CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 21, 1999

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:05 P.M.

Adjourned:  11:16 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION -   Rev. Martin Perry

Park Congregational Church

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL - All present except Councillors Cooney and Lukes.  Councillor Lukes arrived at 7:15 P.M.  Councillor Cooney arrived at 8:10 P.M.

 

HEARING & ORDER - 7:00 P.M.

 

4.       NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for a conduit location on: WHISPER DRIVE.

 

          4a ADOPTED

 

4a.     Granting permission to NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for a conduit location on: WHISPER DRIVE.

 

FIRST ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

          5 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 10-0

 

5.       Chairman's Order from Health Committee - That the City Council requests the Health Department to adhere to the Animal Control Ordinance in its present form without the addition of any grandfather clause.

 

          6-9 REPORTS ACCEPTED ON A ROLL CALL 10-0

 

6.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH Upon the Petition of David & Lindsay Corey - In accordance with Civil Action 99CV533 we have been ordered by the Court to obtain a specific answer concerning our three dogs housed at 30 Locust Ave.  We request an answer on the grandfathering of our dogs: recommend Petition be placed on file.

 

7.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to four Dalmatian dogs that are housed on Locust St.: recommend Communication be placed on file.

 

8.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH Upon the Communication of David J. Rushford, City Clerk stating the number of households wherein more than two (2) dogs were licensed during the 1997 license year, the last license year in which more than two (2) dogs could be licensed to a dwelling unit: recommend Communication be placed on file.

 

9.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH Upon the Petition of Donna Saari et al requesting to allow Corey family to keep four (4) Dalmatian dogs at 30 Locust Ave.: recommend Petition be denied.

 

10.     ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

10a.   ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          11 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BOARD

 

11.     Donna Perotto-Therrien et al request to make Dixfield St. public from Castine St. up to and including properties of 21 and 18 Dixfield St.

 

          12-17 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

12.     Sohpie Groccia et al request private street maintenance on Valley View Lane.

 

13.     Councillor Stephen Patton request Public Works repair sidewalk at 30 Berwick St.

 

14.     Councillor Stephen Patton request Public Works repave entire length of Claridge Rd.

 

15.     Councillor Stephen Patton request Public Works repave entire length of Berwick St.

 

16.     Councillor Stephen Patton request Public Works repave entire length of Osceola Ave.

 

17.     Pierre & Carolyn Bellil request to replace sidewalk along 4 Lansing Ave.

 

          18-27 EXCEPT 20 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

18.     Iwona Rogowski request a portion of Arthur St. be resident only parking.

 

19.     Bernadette Forget et al request to place crosswalk back to original place on Merrifield St.

 

20.     Kevin Ksen request City of Worcester to report to resident and business groups in the Pleasant/Piedmont Sts. neighborhood on the status of implementation, funding and timeline for Pleasant St. 2-way traffic. Referred to the City Manager

 

21.     Colleen Gallagher et al request a maximum weight limit of 5 tons be established to exclude trucks and heavy equipment vehicles on Brattle St.

 

22.     Councillor John Finnegan on behalf of Kevin & Catherine McCormack et al request trial speed bumps on Coolidge Rd.

 

23.     Lorna Soter et al request Fruit St., from William St. to Highland St. be designated as a 24 hr. resident only parking zone.

 

24.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Edward Breau request No Parking in front of 113 Lake Ave.

 

25.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Christine Russo request Stop sign at corner of Oakhurst & Amesbury Sts.

 

26.     Cathy O'Brien, General Manager, The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel request permission to put up trailblazing signs on City signs that are located off Route. 290.

 

27.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Charles Gelardi request to repair and install four crosswalks at the intersection of Elm & Russell Sts.

 

27a.   Councillor Stephen Patton request a handicap parking space in the vicinity of the recreation area at Lincoln Village.  Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee - Suspension of Rules

 

27b.   Councillor Stephen Patton request a painted crosswalk at the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.  Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee - Suspension of Rules

 

27d.   Councillor Stephen Patton request No Parking in the vicinity of the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.  Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee - Suspension of Rules

 

27d.   Councillor Stephen Patton request School Department provide a bus monitor and crossing guard at the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.  Referred to School Department - Suspension of Rules

 

          28-41  HEARINGS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 28, 1999 - 7:00 P.M.

 

28.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for a joint pole location on: MERTON ROAD.

 

29.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for one joint pole location on: ALBERMARLE ST.

 

30.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for 12 solely owned pole locations on: PLANTATION STREET.

 

31.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: MAIN ST.

 

32.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: TRACY PLACE.

 

33.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: HOPE AVE.

 

34.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: FRANKLIN ST.

 

35.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: CHATHAM ST.

 

36.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: IRVING ST.

 

37.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: BEACON ST.

 

38.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: LAGRANGE ST.

 

39.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: JACKSON ST.

 

40.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: CHARLTON ST.

 

41.     WILLIAMS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for a conduit location on: WELLINGTON ST.

 

42.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

                      

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

 1.      NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

  2.     CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

                  A.       Notification of the appointment of John Riggle to the Community Development Advisory Committee.

 

Appointment confirmed on a roll call 10-0

 

TRANSMITTALS

 

 

 3.      AIRPORT:

         

 4.      ASSESSORS:

 

 5.      BUDGET OFFICE:

 

A.               Communication relative to 1st Quarter Local Aid Distributions/Surplus Lottery Proceeds.

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

  6.     CIVIC CENTER:

 

 7.      COMMUNICATIONS:

 

 8.      DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.               Communication relative to the Worcester Info Tech Project.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

B.        Communication relative to a response from the Worcester Redevelopment Authority to the local State Delegation.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Smile Face Stamp Unveiling.

 

Placed on file

 

D.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Communication relative to Worcester Info-Tech Project as prepared by      Susan Black, Marketing Director.

         

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

 9.      ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

A.               Request adoption to file and accept a FY’2000 Grant from the Kiwanis Foundation of Worcester.

 

Resolution adopted

 

10.     ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11.     EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES:

 

12.     EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13.     FIRE:

 

14.     HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

A.               Request adoption of a Salary Ordinance amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, l996 Occupational Group K – Library.

 

Voted to advertise proposed Ordinance

 

B.                Communication relative to Legislature’s Special Commission to study Binding Arbitration.

 

Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee

 

15.     INFORMATION SERVICES:

 

16.     LAW:

 

A.               Communication relative to Three G’s Enterprises, Inc.,

 

Placed on file

 

B.                Communication relative to Licensing or Permitting More Than Two Dogs Per Dwelling Unit.

 

Placed on file

 

17.     LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18.            PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Communication relative to Massachusetts Gold Association’s “1999 Best Of” – Best municipal Golf Course.

 

          Placed on file

 

19.     PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.               Communication relative to Homeownership Conference.

 

Placed on file

 

B.                Request adoption of two resolutions recognizing the efforts of citizens relative to the recent improvements at the Tacoma Street Playground and the Banis Square Intergenerational Playground.

 

Resolutions adopted on a roll call 9-0

 

C.               Communication relative to September Meeting  of  the Route 146 CAC.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

D.               Communication relative to Streetscape Program.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

E.                Communication relative to the proposed update of the five-year Consolidated Submission for Community Planning and Development.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to land transfer necessary for the new Webster Fire Station.

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to Proposed RFP-City Owned Land In Shrewsbury.

 

Order adopted approving advertisement of the RFP for the sale of approximately 40 acres of land owned by the City of Worcester in the Town of Shrewsbury.

 

Also referred to Land Use Committee for informational purposes

 

20.      POLICE:

 

A.               Communication  relative to Park and Walk Program.

 

Recommitted to the City Manager for a monthly breakdown of where the Park & Walks take place

 

B           Communication  relative to future vacancies in the Worcester Police Department.

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Public Safety activities on College Hill.

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Traffic Study – Richmond Avenue & Flagg Street.

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

E.                Request City Council accept with gratitude an additional donation of $3,000.00 from District Attorney John Conte, to be used towards the Worcester Police Department’s Gun Buy Back Program.

 

Order adopted with gratitude

 

21.      PUBLIC HEALTH & CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

A.               Communication relative to Youth Tobacco Compliance Checks.

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

22.     PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

23.     PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

A.      SUPPLEMENTAL - Request City Council accept with gratitude a passenger van and two storage trailers from the Worcester Vocational/Technical Alumni Association to the Worcester Vocational School’s Building Trades Cluster in accordance with the stated wishes of the donors.

 

          Order adopted with gratitude

 

24.     PUBLIC WORKS:

 

          A.      Communication relative to Status Report #9 – Street Resurfacing Projects.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.                Communication relative to Concrete Sidewalks/Gateway Entrances to the City.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.               Communication relative to Capital Expenditures for Equipment in Public Works.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

D.               Communication relative to Construction of Sanitary Sewer.

 

Placed on file

 

E.                Communication  relative to Violations/Winter Parking Ban.

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

F.                Communication relative to Winter Parking Ban.

.

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

25.     PURCHASING:

 

26.     TREASURY:

 

27.     VETERANS' SERVICES:

 

28.            FINANCE:

 

A.               Recommend that One Million Four Hundred Thirty Five Thousand One Hundred Eighty Five Dollars ($1,435,185.00) be transferred from Account #91C711, Building Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #50C704, School Department Building Rehabilitation.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

B.                Recommend that Three Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars ($3,978.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #67C703, Assessing Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (1) GIS Computer Workstation.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.               Recommend that Twenty Six Thousand Four Hundred Ninety One Dollars Eleven Cents ($26,491.11) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Department Capital Equipment, for the purpose of purchasing (1) 4WD Tractor.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

D.               Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C797, Sidewalks.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

E.                Recommend that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C745, Surface Drainage, and appropriated to Account #44C761, Surface Drainage.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

F.                Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C768, Private Street Conversion.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

G.               Recommend that Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C741, Street Construction, and appropriated to Account #41C741, Street Resurfacing.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

H.               Recommend that Six Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($620,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C713, Water Mains, and appropriated to Account #45C720, Water Mains.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

I.                   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 11-0

 

J.                  Recommend that Six Hundred Nine Thousand Thirty Six Dollars Fifty Seven Cents ($609,036.57) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #25C701, Police Department Capital, for the purpose of purchasing the following pieces of capital equipment:

 

(6)     Police Marked Vehicles                      $162,354.00

(6)     Police Unmarked Vehicles                  $110,094.00

(1)     Motorcycle                                          $17,489.00

(1)     Patrol Wagon                                       $36,999.00

(3)     High Volume Photocopiers                   $22,500.00

(1)     Telephone System                              $259,600.57

          Total                                                 $609,036.57

 

For the Worcester Police Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

K.               Recommend that Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #04C701, City Manager’s Capital Equipment.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

L.                Recommend that Nine Million Five Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($9,535,000.00) be transferred from #91C790 School Construction and appropriated to the following accounts:

 

ACCOUNT           DESCRIPTION                                 AMOUNT

33C712                 Roosevelt School Construction           $5,695,000.00

33C714                 Norrback School Construction           $2,350,000.00

33C709                 Woodland School Construction          $1,165,000.00

33C711                 Woodland School Equipment                $325,000.00

                             TOTAL                                            $9,535,000.00

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

M.              Recommend that Two Hundred Eighty One Thousand One Hundred Eighty dollars ($281,180.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #72C701, Parks Department Capital, for purchasing various pieces of equipment.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

N.               Recommend that One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($180,000.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #19C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #68C701, Information Services Capital Equipment.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

O.              Recommend that Eighteen Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars Five Cents ($18,620.05)  be transferred from various accounts to provide funds for various equipment.        

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

29.     ORDINANCES/ORDERS:

 

30.     MISCELLANEOUS:

 

A.               Request approval of Resolutions relative to Service on Boards & Commissions.

 

Resolutions adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

B.                Communication relative to Grime Watch Program – Progress Report.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.               Communication relative to the 1999 All-America City custom-designed team shirts.

 

Placed on file

 

D.               Communication relative to Y2K Public Safety Action Plan.

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

E.                Communication relative to City of Worcester’s Y2K Preparedness.

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

ORDERS

 

43.     Request City Manager and Law Department investigate the feasibility of increased fines and sanctions for landlords who permit unlawful parties on their property.  (Mariano, Clancy, Nadeau) 

 

Adopted

 

44.     Request Law Department to research the Enabling Act (H1548-S567) and report back to the Housing Subcommittee as to the process and if this would be feasible for Worcester to implement. (Nadeau, Clancy)

 

Adopted

 

45.     Request City Manager report to City Council on the number of tax title, contaminated properties and/or properties scheduled for demolition along Cambridge St.  (Murray)

 

Adopted

 

46.     Request City Manager to begin discussions with the Board of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority their taking over the financial and legal administrative responsibility of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.  (Murray, Petty, Lukes, Luster, Perotto)  

 

Councillor Murray requested to add Councillors Finnegan and Patton and Mayor Mariano

 

Councillor Murray moved to amend to request report within 30 days

 

Order adopted, as amended

 

47.     Request City Manager to contact Massport for a noise contour model based on 500,000, 600,000, 700,000 and 800,000 passengers at the Worcester Regional Airport.  (Petty)

 

Adopted

 

48.     Request Administration ask Worcester Regional Transit Authority to put a bench at the bus stop for senior citizens at 1018 Main St. in front of the Marble St. Apartments.  (Nadeau) 

 

Adopted

 

49.     Request City Manager and the Worcester Redevelopment Authority organize an appropriate public viewing of Union Station and a ceremony for the dedication of Christophoro Columbo Square. (Clancy, Mariano)

 

Councillor Clancy requested to add Councillor Perotto

 

Councillor Murray moved to amend to request Administration work with the Congressman on any process for public reception at the reopened Union Station

 

Order adopted, as amended

 

50.     Request City Council go on record requesting Mass. Highway to fund the final design of the Brosnihan Square phase of the Route 146 project.   (Clancy, Nadeau)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 8-0

 

51.     Request City Manager report to Council on published reports that the W.B.D.C. lobbied to cut funds to CMEDA for brownfield work in the City of Worcester.  (Clancy)

 

Adopted

 

52.     Request City Manager report to City Council within 30 days the projected hiring date for the firefighters reserve class.  (Murray)

Adopted

 

53.     Request City Manager to review purchasing procurement orders and report to City Council any recommendations as to possible ordinance changes to allow contracts to be granted beyond a three year period. (Murray)

 

Adopted

 

54.     Request Traffic Engineer provide updated list of the ten most dangerous intersections.  (Cooney)

 

Adopted

 

55.     Request City Treasurer advertise list of uncashed checks so City can recover funds to apply to the retirees pension.  (Cooney)

 

Adopted

 

56.     Request Administration inform City Council what progress is being made regarding the lowering of automobile insurance rates for City residents.  (Cooney)

 

Adopted

 

57.     Request  Administration to have a speed monitor on Hope Ave. and further, paint Yield on street at crosswalk.  (Nadeau)

 

Adopted

 

58.     Request City Administration to implement the "Y2K Preparedness Efforts and Employee Relations Issues", dated 8/24/99 from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.  (Luster)

 

Leave to withdraw

 

59.     Request Administration to explore the feasibility of the YMCA restoring its transitional housing program for men.  (Luster)

 

Adopted

 

60.     Request the City's Economic Development Sports Council to explore the feasibility of securing a WNBA Team to play at the Worcester Centrum.   (Luster)

 

Adopted

 

61.     Request Administration to investigate the hazards of locating a gun range next to a gas station.  (Luster)

 

Adopted

 

62.     Request City Manager make preliminary recommendations relative to the reuse of the current Worcester Vocational High School site.  (Mariano)

 

Adopted

 

63.     Request City Council pledge to maintain the existing tax rate for the next three fiscal years.  Further, request City Council instruct the City Manager to prepare the next three budgets using only "new growth", state and federal funds and existing tax revenues.   (Mariano)

 

Adopted.  Also referred to Finance on a R.C. 10-1

 

64.     Request Administration submit a legal opinion as to whether Union Station USURP areas must be contiguous to the Union Station project and to each other and whether a public hearing is required as to the designation of new boundaries for the USURP area.   (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

65.     Request a legal opinion as to a comparison of the difference between the City's eminent domain powers and the WRA's eminent domain powers.  (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

66.     Request Administration report on the most current efficient traffic access to Union Station from within the City and from outside the City and what improvements would be required to improve access to Union Station.   (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

67.     Request Administration report on how the services of the Worcester Regional Airport are marketed on the Internet.  (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

68.     Request Administration report on the availability of cab service at the Airport.  (Lukes)

 

Adopted

 

68a.   Request Budget Director and City Auditor to develop a policy for recommendations and/or communicate with the Department of Revenue as to whether they have a protocol available for cities and towns to set their tax rates if the State budget is not set.  Motion-Lukes @ #5A CM - Adopted

 

68b.   That the public have at least thirty (30) days to submit comments relative to housing and community development needs relative to the City of Worcester 5 Year Consolidated Submission for Community Development.  Motion-Luster @ #19E CM - Adopted

 

68c.   Request Administration to increase Police visibility between May St. area and Hitchcock St.  Motion-Nadeau @ #20A CM - Adopted

 

68d.   Request City Manager provide City Council with a breakdown of the Park and Walks that have taken place in the Bell Hill area.  Motion-Perotto @ #20A CM - Adopted

 

68e.   Request City Manager report as to how many sworn Police Officers do non-police work.  Motion-Cooney @ #20B CM - Adopted

 

68f.    Request Traffic Engineer look into a signage package and enhanced crosswalks for the Richmond Ave./Flagg St. area.  Motion-Murray @ #20D CM - Adopted

 

68g.   Request Administration consider promoting driver courtesy through signage for motorists entering Flagg St. from Richmond Ave.  Motion-Patton @ #20D CM - Adopted

 

68h.   Request City Manager consider another gun buy-back program for next year.  Motion-Lukes @ #20E CM - Adopted

 

68I.    Request Administration look at expanding the pilot areas relative to the winter parking ban to be broader and more logical groupings of neighborhoods.  Motion-Mariano @ #21E CM - Adopted

 

68j.    Request City Manager update City Council on Chapter 90 funds for street resurfacing in the Spring of 2000.  Motion-Cooney @ #24A CM - Adopted

 

68k.   Request City Manager provide City Council with a report listing streets that were to be resurfaced this construction season with Chapter 90 funds.  Motion-Patton @ #24A CM - Adopted

 

68L.   Request Administration report if the City can hold off on tows under the winter parking ban until there is snow on the ground.  Motion-Cooney @ #24E CM - Adopted

 

68m.  Request Administration report as to what streets vehicles were towed from during the winter parking ban.  Motion-Nadeau @ #24E CM - Adopted

 

68n.   Request Administration report on the pilot speed hump program.  Motion-Nadeau @ #24E CM - Adopted

 

68o.   Request Commissioner of Public Works report on lifting of the winter parking ban after it is in force if there is a change in the weather and there is no snow on the ground.  Motion-Perotto @ #24E CM – Adopted

 

68p.   Request Administration recommend to City Council how to increase off-street parking in the City’s most congested neighborhoods, convert unused City owned or tax title lots into parking lots and encourage construction of driveways.  Motion-Lukes @ #24E CM - Adopted

 

68q.   Request Administration and Traffic and Parking Committee consider a Citywide change in the winter parking ban.  Motion-Mariano @ #24E CM - Adopted

 

68r.    Request City Solicitor  report whether a Special Permit issued for the keeping of more than two dogs would travel with the land or expire if land owners sold the land to another party.  Motion-Mariano @ #5-9CC - Adopted

 

68s.   Request City Solicitor report whether Special Permits granted to residences that are in business zones, if those permits go on forever.  Motion-Clancy @ #5-9CC - Adopted

 

68t.    Request Deputy Commissioner of Public Health report on the impact to his staff in the event any changes are made to City Ordinances concerning the keeping of animals.  Motion-Murray @ #5-9CC - Adopted

 

68u.   Request City Manager report what are the tax savings or efficiencies that would result from combining the legal and administrative affairs of the WRA with the City of Worcester.  Motion-Petty @ #46CC - Adopted

 

68v.   Request Worcester Redevelopment Authority to submit to City Auditor’s office for review, all expenditures and purchases made by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.  Motion-Lukes @ #46CC - Adopted

 

68w.  Request Administration report when the stairs at 34 Boyden St. will be repaired.  Nadeau - Suspension of Rules - Adopted

 

68x.   Request Administration have Police monitor lot across from Hammond House Nursing Home where there have been reports of intravenous drug use.  Luster - Suspension of Rules - Adopted

 

          69 & 70 ADOPTED R.C. 11-0

 

69.     SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT:  BEAUMONT RD.

 

70.     DECREE TO MAKE PUBLIC: O'HARA CIRCLE.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

71.     Byron R. Holmes, President, Holmes Engineering, Inc. transmitting Environmental Notification Form for a Par 3 Golf Course facility in Millbury. 

 

Placed on file

 

72.     James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting Actuarial Valuation as of January 1, 1999 for the City of Worcester Retirement System, prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP.

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

73.     That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby congratulates the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commissioner Michael V. O'Brien and the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Commission for their efforts on behalf of the Green Hill Golf Course which was named the BEST MUNICIPAL COURSE in the Massachusetts Golfer Magazine, Fall 1999 edition.  (Lukes)

 

Adopted R.C. 11-0

 

74.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:

 

FINANCE

 

a)       #40CC   June 22, 1999

 

            Order - Request City Council to schedule Finance sessions beginning the first week in January 2000 in order to commence discussions regarding budget issues.  (Lukes)

 

b)      #41CC   June 22, 1999

 

            Order - Request City Manager to present a budget for the next fiscal year with a rate of growth that is either at the rate of inflation or excludes new growth, whichever sum is lower.   (Lukes)

 

REPORTS

 

          75 ACCEPTED

 

75.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Councillor Stephen Patton on behalf of Rose & Robert Boucher requesting to amend the Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new Section 10 at the end of Article IV: Accessory Apartments in Residential Districts: recommend Report and Petition be recommitted to the Planning Board.

 

          76 REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A HEARING

 

76.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Order of Mayor Mariano, Councillors Luster, Nadeau, Finnegan, Cooney, Patton, Clancy, Petty and Murray that the City Council approve the establishment of an overlay Arts District located on Main St. from Madison St. to Hammond St. and further, request City Manager to work with local and private organizations to aggressively promote said district.

 

          77-89 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting private street maintenance: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

77.     Marion Nevalsky et al request private street maintenance on Dupuis Ave.

 

78.     Councillor John Finnegan on behalf of Residents/Owners on Beaver Brook Parkway request private street maintenance on Beaver Brook Parkway.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting sidewalk repair: recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

79.     Councillor John Finnegan on behalf of David Boulay request sidewalk repair in front of 22 Wentworth St.

 

80.     Murdell Bevas request sidewalk at 23 Edgeworth St. be paved.

 

81.     Kathleen Holden request sidewalk repair in front of 34 Florence St.

 

82.     German Grajales request sidewalk in front of 9 Trinity Ave. be repaired.

 

83.     Councillor Janice L. Nadeau request Public Works repair or replace sidewalk at 1037-1041 Main St. between Hitchcock Rd. and Stoneland Rd.

 

84.     Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Dennis Harris request sidewalk repair at 1 Ely St. at corner of Davis St.

                       

85.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Phyllis Rock et al request sidewalk repair at 34, 36 and 46 Pilgrim Ave.

 

86.     Councillor Timothy J. Cooney, Jr. on behalf of Michael & Michelle Connelly request City repair/replace sidewalk in front of 36 North Parkway.

 

87.     Councillor Timothy P. Murray request emergency repair of sidewalks in front of 31 Radmore St.

 

88.     Councillor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tullman request Public Works repair/replace sidewalk in front of 10 Maxdale Rd.

 

89.     Alex Demars request sidewalk repair at 6, 8, 10, 14 and 16 Sycamore St.

 

          90-103 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

90.     Transmitting communication relative to Status Report #4 - Street Resurfacing Projects.

 

91.     Transmitting communication relative to Construction of Force Main Sewer.

 

92.     Transmitting communication relative to Water Supply Status Report.

 

93.     Transmitting communication relative to Recyclables 9 Moore Ave.

 

94.     Transmitting communication relative to City Hall Rehabilitation Update.

 

95.     Transmitting communication relative to progress report of the City's Grime Watch Program.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions: recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

96.     Michael Valentine et al request emergency private street maintenance on Bremer St.

 

97.     Mrs. John E. Welch et al request private street maintenance on Frederickson Ave.

         

98.     Walter  Swett et al request private street maintenance on Rose Lane.

 

99.     Marion Nevalsky et al request private street maintenance on Dupuis Ave.

 

100.   Frank Sclafani et al request private street maintenance on Scandinavia Ave.

 

101.   Steven & Cecile Lewis et al request sidewalk repair at 116 Brookline St.

 

102.   Councillor Timothy J. Cooney, Jr. on behalf of John Haddad request Public Works provide emergency repair to sidewalks between Harrison St. and Kelley Sq.

 

103.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Barry Rd. Extension: recommend Communication be recommitted to the City Manager and request he provide City Council with a report setting forth detailed solutions to control the area's overall traffic patterns and volumes, including alternate routes, speed humps, etc. for consideration at a joint meeting of the Public Works and Traffic & Parking Standing Committees.

 

LOAN ORDER TO BE ADOPTED

 

          104 ADOPTED R.C. 11-0

 

104.   That the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) be appropriated to Account #91C790, New School Construction for the purpose of constructing, originally equipping and furnishing of Public School Construction, including costs incidental and related thereto.

 

TABLED ITEMS

 

105.   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.  

 

106.   Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an RFP for the sale of the Belmont Home.

 

107.   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.

 

108.   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.

 

109.   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.

 

110.   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.

 

111.   MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for two joint pole locations on: COBURN AVE.  Taken off the Table and hearing set for September 28, 1999 at 7:00 P.M.

 

112.   MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for a joint pole location on: FERRARO ST.  Taken off the Table and hearing set for September 28, 1999 at 7:00 P.M.

 

113.   MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY for a joint pole location on: PROUTY LANE.  Taken off the Table and hearing set for September 28, 1999 at 7:00 P.M.

 

114.   Tabled In Part - Order Request Administration report on whether the Worcester Redevelopment Authority intends to sell the tax credits of the Union Station Project, the value of the tax credits, the intended use of the proceeds of the sale and further, request City Manager to request the Worcester Redevelopment Authority to forbear from the sale.  (Lukes)

          Tabled - request City Manager to request the Worcester   Redevelopment Authority to forbear from the sale.

 

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

SEPTEMBER 21, 1999         EDUCATION              COUNCIL CHAMBER

   5:30 P.M.

 

SEPTEMBER 27, 1999   TRAFFIC & PARKING    COUNCIL CHAMBER

   6:00 P.M.

 

SEPTEMBER 28, 1999    ETHNIC & MINORITY  COUNCIL CHAMBER

   6:00 P.M.                                 AFFAIRS