CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 13, 2001

7:00 P.M.

Convened: 7:09 P.M.

Adjourned:  10:10 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION – Sister Marie Prefontaine, Director

Office for Ethnic Ministries

Diocese of Worcester

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present except Councillor Petty

 

HEARING AND ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

 

          Hearing held

 

4.       CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on: HOPE AVE.

 

          4a ORDER ADOPTED

 

4a.     Granting permission to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS for a conduit location on:  HOPE AVE.

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING – 7:00 P.M.

 

          Hearing held – Ordinance Committee recommended accepting the Report of the Planning Board and approving the Petition

 

5.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Matthew Stepanski, Jr., President, CMIME, Inc. requesting to amend the City of Worcester Zoning Map by changing the current RS-7 zoning designation for property northerly of Shore Dr. to MG-1.0 by relocating the existing MG-1.0 zoning boundary line.

 

FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

6.       Report of the City Manager relative to the status of Union Station development, including but not limited to:  1)  Intermodal transportation; 2) Parking garage; 3) Washington Square traffic configuration; 4) Development inside Union Station; 5) Development outside Union Station.

 

SECOND ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

7.       Order – Request City Manager report to City Council regarding how the decision by the Department of Environmental Protection judge affects the Vocational High School accreditation.   (Petty, Murray)

 

          Held to be First Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

8.       Order – Request City Manager report to City Council on all costs incurred, both directly and indirectly, in relation to the siting of the Vocational High School at Bell Hill, including staff time, legal fees and public school costs.   (Petty, Murray)

 

          Held to be First Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

9.       Order – Request City Manager to provide a report concerning options for the proposed Vocational School at the Bell Hill site.   (Perotto)

 

          Held to be First Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

10.     ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

10a.   ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          11 REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

         

11.     Philip J. Niddrie, Chief Development Officer on behalf of the Planning Board requesting an amendment to the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to Body Art Establishments.

 

          12 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

12.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Maurice Garofoli request handicap parking in front of 11 Suffolk St.

 

          13 REFERRED TO PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Petitioner spoke

 

13.     Jose Zayas request to speak before the City Council at its March 6, 2001 meeting requesting that taxi medallions be increased from 108 to unlimited licensing.

 

13a.   Councillor Stephen Patton on behalf of John Atlas request no left turn from Chester St. onto Parkton Ave. from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee – Suspension of Rules

 

14.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

Thomas R. Hoover

City Manager

City Council Calendar for March 6, 2001

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1.       NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

A.      Notification of Constable appointments.       

 

          Placed on file

 

2.       CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3.       AIRPORT:

         

4.       ASSESSORS:

 

5.       BUDGET OFFICE:

 

6.       COMMUNICATIONS:

 

7.       ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

                  

          A.      Communication relative to Union Station Security.

 

Placed on file

 

B.                Communication relative to Compliance Status of All Outstanding TIF’s.

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

          C.      Communication relative to a Copy of the Agreement between the City of Worcester and the Worcester Marketing Corporation.

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

D.               Communication relative to Monthly Report Regarding Progress at Union Station/Washington Square.

 

          Placed on file

 

E.                SUPPLEMENTAL - Communication relative to response to the questions and motions raised during the recent Commerce and Development Sub-Committee meeting.

 

          Placed on file

 

F.       SUPPLEMENTAL – Respectfully recommend that One Hundred    Thousand Dollars ($100,000) be transferred from surplus funds declared by the City Assessor in the overlay reserve account for fiscal 1994 and appropriated into the following accounts:

 

040-92000  City Manager’s Ordinary Maintenance  $ 87,500

900-91000  City Manager’s Contingency Account      12,500

                                                               Total      $100,000

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Petty absent) – Rescinds Item 55 on the City Council Calendar

 

8.       ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

9.       ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

10.     EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES:

 

11.     EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

12.     FIRE:   

 

A.      Communication relative to Investigated Structure Fires – Year 2000.

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Request that the donation on behalf of the North Worcester Business Association, the Webster Square Business Association, the Grafton Hill Business Association, the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Empowerment Center, the popular Aerosmith rock band and the Board of Directors of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, in the amount of $6,000.00 to be used toward the purchase of two defibrillators, be accepted with gratitude.

 

Order adopted with gratitude

 

C.      Communication relative to Massachusetts Communities that have Installed Defibrillators in Public Buildings.

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

13.            HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

A.               Communication relative to Percentage of Increase the City Clerk and City Auditor would receive if they were to remain on the existing DH schedule.

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

14.     HUMAN RIGHTS:

 

15.     INFORMATION SERVICES:

         

16.     LAW:

 

A.               Communication relative to Ordinance that Penalizes Underage Purchasers of Tobacco.

 

          Referred to Health Committee

 

17.     LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18.     NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.               Communication relative to Census 2000 Re-precincting.

 

Placed on file

 

B.                Communication relative to the recent incident at 141 Chandler Street.

 

Referred to Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

 

C.               Communication relative to Census 2000 Re-precincting –public hearings.

 

Placed on file

 

19.     PARKS, RECREATION  & CEMETERY:

 

20.            POLICE:

 

21.     PUBLIC HEALTH & CODE ENFORCEMENT

 

A.      Communication relative to Developing a Plan to Spray in the City of Worcester in 2001 Against Mosquito Deposits

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Number of Cats Housed in the City of Worcester.

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

C.      Notification of Inspector of Animals.

 

          Placed on file

 

22.     PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

23.     PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

A.               SUPPLEMENTAL – Communication relative to progress report on the Vocational High School.

 

          Held to be First Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

24.     PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.               Communication relative to Right Turn Lane Markings/Signs at Intersection of Lake Avenue and Belmont Street.

 

          Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

B.                Communication relative to Hope Cemetery Composting Site and the Search for an Alternate Site.

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.               Communication relative to the Cost of the Snow Storm – March 5th and 6th, 2001.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

25.     PURCHASING:

 

26.     TREASURY:

 

27.     VETERANS’ SERVICES:

 

28.            FINANCE:

 

A.               Recommend that One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($185,819.00) be transferred from Account #330-40 Reserve for Appropriation, 1% Federal Reimbursement and appropriated to the following accounts:

 

          DEPARTMENT                       ACCOUNT              DOLLAR

          NAME                                     NUMBER              AMOUNT

          Purchasing                                600-91099             $  47,425.00

          Auditing                                    650-91099                 49,125.00

          Human Resources                     170-91099                   1,208.00

          Information Services                 680-91099                 25,716.00

          Treasury                                   660-91099                 31,997.50

          City Manager                            040-91099                 27,722.50

          City Manager                            040-92099                      125.00

          Information Services                 680-92099                   2,500.00

          TOTAL                                                                $185,819.00

 

to provide funds for the purpose of providing indirect services related to certain Federal and State Grants.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Petty Absent)

 

B.                Recommend that Three Million Ten Thousand Dollars ($3,010,000.00) be transferred from Account #91C755, Library Rehabilitation, and appropriated to Account #55C702, Library Rehabilitation/Construction, for the purpose of paying obligations for the General Contractor, Architectural, Hazardous Abatement and other miscellaneous charges for the rehabilitation of the Worcester Public Library, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Petty Absent)

 

C.               Recommend that One Thousand and Seven Dollars ($1,007.00) be transferred from Account #330-07, Reserve for Appropriation Damage Settlement, and appropriated to Account #550-92000, Public Library Ordinary Maintenance, to purchase books and audiovisual materials.  This fund represents reimbursements from individuals for damage and lost library materials.

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Petty Absent)

 

D.               Recommend that One Million Three Hundred Forty Five Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Two Dollars ($1,345,452.00) be transferred from Account #04T802, Capital Campaign Account , and appropriated to Account #55T614, Worcester Public Library Donations Account, to forward fund new equipment necessary for the opening of Worcester’s new public library.

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Petty Absent)

 

29.     MISCELLANEOUS:

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          15-17 FROM COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT

 

15.     Request City Manager to consider reducing the complement in the Economic Development Office by one position, currently vacant, the amount of $61,500.00 or $123,000.00 for two years.

 

          Adopted on a roll call 9-1 (No-Gomez, Petty absent)

 

          Reconsideration denied on a voice vote

 

16.     Request City Manager to consider reducing the amount of the contract between the City of Worcester and the Worcester Business Development Corporation for development at Washington Square by $50,000.00.

 

          Adopted on a roll call 6-4

 

          Yes: Abraham, Clancy, Irish, Nadeau, Patton, Mariano

          No:  Gomez, Lukes, Murray, Perotto

          Absent:  Petty

 

17.     Request City Manager to consider that the timeframe of the contract between the City of Worcester and the Worcester Business Development corporation for development at Washington Square be accelerated within the two year period.

 

          Adopted on a roll call 9-1 (No-Gomez, Petty absent)

 

          18-21 FROM RULES & REGULATIONS - Adopted

 

18.     Request City Clerk to contact the cities of Fitchburg, Leominster and Springfield to request information on their process for citizen participation prior to the formal City Council meeting.

 

19.     Request City Clerk to establish a procedure that notifies citizens of the process that will be followed after a petition is first submitted to City Council.

 

20.     Request City Clerk to provide a report explaining how all matters taken under Suspension of Rules are recorded.

 

21.     Request City Solicitor report as to the obligations of the City Manager to respond to citizens requests in a certain period of time.

 

ORDERS

 

22.     Request Administration to review the delayed permitting process for the Homes at Indian Hill subdivision in the Ararat/Westinghouse Rd. neighborhood as requested by Kentco Development and/or Indian Hills Associates and report.   (Irish)

 

          City Manager left the room as he has a possible conflict of interest being a resident in the area.

 

          Given Leave to Withdraw

 

23.     Request Administration report on what the process is for selection of Deputy Collectors, how bills to be collected are assigned and the compensation of Deputy Collectors.   (Lukes)

 

          Adopted – City Manager to respond as Second Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

24.     Request Administration to list the studies, master plans, reports and government agency reports regarding the area surrounding and including Washington Square, Union Station and also commuter rail in the area, the date of the report and the cost of the report if paid by the city, state or federal government or by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.   (Lukes, Irish, Petty, Murray, Gomez, Mariano, Abraham, Patton)

 

          Adopted

 

25.     Request Administration report on the procurement process for outside tax collection services, terms and conditions of any and all such contracts including, but not limited to compensation and performance (i.e. collection rates).   (Irish, Abraham)

 

          Adopted – City Manager to respond as Second Item of Business March 20, 2001

 

26.             Request Administration to consider the feasibility of changing the tax classification of vacant and abandoned residential properties to commercial as an incentive to the maintenance and development of housing units.   (Irish)

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request an opinion as it relates to zoning and taxes.

 

Adopted, as amended

 

27.     Request Administration provide a report to City Council setting forth the city’s policy on the request for issuance of transient vendor licenses for one-day or two-day sales of items such as pianos, rugs or furs from function halls in the city.    (Murray, Petty)

 

          Adopted

 

28.     Request City Administration raise several sunken manholes on James St. before the Auburn line.  (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

29.     Request City Manager to provide a progress report on all Worcester Elderly Housing Complexes concerning transportation to the Worcester Senior Center.   (Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

30.     Request City Administration contact MBTA and report on outstanding issues involved with the CSX ownership of rail lines and what steps are being taken to resolve any issue that might prevent additional commuter trips between Worcester and Boston.   (Murray)

                        

          Adopted

                           

31.     Request Administration to provide information concerning City’s involvement regarding negotiations in creating an Internet 2 metropolitan network with WPI, NeesCom and Yipes Communications, Inc.   (Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

32.     Request City Administration provide information on City’s role in new InfoTech structure.   (Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

33.     Request City Administration consider changing policy so as to allow city employees who are residents to serve on appropriate Boards and Commissions.    (Murray)

 

          Adopted on a roll call 9-1 (No-Lukes, Petty absent)

 

34.     Request Administration report on whether a decision has been made to replace the base of the Kennedy Monument or if it can be repaired.  Further if, when or how funding will be made available for it.  (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

35.     Request City Administration to look into a requirement of every piece of property in the City of Worcester to have a street number posted on front of building.   (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

36.     Request City Administration report on enforcement of ordinance of more than one unregistered automobile on private property; who enforces, fines, etc.   (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

37.     Request City Administration research an amendment to the ordinance that requires the address and telephone number of responsible person be listed in the hall of rental property to be amended that it be placed on the outside of the building near the front door.   (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

38.     Request City Administration explore developing collaboratives between local college nursing programs and City’s public health nurses.   (Murray, Mariano)

 

          Mayor Mariano moved to amend: Further, request City Manager contact members of the Public Health Nurses union and involve them in discussions before any recommendations are made.

 

          Councillor Abraham moved to amend: Further, request City Manager to communicate with all the colleges that have nursing programs and find out what they are doing right now.

         

          Adopted, as amended

 

39.     Request Department of Public Works to maintain King and Queen Sts. during snowstorms as a priority for access to the Urgent Care Center located at 26 Queen St.   (Patton)

                                              

          Mayor Mariano moved to amend: Further, request this area be considered a main arterial bus route.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

40.     Request City Manager report to City Council on any notices received to date on increases in health insurance costs for fiscal year 2002. (Clancy)

 

          Adopted – Report requested within next two weeks

 

41.     Request City Manager report to City Council on total costs associated with plowing operations for current fiscal year and any plans to pay for said deficits in current fiscal year.   (Clancy)

 

          Adopted

 

42.     Request City Manager contact President Bush concerning federal budget cuts eliminating the $100 million Fire Grant Program and Project Impact from the 2002 budget.   (Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

43.     Request Administration report on the feasibility of recommending a zoning ordinance prohibiting development of land with a slope of 45 degrees or more and what cities and towns have instituted such a prohibition, the reasons therefore and the impact of such an ordinance. (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

44.     Request Administration report on the number of waivers of site plan review requirements in the last five years which were granted by the Planning Board and the reasons therefore.   (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

45.     Request Administration report on the feasibility of developing policies which encourage creation or maintenance of open space when waivers of subdivision and/or dimensional and infrastructure requirements are granted.    (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

 

46.     Request City  Auditor report on what expansion of pension benefits have been voted by the City Council or State Legislature in the past ten years and the cost and impact of such changes.   (Lukes)

 

          Councillor Lukes moved to amend to add after Legislature: or created by any other process

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

47.     Request City Manager to request the School Superintendent to report as to what the School Department policy for hiring uncertified teachers is currently and what changes are planned regarding such hirings.    (Lukes)

 

          Councillor Lukes moved to amend to replace wording of entire Order with: Request City Manager report on what the impact of the School Department policy for hiring uncertified teachers is on the City budget and/or pension

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

48.     Request Administration to review the process for establishing and verifying home businesses.   (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

    

48a.   Request Administration report on the public-private partnership for marketing of the City of Worcester.   Motion-Murray @ #7C CM – Adopted

 

48b.   Request City Manager to provide a breakdown of the bookings over the last three years under the agreement with the Worcester Marketing Corporation.  Motion-Murray @ #7C CM – Adopted

 

48c.   Request City Manager report to City Council as to when the City will receive the private marketing dollars.  Motion-Perotto @ #7C CM – Adopted

 

48d.   Request City Manager to explain to City Council why, if there was a commitment for private marketing funds, why it was not written into the contract between the City of Worcester and the Worcester Marketing Corporation.  Motion-Clancy @ #7C CM – Adopted

 

48e.   Request Health Department provide City Council with a recommendation as to whether or not, in their opinion, adoption of any Ordinance that penalizes underage purchasers of tobacco would allow them to achieve a higher degree of compliance with the current law.    Motion-Irish @ #16A CM – Adopted

 

48f.    Request City Manager provide City Council with a map illustrating residential neighborhoods and travel distances with reference to the Town of Holden in Item 24B of the City Manager’s Calendar of March 13, 2001.   Motion-Irish @ #24B CM – Adopted

 

48g.   Request Administration to provide City Council with its plan for adequately staffing the new main Public Library.  Motion-Patton @ #28D CM – Adopted

 

48h.   Request City Manager provide clarification, should and if tax credits are approved for Union Station, how can these monies be expended.  Motion-Patton @ #15-17CC – Adopted

 

48i.    Request City Manager to provide a complete report on the savings of $20,000 from a vacancy in the Economic Development Office, as to what exactly the individual was paid and how much savings there are.   Motion-Clancy @ #15-17CC –Adopted

 

48j.    Request City Manager to formally notify the developer of the Homes at Indian Hill subdivision, specifically in writing, as to what the issues are and request that if the developer has a problem that they communicate directly with the Department of Public Works.  Motion-Mariano @ #22CC – Adopted

 

 48k.  Request City Manager to also send to interested parties, any letter sent to the developer of the Homes at Indian Hill subdivision.  Motion-Abraham @ #22CC – Adopted

 

48L.   Request City Manager report to City Council within 30 days as to who the project team will be for the Union Station project, a Table of Organization, a sense of what the scope of the master plan is going to be; geographically what is going to be included.  Motion-Lukes @ #24CC – Adopted

 

48m.  Request City Manager to remind the MBTA of the public hearing that is to be scheduled in the City of Worcester relative to commuter rail service.  Motion-Lukes @ #30CC – Adopted

 

48n.   Request City Manager report as to whether he would consider changing the current policy of not allowing city employees who are residents to serve on Boards and Commissions and the rationale as to why he wouldn’t.  Motion-Murray @ #33CC – Adopted

 

48o.   That the City Council hereby requests a 3 step pay increase for the  City Clerk and City Auditor under the current DH schedule.  Motion-Clancy @ #73CC – Adopted on a roll call vote of 8 Yeas and 2 Nays (Yes – Abraham, Clancy, Gomez, Irish, Murray, Nadeau, Patton, Perotto.  No – Lukes, Mariano.  Absent – Petty) Reconsideration denied on a voice vote

 

          Mayor Mariano’s motion for a flat salary increase of 3% for the City Clerk and City Auditor – Not Put

 

48p.   Request Administration report as to why the raise for the City Clerk and City Auditor was not drafted the way it was requested.  Motion-Murray @ #73CC – Adopted

 

48q.   Request Administration report when the winter parking ban is declared during the day, is there a way that it could only apply on certain streets once the business day is over.  Abraham – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

48r.    Request Administration report with respect to any response forwarded by CSX as to the condition of their fences along Plantation St. abutting some residences, including that of Mr. & Mrs. Pokropovich. Gomez – Suspension of Rules

 

          Councillor Patton moved to amend to add West Boylston St.

 

          Order adopted, as amended

 

48s.   Request City Manager report on any and all reported incidents of distribution of prescription drugs by unlicensed School Department personnel.  Irish – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

48t.    Request City Manager report to City Council on event charges being levied in the Central St. garage and determine whether said charges meet the state grant’s affordable parking criteria.  Further, request a percentage breakdown of income.  Clancy – Suspension of Rules - Adopted

                   

COMMUNICATIONS

 

49.     David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting communication relative to the process for citizen participation before City Councils in the cities of Leominster, Fitchburg and Springfield.

                        

          Referred to Rules & Regulations Committee

                           

50.     David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting communication relative to establishing a procedure that notifies citizens of the process that will be followed after a petition is first submitted to City Council.

 

          Referred to Rules & Regulations Committee

 

51.     David J. Rushford, City Clerk transmitting communication relative to how matters introduced at Council meetings under Suspension of Rules are added to and made part of the official record of the City Council.

 

          Referred to Rules & Regulations Committee

 

52.     Helen Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to what is done in the City’s public schools relative to fire prevention as to what grades participate and how often students attend these programs.

 

          Referred to Education Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

53.     That the Worcester City Council opposes President Bush’s budget plan to eliminate the $100 million Fire Grant Program and the $25 million Project Impact from his 2002 budget.  (Murray, Petty, Clancy, Irish, Gomez, Nadeau, Patton, Abraham, Perotto, Mariano, Lukes)

 

          Adopted on a roll all 10-0 (Petty absent)

 

54.     RECESS TO FINANCE & ORDINANCE:   No Action Taken

 

          FINANCE

 

a)                 #5A CM  January 23, 2001

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the City Manager’s Contingency Account.

 

b)                #24E CM  January 23, 2001

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Snow Deficit FY2001.

                                                    

REPORTS

 

55 ACCEPTED & ORDER ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 10-0 (Petty absent) RESCINDED BY #7F OF THE CITY  MANAGER’S CALENDAR            

 

55.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the proposed contract with W.B.D.C.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

 

          56-71 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND REGULATIONS Upon the following Petitions: recommend Petitions be placed on file.

 

56.     Ronal C. Madnick, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Worcester County request to make it a rule of the City Council that the maker of a petition shall be given up to 5 minutes to address the Council when the petition is first introduced.  If more than one person signed the petition the first person listed will be the speaker.

 

57.     Ronal C. Madnick, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Worcester County request to speak at the January 11, 2000 City Council meeting relative to amending Rules 51 and 52 of the City Council.  Rule 51 – after the words “All petitions filed by a citizen with the City Council shall automatically be referred without debate to the proper committee, board, commission, department of the City Manager for investigation, recommendation or disposition except for questions of clarification, amendment or opposition by members of the City Council” the words “after the primary petitioner is allowed the opportunity to address the City Council.  The presentation shall not exceed 5 minutes.”  In Rule 52 the first paragraph would be deleted if the changes to Rule 51 are approved.

 

58.     Ronal C. Madnick, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Worcester County request City Council send to the Rules Committee for consideration use of the attached proposed forms for informing citizen petitioners as to the various procedural steps that their petitions to through after they are initially heard by the Council.

 

59.     James Coughlin request that Rules Committee conduct a review of the Council’s rules as they relate to citizen participation at meetings of the full Council.

 

60.     James Coughlin request Rules Committee of the City Council conduct a review of the Council’s rules as they relate to citizen participation at meetings of the full Council.

 

61.     James Coughlin request City Council amend it rules of operation to provide that all petitions and matters submitted by citizen petitioners which are forwarded to the City Manager and to the office’s departments shall be reported back to full Council within 60 days.  If the Manager cannot meet that time conscription, an extension can be made in accord with the Council.  Further, request that the City Clerk’s office notify the citizen petitioner of their petition being placed on the City Council calendar for final disposition.

 

62.     James Coughlin request City Council amend its rules of operation to provide that all petitions and matters submitted by citizen petitioners which are forwarded to the City Manager and to the office’s departments shall be reported back to full City Council within 60 days.  If the Manager cannot meet that time conscription, an extension can be made in accord with the Council.  Further, request that the City Clerk’s office notify the citizen petitioner of their petition being placed on the City Council calendar for final disposition.

 

63.     James Coughlin request City Council use the attached proposed forms for informing citizen petitioners as to the various procedural steps that their petitions go through after they are initially heard by Council.

 

64.     James Coughlin request City Council use the attached proposed forms for informing citizen petitioners as to the various procedural steps that their petitions go through after they are initially heard by Council.

                                    

65.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND REGULATIONS Upon the Chairman’s Order from Housing Committee requesting the Committee to consider rewriting Rule 22 of the Rules of the City Council realigning the Standing Committee general budget and oversight relationships with City departments: recommend Chairman’s Order be placed on file.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND REGULATIONS Upon the following Orders: recommend Orders be placed on file.

 

66.     Councillor Lukes request Rules Committee review and develop guidelines and process for naming historical sites/streets after individuals.  

 

67.     Councillor Lukes request City Council Standing Committee on Rules develop a process by which the City Solicitor alerts the City Council regarding issues as to the legality of filed orders, petitions, items at the time of the original filing and prior to public debate on the items.  The intent of this Order is to provide information and not to prohibit or censure items on an agenda.

 

68.     Councillor Lukes request City Council, through its Rules Committee amend the City Council rules regarding items, motions, orders and petitions considered and voted under suspension of rules at a duly held meeting so that said voted items appear on the calendar of the next duly held City Council meeting, showing the maker of the motion and the vote taken.

 

69.     Mayor Mariano request City Council to amend the Rules of the City Council by including among the Standing Committees a Strategic Planning Committee to be comprised of three members of the City Council and to consider those matters relative to long term strategic planning.

 

70.     Councillor Cooney request City Council to re-establish the Ad Hoc Committee on Group Homes to monitor the influx of homes in the City.

                                                 

71.     Councillors Griffin, Nadeau, Lukes request City Council establish a new Standing Committee of the City Council whose primary responsibility would concern the authorized borrowing and indebtedness of the City of Worcester.

 

72.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND REGULATIONS Upon the Report of the Committee on Rules and Regulations upon the Order of Councillor Lukes requesting City Council vote to establish a Standing Committee on Colleges/Community Relationships: recommend Report and Order be placed on file.    Recommitted to Rules & Regulations Committee

 

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

 

73.     Communication of the City Manager requesting City Council adoption of an Ordinance amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 relative to Occupational Group DH.   Taken off the Table and placed on file

 

TABLED ITEMSNo Action Taken

 

74.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Order of Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting approval of the attached Ordinance amending the Worcester Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to Non-Accessory Signs.   (Tabled May 30, 2000)

                           

75.     Order – Request Rules Committee to review the procedure used by City Council for election of individuals to the Library Board of Trustees.  (Abraham)   (Tabled December 29, 2000)

 

76.     Order – Request City Manager report on the decision to not place a polling location within Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments until 2003.  (Gomez, Irish, Nadeau, Patton, Clancy, Perotto, Murray,

Petty)     (Tabled February 27, 2001)

                                                 

77.             Resolution – That the Worcester City Council go on record requesting the Election Commission to take whatever steps are necessary to insure that the polling site for Ward 2, Precinct 5 goes back into Great Brook Valley prior to the next election.  (Gomez)  (Tabled February 27, 2001)

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

MARCH 13, 2001          PUBLIC WORKS              COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:30 P.M.

 

MARCH 14, 2001        TRAFFIC & PARKING       COUNCIL CHAMBER

    6:00-7:30 P.M. – Final Review of the Washington Square Reconfiguration

                                 by URS Corporation

    7:30 P.M – Regular Meeting