CITY OF WORCESTER
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
JOURNAL
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
– OCTOBER 10, 2006
7:00 P.M.
Convened: 7:04 P.M.
Adjourned: 8:56P.M.
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2.
STAR
SPANGLED BANNER-ALEXANDRA MILLS
3. ROLL
CALL - All present except Councilor Smith.
4. ITEMS OF CITIZEN INTEREST
4a. ITEMS
OF DEPARTMENTAL OR EMPLOYEE INTEREST
4b. Councilor Frederick C.
Rushton request to install a street light in front of 54 Manhattan Rd. –
Referred to Public Service & Transportation - Suspension of Rules (Attachments)
5. Kathleen Perry request the resurfacing of Eunice Ave. from
Wahnita Rd. to Fairhaven Rd. (Attachments)
6-18
REFERRED TO TRAFFIC & PARKING
6. Yvonne Pittman Hart request handicap
parking sign in front of 7 Hancock St. (Attachments)
7. Claude Dorman request the implementation of residential parking
at 38 Sever St. (Attachments)
8. Claude Dorman request the installation of a stop sign at the
intersection of Fruit and Dayton Sts. for traffic moving in a northerly
direction. (Attachments)
9. Claude Dorman on behalf of East Highland Area Neighborhood
Association request the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of
Fruit and Cedar Sts. for traffic moving in a northerly direction. (Attachments)
10. Claude Dorman on behalf of East Highland Area Neighborhood Association
and residents of 106 to 120 West St. request the removal of residential parking
restrictions on West St. from Hampden St. to 120 West St. (Attachments)
11. Francisco Rodriguez request to install a yellow flashing light
when entering Kelly Square from Madison St. (Attachments)
12. Councilor Barbara G. Haller request handicap parking space in
front of 7 Hancock St. (Attachments)
13. Kathleen Perry request redirecting the traffic flow into West
Boylston St. from the mouth of Bourne St. by re-lining Bourne St. into three
(3) distinct lanes: 2 Lanes turning left (south onto West Boylston St.) and one
turning right (north onto West Boylston St. – Rte 12) (Attachments)
14. Kathleen Perry request redirecting the traffic flow into Lincoln
St. from the Lincoln Plaza exit nearest Bickford’s Restaurant into 2 lanes
turning left toward downtown, and one lane turning right. (Attachments)
15. Kathleen Bombredi et al request to have residential parking on
Gage St. from Berkley St. to 82 Gage St. (Attachments)
16. Charlene Keefe request to amend Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the
Revised Ordinances of 1996 by deleting from Schedule XX the resident permit
parking requirement on the westerly side of Indian Hill Rd. from the
intersection of Ararat St. to the southerly boundary of 155 Ararat St. (Attachments)
17. Councilor Joffrey A. Smith on behalf of John Atlas request a
yield sign in Chester St. as it intersects with Parkton Ave. (Attachments)
18. Richard Katz, President of Worcester Jewish Community Housing for
the Elderly, Inc., request to earmark at least four (4) reserved handicap
parking spaces on South Flagg St. immediately adjacent to the Bet Shalom
Apartments entrance. (Attachments)
19. Attorney Jonathan Finkelstein on behalf of Ian Gow, request the City Council and/or City Manager to partially release preservation restrictions recorded in a deed recorded in the Worcester District Registry of Deeds, Book 5195, Page 263 for the property at 23 Oxford St. (described as enclosed) (Attachments)
21. Request
City Manager provide City Council a report concerning the percentage of hires
of minority and women for the past year. (Attachments)
22. Request
City Manager to suggest the Community Task Force pursue more open forums in the
public school system to engage youngsters in discussions and to exchange and
gather information. (Attachments)
23. Request
City Manager to provide training to Affirmative Action Officers for each city
department so they will have equal knowledge and skills. (Attachments)
24-25 FROM LAND USE -
Adopted
24. Request
City Manager to work with the owners of the Worcester Business Center located
on Millbrook Street to assist them in accomplishing a full lease out of the
remaining 75,000 square feet of their property. (Attachments)
25. Request
City Manager request Code Commissioner to investigate the use, or lack of
utilization, of property located at the terminus of Artic Street, especially
with regard to abandoned trailers. (Attachments)
26. Request
City Manager provide the members of City Council with a copy of rendering of
the proposed layout of the North Council Chamber. (Attachments)
27. That
the Commissioner of Public Works & Parks Delete a Bus Stop – Inbound:
Greenwood St. East Side Opposite Conway St. at Pole #49S and Install a Bus Stop
– Inbound: Greenwood St. East Side a pt. of 108’ South of Conway St. (Attachments)
28. Request
City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on
Halmstad St. (Attachments)
29. Request
City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on
Chesterfield Rd. (Attachments)
30. Request
City Manager request the Police Chief to install speeding surveillance on
Joseph St. (Attachments)
31. Request City Manager work with the Worcester Consortium and it’s
member colleges to identify business programs that might assign students to
provide expertise to Worcester small business owners concerning all aspects of
business operations, similar to programs already in operation in other
communities such as Hartford, CT. (Smith) (Attachments)
Motion Toomey to amend: Further, request to use Babson College
Entrepreneurial Program as an example.
Adopted, as amended
32. Request City Manager review city policy of not awarding people
who return to city service with previous vacation time allotments. (Clancy) (Attachments)
Adopted
33. Request City Manager review feasibility of restricting left lanes
on Massasoit Road at Route 20 to “left turn only”. (Clancy) (Attachments)
Motion Clancy to amend: Further, request report within 30 days.
Adopted, as amended
34. Request City Manager review feasibility of placing a traffic
light at intersection of Massasoit Road and Sunderland Road. (Clancy) (Attachments)
Adopted
35. Request City Manager consider the possibility of funding the new North High Athletic Field with CDBG monies. (Clancy, Palmieri, Toomey) (Attachments)
Motion Perotto to amend: Further, request City
Manager to provide City Council with a report on the cost for the athletic
fields.
Motion Lukes to amend: Further, request City Manager
provide a legal opinion on the restrictions and parameters that would be
imposed if block grant funds are utilized.
Motion Murray to amend:
Further, request City Manager to include in this report any thoughts
and ideas as it might relate to private fund raising to augment the funding
through use of SBAB, the city and this recommendation to use CDBG funds.
Adopted, as amended
36. Request
City Manager to update the City Council concerning discussions with elected
officials for development plans at the Ecotarium. (Palmieri) (Attachments)
Motion Murray to amend: Further, request City
Manager to include a recommendation on whether this property could fit into the
city’s open space plan.
Adopted, as amended
37. Request
City Manager request the Police Chief provide police surveillance in the
vicinity of 87 May St. due to recent episodes of car break-ins and vandalism
near Beaver Brook Park. (Rushton) (Attachments) Adopted
38. Request City Manager request the Police Chief provide police
surveillance at Boynton Park. (Rushton) (Attachments)
Adopted
39. Request City Manager report on the composition of Boards & Commissions for the past 20 years, by gender and minority categories showing numbers and percentages. (Lukes, Haller, Toomey) (Attachments)
Motion Lukes to amend: to
change 20 years to 30 years.
Motion Haller to amend: Further, request City
Manager contact our universities and colleges to see if someone would be
willing to do research on best practices, are there municipalities who are
successful in having diversity reflected in their local government including
boards & commissions and are there any lessons to be learned.
Motion Toomey to amend: Further, request City Manager work with the female
members of City Council and have them go out and talk to organizations and
groups as mentors.
Adopted, as amended
40. Request City Manager provide City Council
with an update on the alleged serious incident that took place at 14 Duxbury
Rd. and if 14 Duxbury Rd. is in compliance with all code issues. (Palmieri) (Attachments)
Mayor Murray suspended the rules to allow Peter Stefan, member of SMOC and PIP Shelter, to speak.
Motion Haller to amend: Further, request City Manager include in the report the steps it
is taking to assure accountability of programs such as 14 Duxbury Rd. and
rooming houses in general.
Adopted, as amended
41. Request City Manager provide City Council
with a report on the plans for repairing the Marty O’Malley basketball court
across from Hanover Insurance Co. (Palmieri) (Attachments)
Adopted
42. Request City Manager partner with the Webster Square Crime Watch
Group and other interested individuals and businesses from that area to
implement an anti-litter program that will involve, among others, the
installation and emptying on a regular basis trash barrels. (Rushton, Rosen,
Lukes) (Attachments)
Motion Toomey to amend: Further, request to implement this program citywide
and to include children. In addition to look at any programs or funding from
Federal and State government for educational programs on littering in
communities.
Adopted, as amended
43. Request City Manager report to City Council on how all home and
business owners can be required to post on their buildings address numbers that
will be visible from the street and will assist emergency vehicles in finding
that location without any delay. (Rushton, Rosen, Lukes) (Attachments)
Adopted
44. Request City Manager report to City Council on the success of
the yellow trash program and whether any changes are needed to make it more
effective and efficient, especially in terms of preventing trash from bags
winding up on the streets and on neighboring properties. (Rosen) (Attachments)
Adopted
44a. Request City Manager make a recommendation as to allowing city
employees to serve on boards & commissions. – Motion-Rosen @#39 CC
Motion Clancy to amend: Further, request a
response within two weeks.
Adopted, as
amended (Attachments)
44b. Request City Manager meet with SMOC to discuss how many existing
clients of Framingham’s Common Ground Shelter will be directed to Worcester and
what SMOC anticipates future impacts on Worcester will be as a result of SMOC’s
closure of this wet shelter on October 16, 2006. Haller–Suspension of Rules
@#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)
44c. Request City Manager report on number, size and locations of “wet”
shelters in Massachusetts. Haller–Suspension of Rules @#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)
44d. Request City Manager report on progress for closure of the PIP
shelter at 701 Main St. Haller–Suspension of Rules @#40 CC – Adopted (Attachments)
44e.
Request City Manager to respond to the
recommendations of Worcester Regional Research Bureau’s communication relative
to Dial 911: Whose Call Is It, Anyway? –
Motion-Clancy @#48 CC – Adopted (Attachments)
44f. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report on the
situation at the intersection of Upsala St. and Stockton St. and to include what the City can do to
assist abutters in the clean up of graffiti to the two properties adjacent to
the intersection on the odd numbered side of the street and further, what can
the City do to disband the large number of children that hang out at a regular
basis at all hours. Clancy–Suspension
of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44g. Request City
Manager provide City Council with a report on the loss of internet
services in the Tattan Farm Rd. area and to include what the problem is and how
long it will take to be restored. Clancy–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44h. Request City Manager request Supervisor of
Forestry and crew to inspect and remove dead tree at Dayton St. and Dayton
Place. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44i.
Request City Manager request the nets
for the tennis court at Newton Square be replaced. Rushton–Suspension of
Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44j. Request City Manager to replace lights
around the tennis courts at Newton Square. Rushton–Suspension of
Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44k. Request City Manager to replace the bus stop
sign at the corner of Coolidge Rd. and Pleasant St. Rushton–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44l. Request City Manager meet with appropriate administration of the
College of the Holy Cross to discuss any real or potential development in the
College Hill/South Worcester area especially the “Howard Johnson” property.
Further, request that those discussions include consideration of Master Plans
and NRSA efforts. Haller–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44m. Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works &
Parks to inspect property at 144 Stafford St between Blaine Ave. and Henshaw
St. for overgrowth of trees and issues with dumpsters. Petty–Suspension of
Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
44n. Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning
the meeting that took place between Young Park, the Business Community and the
Editorial Board. Perotto–Suspension of Rules-Adopted (Attachments)
45 ADOPTED ON A ROLL CALL 9-0 (Palmieri, Smith
absent)
48. Roberta R. Schaefer, Executive Director of Worcester Regional
Research Bureau, transmitting Communication relative to Dial 911: Whose Call Is
It, Anyway? (Attachments)
Tabled - Murray
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
ETHNIC & MINORITY AFFAIRS Upon the following Communications of the City
Manager: recommend Communications be placed on file.
49. Relative to the Affirmative Action Plan for the Worcester Public
Schools. (Attachments)
50. Relative to the inclusionary plan to increase the number of women
and minorities in City employment. (Attachments)
51. Relative to the administrations efforts to both streamline and
strengthen the important work of the City’s board and commissions. (Attachments)
52. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Upon the Communication of the City
Manager transmitting informational communication FY07 Economic Stimulus Bill
and Supplemental Capital Budget: recommend
Communication be placed on file. (Attachments)
53. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCE Upon the Report of the Planning
Board Upon the Petition of Anne O'Connor, Clerk for the Planning Board request
to amend the Zoning Ordinance by deleting XV and inserting a new XV - Flexible
Parking Overlay District: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed
ordinance. (Attachments)
54. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning
Board upon the Petition of Philip Massad request Worcester City Council abandon
Grand St. from Illinois St. southeasterly to the railroad tracks: recommend
Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)
55. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE Upon the Report of the Planning Board
Upon the Petition of Attorney Mark L. Donahue on behalf of First Columbus
Realty request that the City Council amend the City of Worcester Zoning Map by
changing the property located southerly of Franklin St. westerly of Plastics
St. and northerly of Grafton St. from the MG-2.0 Zoning district to Business
General-3.0 (BG-3.0) and take all action relative thereto: recommend passage
of the accompanying proposed ordinance. (Attachments)
56-80 ACCEPTED
56. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the Petition of Gail Astrella and Witold Bulikowski
request two (2) handicap parking spots installed in front of 7 Flower St. :
recommend Petitioner be given leave to withdraw. (Attachments)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the
following Petitions: recommend
Petitions be denied.
57. Michael Fleming request to install residential sticker parking on
the even side of Florence St. between Maywood St. & Beaver St. (Attachments)
58. Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Thomas Gervais request
4-way stop signs at Bedford St. and Farrar Ave. (Attachments)
59. Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Gina Alubavicius request
3-way stop sign at intersection of Brightwood Ave. & Indiana St. (Attachments)
60. Joe Aromando et al request stop sign at intersection of Fairmont
Ave. & Bedford Street. (Attachments)
61. John Colby et al request Stop signage on Moreland Green Drive. (Attachments)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC & PARKING Upon the following
Petitions: recommend the Petitions
be placed on file.
62. Marco Santana request to install handicap parking sign across
from 30 Arthur St. (Attachments)
63. David Nelson request handicap parking on Front St. at Flagship
Bank. (Attachments)
64. Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Ann Marie Lawrence
request installation of stop sign at corner of West Upsala Street & Fairfax
Road. (Attachments)
65. Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of Frank Bartkus request
Caution Children sign on Halmstad St. (Attachments)
66. Councilor Juan A. Gomez on behalf of Flavia Velez request to have
“Go Slow Children” sign on Northbridge Street. (Attachments)
67. Councilor Joseph M. Petty request the installation of “Thickly
Settled” & “Children Go Slow” signs in Victor Ave. to inform motorists
traveling from Main Street to Stafford Street that the safety of children is
paramount. (Attachments)
68. Mayor Timothy P. Murray on behalf of Kathleen McNamara request
Children Slow sign be installed between 15 & 17 Chesterfield Rd. (Attachments)
69. Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. on behalf of William Martin request
Caution Children sign on Joseph St. (Attachments)
70. Sharon Arnold et al request two “Children Go Slow” signs at both
ends of Collins Street. (Attachments)
71. Nora Missiewicz & Rose Rodrique et al request to save the
traffic light at Main & Sylvan Sts. (Attachments)
72. David Johnson et al request a pedestrian light to be installed at
40 Belmont St. at the I-290 West On Ramp. (Attachments)
73. Susan Caissie & parishioners of St. Peter's Church request to
reconsider turning off the traffic light at the corner of Downing Street. &
Main Street. (Attachments)
74. Councilor Barbara G. Haller request that a pedestrian crosswalk
signal be installed in Main Street at Marble Street. (Attachments)
75. Francisco Rodriguez request installation of a delayed traffic
light signal at the intersection of Millbury St. and Providence St., whereby
anyone turning left off Providence St. onto Millbury St. can do so safely. (Attachments)
76. Councilor Philip P. Palmieri request to install a flashing light
in Lake Ave. at the Marine Corps League as a deterrent to traffic accidents. (Attachments)
77. Mayor Timothy P. Murray & Councilor Michael C. Perotto
request traffic study of Franklin and Plantation Sts. (Attachments)
78. Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of John Rano request a
traffic study of the location of the currently installed traffic signalization
at the McDonald's restaurant adjacent to the intersection of Shrewsbury
St./Belmont St. (Attachments)
79. Angela Smithson et al request to restore traffic signal operation
at corner of Douglas St./Cambridge St. (Attachments)
80. William Marengo, Jr. et al request traffic study at the
intersection of Main St. & Mill St. (Attachments)
Tabled – No Action Taken
81. Order of Mayor Timothy P. Murray - That the ordinance relative to the Police Departments License Board as it relates to taxi regulations be rescinded. (Attachments) (Tabled May 2, 2006 - Murray)
82. Order of Councilor Barbara G. Haller and Councilor Gary Rosen -
Request City Manager take all steps to have the WRTA #11 bus rerouted to serve
the Island part of Harding Street (south of Kelley Square) to take residents,
especially the elderly, to and from the Route 20 Fair Shopping Plaza. Further
request that this service be provided several times in the mornings and again
in the afternoons, both outbound and inbound. This service was formerly
provided by the old #4 Millbury City Line and eliminated on January 28th, 2006
creating a serious hardship and reduction in the quality of life for residents
in the Green Island neighborhood. (Attachments) (Tabled August 29, 2006 –
Haller)
83. Order of Councilor Konstantina B. Lukes - Request City Manager to
report on the cost savings, if any, of redesigning and relocating the new North
High School to the new Technical High School campus. (Attachments)
(Tabled September 26, 2006 – Lukes)
SCHEDULED MEETINGS OF THE
STANDING COMMITTEES
|
OCTOBER 16, 2006 6:00
P.M. |
COMMERCE & DEVELOPMENT |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
OCTOBER 18, 2006 5:30
P.M. |
REGIONAL AFFAIRS |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
OCTOBER 23, 2006 7:00
P.M. |
PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
OCTOBER 24, 2006 5:30
P.M. |
LAND USE |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
OCTOBER 26, 2006 5:30
P.M. |
TRAFFIC & PARKING |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
OCTOBER 30,2006 6:00
P.M. |
YOUTH, PARKS & RECREATION |
COUNCIL
CHAMBER
|
|
NOVEMBER 1, 2006 6:00
P.M. |
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE MILL STREET BUSINESS CORRIDOR |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |
|
NOVEMBER 14, 2006 6:00
P.M. |
MILITARY AFFAIRS |
COUNCIL CHAMBER |