CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Council Chamber

Convened: 7:14 P.M.

Adjourned: 9:05 P.M.

Mayor
Konstantina B. Lukes

www.ci.worcester.ma.us

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an update of the Economic Development Initiatives - May 2007.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the Economic Development Division's (EDD) small business retention and recruitment efforts.

Mayor Lukes spoke regarding the remembrance of former City Councilor Jack Finnegan. Counilors Rushton, Perotto, Toomey, Clancy, Irish, Rosen and Petty also spoke.

Attorney John Keenan, Jr. on behalf of Russell Manoog request to extend the BG-3.0 zone boundary to include all of the Manoog Realty Trust #2 land at 9 Piedmont St., from both the westerly side of Piedmont St. to southerly line of Davis St., and at 28 Piedmont St., from the easterly line of Piedmont St. to the northern most line of the Manoog property.

Maria Camerano & Alan Higgins request 457 & 469 Granite St. be rezoned from RS-7 to RL-7.

Attorney Donald J. O'Neil on behalf of Ronald W. Lorusso request to amend the zoning map to correct a plotting error by changing the zoning of the portion of the parcel on Woburn St. designated by the Assessor as Map 12 Block 028 Lot 0004B currently zoned RL-7 to MG-0.5.

Rose Erikson request Beckman St. be resurfaced.

Attorney Donald O'Neil on behalf of Carol Kalil Family Trust, LLC request to amend Chapter Five of the Revised Ordinances of 1996 to provide that the sewer capacity fee payment required by the City to allow new or expanded connections to be based on actual sewer usage as opposed to projected usage with consideration given to capping the total fee assessed to encourage business expansion and mitigate the disproportionate burden placed on new businesses by the current system.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request the limited parking zone in Water St. across from 65 Water St. be rescinded.

Richard Goicz request handicap parking space be removed in the Perry Ave. side of 35 Euclid Ave.

Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes on behalf of Heather Balian request to install a cautionary sign for a Deaf Child at the driveway across from 152 Coolidge Rd.

Sharon Nietsche request to speak before the City Council concerning banning plastic bags in the City of Worcester.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager consider the South Worcester Neighborhood Center building be included in the inventory of municipal buildings for consideration of efficiency energy upgrades.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report pertaining to the recidivism rate amongst people who utilize the Emergency Shelters.

FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING - Request City Manager to request the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with an opinion whether or not residents of group homes who register their personal vehicles from the address of the group home in which they temporarily reside qualify to purchase a resident parking sticker under the terms of the existing ordinance if a resident sticker parking zone is installed along any portion of the frontage of the group home property.

Request City Manager consider recommending to City Council an amendment to the ordinances that increases the fines for illegal dumping from $200 to $500 for a first offense, adding $1,000 for a second offense and prosecution and sentencing for any and all subsequent offenses. Further, request that the City Manager identify the current “hot spots” for illegal dumping and consider the use of video surveillance cameras as an immediate deterrent to further illegal dumping. (Toomey)

Request City Manager work with the FDR Museum to explore the possibility of the museum occupying the fire telegraph building in Elm Park. Topics to be discussed should include financing and parking. (Smith)

Request City Manager meet with the Great Brook Valley Childcare Center to explore opportunities to better utilize park land along Tacoma Street, including a possible transfer of ownership for a new facility and enhanced appearance of the current derelict parkland. (Smith, Rosen)

Request City Manager recommend to City Council a detailed solution, involving the already committed state financing, to solve the sewer capacity issues in the neighborhood bounded by Richmond Ave., Amherst St., Newton Ave. and Pleasant St. which has been promised permanent solutions to sewer back-ups for at least twenty years.(Smith)

Request City Manager convene a long-range planning summit involving the West Boylston Street corridor from Chadwick Square to the West Boylston town line. Said summit should involve the input from business owners, residents, institutional representatives and community groups so as to enhance the quality life issues along this most visible north/south artery such as sidewalks installation/repair, streetscape improvements, litter control, street lighting upgrades, graffiti removal, set backs, signage and pedestrian and motor vehicle safety. (Smith)

Based on the 1997 Utility Restructuring Act, request the City Manager to establish a plan to lower City of Worcester residents’ electric bills and to add a demand-side management program to reduce the use of electricity within the City of Worcester similar to the program established in the City of Marlborough and in 21 communities within the Cape Light Program. Further request City Manager to develop a plan for a metro Worcester Light project asking all surrounding communities to become part of our community aggregation plan. (Rushton, Petty, Smith, Toomey, Palmieri, Rosen, Irish) Councilor Rushton moved to amend: Further, request plan meet the guidelines as set forth in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, Section 134.

Request City Manager to apply the monies allocated in the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for City Councilor pay raises to swimming pools and schools, specifically towards improving the teacher/pupil ratio in the classroom. (Petty, Clancy, Palmieri, Smith, Toomey)

Request City Manager organize 7 Community Walks through the neighborhoods of Worcester for the Summer of 2007 that will create the opportunity for members of the Administration and the City Council to hear community concerns at the sidewalk level. (Rushton, Petty, Irish, Toomey, Clancy, Palmieri, Smith)

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: WISTERIA ST.

Roberta Schaefer, Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, transmitting communication relative to Improving Student Performance Under Education Reform: Practices in Urban Schools.

Michael V. O'Brien, City Manager, transmitting communication requesting City Council adopt a resolution to accept with gratitude a donation of One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) from the Massachusetts Audubon Society for the purchase of open space.

That the City Council of the City of Worcester recognizes the efforts of everyone involved in the local Together for Kids program and by supporting family involvement in education. (Toomey)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to install a street light in front of 54 Manhattan Rd.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Joseph Cote request additional street light be installed in Chester St. between Grove St. and Holden St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Derek Bergstrom et al request streetlight on the existing electrical pole that stands on the sidewalk in front of 9 Monticello Dr.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of John Dower request that an appropriate amount of street lighting be installed in newly constructed Heath St. from Malvern Rd. northerly to approximately #34 Heath St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Petition of Mary MacInnes, Administrator, WRTA, request permission to install a bench or shelter near bus stop on Front St.: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update on the Availability of Wireless Internet Service at the Worcester Public Library: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives - December 2005: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives - January 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to an updated of Economic Development Initiatives report - February 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager elative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives - March 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives - April 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to an update of Economic Development Initiatives - May 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager regarding the Economic Development Initiatives Report - June 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting Economic Development Monthly Report for July 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication of the Economic Development Report for August 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding the October 3, 2006 Economic Development Report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the Economic Development Report for the Month of November 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the Monthly Economic Development Report for December 2006: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting the Economic Development Report for January 2, 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Economic Development Initiatives Monthly Status Report - February 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to an update of the Economic Development Initiatives- March 2007: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION Upon the Communication of the City Manager transmitting an update of Economic Development initiatives relative to development activity since the last monthly report: recommend Communication be placed on file.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of John Smith request stop sign at intersection of Eunice Ave. and Brandon Rd.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Vincent Sasso et al request a stop sign at intersection of Stebbins St. and Thenius St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dorothy Goodrich and Denise H. McGinley request No Parking signs at the top of Thayer St., prohibiting parking from the corner of 148 Lovell St. down Thayer St. approx. 100 ft. and from the corner of 138 Lovell St. down Thayer St. approx. 60 ft. in order to allow sufficient width for emergency vehicles: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Order of Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr. requesting that the City Council request the Committee on Traffic and Parking consider recommending making Euclid Ave a two-way st. in its entirety when considering the Communication of the City Manager: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dele Onayemi request removal of handicap parking sign in front of 71 Hollis St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lu-Ann Raskett request handicap parking space in front of 15 Sterling St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Gloria Hermanson request to rescind handicap parking space in front of 21 Sterling St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Lisa Ago request handicap parking sign in front of 86 Vernon St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Laura Perreault request handicap parking space at 176 Vernon St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Linda Davis et al request handicap parking space at 9 Stockholm St.: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Raymond Mariano, Executive Director of the Worcester Housing Authority, request the alteration of Great Brook Valley Ave. to provide on-street parallel parking spaces: recommend passage of the accompanying two proposed Ordinances.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dwight Cornwell request to lengthen the time on the meters on Pearl Street from 30 minutes to one hour: recommend passage of the accompanying proposed Ordinance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Gary Rosen on behalf of Michaelene Mundras request to move the existing bus stop that is on the corner of Flower Hill Dr. and Salisbury St. to the corner of the driveway for Illyrian Gardens: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Councilor Barbara G. Haller request the installation of a crosswalk in the Southbridge St. at Crompton St. in the interest of pedestrian safety: recommend adoption of the accompanying Order.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Marchia Frangiosa request (5) five private directional signs for residents of Vernon Hill at 30 Rice Lane to be placed in Heywood St. and Vale St.: recommend Petition be denied.

Order of Mayor Timothy P. Murray - That the ordinance relative to the Police Department License Board as it relates to taxi regulations be rescinded. (Tabled - Murray April 25, 2006)

Order of Councilor Barbara G. Haller and Councilor Gary Rosen - Request the 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. (Tabled - Haller August 29, 2006)

Chairman's Order from the Committee on Military Affairs - Request City Manager consider communicating to City Council a recommendation for funding section 2 of Chapter 157 of M.G.L. in the amount of $1.1 million. (Tabled - Clancy March 6, 2007)

Motion-Perotto @ # 5a CC - Request City Manager provide the City Council with a report pertinent to the proposed urban village in the Blackstone Canal District.

Motion-Clancy @ #11b CC - Request City Manager establish a working task force within the next few months to cement an agreement with National Grid, whether it be expanding the lease or acquiring the property, pertaining to the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication regarding questions posed at the May 1, 2007 Finance Committee Meeting.

Motion-Irish, Rushton, Petty, Perotto, Rosen and Haller-Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager update the City Council on the status of the performance-based energy audit RFQ.

Motion-Smith-Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks address the lighting problems at the Newton Sq. tennis and basketball courts.

Motion-Smith-Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks place barriers at Duffy Filed so as to prevent cars from entering onto the field.

Motion-Toomey-Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request the management company at Union Station review the security of the lighting fixtures in the main hall.

Motion-Rushton - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request the Police Chief provide speeding surveillance in the Berkshire St. area.