CITY OF WORCESTER

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 13, 2004

7:00 P.M.

Convened:  7:04 P.M.

Adjourned:  9:00 P.M.

 

 

1.       INVOCATION –  Sister Paula Kelleher, SSJ

Vicar for Religious

Diocese of Worcester

 

2.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/STAR SPANGLED BANNER

 

3.       ROLL CALL – All present except Councillors Gomez and Petty. Councillor Gomez arrived at 7:08 P.M.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

          4 – Reconsideration denied on a roll call vote of 6 Yeas and 4 Nays

Yes – Gomez, Haller, Irish, Lukes, Rushton, White

No -  Clancy, Palmieri, Perotto, Murray

Absent - Petty

 

4.       In accordance with Rule 41 of the Rules of the  City Council, Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes requests reconsideration of the vote of the City Council taken on January 6, 2004 requesting Administration to reconsider its position concerning the 6 Library Lane parking lot and to start the RFP process.  (Attachments)

 

5.       ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST

 

5a.     ITEMS OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST

 

PETITIONS

 

          6 REFERRED TO THE PLANNING BOARD

 

6.       Robert Gallo request to discontinue a portion of Ledgecrest Dr. in the Ledgecrest portion of the Parsons Hill Subdivision.  (Attachments)

 

          7 REFERRED TO PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

 

7.       Osman Abdelrahman request street light at 97 Paris Ave. (Attachments)

 

          8-11 REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

8.       Eric Tucker request installation of handrails on staircase between sidewalk and street at 95 Harrison St.  (Attachments)

 

9.       Councillor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. request guardrail on Granite St. on the hill and curve between Holy Name High School and Linders Salvage Yard.  (Attachments)

 

10.     Attorney Robert Longden on behalf of Princeton Development, LLC request City of Worcester (1) Enter into a prior agreement with Princeton Development, LLC and/or any other necessary parties to install a storm drain system from Putnam Lane to Shrewsbury St.; (2) Relocate and/or extinguish a sewer easement granted to the City of Worcester; (3) Extinguish rights of the City of Worcester to maintain a drain.  (Attachments)

 

11.     Councillor Konstantina B. Lukes request resurfacing of a portion of Sunnyhill Dr.  (Attachments)  Councillor Gomez recused on a roll call 9-0 (Petty absent)

 

          12-16 REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE

 

12.     James Mayou request removal of handicap parking at 3 Whipple St. (Attachments)

 

13.     Eric Tucker request handicap parking in front of 95 Harrison St. (Attachments)

 

14.     Councillor Juan A. Gomez request to move WRTA Bus Stop in front of 1296 Main St. up one block.  (Attachments)

 

15.     Attorney Robert Longden on behalf of Princeton Development, LLC request City of Worcester enter into a prior agreement and/or necessary Traffic Control Agreements with Princeton Development, LLC and/or other necessary parties: (1) To install a new traffic signal and Stop sign on Putnam Lane; (2) Install a Stop line on Putnam Lane approach to intersection of Putnam Lane and Franklin St.; (3) Make certain other traffic related improvements in and to Putnam Lane as set forth in a Definitive Site Plan Approval decision of the Planning Board.  (Attachments)

 

16.     Edward Sullivan request “Not a Truck Route” sign for Brattle St. at fork of Holden and Brattle Sts.  Also, directional sign at intersection of Ararat and Brattle Sts. stating Holden on left and a directional sign at intersection of Holden and Brattle Sts. for directions to Holden and “No Trucks on Brattle St.”.  (Attachments)

 

ORDERS

 

16a.   Request Administration to make recommendations for a timely response in dealing with the State and owners of  billboards, possibility through the Grime Watch Program, in order to correct the problems of billboards that are in disrepair and graffiti on billboards. Motion-Clancy @ #6D CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16b.   Request City Manager report as to whether a municipality can set a limit on the number of billboards or any restrictions regarding the placement of billboards. Motion-Haller @ #6D CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16c.   Request City Solicitor and Commissioner of Code Enforcement to report as to any statutes the City might be able to implement as relates to restrictions on billboards.  Motion-Haller @ #6D CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16d.   Request City Manager to provide a listing of the placement of the current billboards in the City.  Motion-Lukes @ #6D CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16e.   Request City Manager respond as to how the City might fast track complaints relative to maintenance and graffiti on billboards.  Motion-Clancy @ #6D CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16f.    Request City Manager to report when the last time was that  the City increased penalties for violation of illegal dumping ordinances.  Motion-Irish @ #6E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16g.   Request City Manager to provide the updates on illegal dumping and related enforcement activities on a quarterly basis.  Motion-Murray @ #6E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16h.   Request City Solicitor to provide a recommendation within thirty days as to how the City might enforce violations of the overgrowth ordinance when the property is owned by the state or is municipal property.   Motion-Palmieri @ #6E CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16i.    Request City Manager report as to the amount of the TIF granted Polar in 1997 and to include all backup.  Motion-Perotto @ #8A CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16j.    Request City Manager report as to any reduced water rates granted to Polar Corp.  Motion-Perotto @ #8A CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16k.   Request City Manager to provide a recommendation from Code Enforcement relative to the future of 39 Wall St.  Motion-Palmieri – Suspension of Rules  (Attachments)

 

16L.   Request City Manager to report if the City had a Law Enforcement Trust Fund in place, could monies seized by the Police Department go directly to the City.  Motion-Perotto @ #19E CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16m.  Request City Manager report of the $900,000.00 in monies confiscated by the Police Department, how much has been returned to the Police Department to help the Vice Squad investigations.  Motion-Perotto @ #19E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16n.   Request City Manager report as to how monies in the Law Enforcement Trust Fund can be utilized.  Motion-Murray @ #19E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16o.   Request City Manager to provide City Council with an itemization of funds returned to the City from the $900,000 seized by the Police Department.  Motion-Murray @ #19E CM – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16p.   Request City Manager report as to how City departments keep apprised of all new legislation, restrictions and/or obligations.  Motion-Lukes @ #19E CM – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16q.   Request Administration to report on repair of the guard rail at the junction of Burncoat Terrace and Barnard Rd.  Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Adopted   (Attachments)

 

16r.    Request City Manager to request the Police Chief to look into the use of snowmobiles on Indian Lake during early morning hours and late evening hours.   Palmieri – Suspension of Rules – Adopted (Attachments)

 

16s.   Request Mayor to provide a Proclamation recognizing Mr. Chevalier and his family for their contribution to the Wedding Expo.  Gomez – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16t.    Request Mayor to provide a Proclamation recognizing Nancy Young for her 30 years of service as an in-home daycare provider.  Gomez – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

16u.   Request City Manager provide a map of Indian Hill School and park property, indicating City and School Department ownership.  Murray, White – Suspension of Rules – Adopted  (Attachments)

 

                  

17.     COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

THOMAS R. HOOVER

CITY MANAGER

 

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 13, 2004

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

1. NON-CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

A.      Notification of Constable Appointments. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

2. CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION:

 

TRANSMITTAL

 

3. AIRPORT:

 

A.      Respectfully request adoption of an order relative to adding a position of Finance Manager to the Table of Authorized Positions in the Worcester Regional Airport Department and deleting the position of Chief Accountant from the same. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

4. ASSESSORS:

         

5. BUDGET OFFICE:

 

6. CODE ENFORCEMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to the Worcester Vocational High School – Progress Report December 2003. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Education & College/University Relations Committee

 

B.      Communication relative several personnel alignment changes in the Department of Code Enforcement. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to the Worcester Regulations and Licensing Guide for Start-Up Businesses. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Billboard Regulations and Enforcement Program. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Land Use Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to an Update on Illegal Dumping and Related Enforcement Activities. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Works Committee

 

7. COMMUNICATIONS:

 

8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

 

A.      Communication relative to City TIF Agreements. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Commerce & Development Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to 503 Plantation Street Zone Change. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

9. ELDER AFFAIRS:

 

A.      Request City Council adoption of an ordinance amending the Salary Ordinance of August 20, 1996 Occupational Group X – Human Services. Also request adoption of an order that the table of organization for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs be amended. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

10. ELECTION COMMISSION:

 

11. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

12. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:

 

13. FIRE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Fire Department Staffing. (Attachments)

 

          Tabled

 

14. HUMAN RESOURCES:

 

15. LAW:

 

A.      Communication relative to Package Stores – Alcohol Sales on Sundays. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

16. LICENSE COMMISSION:

 

A.      Communication relative to Sunday Openings for Package Stores. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Municipal Operations Committee

 

17. NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES:

 

A.      Request adoption of the Executive Summary and Resolution to file and accept a Massachusetts Decontamination Unit Grant with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Public Health. (Attachments)

 

          Resolution adopted

 

18. PARKS, RECREATION & CEMETERY:

 

A.      Request adoption of a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation from Eagle Scout Candidate Matthew Atlas. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted with gratitude

 

B.      Communication relative to a Grant Award - $500,000.00 for the Acquisition of the K of C and Fenton Parcels. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

C.      Request City Council adoption of a resolution to file and accept a Grant with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Mass Releaf Grant Program to Plant Public Shade Trees in the Grafton Street Area. (Attachments)

 

Resolution adopted

 

D.      Communication relative to Veterans Square Memorial Relocation. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Military Affairs Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to an Invitation to a Public Meeting/ Bell Hill Playground. (Attachments)

 

Placed on file

 

19. POLICE:

 

A.      Communication relative to Conditions of Vehicles Owned & Operated by the Worcester Police Department. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Speeding Traffic Problem in the Upper Brattle Street Area. (Attachments)

 

          Placed on file

 

C.      Communication relative to Process for Assignment of Paid Detail Work. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

D.      Communication relative to Purchasing Machinery to Control Speed. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

E.      Communication relative to Amounts of Money Seized by and/or forfeited to the City and its Police Department. (Attachments)

 

Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

F.      Request City Council accept with gratitude a gift of $25.00 to the Worcester Police Athletic League. This donation was the gift of O’Connor, Maloney & Company in memory of former police officer Leslie L. Harvey. (Attachments)

 

Order adopted with gratitude

 

G.      Communication relative to the new Worcester Police recruits. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Safety Committee

 

20. PUBLIC HEALTH:

 

21. PUBLIC LIBRARY:

 

22. PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

 

23. PUBLIC WORKS:

 

A.      Communication relative to Grimewatch Program – October 2003 Activity. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

B.      Communication relative to Construction Progress Report. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Public Works Committee

 

C.      Communication relative to Lot Owned by Mass Electric across from 100 Grove Street. (Attachments)

 

          Councillor Haller recused on a roll call 8-0 (Palmieri, Petty absent)

          Referred to Traffic & Parking Committee

 

24. PURCHASING:

 

25. TECHNICAL SERVICES:

 

26. TREASURY:

 

27. VETERANS SERVICES:

 

28. FINANCE:

 

29. MISCELLANEOUS:

         

A.      Request approval of Resolutions relative to Service on Boards and Commissions. (Attachments)

 

          Two Resolutions adopted for Barbara Sinnott and Edward Morin

 

B.      Communication relative to two Legislative Agendas. (Attachments)

 

          Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee

 

18.     RECESS TO FINANCE AND ORDINANCE:  No Items Pending

 

TABLED UNDER PRIVILEGE

 

          19 – Taken off the Table and ordained on a roll call 9-1

No – Lukes, Absent - Petty

 

19.     An Ordinance amending Section 2, Article III of the Zoning Ordinance adopted April 2, 1991 relative to a zone change in the area of Plantation St. (Attachments)

 

 

SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

 

JANUARY 12, 2004          PUBLIC SAFETY          COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:30 P.M.

 

 

JANUARY 13, 2004                HEALTH                  COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:30 P.M.

 

 

JANUARY 20, 2004         PUBLIC WORKS           COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:00 P.M.

 

JANUARY 27, 2004             MUNICIPAL               COUNCIL CHAMBER

      5:15 P.M.                       OPERATIONS