21. PUBLIC HEALTH & CODE ENFORCEMENT:
A. Communication
relative to property at 150 Cambridge Street.
Placed on file
B. Communication
relative to the appointment of Joseph G. McCarthy, to the Board of
Certification of Health Officers.
Placed on file
22. PUBLIC LIBRARY:
A. Communication
relative to Library Construction Project.
Referred to Education
Committee
B. Communication
relative to Shut Down for Move.
Referred to Education
Committee
23. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
A. Communication
relative to Coal Mine Brook Property.
Referred to Education
Committee
24. PUBLIC WORKS:
A. Communication
relative to National Drinking Water Week Celebration.
Placed on file
B. Communication
relative to Off Street Parking Lots - Rehabilitation Program.
Referred to Traffic &
Parking Committee
C. Communication relative to a status report on Public Works Economic Development (PWED
Grant), Stafford Street Bridge Rehabilitation and Granite Street (RFP).
Referred to Public Works
Committee
25. PURCHASING:
A. Communication
relative to Greenwood Industries Letter.
Placed on file
26. TREASURY:
A. Communication
relative to City's outstanding debt - refinancing.
Placed on file
27. VETERANS' SERVICES:
28. FINANCE:
A. Recommend that Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) be transferred from Account #100-91000, City Clerk Personal Services, and appropriated to Account #100-92000, City Clerk Ordinary Maintenance.
Order adopted on a roll call
B. Recommend that One Hundred Thirty Four Thousand One Hundred Sixty Dollars Eighty Five Cents ($134,160.85) be transferred, when and as received, from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #41C703, DPW Department Capital Equipment.
Order adopted on a roll call
C. Recommend that Three Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty Two Dollars Seventy Five Cents ($3,822.75) be transferred from Account #330-07 Reserve For Appropriation Damage Settlement, and appropriated to Account #4105-92000, Central Garage Ordinary Maintenance.
Order adopted on a roll call
D. Recommend that One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C708, Water Filtration, and appropriated to Account #45C768, Water Filtration.
Order adopted on a roll call
E. Recommend that Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000 City Manager Contingency, and be appropriated to Account #140-92000 OPCD Ordinary Maintenance.
Order adopted on a roll call
F. Recommend that Three Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Six Dollars ($3,426.00) be transferred from Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #75C702, Civic Center Rehabilitation.
Order adopted on a roll call
29. ORDINANCES/ORDERS:
30. MISCELLANEOUS:
A. Communication
relative to Worcester Selected as an All American City Finalist.
Placed on file
CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS
27-29 FROM
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE - Adopted
27. Request Worcester Department of Public Health to recommend to
City Council, on or before May 12, 1999, an ordinance concerning smoking
tobacco in public places.
28.
Request
Worcester Department of Public Health to provide City Council with the language
of ordinances currently in force and effect in the towns of Westborough and
Holden and the cities of Fitchburg, Gardner and Boston, which deal with smoking
in public places, restaurants and bars.
29. Request Worcester Department of Public Health to provide City Council with a chart categorizing the various major differences in tobacco control ordinances from throughout the Commonwealth, including communities with total bans or partial bans on smoking tobacco in public places and/or restaurants, allowances for separate rooms, etc. prior to the next hearing in Legislative Affairs Standing Committee scheduled for May 12, 1999.
29a-29c
FROM MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Suspension of Rules
29a. That the City Council go on record in support of increasing the salary of the City Manager for 4 1/2 % by granting a 3% increase for the period from July 1, 1998 through December 31, 1999 and by granting a 3% increase for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. Further, that the employment contract of the City Manager to extended by one year from December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2000 and increasing the City Manager’s salary as of January 1, 2000 with a Cost of Living Allowance equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for calendar year 1999 or 3%, whichever is less.
At the request of Councillor Patton held one week under personal privilege
29b. Request City Auditor provide City Council with an analysis
regarding the COLA aspect of the offer to the City Manager. Adopted
29c. Request City Solicitor to prepare appropriate order concerning the
offer to the City Manager for the May 4, 1999 Council meeting. Adopted
30-39
FROM PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE - Adopted
30. Request City Manager to investigate as to whether there is grant
money available specifically for a mandatory bullet proof vest program.
31. Request Administration to report on the shelf life of a bullet
proof vest.
32. Request City Manager to report on the policy of the Worcester
Police Department relative to replacing bullet proof vests when there useful
life is expended.
33. Request Administration to conduct a study to compare tickets handed out prior to speed monitor in place and after speed monitor is removed.
34. Request City Manager to provide City Council with schedules of where speed monitors will be located in the future.
35. Request City Manager to consider implementing a policy for tracking requested assisted lift calls.
36. Request City Manager to contact U Mass. Hospital to see if they can negotiate with AMR to provide backup for heavy lifts.
37. Request City Manager to contact U Mass. management in regard to their understanding of the heavy lift policy of the Worcester Fire Department.
38. Request City Manager to provide City Council with a progress report on present and future construction of the Webster Square Fire Station, including hazardous waste found on the property and whether this will affect construction timing.
39. Request City Manager report on developing a contingency plan for putting on a fire class in FY 2000 if the situation so dictates from a safety and financial perspective.
40-42
FROM YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE - Adopted
40. Request Parks Commissioner to report to City Council before May 31 the final results of his efforts to secure partnerships for full funding of the proposed improvements to Duffy Field.
41. Request City Manager to request the Commissioner of Public Works report to City Council regarding the plans and associated costs for disposal of street sweepings and catch basin materials after the closing of the Ballard St. landfill, incorporating the results of studies undertaken by the Department of Environmental Protection which identified the best practices for processing these types of materials which might be part of an overall recommendation for a pilot program in the City of Worcester.
42. Request City Manager to provide City Council with a listing of the recreational programs/services being provided in calendar 1999.
ORDERS
43. Request Administration to consider terminating the practice of permitting solicitation of money contributions by various groups at traffic intersections in the City. (Lukes)
Adopted
44. Request City Manager to reconsider placing brightly colored barrels and pedestrian walk signs in certain crosswalks directly abutting senior housing. (Mariano)
Adopted
45. Request City Manager, working with the Office of Planning and Community Development, take advantage of the federal designation of empowerment zone/enterprise zone to access federal dollars for at-risk children. (Mariano)
Adopted
46. Request City Manager, working with the Director of Human Rights, Director of Human Resources and the City Solicitor develop a police and community relations improvement program. (Luster)
Adopted
47. Request Administration to conduct a complete review of all current internal affairs processes, whether or not adhered to. (Luster)
Adopted
48. Request Administration to review all internal affairs cases over
the past five years to determine the sufficiency of the investigations and
whether additional review is warranted for serious allegations. (Luster)
Adopted
49. Request Administration to review the sufficiency of any anti-retaliation policies and determine whether additional protections are necessary to protect internal affairs investigators, complainants and/or witnesses. (Luster)
Adopted
50. Request Administration to review all penalties imposed over the past five years under the internal affairs process to determine whether penalties are appropriately and equitably imposed. (Luster)
Adopted
51. Request Administration report on the selection process and specific training provided for police officers on internal affairs assignments. (Luster)
Adopted
52. Request Administration to review the Police Academy training
program to determine whether the training should be revised to include an
increased emphasis on conflict resolution and respect of human and civil
rights. (Luster)
Adopted
53. Request Administration to review the Police Academy training cadre to determine whether the police officers assigned adequately reflect the diversity of Worcester. (Luster)
Adopted
54. Request City Manager to have Worcester Police Department enforce
speed limit on Country Club Blvd.
(Patton)
Adopted
55. That the City Council go on record in support of increasing the salary of the City Manager by 4 1/2% by granting a 3% increase for the period from July 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998, and by granting a 3% increase for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. Further, that the employment contract of the City Manager be extended by one year from December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2000 and increasing the City Manager's salary as of January 1, 2000 with a Cost of Living Allowance equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for calendar year 1999 or 3%, whichever is less. (Murray, Perotto, Petty, Nadeau, Finnegan, Lukes)
Councillor Murray requested
to add Councillor Luster’s name to the Order
Councillor Murray requested
the item be held one week under personal privilege
56. Request Election Commission to forward to City Council copies of
all organizational statements and statements of fund raising activities
including statements of expenditures of any and all political action committees
or organizations involved in charter reform issues or strong mayor campaigns
who have filed with the City's Election Commission or the State Office of Campaign
and Finance in 1999. (Lukes, Nadeau)
Order adopted on a roll call
vote of 8 Yeas and 1 Nay (Luster)
57. Request Law Department to submit an opinion as to whether the
special act method is available to a city who has previously adopted a Home
Rule Charter. (Nadeau, Lukes)
Adopted
58. Request City Administration undertake clean-up efforts at Duffy
Field. (Murray)
Adopted
59. Request City Administration increase Police patrols in the Duffy
Field and Bancroft Tower Hill areas.
(Murray)
Adopted
60. Request City Administration consider increasing funding
allocation for non-Block Grant eligible parks. (Murray, Finnegan)
Councillor Patton moved to amend: Further, request City Manager provide City Council with an overall plan for funding of all City park improvements
Councillor Perotto moved to amend: Further, request City Manager provide City Council with a report as to how much money has been spent on non-Block Grant eligible parks in the last three years
61. Request City Administration update City Council on improvements needed at Cookson Field. (Murray)
Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request City Administration to update City Council as to the issues with open space relative to Cookson Field and to specifically ask Holy Cross College and the Audubon Society of their potential involvement in developing that parcel as an open space parcel
Order adopted, as amended
62. Request City Manager to appoint a Task Force on Childhood and Teenage Violence to focus on public health and public safety issues involving Worcester's children for the purpose of establishing community dialogue and collaboration. The process should include participation from the School Superintendent and School Committee and Task Force membership should also include but not be limited to teens, parents, business, police, school and city representatives. (Lukes)
Withdrawn
63. Request City Manager report on the number of gun related injuries and deaths in Worcester and surrounding areas in the past three years as reported by the Mass. Department of Public Health. (Lukes)
Adopted
64. Request City Manager to submit a report on gun related arrests in Worcester in the past three years. (Lukes)
Adopted
65. Request City Manager report on the number of guns sold and the number of guns registered in Worcester for the past three years. (Lukes)
Adopted
66. Request City Manager report as to whether a gun buy-back program is being considered for the near future. (Lukes)
Adopted
67. Request Police Department to establish a policy regarding Little League fund raising activity at dangerous intersections throughout the City. (Cooney)
Adopted
67a. Request Administration to provide City Council with an update in
one month as to where the City is relative to ATEC land. Motion-Clancy @ #16A CM - Adopted
67b. Request City Manager report to City Council on Crow Hill
acquisition along with the Worcester Greater Land Trust. Motion-Perotto
@ #16B CM - Adopted
67c. Request Administration to keep City Council informed on pending
litigation relative to pictures being part of the booking record and thus part
of the CORI process for sex offenders. Motion-Murray @ #16C CM - Adopted
67d. Request Administration to send a copy of Item #19B of the City
Manager’s Calendar of April 27, 1999 to former City Councillor John B.
Anderson. Motion-Cooney @ #19B CM - Adopted
67e. Request City Manager include in the development of the GIS system
notation of disability access improvements.
Motion-Luster @ #19C CM - Adopted
67f. Request City Manager to report if there are any efforts to
identify any other neighborhoods that are in the dark and need improved
residential street lighting, in particular the Hooper St./Catharine St.
area. Motion-Luster @ #19E CM - Adopted
67g. Request City Manager to report on all street lights that have been
approved by the City Council but yet to be funded. Motion-Cooney @ #19E CM -
Adopted
67h. Request City Manager report to City Council at the May 4, 1999
City Council meeting as to the feasibility of using a Park and Walk program
during the Little League season. Motion-Clancy @ #20C CM - Adopted
67I. Request City Manager look at the whole package of parking lots to
see if bonding could be extended in order to shorten the length of time that it
takes to rehabilitate all the open air parking lots. Motion-Perotto @ #24B CM -
Adopted
67j. Request Administration to provide City Council with a plan as to
how the City might work with the State to improve parking lots on lower Grafton
St. Motion-Clancy @ #24B CM - Adopted
67k. Request City Solicitor to provide City Council with a legal
opinion as to what the City’s liability is if we know, as a City, that we are
not enforcing the Ordinance relative to money solicitation at traffic
intersections and someone has an accident, whether the soliciting is being done
by permit or not. Motion-Lukes @ #43CC - Adopted
67L. Request Public Works Administration report at the City Council
meeting of May 4, 1999 as to a timetable necessary to complete the sidewalk
rehabilitation program for FY 1999. Motion-Clancy @ #155CC - Adopted
67m. Request City Council go on record requesting the WRA, as part of
the reconfiguration and elimination of Washington Square, to relocate the
Christoforo Columbo statue to a prominent location on the plaza in front of
Union Station. Further, request that
the plaza be named the Christoforo Columbo Plaza. Mariano, Clancy, Perotto
on behalf of the Order Sons of Italy, UNICO Club, Shrewsbury St. Merchants
Association, State Representative Vincent Pedone, State Senator Robert
Bernstein and Register of Deeds Anthony Vigliotti - Suspension of Rules -
Adopted
67n. Request City Manager to consider creating a “pedestrian mall” in
downtown Worcester. Said request to
include but is not limited to a consideration of Mechanic and Norwich Sts. and
include an analysis on its advisability relative to the new college located in
that area. Mariano - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67o. Request City Manager to reconsider its past decision relative to
opening up the Blackstone in the downtown/Green Island area. Mariano
- Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67p. Request City Manager to consider a supplemental budget request for
the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women in order to do the job they have
been charged to do. Luster - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67q. Request Administration keep City Council abreast of House Ways and
Means Committee budget reports on communities that are being considered to
receive MBTA service. Murray - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67r. Request City Manager to request the WRA to report regarding the
leasing of space in Union Station and the process for documenting requests for
leasing of space. Lukes - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67s. Request City Manager to review the City’s Zoning Ordinance and
make recommendations regarding placement of TV satellite systems on buildings
and on the front areas of residential lawns.
Lukes - Suspension of Rules -
Adopted
67t. Request City Manager to contact Sandy Dunn to see if there is any
way Spectacor can lend their expertise to what the City is doing at Union
Station. Cooney - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
67u. Request City Manager and City Solicitor to obtain information on
the Supreme court ruling on satellites vis a vis cable systems and how this
will impact cable users. Cooney - Suspension of Rules - Adopted
COMMUNICATION
68. James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting Auditors Report -
March 31, 1999.
Referred to Municipal
Operations Committee
RESOLUTION
69. That the Worcester City Council honor the Worcester Lodge of
Elks, No. 243 for their commitment to area students with their Annual Youth
Awards and Recognition Dinner. (Cooney)
Adopted on a roll call
70. RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:
a) #39CC
May 12, 1998
Order - Request Administration report on the policy of the Worcester Convention Center/Centrum Centre in seeking out, catering and servicing small group events and what impact this type of competition has had amongst the local restaurants and hotels. (Lukes)
b) #6CC
October 20, 1998
Communication of James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting communication relative to tax levy impact regarding funding of a staff person to the Mayor's Office from the School Department budget if the salary for the position does not qualify under the school reform financing formula and explaining the significance of the School Department's October report to the Department of Education with respect to current year's Net School Spending requirements.
c) #4CC
December 15, 1998
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the current five-year fiscal projection for the fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
d) #5CC
December 15, 1998
Order - Request City Manager to construct the Fiscal Year 2000 budget that only anticipates new growth and does not include an increase of 2 1/2% allowed under Proposition 2 1/2. (Petty, Patton, Mariano, Finnegan, Murray, Cooney, Lukes, Perotto)
e) #6CC
December 15, 1998
Order - Request City Manager to consider proposing a hiring freeze of City employees except for public safety employees. (Petty)
f) #4B CM
December 15, 1998
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to calculations, 10 Year Period to a Single Tax Rate.
g) #5A CM
December 15, 1998
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Fiscal 2000 Projections.
h) #5B CM
December 15, 1998
Communication of the City Manager transmitting reports from Janice Borg Silverman, Director, Human Resources and John Pranckevicius, Budget Director.
i) #33h CC
December 15, 1998
Motion - That the City Council develop a schedule of
Finance meetings at least once a month, starting in January. (Lukes)
j) #5A CM
February 9, 1999
Communication of the City Manager transmitting
communication relative to Motions made by Councillors from the December 15,
1998 Council Finance Committee meeting.
k) #5B CM
February 9, 1999
Communication of the City Manager transmitting
communication relative to the Fiscal 2000 Budget.
l) #5A CM
February 23, 1999
Communication of the City Manager
transmitting communication relative to Municipal Research Bureau
Presentation.
m) 4C CM
March 16, 1999
Communication of the City Manager
transmitting communication relative to Proposition 2 1/2 ceiling.
n) #59CC
April 6, 1999
Communication of the City Manager transmitting
communication relative to the FY 2000 budget.
REPORTS
70a
- 70d ACCEPTED - Suspension of Rules
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the
following Orders : recommend Orders be placed on file.
70a. Order of Councillors Murray, Perotto, Petty, Nadeau, Cooney and Finnegan requesting City Council Municipal Operations Committee meet with the City Manager concerning possible terms and conditions of a new employment contract.
70b. Order of Councillor Lukes requesting City Council, through the
Municipal Operations Committee to immediately start negotiations with the City
Manager regarding renewal of his contract and report back to the full City
Council within 30 days.
70c. Order of Councillor Perotto requesting Municipal Operations Committee
to consider offering the City Manager a two year contract with a 3% pay raise
for each of the two years going back to the City Manager’s last contract.
70d. Order of Mayor Mariano to consider a pay raise for the City
Manager.
71-94
ACCEPTED
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the following
Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on
file.
71. Transmitting communication relative to Operational Policy -
Worcester Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technician Services.
72. Transmitting communication relative to Police/Civilian Survey of
Cities Similar in Size to Worcester.
73. Transmitting communication relative to regular location and
shift assignments of 22 Latino Police Officers.
74. Transmitting communication relative to Bullet Proof Vests - Police
Officers.
75. Transmitting communication relative to Funding of Bullet Proof
Vests.
76. Transmitting communication relative to Bullet Proof Vests.
77. Transmitting communication relative to Rehabilitation of North
Lake Ave. Police Station.
78. Transmitting communication relative to the feasibility of
rehabilitating the North Lake Ave. Police Station.
79. Transmitting communication relative to motorist friendly speed
monitors.
80. Transmitting communication relative to FY 1999 Community
Policing Grant Program Award.
81. Transmitting communication relative to Grant Money - Civilian
Personnel in Police Department.
82. Transmitting communication relative to an updated status report
on the next fire class.
83. Transmitting communication relative to the Worcester Research
Bureau's report entitled "Worcester's Fire Department: Facts and
Figures".
84. Transmitting communication relative to Affirmative Action
Program.
85. Transmitting communication relative to Defibrillator Training.
86. Transmitting communication relative to Heavy Lifts/EMS.
87. Transmitting communication relative to U Mass. EMS Move.
88. Transmitting communication relative to NFPA Guidelines.
89. Transmitting communication relative to Fire Coverage Area -
McKeon Rd. Fire Station.
90. Transmitting communication relative to Communications Committee
Meetings.
91. Transmitting communication relative to Engine 13 - Covering for
other stations.
92. Transmitting communication relative to Status Report on the
Webster Sq. Fire Station.
93. Transmitting communication relative to Failures - Communications
System.
94. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Upon the Communication
of James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting City's Management Letter for the
year ended June 30, 1997, prepared by KPMG Peat Marwick: recommend
Communication be placed on file.
95-98 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Reports
of the Planning Board upon Petitions requesting streets be made public: recommend
adoption of the accompanying Orders.
95. Albert Etre, A.P. Etre Builders, Inc. request City Council
accept Etre Dr. as a public street.
96. Robert L. Moylan, Jr., Commissioner of Public Works request
acceptance as a public street the land donated by Alice Higgins and accepted by
the City Council on April 14, 1998 for the creation of a cul-de-sac at the
southwesterly terminus of Barrows Rd.
97. Robert H. Gallo, President, Fox Hill Builders, Inc. request
acceptance of Pinewood Lane in its entirety in the Villages of Moreland Green
Subdivision.
98. Robert H. Gallo, President, Fox Hill Builders, Inc. request
acceptance of Moreland Green Dr. from station 32 + 52.76 and 37 + 80.10 in the
Villages of Moreland Green Subdivision.
98a & 98b
ACCEPTED AND ORDERS ADOPTED - Suspension of Rules
98a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of
Michael Burke on behalf of Matt Miles requesting to extend sewers in Woodcliff
Ave. from existing manhole at Dupuis Ave. approximately 275’ at owner’s expense
to service two proposed houses: recommend adoption of the accompanying
Order.
98b. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of George
E. Smith, P.E. requesting to extend the 8” sanitary sewer and the 15” surface sewer
westerly from Pollock St. on Franklin St. for a distance of 320’ at owner’s
expense, under a prior agreement and in accordance with the City of Worcester
specifications: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
99-103 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following
Petitions requesting sidewalk repair: recommend adoption of the accompanying
Orders.
99. Rubina Kyriakidis request new sidewalk and raise curb at 11
Hollywood St.
100. Councillor Timothy J. Cooney, Jr. on behalf of Clare Curtin
request Public Works investigate sidewalk problem at 6 Clark St.
101. Councillor Joseph Petty on behalf of Frank Roy request replacement
of crumbling sidewalk in front of 27 Wyola Dr.
102. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of
the City Manager transmitting communication relative to FY 2000 Water and Sewer
Rates: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order that the City Council
accepts the following recommendations of the Public Works Department relative
to FY 2000 Water and Sewer Rates: The water rate remains unchanged at $1.89 per
100 cubic ft. (ccf) of water used. The
sewer rate remains unchanged at $1.65 per 100 cubic ft. The water rate for out-of-town users remains
unchanged at $2.99 per 100 cubic ft. (ccf).
103. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of
the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Acceptance of Street
Easements: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order authorizing the City
Manager to accept a Deed of Easement for street purposes for those streets to
be constructed in Winter Heights Subdivision as shown on the Definitive Plan
prepared by Thompson-Liston Associates, Inc., dated May 1, 1998, all in
accordance with the Planning Board's approval thereof on May 27, 1998.
103a
ACCEPTED AND ORDER ADOPTED - Suspension of Rules
103a. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of
the City Manager transmitting communication relative to 76 East Worcester St.
property: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
104-110
ACCEPTED
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following
Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on
file.
104. Transmitting communication relative to Widening of Caro St.
105. Transmitting communication relative to Arnold Rd. Damage.
106. Transmitting communication relative to MDC Sewer Project - Status
Report.
107. Transmitting communication relative to Scheduling Board/Commission
Meetings.
107a. Transmitting communication relative to Asphalt Alternatives and
Landscaping of Parking Lots. Suspension of Rules
107b. Transmitting communication relative to Yard Waste and Leaf Program
Opening. Suspension of Rules
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following
Petitions: recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.
108. Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Margaret Sohigian request
Public Works repair gutter along the front of 12 Berkshire St.
109. Wayne A. Griffin request clearance of overgrown brush on City or
School owned land along the northerly side of Mower St. just before the
driveway to West Tatnuck School because of the unsafe condition created for
school children and motorists.
110. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Frank
J. & Rose I. Berkiel requesting abatement of Street Assessment #24290 in
the amount of $6,564.55 on Willard Ave.: recommend Petition be denied.
111-119
ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the
following Petitions requesting various signs: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Orders.
111. Councillor Stephen Patton on behalf of Brian Lawson requesting
School Zone sign be placed on New Bond St.
112. Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting elderly crossing signage on Upland St. at driveway of Emanuel
Village.
113. Councillor Janice L. Nadeau requesting No Parking sign on Main St.
20' from intersection of Main and Gardner Sts.
114. Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting Do Not Block
Intersection sign at the intersection of Burghardt and Grafton Sts.
115. Councillor John Finnegan requesting to install 20 MPH speed
advisory signs at both ends of Parsons Hill Dr.
116. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Chris Papakosta requesting No
Commercial Parking sign from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. be removed on the odd side
of Russell St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.
117. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting a crosswalk on Upland St. at bus
stop opposite Emanuel Village driveway: recommend adoption of the
accompanying Order.
118. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Melvin Peters requesting to provide for a commercial loading zone on
Thursdays only from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 61 Townsend St.: recommend
adoption of the accompanying Order.
119. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Woodland St. Neighborhood
requesting signal light at the intersection of May and Woodland Sts. Further, to look at block grant funding for
this light: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order requesting the City
Manager provide funds to install a signal light at the intersection of May and
Woodland Sts., pending CDBG funding.
120 ACCEPTED AND
ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED TO RESCIND THE PASSENGER ZONE AND VOTED TO ADVERTISE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
120. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Councillor Timothy Murray and Councillor Michael C. Perotto requesting
removal of Bus Stop in front of Adams Congregational Church on Lincoln St.: recommend
adoption of the accompanying Order rescinding the Commercial Loading Zone on
Lincoln St., west side from Gilman St. to a pt. 40' south of Gilman St. and
passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to provide for one hour parking
meters on the west side of Lincoln St. near Gilman St.
121-128
VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the
following Petitions requesting handicap parking: recommend passage of the
accompanying proposed Ordinances.
121. Councillor Timothy J. Cooney, Jr. on behalf of Richard Stevens
requesting City Council approve handicap parking in front of 115 Endicott St.
122. Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Edward Berry
requesting handicap parking in front of 35 Louise St.
123. Albert DiGregorio requesting handicap parking in front of 76 Ward
St.
124. Fernando Berrios requesting handicap parking in front of 96 West
St.
125. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Samuel DeSimone, Esquire on behalf of National Development of New England
requesting to establish No Parking Zones for a distance of 20' on either side
of driveway entrance to facility at 340 May St.: recommend passage of the
accompanying proposed Ordinance.
126. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Aderbal Deoliveira, Cantinho Do Brasil requesting that Traffic and Parking
Committee install 30 minute parking in front of 256 Shrewsbury St.: recommend
passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.
127. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Chris Papakosta requesting to
reverse winter parking on Russell St. between Highland St. and Park Ave.: recommend
passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.
128. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition
of Nikos Tambouratzakis et al requesting residential parking on Somerset St.: recommend
passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance to provide for resident permit
parking on the odd numbered side of Somerset St. from Highland St. to William
St.
129-136
ACCEPTED
129. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the
Petition of John Carnegie and members of the Coalition for Green Hill Park
requesting City Council secure a status report on positive actions taken by the City Manager and relevant federal
and state agencies to address the future disposition of street sweeping and
catch basin materials. Further,
request City Council use this opportunity to enhance their information and
resources relationship with Worcester colleges and universities that can assist
in accomplishing these objectives: recommend Petition be placed on file.
130. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the
Petition of Jennifer O'Kere et al requesting a monument or statue be erected
and unveiled in the downtown Worcester Common in honor of Marshall
"Major" Taylor by February 1999: recommend Petition be placed on
file.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon
the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications
be placed on file.
131. Transmitting communication relative to Proposed Monument -
Marshall "Major" Taylor.
132. Transmitting communication relative to Holland Rink Land.
133. Transmitting communication relative to Status Report - Beaver
Brook Basketball Court Construction.
134. Transmitting communication relative to Testing of Bathing Beaches.
135. Transmitting communication relative to Listing of Recreational
Programs/Services.
136. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the
Communication of James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting communication
relative to the use of Green Hill Golf Course enterprise funds for repayment of
debt service for Green Hill Park improvements: recommend Communication be
placed on file.
137 GIVEN LEAVE TO
WITHDRAW AT REQUEST OF PETITIONER - Council suspended its rules to allow
Petitioner to speak
137. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the
Petition of William Coleman, III and Joseph Pio requesting City Council vote to
support the naming of Holmes Park baseball field the Nick Manzello Ballfield
and send this vote of support to the Parks and Recreation Sub-committee for
name and land use policy: recommend refer to City Council without
recommendation.
138-153 FROM TRAFFIC
& PARKING COMMITTEE - VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES
138. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind handicap parking on the north side of Ames St. near Vernon St.
139. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind handicap parking on the south side of Esther St. near Vernon
St.
140. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 3 Lyon St.
141. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind handicap parking in front of 1 Watson Ave.
142. Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to revise resident permit parking on the west side of Barber Ave. near Watson
Ave.
143. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind 30 minute parking meters on the north side of Myrtle St. near
Portland St. and in its place install prohibited parking.
144. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to prohibit parking on both sides of Cataract St. near Juniper St.
145. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind one hour parking meters on the south side of Chatham St. near
Main St. and install in its place prohibited parking.
146. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind two hour parking meters on the east side of Eden St. near
Sudbury St.
147. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to rescind prohibited parking on the south side of Salisbury St. near
Boynton St.
148. Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to prohibit parking on both sides of Austin St. from Main St. to Irving
St. between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., December 1 through April 30.
149. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to prohibit parking on both sides of North Parkway near North Service Rd.
150. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to prohibit parking on the south side of Chandler St. near Abbott St.
151. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to prohibit parking on the north side of Chandler St. near Mayfield St.
152. Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to provide for 15 minute parking on the east side of Providence St. near
Dorchester St.
153. Amending Section 71 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of
1996 to provide for resident permit parking on Alpine St.
TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE
154
& 155 TABLED
154. Order of Councillor Timothy J. Cooney, Jr. requesting the City Council to accept the following policy recommendation relative to selecting sidewalks for improvement: The Public Works Committee selects sidewalks based on the following: 1) Sidewalk funds are allocated 60% for categories 1, 2 and 3 and 40% for category 4. 2) Selection of sidewalks will recognize and be guided by the following factors: Age of petition, community request and support and allocation of funds citywide.
155. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the
Committee on Public Works upon the Communication of the City Manager
transmitting communication relative to FY/99 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program: recommend
adoption of the accompanying Order.
TABLED ITEMS - No Action Taken
156. Communication of the City Manager recommending that Twelve
Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars and Fifty Cents ($12,688.50) be
transferred from Account 331-46, Belmont Home Retained Earnings and
appropriated to Account 045S505, Belmont Home Advertising, to provide funds for
the purpose of payment for advertising costs for proposed sale of the Belmont
Home.
157. Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication
relative to an RFP for the sale of the Belmont Home.
158. Chairman's Order from Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee -
Request Administration to consider using the current site of the Vocational
School, on the side of the Boys Club, as park land after discontinuance of use
as a Vocational School.
159. Chairman's Order from Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee -
Request Administration to consider eliminating the softball field on the Belmont
St. side of the Vocational School site plan.
160. Chairman's Order from Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee -
Request Administration to reconsider keeping educationally sound, the size of
the parking area for the new Vocational School.
161. REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Jonathan Finkelstein,
Esquire on behalf of Smallwood Village Associates, Inc. requesting City of
Worcester make Travis St. public.
162. Order - Request City Council go on record in support of a Charter
Commission regarding the issue of Charter reform. (Lukes, Nadeau, Cooney)