CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 27, 2001

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:09 P.M.

Adjourned:  7:33 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION –  Pastor Jeffrey Kline

                                      Christian Life Center

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL  - All present except Councillor Patton

 

4.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

4a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          5-11 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

5.       Warren Chenery et al request private street maintenance on Crawford St. off Boston Ave.

 

6.       Joyce Tomao & Michael Vaudreuil request adequate drainage on Clover St. in front of #174 & #175.

 

7.       Marjorie W. Lodding request abatement of street betterment assessment #24410 in the amount of $11,522.70 on Quissett St.

 

8.       Marjorie W. Lodding request abatement of street betterment assessment #24395 in the amount of $9,023.72 on Iroquois St.

 

9.       Gary Francis & Carol S. Lentini request abatement of street betterment assessment #24365 in the amount of $4,120.49 on Benham St.

 

10.     Marie Hebert request abatement of street betterment assessment #24360 in the amount of $3,383.00 on Benham St.

         

11.     Grace Feeley et al request private street maintenance for Bullard Ave.

 

          12-16  REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

12.     David McMahon et al request speed bumps on Richards St. and change Richards St. to a one-way street eastbound.

 

13.     Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Roberta Adams request stop sign on Raymond St. at Fifth Ave.

 

14.     Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Robert Buduo request Caution Children signage on Wasilla Dr.

 

15.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Carol Fafard request handicap parking in front of 12 Wall St.

 

16.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Worldwide Insurance Agency  request 15 minute parking in front of 44 Southbridge St.

 

          17  REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER

 

17.     Brian Carroll, President, Carroll Enterprises, Inc. request City Council and City Administration take all steps necessary and required to authorize and make available for sale a city-owned parcel of land located at 44 Austin St.

         

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          18-23 FROM PUBLIC WORKS - Adopted

 

18.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to provide the City Council with a timeline showing the proposed residential and arterial street reconstruction program during calendar 2001 and 2002.

 

19.     Request the Commissioner of Public Works to provide the City Council with a report detailing the sewer rehabilitation work being done in calendar 2001.

   

20.     Request City Manager to work with the Juvenile Court in assigning youth offenders who receive community service sentencing to work with the Worcester Department of Public Works in removing graffiti and/or cleaning up of illegal dumping.

 

21.     Request the Commissioner of Public Works to provide a cost estimate concerning the relocation and reconstruction of the Central Garage.

 

22.     Request the Commissioner of Public Works to provide a report detailing the costs of renovations to the Central Garage that are intended to be made during 2002.

 

23.     Request the City Manager to obtain a report from the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District showing their potential daily usage versus capacity, given the fact that new member towns are utilizing the water treatment plant’s processes.

 

          24-27 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

24.     Request City Council, under the authority and power vested in it, to prohibit parking on the south side of Austin St., from Oxford St. easterly to Irving St., 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, for a trial period of 90 days.

 

25.     Request Commissioner of Public Works and representatives of URS, Corporation to meet with appropriate members of the local disabled community to fine tune the proposed roundabout concept for Washington Square.

 

26.     Request Administration to consider the needs of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority in any reconfiguration of Washington Square.

 

27.     Request  Director of Traffic Engineering to make a recommendation to the City Council in regards to the existing taxi stand on Mechanic St. near Main St.

 

          28 & 29 FROM YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION - Adopted

 

28.     Request Administration to seek funding for the upgrading of Skyline Drive to include a new surface, granite curbing, drainage, guardrails and street lighting.

 

29.     Request Administration to work with the Massachusetts Highway Department and Worcester’s state delegation to install appropriate and sufficient signage along I-290 and Route 9 directing visitors to the State Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park.

 

ORDERS

 

30.     Request City Manager contact President Bush on reports that he intends on eliminating the drug reduction program for public housing projects from the H.U.D. agenda.   (Gomez)

 

          Adopted

 

31.     Request City Manager provide  City Council with a report stating the additional annual funding needed to meet the needs of street and sidewalk reconstruction as stated by the Commissioner of Public Works at the Strategic Planning sessions.  (Petty, Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

32.     Request City Manager provide  City Council with information on the re-use of the building at 126 June St. that formerly housed the West Side Station of the U.S. Postal Service.   (Abraham)

 

          Adopted

 

33.     Request Administration provide job description, compensation of snowplow inspectors and map of the geographical routes they are responsible to inspect.  (Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

34.     Request City Administration develop master plan for Worcester Common and explore federal and state funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements on said Common.   (Murray)

 

          Adopted

 

35.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to provide City Council with a comprehensive spreadsheet listing of all streets that have been petitioned for resurfacing, prioritized by eligibility status: whether underground work is needed, is imminent or completed, and assigning priority ranking from worst to best condition.  (Patton)

 

          Adopted

 

36.     Request Commissioner of Public Works prepare a comprehensive report identifying and addressing solutions to the continuing problems of private sewerage lines in the Chester St. neighborhood for the benefit of the affected homeowners.  (Patton)

 

          Adopted

 

37.     Request Administration have Yield signs painted on the street at the Hope Ave./Webster St. intersection.  (Nadeau)

            

          Adopted

 

38.     Request Administration remove graffiti on the Knox St. end of Hadwen Park Rd.    (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

39.     Request Parks Department meet with Leesville Pond Association to help plan the 100th year anniversary celebration.  (Nadeau)

 

          Adopted

 

40.     Request City Manager provide report concerning all public works projects on Shrewsbury St. for the purpose of economic and neighborhood development; report to include timelines and funding of projects.  (Perotto)

 

          Adopted

 

41.     Request Administration report on the feasibility of instituting an anti-litter program similar to the program instituted in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Lukes)

 

          Adopted

         

41a.   Request City Manager look into the possibility of a bonding capacity for $500,000.00 work of sidewalk improvements and report back to the City Council the cost during the budget process.

          Motion Perotto @ #31 CC – Adopted

 

41b.   Request City Manager provide, for the next City Council meeting, an update of the requirements and timelines for submitting paperwork applying for the FIRE Act.  Petty – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

41c.   Request Administration report on the past efforts to obtain private funding for the redesign of the Common and whether those efforts can be revived for any further redesign of the Common.  Lukes - Suspension of Rules -  Adopted

 

          42-45  ADOPTED ON ROLL CALL 10-0 (Patton Absent)

 

42.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION:  NORDICA STREET

 

43.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION:  NORTON STREET

 

44.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION: SORRENTO STREET

 

45.     TO TAKE LAND FOR SEWER LOCATION:   SOUTHERN DRIVE

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

46.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to staffing of health services in the Worcester Public Schools.

          Referred to Health Committee

 

47.     Helen A. Friel, Assistant to Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication relative to number and location of pre-school and school based fluoride rinse and dental sealant programs currently being offered in the City estimating the percentage of City’s children participating.

                  

          Referred to Health Committee

 

CHAIRMAN’S RESOLUTION

 

          48 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING - Adopted

 

48.     That the Worcester City Council hereby endorses the concept of installing a roundabout at Washington Square in place of a rotary or four-way intersection.

 

49.     RECESS TO FINANCE & ORDINANCE:   No Action Taken

 

          FINANCE

 

                   #5A CM  January 23, 2001

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

 

#24E CM  January 23, 2001

b)        Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to snow deficit FY2001.

 

REPORTS

 

          50 ACCEPTED & VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

50.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Matthew Stepanski, Jr., President, CMIME, Inc. request 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:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance.

 

          51-53 ACCEPTED  & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

51.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Sam Adams, Manager, Worcester Lincoln LLC request to alter Lincoln St. according to approved MS Engineering Plans, in conjunction with the Beals & Thomas Plans for Lincoln Plaza at the expense of Worcester Lincoln LLC:  recommend adoption of the accompanying order.

 

52.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to proposed arterial street resurfacing program – FY 2002:  recommend  adoption of the accompanying order.

 

53.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to street name sign (PWED Road):  recommend adoption of the accompanying order that the PWED Road be named and shall be known as “Nippnapp Trail”.

 

          54-65 ACCEPTED

 

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

 

54.     Transmitting communication relative to the cost for immediate renovation to the current Central Garage.

 

55.     Transmitting communication relative to Curtis Apartments Revitalization.

 

56.     Transmitting communication relative to Status Report – Street Resurfacing Projects FY 2001- Final Report for 2000 Construction Season.

 

57.     Transmitting communication relative to installation of benches and rubbish containers on Lincoln St.

 

58.     Transmitting communication relative to Unions Role – Awarding and Signing of a Project Labor Agreement.

 

59.     Transmitting communication relative to Project Labor Agreements - higher costs due to the level of wages required.

 

60.     Transmitting communication relative to the Project Labor Agreements.

 

61.     Transmitting communication relative to status report on all Mass. Highway Projects.

 

62.     Transmitting communication relative to Grimewatch Program  - December 2000 activity and Calendar Year 2000 summary.

 

63.     Transmitting communication relative to construction contracts awarded.

 

64.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of Thomas K. Walsh, Director, Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District transmitting communication relative to a planning study for it’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Facilities located on the Worcester/Millbury line: recommend Communication be placed on file.

 

65.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works upon the Order of Councillor Michael C. Perotto request the City Manager to report on Central Garage relocation:  recommend Report and Order be placed on file.

 

          66-79 ACCEPTED & VOTED TO ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES EXCEPT 78 & 79

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following petitions requesting handicap parking: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed  ordinances.

 

66.     Mayor Raymond V. Mariano on behalf of Rhonda Conrad request handicap parking sign in front of 2 Lenox St.

 

67.     Theresa Kelley request handicap parking in front of 64 Providence St.

 

68.     Marion Moriarty request handicap parking in front of 34 Florence St.

 

69.     Representative John Fresolo on behalf of Ralph & Josephine Pietro request handicap parking sign in front of 17 Gordon St.

 

70.     Luz Cruz request handicap parking at 2 Henchman St.

 

71.     Councillor Michael C. Perotto on behalf of Lorraine Fleming request handicap parking at 2 Earle St.

 

72.     Samia Daou request handicap parking across from 78 Seymour St.

 

73.     Vera Chakarian & Rosemary Sahogian request handicap parking in front of 12 Denny St.

 

74.     Louis Coates request handicap parking on Arlington St. across from the rear of 17 Winthrop St.

 

75.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Sophie Pendergast request the removal of two handicap parking spaces at 1 Ruth St.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance to rescind handicap parking space in front of 1 Ruth St.

 

76.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Councillor Juan A. Gomez on behalf of Joseph Cory request handicap parking in front of 51 & 53 Haven Lane:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance providing for handicap parking in front of 51 Haven Lane.

 

77.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Rosa Pomales request handicap parking at 4 Home St.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance providing for handicap parking in front of #3 Home St.

 

78.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Report of the Committee on Traffic & Parking upon the Petition of Hysen Koka request handicap parking in front of 6 Norman Ave.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance.

 

          Recommitted to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

79.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Councillor Janice L. Nadeau on behalf of Carlos Medero request Traffic Engineering review parking situation on Beacon St. between Lagrange and Oread Sts.:  recommend passage of the accompanying proposed ordinance.

 

          Recommitted to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

          80-92 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Communications of the City Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

80.     Transmitting communication relative to Lincoln Square – Phase II.

                                                       

81.     Transmitting communication relative to enforcement of parking restrictions on McKeon Rd. between Cambridge St. and Riverside St.

 

82.     Transmitting communication relative to enforcement of traffic speed limits on Brattle St.

 

83.     Transmitting communication relative to winter storms December 30 – 31, 2000 and January 5, 2001- Report on Parking Compliance.

 

84.     Transmitting communication relative to pedestrian safety improvement on May St. near Big Y Supermarket.

 

85.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Elizabeth Johnson Tsang et al request handicap parking in front of Upsala Elder Apartments at 36 Upsala St.: recommend Petition be denied.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting residential sticker parking:  recommend Petitions be denied.

 

86.     Sandra Katz, Property Manager, Realty Systems Management request residential sticker parking in front of 30-32 Cedar St. to the end of the corner at West St.

 

87.     Sandra Katz, Property Manager, Realty Systems Management request residential sticker parking from the corner of Austin St. and Irving St. to Oxford St. and Austin St. not to interfere with the fire hydrant at the corner of Austin St. and Irving St.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following Petitions requesting handicap parking: recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

88.     Lorraine Fleming request handicap parking on Earle St. by back door located at 15 Edward St.

 

89.     Ronald Hazen request handicap parking at 12 Tatman St.

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:   recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

90.     Transmitting communication relative to Green Hill Municipal Golf Course 2001 Season.

 

91.     Transmitting communication relative to Status of Memorandum of Agreement – Department Occupancy and Shared Use of the Massachusetts National Guard Armory on Skyline Drive, Green Hill Park and an invitation to the ribbon cutting ceremony for this partnership.

         

92.     Transmitting communication relative to the statewide Vietnam Veterans Memorial – dredging of the Duck Pond at Green Hill Park.

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

          93-103 FROM TRAFFIC & PARKING – ADVERTISE PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

93.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for 2-hour parking 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM in front of 36 Upsala Street Elder Apartments.

 

94.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Rescind One Hour Parking on the north side of Cedar St. near West  St.

 

95.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Rescind handicap parking in front of 97 Arthur St.

 

96.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Rescind handicap parking in front of 31 Falmouth St.

 

97.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Rescind handicap parking in front of #5 Lund St.

 

98.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to Rescind handicap parking opposite #5 Lund St.

 

99.     Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit parking on the south side of Pleasant St. near Clinton St.

 

100.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for handicap parking on the north side of Pearl St. near Main St.

 

101.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for 30 minute parking meters on the south side of Franklin St. near Artic St.

 

102.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide for 30 minute parking meters on the east side of Worcester Center Boulevard between Central St. and Thomas St.

 

103.   Amending Section 33(f)(2) of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit right turn on red for Front St. westbound into Main St.

 

TABLED ITEMS

 

104.   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)

         

          No Action Taken

 

105.   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)

         

          No Action Taken

 

106.   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)

                                                                 

          Taken Off Table & Placed on File

 

107.   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)

 

          Taken Off Table & Placed on File

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

MARCH 27, 2001              PUBLIC WORKS         COUNCIL CHAMBER

     5:30 P.M. Tour North Chamber

     Regular Meeting to follow        

 

APRIL 2, 2001                       COMMERCE               LOCAL 170 BUSINESS OFFICE

       6:00 P. M.                 & DEVELOPMENT           805 MILLBURY ST.

 

Re:   Communication of the City Manager relative to Completion of an    Economic Development Plan for the re-use of the Greenwood St. Landfill.

 

APRIL 3, 2001                PUBLIC SAFETY            COUNCIL CHAMBER

      6:00 P. M.

 

Re:   Statute establishing an age limit of 32 for entry to the positions of

         firefighter and police officer.

 

APRIL 4, 2001                   FEES & CHARGES      COUNCIL CHAMBER

       5:30 P.M.

 

APRIL 9, 2001                      COMMERCE                      COUNCIL CHAMBER

       6:00 P.M.                  & DEVELOPMENT

 

Re:  Amendment to the Union Station Urban Revitalization Plan (USURP)

 

APRIL 10, 2001                        HEALTH                COUNCIL CHAMBER

 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.