CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – APRIL 29, 2003

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:09 P.M.

Adjourned:   10:35 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION – Rabbi Seth Bernstein

                                       Temple Sinai

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present except Councillors Patton and Perotto and Mayor Murray.  Vice-Chair Petty was in the Chair. Councillor Perotto arrived at 7:15 P.M., Councillor Patton at 7:23 P.M. and Mayor Murray at 7:30 P.M.

 

Vice-Chair Petty read a Proclamation proclaiming the Month of May as Children’s Mental Health Month in the City of Worcester.

 

4.       PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION TO JAMES J. PAUGH, III FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE ON THE TRUST FUNDS COMMISSION.

 

HEARING AND ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

 

          5 – Councillor Haller recused on a roll call 9-0 (Murray absent) Hearing held

 

5.       MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole location on:  GREENWOOD ST.

          (Attachments)

 

          5a  - Councillor Haller recused on a roll call 9-0 (Murray absent) Order adopted

 

5a.     Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. & VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for a joint pole location on:  GREENWOOD ST.

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING – 7:00 P.M.

 

          6 – Hearing held – Item Tabled

 

6.       REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD Upon the Petition of James & Mary Whalen requesting to have zoning at 105 Harrington Way changed to RL-7.  (Attachments)

 

7.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

7a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          8 REFERRED TO PLANNING BOARD

 

8.       Joe Boynton & Members of the Planning Bd. request to amend Article IV, Section 7, A, 1, Article V, Section 2, A, Article V, Table 5.1, Article IV, Table 4.2 and Article IV, Table 4.4 of the Zoning Ordinance, as enclosed.   (Attachments)

 

          9-13 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

9.       Phat Ngo request to install water and sewer mains in Andrews Ave. from Lincoln St. for a distance of approximately 500’ to service home to be built on Andrews Ave.  (Attachments)

 

10.     Debra Cloutier et al request private street maintenance on Stanley Rd. (Attachments)

 

11.     Gene Flanders et al request private street maintenance on Taconic Rd. (Attachments)

 

12.     Franciszka Mikulska et al request private street maintenance on Yukon Ave.  (Attachments)

 

13.     Attorney Robert Longden on behalf of R.K. Worcester Realty Associates, LLC request City of Worcester enter into a prior agreement with R.K. Worcester Realty Associates, LLC and/or other necessary parties to expand the existing public right of way on Greenwood St. near the intersection of Greenwood St. and Route 20 to accommodate construction of a new right-turn lane, at Petitioner’s sole cost and expense.  (Attachments)

 

          14-21 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

14.     Maria Spitaels request Pedestrian Walkway sign at corner of College St. and Boyden St.  (Attachments)

 

15.     Kelly Berthiaume request two Deaf Child signs on Kosta St. (Attachments)

 

16.     Don Bergstrom request No Parking on Sidewalk sign at property line between 8 and 10 Whittier St.  (Attachments)

 

17.     William Randall, ABG Realty request three 15 minute parking signs in front of store fronts on Grand St.  (Attachments)

 

18.     Cheryl Marrino request  removal of WRTA Bus Stop in front of 13 Greenwood St.  (Attachments)

 

19.     Marian Poreda request handicap parking in front of 27 Perry Ave. (Attachments)

 

20.     Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request No Parking on the odd side of Forsberg St. from Evelyn St. to Greenwood St.   (Attachments)

 

21.     Attorney Robert Longden on behalf of R.K. Worcester Realty Associates, LLC request City of Worcester enter into a prior agreement with R.K. Worcester Realty Associates, LLC and/or other necessary parties for installation of a new traffic signal on Greenwood St. near the intersection of Greenwood St. and Route 20, at Petitioner’s sole cost and expense.  (Attachments)

 

          21a    PLACED ON FILE  - Suspension of Rules

 

21a.   Gary Richards, Pastor, Aldersgate United Methodist Church et al supporting opening of City pools, beaches, parks and schools for youth summer recreation programs in 2003.  (Pastor Richards spoke)  (Attachments)

 

          22-24  HEARINGS SET FOR MAY 6, 2003 – 7:00 P.M.

 

22.     VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. for conduit location on:  ENVELOPE TERRACE.  (Attachments)

 

23.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. for cable and conduit system on:  MILLBURY ST.  Councillor Haller recused on a roll call 10-0 (Attachments)

 

24.     MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. for cable and conduit system on:  HUMBOLDT AVE.  Councillor Haller recused on a roll call 10-0  (Attachments)

 

25.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR APRIL 29, 2003

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

4. ASSESSORS: 

         

A.      Communication relative to Real Estate held by the Worcester Housing Authority. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

B.      Communication relative to PILOT Payments received from the Worcester Housing Authority. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to PILOT Payments made by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to the City’s usage of our LLEBG funds. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Worcester Vocational High School Project. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Education & College/University Relations Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Money Spent To-Date, Project Timeline To-Date for North High School. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Education & College/University Relations Committee

 

7. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to Leasing of Vacant Street Level Storefronts. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Central Street Hotel Development. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

9. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Update of Planning and Construction of the Senior Center. (Attachments)

 

Councillor Irish recused on a roll call 10-0 – Referred to Elder

Affairs Committee

 

B.                Request adoption of four resolutions: lease to Camp Fire USA, lease to Mass. Senior Action Council-Central Mass. Chapter, lease to Catholic Charities-Diocese of Worcester’s Senior Employment Program and accepting donations from Friends of Worcester’s Senior Center, Inc. (Attachments)

 

Resolutions adopted on a roll call 10-0 (Abraham absent)

 

C.      Communication relative to Long Range Plan of the Needs and Concerns of the Department. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Elder Affairs Committee

 

10. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13. FIRE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Assistance to Firefighters Programs. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Request City Council accept with gratitude a donation from the University of New Hampshire Fire Science Club in the amount of $100.00. (Attachments)

 

          Order adopted with gratitude

 

C.      Communication relative to Potential Cost of Construction of a New Three Tier Fire Station. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

14. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

A.      Communication relative to Cost to the City of all Health Insurance Plans to be offered to City Employees, and Additional Cost to the City for Fallon Select and Fallon Direct. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

15. HUMAN RIGHTS:

 

16. LAW:

 

17. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

18. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.      Communication relative to Color-Coded Zoning Map. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Land Use Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to using Community Development Block Grant Money for Brownfields Remediation. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Open Space Preservation Grant. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to CDBG funding for a new fire station. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

F.      Communication relative to Three Appropriation Orders that Pertain to Year 29 Funding Recommendations from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

G.      Communication relative to Three Resolutions Relative to Year 29 Funding Recommendations from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

H.      Communication regarding Funding Recommendations for Year 29 under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Programs. (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

I.       Communication relative to funding applications received but not recommended for funding for Year 29 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

J.       Communication relative to Year 29 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funding proposals. (Attachments)

 

Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

Referred to Community Development Committee

 

K.      Communication relative to Year 28 Monitoring and Evaluation Report for funds allocated from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Abraham absent)

 

          Referred to Community Development Committee

 

19. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Communication regarding a media release relative to Save Our Summer (S.O.S.). (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

20. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Deployment of Police Personnel. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

21. PUBLIC HEALTH:

 

22. PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

23. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

24. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Current Snow Ban. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Widths of Ingleside Ave., Fairmont Ave., Puritan Ave., and Pilgrim Ave. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee for next meeting

 

C.      Request adoption of an order relative to an acceptance of a deed of easement. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Abandoned Vehicle Report Status. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

25. PURCHASING:

 

26. TECHNICAL SERVICES:

 

27. TREASURY:

 

28. VETERANS SERVICES:

 

29. FINANCE:

 

30. MISCELLANEOUS:

 

CHAIRMAN’S ORDERS

 

          26 & 27 FROM COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT - Adopted

 

26.     Request Administration to provide City Council with an update on the Arts District.   (Attachments)

 

27.     Request Administration to provide City Council with an update on  marketing efforts.  (Attachments)

 

          28 FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Adopted

 

28.     Request Administration report to City Council the total amount of the City’s loan guarantees.  (Attachments)

 

          29-38 FROM PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION – Adopted

 

29.     Request Administration report to City Council on the cost of removing the street light in front of 29 Windsor St. and any public safety concerns related to removing this amenity.  (Attachments)

 

30.     Request Administration report to City Council any payment plans that are available when a citizen requests that a street light be relocated or removed.  (Attachments)

 

31.     Request Administration report to City Council on the cost of installation and operation of one street light per year. (Attachments)

 

32.     Request Administration report on safety issues in the vicinity of 99 Monadnock Rd. because of the large city shade trees and older street lighting.  (Attachments)

 

33.     Request Parks Commissioner to trim city shade trees on Somerset St. so that existing street lights may illuminate the public way.  (Attachments)

 

34.     Request Commissioner of Public Works report to City Council on a street lighting plan for Monroe Ave. within thirty days. (Attachments)

 

35.     Request Commissioner of Public Works to increase the wattage of bulbs in existing street lights on Monroe Ave. at the intersections with Wetherell and Nevada Sts.   (Attachments)

 

36.     Request Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools to provide City Council with their plans for telecommunications access beyond the current Charter Communications contract.  (Attachments)

 

37.     Request Administration provide City Council with a complete inventory of broadband that exists within the City of Worcester that is on file with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. (Attachments)

 

38.     Request Administration to contact appropriate companies and request that they propose to the City how we might move towards providing wireless communication services.  (Attachments)

 

          39-42 FROM YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION - Adopted

 

39.     Request Administration to provide an update on the status of litigation regarding contamination at Ty Cobb Field.  (Attachments)

 

40.     Request Administration provide a list of fields that are not permitted and available in late May and early June.  (Attachments)

 

41.     Request Administration contact Parks Spirit to determine the extent, if any, they could be involved in organizing a citywide one pitch softball weekend tournament to benefit opening of City pools.  (Attachments)

 

42.     Request Administration report on necessary repairs at Bancroft Tower.  (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

43.     Request Administration report on the feasibility of placing barrels along the crosswalks located in the vicinity of the Ty Cobb Baseball Field.   (Murray, Abraham, Petty)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

44.     Request City Manager contact Mass. Highway to ascertain the length of the delay for the Hurley Square award of the Route 146 project and further, try to secure dates for  projected award and start of said project.   (Clancy)   (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Haller moved to amend:  Further, request report include update on Mass. Highway proposals for corners of Cambridge and Southbridge Sts. And Gateway project on Quinsigamond Ave.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

45.     Request City Manager contact Mass. Highway to acquire a firm schedule on the redecking of I-290 in the center of the City including, but not limited to the timeline and length of various ramp closures. (Clancy)  (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Patton moved to amend: Further, request report on whether Administration has had any input into redecking, exterior façade work and lighting.  Further, are there any proposed changes to the roadway other than redecking, entrances and exits and how this process was determined.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

46.     Request City Manager contact Mass. Highway to determine the reasons for delay in completing the Brosnihan Square final design plans and further, attempt to determine bid dates, award dates and construction dates for said project.   (Clancy)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

47.     Request Administration report on protocol and procedures taken with respect to laid off employees and any vacation, sick and/or administrative time owed prior to layoff date.   (Murray)

          (Attachments)

 

          Mayor Murray moved to amend:  Further, request report include protocol and procedures that were or were not followed as relates to getting people on the Civil Service list.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

48.     Request Administration to provide a report on the lead times for installing handicap parking signs after Council approval.  (Haller)

          (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

49.     Request Administration provide a report on reasons for the requirement for individuals giving public testimony at city-held public hearings and meetings to give their home address and to make recommendations regarding continuing this practice or offering alternatives for those individuals who wish to make comment but do not wish to divulge their home address.  (Haller)  (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Rules & Regulations Committee

 

50.     Request Administration provide a report on lead time for approved street resurfacing work and to make recommendations on how to deal with the frustration that the ever present backlog brings to petitioners.  Further, request that the Administration consider sending annual letters to petitioners apprising them of where their road is in the schedule and placing a moratorium on new petitions.   (Haller)

          (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Perotto moved to amend to delete “and placing a moratorium on new petitions”.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

51.     Request Administration to recommend a City Ordinance that would make it a fineable offense to deface or harm a City tree.  (Haller, Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

52.     Request Administration provide a report on road work currently being done on Millbrook St..  Also in said report address whether traffic issues at the Millbrook St. curve are part of the work being conducted. (Murray, Palmieri)  (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

53.     Request Administration report on progress of work being done to the Gates St. Bridge as well as an estimated completion date.  (Murray)

          (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

54.     Request Administration to consider the feasibility of alternating the hours of operation between Saturdays and Sundays at the City’s yard waste drop off sites.   (Murray)   (Attachments)

 

          Mayor Murray moved to amend:  Further, request Administration report as to what ID or license checks the City does to insure waste drop off sites are utilized by only City residents.

 

          Adopted, as amended

 

55.     Request City Council to clarify whether the Council’s taking of a position on the labor relations issues of a private Worcester business is disallowed by City Council Rule 33 as amended, specifically whether this issue falls within the general supervision of government. (Lukes) (Attachments)

 

          Given leave to withdraw

 

56.     Request City Manager to request the City Solicitor to review for legal purposes the framework that is followed whenever public safety and/or other municipal employees are separated from their employment with the City of Worcester.   (Palmieri)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

57.     Request Administration to meet in a group format with any and all municipal employees being separated from their employment with the City so as to inform them of any and all opportunities that might become available for future employment with or outside of the City of Worcester.  (Palmieri)   (Attachments)

 

          Adopted

 

57a.   Request City Solicitor to report relative to the requested zone change at 105 Harrington Way as to whether this zone change request would be spot zoning, why this request is an exception, and if there is a hardship issue that generates the exception.  Motion-Lukes @ #6CC – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

57b.   Request City Solicitor to report relative to the requested zone change at 105 Harrington Way as to whether the petitioner might apply for a Special Permit in order to be allowed to add to the existing building rather than requesting a zone change.  Motion-Perotto @ #6CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57c.   Request City Solicitor to provide a report relative to the PILOT payments from the Worcester Housing Authority in terms of  the constitutionality and dealing with tax exempt authorities.   Motion-Lukes @ #4B CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57d.   Request City Manager to look into whether the Legislature is funding any new school construction in the FY 2004 budget.  Motion-Perotto @ #6B CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

         

57e.   Request Education and College/University Relations Committee to invite the neighborhood to a meeting to discuss the design of the new North High School.   Motion-Clancy @ #6B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57f.    Request Administration to provide recommendations relative to providing tax abatements or incentives to encourage leasing of vacant street level storefronts.  Motion-Murray @ #8A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57g.   Request City Manager report as to whether there would be a shift in the burden with other businesses in the commercial property category picking up the responsibility for exemptions relative to abatements or incentives given for leasing of vacant storefronts.  Motion-Lukes @ #8A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57h.   Request City Manager to consider offering bonuses such as density, zoning or use and other kinds of opportunities to provide incentive to owners or renters of street level storefronts.  Motion-Patton @ #8A CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

57i.    Request City Manager to report on his May 6, 2003 Calendar on the feasibility of diagonal parking on Main St.  Motion-Palmieri @ #8A CM – Adopted    (Attachments)

 

57j.    Request Administration to contact the owner of property behind the Brown Square Fire Station relative to construction of a new fire station.  Motion-Perotto @ #8B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57k.   Request City Manager to report on the pros and cons of the Section 108 Loan Guarantee process.  Motion-Lukes @ #8B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57L.   Request Administration to provide a detailed report explaining how Section 108 Loans are used,  including comparisons in other Massachusetts cities and towns.  Motion-Petty @ #8B CM 

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request Administration include the purpose of the Section 108 Loan for the Beacon Brightly project.

 

Adopted, as amended  (Attachments)

 

57m.  Request Administration to report as to how many hotels in the City are tied into a national reservation network and those that are not.  Motion-Clancy @ #8B CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57n.   Request Administration to report on what the hotels in the City have done relative to being listed in travel books such as Frommers or Foders.  Motion-Clancy @ #8B CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57o.   Request City Manager to report on what the City intends to do in terms of marketing the new hotel to achieve booking levels of 50%, 63% or 75%.   Motion-Lukes @ #8B CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57p.   Request Administration to contact the previous interested party  relative to housing at the Senior Center as part of planning and construction at the Senior Center.  Motion-Clancy @ #9A CM – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

57q.   Request City Manager to provide clarification of parking lot issues at the Senior Center.   Motion-Patton @ #9A CM – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

57r.    Request Administration to consider an RFP for the Senior Center build-out.  Motion-Patton @ #9A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57s.   Request Administration to provide an explanation as to the rationale for the colors on the color-coded zoning map.  Motion-Clancy @ #18A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57t.    Request Administration to provide a breakdown of the different parks that are funded under the Year 29 CDBG funding recommendations.  Motion-Clancy @ #18H CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57u.   Request Administration to provide the Citywide program balancing the Block Grant with the tax levy.  Motion-Clancy @ #18H CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57v.   Request Administration to consider assigning housing work to an existing housing group rather than creating a new entity.  Motion-Clancy @ #18H CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57w.  Request Administration to report on the number of abandoned vehicles that have been picked up by the City since the beginning of the abandoned vehicle hotline that was established last year.  Motion-Haller @ #24D CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57x.   Request Commissioner of Public Works to report at the May 6, 2003 City Council meeting relative to  public safety at the Ty Cobb Field and placement of barrels along the crosswalks located in the vicinity of the Ty Cobb Baseball Field.  Motion-Murray @ #43CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57y.   Request Administration to continue on a yearly basis barrels or other traffic management tools at the Ty Cobb Field.  Motion-Abraham @ #43CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57z.   Request Administration to report on all signage approved since January and date installed for each sign.  Further, if there was a delay installing approved signs, to provide the reason why.  Motion-Clancy @ #48CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57aa.  Request Administration report as to the cost to open the Yard Waste Drop-off Sites on one Sunday for a full day and for an abbreviated day.  Motion-Palmieri @ #54CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57bb. Request Administration to report as to whether or not commercial pickup trucks are disallowed at the City’s Yard Waste Drop-off sites.  Further, request Administration report as to the rationale for opening the City’s Yard Waste Drop-off sites on Saturday rather than Sunday.  Motion-Clancy @ #54CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57cc. Request Administration to provide a report comparing Worcester Center Boulevard garage rates and fees with the City’s other parking garages and when is the last time the rates and fees at those parking garages were reviewed and changed or updated.  Motion-Lukes @ #58CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57dd. Request City Auditor to report on other cities and towns in Massachusetts that have privatized their parking garages and what their experience has been.  Motion-Lukes @ #58CC

 

Councillor Clancy moved to amend: Further, request Auditor report on privatizing all City owned parking garages and all private parking spaces owned by the City.

 

          Adopted, as amended   (Attachments)

 

57ee.  Request Administration report as to what the City is doing to market the Federal Plaza and Pearl-Elm garages at night.  Motion-Murray @ #58CC – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57ff.   Request City Manager to provide an implementation timeline for the transportation plan and quarterly reports from the Transportation Task Force.   Motion-Petty @ #121CC – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

57gg. Request Administration to look at and the evaluate the parking lot of the retail business on the corner of the private street and Assumption Ave.  Patton, Irish -  Suspension of Rules – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

57hh. Request Administration to request the route officer meet with Kendrick Field league officials and advise them that ticketing will commence as of a given date or any other enforcement procedures the Police Department and Administration deem appropriate to address illegal parking.  Patton – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

57ii.   Request Administration to provide a report on complaint calls, warrants and arrests for the past 12 months relative to 8 Shawmut St. and where available, the exact apartment so involved.  Request information to be provided as soon as possible.  Haller – Suspension of Rules -  Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57jj.   Request Administration to provide a report on complaint calls, warrants and arrests for the past 12 months relative to 703-709 Main St. and where available, the exact apartment so involved.  Request information to be provided as soon as possible.  Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57kk. Request Administration to provide a report on the number of complaint calls and arrests with regard to prostitution for 2003, by month.  Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57LL. Request Administration to provide a report on the City’s strategy to significantly reduce prostitution.   Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57mm Request Administration to provide a report on the number of calls to the complaint line (799-8606) by month, for the past 12 months.  Report to include:  present hours of operation, priority ranking by type of call, especially with regard to prostitution and illegal dumping, and probable response times for said rankings.  Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

57nn. Request Administration to provide City Council with an update on the Homelessness Commission, especially with regard to its stated goals of improving services and relocation.  Request report include statistics on minimum, maximum and average number of overnight clients, by month.  Haller – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

57oo. Request Administration to increase police patrols on Cataract St. in Cascade Park area.  Petty – Suspension of Rules – Adopted

          (Attachments)

 

57pp. Request City Manager to provide a report, if available relative to vandalism on Wildwood Ave.  Further, request increased police patrols in the area for next several nights.  Abraham – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

58.     James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting communication relative to the finances of the Federal Plaza Municipal Garage.  (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

59.     James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting Actuarial Valuation and Review as of January 1, 2003 for the Worcester Contributory Retirement System.   (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

59a.   James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting communication relative to review conducted concerning the proposed Convention Center Hotel.  (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee – Suspension of Rules

 

60.     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)

 

g)                 #4A CM  March 4, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to the impact of $9,000,000 increase to the tax levy and the lowest residential rate scenario. (Attachments)

 

h)                 #5A CM  March 4, 2003

Communication of the City Manager analyzing Governor Romney's FY04 budget. (Attachments)

 

i)                   #5A CM  March 18, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to decision solving the 2004 budget.  (Attachments)

 

j)                   #13CC  March 18, 2003

James DelSignore, City Auditor transmitting computation of the legal debt margin for the City of Worcester as of February 28, 2003.   (Attachments)

 

k)                 #5B CM  April 15, 2003

Communication of the City Manager relative to proposals prepared and issued by the Metropolitan Mayor’s Coalition. (Attachments)

 

REPORTS

 

          61-88 ACCEPTED

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the following Communications of the City Manager:  recommend Communications be placed on file.

 

61.     Relative to marketing effort.  (Attachments)

 

62.     Relative to economic impact of the Nonprofit Arts Industry. (Attachments)

 

63.     Relative to Quinsigamond Village Visitors Center Action Plan. (Attachments)

 

64.     Relative to Worcester County Convention & Visitors Bureau Report. (Attachments)

 

65.     Relative to submission of program documents for the City of Worcester’s Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund Program. (Attachments)

 

66.     Relative to Telecommunications Services in Worcester.  (Attachments)

 

67.     Relative to Union Station Update.  (Attachments)

 

68.     Relative to Union Station Update.  (Attachments)

 

69.     Relative to Union Station Update.  (Attachments)

 

70.     Relative to Union Station Update.  (Attachments)

 

71.     Relative to Union Station Update.  (Attachments)

 

72.     Relative to Environmental Justice/Brownfields Redemption. (Attachments)

 

73.     Relative to Annual Report and Audited Financial Report of the Worcester County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  (Attachments)

 

74.     Relative to subsidized parking program.  (Attachments)

 

75.     Relative to 25% Design Study for Union Station.  (Attachments)

 

76.     Relative to meeting – Union Station Bus Ports.  (Attachments)

 

77.     Relative to agreement with Providence & Worcester Railroad and Liberty Properties Corp.  (Attachments)

 

78.     Relative to Greenwood St. Landfill Update.  (Attachments)

 

79.     Relative to Greenwood St. Landfill Update. (Attachments)

 

80.     Relative to Greenwood St. Landfill/Liberty Properties. (Attachments)

 

81.     Relative to report on Microloans.  (Attachments)

 

82.     Relative to delinquency status of Microloans.  (Attachments)

 

83.     Relative to whether borrowers in the Microloan Program are required to give a personal guarantee when receiving a loan.  (Attachments)

 

84.     Relative to Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund. (Attachments)

 

85.     Relative to Fire Station site for a hotel.  (Attachments)

 

86.     Relative to Gateway Park Design Guidelines. (Attachments)

 

87.     Relative to Marketing Corp. Update.  (Attachments)

 

88.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau transmitting Downtown Worcester Office Occupancy:  2002 Survey of the City:  recommend Communication be placed on file.    (Attachments)

 

89 ACCEPTED & RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 10-0 (Gomez absent) – RECONSIDERATION DENIED A ROLL CALL 0-10 (Gomez absent)

 

89.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Executive Summary and Resolution relative to the Gardner, Kilby, Hammond (GKH) St. Revitalization Initiative:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Resolution.  (Attachments)

 

          90 ACCEPTED

 

90.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Boys and Girls Club/Clark University participation in the Gardner/Kilby/Hammond Project:  recommend Communication be placed on file.   (Attachments)

 

          91-93 ACCEPTED & ORDERS ADOPTED

 

91.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES Upon the Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Walter Dauderis requesting that a portion of Woodcliffe Ave. from it’s current terminus to 20 Woodcliffe Ave. be restored to the Official Map:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.  (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions requesting street lights:  recommend adoption of the accompanying Orders.

 

92.     Kevin Daley et al request one additional street light be installed on Sherburne Ave.  (Attachments)

 

93.     Dr. Nikhat Parveen et al request installation of two street lights in front of 35 and 41 Locust Ave.  (Attachments)

 

          94-119 ACCEPTED

 

94.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Francisco Diaz et al requesting light post be removed from driveway at 29 Windsor St.:  recommend Petition be denied.  (Attachments)

 

          REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the following Petitions requesting street lights:  recommend Petitioners be given leave to withdraw.

 

95.     Councillor Stephen Abraham request a street light at the dead end of Knowles Rd.  (Attachments)

 

96.     Frances Lish request City Council install street lights between 25 and 31 Beechmont St., not to conflict with new trees.  (Attachments)

 

97.     REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Petition of William Coleman, III requesting an opportunity to present to City Council and Administration an alternative funding program for operations of our City pools – Summer 2003:  recommend Petition be placed on file.  (Attachments)

 

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

 

98.     Relative to Grant Award – Mass. Releaf Tree Planting Project for Columbus Park Neighborhood.  (Attachments)

 

99.     Relative to Grant Award of $250,000.00 for improvements for Green Hill Park.  (Attachments)

 

100.   Relative to an Invitation to a Public Meeting – Proposed Improvements to the Family Recreation Area within Green Hill Park. (Attachments)

 

101.   Relative to Status Report – Green Hill Park Master Plan/Family Recreation Area Development/Implementation.  (Attachments)

 

102.   Relative to status of proposed City Tree Nursery/Hope Cemetery.(Attachments)

 

103.   Relative to Fifth Annual Rich Gedman Baseball Clinic. (Attachments)

 

104.   Relative to emergency and preventive maintenance of memorial plaques at Newton Sq.  (Attachments)

 

105.   Relative to Summer Youth Job Opportunities for Worcester’s Youth. (Attachments)

 

106.   Relative to unbudgeted required overtime – Hope Cemetery. (Attachments)

 

107.   Relative to information on Rent Credit Days at the Worcester Centrum Centre.  (Attachments)

 

108.   Relative to Ty Cobb Field Complex – Status Report.  (Attachments)

 

109.   Relative to Ty Cobb Field Complex – Status Report/Remediation Schedule.   (Attachments)

 

110.   Relative to report on Ty Cobb Field Complex Environmental Remediation – Status Report and required transfer request. (Attachments)

 

111.   Relative to Summer Pool and Beach Season Certified Lifeguard Recruitment, Training and Retention 2000/2001.   (Attachments)

 

112.   Relative to update on Summer Pool and Beach Season Certified Lifeguard Recruitment, Training and Retention 2002.  (Attachments)

 

113.   Relative to services City is providing to the Youth Center. (Attachments)

 

114.   Relative to Spring 2002 Permitting/Scheduling of Department Citywide Athletic/Recreational Facilities.  (Attachments)

 

115.   Relative to Ordinance regarding the use of Jet Skis.  (Attachments)

 

116.   Relative to policy concerning use of Jet Skis.  (Attachments)

 

117.   Relative to winter hours of the Barnyard Farm at Green Hill Park. (Attachments)

 

118.   Relative to volunteer effort to plant 50,000 flowers in and around the Mass. Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park. (Attachments)

 

119.   REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION Upon the Report of the Committee on Public Works upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to brush overgrowth in the public right of way:  recommend Report and Communication be placed on file.   (Attachments)

 

TO BE ORDAINED

 

          120 TABLED

 

120.   Amending Article VI of the Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to the Floodplain Overlay District.   (Attachments)

 

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

 

          121  TAKEN OFF THE TABLE AND PLACED ON FILE

 

121.   Communication of the City Manager relative to Transportation Task Force.  (Tabled April 15, 2003 – Mayor Murray)  (Attachments)

 

TABLED ITEMSNo Action Taken

 

122.   Communication of the City Manager relative to CIGNA – Letter – Worcester Common Outlets.  (Tabled December 17, 2002)

          (Attachments)

 

123.   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)

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

MAY 5, 2003                MUNICIPAL                  COUNCIL CHAMBER

    6:00 P.M.                 OPERATIONS

 

 

MAY 7, 2003           PUBLIC WORKS                COUNCIL CHAMBER

    6:00 P.M.

 

 

MAY 21, 2003        PUBLIC WORKS                 COUNCIL CHAMBER

    6:00 P.M.