CITY OF WORCESTER

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Esther Howland Chamber

Convened: 7:09 P.M.

Adjourned: 8:40 P.M.

Mayor
Joseph C. O'Brien

www.worcesterma.gov

City Manager
Michael V. O'Brien

City Auditor
James A. DelSignore

Councilors

The Mayor thanked all those in attendance and beyond the chamber for their efforts to raise more than $18,000 at the fundraiser for the people of Haiti held at Union Station on Friday, January 22, 2010.

John Sousa and John Fisher request sidewalk repair on Main St. between Exchange St. and MLK Boulevard.

Patricia Masten request abatement of private street betterment assessment #50197 in the amount of $2,970.00 for Belcourt Rd.

John Capstick request sidewalk abutting 20 Alsada Dr. be repaired.

Councilor Joseph M. Petty request to repave Drummond Avenue.

Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey request to repave Delawanda Dr. from Monticello Dr. to terminus.

Yuanxin Shou request Noel Court be changed back to it's previous name Clapp St. Court.

Kathryn Keegan request permanent parking ban on Federal St. to be changed to a declared parking ban.

Peter DeFeudis request handicap parking signs in front of 22 Hermitage Lane

Anhtriet Nguyen request resident permit parking on Van St.

Linda Hultgren request handicap parking in front of 60 Esther St. be removed.

Bert Cimochowski request handicap parking at 198 Dewey St.

Diane Seidler request handicap parking in front of 7 Sylvan St.

Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to remove bus stop from in front of 278 Main St.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Appointment of Constables for Calendar Year 2010.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Appointment of Elizabeth Nguyen to the Elder Affairs Commission.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Appointments of Isidore Nosike and Maureen Schwab to the Off-Street Parking Board.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Public Hearing by the Division of Capital and Asset Management (DCAM) on the Disposition of the Former Worcester County Courthouse.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Worcester Cultural Commission's Receipt of a Gold Star Award.

Recommend Adoption of an Order to Amend the Table of Organization for the Division of Neighborhoods and Housing Development to Support the Lead Abatement Program.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the 2002 Worcester Housing Market Study.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Energy Task Force.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept Trade Case Management Funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to the Central Massachusetts Regional Employment Board (CMREB) and Career Centers.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept Funds from the Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Set Aside Training Funds for Dislocated Workers in the Amount of Two Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand, One Hundred Nineteen Dollars and Ninety-One Cents ($239,119.91).

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's December 15th Public Hearing to Discuss Streetscape Improvements in the Canal District.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) Activity Reports for the Month of December 2009.

Recommend City Council's Adoption of a Resolution to Accept with Gratitude a Donation of Ten (10) Sets of Junior Golf Clubs for the 2010 Sticks for Kids Program at Green Hill Golf Course.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative the Feasibility of Implementing a Citizen Online Police Reporting System.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to a Crime Statistics Report for the City.

SUPPLEMENTAL: Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Retirement of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, Joseph R. Mikielian.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Relocation of the Getchell-Ward Tuberculosis Clinic from 26 Queen Street to the UMass Memorial Healthcare Center at University Campus.

Recommend Adoption of a Resolution to File and Accept a Grant from the Fallon/OrNda Community Health Fund for a Health and Wellness Program at the Worcester Senior Center.

Recommend that Nine Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($9,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C7840B, Park Improvements, and be appropriated to Parks Account #72C70215, Bailey-Prouty, to fund contractual obligations related to improvements at Bailey Prouty Park

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C741OC, Street Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #41C768, Private Street Construction, to provide funds for the payment of current and future expenditures.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C732, Sewer Control Plan, to allow for the payment of a current invoice and future obligations.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745, Sewer Construction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C722, Route 20 - Sewers, to allow for the payment of anticipated obligations (Engineering Services) associated with this capital project.

Recommend that One Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($100,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C714OA, Water Pumping Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C726, Water Pumping Stations, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Recommend that Fifty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($50,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C724OB, Traffic Signal Equipment, and be appropriated to DPW Account #40C704,Traffic Signals, to allow for the purchase and payment of anticipated new equipment.

Recommend that Two Hundred Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($200,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C745, Sewer Reconstruction, and be appropriated to DPW Account #44C744, Sewer Reconstruction to allow for the payment of current and future obligations per the cash flow procedure.

Recommend that Twenty Thousand Dollars And No Cents ($20,000.00) be transferred from Loan Account #91C713, Water Mains/Security, and be appropriated to DPW Account #45C750, Water System Security, to allow for the payment of current and future obligations.

Recommend that Two Thousand Two Hundred Ninety One Dollars And Fifty Cents ($2,291.50) be transferred from Account #91C711, Citywide Building Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Account #26C706, Fire Department Building Rehabilitation, to fund expenses associated with the Providence Street Fire Station.

Recommend that Four Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Two Dollars And Fifty Four Cents ($4,232.54) be transferred from Loan Account 91C777, Auditorium Rehabilitation, and be appropriated to Parks Account #74C701, Auditorium Capital Rehabilitation, for work associated with the new boiler installation.

Recommend that Twenty Seven Thousand Six Hundred Ninety One Dollars And Seventy Three Cents ($27,691.73) be transferred from Loan Account #91C780, Citywide Capital Equipment, and be appropriated, when and as received, to Parks Account #72C701, Parks Capital Equipment, to fund the purchase of various Parks Division equipment.

Recommend that Six Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars And Forty Eight Cents ($6,687.48) be transferred from Damage Settlement Account # 33007, Damage Settlements, to Parks Account # 7203-92000, Parks Ordinary Maintenance for damage that occurred at Crompton Park Field house.

Recommend that Sixty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty One Dollars And Twelve Cents ($67,851.12) be transferred from Account #260-91000, Fire Department Personal Services, and be appropriated to Account #260-92000, Fire Department Ordinary Maintenance, to purchase Personal Protection Equipment.

Recommend that Two Thousand Eight Hundred Sixteen Dollars And No Cents ($2,816.00) be authorized from Account #250-92000, Police Ordinary Maintenance, to pay a prior year invoice.

Recommend that Two Thousand One Dollar And Sixty One Cents ($2,001.61) be authorized from Account #470-92000, Airport Ordinary Maintenance, to pay prior year invoices.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Buy Worcester Now Program.

Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the City's Fiscal Year 2011 Budget.

Request City Manager arrange to have a plaque mounted to the exterior of the Thayer Building facing Queen Street in recognition of the longstanding nursing education school. The plaque should read as follows: Thayer Hall, Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing, 1883-1992 (Germain, Petty, Rushton)

Request City Manager report on the accomplishments and budget of CHOOSE WORCESTER. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report on the security provided in city owned parking lots and garages. (Lukes)

Request City Manager report on the status of pending legislation House Bill 2702 which provides for incentives for market rate housing. (Lukes)

Request City Manager to draft a local ordinance banning the use of plastic bags by retailers and grocery stores. (Lukes)

SEWER BETTERMENT ASSESSMENT: YUKON AVENUE

#12a CC December 15, 2009
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Auditor's Report for October 2009.

#10a CC December 22, 2009
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting communication relative to the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

#7a CC January 12, 2010
Communication of the City Auditor transmitting Auditor's Report for November 2009.

#10c CC January 12, 2010
Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to the City Budget.

#19h CC January 12, 2010 Communication of the City Manager transmitting communication relative to Fiscal Year 2010 second quarter revenues.

Upon the Petition of Councilor Paul P. Clancy Jr. on behalf of Dennis Dowdle of Madison Properties request to accept the layout of a public way entitled "WalMart Way Layout" and that said way be named as WalMart Way.

Upon the Petition of Sharon Ricciardi request Zoar St. be made public.

Upon the Petition of Allyn Jones request One Tiverton Parkway be zoned all commercial.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the No Parking Anytime in front of 2C Oliver St. to No Parking 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM to allow for a Commercial Loading Zone.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind Handicap Parking in front of 17 Acton St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for Handicap Parking on the east side of Ashwood St. near Acton St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind Handicap Parking in front of 9 Caroline St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide Handicap Parking in front of 19 Perry Ave.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide for Handicap Parking in front of 125 Ingleside Ave.

Amending Section 70 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Rescind the Left Turn Restriction on Pleasant St. facing westbound traffic entering into the property located at 528 Pleasant St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Change the Winter Ban on Lapierre St. from a Standard Winter Ban when Declared to a Permanent Winter Ban from December 1st to April 1st.

Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Revise the Winter Ban on Providence St. from Holcombe St. to Millbury St. (Formerly Ballard St). Permanent Ban. Amending Section 43 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the Winter Ban for Providence St. to Allow Parking on the west side (odd Number) from Holcombe St. to Ames St. Permanent Ban

Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to Provide for Resident Permit Parking on both sides of Beaver St. from Marble St. to Clement St.

Amending Section 20 of Chapter 13 of Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for resident permit parking on the south side of Pond St. from #8 Pond St. #21 Pond St. from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM seven days a week.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the No Parking Anytime on the south side of Pond St. to No Parking 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the resident permit parking on Harlow St. to include 16 Harlow St.

Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for resident parking on the east side of Payson St. from Esther St. up to and including #3/#5 Payson St.

Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the resident permit parking on the east side of Seward St. to accommodate for 30 minute parking in front of 2 and 4 Seward St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for 30 minute parking 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday in front of 2 and 4 Seward St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking opposite 26 Preston St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for handicap parking in front of 151 Coburn Ave. (at utility pole #24)

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for handicap parking opposite 18 Kosta St. adjacent to the property line of 15 Kosta St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for handicap parking in front of 46 Sylvan St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 42 Gage St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for handicap parking in front 9 Winthrop St.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to rescind handicap parking in front of 65 Fifth Ave.

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to provide for handicap parking in front of 17 Dryden St.

Amending Section 40 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to revise the resident permit parking hours in front of 47-49 Roxbury St. from 6:00 PM to 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Amending Section 42 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 to prohibit parking on the east side of Boynton St. from Highland St. to Salisbury St. December 1 to April 1

Amend Section 29 of Chapter 13 of Revised Ordinances of 2008 providing for stop sign on Locust Ave. at Wigwam Ave. facing southbound traffic on Locust Ave.

Amending Section 29 of Chapter 13 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 providing for stop sign(s) on Kalmar St. at Mellor Ave. facing eastbound and westbound traffic on Kalmar St.

Order Granting permission to MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY for a pole location in: KENILWORTH RD (Tabled - Eddy October 20, 2009)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND PARKING Upon the Petition of Dominique Lostracco et al request Children at Play or Park Entrance sign on Acton St.: recommend Petition be placed on file. (Tabled - Clancy January 12, 2010)

Motion Haller @ #7.5A CM - Request City Manager request the Lead Action Committee for a detailed status report on the successful services provided to the people of Worcester in the area of lead paint abatement.

Motion Rushton @ #7.5B CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with the number of market rate housing built since 2002.

Motion Toomey @ #7.6A CM - Request City Manager report the process for communicating how the scheduled power outages are being ameliorated.

Motion Petty @ #7.6A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a list of scheduled power company shut-offs.

Motion Lukes @ #7.17A CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with information regarding the performance of the City of Boston citizen online police reporting system.

Motion Petty @ #7.17B CM - Request City Manager consider making the Worcester Police Department's Summer Impact Division a priority for FY 2011 funding.

Motion Lukes @ #7.35J CM - Request City Manager provide City Council with a report relative to our public buildings that are not in use and the costs for maintaining them such as the Telegraph building and the Memorial Auditorium.

At the request of Aisling Novick, a Worcester resident and eight year old student, Councilor Eddy introduced on behalf of the entire City Council the following resolution and he also offered his thanks to Aisling for her leadership in this endeavor.

RESOLUTION - That the City Council of the City of Worcester hereby supports and encourages the petition of the Worcester Women's History Project to the United States Postal Service for the issuance of a commemorative stamp on January 15, 2011 marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abby Kelley Foster, renowned Worcester reformer.

Motion Palmieri - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager join in with the committee assisting in establishing a private sector fund raising effort to repair damages to Belmont Community School.

Motion Palmieri - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager establish a vehicle for the raising of a substantial reward for the arrest and conviction of those who damaged Belmont Community School.

Motion Petty - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager request the Superintendent of Public Schools report what occurred and a list of the damages at Belmont Community School and a statement as to what our insurance covers and does not cover in all city-owned buildings.

Councilor Lukes moved to amend: Further, request City Manager provide a report concerning security measures at the Belmont Community School.

Motion Eddy - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager convene a meeting with the Police Chief, Supt Boone and Mr. Pezzella, School Safety Officer to review protocols and the roles of the officials/administrators relative to student safety to ensure that the recent situation at Doherty High School is not realized again in the future.

Motion Haller - Suspension of Rules - Request City Manager review its procedures and policies regarding graffiti on private property. The present policy appears to further victimizing private property owners who have suffered graffiti damage by adding fines for graffiti that remains after discovery.

Motion Smith - Suspension of Rules - On behalf of Mass Veterans Inc on Grove Street, request the City Council Standing Committee on Traffic & Parking work with the city administration to make some traffic recommendations in the vicinity of their Grove Street location to improve the public safety both for vehicles and pedestrians as well as the users of the Veterans Shelter.

PETITION - Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to repave Bauer Street West.

PETITION - Councilor Frederick C. Rushton request to repair sidewalks at 2 Bauer Street West.