CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 25, 2003

7:00 P.M.

Convened: 7:05 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:55 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION -   Rev. Aaron Payson

                                       Unitarian-Universalist Church of Worcester

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present

 

4.       PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING EARLENA YELVERTON FOR HER DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY.

 

5.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

5a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          6 - 8 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

6.       Harry & Sonia S. Dodakian request abatement of Sewer Betterment Assessment #30860 in the amount of $4,387.86 on Danvers St. (Attachments)

 

7.       Diana Blanchard request abatement of Sewer Betterment Assessment #30841 in the amount of $5,320.00 on Rockwell St. (Attachments)

 

8.       Alan & Rachel Rossi request abatement of Sewer Betterment Assessment #30859 in the amount of $3,106.88 on Danvers St. (Attachments)

         

          9-13 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

9.       Peter Trayers, Area Director, Department of Mental Retardation request sufficient handicap parking to be installed as required by law to accommodate the tenants of 40 Southbridge St. and their customers.   (Attachments)

 

10.     Margaret Odei request handicap parking be removed from in front of 32 Bellevue St. (Attachments)

 

11.     Norberto Arce request to reinstall handicap parking sign in front of 113 Southgate St. (Attachments)

 

12.     Jesus Morfe, MX, Computer Services request the removal of the Commercial Loading Zone on the west side of Water St. in front of 96-96A Water St., and in place thereof, install a 15 minute parking zone for two vehicles. (Attachments)

 

13.     Alice Lombardi, Bean Counter request the bus stop be removed and parking meters be installed to create more parking for customers of the Bean Counter at 113 Highland St. (Attachments)

 

13a.   Councillor Philip Palmieri request No Parking at 51 Ingleside Ave.  Suspension of Rules – Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee (Attachments)

 

14 REFERRED TO YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE – Petitioner spoke

 

14.     William S. Coleman III request an opportunity to present to the City Council and Administration an alternative funding program for the operation of our City pools - Summer 2003. (Attachments)

 

          15 REFERRED TO THE CITY MANAGER – Petitioner spoke

 

15.     William S. Coleman III request City Council and City Administration call a Summit of Financial Need inviting area grant writers to volunteer their services to help out city seek private philantrophy to help offset cuts from State Aid for 2002-3 budget. (Attachments)

         

CHAIRMAN'S ORDERS

 

16-18 FROM HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE - ADOPTED

 

16.     Request City Manager communicate with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to determine if any Section 8 certificates that have not been assigned might be accessed for use in Worcester. (Attachments)

         

17.     Request City Manager to obtain information from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development concerning opportunities for Worcester under their Smart Growth Program and Transit-Oriented Design Program. (Attachments)

 

18.     Request City Manager to request the Worcester Housing Authority to provide the City Council with their most recent organizational chart. (Attachments)

 

          19-31 FROM LAND USE COMMITTEE - ADOPTED

 

19.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning changing language in Table 4.1, Line 9 in all residential districts. (Attachments)

 

20.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning changing language in Table 4.1, Lines 3, 9 and 12 concerning clinics and sanitariums. (Attachments)

 

21.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning changing language in Table 4.1, Lines 12, 14 and 16 across four zones. (Attachments)

 

22.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning a change in language to Table 4.1, Line 8 concerning lodging houses. (Attachments)

 

23.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning changing language removing the exemption allowed subdivisions as defined in Article IV, Section 5B, Subsection 1(b) of the proposed new zoning ordinance.  (Attachments)

 

24.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report explaining why an overnight limit of eight (8) nights is included in the section referencing Bed and Breakfasts in the updated text of the proposed new zoning ordinance. (Attachments)

 

25.     Request Administration provide the City Council with language that would specifically address the issue of businesses in residential districts. (Attachments)

 

26.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report on the 80% median income referenced in the Definitions Section of the updated text of the proposed new zoning ordinance. (Attachments)

 

27.     Request Administration provide the City Council with copies of the texts of zoning ordinances concerning yard sales in other urban communities. (Attachments)

 

28.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report explaining how the City may handle complaints under subdivision and public ways jointly. (Attachments)

 

29.     Request Planning Board review their Rules and Regulations concerning requiring shade trees in subdivisions and report their opinions to the City Council. (Attachments)

 

30.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a report concerning requiring playgrounds to be constructed in the process of granting subdivision approval. (Attachments)

 

31.     Request Administration provide the City Council with a zoning definition of the term community garden. (Attachments)

 

32-34 FROM MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE – ADOPTED

 

32.     Request City Treasurer to establish a policy whereby an entry is flagged whenever a payment is requested to be made to any city employees. (Attachments)

 

33.     Request City Treasurer report to the City Council whether and when the city might more comprehensively utilize electronic fund transfer tools, and whether instituting this as a new standard will incur any costs not already budgeted. (Attachments)

 

34.     Request City Auditor to  recommend to the City Council how we might proceed in future years with implementing a series of internal audits. (Attachments)

 

          35-37 FROM PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - ADOPTED

 

35.     Request Administration to communicate with the developer of residences along Joseph St. concerning the conditions of road surface. (Attachments)

 

36.     Request Commissioner of Public Works update the City Council on the issue of a full-fee being paid by residents for trash removal. (Attachments)

 

37.     Request City Solicitor report to the City Council the ramifications of changing the name of public streets. (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

38.     Request Administration to formulate a policy concerning the use of jet skis, from State and City boat ramps, including the licensing and/or other criteria that might be established. (Patton) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

39.     Request Administration report on the advisability of amending parking ordinance so as to require otherwise legally parked vehicles to be moved periodically when the winter parking ban is in effect.  (Irish) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

40.     Request Administration contact the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and request that they print notice of winter parking ban daily from December 1 to April 15, as a public service.  (Irish) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

41.     Request Administration to consider some type of amnesty program for overdue real estate, excise and parking tickets and any other fees owed to the City of Worcester.  (Abraham, Irish) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

42.     Request Administration provide a snapshot of one year in each respective decade from 1960 to the current year for number of housing units owned by absentee landlords vs. owner occupied homes, for purposes of trending.  If possible and reasonable, report to include number of owner-occupied multi-families (example:  triple-deckers).  (Haller) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

43.     Request Administration to explore the feasibility of establishing a regional excise collection office at the Worcester Registry of Motor Vehicles with area towns.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

44.     Request Administration to explore the feasibility of placing school zone signage around North High School.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

45.     Request Administration report on the MBTA commuter rail train problems that have occurred over the last two weeks.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

46.     Request Administration provide an update on the status of the grant writing for the Goddard Memorial.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

47.     Request Administration to look into the feasibility of placing a turn signal at the intersection of May St. and Park Ave.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

48.     Request Administration report on the feasibility and or benefit of providing a tax abatement or incentive to encourage the leasing of vacant street level storefronts and the possibility of establishing a pilot program in an appropriate neighborhood business district.  (Murray) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

49.     Request Administration report the total dollar value of all tax arrearages owed to the city by category such as property, excise tax, etc.  (Murray) (Attachments)

         

Adopted

 

50.     Request Administration present an action plan timeline and suggested boundaries relative to a planning initiative for the Shrewsbury St., Belmont St. and Lake Ave. area.  (Murray, Palmieri, Perotto) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

51.     Request Administration make recommendations regarding traffic control on Murray Ave., especially during hours when Jacob Hiatt Magnet School is opening and closing, to include making Murray Ave. one-way.  (Haller) (Attachments)

 

Leave to withdraw

 

52.     Request Administration report on the real estate held by the Housing Authority, the locations and values of said properties.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

53.     Request Administration report on what towns and cities in Massachusetts obtain a PILOT payment from their local Housing Authority, the amount of the PILOT payment and the method used to calculate and to structure the payments in lieu of taxes.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

54.     Request Administration report on what PILOT payments have been made by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the city for the past 10 years and whether any payments will be calculated this year.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

55.     Request Administration report on what PILOT payments the city pays to any other entity, city or town and the date of commencement of said payments, a history of the amounts and payments and how the  payment was calculated.  (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

Adopted

 

56.     Request Administration provide all reports on the intersection of Vernon and Dorchester Sts.  (Murray)          (Attachments)

 

Leave to withdraw

 

56a.   Request City Manager to provide an update on 33 Dell Ave. within 15-20 days.  Motion-Perotto @ #6A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

56b.   Request City Manager to report what steps are taken by the City to recoup costs incurred by the City relative to demolition of a property. Further, whether it would be feasible to contact private developers or other appropriate entities to determine if a property could be rehabilitated.  Motion-Murray @ #6A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56c.   Request City Manager to report on the process used to determine the schedule for demolition of properties.  Motion-Palmieri @ #6A CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56d.   Request City Manager to report as to how many of the properties scheduled for demolition are abandoned and if Block Grant money is used for the demolition when reimbursement is received is that money deposited back into the Block Grant funds.  Motion-Petty @ #6A CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56e.   Request City Manager to report as to what process takes place and criteria used to apply for Economic Development Administration Grants.  Motion-Perotto @ #8A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

56f.    Request City Manager to report as to sites, other than Franklin St. that may or may not be needed in the future as sites for fire stations and what the new sites, beyond Franklin St. might be.  Motion-Clancy @ #8A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

56g.   Request City Manager to report if there are any future plans for other consolidations of Boards and Commissions.  Motion-Clancy @ #16A CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56h.   Request City Manager to report on the status of scholarship funds and other than chairs of the various Boards and Commissions what public input went into the process of   preparing the reorganization plan for Boards and Commissions.   Motion-Patton @ #16A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56i.    Request City Manager to report within thirty days as to the amount of revenue Charter Communications receives from Shopping Channels.  Motion-Lukes @ #16D CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56j.    Request City Manager to report on how the $75,000.00 Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will be dispersed.  Motion-Perotto @ #18B CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56k.   Request City Manager to report on any remaining metallic underground storage tanks still being used by the City either in  Schools or public buildings.  Motion-Patton @ #18C CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56L.   Request City Manager to report as to how the City might help developers of the Burwick building and the Library project by making more parking available.  Motion-Clancy @ #18D CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56m.  Request City Manager to provide for the official record the presentation that was given to City Councillors relative to the proposed development on the Library parking lot.  Motion-Patton @ #18D CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56n.   Request City Manager to report as to he assets and current financial condition of the Off-Street Parking Board including a list of its assets and the current state of those assets.  Motion-Patton @ #18D CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56o.   Request City Manager to update City Council in two weeks as to what the City is doing to remove abandoned vehicles using different locations for storage.  Further,  request an update on legislation which would lessen the City’s responsibility to store abandoned vehicles once taken off the street.  Motion-Murray @ #18F CM -  Adopted (Attachments)

 

56p.   Request City Manager to report on the possibility of using the Airport parking lot to store abandoned vehicles.  Motion-Clancy @ #18F CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56q.   Request City Manager to look at the areas of Esther St. from Vernon St. to Millbury St. and Henrietta St. for abandoned vehicles.  Motion-Clancy @ #18F CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56r.    Request City Manager to provide an update on the $250.00 fine to individuals who leave abandoned vehicles on City streets.  Motion-Haller @ #18F CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56s.   Request City Manager to report on the feasibility of taxing or charging a fee for storage of an abandoned vehicle in a storage area owned by the City.  Motion-Gomez @ #18F CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56t.    Request Administration to look at the problem of the northbound left hand turn into Dunkin Donuts on West Boylston St.  Motion-Patton @ #24B CM – Adopted    (Attachments)

 

56u.   Request Administration to consider parking on the odd side of the street on odd days and the even side of the street on even days to allow plows to clean both sides of the street.  Motion-Haller @ #39CC – Adopted    (Attachments)

 

56v.   Request City Manager respond to the five recommendations in the Worcester Regional Research Bureau CompStat and CitiStat report.  Motion-Clancy @ #58CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

56w.  Request City Manager to provide a comparison report relative to perception of snow plowing efforts.  Motion-Clancy @ #59CC – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56x.   Request City Manager to provide a pro forma of expected expenses and revenue over a period of time for the Centrum Arena and the Convention Center.  Motion-Patton @ #60CC – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56y.   Request City Manager to do a study on the City’s convention attendance to actual hotel nights projected to be spent in Worcester.  Motion-Lukes @ #60CC – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56z.   Request City Manager to provide historical profit and loss information on the Convention Center since its opening. Further, request comparative data on other Convention Centers in the northeast.  Motion-Irish @ #60CC – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56aa.  Request City Manager to contact the State Telecommunications Energy Department to request that the April 9, 2003 hearing on Charter Communications proposed rates which took effect in February 2003 be moved from Boston to Worcester.  Petty – Suspension of Rules – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

56bb. Request City Manager to provide an update on the Route 24/Lakeside Apartment bus that goes from Lakeside Apartments to Webster Square Plaza.  Petty – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

56cc. Request City Manager to prepare a report that identifies what steps the City is taking to prevent a tragedy such as happened in a nightclub in Warwick , Rhode Island.  Gomez – Suspension of Rules

 

Mayor Murray moved to amend:  Further, request report include what standards currently exist as relates to pyrotechnics.  Adopted, as amended   (Attachments)

 

57.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2003

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

A.      Notification of Constable Appointments: Felix Rivera, Jr. and Peggy S. Supernor. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

A.      Notification of the reappointment of Robert J. Sakakeeny, and Albert N. Powers to the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities. (Attachments)

 

          Reappointments confirmed on a roll call 11-0

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

4. ASSESSORS:

 

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Buildings Being Prioritized for Demolition. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Community Development Committee

 

7. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Fiscal Year 2003 Economic Development Administration Support Letter. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

9. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Collaboration with Quinsigamond Community College. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Elder Affairs Committee

 

10. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13. FIRE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Investigated Structure Fires – Year 2002. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Updated Chart on Accidental Fires. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

14. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

15. HUMAN RIGHTS:

 

16. LAW:

 

A.      Communication relative to Comprehensive Reorganization Plan involving various Boards and Commissions of the City. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Charter Communications’ summary performance regarding telephone statistics. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to copies of Massachusetts Cable Division Form 500B – Annual Summary of Complaints and Form 500C – Annual Service Interruption Data. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Do Shopping Channels Produce Revenue for Charter Communications. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Service & Transportation Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to Request WCCA Include Public Service Notice. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

17. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.      Request adoption of a resolution to file and accept grants with

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Federal FY 02 Supplemental Funding Local All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning Grant. (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted

 

B.      Request adoption of a resolution to file and accept grants with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative: A Grant to Support Juvenile/Adult-Related Gun Crime Reduction Strategies. (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted

 

C.      Request adoption of a resolution to file a Reimbursement Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Revenue Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Cleanup Fund for FY 2003 Underground Storage Tank Removal. (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted

 

D.      Communication relative to the Proposed Library Place Residential Development. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to a Press Release from Governor Romney’s Office Announcing a New Commission for Homeless Services Coordination. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

F.      Communication relative to Abandoned Vehicles. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

19. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Request adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of $4,000.00 from an Anonymous Source for the Effort to Stabilize and Restore this Public Monument, the Rogers Kennedy Memorial. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted

 

B.      Communication relative to Secretary of State William Galvin/The Massachusetts Historic Commission Grant a Three Year Contract Extension for the $95,000.00 MHC – MPPF Grant for the City Hall Windows Restoration. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to an Invitation to a Public Hearing – Master Plan for Fairmount Square Park. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

20. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Updated Figures Concerning Arrests for Prostitution. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Update on College-aged Arrests. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to January 3, 2002 Assault event in front of City Hall. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

D.      Communication relative to Number of Liquor Establishments and Arrests in the Millbury St./Water St. area. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

E.      Communication relative to Fourth Quarter Calendar Year 2002 Crime Statistics. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to Worcester Residents Registered as Level 3 Sex Offenders. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to Addresses Where Drug Related Arrests were Made Within the Past 12 Months. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

21. PUBLIC HEALTH:

 

A.               Notification of the appointment of sworn weighers.

Leroy & Co., Inc.: Howard Brewer, David Merrian, Kevin Daley; Cargill:  Alexcy Cruz, Emanuel Cruz, Robert Derocher, Francisco Diaz, Willie Diaz, James Pye, Raul Rucci, Steve Sukis. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

22. PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

23. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

24. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Proposed Arterial Street Resurfacing Program – FY 2004. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Turning Lane on West Boylston Street into Quinsigamond College. (Attachments)

 

          Recommitted to the City Manager

 

25. PURCHASING:

 

A.      Communication relative to Revised Office Hours. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

26. TECHNICAL SERVICES:

 

27. TREASURY:

 

28. VETERANS SERVICES:

 

29. FINANCE:

 

A.      Recommend that Forty Five Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Nine Dollars ($45,749.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C780, Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, to provide funds for the purpose of purchasing an emergency generator, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

B.      Recommend that One Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Two Dollars ($133,272.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C731, Water Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #45C703, Water Capital Equipment, to provide funds for the purpose of purchasing

                             (1)   5 Ton Dump Truck         $100,778.00

                             (1)   Catch Basin Cleaner        $  32,494.00

 

          for the Water Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

C.      Recommend that Two Hundred Fifty Two Thousand Five Hundred Forty Seven Dollars ($252,547.00) be transferred when and as received from Account #91C734, Sewer Capital Equipment, and appropriated to Account #44C704, Sewer Capital Equipment, to provide funds for the purpose of purchasing

(1)  5 Ton Dump Truck w/sander & plow attachments $112,369.00

(1)   Catch Basin Cleaner  $140,178.00

                  

for the Sewer Department, as approved in the Capital Improvement Program. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

D.      Recommend that Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) be transferred from Account #900-92000, City Manager’s Contingency Account, and appropriated to Account #115-92000, Board of Appeals’ Ordinary Maintenance, to provide adequate funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

E.      Recommend that Five Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Fifty Four Cents (5,853.54) be transferred from Account #560-91000, Regional Library Personal Services, and appropriated to Account #560-92000, Regional Library Ordinary Maintenance, to provide funds for the purpose of funding ordinary maintenance contractual obligations for the Regional Library. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted on a roll call 11-0

 

30. MISCELLANEOUS:

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

58.     Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting Report - CompStat and CitiStat:  Should Worcester adopt these management techniques? (Attachments)

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee and Public Safety

Committee

 

59.     Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting Citizen Satisfaction with Municipal Services:  2002 Survey. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

60.     James Delsignore, City Auditor transmitting report that gives a comparison of profit and losses for the Centrum's Arena and Convention Center Components. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

RESOLUTION

 

60a.   That the City Council hereby states its support for the inclusion of a design review process in the City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and requests Administration to make a recommendation for a design review process before the Land Use Committee concludes its review of said ordinance.   Lukes, Gomez, Petty, Abraham, Clancy, Patton, Haller, Murray, Perotto – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

61.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:   No Action Taken

           

          FINANCE

 

a)                 #7 CC  January 14, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to Preliminary Budget Analysis for Fiscal 2004. (Attachments)

 

          b)      #5C CM  January 28, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to framework for a Local and State Fiscal Recovery. (Attachments)

 

c)       #27 CC  February 4, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to Governor’s State budget cuts to the City of Worcester. (Attachments)

 

d)                #26 CC  February 4, 2003

James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting City of Worcester’s 2002 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. (Attachments)

 

          e)       #10 CC  February 11, 2003

                   James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting schedule of revenues for the first six months of Fiscal 2003 compared to the same period in Fiscal 2002 and indicates revenues to be received for the entire year and revenues received for all of Fiscal 2002. (Attachments)

 

           f)      #4C CM  February 11, 2003

                   Communication of the City Manager relative to using $11,000,000.00 of the unused tax levy. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS

 

          62 & 63 ACCEPTED

 

62.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Floodplain Overlay District:  recommend Approval.  (Proposed Ordinance will be advertised subsequent to Report of the Planning Board and Standing Committee on Ordinances.) (Attachments)

 

63.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to forensic investigation at Treasurers' Office:  recommend Communication be placed on file.  (Attachments)

 

          64 & 65 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

64.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Dominic Casale et al request sanitary and surface sewer on Yukon Ave. (Attachments)

 

65.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of John Sposato et al request to make public the private portion of Trent Rd. (Attachments)

 

          66 TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE (Patton)

 

66.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Paul & Susan Lenkarski request to extend the RL-7 zone westerly to include most of the property at 35 State Rd. (aka 1200 West Boylston St. or 35 Electric Ct.) (Attachments)

 

          67 REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A HEARING

 

67.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Communication of the City Manager requesting to amend the Floodplain Overlay District portion of the City of Worcester Zoning Ordinance to reflect the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that are effective January 16, 2003. (Attachments)

 

68      GIVEN LEAVE TO WITHDRAW AT REQUEST OF PETITIONER

 

68.     REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of Nancy Bianco, President, TGL, Inc. request that the un-improved private way portion of Trahan Ave. be removed from the Official Map. (Attachments)       

 

69 ACCEPTED & ORDER ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 11-0

 

69.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of David A. and Maria C. Pietrowicz request abatement of Street Betterment Assessment #24449 in the amount of $7,504.00 on Orton St.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order to abate to $4,217.50   (Attachments)

 

          70 - 96  ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

70.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Mayor Timothy P. Murray and Councillor Stephen T. Patton on behalf of Joyce West request DPW install additional catch basins in the vicinity of 14 Clara St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

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

 

71.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request sidewalk repair at 28 & 30 Prentice St. (Attachments)

 

72.     Deborah Monahan request sidewalk be repaired/replaced in front of 46 Summerhill Ave. (Attachments)

 

73.     Trudy and Bob Epstein request sidewalk repair at 16 South Flagg St. (Attachments)

 

74.     Harold and Ruth Gurwitz request that the sidewalk in front of our property, 33 Chippewa Rd. be repaired. (Attachments)

 

75.     James Magay request sidewalk resurfacing at 460 Lincoln St. (Attachments)

 

76.     Michael O'Rourke request sidewalk in front of 831 Main St. be repaired. (Attachments)

 

77.     Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Dominica Zui request sidewalk repair on Kendig St. at the corner of 99 College St. (Attachments)

 

78.     Dorothy Bowse request sidewalk repair at 2 Intervale Rd. (Attachments)

 

79.     Bradford Hebert request sidewalk repair in front of 34/36 Dean St. (Attachments)

 

80.     Thomas Holden request sidewalk repair at 15 Chadwick St. (Attachments)

 

81.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray request sidewalk repair in front of 316 Main St. (Attachments)

 

82.     Mayor Timothy P. Murray request sidewalk replacement along Mechanic St., between Commercial St. and Norwich St. (Attachments)

 

83.     Councillor Stephen G. Abraham on behalf of Sylvia Epstein request sidewalk repair in front of 10-12 South Flagg St. (Attachments)

 

84.     David Bonardi request to have sidewalk replaced in front of 25 Gates Lane. (Attachments)

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the following Petitions requesting streets be resurfaced:  recommend  adoption of the accompanying orders.

 

85.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request Wawecus Rd. be resurfaced. (Attachments)

 

86.     Susan Keller request street repair at the point where my driveway meets the street at 46 Forest St. (Attachments)

 

87.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request to resurface Dustin St. (Attachments)

 

88.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request Park View Rd. be resurfaced. (Attachments)

 

89.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request Rankin St. be resurfaced. (Attachments)

 

90.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request Blue Hill Rd. be resurfaced. (Attachments)

 

91.     Mabel Monks et al request Dunbar St. be repaved from Heard St. to Pine View Ave. (Attachments)

 

92.     Councillor Philip P. Palmieri on behalf of Mary Chiavaras request Eastham St. be resurfaced. (Attachments)

 

93.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Natalie Pastore request handicap ramp at the end of the sidewalk at 23 Kennebec St.:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

94.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Paul Simmarano request to extend 6 inch sanitary sewer line on Shannon St. approximately 300 feet to service Lot 39 on Shannon St. at Petitioner's expense and in accordance with prior agreement and DPW specifications:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments) 

 

95.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition  of Nancy Bianco, President, TGL, Inc. request authorization to 1)  Extend existing 8 inch high service water main from Hyannis Place for a distance of 300 feet to connect to an existing high service water main in Trahan Ave.  2)  Extend existing 8 inch sanitary sewer located in Hyannis Place for a distance of approximately 250 feet to connect to  sanitary sewer in Trahan Ave.  3)  Extend the existing 12 inch surface drain  from Hyannis Place to connect to an existing surface drain  in Trahan Ave.  All work to be done in accordance with DPW standards and at the Petitioner's expense:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.   (Attachments)

 

96.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Jean Renner and Edgar Smith request installation of a catch basin at dead end of Warner Ave:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order. (Attachments)

 

          97 - 126 ACCEPTED

 

97.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to sale of the Greenwood St. Landfill:  recommend Communication be referred to the Commerce & Development Committee. (Attachments)

                  

98.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to brush overgrowth in the public right of way:  recommend Communication be referred to the Youth, Parks & Recreation  Committee.  (Attachments)

 

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

 

99.     Relative to use of Green Machine and MadVac Unit. (Attachments)

 

100.   Relative to the nomination forms from Preservation Worcester's "Ten Most Endangered Properties" Program. (Attachments)

 

101.   Relative to Second City Hall Rostrum. (Attachments)

 

102.   Relative to Status Report #6 - Street Resurfacing Projects. (Attachments)

 

103.   Relative to sewer related issues and solutions on Nathaniel St. (Attachments)

 

104.   Relative to Railroad Bridge on West Boylston St. near Kendrick Field. (Attachments)

 

105.   Relative to conditions along the private portion of Joseph St. (Attachments)

 

106.   Relative to moratorium for installation of low-pressure system force mains and gravity sewers on private streets. (Attachments)

 

107.   Relative to Customer Service Operation Center. (Attachments)

 

108.   Relative to lighting under the Central Street Bridge. (Attachments)

 

109.   Relative to communication system that exists during snow plow operations. (Attachments)

 

110.   Relative to sewer back-up problem on Lawnfair St. (Attachments)

 

111.   Relative to Grimewatch Program - October 2002 Activity. (Attachments)

 

112.   Relative to Massachusetts Water and Sewer Rates - Comparative Data. (Attachments)

 

113.   Relative to cost to provide trash and recycling service to all private residential units. (Attachments)

 

114.   Relative to cost to provide trash and recycling services to private residential units. (Attachments)

 

115.   Relative to the feasibility of relocating the Leaf Mulch Site. (Attachments)

 

116.   Relative to funding to resolve issues regarding Putnam Lane and repairing of Putnam Lane and Franklin St. (Attachments)

         

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

 

117.   Councillor Barbara Haller request repair on Ormond St. (Attachments)

 

118.   Councillor Philip P. Palmieri request resurfacing of North Parkway. (Attachments)

 

119.   Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request resurfacing of Revere St. (Attachments)

 

120.   Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request to resurface Revere St. (Attachments)

         

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

 

121.   Mayor Timothy P. Murray request an emergency sidewalk patch at 28 Mechanic St. (Attachments)

 

122.   Councillor Barbara G. Haller request sidewalk repair at 215 Canterbury St. (Attachments)

 

123.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Anthony Bianco request Public Works Committee allow the installation of a 2-inch PVC force main sewer line from an existing sewer line to two residential building lots located at the corner of Hyannis Place and Trahan Ave:  recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)

 

124.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Cynthia Granger requesting abatement of private street betterment assessment #50144 for Westwood Dr. in the amount of $8,914.79:  recommend  Petition be denied.  (Attachments)

 

125.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Alfonso and Carolyn Polselli, Jr. request abatement of street betterment assessment #24430 in the amount of $2,970.61 on Keen St.:  recommend  Petition be denied.  (Attachments)

 

126.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS Upon the Petition of Bruce and Debra Dauderis request to relocate fire hydrant located in front of 26 Dupuis Ave. to southwest corner of Parcel A on Dupuis Ave. at City's expense:  recommend Petition be denied. (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

 

          127 – Councillor Petty recused on a roll call 10-0 – Ordained on a roll call 10-0

 

127.   Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to prohibit parking on the even numbered side of King Philip Rd. from West Boylston St. to Leeds St. (Attachments)

 

          128 Ordained on a roll call 10-1 (Lukes)

 

128.   Amending Section 10 of Chapter 8 of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 relative to dog license late fee. (Attachments)

 

 

TABLED

         

129.   Communication of the City Manager relative to CIGNA – Letter – Worcester Common Outlets.  (Tabled December 17, 2002) (Attachments)  No Action Taken

 

130.        Motion Lukes as amended by Abraham – Request Administration to contact CIGNA relative to the feasibility of linking up Front St. with Washington Sq. and Shrewsbury St. and explore financial incentives that might facilitate that. (Tabled December 17, 2002) (Attachments) No Action Taken 

 

131.   Communication of the City Manager relative to License Commission’s Practice – Licensed Liquor Establishments – Alleged Violation of Laws, Rules or Regulations.  (First Tabled January 28, 2003,  Second Tabled February 11, 2003) (Attachments)  Taken off the Table and placed on file

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

FEBRUARY 26, 2003        HOUSING &                COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:00 P.M.                  NEIGHBORHOOD

Re: Housing Study         REVITALIZATION

       Public Hearing:  Question & Answer Session

 

 

FEBRUARY 26, 2003          TRAFFIC &               COUNCIL CHAMBER

        7:00 P.M.                       PARKING             

 

MARCH 10, 2003      ETHNIC & MINORITY      COUNCIL CHAMBER

       5:00 P.M.                        AFFAIRS

 

MARCH 10, 2003               PUBLIC SAFETY      FIRE HEADQUARTERS

                                                                                      141 GROVE ST.

View Begins at 5:30 P.M. from South Division @ 180 Southbridge St., continues to Brown Square Station @ 676 Franklin St. and ends at Fire Headquarters @ 141 Grove St. where the Committee Meeting will convene.

 

 

MARCH 19, 2003               HOUSING &              COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:00 P.M.                  NEIGHBORHOOD

Re: Housing Study         REVITALIZATION

       Administrative Recommendations/Revised Document

 

 

MARCH 26, 2003           PUBLIC SERVICE &     COUNCIL CHAMBER

       6:00 P.M.                  TRANSPORTATION

Re:  Development of a Telecommunications Master Plan for the City

 

 

 APRIL 14, 2003               PUBLIC WORKS        COUNCIL CHAMBER

       7:00 P.M.

Re:  The renaming of Millbury St. and the ramifications to roadways in the vicinity of the Blackstone Parkway.