CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

CALENDAR OF THE CITY COUNCIL – MAY 1, 2001

7:00 P.M.

 

                                                               Convened:  7:05 P.M.

                                                              Adjourned:  8:15 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 Perotto who arrived

                                    at 7:12 P.M.

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING – 7:00 P.M.

 

          Hearing held – Ordinance Committee voted to recommend

          acceptance of the Planning Board Report and approval of

          the Petition

 

4.          REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Attorney Jonathan Finkelstein on behalf of Francis W. Madigan, Jr. requesting City of Worcester amend the Zoning Map by changing the zoning designation of property fronting Mason St. and shown on Assessors Map 6, Block 19, Lots 26 and 27 from RG-5 to MG-1.0

 

HEARING AND ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

 

          Hearing held

 

5.          MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole relocation on: PLEASANT ST.

 

 

 

 

 

          5a ADOPTED

 

5a.          Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole relocation on: PLEASANT ST.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

          City Council voted on a roll call vote of 9-1 (No-Abraham, Perotto

absent) to reconsider.  Order was adopted on a voice vote

 

6.       In accordance with Rule 41 of the Rules of the City Council, Councillor Joseph M. Petty requests reconsideration of the vote of the City Council taken on April 24, 2001 relating to Item 12C of the City Manager’s Calendar relative to adoption of an Order which would increase the authorized number of District Chief positions from ten to eleven.

                                               

FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS

 

          See 7E of the City Manager’s Calendar

 

7.          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.

 

8.          ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

8a.          ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          9-13 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

9.          Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Paul Thoutsis request Public Works resurface Greenbush Rd.

 

10.     Paul Bottis, Jr., Physical Plant Director, Clark University request to extend existing storm drain line in Park Ave. from the intersection of Park Ave. and Downing St., up Downing St. a distance of approximately 340’ to the Downing St. School.  To be done at the expense of the petitioner.

 

11.     Luigi DiGioia request to extend 2” PVC force main sewer on Chequesett Rd. from existing cleanout manhole, westerly 200’ at my own expense and under a prior agreement.

 

12.          Michael G. Marquis request abatement of Private Street Betterment Assessment #50061 in the amount of $1,648.35 on Beaumont Rd.

 

13.     Albert Gould request to extend an 8” sewer line for 150’ on Carter Way at the expense of the Petitioner and under a prior agreement.

  

          14-17 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

14.     State Representative John Fresolo request installation of driveway clearance signs at the entrance to the Twin Oaks Condominiums at 1199 and 1203 Grafton St. in the interest of public safety of motorists and pedestrians.

                                                     

15.          Sandra Schofield request handicap parking in front of 150 Ingleside Ave.

 

16.     Ed Weldon, Jr. request speed bump on Timrod Dr.

 

17.          Anthony Ruggieri request that parking in front of 57-59 Hamilton St. be made resident parking only or tenant parking only.

 

          18 REFERREDTO THE CITY MANAGER

 

18.          Attorney Raymond Reed on behalf of the Retired Police and Firefighters of Worcester request City Manager to include in his annual budget a recommendation for an increase in the pension allowances of all former City of Worcester Police Officers and Firefighters who have retired under provisions contained in Sections 90A, C & D of Chapter 32 of Mass. General Laws.

 

          19 HEARING SET FOR MAY 8, 2001 – 7:00 P.M.

 

19.          MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY and VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for three joint pole locations on: ORTON ST.

 

ORDERS

 

19a.          Request Administration report relative to the City Council understanding the extent to which we are not meeting requests from appropriate citizen and community groups for use of City fields.   Motion-Mariano @ #19D CM – Adopted

 

19b.          Request Administration report in two weeks on what the City is doing with the School Department to address utilizing fields that are not being used.  Motion-Murray @ #19D CM – Adopted

 

19c.          Request Administration report on all school facilities that are available for public use.  Motion-Irish @ #19D CM – Adopted

 

19d.          Request Department of Public Works review the request to declare the King/Queen Sts. area an emergency zone for snow plowing.  Motion-Patton @ #24B CM - Adopted

 

19e.          Request Administration to update City Council on private street maintenance as to the amount of money, the number of streets on the list, when will work start and when it will be completed.   Motion-Petty @ #24C CM – Adopted

 

19f.          Request Administration report on the status of the Walpole St. bridge.  Motion-Nadeau @ #24C CM – Adopted

 

19g.          Request Administration include in the monthly report on Union Station development a timeline for the location of a parking garage for Union Station.  Motion-Mariano @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19h.          Request Administration include in the monthly report on Union Station development the status of the Master Plan.  Motion-Mariano @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19i.          Request Administration to include in the monthly report on Union Station development the status of developers.  Motion-Mariano @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19j.          Request Administration to include in the monthly report on Union Station development information relative to the availability of the development parcels.  Motion-Mariano @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19k.          Request City Manager report as to the ability of the City Council to have input into the Washington Square project.  Motion-Lukes @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19L.          Request Administration provide a clarification as to the status of the ramps owned by CIGNA.  Motion-Murray @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19m.          Request Administration include in the monthly report on Union Station development the amount of money that has currently been spent on the Union Station project, especially on the parking garage.  Motion-Perotto @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19n.          Request Administration report on the Union Station project as to:  infrastructure work, movement toward looking at the WRTA busses having a route from Union Station to the airport and other areas of interest in the City and looking at shuttles or park and ride from Union Station to the airport.   Motion-Nadeau @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19o.          Request Administration include in the monthly report on Union Station development the progress of bus service and shuttle service as it relates to the Worcester Regional Airport.   Motion-Abraham @ #7CC – Adopted

 

19p.          Request City to conduct a complete and immediate traffic study of Mill St.  Mariano – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19q.          Request City Manager report on his next Calendar on the status of the Worcester Common Outlets.  Said report to include any plans that may be being considered to eliminate any portion of the retail business.  Mariano – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19r.          Request Administration to look at West Chester St., both the public and private portions and provide reasonable solutions to passage on this street.   Patton – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19s.          Request Administration to provide suggestions for traffic control on Westinghouse Parkway.  Patton – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19t.          Request City Manager report on the status of the investigation into three recent arsons in the Elm Park Community School area.  Irish, Nadeau – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19u.          Request City report on alleged prostitution occurring on Russell St. adjacent to Elm Park between Elm St. and Highland St. with recommendations as to how this situation might be alleviated.  Irish, Nadeau – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

 

19v.   That the  City Council hereby accepts with gratitude a framed 1889 Harpers Weekly Supplement of the City of Worcester from Phil Reid.  Murray – Suspension of Rules - Adopted 

 

20.          COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR May 1, 2001

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

A.      Notification of the appointment of Mary E. Oroszko to the Citizens Advisory Council.

 

Appointment confirmed on a roll call 11-0

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

4. ASSESSORS:

 

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

6. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

7. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

          A.          Communication relative to Route 146 Corridor Billboards.

 

          Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to Regulatory Board Concerns regarding any Issues with the Zoning Ordinance.

 

Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to Proceeds of the Sale of City-owned land off of the proposed Nippnapp Trail.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to WRTA Ridership.

 

Recommitted to the City Manager

 

E.      Communication relation to the Union Station/Washington Square Project.

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

8. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

9. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

10. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES:

 

11. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

12. FIRE:

 

13. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

14. HUMAN RIGHTS:

 

15. INFORMATION SERVICES:

 

16. LAW:

 

          A.          Communication relative to School Department Budget.

 

          Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to Recovery of Costs – Tanker Rollover – October 1999.

 

Placed on file

 

17. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.      Request adoption of an Application for an Affordable Housing Fee Waiver for Friendly House.

 

Order adopted

 

B.      Request adoption of three Resolution for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program, and Emergency Shelter Grant Programs (ESGP).

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Funding Recommendations for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Summary of Applications not recommended for funding in Year 27.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to Yr. 26 Monitoring and Yr. 27 Recommendations Report for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to Yr. 25 Monitoring Report for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

G.      Request the sum of Two Hundred and Three Thousand Dollars ($203,000.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

H.      Request the sum of Five Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Four Thousand Dollars ($5,934,000.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Twenty - Seventh Year Community Development Block Grant Program.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

I.       Request the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Seventy -Seven  Thousand Dollars ($1,777,000.00) be accepted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the HOME Program.

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

 

 

J.       Communication relative to Veterans Homestead Medical Van.

 

Placed on file

 

19. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Communication relative to FY01 Capital Equipment Budget – Golf Course/Golf Cart Fleet Purchase.

 

Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to a Invitation to the ceremony for the new lighting system at Beaver Brook Park.

 

Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to a Invitation to the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Creation and Improvements to the Laurel Street Intergenerational Playground

.

Placed on file

 

D.      Communication relative to Spring 2000 – Field Availability and the Use of These Facilities for Various Activities and Events.

 

Referred to Youth, Parks & Recreation Committee

 

E.                SUPPLEMENTAL – Request adoption of a Resolution to file and accept a Grant with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the Section 319 non-profit source pollution competitive grant program to begin restoration of Salisbury Pond.

 

Resolution adopted – Reconsideration denied

 

 

 

 

 

F.      SUPPLEMENTAL – Request adoption of a Resolution to file and accept a Grant with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management for the Massachusetts Historic Landscape Preservation Grant program Round V – The preservation maintenance and improvements to the landscape at Bancroft Tower.

 

Resolution adopted – Reconsideration denied

 

20. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Crime Statistics in the Green Island/Vernon Hill Crime Watch Area.

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

21. PUBLIC HEALTH & CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

          A.          Communication relative to Mental Health Conference.

 

          Placed on file

 

22. PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

23. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Policy Regarding the Possession of Tobacco Products in the Worcester Public Schools.

 

Referred to Health Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to the Conditions at South High School Swimming Pool.

 

Referred to Education Committee

 

 

 

 

 

24. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to the Removal of Right Turn on Red Restriction.

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Maintaining King and Queen Streets during a Snowstorm.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Progress Report/Construction.

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

25. PURCHASING:

 

26. TREASURY:

 

27. VETERAN’S SERVICES:

 

28. FINANCE:

 

A.      Recommend that Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be transferred from the following Account #14SSAL25, OPCD Salaries & Fringe, and appropriated to Account #14S44125, Worcester Youth Center, to provide funds for the purpose of supporting the Peer Leadership Program and an Urban Community Action Planning for Teens Program at the Worcester Youth Center.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.      Recommend that Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be transferred from the following Account #14SSAL25, OPCD Salaries & Fringe, and appropriated to Account #14S44025, Pleasant Street Network Center, to provide funds for the purpose of paying the salary and related support cost of an Albanian outreach worker who will assist immigrant Albanian families and individuals.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.      Recommend that Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000,00) be transferred from the following Account #14SSAL25, OPCD Salaries & Fringe, and appropriated to Account #14S44225, Neighborhood Grant Initiative, to provide funding that will help benefit and strengthen neighborhood associations and crime watches as developed by the leaders of these groups and the Worcester Police Department.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

D.      Recommend that Eighty Dollars ($80.00) be authorized from Account #250-92000, Police Department Ordinary Maintenance, for the payment of  prior year invoices.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

E.      Recommend that Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($18,750.00) be transferred from Account #332-01 Reserve for Appropriation Lots & Graves, and appropriated to Account #720-91000, Parks Department Personal Services to provide the fund for the purpose of funding approved fiscal 2001 budgetary credits associated with management and maintenance of Hope Cemetery.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

 

 

 

F.      Recommend that Three Hundred Sixty Eight Thousand One Hundred Forty Five Dollars ($368,145.00)  be transferred from the following accounts:

 

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          330-01                   Pearl Elm Reserves                   $196,135.25

          330-02                   Federal Plaza Reserves                 84,644.00

          330-03                   Off Street Reserves                      75,330.00

          330-04                   Parking Meter Reserves                12,035.75

                                      Total                                        $368,145.00

 

          and appropriated to the following  accounts:

 

          ACCOUNT                   DESCRIPTION                     AMOUNT

          46S501                  Pearl Elm Ordinary Maint.         $196,135.25

          46S502                  Fed. Plaza Ordinary Maint.           84,644.00

          46S503                  Off Street Ordinary Maint.            75,330.00

          46S504                  Parking Meter Ordinary Maint.    12,035.75

                                      Total                                        $368,145.00

 

          This appropriation provides sufficient operating funds for the Off Street Parking Program for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2001.

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

G.          Recommend the adoption of a Loan Order in the amount of Two Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Dollars ($285,000.00) to be appropriated to Account #91C780 for the purpose of funding the purchase of capital equipment for Green Hill Golf Park.

 

Voted to advertise proposed Loan Order on a roll call 11-0

 

29. MISCELLANEOUS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

21.     Helen Friel, Assistant to the Superintendent/Clerk of the School Committee transmitting communication requesting acceptance of $10,328.05 in equipment for use by the Worcester Public High Schools Crew Team from the Worcester Public High Schools Crew Team Booster Club.

 

Order adopted with gratitude – Reconsideration denied

 

22.     Karen A. Gubber, Administrative Assistant, Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District transmitting communication relative to election of officers to serve a one-year term.

                                                   

Placed on file

 

RESOLUTION

 

22a.   That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby recognizes Evelyn Hurwitz and members of the Urban Tree Task Force for their work on the City’s urban forest.  Murray, Petty – Suspension of Rules – Adopted on a roll call 11-0 

 

23.          RECESS TO FINANCE AND 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.

 

 

 

c)                #13B CM  April 3, 2001

 

Communication of the City Manager relative to Health Insurance Costs for the Current Year and Future Years.

 

REPORT

 

          23a ACCEPTED AND ORDER ADOPTED – Suspension of Rules

 

23a.          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an application for an Affordable Housing Fee Waiver for the rehabilitation project at 22-24 Northampton St.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

 

TABLED ITEMS

 

24.          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) Taken off the Table and placed on file

 

25.     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

 

26.          Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to city employees serving on Boards and Commissions.  (Tabled April 3, 2001)  No Action Taken

 

 

 

                                            _____________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

MAY 1, 2001                     HOUSING &                 COUNCIL CHAMBER

     6:00 P.M.                  NEIGHBORHOOD

                                       REVITALIZATION

 

 

MAY 2, 2001                  COMMERCE &                LOCAL 170

     6:00 P.M.                   DEVELOPMENT              BUSINESS OFFICE

                                                                                   805 MILLBURY ST.

 

       Re:  Re-use of Greenwood St. Landfill

 

 

MAY 7, 2001                PUBLIC WORKS              COUNCIL CHAMBER

     6:00 P.M.

 

 

MAY 10, 2001        STRATEGIC PLANNING      COUNCIL CHAMBER

     5:30 P.M.

 

 

MAY 14, 2001         TRAFFIC & PARKING         COUNCIL CHAMBER

   6:00 P.M.